FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK (31st JAN. - 6th FEB. 1972)
This week's many stories include Beecham's prosecution of Dave Whelan's supermarket for selling their medicines too cheaply, Providence Hospital closes in on its fundraising target, the coal-mining "ignorant savages" push back against criticism, the Prescot Road dancing school courts the kids and strike-breaking oil tankers slip past a picket line into Bold Power Station under cover of darkness.
We begin on January 31st with an article in the Liverpool Echo on Bill Lyons, who was described as "the St. Helens-born actor who gets fed up with beating-up old ladies on the television screen". So Bill had turned his hand to writing and his first television play was being shown that evening in an episode of Z Cars. Bill told the Echo: "My career has been mainly beating up old ladies and stealing cars on the television, because I look like a yob. I get a bit choked off, so I'd like to concentrate more on writing."
The Echo added: "Bill, who has appeared as a toughie on Z Cars, Dixon of Dock Green, and Softly, Softly – “But I'm a loveable type really,” he protests – is already half-way through another Z Cars play. Ron Craddock, the Z Cars producer, asked him to turn in the first one after reading one of Bill's radio plays. Now he's busy writing in his basement flat in Kensington, London, in the hope he can make it a full-time career – and get away from his “baddie” image." Bill did just that – and went on to write a huge number of scripts for Eastenders and Emmerdale, amongst other shows.
The coal strike was still several weeks away from a settlement and, in the early hours of the 3rd, a police escort was needed to get four oil tankers past a picket line into Bold Power Station (shown above with picture by Gareth Owen). Hours later Ted Dooley, of the Bold NUM branch committee, called the tanker drivers "scabs". Since the strike had begun, picketing miners had managed to prevent tankers from entering the power station. But under cover of darkness and taking advantage of the small number of pickets then on duty, the tankers were able to slip through.
A fortnight ago the shock announcement had been made that Greenall Whitley's historic Hall Street brewery was to close with production to be streamlined at Wilderspool. It was stated that the reason was not financial – but because St Helens council's plans to pedestrianise the town centre and create what would become known as the Hardshaw Centre, would cause access problems for the company. The lack of any financial motive was reinforced on the 3rd, when Greenall's results were released and showed a leap in profits of 36% to over £4 million. Beer sales for the company were also at an all-time record.
I expect Dave Whelan was chuffed to bits to find himself in court on the 4th! Beecham's was prosecuting the owner of Whelan's Discount Stores for selling their products too cheaply. That gave the future owner of JJB Sports and Wigan Athletic massive publicity! Medicines were exempt from the general ban on resale price maintenance, meaning that retailers had to sell them at the price specified by the maker. So when Beecham's learnt that Whelan's was selling some of their products at less than their list prices, they wrote to the company asking them to increase them. However, the supermarket owners in Baxters Lane ignored the letter – which led to a writ being served and the court appearance.
As a result the St Helens Reporter was able to publish an article on the front page of their paper, saying: "Mr. Whelan, 35, has had wide support from local housewives in his low-price battle. He deliberately ignored retail price fixing on the drugs, and warning letters from the company, because he thought the prices “so unfair”. “Even though I have now complied, if I do find a way to keep prices down then I shall follow it,” he said. “I shall still object to buying Beechams powders at 10½p and selling them at 17. These rates are simply ridiculous.”"
Another businessman enjoying some free publicity on the front of the Reporter was Cyril Oakham, who had a garage in Marshalls Cross Road. He claimed that he'd faced bankruptcy after a 12-year-old boy had smashed nine of his windows on six separate occasions during the past six months.
Last June the Mayor of St Helens had launched an appeal to raise £20,000 (around £300,000 in today's money), to wipe out Providence Hospital's debts. This week the Reporter revealed that the "fighting fund" was close to reaching its target. Hospital treasurer William Livesey said the appeal total now stood at £17,500, as a result of the "terrific response" from the public.
