150 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK (30 OCT - 5 NOV 1873)
This week's many stories include the fight between two brothers that led to a charge of manslaughter, the female Amazons from Atlantis at the Volunteer Hall, the cruelty to a Boundary Road goat, there's criticism of the apathy of voters at local elections, the man that brutally beat up his mother-in-law and an attack on those with big ideas that failed to save the pioneering Mechanics Institute.
An unusual performance took place at the Volunteer Hall in Mill Street in St Helens over two evenings from the 31st. This is how it was described in the St Helens Newspaper: "VIRGINIA FEMALE CHRISTYS – from Niblo's Grand Opera House, New York. – Introducing for the first time in Europe, the great AMAZONIAN SCENE. Twelve symmetrical Female Forms, representing the Amazons of the Silver City of Atlantis, clad in real silver armour. Burlesque, Operetta, Comedietta, Ballet, and Farce. The whole enlivened with Flashes of Merriment by the most Consummate and Mirth-provoking Comediennes of the day. Admission:– First Class 2s. Second Class 1s. Third Class 6d."
The Mechanics Institute sounds like a rather dull, technical body. But the society pioneered a free public library at their base in the St Helens Town Hall in New Market Place and they also put on all sorts of entertainment and talks for the people of St Helens. However, throughout the 1860s the Institute began losing support. In 1870 it had got into financial trouble, changed its name to the Athenaeum and set itself up in Hardshaw Street.
On November 1st an editorial in the St Helens Newspaper sounded its death knell and was highly critical of those with bright ideas that had attempted to re-launch the society. They were called "mannikin-minded", which I presume in today’s lingo might be translated as brainless dummies! The paper wrote:
"This once useful and meritorious institute is now not only insolvent, but is declared by its friends to be in the last throes of a galloping consumption. It is a pity it should be so, but its state is only what has been long expected ever since its fortunes were entrusted to the mannikin-minded fussy projectors, who, some three or four years ago, assumed its guardianship. There are a class of people, unfortunately, in this world, some of whom are to be found in St. Helens, who are for ever projecting plans for this, that, or the other, which, they aver, are sure to succeed, and not only do all that is required, but even realize a handsome surplus.
"The wonder is, when you hear these people so glibly unfold their plans, that they have not become millionaires. The fact is, these mannikin-minded persons are only projectors, and their projects are always based upon the hypothesis that the capital is to be subscribed by others, not themselves. They are, in fact, very generous in that respect – and only in that respect."
The Newspaper was also critical of the disinterest of voters towards the annual local elections which were due to take place in St Helens in a couple of days. They were concerned that lack of interest could lead to spendthrift or reckless men getting elected, writing: "From whatever cause this indifference, or apathy, or both combined, certain it is that the ratepayers of St. Helens are taking it easy; and it is equally certain that they are sleeping on the edge of a precipice, and in the very presence of danger."
The Newspaper also reported how at St Helens Town Council's meeting this week it had been disclosed that St Helens' first illuminated clock had now been installed on the tower of the Parish Church. The badly-needed and very expensive timepiece had been the generous gift of colliery owner and former mayor Joseph Radley. It was decided that a letter of thanks be sent to Radley – but the controversial Alderman Joseph Greenough was not satisfied.
He was furious that the ratepayers would have to pay for the cost of illuminating and maintaining the clock on an ongoing basis, saying: "I see no benefit in it, but a great [financial] loss, and I should be very glad if gentlemen would either make presents which would not be so costly, or keep them in their pockets. I shall oppose this item wherever I see it." The grumpy Greenough even went so far as to say he would no longer attend the church, as he would be thinking all the time about the cost of the clock.
He was a difficult man who took the contrary view of many a proposal – seemingly for the sake of it. In fact after hearing Greenough's objection, Cllr Allen told the meeting: "I think Mr. Radley will take it as a compliment that Mr. Greenough differs from the general opinion. Whenever a character is canonised, it is usual for the devil's advocate to say something evil."
