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SLAITHWAITE NOTES
OF THE
PAST AND PRESENT
BY
JOHN SUGDEN.
JOHN HEYWOOD, DEaxscaTtE anp RIDGEFIELD, MANCHESTER ; 29 & 30, Sxor Loxnpoxn, E.C. 1905.
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DEDICATION.
-
To my dear Brother Sam I dedicate these Notes in grateful memory of those happy and hallowed
associations of our young days.
His life was one of great humility amd silent charity, which found expression in anseen little
acts of kindness to the deserving poor.
Money did not spoi him, nor in its acquarement
imuwred he any man.
He daed a good Christian amd closely attached to Providence Baptist Chapel, and to this place of worship he and I were much devoted by a long and close commection, and by the dear departed who
peacefully sleep in God's acre adjoining the church.
In the same loving spirit his widow - has honowred his memory by placing im her beloved church-St. - James-a - beautiful - stained - glass
awvindow. JOHN SUGDEL N.
92, Greenhead Road, Huddersfield, 1902.
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INTRODUCTION.
» fff
MY only reason for publishing these notes is the pressure of my numerous friends, who have very likely been mistaken in their worth and value. When I pleaded that they had uo merit, were of no importance, and could not possibly interest anyone outside Slaithwaite, they said I must leave them to judge, and for the sake of old times let them have a chance of preserving in book form this little record of local history, so that they may look at it now and again, in order to compare the past with the present, and mark time in this fast growing district. In this sense alone have I consented to their publication ; and knowing how poor and defective they are, I must ask the indulgent reader to pardon all the mistakes, to forgive all the weaknesses, and to accept them as a tribute of love towards this smiling valley, the happy place of my birth, the joy of my living, and when I have done be taken to this land of rest beneath the trees of its lovely vale.
JOHN SUGDEN. HUDpDERSFIELD,
Avaust, 1902.
"" e
[The author is very grateful for the few kind letters inserted and for some of the illustrations so graciously conceded, but he alone is responsible for the opinions
frequently expressed, and which have no pretence to be infallible.]
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ON THE BATS BACK.
" Where the bee sucks, there lurk I, In a cowslip bell I lie; There I crouch when owls do cry ;
On the bat's back do I fly After summer merrily."-7T'he Tempest.
Another name is added to the list of local authors. With the greatest humility, and only in response to the solicita- tion of friends who have been interested in reading the papers as they appeared from time to time, Mr. John Sugden has republished in book form the " Slaithwaite Notes" which appeared originally in the columns of a local paper. - The book is dedicated to the late Mr. Samuel Sugden, a man greatly respected by all who knew him. After referring to his brother's humility, charity, and simplicity, the writer says "He died a good Christian, though never a member of Providence Baptist Chapel," and dwells upon the old associations which both had with that place of worship. Mr. Sugden's reminiscences go back to an early date. He deals with first-hand knowledge with the history of the Colne Valley from forty to fifty years ago. Anyone who wishes for material for a description of life in a West Riding clothing village during the last half- century will find it here. And he will find many memories of old fights, which deeply stirred the people in those days, many echoes of the controversies of a wider world, all told with a freedom and a frankness that at once reveal the nature of the writer, who deals in the same spirit of
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Mr. J. Sugden's Remuniuscences. v.
kindness with everybody he has to mention and tells what he knows about them with the utmost faithfulness and with a freedom of expression and flow of language that give an added quality to the work. Many people who may not be interested in the story itself, to whom Slaithwaite may be a terra incognita and its great men mere shadows, will be interested by the manner of the telling which is wholly characteristic of the writer.
MR. J. SUGDEN'S REMINISCENCES.
Under the title of " Slaithwaite Notes," Mr. John Sugden has produced a very readable little book of 92 pages, in which he forcibly describes much of the local history of Slaithwaite during the last 50 years, and the interesting peculiarities of many of its old inhabitants. Some of the stories he relates are exceedingly racy, and command the attention of the reader. We confess to have read the book from the first page to the last with unflagging interest, and thank Mr. Sugden for so vividly bringing before our mind's eye once more the well-remembered form and features of several old and valued friends in the Colne Valley who joined the ranks of the Great Departed many years ago, but who have left behind them a sweet record of good words and works. The little book shows that Mr. Sugden has thought through life that he had a mission- that of a world-mender. He has tried to accomplish great things, but, like many another, he has not always
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vi. Mr. JI. Sugden's Reminiscences.
succeeded. In his attempts to better mankind he has often met with rebuffs which would have discouraged a man of a less sanguine temperament. - He has, however, gone plodding on, and if more tangible results have not been accomplished the fault has not been his. As a politician with a conscience, he left his life-long associates, because he could not and would not join in the gyrations of the party which preceded " the great betrayal" by the intro- duction of Mr. Gladstone's Home Rule Bill. Since then he has done good work on the platform as a Liberal Unionist. He is an effective speaker, always kind and courteous, with no bitterness ; but there is evidence in his book in several places that his treatment by some politicians of the baser sort has left a rankling sore, though he does his best to hide it. We give below an extract from " Slaithwaite Notes." We recommend all Slawiters to obtain a copy of the humorous and interesting record of the doings of many who are still in the flesh, but of more who have gone to " that bourne whence no traveller ere returns." The work is illustrated-a portrait of Mr. Sugden, a view of " Old Slaithwaite," the mill of the Slaithwaite Spinning Company, and the interior of St. James's Church, Slaith- waite: "I feel sure they were happier in former times- had much more pleasure in life, simpler things were more satisfying, less did, there was neither as far to fall or as high to rise. There was neither the sudden fortunes or the ruinous disasters; for all that, taking all in all, the latter days are better than the former."-Weekly News.
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NOTICE TO THE SECOND EDITION.
TO SLAITHWAITE AND MY NUMEROUS FRIENDS EVERYWHERE.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,-
From time to time I have been strongly pressed to republish my little Notes, the first edition having been readily sold out; but thinking they were of so little importance during my lifetime, I had agreed with my very dear daughter " Janey " (Mrs. Brook) for her to bring out a second edition at my demise, for which I had placed with her many more Notes to enlarge the little volume to a readable size. But, alas! " the best-laid schemes o' mice and men gang aft agley," and leave us naught but grief and pain for promised joy. The dear girl so beloved by all has gone before: been called to her Master too soon -far too soon-for her deeply sorrowing relations, hosts of friends, and the good and useful work she was doing in her native village with other good Christians, where, it is not too much to say, she was revered by all for her many virtues, great kindness, and numerous acts of benevolence. At such a time, and at her death, I have been told it would be well to publish now, and to add whatever was said by the press and from a few friends (selected, because it was impossible to give them all) who have so kindly thought of our distress with a word in due season, and to these will be added a portrait of her, which may be some
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viii. Notice to the Second Edition.
little souvenir of a humble village lass so very dear to such a large circle of friends in the Colne Valley, the life of which she ever strove to lift to higher ideals of happiness; never sparing in hard work (especially with her dear girls), and each day did something to help humanity on earth, with a special aim for heaven. Of such an one, and so near and dear, I shall be forgiven for saying-it is hard to say-Thy will be done; but we must all bow to Jehovah's decrees, and let her example be our guide (for she did none of these things for self, vanity, praise, or vain gloryings, but to make the world better and God, the Saviour of all mankind, nearer to us all). With becoming humility let us say :- " Father, in Thy gracious keeping Leave we now Thy servant sleeping." In addition to a new font in the body of the church to the sacred memory of the dearly beloved wife of the highly respected vicar, Mr. Rose, a richly stained glass window (" Faith, Hope, and Charity") is to be placed in one of the south windows to Mrs. Brook. Both of these have been handsomely subscribed for by the generosity and goodwill of the people. THE AUTHOR.
HUDDERSFIELD, DrcExBER, 1904.
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LETTERS TO THE AUTHOR.
White House Hotel, West Cliff, Whitby, ard October, 1902.
Dear Mr. Sugden,-I have to-day received your " Slaith- waite Notes," which I shall read with much interest, and shall value very highly for the writer's sake. My wife desires to join with me in very warm thanks for your kind remembrance of us at the present time.-With every good wish, I am, yours very truly, Tromas BrooKk®.
Later: "I have read with the deepest interest and pleasure the local notes on Slaithwaite and its inhabitants which you were able to collect. There ought to be some one in every place who would jot down local memoranda and information. Much history is daily lost."
The Inner Hey, Marsden, near Huddersfield, ord October, 1902.
My dear old Friend,-Many thanks for your " Slaithwaite Notes," which I am reading with intense interest and delight. I can go over the whole ground, and that fact adds to my pleasure. I shall value the " Notes" very much, and once more " read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest" them. Could you come here on Sunday afternoon next that we may have a few hours of sweet converse?
-Yours truly, rR . H. Rosmsox.
John Sugden, Esq., J.P.
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x. Letters to the Author.
Mayor's Parlour, Town Hall, Huddersfield.
October Oth, 1902. Alderman John Sugden, J.P.
Dear Sir,-Allow me to thank you for your courtesy in forwarding me a copy of your brochure, " Slaithwaite Notes." I have not yet been able to read the whole, but from what I have been able to read I promise myself a considerable amount of pleasure in reading the remainder. I recognise old friends in the poetic account of " An old
Colne Valley Romance."-With thanks and kind regards, faithfully yours,
ErnEst WooOoDHEAD.
55, Hanover Square,
Leeds.
October 2nd, 1902.
Dear Mr. Sugden,-Thanks for the capital " Slaithwaite Notes." It is evident that they have a " mein" of their own.-With love to all, yours sincerely,
Franc
" Eversley," Grange Road, Sutton, Surrey,
February 2nd, 1903.
Dear Sir.-Please send me a copy of " Slaithwaite Notes," by John Sugden, and I will send you the cash for it as soon as I know what the charge is. I have just read it with a great deal of pleasure, and am very anxious to possess a copy, especially as I know so much of Mr. Sam Sugden and his sister Mary. I have not much recollection
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Letters to the Author. Xi.
of the author, but I have a high regard for the man who promulgates such sentiments. Please send it to the above
address, and oblige.-Yours truly, Enwarp KExt.
Mr. J. W. Roberts, Slawit, Hothersfield.
" Eversley," Grange Road, Sutton, Surrey, February 10th, 1903.
My dear Sir,-Ten thousand thanks for the book (" Slaithwaite Notes ") you have so kindly sent me. After my decease my elder son will take possession of it. He can appreciate it much, having heard me speak of many of the incidents. I am now close upon 80 years old. I was born in 1823, and was sent to Newark in 1838 to serve an apprenticeship with a draper, when we had to travel by coach. No railways in those days. What a change! When you next see your sister, remember me kindly to her. My mother was always fond of her. The last time I saw her was at the funeral of my mother in 1884.-Again with thanks, yours very truly,
Enwarp KENT. John Sugden, Esq., Huddersfield.
44, Corporation Street, Birmingham,
Oct. 14th, 1902.
Dear Sir,-I had the mournful duty of coming home on the 4th inst. to attend the funeral of my sister at Gadsby's Chapel, and Tom Cock, of Carr Lane, presented me with a copy of your " Slaithwaite Notes," which I have perused with great pleasure. I well remember the time I used to walk from Shaw Carr Wood and climb the wooden
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xii. Letters to the Author.
steps outside "Jammie" Hoyle's house, and am grateful to you for many instructive and happy hours spent there. To show you that your time and labour was not spent in vain, I herewith send you cutting from the Sutton Coldfield News, of the llth inst., by which you will see I am trying to follow out your precepts in the Midlands, and to infuse a bit of the old Yorkshire into my work on the Town Council. I may add the Tom Walker you mention on page 65 was my uncle-Apologising for troubling you, I am, yours fraternally, Jouxn John Sugden, Esq., 22, Greenhead Road, Huddersfield.
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CHAPTER
L. II. IIL. IV, V. VI. VIL.
VIII. IX,
XL. XIL
XIII. XIV. XV. XVI. XVIL. XVIIL XIX. XX. XXI.
CONTENTS.
PAGE Sans or BrooK MIuus, ETC. ............... 1 REMINISCENCES | .............................. 3 SLAITHWAITE A SEaAPORT Town ......... 5 (GGLADSBYS OF OLD ... 8 POLITICS (I.) 666660} 11 V ARIED = ..........2 15 MUSIC (I.) ............... eee 17 Up e 20 SraItHRwWAITE: Its Youna WorkERS AND ITs HoMES ........................ 24 po} e 27 A PLUCKY FIGHT | 30 NotEp PErRsons AND CONDITIONS ......... 33 TgrEx anD Now ! REVERIE anD REMINIS- oo e 36 A PorrcEMAN's SAD END ............ cll... 39 POLITIG® 42 Younra DrEan Firty YEars 47 Brass BANDS .... 50 SIDE BY SIDE 53 HEDUCATION ss . 56 SPORT ese cet ese ree eerie 61 Buicping SooEty ano Corton Minu ... 65 TaBErnacrLE oN THE HIu1u8s =.. ............ T2
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Kiv. Contents.