A new dancing school called 'The Court' had opened its doors in Prescot Road in St Helens in February 1969. The Court was owned and named after Courtenay Castle, who had a chain of dance schools and is credited with making dancing more accessible to the general British public. They spent a small fortune on advertising and this week in the Reporter were targeting children, writing:
"Our staff are friendly – young – happy. CHILDREN really enjoy socialising and having great fun to all the tops in pop music. Every record in the top 30 – plus an introduction to ballroom dancing. Join this week – You will enjoy the fun. Saturday mornings, 10-15 to 12 noon. 20p admission – 5p to enrol. Ages from 4 to 11 years taken."
Up until 1963 those involved in the home brewing of beer had to pay the Government for the right to do so. If they didn't obtain a licence – and the authorities learnt of their activities – then there would likely be a police raid, as if the miscreants were terrorists or drug peddlers! But by 1972 home brewing was a cottage industry and R. T. Pardoe's "drug stores and post office" of College Street was able to take out this advert in the Reporter: "Beer & Wine ingredients and equipment for home brewing. Also packs to suit your palate all at prices to suit your pocket."
Two weeks ago "A Pitman's Pittance" had been the headline to an article in the Reporter about a Bold Colliery mineworker who took home just £12.70 a week. Then last week the paper published a highly critical letter from someone using the penname "Pro Bono Publico". The individual felt the article had been disingenuous and hadn't pointed out that coal miners received concessionary coal and could live in rented houses subsidised by the coal board. This week the Reporter described the furious public reaction to the letter:
"Pro Bono Publico really started something last week with his letter to the Editor which expressed his disgust at our article headed “A Pitman's Pittance” the previous week. Letters have poured in from readers of all political persuasions, in the main protesting vehemently at our correspondent's views. Pro Bono Publico finished his letter: “I know you'll not have the courage to publish this letter because the ignorant savages will break your windows, smash your presses and spit on your wives and children as they did at Doncaster.”
"Needless to say, we published the letter and the forecast was incorrect. Here is a selection of views from the letters we have received replying to Pro Bono Publico: From Councillor J. Morris, 34, Ashtons Green Drive, Parr, St. Helens: “I have earned my living for 34 years among those ‘ignorant savages’ as he calls them. Like most mineworkers, I treasure the comradeship of the pits, which I believe provides something closer and finer than any other breed of men could know. Every day for eight hours he dies, buried alive.
"“No tea-breaks for him or lunch somewhere, but he finds himself working many a time during his 25-minute break. If a miner cannot receive cheap coal, God help us. And does he think all miners are in houses at £1.84 per week. These houses are in certain areas to try to create an incentive to attract men into the industry and are tied houses. Unlike most other industries, you cannot go in 5-10 minutes late; you lose a day's pay and one-fifth bonus for every day late.”
"From Mrs. M. Bond, of 7, Brookway Lane, Parr, St. Helens: “The only true fact in the letter is that miners receive their coal cheaper – and why shouldn't they? They are the ones working underground in conditions which must be the worst in any industry. Miners have to buy their own pit clothes, boots and helmets, and when they have their annual holidays, they do not receive their full pay. Doesn't the stupid person who wrote that miners are home for 3 p.m. realise that they are up at 5 a.m. for this shift? About absenteeism; is it any wonder there is 40 per cent absenteeism? With all the dirt and dust, the miners are more susceptible to ill-health than other workers.”"
The Reporter also described how Greenall Whitley had won their battle for permission to build a betting shop on a pub car park. In early January a public inquiry had considered an appeal from the brewery against St Helens Council's rejection of their plans. Greenall's wanted to build caHotel in Crab Street – but the headquarters of the Air Training Corps were close by.
That had been one of the reasons why St Helens Council had knocked back Greenall's planning application. However, at the appeal hearing a Department of the Environment inspector was told that the betting shop would not place any ATC member in moral danger (as had been claimed) and he had now decided to overturn the council's decision.