In the 1871 census Patrick McGanty was living in Peasley Cross Lane. His mother-in-law was not then living with him and his wife. Just whether she had become a member of his household during the intervening two years I cannot say. But she was, seemingly, giving him grief – and he was returning it with his fists. McGanty appeared in court this week accused of assaulting his mother-in-law. The St Helens Newspaper found the beating of the old woman called Kavaney by her brutal son-in-law a bit comical. This is what they wrote:
"It appeared that as she was going into the house of a neighbour named McSawley, she met her sturdy son-in-law, who told her he was going to “lend her a couple,” and illustrated his meaning by striking her with his fist twice. The second blow knocked her against the wall, and as she reclined there, the pugnacious fellow came on to “lend” her a few more. His favours might have been pure gifts, for all prospect there was of repayment by the old woman, when McSawley, the neighbour, stopped forth from his residence and offered to liquidate the debt.
"The proposal was accepted, and the two men had a bout of pugilism. McGanty got his antagonist by the whiskers, and drew him along the passage to the street, where he released him at the instance of a furious blow. Then the fight was resumed and continued until a “boy in blue” appeared upon the scene." The magistrates fined Patrick McGanty, the beater of old ladies, just 7s 6d and costs.
But this week's big news story concerned the stupidity of knife crime. As we know it is still a huge issue today – but at least medical advances mean victims of knife wounds have a far greater chance of survival than 150 years ago. When Peter Nolan from Greenbank in St Helens had got into a row with two of his brothers while playing pitch and toss, he foolishly pulled out a knife and stabbed Patrick Nolan in the leg.
That event had been on September 6th and although Patrick had been treated in the workhouse hospital, "mortification" (aka gangrene) had set in and last week the workhouse doctor had informed his family that there was no hope of recovery. The Nolan family had until then managed to keep details of the stabbing from the police – but the secrecy ended when Patrick died.
Since his knife attack on his brother, Peter Nolan had fled St Helens for Wales. But once the police were informed of the tragedy, he was arrested in Flint and brought home. This week while in custody Nolan made an appearance at his brother's inquest where it was revealed that the four young brothers had often quarrelled. The inquest jury after hearing the evidence returned a verdict of manslaughter against Peter Nolan. And some weeks later the 22-year-old was convicted of the same charge at the Liverpool Assizes and sentenced to 6 months in prison. The Newspaper called the case the "St Helens fratricide".
Lancashire folk just don't use the word gradely anymore. I suppose it's quicker or more fashionable to say OK, good or cool or something. The word was used in a court hearing this week by George Hargreaves who said Margaret Liversage had "knocked gradely" at his door. Firmly, I think he meant but after letting the woman into his house, she had picked up a knife and lunged at him with it. But the charge by Mr Hargreaves – whom the Newspaper said spoke very slowly and pompously – had been one of assault by the woman. But no actual assault had occurred and so the case was dismissed.
Also in court was Ralph Smith who was charged with cruelty to a goat belonging to William Howard. James Lilley told the court that he had been in the cricket field in Boundary Road (pictured above) when he saw Smith set his dog on a goat. When Mr Lilley attempted to stop the cruelty, he said Smith had threatened to set his dog on him.
The defendant's solicitor claimed that goats kept by residents were in the habit of trespassing on other people's land and his client was quite in order to chase them away with his dog. However, the witness, James Lilley, insisted that the goat had been on wasteland adjoining the highway and the magistrates convicted Smith of cruelty and fined him 10 shillings and costs.
St Helens Newspaper courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next Week's stories will include the laying of the new Town Hall's foundation stone, an outbreak of smallpox in St Helens, the exiled German Fathers perform at Prescot and a small boy is sent to prison for a month.
An unusual performance took place at the Volunteer Hall in Mill Street in St Helens over two evenings from the 31st. This is how it was described in the St Helens Newspaper: "VIRGINIA FEMALE CHRISTYS – from Niblo's Grand Opera House, New York. – Introducing for the first time in Europe, the great AMAZONIAN SCENE. Twelve symmetrical Female Forms, representing the Amazons of the Silver City of Atlantis, clad in real silver armour. Burlesque, Operetta, Comedietta, Ballet, and Farce. The whole enlivened with Flashes of Merriment by the most Consummate and Mirth-provoking Comediennes of the day. Admission:– First Class 2s. Second Class 1s. Third Class 6d."