CHAPTER PAGE XXII, Ax Onp RomaxncE or Coun®E Vauury. 75 XXIII. THER CORONATION T9 XXIV. - SvammER IN THE VauuEy, ............ 82 XXV. A Linagarng Tragspy _ 84 XXVI. HoNOURABLE MENTION ..................22... 87 XXVII. Days or My YOUTH .................2.....2.. 91 XXVIII. OLD MALLEY 94 XXIX. - TOM KIRK... =......... .}. 95 XXX, - Bext Ley SK MIums 96 XXXI. D. F. E. Sy®K®Es, LL.B. 97 XXXII. - COUNTRY LIFE | 100 XXXIII. A Lovey Lass axp Mis- FORTUNE 102 XXXIV. - CourtsHxIP arp MARRIAGE FOR THE CoLNE \in» »A 105 XXXV. - SUNDAY TRAMS 106 XXXVI. Sucerss or tuts BanD At CRYSTAL PALACBE...................22.... 109 XXXVII. - Caristmas at ...... 113 XXXVIII. - kei}. 115 XXXIX. - Rirvyam SHOWS eee re...... 119 XL. MarspEN Moor MURDER .................. 122 XLI. MERRY DALE .......................2. ki...... 124 XLII. Mossuey To-pay anp m TtHx® Days or Oup 125 XLIII. Oup BOOKMEN ................................. 128 XLIV. NOTED PREACHERS ........................... 132 XLV. - MaxruracturErs or OLpEN Days ......... 136 XLVI. WoRrKMEN at THEIR FoRUM .. 139
XLVII_ Wurar Lasses Din Firty Y¥Ears Aco, AND NOW = ske lll 143
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Contents. xv.
CHAPTER PAGE XLVIII. Biuuy, anD NEppY WALKER ... 147 XLIX. - VARIETY ..................... cen eee eee ese eek l}. 150 L. - AN 152 LI. or Mr. E. Swirt: A FriExouy APPRECIATION 156 LII. TxEr CRISIS ..................... 161 LIII. CoxseErvatvE Party ProsrpEoTrs ......... 162 LIV. tHE LisEraus Dol ...... 164 LV. Wrar can tur LaBour Party Dol ... 167 LVI. A NATIONAL PARTY ....................2. .. 169 LVII. RExumniscEncE or RicHkarp CoBDEN...... 172 LVIII. SmairgwaIt®'s PROGRESS |............... .. 179 LIX. May Day at SLAITHRWAITE .. ............ 181 LX. Onp FouKs' TREAT at SLAITHRwWAITE ... 183 LXI. THuUMP ............ s..... sell.... 186 LXII. NOTHING NEW ............................2. 189 LXIII. or Mrs. W. H. Brook, or SLAITHWAITE ........................... 191 LXIV. A FrEw SEurctED or ConrpornrncEr 203 LXV. Toms ..................... 207 LXVI. OmBItuary ror 1904 ............... 208 LXVII. Winbpow ant FoNnt............ 210 LXVIII. PrEx axnp Inx® SrEtcER: ChRanxroers In LirEs 210 LXIX. Yr Onn or THE REp Brook BOGEY ..................... ene nes 213 LXX. An Onn Smammnwaits Max's Rrourst.. 215 LXXI. HUDDERSFIELD CORPORATION ............... 217 LXXII. Mr. SucDEN's RETIREMENT ............... 219
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LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
JOHN SUGDEN \ ...................}e ree Frontispiece Facinao OLD SLAITHWAITE eee erences eck kk. 24 Sir James Kirson, Bart., M.P. 43 ('The popular Member for the Colne Valley Division.) No. 3 SPINNING esse seee ee eee 66 JOSEPH CROWTHER, J.P. 87
(The strenuous supporter and now President of the Colne Valley Liberal Association.)
Mr. EDWIN SWIFT see eee eee eee ee s ik. 156
(The famous Yorkshire Bandmaster.)
Jonn ARTHUR BROOK, ESQ., J.P. ............... 162
('The hard-working President of the Colne Valley Conservative Association.)
Mrs. ee 8 se eer e ea eee kk 191 (So loved and honoured by all who knew her.)
A MEMORIAL WINDOW 210
A NEw Foxt...... 5a a a aa bbb bbe bee beb bbe ben b ea n ee b 6 6a ee eee ee e e aie 212
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SLAITHWAITE NOTES
OF THE
PAST AND PRESENT.
CHAPTER I.
sans or Broor Minus, Exc.
"'Time brought a ”change—— All things human change."
WHo would have thought that forty years could make such a difference in Slaithwaite? Pause for a moment to think. Messrs. John and Samuel Horsfall at Clough House, Tape Mill, and later at Spa Mill-not one left to tell the tale. John Farrar, the fine old English sportsman, who was one of the most truthful men I ever knew, had Carr Lane fields (now filled with mills and cottages) as a rabbit warren. He was a woollen scribbler at Bank Gate. The mills were burnt down, the old gentleman died, and everyone of the remaining family have gone away. - Waterside, once the busy cotton mill under Messrs. Scholes and Varley, now in ruins by fire.
Not one of these two respectable families, who were once the pride of the place and held all the leading positions, remain in Slaithwaite. The Haighs, of Upper Mill, are much the same; the factory has been rebuilt; changed in its business ; and none of the old stock left to tell the tale. But the saddest loss is that of Mr. R. Beaumont, one of the most honoured and respected men in the Colne Valley. A man who led a quiet religious life, and who could never do too much for Pole Moor Baptist Chapel,
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2 SLAITHWAITE NOTES.
where he was a life-long member ; liberal to a fault, if this could be, in its support; I don't believe he ever spent 20s. per week on himself. He was a good alto singer in his day, a very successful man of business, only two sons, to whom, when he died, he left ample fortunes ; and yet, all the money has been lost, the two sons dead, and Spa Mill sold to pay the debts of the late Mr. Andrew. What a recital, and what a lesson !
Mr. G. Haigh and Mr. J. Brierley at one time were the rising hope of Slaithwaite; interested in everything that was for the good and advancement of the place. _ They began with nothing, and yet made good fortunes. - The former made not less than £120,000 in twenty years, and unfortunately died at 43 years of ago, leaving a large business at Brook Mills, which were built in the early part of his life, and at which he made most of his money. But after his death things went badly. The two boys who took it over were rather unfortunate. So much so, and with good sense, that, rather than lose all they had, the business was given up, and they deemed it best to sell the mills to Mr. William Crowther, their nearest neighbour, to whom everybody wishes continued success.
Everyone must regret that the vicissitudes of life should be such that, in the space of forty years, splendid mills should be built, large fortunes made, a gigantic trade established ; and now all gone, save and except the handsome fortune made secure to the rest of the family, who, happily, did not go into the trade. Mr. Brierley died early. Soon after his wife followed. The children are living and filling into honourable positions. But the trade has been given up and the mills sold to Messrs. Pogson and Company, a
firm connected with the rising hope and great prosperity of the Colne Valley.
Such is birth, life, and death in business, as well as in anything else. May those who are up take heed of these lessons, lest they fall also; and those who are down for a time take to heart again the saying: the sun, though dark to-day, will undoubtedly shine to-morrow, which has been the motto of Slaithwaite's modern life.
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SLAITHWAITE XOTES. 3
CHAPTER II.
REMINISCENCES.
Tur mention of Brook Mills in the preceding chapter carries me back to my early days in the old and lovely village, which had at that time a history of its own, and which the late Canon Hulbert wrote. Although this was very interesting, it was confined so much to the eccle- siastical, and included so little of the industrial, that the Saturday Review of that time was unkind enough to call it " a history of small beer." Facts are stronger than the late Canon's opinion, or the criticisms of the Saturday Review, as witnessed by its latter-day prosperity.
What mean those long-windowed upper rooms in the cottages on the hillsides? Those are the rooms in which the natives earned their living by weaving for the local manufacturers, who in many cases were not far removed from the workman, but in fact combined the two, as much less money was required in those days to start manufacturing than now. There was no need of a mill, machinery, dye house, finishing or milling plants. The scribbling was done at Clough House, Bank Gate, Upper and Old Corn Mills, at Meltham, Marsden, Golcar, Longwood, and Milnsbridge, at sundry of which all the other processes of manufacture were carried out, leaving the master in his large cottage to receive his wefts and warps from the factory, to be put out by himself at home to his weavers, who came from all the country side with their pieces on their donkey's, or often on their own, backs for fresh weft,
and so on, to finish their warp to the end.
Those were pleasant times in many respects. There was greater freedom; the man and the master stood on a common level ; there was no caste; and considerably less of the cant of one man being better than another. When they went, as often they did, to the same chapel, it was on the friendly ground of comradeship, and not, as you see in some isolated cases of to-day, a little leaning to that cowardice which makes one class the inferior of the other. In a chapel this is most humiliating, where all should stand
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4 SLAITHWAITE NOTES.
before Jehovah on common Christian ground, and anything like this in a Liberal politician is contemptible to me, be it he or she, rich or poor, simple or wise.
However, to return to my narrative. In these days a man would have his hunting in the daytime, and make up his time at night. The good housewife too was busy. She had to wind bobbins-maybe to wash, to bake, to knit, to make, and to mend. What fine wenches it took to do all these things ; and yet they did them well and cheerfully. What is more, they were all clean, and mostly all beautiful to look upon. Then a thrifty couple had a chance of becoming manufacturers; very many succeeded, and became of great use to their neighbours, to the village, and to themselves. It would be a bigger job to-day because of the larger capital required and the fearful competition of those who have it, and often foolishly use it to knock each other out in the needless strife as to who shall be first in amassing the largest fortune, and not, alas! doing the greatest amount of good.
I feel sure they were happier in former times-had much more pleasure in life, simpler things were more satisfying, less did, there was nelther as far to fall or as high to rise. There was neither the sudden fortunes or the ruinous disasters. For all that, taking all in all, the latter days are better than the former.
In addition to the old mode of manufacturing already described, there was in Slaithwaite the silk trade carried on by Messrs. Molyneaux at the old Corn Mill. Well do I remember the silk dressing at this place, but even more sacredly do I remember the silk mill at Crimble, its weaving, and its lovely weavers, the latter so clean and
beautiful, especially one who was nearer and dearer than all the others.
" Here time but the impression stronger makes, As streams their channels deeper grow."
Especially as all are gone, leaving only the poor writer and the mill to tell the tale. Slaithwaite had also its liner thread trade, carried on by the famous Jabez Mayall,
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SLAITHWAITE NOTES. o
latterly of London and Brighton; then plain Jabez Meal, of Lingards. This trade went away with him, and a story could be told of the rise and fall of this most wonderful man. How he was once the friend of royalty; how he built up a large fortune; how he was sought after by people eminent in art, science, and literature; and yet fell with his fortune, through no fault of his own, neither by dishonour, disgrace, or neglect of duty.
CHAPTER IIL. SLAITHWAITE A SEAroRrTt Towx.
Wut should men from all time attempt to poke fun at Slaithwaite Docks, because in former times these old quays in the village were famous for the commerce of a wide area. Say the time when the coaches ran on the Manchester Road. The Star Inn was then a great place, kept by the late Mr. J. Parkin, a fine old English gentleman, with his breeches, broad-brimmed hat, coloured waistcoat, and a jacket to fit him either for his butchering business, his spirit trade, his farming, or as mine host of the Star Hotel, for which he was known far and wide (without offence) as " Old Star," full of gallantry and ready wit, well known, and appreciated.
What a busy place the Star was in those days! And what money the old gentleman made there! - Mail coaches, all kinds of traffic, travellers, merchandise, shows, etc., travelled the road at all times of day and night. - The changing of horses and the stabling of the period was a study. Since then many of these stables and the long chamber have been made into cottages for the growing population to live in.