The Capitol cinema was going through a horror film phase. This week 'Willard' about a social misfit with an affinity for rats was being shown, along with 'The House That Dripped Blood'. Then from the 6th for seven days, the Cap's programme switched to 'Equinox' and 'Big Foot'. "Double the terror! Double the shock! A nightmare combination of fear and horror!”, said their advert.
Next week's stories will include damning criticism of St Helens Ambulance Service, the packed Bickerstaffe Street family planning clinic, the Cambridge Road post office robbery, the St Helens power cuts rota and more on the Egg and Sausage Artist.
We begin on January 31st with an article in the Liverpool Echo on Bill Lyons, who was described as "the St. Helens-born actor who gets fed up with beating-up old ladies on the television screen". So Bill had turned his hand to writing and his first television play was being shown that evening in an episode of Z Cars. Bill told the Echo: "My career has been mainly beating up old ladies and stealing cars on the television, because I look like a yob. I get a bit choked off, so I'd like to concentrate more on writing."
The Echo added: "Bill, who has appeared as a toughie on Z Cars, Dixon of Dock Green, and Softly, Softly – “But I'm a loveable type really,” he protests – is already half-way through another Z Cars play. Ron Craddock, the Z Cars producer, asked him to turn in the first one after reading one of Bill's radio plays. Now he's busy writing in his basement flat in Kensington, London, in the hope he can make it a full-time career – and get away from his “baddie” image." Bill did just that – and went on to write a huge number of scripts for Eastenders and Emmerdale, amongst other shows.
A fortnight ago the shock announcement had been made that Greenall Whitley's historic Hall Street brewery was to close with production to be streamlined at Wilderspool. It was stated that the reason was not financial – but because St Helens council's plans to pedestrianise the town centre and create what would become known as the Hardshaw Centre, would cause access problems for the company. The lack of any financial motive was reinforced on the 3rd, when Greenall's results were released and showed a leap in profits of 36% to over £4 million. Beer sales for the company were also at an all-time record.
I expect Dave Whelan was chuffed to bits to find himself in court on the 4th! Beecham's was prosecuting the owner of Whelan's Discount Stores for selling their products too cheaply. That gave the future owner of JJB Sports and Wigan Athletic massive publicity! Medicines were exempt from the general ban on resale price maintenance, meaning that retailers had to sell them at the price specified by the maker. So when Beecham's learnt that Whelan's was selling some of their products at less than their list prices, they wrote to the company asking them to increase them. However, the supermarket owners in Baxters Lane ignored the letter – which led to a writ being served and the court appearance.
As a result the St Helens Reporter was able to publish an article on the front page of their paper, saying: "Mr. Whelan, 35, has had wide support from local housewives in his low-price battle. He deliberately ignored retail price fixing on the drugs, and warning letters from the company, because he thought the prices “so unfair”. “Even though I have now complied, if I do find a way to keep prices down then I shall follow it,” he said. “I shall still object to buying Beechams powders at 10½p and selling them at 17. These rates are simply ridiculous.”"
Another businessman enjoying some free publicity on the front of the Reporter was Cyril Oakham, who had a garage in Marshalls Cross Road. He claimed that he'd faced bankruptcy after a 12-year-old boy had smashed nine of his windows on six separate occasions during the past six months.
Last June the Mayor of St Helens had launched an appeal to raise £20,000 (around £300,000 in today's money), to wipe out Providence Hospital's debts. This week the Reporter revealed that the "fighting fund" was close to reaching its target. Hospital treasurer William Livesey said the appeal total now stood at £17,500, as a result of the "terrific response" from the public.
A new dancing school called 'The Court' had opened its doors in Prescot Road in St Helens in February 1969. The Court was owned and named after Courtenay Castle, who had a chain of dance schools and is credited with making dancing more accessible to the general British public. They spent a small fortune on advertising and this week in the Reporter were targeting children, writing:
"Our staff are friendly – young – happy. CHILDREN really enjoy socialising and having great fun to all the tops in pop music. Every record in the top 30 – plus an introduction to ballroom dancing. Join this week – You will enjoy the fun. Saturday mornings, 10-15 to 12 noon. 20p admission – 5p to enrol. Ages from 4 to 11 years taken."