The Mechanics Institute sounds like a rather dull, technical body. But the society pioneered a free public library at their base in the St Helens Town Hall in New Market Place and they also put on all sorts of entertainment and talks for the people of St Helens. However, throughout the 1860s the Institute began losing support. In 1870 it had got into financial trouble, changed its name to the Athenaeum and set itself up in Hardshaw Street.
On November 1st an editorial in the St Helens Newspaper sounded its death knell and was highly critical of those with bright ideas that had attempted to re-launch the society. They were called "mannikin-minded", which I presume in today’s lingo might be translated as brainless dummies! The paper wrote:
"This once useful and meritorious institute is now not only insolvent, but is declared by its friends to be in the last throes of a galloping consumption. It is a pity it should be so, but its state is only what has been long expected ever since its fortunes were entrusted to the mannikin-minded fussy projectors, who, some three or four years ago, assumed its guardianship. There are a class of people, unfortunately, in this world, some of whom are to be found in St. Helens, who are for ever projecting plans for this, that, or the other, which, they aver, are sure to succeed, and not only do all that is required, but even realize a handsome surplus.
"The wonder is, when you hear these people so glibly unfold their plans, that they have not become millionaires. The fact is, these mannikin-minded persons are only projectors, and their projects are always based upon the hypothesis that the capital is to be subscribed by others, not themselves. They are, in fact, very generous in that respect – and only in that respect."
The Newspaper was also critical of the disinterest of voters towards the annual local elections which were due to take place in St Helens in a couple of days. They were concerned that lack of interest could lead to spendthrift or reckless men getting elected, writing: "From whatever cause this indifference, or apathy, or both combined, certain it is that the ratepayers of St. Helens are taking it easy; and it is equally certain that they are sleeping on the edge of a precipice, and in the very presence of danger."
The Newspaper also reported how at St Helens Town Council's meeting this week it had been disclosed that St Helens' first illuminated clock had now been installed on the tower of the Parish Church. The badly-needed and very expensive timepiece had been the generous gift of colliery owner and former mayor Joseph Radley. It was decided that a letter of thanks be sent to Radley – but the controversial Alderman Joseph Greenough was not satisfied.
He was furious that the ratepayers would have to pay for the cost of illuminating and maintaining the clock on an ongoing basis, saying: "I see no benefit in it, but a great [financial] loss, and I should be very glad if gentlemen would either make presents which would not be so costly, or keep them in their pockets. I shall oppose this item wherever I see it." The grumpy Greenough even went so far as to say he would no longer attend the church, as he would be thinking all the time about the cost of the clock.
He was a difficult man who took the contrary view of many a proposal – seemingly for the sake of it. In fact after hearing Greenough's objection, Cllr Allen told the meeting: "I think Mr. Radley will take it as a compliment that Mr. Greenough differs from the general opinion. Whenever a character is canonised, it is usual for the devil's advocate to say something evil."
In the 1871 census Patrick McGanty was living in Peasley Cross Lane. His mother-in-law was not then living with him and his wife. Just whether she had become a member of his household during the intervening two years I cannot say. But she was, seemingly, giving him grief – and he was returning it with his fists. McGanty appeared in court this week accused of assaulting his mother-in-law. The St Helens Newspaper found the beating of the old woman called Kavaney by her brutal son-in-law a bit comical. This is what they wrote:
"It appeared that as she was going into the house of a neighbour named McSawley, she met her sturdy son-in-law, who told her he was going to “lend her a couple,” and illustrated his meaning by striking her with his fist twice. The second blow knocked her against the wall, and as she reclined there, the pugnacious fellow came on to “lend” her a few more. His favours might have been pure gifts, for all prospect there was of repayment by the old woman, when McSawley, the neighbour, stopped forth from his residence and offered to liquidate the debt.
"The proposal was accepted, and the two men had a bout of pugilism. McGanty got his antagonist by the whiskers, and drew him along the passage to the street, where he released him at the instance of a furious blow. Then the fight was resumed and continued until a “boy in blue” appeared upon the scene." The magistrates fined Patrick McGanty, the beater of old ladies, just 7s 6d and costs.
But this week's big news story concerned the stupidity of knife crime. As we know it is still a huge issue today – but at least medical advances mean victims of knife wounds have a far greater chance of survival than 150 years ago. When Peter Nolan from Greenbank in St Helens had got into a row with two of his brothers while playing pitch and toss, he foolishly pulled out a knife and stabbed Patrick Nolan in the leg.