Time was when this long chamber was the largest room in Slaithwaite, and was used for concerts, meetings, sales, etc., and it was in this room that the Wesleyan Reformers
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6 - SLAITHWAITE NOTES.
held their first anniversary services after they had been turned out or left the old Wesleyans.. The Free Methodists then had a splendid preacher in the Rev. Mr. Woods, a most eloquent man; and the late Mr. Benjamin Shaw, of Crosland Moor, used to come and crash down on the Bible with weighty arguments to prove he was no mere local Dick, but a true minister of Christ. - Many good characters were connected with the chapel in Laith Lane. Poor David Varley, who went after the faith he loved to a far-off place in America, where he soon died, and the children remained to look after a dear old mother living at this time, 80 years of age ; Joseph Sykes, honest Henry Clay, John Hutchinson the tinner, John Varley the spinner, ete. _ Well do I remember when they converted Joe o' th' Tailor's to a religious life from that of folly, and the great rejoicing in the village at the good they were doing. Bitter indeed was the parting from the old Wesleyans. It left breaks in friendships and homes which were never made up, and surely it was wrong on the part of those in authority not to concede the reasonable things asked for. How much stronger they would have been for good, and the world could not say as it did then and since, pointing with a finger of scorn, "See how these religious people love one
another | "
But I am coming to later days, and must go back to the docks and canal. How the banks of the latter in and around Slaithwaite were crowded with men seeking work and looking on the busy scenes. The pond from the crane to what was called " Dartmouth Lock" was full of boats, loading and unloading, and passing to and fro with every kind of merchandise. Large casks were taken in and put out at the crane, stones laden and sent away to all parts. Varley's, of the corn mill, had their own boats and ware- house; Sykes' (Midgley's) ran their coal boats to their own little wharf; Brierley's, with others, did a general trade. It was indeed a busy place, with every kind of character on the work, but, if anything, rougher than you find them now
Many were the battles of that age, generally fought in the field on which are built Commercial Mills, in the occupation
Page 25
peo
SLAITHWAITE NOTES. -
of Messrs. Pearson Brothers. There were no police, and the constables did not take much notice of a fair fight. There was with nearly every barge a sort of cock bird, and in each village a number of men were only too ready for an engagement of this kind, smart, young, strong, and active. Dear me! how they used to fly at each other for the mere love of the thing, stripped to their waists, the very picture of health. Oh, how they brutally attacked each other, kicking, striking, wrestling all allowed, and fast followed
O2 in succession, until one or the other gave in. The wonder
is that they did not kill each other, so brutal were the methods adopted. The late genial Mr. Thornton, of Thornton's Temperance Hotel, Huddersfield, used to draw a little fun from the countrymen who visited his intelligent house about the man at Longwood Thump who, on being asked if he was not going home soon, answered, " Mr. , how can I? I have not fughen (fought) yet."
The River Colne and the canal run side by side through the valley. One dare not tell how much smuggling went on or how much trade was done on the canal bank on the dark nights. There was no gas to light up the transactions, so they had better be kept dark to-day. Suffice to say, many a barrel of good rum was made lighter, and the whiskey did not grow on the way, or the wool bags multiply in the transit; at least so it is said, and as no one was much better or much worse by this nibbling, it shall rest here like one of the untold border tales of olden
time.
It will be of some interest to the present inhabitants of this now popular little town to know the situation of the town to the canal at the time we are writing about. The two humped-backed bridges led to what was old Mr. Lightowler's butcher shop and the old shavers, both lying well up to and in front of the bridge. The wonder is how large wagons got over the other side on the Carr Lane, or the other one into Slaithwaite. First thing on the left was Mr. David Meal's house and canal warehouse; next came Mr. Farrar's manure heap ; and on the opposite side the barn and stables, with Mr. Sam o' Billy's white house and shop, well known for his large half-ounce of tobacco, because it
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was wrapped in a very peculiar way. All these things are swept away, and made into one wide and beautiful street ; and, what is more, this pond was a death-trap for the people-scarcely a month passed without some one being drowned-by not being protected. Right from the middle of Carr Lane to the crane it was open. Drunken men had no chance. There was no light when Slaithwaite's moon did not shine-only the dark waters of the canal luring their victims on to sure and certain destruction.
Thanks to better government, to better times, and to better men, everything has been done to make the canal safe. Light has been given to the town, and more wisdom to the inhabitants. But what a change! The water silent and almost deserted, while everything goes by road, rail, or tram much quicker, much better,much more conveniently, and better for all.
CHAPTER IV. GapssBys or O1p.
THovaex never robust enough for the strong doctrines at Providence Chapel, yet I am, and in my youth was, devotedly attached to the old place, so closely connected with the days and friends of my youth.
Would you learn the spell? My answer would be, the burial ground contains the sacred remains of many who were so fondly dear to me, and whose memory is the wealth of later life. One of these, a treasured mother, sent me to school there early in life, when the occupation was not to my liking, and the attractions were few.
What could a young lad do with the doctrine of grace, or the attacks on the Arminians, who were dubbed unworthy of existence? There were very few for heaven, but a great number for the other place, all for God's glory ; and, believe me, these people were in terrible earnest about it. They were desperate about their faith. The world, the flesh, and
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the devil had no terrors for them ; no favours to give for which they cared, or frowns which they feared. They had seceded from Pole Moor on a matter of faith, and now in their little fold at Kitchen (as it was often called) no one was going to make them afraid. The members were told to act up to the Apostle's injunctions when difficulties confronted them ; to rise superior to the occasion in the strength of Jehovah, who had ordered all things well before the world began. _ Weak men and women were no use there; all were brave and strong on what they called the side of the Lord. Members could not come and go with the wind. It was a most serious matter; a kind of mental agony and suffering to the soul, which made the man or woman most miserable until salvation came. Then they broke into song and thanksgiving, ready for any emergency. I have seen them baptised in the River Colne at Dry Mill, on a cold winter's day, when the ice had to be broken. If on some points of doctrine these good people were mistaken, they were no fair-weather Christians, winning heaven on cheap lines, seeking to make the most of this world by the handiest means that came to hand. No; they were ready to do and, if need be, die for the faith that was within them. - They never dreamt of the sordid, or thought of the selfish. This was the sainted mother's faith ; but it was not for her son-" her child," as she fondly called him. To him it was nothing; it was all for her. The chapel was little: There was the gallery around, the area of straight-backed pews, the pulpit in the centre, back to Smithy Green, and the singing pew immediately underneath. A 'cello, a flute, a fiddle or so, now and then to lead the singing ; and at the end nearest to Hollins Row, up some steps, there was a small room used as Sunday school. - This proved too small, and Mr. Barrett's day school was taken in Laith Lane until a new wing was built over the present archway where the school is to-day, and now again to be enlarged.
Many are the experiences one had of men and things at that period. The teachers were many and various. Some were hard and knocked us about; others easy and good natured; and, like at all times since and before, these
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latter were taken advantage of. I remember one dear old man who always fell asleep in chapel, where we were taken twice a day to hear some long and peculiar sermons from men with various gifts, the ministry being vacant and supplies the order of the day. Their dress, voices, manners, and peculiarities are all before me, and if I were a writer what interesting chapters one could give of these men, their sermons, and the times! _ Suffice now to say the shortest were the best to us boys. Joyfully did we welcome the man who would be short, and wonder on the other side what to do to get the time on with the long. Then, as now, Natan found some mischief for idle hands to do. Our sleeping teacher fared badly at such times. Being sound in wind, slight things did not waken him; tickling his nose with hairs made no impression. - The wicked would then try a pin, which would have the desired effect. When he awoke he would find himself without shoes. They would be hid in another pew amongst confederates ; but the poor sufferer was of that even temper that no further trouble arose on the return of the shoes. All the owner would say was: "Rabbit you; in future I must remain awake to keep you out of mischief." With others it was different, and the above indulgence was often more than outmatched by undue severity.
Whitsuntide then, as now, was a great day, but we had to take our own pots for the coffee. The Johns, Sarahs, Jameses, Rachels, etc., etc., were then marked on in bold letters, but it remains a mystery to-day how each one ever got back his or her own. How things have changed since! A succession of ministers have followed. The first I remember was Mr. Halliday, from Oldham, a cotton manufacturer, a good Liberal, and a well-educated gentleman, large hearted, generously disposed, and broad in his views. This gentleman had been at Marsden on Sundays for some years, but the members there agreed to associate with the friends at Slaithwaite ; a good under- standing was arrived at, much good was done, and the church prospered until his time came, all too soon, and the place was left to supplies again. Then followed Mr. R. Parry, who made a great impression at first, but his
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ministry ended in ructions. He was followed by the mild Mr. Thomsett, the blind pastor, of a winning and amiable disposition. Then came Mr. Dolby, the weaver lad from Howarth, who made such progress that he went from £70 a year here to £700 in London. This gentleman was followed by Mr. Jones, a sensible, hard-working minister, who removed to London also, after having done good work here. Nor must we forget the long and loyal service of the late Mr. Crowther, of Gomersal. Then last, but not least, we have Mr. Snow, the present minister, who has done excellent service since he came. Under his influence, though I dare say he would add by God's guidance, many have been added to the church, the debt removed, and the lovely little chapel made more beautiful than ever.*
How it was built, the new organ added, the peculiarities and consequences of changing the 'cello to a new harmonium by the young school party, cannot he related here. Some thought at the time this was done in antipathy to the members of the church, but it was not so. The great and varied successes of anniversaries, the Christmas parties, successful entertainments, the speeches made, and the actors on this stage would form interesting chapters in themselves, if one had only the time to write them.
CHAPTER V. Pourrics. (I.)
Pormrics forty or fifty years ago were very different from what they are to-day. Whether better or worse, it is not for me to say. At that far-back period there was either more need of them, or men were more earnest in their pursuit. _ No one wanted any pay to help on the good cause, and it was surprising how many sacrifices were made
arcane u' sms . Co . concn u . aes | | cme coos c cmm | mens . veni comm
* Mr. Snow now gone after some trouble, and a grand new Sunday school added to complete the edifice.
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to promote what we called human progress. The French Revolution was fresh in men's minds, and its teachings seemed nearer realisation, as the governing classes would not, without severe pressure, make concessions. _ Conse- quently, these men thought they would be able to push on their forces to a goal never attained before. Meetings were held-yea, and evening drilling done to prepare for any emergency. But, then, there was the great need of it. Few votes, little representation, many inequalities, poor education, long hours, less wages, wretched homes, and much privation. There was something to fight for and, thank God! men willing to do it. Oh, the earnestness of the men engaged in those early struggles as compared with the miserable squabbles of the Liberal party to-day. The petty spitefulness of those who are said to be in the narrow tabernacle towards those who are supposed to be on the vantage ground outside. No policy of live and let live, but extermination and destruction to the bitter end-that in the name of liberty, and towards those who love their country first and party afterwards. May there ever be more of the former, and let us hope those who place party first may learn greater patriotism, more liberty of conscience, and concede greater freedom of action to those who differ from them. Unless they learn this lesson, there will be no chance for the Liberal party to come into power for the next twenty years, and if Home Rule is their only great plank, may they, like poor Joshua Cock at the deep hole in the river, fall in and be nearly drowned, or altogether, if they will not repent and live honest political lives.
The country wants better manners and better men. To a man whose mouth is watering for a pear, of what use is it to offer him vegetable marrow? Just the same with the nation. If this retrograde policy had heen in vogue in those early days, precious little would have been accomplished on behalf of the people. Then again, look at the opportunities of to-day compared with forty years ago. -There are now Liberal, Liberal Unionist, and Conservative _ clubs, fitted up with the best of everything. Now we have more modern organisation, direct representation, ballot voting, together with local government of many other
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kinds. They of the former period had no organisation, little knowledge of joint action, no clubs to meet in, no paid secretaries to look after them and keep the registers, nothing much to vote for, for very few persons had a vote. All I remember in Slaithwaite on the Liberal side were Messrs. John Horsfall, John Farrar, Elijah Armitage, and about five more. - For these Gentlemen I once got railw ay tickets. Do not, however, run away with the idea that nothing was done. Before the railway was built, there were grand processions on the road at voting times, and many were the grand flags waving as the blue and red colours were carried from Saddleworth to the poll by better- class people.
As a poor young boy, say 18 years of age, I was the only Radical in a poor but respectable working-man's cottage. The father did not mind ; the mother was proud ; but the brothers did not like it, especially when one did such daring things. For instance, at one election, working for my brother and his partner at the dye house (both strong Tories), what should I do but get a lot of bleached cotton dye it a beautiful colour with turmeric and D.0. V., dry it. then split it up on the quiet, and before the masters knew every man was decorated-nay, almost covered-with yellow. We got two hand carts, on which we paraded the village, and had planted a flag over the works before ever my brother knew. Was he not savage at this betrayal? I fancy I can see him now on the roof of the dye works tearing down the dear old yellow emblem, with no gentls hands I assure you, and threatening me with vows of vengeance. We worked no more that day. At night, the elder brother went to the dear old mother to tell her of the daring outrage of her youngest son, but he got no " forrarder " with the dear old creature, for she was of the same colour. Neither did he fare much better with his wife when he told her, for she said: " Did I not offer you a yellow handkerchief, but your proud blue spirit would not let you wear it? I am right glad the young lad has the courage of his opinions. \ There is one, at least," she added, " who dares to be free and think Wlsely and well that there is something in the world worth fighting for besides money
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conditions, viz.: that of the well-being of the people of England." He was a dear brother for all that, not one in Slaithwaite more merciful, more kind, less proud, or more generous in his disposition. His little helps were many and numerous, but he never told, and for this reason they were all the more greatly missed when he unfortunately passed away, all too soon, from those who loved him dearly.