Up until 1963 those involved in the home brewing of beer had to pay the Government for the right to do so. If they didn't obtain a licence – and the authorities learnt of their activities – then there would likely be a police raid, as if the miscreants were terrorists or drug peddlers! But by 1972 home brewing was a cottage industry and R. T. Pardoe's "drug stores and post office" of College Street was able to take out this advert in the Reporter: "Beer & Wine ingredients and equipment for home brewing. Also packs to suit your palate all at prices to suit your pocket."
Two weeks ago "A Pitman's Pittance" had been the headline to an article in the Reporter about a Bold Colliery mineworker who took home just £12.70 a week. Then last week the paper published a highly critical letter from someone using the penname "Pro Bono Publico". The individual felt the article had been disingenuous and hadn't pointed out that coal miners received concessionary coal and could live in rented houses subsidised by the coal board. This week the Reporter described the furious public reaction to the letter:
"Pro Bono Publico really started something last week with his letter to the Editor which expressed his disgust at our article headed “A Pitman's Pittance” the previous week. Letters have poured in from readers of all political persuasions, in the main protesting vehemently at our correspondent's views. Pro Bono Publico finished his letter: “I know you'll not have the courage to publish this letter because the ignorant savages will break your windows, smash your presses and spit on your wives and children as they did at Doncaster.”
"Needless to say, we published the letter and the forecast was incorrect. Here is a selection of views from the letters we have received replying to Pro Bono Publico: From Councillor J. Morris, 34, Ashtons Green Drive, Parr, St. Helens: “I have earned my living for 34 years among those ‘ignorant savages’ as he calls them. Like most mineworkers, I treasure the comradeship of the pits, which I believe provides something closer and finer than any other breed of men could know. Every day for eight hours he dies, buried alive.
"“No tea-breaks for him or lunch somewhere, but he finds himself working many a time during his 25-minute break. If a miner cannot receive cheap coal, God help us. And does he think all miners are in houses at £1.84 per week. These houses are in certain areas to try to create an incentive to attract men into the industry and are tied houses. Unlike most other industries, you cannot go in 5-10 minutes late; you lose a day's pay and one-fifth bonus for every day late.”
"From Mrs. M. Bond, of 7, Brookway Lane, Parr, St. Helens: “The only true fact in the letter is that miners receive their coal cheaper – and why shouldn't they? They are the ones working underground in conditions which must be the worst in any industry. Miners have to buy their own pit clothes, boots and helmets, and when they have their annual holidays, they do not receive their full pay. Doesn't the stupid person who wrote that miners are home for 3 p.m. realise that they are up at 5 a.m. for this shift? About absenteeism; is it any wonder there is 40 per cent absenteeism? With all the dirt and dust, the miners are more susceptible to ill-health than other workers.”"
The Reporter also described how Greenall Whitley had won their battle for permission to build a betting shop on a pub car park. In early January a public inquiry had considered an appeal from the brewery against St Helens Council's rejection of their plans. Greenall's wanted to build caHotel in Crab Street – but the headquarters of the Air Training Corps were close by.
That had been one of the reasons why St Helens Council had knocked back Greenall's planning application. However, at the appeal hearing a Department of the Environment inspector was told that the betting shop would not place any ATC member in moral danger (as had been claimed) and he had now decided to overturn the council's decision.
Next week's stories will include damning criticism of St Helens Ambulance Service, the packed Bickerstaffe Street family planning clinic, the Cambridge Road post office robbery, the St Helens power cuts rota and more on the Egg and Sausage Artist.
This week's many stories include Beecham's prosecution of Dave Whelan's supermarket for selling their medicines too cheaply, Providence Hospital closes in on its fundraising target, the coal-mining "ignorant savages" push back against criticism, the Prescot Road dancing school courts the kids and strike-breaking oil tankers slip past a picket line into Bold Power Station under cover of darkness.