That event had been on September 6th and although Patrick had been treated in the workhouse hospital, "mortification" (aka gangrene) had set in and last week the workhouse doctor had informed his family that there was no hope of recovery. The Nolan family had until then managed to keep details of the stabbing from the police – but the secrecy ended when Patrick died.
Since his knife attack on his brother, Peter Nolan had fled St Helens for Wales. But once the police were informed of the tragedy, he was arrested in Flint and brought home. This week while in custody Nolan made an appearance at his brother's inquest where it was revealed that the four young brothers had often quarrelled. The inquest jury after hearing the evidence returned a verdict of manslaughter against Peter Nolan. And some weeks later the 22-year-old was convicted of the same charge at the Liverpool Assizes and sentenced to 6 months in prison. The Newspaper called the case the "St Helens fratricide".
Lancashire folk just don't use the word gradely anymore. I suppose it's quicker or more fashionable to say OK, good or cool or something. The word was used in a court hearing this week by George Hargreaves who said Margaret Liversage had "knocked gradely" at his door. Firmly, I think he meant but after letting the woman into his house, she had picked up a knife and lunged at him with it. But the charge by Mr Hargreaves – whom the Newspaper said spoke very slowly and pompously – had been one of assault by the woman. But no actual assault had occurred and so the case was dismissed.
The defendant's solicitor claimed that goats kept by residents were in the habit of trespassing on other people's land and his client was quite in order to chase them away with his dog. However, the witness, James Lilley, insisted that the goat had been on wasteland adjoining the highway and the magistrates convicted Smith of cruelty and fined him 10 shillings and costs.
St Helens Newspaper courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next Week's stories will include the laying of the new Town Hall's foundation stone, an outbreak of smallpox in St Helens, the exiled German Fathers perform at Prescot and a small boy is sent to prison for a month.
This week's many stories include the fight between two brothers that led to a charge of manslaughter, the female Amazons from Atlantis at the Volunteer Hall, the cruelty to a Boundary Road goat, there's criticism of the apathy of voters at local elections, the man that brutally beat up his mother-in-law and an attack on those with big ideas that failed to save the pioneering Mechanics Institute.
An unusual performance took place at the Volunteer Hall in Mill Street in St Helens over two evenings from the 31st. This is how it was described in the St Helens Newspaper:
"VIRGINIA FEMALE CHRISTYS – from Niblo's Grand Opera House, New York. – Introducing for the first time in Europe, the great AMAZONIAN SCENE.
"Twelve symmetrical Female Forms, representing the Amazons of the Silver City of Atlantis, clad in real silver armour. Burlesque, Operetta, Comedietta, Ballet, and Farce.
"The whole enlivened with Flashes of Merriment by the most Consummate and Mirth-provoking Comediennes of the day. Admission:– First Class 2s. Second Class 1s. Third Class 6d."
The Mechanics Institute sounds like a rather dull, technical body. But the society pioneered a free public library at their base in the St Helens Town Hall in New Market Place and they also put on all sorts of entertainment and talks for the people of St Helens.
However, throughout the 1860s the Institute began losing support. In 1870 it had got into financial trouble, changed its name to the Athenaeum and set itself up in Hardshaw Street.
On November 1st an editorial in the St Helens Newspaper sounded its death knell and was highly critical of those with bright ideas that had attempted to re-launch the society.
They were called "mannikin-minded", which I presume in today’s lingo might be translated as brainless dummies! The paper wrote:
"This once useful and meritorious institute is now not only insolvent, but is declared by its friends to be in the last throes of a galloping consumption.
"It is a pity it should be so, but its state is only what has been long expected ever since its fortunes were entrusted to the mannikin-minded fussy projectors, who, some three or four years ago, assumed its guardianship.
"There are a class of people, unfortunately, in this world, some of whom are to be found in St. Helens, who are for ever projecting plans for this, that, or the other, which, they aver, are sure to succeed, and not only do all that is required, but even realize a handsome surplus.
"The wonder is, when you hear these people so glibly unfold their plans, that they have not become millionaires.