After the above episode there was no more trouble at the dye works. The master went one way, and the men mostly the other, but great progress was made in Slaithwaite. At the next election after the one already described, Lord Milton (the father of the late member for Wakefield) was one of the candidates, and I was sent over to Wentworth, Woodhouse, at my own expense (then a very poor lad) to induce the young lord to come to Slaithwaite. He was out hunting at the time, and until his arrival I waited with the smart black man servant whom he had brought from the Rocky Mountains, and who afterwards robbed him of many valuable jewels. Lord Milton, in his red coat, came up to me in a sort of half-shaming fashion. He was of a courteous and retiring nature. However, we were soon at home, and we spent together three very happy hours. 1 returned home with great delight at the sure and certain hope of the coming of his lordship to a banquet at the Lewisham Hotel and a large meeting, which took place at Mr. George Haigh's mill, Crimble. These were largely attended, most enthusiastic, and eminently successful. At both these functions one had to make speeches, but to this day I never knew how I got through mine. However, Lord Milton was so delighted with the proceedings that he consented to stay all night in Huddersfield, and we had to despatch Mr. R. R. Armitage as a special messenger to his home, so that his then beautiful young wife would not be disappointed.
Many things have happened since then, but none more interesting than these. Maybe the split caused by Mr. Chamberlain on the fiscal policy will be as disastrous to the Unionists as the Home Rule fiasco was to the Radicals. In this case it will materially alter the conclusion arrived
at in this chapter.
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CHAPTER VI. V ARIED.
To change the subject for once, I never knew Slaithwaite at any time have more than one acrobat, and that was Mr. Whiteley, commonly called "Crafty " on account of his smartness, agility, and native wit. He went to all the feasts and fairs, being highly appreciated and largely patronised by the general public, with whom he was a favourite. - Sometimes in mid-winter, under depressing circumstances, he would come home to rest and refresh. He lived down Laith Lane, past A. Hall's, where he would often practise (not to the glory of his neighbours) on the drum and the shepherd's reeds, two dear instruments which strongly appealed to my youthful imagination ; and to-day there is never a Punch and Judy show within my observa- tion but secures my patronage and support, especially if the performer has on a bulged white hat, a long-tailed and tattered coat, with the usual fittings up to the throat for the reed. Altogether this has a charm it is impossible to resist, and which no correct and modern music can surpass, | associated as these things are in my memory with Mr. Whiteley; in fact, so strongly did he appeal to my imagination that no greater ambition possessed me than to be apprenticed to him to learn the glorious profession. Since then that idol has been shattered, but the memory of these things is still fondly dear, even here and now, carrying me back fifty years to the Slaithwaite Feast of that far-back period. Then, and up to ten years ago, these feasts were the best in the neighbourhood, visitors coming from all the surrounding districts to swell the village throng. At that time they were held at the Star Hotel, in the croft, and on the Manchester Road side, making a lively scene never to be erased from the earliest impressions of one's young life. All the week previous, shows, stalls, and the paraphernalia of these things had come by road. - As the reader will understand, there was no railway. Dogs were largely used to draw the light carts. I have seen the same in Germany since; and downhill they went like the wind, their drivers
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indulging in as much chaff as if they had been going to a modern Derby. Behold them on the Monday in all the pomp and pride of their high calling. The circus in the croft; for a band a clarionet and a trombone, both of which had done long service. It did not ravish the ear with sweetness, but then the performance was good, and this made up. Next to that was in the best part of the field, for, being a native, he was favoured. He had a clever boy and a finer girl, who went to London afterwards into a good position, for which she had a special training as a splendid horsewoman. But it was the reed and the drum that carried one away and lives longest. The dolls, as they were called then (marionettes), were very well managed by a gentleman from Paddock, in the cottage now occupied by Mr. H. Shaw. Near to was old Nicholson, who used to balance on his chin a ladder, on which he perched a young donkey ; and the dear old partner of his joys and sorrows (very likely more of the latter) used to conjure cleverly. Further on the road would be a wild beast show, then much in go-a sort of aristocratic establishment, better off than the rest in horses, wagons, equipments, band, etc. But the caravan where they spun glass into fancy articles had a pig to tell fortunes, and a small tunnel from which, on applying it to any part of your body, they extracted water was a marvel to the uninitiated. But the outside attractions to this exhibition were wonderful. An old man in rags and tatters-instru- ment, drum, music, and all. Was he not a study? If the music was not all it should be, who could grumble? He - did his best, and earned more than he seemed to get. Then there was the man in the street. Who more jovial and genial a character than Joshua Cock? Whoever honestly gave more for the money? A stick and a glass for a halfpenny, with a tune thrown into the bargain. - Sam Whiteley was a noted character at the Star door, with the best nuts and snap in the fair, together with dolls, . toys, fruits, the spinners, etc. These latter were a delusion and a snare, robbing the children of their pennies on the red and grey cocks. About seven o'clock in the evening of an early autumn day, was it not a busy saturnalia? The
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road packed and public-houses full; especially the Star long chamber, where the single-step dancers were to be seen. Any young fellow could dance then. At feast-time he went with his girl to display his talents, which were very great in this direction, and which now is an almost lost art off the regular stage. Did I say his girl!? Yes; _ the most modest were allowed by the etiquette of the times to go with her young man once a year to the public-house. The feast at that time lasted two days. After these two days the showmen would all fold their tents and go away, except " Crafty." This favourite stayed on for the week ; and rare fun there was. Prizes would be given for eating hot porridge, and many scalded mouths have I seen by the foolish vigour of the contestants in too eagerly attacking the boiling beverage. To vary this, a prize pig would be offered, to run in with the evening's entertainment, which was enlivened and diversified by the smart sayings of Whiteley, who was no mean clown and wit. One of his stories I remember well, but it did not go down, because it referred to an age long passed and to habits not followed by the present generation. It was this, and told against himself and his native village, viz.: That once, whilst performing in Sheffield, he (" Crafty ") told the audience he came from Slaithwaite, whereupon they promptly informed him that he was a d thief. "Then you may bet," said he, "I never told that again, as I did not wish to injure myself or stain the fair fame of the town -I loved so well." He came home to die, and Slaithwaite harbours his remains after the many ups and downs on the troubled sea of a showman's life. Green be his memory, peaceful his ashes ; and as he crossed the bar let us hope he met the Pilot face to face.
CHAPTER VIL Music. (I.)
In the few broken chapters previous to this we have had chapels, schools, manufactures, canals, high roads, feasts, village life, some of the inns, rise and progress of the town,
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and politics ; and now we will have a little music to sweeten up what has gone before, especially as this neighbourhood has always been noted for its devotion to this pleasing art, both vocal and instrumental.
To begin with the very old, let us take Mr. Schofield, of the Harp Inn, who was church organist, and stands out boldest in that far-distant time as one of the most eminent men in the neighbourhood, possessing such influence as to bring all the musical celebrities of the period to his large room for rehearsal, re-union, etc., etc. The Yorkshire " Queen of Song," dear old Mrs. Sunderland, then Miss Sykes, the most promising girl of the period, with a natural talent far above the average, a perseverance irresistible, and a modesty characteristic of her genius. Here let me add, without offence, that these are qualities which might be studied to-day both by professionals and amateurs. With Mrs. Sunderland they were natural; they mado her beloved by all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance ; and to none were they more dear than to Mr. Schofield, Slaithwaite's great organist. - Miss Sykes was always welcome at the Harp Inn, and, no matter whether as visitor or vocalist, she was always the most favoured artist that ever entered the town, and most appreciated.
No matter what men may say, nature has much to do with the sweet art. Look how it has broken out in the third or fourth generation in the family of the late Clement Wood, also of the Harp Inn, and a descendant of Mr. Schofield. Everyone knows the popular Harry Wood, of Derby Castle, Isle of Man. His promising brother Haydn, sometime soon to be a leading violinist in the country ; and his brother Daniel, the charming flautist, who for his clever playing on this dulcet instrument was selected by Madame Albani to accompany her on one of her South
African tours, just before the outbreak of the unfortunate war.
Let me say that not only are the sons of the late Mr. Clement Wood born musicians, but the daughters are naturally clever, though the most pleasing feature in the
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family is the dear old mother * (now in Douglas) and her youngest son, Haydn. When this prize of her old age comes home from his studies in London the meeting is most touching and tender, being very creditable to both. And I hope and believe he will ever deserve this precious regard, and carry it with him through life in a most successful musical career, which, I feel sure, is before him.
Before we begin with the concerts, let me give a glance at the two local bands of Old Shaw Field and Slaithwaite. Of the latter, how many, I wonder, remember the refrain :
" Does anyone here know Haley (Eli) and Jackson ; One is a mason, and the other a saxton."
This, at one time, was very popular in the village, and was sung by the band in the interval of playing the piece in connection with it. The persons referred to were then partners. Jackson, who had been employed by Messrs. Lee and Heywood, contractors on the railway, had retired from this and joined Mr. Eli Eagland, of the now successful firm bearing his name, but who then associated the work of a mason with that of sexton to the church, of which he then, and all his family since, have been attached members. The leaders of the band were Mr. Ratcliffe Wood, an eminent clarionet player much in request; the Haighs on the horns ; the Lees, too, had a ready hand for anything ; the Gledhills on the bugle (then a prominent instrument) ; the Eaglands and Meals helped largely; and many other deserving families made up the ranks of a very respectable company. Sometime afterwards it was made into a brass band, and lived long years of uneventful life, when it was followed by the one at Upper Slaithwaite, which promises to be a greater success, especially as so much spirit is being put into it by a number of devoted followers, who deserve to succeed. The Shawfield Band was once very popular at the Top End, but it is a long time since the break up. It had a long and successful life as a reed band of fair quality, though when they went to Belle Vue once
* Mrs. Wood died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Cullerne, in Slaithwaite, on June 19th, 1902. _
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they came back without a prize. Of those most prominent were the three brothers: Edward Sykes, the leader; Allen, of Black Clough; and John, the leading horn. Happily they are all living to-day. They may be somewhat aged, though no less honoured and respected, and it is the wish of the writer that they may have a prolonged autumn, in which the leaves may long remain green and yellow, previous to their being gathered home to that happy land where all musicians ought to go.*
Music. (II.)
Easterti»E used to be a great time for marriages and the beginning of the popular anniversaries held in connection with all the Sunday schools, churches, and chapels in the neighbourhood, at which excellent music formed no mean portion of the beautiful service. Palm Sunday has always been the great day for Slaithwaite church in the matter of attendance, music, and collections. How proud the late Canon Hulbert was of this important day, and many were the times he would have his well-known hymn for the event, in which he sang so sweetly, ex animo :--
" Why should I wander from the ways My wise forefathers trod ; Or, in these cold, degenerate days, Forsake the church of God?!"
Good Friday, before Lord Beaconsfield destroyed it, was a great saint day, and had to be kept by the factories, to the no small joy of the lads and lasses who worked in them, though they rarely went to church, but made good use of it as the first holiday of the year. - Then came Easter, a great time for concerts. - No setting off as to-day ; everyone stayed at home and made the most of it in getting up entertainments. Then there was some chance of their being successful in merit and ability, etc., etc. However
miss:
onmeticunt cage cme comas:
. oe, os commits mesures m som. o onmmisnes. comme wee sa we bols n pcan oo ies
*Allen, of the three brothers, is now gone to the long home, universally respected in life, mourned in death.
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much may be said of modern music, singers, and instru- mentalists of to-day as compared with them, we all rejoice that progress has been made. No one denies the power of the Golear Baptist choir, brought about largely by the rare ability of Mr. R. Stead, the conductor, and the careful nursing of Mr. William Crowther, who was influential enough to win over Mr. Stead from the Linthwaite Prize Band, then in its prime, and for which he had been brought over from Meltham. Evidently Golcar has been the gainers, and no one will begrudge them the benefit ; indeed, it is most creditable how many good singers they now possess; but to mention names might be invidious, therefore we will say Golcar has never been without its distinguished musicians. _ The late Mr. Henry Pearson cannot be passed over. He did so much in his day and generation, not only as conductor of the old Golear Choral Society, organist of the Slaithwaite Parish Church, and the person who drew around him the best musicians to his monthly overture band at his house and elsewhere, as the most noted musical re-unions to be had in all the neigh- bourhood. Not only this, but his sons have ably followed with even rarer ability than the father. Some of them possessed real genius, if a little weak in other things ; but who can surpass the present borough organist, or improve on his eminent brother at Brighouse, both of irreproachable character, high esteem, and universal respect.
Then again Marsden. Here is a new society of singers, helped larO'ely by Mr. Bruce (@ worthy importation), Mr. F. Johnstone, Mr. S. Firth, and others. They are doing very well, and will do better, and be very useful in the growing village. Still, in my opinion, the old days and the old musicians were still more eminent in music, though in a somewhat different direction. The Carters and Armitages were powerful in music, both in the past and plesent but in the former they shone with creater glory, though in the latter, I am bound to admit, like everything else, they fade a little with age, though to memory dear. Old men can well remember the family residence of the
Carters on the banks of the river behind Mr. Schofield's house, where musical evenings were spent, knowledge
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imparted, and music arranged, written, and sold to their numerous applicants. George of to-day was the best on the violin, and many are the occasions and many the parts he has played in his time; still young and fair to music, it is a pleasure to say. J. W. Armitage, of the Wood (long since dead), was his great rival, and no doubt this fact made them both eminent. This family too has many very able survivors to honour and help on the cause of good music in the Colne Valley. _ Mr. Armitage, the conductor, is a bright example.