We begin on January 31st with an article in the Liverpool Echo on Bill Lyons, who was described as "the St. Helens-born actor who gets fed up with beating-up old ladies on the television screen".
So Bill had turned his hand to writing and his first television play was being shown that evening in an episode of Z Cars. Bill told the Echo:
"My career has been mainly beating up old ladies and stealing cars on the television, because I look like a yob. I get a bit choked off, so I'd like to concentrate more on writing."
The Echo added: "Bill, who has appeared as a toughie on Z Cars, Dixon of Dock Green, and Softly, Softly – “But I'm a loveable type really,” he protests – is already half-way through another Z Cars play.
"Ron Craddock, the Z Cars producer, asked him to turn in the first one after reading one of Bill's radio plays. Now he's busy writing in his basement flat in Kensington, London, in the hope he can make it a full-time career – and get away from his “baddie” image."
Bill did just that – and went on to write a huge number of scripts for Eastenders and Emmerdale, amongst other shows.
The coal strike was still several weeks away from a settlement and, in the early hours of the 3rd, a police escort was needed to get four oil tankers past a picket line into Bold Power Station (shown above with picture by Gareth Owen).
Hours later Ted Dooley, of the Bold NUM branch committee, called the tanker drivers "scabs".
Since the strike had begun, picketing miners had managed to prevent tankers from entering the power station.
But under cover of darkness and taking advantage of the small number of pickets then on duty, the tankers were able to slip through.
A fortnight ago the shock announcement had been made that Greenall Whitley's historic Hall Street brewery was to close with production to be streamlined at Wilderspool.
It was stated that the reason was not financial – but because St Helens council's plans to pedestrianise the town centre and create what would become known as the Hardshaw Centre, would cause access problems for the company.
The lack of any financial motive was reinforced on the 3rd, when Greenall's results were released and showed a leap in profits of 36% to over £4 million. Beer sales for the company were also at an all-time record.
I expect Dave Whelan was chuffed to bits to find himself in court on the 4th!
Beecham's was prosecuting the owner of Whelan's Discount Stores for selling their products too cheaply.
That gave the future owner of JJB Sports and Wigan Athletic massive publicity!
Medicines were exempt from the general ban on resale price maintenance, meaning that retailers had to sell them at the price specified by the maker.
So when Beecham's learnt that Whelan's was selling some of their products at less than their list prices, they wrote to the company asking them to increase them.
However, the supermarket owners in Baxters Lane ignored the letter – which led to a writ being served and the court appearance.
As a result the St Helens Reporter was able to publish an article on the front page of their paper, saying:
"Mr. Whelan, 35, has had wide support from local housewives in his low-price battle. He deliberately ignored retail price fixing on the drugs, and warning letters from the company, because he thought the prices “so unfair”.
"“Even though I have now complied, if I do find a way to keep prices down then I shall follow it,” he said. “I shall still object to buying Beechams powders at 10½p and selling them at 17. These rates are simply ridiculous.”"
Another businessman enjoying some free publicity on the front of the Reporter was Cyril Oakham, who had a garage in Marshalls Cross Road.
He claimed that he'd faced bankruptcy after a 12-year-old boy had smashed nine of his windows on six separate occasions during the past six months.
Last June the Mayor of St Helens had launched an appeal to raise £20,000 (around £300,000 in today's money), to wipe out Providence Hospital's debts.
This week the Reporter revealed that the "fighting fund" was close to reaching its target.
Hospital treasurer William Livesey said the appeal total now stood at £17,500, as a result of the "terrific response" from the public.
A new dancing school called 'The Court' had opened its doors in Prescot Road in St Helens in February 1969.
The Court was owned and named after Courtenay Castle, who had a chain of dance schools and is credited with making dancing more accessible to the general British public.
They spent a small fortune on advertising and this week in the Reporter were targeting children, writing:
"Our staff are friendly – young – happy. CHILDREN really enjoy socialising and having great fun to all the tops in pop music. Every record in the top 30 – plus an introduction to ballroom dancing. Join this week – You will enjoy the fun. Saturday mornings, 10-15 to 12 noon. 20p admission – 5p to enrol. Ages from 4 to 11 years taken."