"The fact is, these mannikin-minded persons are only projectors, and their projects are always based upon the hypothesis that the capital is to be subscribed by others, not themselves. They are, in fact, very generous in that respect – and only in that respect."
The Newspaper was also critical of the disinterest of voters towards the annual local elections which were due to take place in St Helens in a couple of days.
They were concerned that lack of interest could lead to spendthrift or reckless men getting elected, writing:
"From whatever cause this indifference, or apathy, or both combined, certain it is that the ratepayers of St. Helens are taking it easy; and it is equally certain that they are sleeping on the edge of a precipice, and in the very presence of danger."
The Newspaper also reported how at St Helens Town Council's meeting this week it had been disclosed that St Helens' first illuminated clock had now been installed on the tower of the Parish Church.
The badly-needed and very expensive timepiece had been the generous gift of colliery owner and former mayor Joseph Radley.
It was decided that a letter of thanks be sent to Radley – but the controversial Alderman Joseph Greenough was not satisfied.
He was furious that the ratepayers would have to pay for the cost of illuminating and maintaining the clock on an ongoing basis, saying:
"I see no benefit in it, but a great [financial] loss, and I should be very glad if gentlemen would either make presents which would not be so costly, or keep them in their pockets. I shall oppose this item wherever I see it."
The grumpy Greenough even went so far as to say he would no longer attend the church, as he would be thinking all the time about the cost of the clock.
He was a difficult man who took the contrary view of many a proposal – seemingly for the sake of it. In fact after hearing Greenough's objection, Cllr Allen told the meeting:
"I think Mr. Radley will take it as a compliment that Mr. Greenough differs from the general opinion. Whenever a character is canonised, it is usual for the devil's advocate to say something evil."
In the 1871 census Patrick McGanty was living in Peasley Cross Lane. His mother-in-law was not then living with him and his wife. Just whether she had become a member of his household during the intervening two years I cannot say.
But she was, seemingly, giving him grief – and he was returning it with his fists. McGanty appeared in court this week accused of assaulting his mother-in-law.
The St Helens Newspaper found the beating of the old woman called Kavaney by her brutal son-in-law a bit comical. This is what they wrote:
"It appeared that as she was going into the house of a neighbour named McSawley, she met her sturdy son-in-law, who told her he was going to “lend her a couple,” and illustrated his meaning by striking her with his fist twice.
"The second blow knocked her against the wall, and as she reclined there, the pugnacious fellow came on to “lend” her a few more.
"His favours might have been pure gifts, for all prospect there was of repayment by the old woman, when McSawley, the neighbour, stopped forth from his residence and offered to liquidate the debt.
"The proposal was accepted, and the two men had a bout of pugilism. McGanty got his antagonist by the whiskers, and drew him along the passage to the street, where he released him at the instance of a furious blow.
"Then the fight was resumed and continued until a “boy in blue” appeared upon the scene."
The magistrates fined Patrick McGanty, the beater of old ladies, just 7s 6d and costs.
But this week's big news story concerned the stupidity of knife crime. As we know it is still a huge issue today – but at least medical advances mean victims of knife wounds have a far greater chance of survival than 150 years ago.
When Peter Nolan from Greenbank in St Helens had got into a row with two of his brothers while playing pitch and toss, he foolishly pulled out a knife and stabbed Patrick Nolan in the leg.
That event had been on September 6th and although Patrick had been treated in the workhouse hospital, "mortification" (aka gangrene) had set in and last week the workhouse doctor had informed his family that there was no hope of recovery.
The Nolan family had until then managed to keep details of the stabbing from the police – but the secrecy ended when Patrick died.
Since his knife attack on his brother, Peter Nolan had fled St Helens for Wales. But once the police were informed of the tragedy, he was arrested in Flint and brought home.
This week while in custody Nolan made an appearance at his brother's inquest where it was revealed that the four young brothers had often quarrelled.
The inquest jury after hearing the evidence returned a verdict of manslaughter against Peter Nolan.
And some weeks later the 22-year-old was convicted of the same charge at the Liverpool Assizes and sentenced to 6 months in prison. The Newspaper called the case the "St Helens fratricide".
Lancashire folk just don't use the word gradely anymore. I suppose it's quicker or more fashionable to say OK, good or cool or something.