Slaithwaite at no time has been behind. It had its old choral society, the members of which used to meet at the house of the late Mr. James Mellor, Rotcher, a locu! manufacturer, whose love of the art caused him to open his house free and find candles to light up the practices, which were many and various. To lead this society was the ambition of one's young days, and to succeed the height of his ambition. A description of one concert shall be given here and now, characteristic of the age, at a time when there was a great foud between the Mechanics' Institute and the Meeke and Walker Institution. The former had to subsist on hard work, self-reliance, and the determined perseverance of a few hard-working men, to whom the writer was much devoted. On the other hand, the Meceke and Walker's Institution had the full support of Lord Dartmouth, Canon Hulbert, and most of the local centry. _ Their annual soirées in the National School, presided over by Lord Dartmouth, were very successful affairs, and it was for one of these that the Slaithwaite Choral Society had been engaged. One of those in authority had very little respect for the leader of the society, and it must have been a great mistake or out of pure spite that no place had been provided; they were expected to co into a corner at the back of the room on the opposite side of the platform. The reader will see how impossible it was for a choral society to unlimhber and perform under such conditions, and will not blame them for taking in the situation and quietly absconding (or call it what you will) without telling, lest they should have been prevailed upon to stay. So when the time came-the house being
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crowded, the report read, the chairman's speech nicely concluded, and the society being called upon for a perfor- mance from one of Handel's works-every one in the audience had to turn and look round, wondering when and where it was to come from, as no place had been provided. There was a long pause, much delay, and a growing uneasiness, until at last John o' Charlottes, an honoured member and a very old singer, bawled out at the top of his voice, " Nay, we cannot go on, the leading fiddles have gone away and left us." I need not add thev had to do without music that night, and happily they did not suffer much. Everyone was sorry for Lord Dartmouth, to whom no dlsrespect was meant, but those who had studiously designed the ignominy of the society were rightly served.
To conclude, I may say that about this time some splendid concerts were held in Slaithwaite. Mrs. Sunderland, Miss Whitman, Miss Crosland, Mr. T. Hinchcliffe, old Mr. Nethelwood and others were engaged, and rloht well did they perform ; but above and beyond this came at times Mr. H. Phllhps then a popular singer, and whose book is most interesting reading for all lovers of the great art. The late Mr. Samuel Horsfall of Calf Hey, was a principal supporter of these concerts, and many eminent artistes of the day stayed at his house. Mr. Justice Romer would be surprised and pleased to learn very likely that his mother visited Slaithwaite at one of these concerts, and at a fee that would astonish those of the present time with half the talent and beauty of the then popular lady, who, at Calf Hey the morning after the concert, gave Mrs. Sykes, Gashouse, the then servant, thalf-a-crown, which she long treasured- not so much from its worth, but as coming cheerfully from the beautiful Miss Romer, the original " Arline" in Balfe's " Bohemian Girl," then manageress and prima donna.
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CHAPTER VIII. Orp SpartnwaitTE. Irs Young WorxrErs axp its Hom®rs.
Ox a cold Easter Tuesday, long ago, we boys had run away from Tape Mill because we wanted an additional holiday, and so angry were the masters that all the spmners, slubbers, and feeders were ordered to stay at their work. Judge, then, of our surprise and disappointment when we returned, three hours afterwards, after a wild scamper up the moor side, to find the wheel going, and we caught- run in as if caught by a trap. - This was cold coffee-a dark day and a mournful afternoon, ever to be remembered as the cruel defeat of the boys, who, however, got off much easier than they might have done had it not been that the spinners had put us up to it, because many of them were due at a rabbit-coursing match, a form of sport then largely indulged in by some of the workers in this neigh- bourhood. There were a number of very clever dogs that, were their equals here to-day, would win races at Wakefield and elsewhere, where such sport is so popular. - But this is not in my line.
It is the early friends of my youth that I am trying to remember-their work, their ways, their few pleasures, and their numerous toils. _ Slubbing was done by hand at Clough House by the old slubber, as he was called. He could never be got to have power to his old machine, and died without it. Then followed every improvement that can be conceived, so that the labour became more easy, conditions much better, and the worker's lot greatly improved on the obsolete old ways and machinery of the past.
In those early days my greatest friend was Jacob Clay, the worthy son of most respectable parents. _ He was honest, quaint, and truthful. Many were the tales which he told, and firmly believed, of witches, ghosts, and fairies. One got so much struck with these that on dark nights no wonder we were frightened to go home. - There was one in particular, a witch he called " Old Smith," who did every kind of evil under the sun. People's health, their cattle, and all that was theirs was imperilled when under the evil influence of this so-called wicked spirit. Then there were
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SLAITHWAITE NOTES. ” 25
ghosts everywhere, turning up at every corner, and signs of death on every hand. It was simply terrible and most inhuman to the young, who suffered agonies by the recitals. The fairies were more harmless, but many were the changes they made according to Jacob's stories. Indeed, he believed them all religiously. He still was bright, and had large hopes not easily to be denied. One was "that he would have an organ when he was a man; and to have a stout woman for a wife was another of the dreams of his youth. But she never came, as he died a bachelor, thoroughly devoted to his dear mother, to whom he was a very good son, and ultimately was one of the few working-men who acqulred an organ.
Summer was the glory of our young lives, and scarcity of water afforded the happiest time of our existence, when for weeks together we only worked a few hours per day, and spent the rest in playing with one another. Ah, the fields where we fought, and the clear brooks where we swam! They are dear to-day, and the memory of those pastimes are written large in our hearts.
Let me refer to the change for the better brought about by the Huddersfield waterworks and reservoirs. There are those who say that Huddersfield has taken the water, but in the same breath they do not tell what has been given back in money and water compensation. The change has been a great boon to the districts. No short time now, but water for all. Just look at the following figures to see how each township has benefited in its rates :-
District Rate. Poor Rate. Total. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Marsden |...... 170 9 6 ... 317 6 8 ... 487 16 2 Slaithwaite ... 190 2 6 ... 468 ... 6358 2 6 Golcar =...... T2 7T 10 . 59 1 6 ... 131 9 + Linthwaite _... 105 6 7. 85 6 3 ... 190 12 10 South Crosland 100 13 2 ... 112 10 4 ... 213 3 6 Honley ......... 25 19 O0 ... 14 8 4°... 40 74 Meltham -...... 249 I 6 ... 396 T 6 ... 645 15
£914 6 1 $1453 I 6 8
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(Payments are made yeally, and the amounts increase to some extent yearly, according to the increase in the rates
of these dlstncts)
Yet the millowners in the latter valley proposed taking action against the Corporation for the drought of last summer, which was an act of God, for which surely no man or town can justly be responsible; but, notwithstanding all this, the Corporation had to join in and pay.
But let me return to the sports of our early days at these water famines. _ Races would be run, all kinds of games entered upon, tales told, hopes expressed with regard to the future, and of the powers each individual possessed Jacob was great on faith, and one sunny day, playing for water, sat down on the dam bank under the Slaithwaite viaduct, he expounded this doctrine more fully than usual. He said if he had only faith it were possible to jump over the viaduct. It was unbelief which prevented men from performing the miracles of old. And so eloquent he became that we were all but silenced, when one wicked youth ventured to doubt the possibilities pourtrayed, and artfully suggested that as the mull dam was only narrow at places, jumping across this was more possible when. the water was down. " Oh, that was nothing!" said our hero "it was almost p0ss1ble to do that without faith. And bit by bit, he was on the one hand scoffed and on the other urged to try, till ultimately it was agreed that if he jumped clear of the dam every unbehever should be silenced and for ever hold his peace. Then came the great test. _ All stood back, looked ecravely on, and gave fair play. A iong run was taken- every one held his breath-when, lo and behold! Jacob was struggling in the middle of the water, and when we could, after laughing, ask him how that was, he replied, sor rowfully, yet resignedly, " Ah, my faith dropped in the middle, and down into the water I fell! "-let us hope a wetter and a wiser boy. A better mother's lad, a more faithful brother, or a truer friend, Slaithwaite has never
had before or since.
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CHAPTER IX.
J AcOB.
Ws left off with our little hero in the middle of the Tape Mill dam, all wet and struggling in the water and the sludge, for, the former being low, the latter was pre- dommant to the no small inconvenience of the lad, who had not only lost his faith, but had landed in a most uncomfortable position. How ever, he had to emerge as best he could, especially as the water had just been turned on to the wheel-a sure and certain sign for all hands to go aloft. Therefore there was nothing for it but go into the mill as soon as he could well gather himself together from his slough of despond. - Behold him, then, ten minutes later, in the "Jenny-gate," with nothing on but clogs, stockings, and shirt, with his master (for fun only) running round to a quick march, in which I joined in the chorus. The event had spread quickly, and brought his mother on . the scene just on the point described. The old lady, only too glad to find that things were no worse, was not long in fetching his Sunday clothes, for he had only two suits, so the novelty was a day's work in his best dress.
The father was one of the old sturdy Christians of that period, a leader at the Wesleyan Chapel, and afterwards a foremost reformer in the cause to which he devoted his life. The children's children are at the chapel to-day, the best workers and most devoted members. - The old Christians of the period were much too severe in their discipline; all meant for the best, no doubt, but it was at times harsh on the young. Jacob knew he had this to face at night when the father came home from the quarry, and it was the only cloud from which he feared a storm. But what mattered it; no great wrong had been done-no doubt a little indiscreet and somewhat foolish action, but surely this was not a crime for which a boy was to be hung. The old gentleman was very fair; he 'had dealt generously with him concerning that great fight with Billy o' Binns. '
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This was a great event at the time, and was provoked by the insults "and contumely of the young man named, who, working in the upper part of the factory, had, like the rest of them up there, a sort of contempt for the two lads who worked for Jack o' th' Hey in the bottom " hoil," one of the worst rooms that ever mortal was placed in. There was the miserable water wheel to face you-cold, wet, dampy, musty, and dark-a hole for rats, with which we did battle with sticks and stones day through. The stench of the place too was enough to make a city ill. Thank God, there are no such places now, and the wonder is how we ever survived it.
Judge, then, how we resented the wordy insults, when so much bodily misery had to be borne every day. Add to this throwing stones, and calling us "Jack o' th' Hey's rats" was more than we could swallow. So one day, the lads above us having not only thrown but hit us with various missiles, we fully resolved that we would stand it no longer, and Jacob boldly challenged the most aggressive. The news went round the mill like wildfire, for the lads at a factory are as fond of a fight as the boys are at a school, and when night came there was a general muster in the field called Blackmoor Holme, the ficrhtmcr ground where all our disputes were finally settled. _ It was a lovely summer's night; the days were long; hopes ran high ; and the warmth of the night about equalled the tempers of the respective parties. Jacob had only one friend, and that was his humble companion, the friend of a life-the present writer, who stood by him in this the great hour of his trial and difficulty.
To do the other side justice, they did not take advantage of their numbers, and agreed to a fair fight, which was no mean thing, the conditions then being so brutal. Clogs, fists, and wrestling were all allowed. The preliminaries were soon gone through. The combatants did not strip, but rolled up their blue aprons tight round their bodies, and so arrayed they entered the ring with the impetuosity of two cocks, beginning to kick and wrestle for all they were worth, and kept at it until one or the other was
beaten.
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Many were the vicissitudes of that battle. First one and then the other had the advantage. - The partisans cheered their respective candidates, until Jacob was fairly pronounced the victor after a good battle, in which wounds were about equally divided. The winner though had a black eye, and how to conceal it from the dear old dad was the only difficulty. These things were a horror to the religious soul of the parent, but he was a man whom the son could trust and honour. He would tell his father all and risk it, come what may. So, when night came, the painful ordeal had to be faced. The father and son met on the threshold. The son flushed, his face marked, and a black eye. " What now?" said the elder, looking like a storm. "Oh!" answered the younger, "I have had a fight with a boy at the mill who bullied me, insulted me every day, called me names, and at last hit me. Father," continued the honest lad, " I could not stand it any longer, and could not rest until I had thrashed him soundly for his impudence, and this is just what I have done, neither more nor less." The dear mother had been an interested listener. - Her heart had been touched by the manly recital of her son. With a tear in her eye, and another in her voice, she pleaded with her husband for mercy, appealing - to what he would have done under similar circumstances, and asked the partner of her joys and sorrows (mostly the latter then for workers) if the action was not justifiable under all the provoking circumstances. The answer was a sort of dry cough, for he was human and touched : " Lads should love one another, and not fight at any time." There were to be no more battles, and on these grounds he was let off.