Up until 1963 those involved in the home brewing of beer had to pay the Government for the right to do so.
If they didn't obtain a licence – and the authorities learnt of their activities – then there would likely be a police raid, as if the miscreants were terrorists or drug peddlers!
But by 1972 home brewing was a cottage industry and R. T. Pardoe's "drug stores and post office" of College Street was able to take out this advert in the Reporter:
"Beer & Wine ingredients and equipment for home brewing. Also packs to suit your palate all at prices to suit your pocket."
Two weeks ago "A Pitman's Pittance" had been the headline to an article in the Reporter about a Bold Colliery mineworker who took home just £12.70 a week.
Then last week the paper published a highly critical letter from someone using the penname "Pro Bono Publico".
The individual felt the article had been disingenuous and hadn't pointed out that coal miners received concessionary coal and could live in rented houses subsidised by the coal board. This week the Reporter described the furious public reaction to the letter:
"Pro Bono Publico really started something last week with his letter to the Editor which expressed his disgust at our article headed “A Pitman's Pittance” the previous week.
"Letters have poured in from readers of all political persuasions, in the main protesting vehemently at our correspondent's views. Pro Bono Publico finished his letter:
"“I know you'll not have the courage to publish this letter because the ignorant savages will break your windows, smash your presses and spit on your wives and children as they did at Doncaster.”
"Needless to say, we published the letter and the forecast was incorrect. Here is a selection of views from the letters we have received replying to Pro Bono Publico: From Councillor J. Morris, 34, Ashtons Green Drive, Parr, St. Helens:
"“I have earned my living for 34 years among those ‘ignorant savages’ as he calls them. Like most mineworkers, I treasure the comradeship of the pits, which I believe provides something closer and finer than any other breed of men could know.
"“Every day for eight hours he dies, buried alive. No tea-breaks for him or lunch somewhere, but he finds himself working many a time during his 25-minute break.
"“If a miner cannot receive cheap coal, God help us. And does he think all miners are in houses at £1.84 per week. These houses are in certain areas to try to create an incentive to attract men into the industry and are tied houses.
"“Unlike most other industries, you cannot go in 5-10 minutes late; you lose a day's pay and one-fifth bonus for every day late.”
"From Mrs. M. Bond, of 7, Brookway Lane, Parr, St. Helens: “The only true fact in the letter is that miners receive their coal cheaper – and why shouldn't they?
"“They are the ones working underground in conditions which must be the worst in any industry. Miners have to buy their own pit clothes, boots and helmets, and when they have their annual holidays, they do not receive their full pay.
"“Doesn't the stupid person who wrote that miners are home for 3 p.m. realise that they are up at 5 a.m. for this shift? About absenteeism; is it any wonder there is 40 per cent absenteeism? With all the dirt and dust, the miners are more susceptible to ill-health than other workers.”"
The Reporter also described how Greenall Whitley had won their battle for permission to build a betting shop on a pub car park.
In early January a public inquiry had considered an appeal from the brewery against St Helens Council's rejection of their plans.
Greenall's wanted to build a betting shop behind the Travellers Rest Hotel in Crab Street – but the headquarters of the Air Training Corps were close by.
That had been one of the reasons why St Helens Council had knocked back Greenall's planning application.
However, at the appeal hearing a Department of the Environment inspector was told that the betting shop would not place any ATC member in moral danger (as had been claimed) and he had now decided to overturn the council's decision.
The Capitol cinema was going through a horror film phase. This week 'Willard' about a social misfit with an affinity for rats was being shown, along with 'The House That Dripped Blood'.
Then from the 6th for seven days, the Cap's programme switched to 'Equinox' and 'Big Foot'. "Double the terror! Double the shock! A nightmare combination of fear and horror!”, said their advert.