The word was used in a court hearing this week by George Hargreaves who said Margaret Liversage had "knocked gradely" at his door.
Firmly, I think he meant but after letting the woman into his house, she had picked up a knife and lunged at him with it.
But the charge by Mr Hargreaves – whom the Newspaper said spoke very slowly and pompously – had been one of assault by the woman. But no actual assault had occurred and so the case was dismissed.
Also in court was Ralph Smith who was charged with cruelty to a goat belonging to William Howard.
James Lilley told the court that he had been in the cricket field in Boundary Road (pictured above) when he saw Smith set his dog on a goat.
When Mr Lilley attempted to stop the cruelty, he said Smith had threatened to set his dog on him.
The defendant's solicitor claimed that goats kept by residents were in the habit of trespassing on other people's land and his client was quite in order to chase them away with his dog.
However, the witness, James Lilley, insisted that the goat had been on wasteland adjoining the highway and the magistrates convicted Smith of cruelty and fined him 10 shillings and costs.
St Helens Newspaper courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next Week's stories will include the laying of the new Town Hall's foundation stone, an outbreak of smallpox in St Helens, the exiled German Fathers perform at Prescot and a small boy is sent to prison for a month.
An unusual performance took place at the Volunteer Hall in Mill Street in St Helens over two evenings from the 31st. This is how it was described in the St Helens Newspaper:
"VIRGINIA FEMALE CHRISTYS – from Niblo's Grand Opera House, New York. – Introducing for the first time in Europe, the great AMAZONIAN SCENE.
"Twelve symmetrical Female Forms, representing the Amazons of the Silver City of Atlantis, clad in real silver armour. Burlesque, Operetta, Comedietta, Ballet, and Farce.
"The whole enlivened with Flashes of Merriment by the most Consummate and Mirth-provoking Comediennes of the day. Admission:– First Class 2s. Second Class 1s. Third Class 6d."
The Mechanics Institute sounds like a rather dull, technical body. But the society pioneered a free public library at their base in the St Helens Town Hall in New Market Place and they also put on all sorts of entertainment and talks for the people of St Helens.
However, throughout the 1860s the Institute began losing support. In 1870 it had got into financial trouble, changed its name to the Athenaeum and set itself up in Hardshaw Street.
On November 1st an editorial in the St Helens Newspaper sounded its death knell and was highly critical of those with bright ideas that had attempted to re-launch the society.
They were called "mannikin-minded", which I presume in today’s lingo might be translated as brainless dummies! The paper wrote:
"This once useful and meritorious institute is now not only insolvent, but is declared by its friends to be in the last throes of a galloping consumption.
"It is a pity it should be so, but its state is only what has been long expected ever since its fortunes were entrusted to the mannikin-minded fussy projectors, who, some three or four years ago, assumed its guardianship.
"There are a class of people, unfortunately, in this world, some of whom are to be found in St. Helens, who are for ever projecting plans for this, that, or the other, which, they aver, are sure to succeed, and not only do all that is required, but even realize a handsome surplus.
"The wonder is, when you hear these people so glibly unfold their plans, that they have not become millionaires.
"The fact is, these mannikin-minded persons are only projectors, and their projects are always based upon the hypothesis that the capital is to be subscribed by others, not themselves. They are, in fact, very generous in that respect – and only in that respect."
The Newspaper was also critical of the disinterest of voters towards the annual local elections which were due to take place in St Helens in a couple of days.
They were concerned that lack of interest could lead to spendthrift or reckless men getting elected, writing:
"From whatever cause this indifference, or apathy, or both combined, certain it is that the ratepayers of St. Helens are taking it easy; and it is equally certain that they are sleeping on the edge of a precipice, and in the very presence of danger."
The Newspaper also reported how at St Helens Town Council's meeting this week it had been disclosed that St Helens' first illuminated clock had now been installed on the tower of the Parish Church.
The badly-needed and very expensive timepiece had been the generous gift of colliery owner and former mayor Joseph Radley.
It was decided that a letter of thanks be sent to Radley – but the controversial Alderman Joseph Greenough was not satisfied.
He was furious that the ratepayers would have to pay for the cost of illuminating and maintaining the clock on an ongoing basis, saying:
"I see no benefit in it, but a great [financial] loss, and I should be very glad if gentlemen would either make presents which would not be so costly, or keep them in their pockets. I shall oppose this item wherever I see it."