Well, this was the kind of mercy he relied on from his father, not only on this wet occasion, but on many others, which some day may be related for the benefit of the young, to let them see, as it were, two worlds-the one they live in and that of the past-and compare the same with a view to useful lessons. Then, if wisely sifted, much good may be gained, besides glimpses of the past secured, which, little though they may be, might be lost for ever. This is the only plea of the writer, who finds now,
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unfortunately, more pleasure in the past than the future, but never loses hope in the latter, with which he is most anxious to keep in touch, and, if you like, mix the two for the benefit of both, as a sort of happy, harmless, and pleasant decoction. Though a dull picture badly painted, it will keep alive green memories, and be a record dear of transports past, perhaps never to return to one who treasures these things highly.
The reader will have no difficulty in finding out how easily Jacob got out of the wetting when he had fared so well with the fighting. There was a fatherly admonition, kindly advice, and a Christian commendation to the Lord to keep his son in the paths of rectitude always.
CHAPTER X. A Puucxy Ficut.
Having, in the last two chapters, dealt with the exploits of a village lad, it may not be out of place to describe where he lived and how that part of the town stood im those early days. a We will begin with the Shoulder of Mutton Inn on one side, and Mr. Farrar's on the other, at which, on one memorable Slaithwaite Feast, a terrible struggle took place between the old gentleman and a fine youth who had come to the town with a stall, and who had entered the house from the Back Lane, through the back window. In doing so he rattled the milk cans, a sound which Mr. Farrar heard, and on going downstairs he found the young fellow just about to leave by the same way he came; but not so, for the old gentleman (who was, unfortunately, in his shirt) at once seized him by the legs and dragged him back into the breakfast room, when a most remarkable struggle ensued. The old man, with a grip of iron and the strength of a giant, tackled the fine youthful athlete in a masterly fight-the latter to get away and the former
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to retain his man until help came. By this time the house was fairly roused. The girls were very plucky, and went out for assistance, during which time the contest had been almost deadly, Mr. Farrar being held by a tender part, whilst the former had a good hold of the strong handker- chief which was tied in a slip knot around the young man's neck. - This the old warrior was twisting tighter and tighter, so much so that in a very short time his antagonist would have been as dead as Queen Anne. As it was he could not speak, and from want of strength had relin- quished his painful hold. Then it was that Mr. Farrar slackened his grip, and when the young man could speak he said he had had quite enough, had never before met so strong a man, and apologised for the unfair way he had attacked, but said in defence it was his only chance, he was so surprisingly overpowered from the first.
By this time the house was getting crowded. _ The constable had arrived ; the fight was over ; and the robber had promised to be quiet and go where he was wanted. During the remainder of the night and until morning many little scenes were enacted. A workman was saying what he could and would have done had he been there, and tried to be very valiant at the expense of the burglar, who was sitting near by handcuffed. In fact, the latter, in sheer despair, piteously begged that he might be allowed to "go for" the coward who was so grossly insulting him. If they would only grant him this privilege to punish as he richly deserved the man who was as contemptible as Mr. Farrar had been brave and manly, he would be contented. This could not be, though it tickled the old gentleman, and he in after life told me he would not have minded if the young fellow had given the braggart a bit because of the insults and scoffs so unjustly offered.
In discussing this matter later on I said, " How was it you did not let the young man go through the window back into the street?" " Ah, John, lad, that's the rub, do ye know. I had drawn £300 at the Huddersfield market on behalf of the Ramsden Mills Co., of which I was then secretary, and I thought he had got the money; and I was determined he should not have it without a struggle."
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The event was of much notice at the time, and the young man got justly punished at the sessions.
To come back to the description of the town at that period. Leaving off at the Shoulder of Mutton came the barn and outbuildings ; then a row of cottages up to the old church gate. After that old Meal's house, Sam o' Billy's stable, Sam Lee's, Eagland's, old Mrs. Cooper's shop, and John Wood's up to the National School steps, which were very like as if they had been made for a waterfall; and opposite, under the garden wall of the Harp Inn, stood the old stocks, in which many a delinquent had to pay for his folly.
On the other side of the street was the burial ground, Thomas Sykes' shop and house, Cotton's, the card makers, and old John Walker's, the shoemakers, who had generally a beautiful throstle, which used to come out into a small cage let out of the house over the old Free School yard.
Going further up, on one side was Dan Haigh's, old John Ashton's s, the Globe Inn, and Mr. Jolin Eagland’s up to the river, Ant's o' Cassies, and old Lucy's, with his large yard and coal donkeys. Below the Manor House, J oshua Cock's and Jim Livesey's, who cut people's hair for the loftedge
for one penny, shaved clean for one halfpenny, gave a new pair of clogs for a shilling, and a brand new hat for
sixpence. He was a noted character at the time, and brought up a large family of very respectable children. Near to his house was the empty old square prison, happily never used then nor since.
The river was bridged over by stone, and there was also a wooden one to Tape Mill for Mr. Kent, who occupied the works in the smallware trade, a lost industry to Slaithwaite. In the next chapter will be found the reason why, as well as a further description of Nabbs Lane, and also of some of the characters there who formed part of the early history of Slaithwaite, which, if of no great importance to the greater world outside, must be very interesting to the young and old of to-day-the former for old time's sake, and for the latter to compare the present
with the past.
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CHAPTER XI.
NotEp PErsons anp CONDITIONS.
Wr left off in our last at the old stone bridge at the bottom of Nabbs Lane; and, commencing on the right-hand side going up, there was Meal's house as to-day, facing the river. Here resided James and Joseph Bamforth, with the mother and the rest of the family. The former was a noted dancer, and a smart lad, who died early in a bad case of smallpox, a terrible disease then more common, but now, owing to better sanitation and vaccination, happily less prevalent. The younger brother became very popular as an efficient volunteer, a good bandsman, and one of the best cricketers in the then Slaithwaite Mechanics' Institute Cricket Club. He too died early (of consumption), and at his funeral all the inhabitants seemed to be present, so much so that it might be called one of the most popular funerals ever held in the village, if such a term may be allowed in describing the last of any man. It is well that so much respect can be given to the sons of toil, and that these marks of esteem do not belong alone to the wealthy and the great. Passing along, next came Sykes o' th' Barn, of which John of to-day is the representative of an honourable line of almost defunct little manufacturers. Abram Hirst's followed ; he was the respected father of the late Mr. Joseph Hirst, draper, New Street, Huddersfield, whose business is now successfully carried on by the sons. John Clay, the old lock tenter, was known for many things, but never for anything bad, and the wicked boys of that period used to bother the old gentleman by asking him what time it was. He had a large and respectable family, one of whom, Thomas, is still living to-day in Huddersfield. I wonder if he remembers the memorable occasion on which he was big piecer to his brother Jabez at the Tape Mill, and how he threw Mr. John Horsfall, his master, into an empty skep after one of the strong ebullitions of temper which this gentleman displayed, the fact being one of grief to himself rather than to his employees, who at heart,
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notwithstanding this, were all much attached to him. John Clay lived next to James Hoyle's block of buildings. This gentleman, who married a Haigh, of Upper Mill, was a local shopkeeper, and hence a man of some repute, with a farm in Lingards. Jacob lived at this time in one of the single-roomed cottages with his parents, who had to make most of small means to bring up a growing family. How different at this period! The homes of many workers out at that time consisted of two beds in separate corners _ of the house as decently curtained off as they could afford, one large table, a small round one near the fire, a chest of drawers, one corner cupboard, a cradle, some chairs, one for the dear old mother ; fender and fire irons, various pots, some kettles, cans, and a washing tub; the never-failing Bible, a few tracts, less pictures; everything had to be done in one room as best they could.
Working-men and women of to-day! compare this with your well-furnished homes, the improved conditions, and the better housing of the poor. - Fill in the picture for yourselves, and make it joyous, if you please, that things are so much improved and your happiness so much increased, as compared with the darker periods of the past. Joseph Lees was the last house on that side-no railway then-but opposite the road was old Malley's, of the Calf Hey, who said to Jacob one day: " Tha keyneived (left- handed) beggar; that nivver throws but tha hits. Only t'other day tha struck yar stirk o' th' 'orn. - Remember this: when tha comes for milk aw'll ring thi yers (ears) for thi." The old lady's words were worse than her actions, and when the mother went for the milk at night instead of the son peace was proclaimed.
The abutments of the Slaithwaite viaduct at this end are fixed just where this old lady's farmhouse stood, going on to Awkward Wood, and at the back lived the Bamforths, the forbears of Mr. Alderman Bamforth, Huddersfield, Lower down was Mr. Kent's, the house where Mr. Holroyd lives, a little different at the former period. - Here I remember well at the gate a little outbuilding, in which our Sam nearly did for me by tilting up into my mouth the contents of the vinegar bottle used in shoe blacking
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{of which occupation he was then an expert) for the Kent family, and from which I was tasting, getting nearly all but smothered with the full contents of the bottle. It took some minutes to bring me round, and the dread was so great at the time as never to be forgotten. Our Sam was then shoeblack, water carrier, window washer, and general drudge at the house when not at the mill, but so much respected in after life, when the positions had entirely changed, that there were no better friends than the sons of the former with the poor lad who had done their menial work of former days.
The lost industry went to Bury, in Lancashire, and with it many of the old families of Slaithwaite, including the Sykses, the Gledhills, the Sugdens, etc., etc., and great was the sorrow of the poor at the parting of the young from the old, for the latter had to stay at home, as is always the case, while the former sought work and fortune elsewhere. In this matter of parting, the poor suffer more than the rich; they feel it more intensely, having nothing else to break it; while the latter have other things to take the sadness away. Be this as it may, there went those who never returned, and, like the industry, were lost for ever to Slaithwaite. And why? Simply this: there was not sufficient water at Tape Mill in summer time. The landlord would not put down an engine and boiler; neither would Mr. Kent; hence the removal of this name, business, and many old families. Sykes, formerly of Clough House, is the name of the happy possessor of this improved and largely increasing trade at Bury, thanks to their untiring industry, perseverance, and skill, and to the friendship of the late Mr. Phillips, the Grandfather of Mr. Trevelyan, the present member for the Elland Division of Yorkshire, a very smart and promising young man. - The old gentleman, Mr. Phillips, was very rich, and he was further an old Radical who could not at a moment's notice, or in the twinkle of an eye, change his principles in order to get Irish votes, so he left Mr. Gladstone and, it may truly be said, paved the way in Bury for the present Unionist candidate, who seeks to sit honourably for this borough more, I venture to say, in the interests of a
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nation than that of a partisan. A sort of Roman of old, when none were for party, but all for the State; yet, strange to relate, this seat was lost to the Unionist cause at this election-mostly, I venture to suggest, by a Radical baker raising the price of his bread, and putting the fault on the shoulders of the present Government.
CHAPTER XII.
TuExn axnp Now! REyErIE anp REMINMSCENCE.
Wrar a change has taken place hereabouts. This thought came to me on walking from Marsden to Slaithwaite. What a beautiful journey it was on that lovely evening! I think the most pleasing scene was at Cellars Clough, where there is one of the finest rookeries ever seen in the Colne Valley, and worth going a long way to see. All the birds were in the varied moods of love, work, and play, all of which these wonderful creatures make free use of in reproducing their kind on the slender means at their disposal. Perhaps one could have wished, in looking at a few trees injured by the tipping of dirt, seemingly for saving money, that, notwithstanding this desire, some thought at least should have been given not to wantonly _ destroy nature's own graceful dress. - Very likely they never thought, therefore we must forgive. But to come back to then and now. On this particular day they were laying the foundation stones of large schools, on the principle of what was the best for education and least expense to the ratepayers-a plan one could wish to see adopted nationally ; and one which would serve all purposes if only the parsons could be locked up until common-sense
had licked the Education Bill into shape for the benefit of all.
It took some of those present all their time from breaking out into a chorus of denunciation against the wicked (so-called by Radicals) Government of modern
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times. Any kind of a stick will do to turn them out, and nothing seems to have come so handy as this stick " Educational " for a long time. 'The big drum " Eccle- siastic" is beaten with vigour from Dan to Beersheba. The pity of it. Why not common-sense? What is for the best, and who can do most, would assuredly be the better plan. What say ye, over-burdened ratepayers? Are - you prepared to do away with the Voluntary schools, which are, whatever their merit may be, doing half the work and saving what will at least be an addition of one shilling in the pound on the rates? So will you not say to the rabid dissenting parson as well as to the exterminating clergy- man: " A plague on both your houses. If you have emptied your churches and chapels of the men by your jealousy, ill-will, and all uncharitableness towards each other, you are not going to double my educational rates, to spoil this Bill, and throw back this great work, while other countries are beating us for want of an organised system of education long neglected."
We shall see, and let us pray for wiser counsels to prevail. At Marsden, on this occasion, they did the right thing at the right time, even in spite of strong desires to break out in a bit of political swearing. The respected member, Sir James Kitson, set them a good example by his excellent speech, which no doubt had a restraining influence.
But what I went to see was a dear old friend lay one of the corner stones. Alas! this was not to be. Age and bad health (an ill-matched pair) had willed it otherwise; and the son, with that modesty proverbial to him, had to, and will have to do, the work of a worthy sire, who has well-spent a valuable life in doing battle for the people, mostly right, but, like other mortals, sometimes wrong.