Next week's stories will include damning criticism of St Helens Ambulance Service, the packed Bickerstaffe Street family planning clinic, the Cambridge Road post office robbery, the St Helens power cuts rota and more on the Egg and Sausage Artist.
We begin on January 31st with an article in the Liverpool Echo on Bill Lyons, who was described as "the St. Helens-born actor who gets fed up with beating-up old ladies on the television screen".
So Bill had turned his hand to writing and his first television play was being shown that evening in an episode of Z Cars. Bill told the Echo:
"My career has been mainly beating up old ladies and stealing cars on the television, because I look like a yob. I get a bit choked off, so I'd like to concentrate more on writing."
The Echo added: "Bill, who has appeared as a toughie on Z Cars, Dixon of Dock Green, and Softly, Softly – “But I'm a loveable type really,” he protests – is already half-way through another Z Cars play.
"Ron Craddock, the Z Cars producer, asked him to turn in the first one after reading one of Bill's radio plays. Now he's busy writing in his basement flat in Kensington, London, in the hope he can make it a full-time career – and get away from his “baddie” image."
Bill did just that – and went on to write a huge number of scripts for Eastenders and Emmerdale, amongst other shows.
Hours later Ted Dooley, of the Bold NUM branch committee, called the tanker drivers "scabs".
Since the strike had begun, picketing miners had managed to prevent tankers from entering the power station.
But under cover of darkness and taking advantage of the small number of pickets then on duty, the tankers were able to slip through.
A fortnight ago the shock announcement had been made that Greenall Whitley's historic Hall Street brewery was to close with production to be streamlined at Wilderspool.
It was stated that the reason was not financial – but because St Helens council's plans to pedestrianise the town centre and create what would become known as the Hardshaw Centre, would cause access problems for the company.
The lack of any financial motive was reinforced on the 3rd, when Greenall's results were released and showed a leap in profits of 36% to over £4 million. Beer sales for the company were also at an all-time record.
I expect Dave Whelan was chuffed to bits to find himself in court on the 4th!
Beecham's was prosecuting the owner of Whelan's Discount Stores for selling their products too cheaply.
That gave the future owner of JJB Sports and Wigan Athletic massive publicity!
Medicines were exempt from the general ban on resale price maintenance, meaning that retailers had to sell them at the price specified by the maker.
So when Beecham's learnt that Whelan's was selling some of their products at less than their list prices, they wrote to the company asking them to increase them.
However, the supermarket owners in Baxters Lane ignored the letter – which led to a writ being served and the court appearance.
As a result the St Helens Reporter was able to publish an article on the front page of their paper, saying:
"Mr. Whelan, 35, has had wide support from local housewives in his low-price battle. He deliberately ignored retail price fixing on the drugs, and warning letters from the company, because he thought the prices “so unfair”.
"“Even though I have now complied, if I do find a way to keep prices down then I shall follow it,” he said. “I shall still object to buying Beechams powders at 10½p and selling them at 17. These rates are simply ridiculous.”"
Another businessman enjoying some free publicity on the front of the Reporter was Cyril Oakham, who had a garage in Marshalls Cross Road.
He claimed that he'd faced bankruptcy after a 12-year-old boy had smashed nine of his windows on six separate occasions during the past six months.
Last June the Mayor of St Helens had launched an appeal to raise £20,000 (around £300,000 in today's money), to wipe out Providence Hospital's debts.
This week the Reporter revealed that the "fighting fund" was close to reaching its target.
Hospital treasurer William Livesey said the appeal total now stood at £17,500, as a result of the "terrific response" from the public.
A new dancing school called 'The Court' had opened its doors in Prescot Road in St Helens in February 1969.
The Court was owned and named after Courtenay Castle, who had a chain of dance schools and is credited with making dancing more accessible to the general British public.
They spent a small fortune on advertising and this week in the Reporter were targeting children, writing:
"Our staff are friendly – young – happy. CHILDREN really enjoy socialising and having great fun to all the tops in pop music. Every record in the top 30 – plus an introduction to ballroom dancing. Join this week – You will enjoy the fun. Saturday mornings, 10-15 to 12 noon. 20p admission – 5p to enrol. Ages from 4 to 11 years taken."