The grumpy Greenough even went so far as to say he would no longer attend the church, as he would be thinking all the time about the cost of the clock.
He was a difficult man who took the contrary view of many a proposal – seemingly for the sake of it. In fact after hearing Greenough's objection, Cllr Allen told the meeting:
"I think Mr. Radley will take it as a compliment that Mr. Greenough differs from the general opinion. Whenever a character is canonised, it is usual for the devil's advocate to say something evil."
In the 1871 census Patrick McGanty was living in Peasley Cross Lane. His mother-in-law was not then living with him and his wife. Just whether she had become a member of his household during the intervening two years I cannot say.
But she was, seemingly, giving him grief – and he was returning it with his fists. McGanty appeared in court this week accused of assaulting his mother-in-law.
The St Helens Newspaper found the beating of the old woman called Kavaney by her brutal son-in-law a bit comical. This is what they wrote:
"It appeared that as she was going into the house of a neighbour named McSawley, she met her sturdy son-in-law, who told her he was going to “lend her a couple,” and illustrated his meaning by striking her with his fist twice.
"The second blow knocked her against the wall, and as she reclined there, the pugnacious fellow came on to “lend” her a few more.
"His favours might have been pure gifts, for all prospect there was of repayment by the old woman, when McSawley, the neighbour, stopped forth from his residence and offered to liquidate the debt.
"The proposal was accepted, and the two men had a bout of pugilism. McGanty got his antagonist by the whiskers, and drew him along the passage to the street, where he released him at the instance of a furious blow.
"Then the fight was resumed and continued until a “boy in blue” appeared upon the scene."
The magistrates fined Patrick McGanty, the beater of old ladies, just 7s 6d and costs.
But this week's big news story concerned the stupidity of knife crime. As we know it is still a huge issue today – but at least medical advances mean victims of knife wounds have a far greater chance of survival than 150 years ago.
When Peter Nolan from Greenbank in St Helens had got into a row with two of his brothers while playing pitch and toss, he foolishly pulled out a knife and stabbed Patrick Nolan in the leg.
That event had been on September 6th and although Patrick had been treated in the workhouse hospital, "mortification" (aka gangrene) had set in and last week the workhouse doctor had informed his family that there was no hope of recovery.
The Nolan family had until then managed to keep details of the stabbing from the police – but the secrecy ended when Patrick died.
Since his knife attack on his brother, Peter Nolan had fled St Helens for Wales. But once the police were informed of the tragedy, he was arrested in Flint and brought home.
This week while in custody Nolan made an appearance at his brother's inquest where it was revealed that the four young brothers had often quarrelled.
The inquest jury after hearing the evidence returned a verdict of manslaughter against Peter Nolan.
And some weeks later the 22-year-old was convicted of the same charge at the Liverpool Assizes and sentenced to 6 months in prison. The Newspaper called the case the "St Helens fratricide".
Lancashire folk just don't use the word gradely anymore. I suppose it's quicker or more fashionable to say OK, good or cool or something.
The word was used in a court hearing this week by George Hargreaves who said Margaret Liversage had "knocked gradely" at his door.
Firmly, I think he meant but after letting the woman into his house, she had picked up a knife and lunged at him with it.
But the charge by Mr Hargreaves – whom the Newspaper said spoke very slowly and pompously – had been one of assault by the woman. But no actual assault had occurred and so the case was dismissed.
James Lilley told the court that he had been in the cricket field in Boundary Road (pictured above) when he saw Smith set his dog on a goat.
When Mr Lilley attempted to stop the cruelty, he said Smith had threatened to set his dog on him.
The defendant's solicitor claimed that goats kept by residents were in the habit of trespassing on other people's land and his client was quite in order to chase them away with his dog.
However, the witness, James Lilley, insisted that the goat had been on wasteland adjoining the highway and the magistrates convicted Smith of cruelty and fined him 10 shillings and costs.
St Helens Newspaper courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next Week's stories will include the laying of the new Town Hall's foundation stone, an outbreak of smallpox in St Helens, the exiled German Fathers perform at Prescot and a small boy is sent to prison for a month.