See the difference! A long time ago, far away into the distant past, was a lovely summer's day. Nature was at her best; the days were long. Bank Bottom Mills were bonny in the shade of tall and bushy trees, the valley clear from mud banks and wooded beautifully on either side, but mostly on one; while the silver stream ran
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between, after gathering its strength from above in the shiny brooks that make the flowing waters of the Wessenden Valley. At this mill was the youth, beauty, and strength of the Colne Valley, and the occasion was the laying of the corner stone of the present Mechanics' Institute. Mr. J. B. Robinson was at that time a strong man, wielding powerful influence for good, drawing from each neighbouring village others similarly disposed, to drink in the inspiration, and to become intoxicated with the same desires.
Slaithwaite then was poor, helpless, and feeble, but im that forlorn spot there were a few choice spirits born to carry the lamp of light to a better age, which happily soon came. - Thanks to these pioneers for the good things which so soon followed, and on that far-off stone-laying day so long ago about forty-five young men from the Mechanics' Institute, led by Mr. David Carter, the writer, and others, marched valiantly to the scene of action with a flaunting flag (though tattered and torn), bearing in large red letters on one side " Education for the rising generation," and on the other, " Education voluntary and free" - Much has happened since then, both at Marsden and Slaithwaite. Mechanics' Institute lads have done much good work with the spade and the shovel to better the condition of the people. One wonders where these men are to-day. Have they wandered? Are they stranded? Have they strayed T Or have they gone home? Answer me, men of the present day, by similar work. Call no names which can do no cood, but add your quota to human progress.
The springs at which we drank were the speeches such as were made at Bank Bottom on that memorable night, where examples were given by self-made men on self- making : how to improve the mind, increase the intellect, and thereby add materially to the world's happiness. That night I can never forget how Mr. John Schofield, of Linthwaite, then a smart young fellow, sang most sweetly " On the Banks of Allan Water." The old gentleman still stands well up, but the music is not so fresh, or the voice so young.
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CHAPTER XIII.
A PourcEman's Sap Enxnp.
is a naturalist society in the town to-day, and I am told that some of the young men connected with it are a credit to themselves and the town ; and what pleases me the more is that they are mostly the sons of poor parents who have worked themselves up by study and perseverance. What I say is, " Go on, lads; this is in a right direction, and God speed you in all good work.
Here it may not be amiss to mention that Slaithwaite has always been blessed with good professional men. The Deans, to the third and fourth generations, of revered memory, and none more so than Edwin of to-day or good Thomas, of Burnley ; the Robertses, who are dead and gone. In former times the Deans were good botanists, and one of their relations, Mr. Horsfall, of Merrydale, was the best herb doctor of the age, so it will be seen that this kind of thing was not altogether neglected in the past. Mr. Clampitt, a very deserving young fellow from Ireland, has now taken the place of Mr. Cheevers, who has removed to Manchester.
I am not aware of what books and property the members are possessed, though I do know there was a good society a long time ago at the Hare and Hounds Inn, Hardend. In the library there some of the best books of the age could be got. Mr. Marsden, and the best from Ready Carr Foundry, were the principals. The then aristocracy of the working classes commanded much consideration, not only from the learning of their masters, but for the great reputation of the firm as the leading mechanics of the day. Walter Oldroyd, of Holthead, a self-made mathe- matician of local repute, Edward Sugden, John Shaw, and others, attended the Sunday evening monthly meetings at Marsden. Books were given out and arrangements made for the botanical rambles, which extended to Halifax on one side, Woodhead on the other, and between Huddersfield
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and Stalybridge, together with the numerous places between. They were great times for me. I went with my elder brother to nearly all these places, the principal events of which were held in the summer time in the large room of one of the principal inns of the town visited, to which every member or friend would take specimens of plants, to be named by one of the clever working-men of the day, who had made this pleasing subject his principal study. It was marvellous with what readiness the work was done-not only the English, but the Latin name was given in full to every plant. The virtues were not con- sidered on the naming day, but were well known to the friends of the society, who went far and near in search of rare specimens. Buck bean was one of these, to be found in bogs on the moors. Gentian was much sought after, and readily found on the sandy soil of South Crosland ; parsley pert was also there in profusion ; ground ivy everywhere; liver wort on the wet rocks of running streams,never far from the golden saxifrage, water mint, watercress, golden rod, sciatica cress, devil's bit, marsh mallow, etc. Wood betony was much sought after for many diseases; a well-known place for it was Longwood, in the beautiful wood below Hannah Gill's public-house. The present generation can hardly realise what changes have taken place there since. This remarkable lady and her house gone for ever, and the wood mangled to death by the wonderful progress of the place; only a few broken trees remain to tell the tale of its former natural glories. Large mills have replaced the fine trees, and where the wood betony grew now stands the cottages of the workers, whose condition is so much improved that they can very much better afford to buy than grow this little herb.
To come back to plants. These and hundreds more we knew quite well. _ We could rattle them off like the multiplication tables without any trouble, having had good teaching from the elders on those far-back, very happy, and pleasant sunny days, when a Sunday well spent brought a week of content to the hard toilers on the other less-favourable days. We used to take our time, range the fields and moors, and call at the nearest public-house to
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get a gill of beer to a little lunch, which was generally carried in the pocket. If there was anyone at the inn ready to argue on any point under the sun, these men were ready. - Politics was a great theme then, because there were so many things to adjust, wrongs to redress, and reforms to make. At these times the men were in earnest and determined. They believed what they preached, and were not soon turned away or denied the object they had in view. Many are the eloquent speeches one has heard on these occasions, drinking in largely the burning words descriptive of human suffering, and pledging oneself that when the time of being a man came, how I would fight for liberty or death-brave thoughts not lost sight of to-day. Even temperance came up for discussion, and I am not sure than then, with the greater liberty to drink more freely, less was drunk than now. Anyway, I was not only a botanist, but a teetotaler of a very pronounced type, and when not after plants or music, was practising and preaching temperance.
Here and now, for a little divergence, let me say we had a large temperance society next door neighbour to the friends at Linthwaite.: John Hirst (a noted character, afterwards of Marsden), C. Lockwood (brother-in-law), Squire Baxter and all the other Baxters, John Schofield, etc., were a band of strong and earnest men, who did some good work in their day and generation. Well do I remember one great joint meeting we had at Linthwaite, ending in the greatest fiasco of a life, because circum- stances forced one to expose an unpardonable imposture, and that was the well-known presentation of a watch to the then sergeant of the police, a man who had done yeoman service for the temperance cause in Slaithwaite ; but who, on the other hand, was unpopular with the crowd by reason of little acts of cruelty, which no right-minded man ever ought to have committed. To bolster up a better feeling with those in authority, the man actually bought a watch with his own money, got it engraved, and said a friend had presented it. This was not known at the time, and when at a great meeting at Linthwaite the presentation was made by the writer of these broken stories-the reader
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may be assured that the eloquent words could not be reproduced to-day-silence is best when so much shame fell upon the innocent victim of another's vaulting ambition. _ Hardly had the meeting dispersed before rumours were in the air, which soon reached headquarters. The chief came down for inquiry. No one could be found who had given the watch; therefore, under these adverse circumstances, there was nothing for it but to repudiate it altogether in the press, which was done the week after. The rest is soon told. The poor fellow lost his place, had to leave Slaithwaite in disgrace, and had the greater misfortune to be tragically killed directly afterwards in a dark tunnel coming from Bradford, while temperance was not the gainer by this misfortune, nor has it ever flourished since with the same roseate hue in Slaithwaite, and of which Linthwaite forms an eastern portion.
CHAPTER XIV. Pourrics. (II.)
In looking over an old minute book the other day 1 saw these entries :-
" April 26th, 1869.-Mr. R. Armitage in the chair, when it was resolved to have a knife and fork tea to celebrate the return of Milton and Beaumont, and that the chairman and Godfrey Woodhead secure the Baptist Sunday School for the occasion."
Reading on in the same book, I found :-
" With Mr. Thomas Sykes in the chair, on the 4th of June, it was resolved that John Sugden give a lecture on 'The Irish Church Bill, that the society pay all the expenses, and that fifty bills be printed; and at this
meeting in the Baptist School that we petition the House of Lords in favour of Mr. Gladstone's Irish Bill; that
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Mr. Joseph Hirst propose and Mr. Godfrey Woodhead second the resolution to the House of Lords; and that Mr. Armitage propose and Mr. John Wright Wood second a vote of thanks to the lecturer."
" June 15th, 1869.-It was resolved that Slaithwaite be recommended as a fit and proper place for a polling booth. That Messrs. Frank Curzon, Moore Sykes, and John Sugden
be the next speakers."
"The next meeting was held July 16th, 1869, Mr. Thomas Sykes in the chair, when it was resolved that Messrs. J. B. Robinson, Thomas Sykes, George Haigh, and E. J. Sykes be appointed to superintend the Slaithwaite
Electoral District."
" Again Mr. Sykes was at a meeting on August 6th, 1869, when it was resolved that Mr. John Bright's speeches be purchased as then published for the benefit of the
members."
" September 22nd. -It was again resolved, under the same auspices, that Mr. Sugden's lecture on Lord Byron be on Tuesday, the 28th, in the Baptist School.
"March 29th, 1870.-At a meeting again it was resolved to send Mr. John Horsfall a vote of thanks for contributing
the Leeds Mercury."
May 5th.-It was resolved that we cease taking in the Star, and provide the Huddersfield Examiner in its place."
It will be seen by the above what Slaithwaite was doing at this early period. What good and true men there were, every ready at their country's call! I have found in after life a contrast. Some men do not present very imposing figures either, let me say, as candidates to be put up or members to be returned to seriously deserve the support of such hard workers. Many members of Parliament get in by their wealth; others by the influence of their wife or family, or both ; and know little, and perhaps care less, about the constituency. - See these at election times! Fine ladies, and, let me say, good ladies, too-how they do work for husband and friend! The places they go to
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and the labour they bestow is really marvellous, deserving every respect and consideration. How the subscriptions are sought after and the patronage begged is only known to the suffering member. The wonder is why they do it, but they do. I have often thought what hard lines it is upon a worldly man when he has to go to a chapel for political purposes-say kneel in prayer with an honest minister-when it is to be feared he feels himself to be im the wrong place, and is very likely reckoning up in his own mind what the subscription is to be, and what amount will best command the place. Then there are others who go to Parliament for business-as carefully totalled up an item as any in the ledger of the keen eye of this class of politician. A true man has much to put up with. When he gets to London all goes well if he votes with his party, and is content to efface himself behind the front bench on either side. Let them do the talking. What he has got to do is to vote as he is told. Not much political knowledge is needed, but plenty of money for party purposes. - This is the correct thing ; but woe-unutterable woe-to a member who dares to think for himself politi- cally. Then there is the real earnest politician, who in his heart of hearts wishes to do good for his country. worthy class is too often pushed aside for the professional who makes it a study, or chooses the game as a platform from which to promote his own ends in life, the goal of which is the ministerial bench, and during the ascent gathers honey all the way for himself and connections. This kind of thing has largely disgusted the old Liberal workers, who are getting careless where they used to be diligent, and now wonderingly do nothing.
The partisan seems astounded that there are no responses to old appeals. The fact is the worker has begun to think for himself, remembering there are other times of more importance than elections, and it is to the former he must look, and not the ephemeral raptures of the latter.
In the dear old days many good fellows came to help Slaithwaite. Messrs. Wright Mellor, C. H. Jones, Joseph
Woodhead, J. B. Robinson, and others, in their varied modes, rendered yeoman service to the progressive cause.
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Later, Lord Rosebery came, amongst many others. - One cannot help expressing wonder at the labour that had to be gone through to secure men so eminent to-day. We are bound to have a loving regard for this nobleman, not only for his valuable services of the past, but for what he will be able to do in the future. I could follow him now if the dead mantle of Home Rule did not haunt him, hamper his action (at least as it appears to the Liberal Unionist), mar his usefulness, harass his progress, and destroy so much what is necessary for the leader of a great, united, and imperial policy. What a chance if this crippling garb were out of the way for a noble leader! Because at this age so many of the old lines are rubbed out by the new requirements of a greater Britain, which the noble lord could secure if he were not weighed down by this dead skeleton, and which, so far, he has not had the courage to put away entirely for the comfort of his own mind and the benefit of what would be to a grateful country. Until then, quite as good men rule who will have nothing to do with the unclean thing of Home Rule. That split of 1887 was a terrible disaster to the Liberal party, broke it into fragments, destroyed a great engine for good, and the spirit of the more rabid Gladstonians did not mend matters. You had either to follow ; do as you were told; or be politically damned. Well do I remember being the honorary secretary of the Liberal 200 in Huddersfield. I had increased my sub- scription, was a member of two other Liberal Clubs, but because I (with others) could not swallow Home Rule, and had been the means of getting the Duke of Devonshire to speak for the Liberal Unionists in the Town Hall, in which I joined with a few words, the Liberals became very angry, took their names off my nomination paper as councillor for the Lockwood election, which was near at hand, and out of pure spite and ill-will brought a man at the last moment to oppose, and not having time to get assistance they turned me out with great rejoicing. To this they were then, and are to-day, welcome. We will not blame them ; very likely they would be as arbitrary to-day. A long journey in the wilderness has not had a sobering effect upon them in all this time. Anyway, we
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had to go somewhere, so we started a Liberal Unionist club for Huddersfield, which has rendered excellent service, and is now ably presided over by J. C. Broadbent, Esq.*
In the borough, at the time of the split, if Mr. B. A. Leatham would only have come to Huddersfield as had been arranged, and not failed (as he ignominiously did), it is my firm conviction that he would not only have been living now, but certainly the continued member. _ Oh, what a blunder! How he delivered himself into the hands of his bitter enemies; those who had been his greatest admirers, and to whom he had rendered a life-long service of mutual goodwill, to which was added national progress ! How different things would have been to-day in Hudders- field from my point of view! It will not bear looking at; and we must mourn in silence, and work while it is day, to put on a better complexion.