Up until 1963 those involved in the home brewing of beer had to pay the Government for the right to do so.
If they didn't obtain a licence – and the authorities learnt of their activities – then there would likely be a police raid, as if the miscreants were terrorists or drug peddlers!
But by 1972 home brewing was a cottage industry and R. T. Pardoe's "drug stores and post office" of College Street was able to take out this advert in the Reporter:
"Beer & Wine ingredients and equipment for home brewing. Also packs to suit your palate all at prices to suit your pocket."
Two weeks ago "A Pitman's Pittance" had been the headline to an article in the Reporter about a Bold Colliery mineworker who took home just £12.70 a week.
Then last week the paper published a highly critical letter from someone using the penname "Pro Bono Publico".
The individual felt the article had been disingenuous and hadn't pointed out that coal miners received concessionary coal and could live in rented houses subsidised by the coal board. This week the Reporter described the furious public reaction to the letter:
"Pro Bono Publico really started something last week with his letter to the Editor which expressed his disgust at our article headed “A Pitman's Pittance” the previous week.
"Letters have poured in from readers of all political persuasions, in the main protesting vehemently at our correspondent's views. Pro Bono Publico finished his letter:
"“I know you'll not have the courage to publish this letter because the ignorant savages will break your windows, smash your presses and spit on your wives and children as they did at Doncaster.”
"Needless to say, we published the letter and the forecast was incorrect. Here is a selection of views from the letters we have received replying to Pro Bono Publico: From Councillor J. Morris, 34, Ashtons Green Drive, Parr, St. Helens:
"“I have earned my living for 34 years among those ‘ignorant savages’ as he calls them. Like most mineworkers, I treasure the comradeship of the pits, which I believe provides something closer and finer than any other breed of men could know.
"“Every day for eight hours he dies, buried alive. No tea-breaks for him or lunch somewhere, but he finds himself working many a time during his 25-minute break.
"“If a miner cannot receive cheap coal, God help us. And does he think all miners are in houses at £1.84 per week. These houses are in certain areas to try to create an incentive to attract men into the industry and are tied houses.
"“Unlike most other industries, you cannot go in 5-10 minutes late; you lose a day's pay and one-fifth bonus for every day late.”
"From Mrs. M. Bond, of 7, Brookway Lane, Parr, St. Helens: “The only true fact in the letter is that miners receive their coal cheaper – and why shouldn't they?
"“They are the ones working underground in conditions which must be the worst in any industry. Miners have to buy their own pit clothes, boots and helmets, and when they have their annual holidays, they do not receive their full pay.
"“Doesn't the stupid person who wrote that miners are home for 3 p.m. realise that they are up at 5 a.m. for this shift? About absenteeism; is it any wonder there is 40 per cent absenteeism? With all the dirt and dust, the miners are more susceptible to ill-health than other workers.”"
The Reporter also described how Greenall Whitley had won their battle for permission to build a betting shop on a pub car park.
In early January a public inquiry had considered an appeal from the brewery against St Helens Council's rejection of their plans.
Greenall's wanted to build a betting shop behind the Travellers Rest Hotel in Crab Street – but the headquarters of the Air Training Corps were close by.
That had been one of the reasons why St Helens Council had knocked back Greenall's planning application.
However, at the appeal hearing a Department of the Environment inspector was told that the betting shop would not place any ATC member in moral danger (as had been claimed) and he had now decided to overturn the council's decision.
Then from the 6th for seven days, the Cap's programme switched to 'Equinox' and 'Big Foot'. "Double the terror! Double the shock! A nightmare combination of fear and horror!”, said their advert.
Next week's stories will include damning criticism of St Helens Ambulance Service, the packed Bickerstaffe Street family planning clinic, the Cambridge Road post office robbery, the St Helens power cuts rota and more on the Egg and Sausage Artist.