From 1887 to 1892 were stirring times in the Colne Valley. Things had not been allowed to sleep. Mr. H. F. Beaumont, the first member of the division, had been a little undecided. At the split he did not clearly state his position ; there was a little conflict between him and the committee. There was no doubt but that he was against Home Rule, and he should have said so boldly and, if need be, have fought the constituency on the vexed question. A lot of ill-will would have been avoided. Approaching 1892 we were prepared to run Mr. Beaumont, but at last the gentleman would not stand, and we were bound to get another candidate. Many came from far and near. Three of the honoured Brookes were asked, and the unexpected came in the choice of the unfortunate writer of these notes, who never asked for it or wanted it, and still less cared. But what could one do? They made the way easy in money; they gave me that great and good man, Sir Thomas Brooke, Bart., as my chairman; they gave me full liberty; and never man had greater kindness shown or better help given, such as to receive my gratitude, as long as I live. I was left with no other course but to do the very best in my power to deserve the confidence,
+
ree mn cny ~ n = mames se
1 mg ce o apis m many we cone
* This most useful gentleman, alas! now dead also.
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perhaps mistakenly reposed. - Be this as it may, we entered the lists against so formidable an opponent as Sir James Kitson, Bart., the respected member, with whom, then and since, every good feeling has been retained. - The only thing one regrets, even to-day, was the bitterness of articles written at the time, when political passion seemed to blind not only all fairness and justice, but carried the hostility to even bitter enmity. Yet this did not bother me so much as the remark made to me one day, viz.: that they {remember, my dear, dear friends; the Liberal party) had made me, and that they would ruin me. This roused my anger, and I said " D you; go at it. I deny one and defy the other." This was foolish on both sides, and happily these were the only things that marred as good a fight as ever was waged in the valley, and it could not be possible to leave less sting behind. The result was a handsome defeat, loss of health (which has never fairly come back), and some trade which never returned.
The fuller story may at some time be told ; but, here and now, as a modest man, I will put down my pen for better and more impartial hands to take up, if need be. History will do justice; and if others do better for the Colne Valley I will rejoice greatly, because it is the place of all others I love best. It gave me birth; it will find room for my bones; and all who render it a service earn my goodwill, and ever afterwards gain my gratitude.
CHAPTER XV.
LireE's Younge DrEaxu YEars Aco. A CHAPTER FoR Gmus.
T's may not be amiss to run between the other more prosaic notes, especially at this time of the year, when all is so young and fair, like the subject of my theme. Then, to begin as the showman said, an old cottager, once upon a time, was addressed by the constant friend of her favourite
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son. Says he (who was in the know), " What, your so and so has begun courting, has he not?" " Well," the old lady answered, " I cannot exactly say. I don't want him to do so; he is too young, has not the means, and a fond mother does not like to think that her darling boy should have to want, or the poor dear girl he has lovingly selected, by being too previous, or in too great a hurry." But, musing further, she says, "I really don't know, for the other day, on looking into his private drawer, I found two aprons marked with the names of their respective owners. This puzzled me, for all the girls were good ; my son a Sunday school teacher, and connected with the best families in the town. One of the girls came to our chapel, as fair a lass as ever was seen, and her mother, a widow, a hard-working woman, had taught her (after she came back from the old dame school, where she had iearnt to sample and to knit, to wash, to clean, to mend and make most of her clothes, to bake bread, and brew good home-spun beer, besides earn her living at the loom." This consideration weighed with the old lady. Another mark in her favour was that she went to the same chapel as the dear old mother, who had no objection, only for them to wait until both had saved money to buy furniture; for in those days there was no supplying on the hire system. What they were short of money to buy they had to do without. But what was to be done with the other'? Was this spoilt son a trifler with girls' affections, a sort of gay Lothario among the lassies? No, his mother would not have that; his morals were of the best. Maybe in explanation she said that one is the constant friend of the maid already described, and the other (a friend of the first) is so beautiful; fresh as the rose, auburn hair as bright as the sun, and eyes to warm an iceberg, with a complexion as clear as the mountain stream in which she washed herself each early morn at her Hill Top cottage before going to work in the valley below, say at five o'clock in the morning, to be at the factory at six a.m.
The question of this girl's apron was rather a poser, for the owner was good and beautiful enough for a prince. But did anyone find a dear old mother fast for an excuse
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for a loving son? No; and in this case, being sure of no evil, she said perhaps he was smitten by the beauty of the one and the goodness of the other, and said, like Captain Macheath, " how happy could he be with either, were t'other dear charmer away "-but all in youthful playfulness characteristic of life's young happy dreams. The mother added, " There will be no harn» to the fair one, but the girl from our chapel for proved one of the best of her kind.
The above has been given purely in imagination, to illustrate the conditions of life, the peculiarities, and the varied steps taken on the road to youthful friendship and marriage, then as sacred as now, if not more so, and where the course of true love ran smooth, or companionships were more full, affording almost greater happiness in the cottage than in the hall. The latter (as perhaps more or less now) had no dealings with the former; a great gulf lay between them; but I have seen in my time when a combination would have been much better. Take two instances. - A very rich man has a charming daughter, loved, we will say, by a joiner. The love was warmly returned by the girl. Had they gone together two lives would have been made happy ; but pride and purse stepped in, and her parents married her for money, to live, I am sorry to say, a miserable life ever afterwards. Take the other. A wealthy girl, under similar conditions, loved the handsome miller's son, who had not the courage to propose. He missed the prize, which went to self-seeking wealth, and which was afterwards all lost, and with it happiness destroyed, love broken, and ultimate ruin in place of that joy and bliss which follow, as they say, marriages made in heaven. Then why not let true love run smooth then and to-day and for evermore? Let us sing with Robert Burns :-
" If heaven a draught of heavenly pleasure spare, One cordial in this melancholy vale- 'Tis when a youthful, loving, modest pair In other's arms breathe out the tender tale, Beneath the milk-white thorn that scents the
evening gale."
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Or, again, as Milton wrote :-
" This turn hath made amends ; thou hast fulfill'd Thy words, Creator, bounteous and benign,
Giver of all things, but fairest this Of all Thy gifts."
And, again, how beautiful Waugh's rough lines :-
"For oh, yon Robin, yon Robin, His e'en ne'er twinklet so breet As they did when he meazurt my finger For th' little gowd ring last neet."
All these, true at all times and all ages; and when followed on the crystal channel, how sweet is the journey of life to the great unknown!
To-day they are engaged, after spending many happy days with one another, and this is announced publicly to their friends, who will please take notice to get ready wedding presents-sufficient nowadays in good families to set up a mansion, and with the cottager to fill a house with good furniture. How easy the present compared with the past! _ But this is my question: Can any of you modern girls equal the fair Imogen first mentioned in qualities of worth such as make home a palace? Even if poor, and should fortune come her way, how the virtues will be worth more than gold! No; I must not say there are not as good young people as there ever were in my youth ; only the old lingers with me longest, while the new to the young may be just as bright and lasting, but to me is only fleeting, and hath no abiding place to fill my heart like the past, with its glorious and fond recollections.
CHAPTER XVI.
Brass Baxps.
As promised, we make reference to the Meltham and Linthwaite Prize Bands, which were two of the best of their kind in their day. It was marvellous what they
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could do, to what perfection they attained, and how formidable they were to all comers, as well as against each other, when entered in open competition, which was very often. Very likely this keen struggle between them had much to do with their perfection. _ Mr. John Gladney, with "Elijah," for Meltham Mills, and Mr. Edwin Swift, with "Tannhauser," for Linthwaite, were two of the remarkable factors in the fight. - The latter piece was arranged by Mr. J. S. Jones, the honoured conductor of the Harrogate Corporation Band-a warm and constant friend, whose young life was often warmed by the success of this band, then and now so ably conducted by one of my oldest friends, originally from the loom, who was an apt pupil of Jones's, and developed into one of the first bandmasters of the day. Not only this, but he has arranged some of the popular pieces for contests, and written other pieces for brass band journals. This is a great compliment to the natural genius, and one that will not turn his head by reciting, or mar his future
usefulness.
He has had some good men to help him at Linthwaite- not only natives like the clever Baxters, but in such wonderful performers as Charles Auty, Mr. Monk, Mr. G. Raine, and others. I must not forget H. Oldham on the tenor horn, J. Fisher on the bass, Brierley on the trombone, and last, but not least, among a lot of other good men, J. Beaumont on the euphonium. This latter was the stay of the band, and it was marvellous the way in which he played his part in " William Tell" when Linthwaite beat Meltham with this piece at Edinburgh for a prize of £60 on April 14th, 1877. These sums were worth going for, as compared with the inadequate money offered to-day, which does not pay first-class bands, and no doubt in the end will be the cause of decay in competition. It was not only the members of the band who worked, but the labour was largely shared by the committee. I have seen the day when my dear old friend, Mr. Tom Ramsden, did not think it beneath his dignity to go round with the band collecting subscriptions; Mr. Fred was a
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warm supporter; Mr. Robert Lewis was a devoted slave; and the late James Bailey and others did much in their time. The yearly meetings then were held at the Coach and Horses, and were well worth going to. - They are pleasant times to remember. - They give a glimpse of past labours which brought forth joy ; and this spade work had to be done, otherwise how impossible it would have been to compete with Meltham Mills.
Mr. Edward Brook, at the head of that eminent firm, was a prince to them. Money was no object. This gentleman would double a prize which they might name and win. The very best talent was engaged in Mr. John Gladney, the king of conductors, the father of most of the others in this line, and the man to whom brass bands owe very much. All this would not have been enough if it had not been for the very good men on the spot. The Steads were wonders. Whoever beat Richard or Edwin in their best days, or worked harder for any cause? They were both artistes on their instruments, and born musicians. Then there was good old John Berry, Wright Stead, also able and true men from Holmfirth, together with such leaders as Mr. Paley, Mr. Berkenshaw, and Mr. Alec Owen. No wonder they were formidable, and the surprise to me now is how it was that ever Linthwaite was able to beat them.
When one remembers that " Elijah" was the piece of the period, while many of the judges used to condemn "Tannhauser" as before the age, their success was remarkable. But Linthwaite did not mind; they perse- vered and made popular in these parts one of the greatest composers of the age. They also had this advantage over Meltham : they could practise on a Sunday. - What a change since then! _ Both these bands have fallen from their high degree. Meltham has done nothing much ; but Linthwaite has persevered under much difficulty, and has had various degrees of success, yet nothing like its former glory, though under Mr. Swift, his sons, the hard-working Mr. Needham, and others, they have large hopes of soon being at the top of the tree again. We shall see, and they have my best wishes. Both bands practised hard when in full swing, sometimes six days a week ; few, if any, were
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paid. It was true brotherly devotion, and not as to-day, when one fears that money is the root of all the evils with which modern bands are afflicted. However, be this as it may, these two bands deserve well of their respective towns. They were honoured in their day, and their deeds are well remembered. - The money won by Meltham- though no patch on that which they richly deserved-was about £3,130, and Linthwaite made the near approach of £2,930. The former have done nothing much since, and the latter have added over another £1,000.
CHAPTER XVII SIDE BY SIDE.
No two townships can be so near together as Slaithwaite and Golcar without having many things in common. One advantage Golcar has over all the rest of its adjacent townships: it can use all their roads and enjoy the rates of all the very valuable property built just within its borders. _ This is a privilege of the few in the local government of the surrounding townships. Then, agam, its sons and daughters love Tthe place better than all others, no matter wherever they roam ; they are fam to get back to the old ground. Well do I remember a very dear old friend, the late Mrs. G. Haigh, and her deter- mination in her early married life to honour " Brook Loin" anniversary (as she called it); and not alone. George and all the family had to be there, or this good Golcar lass would have known the reason why. This kind of devotion to a place is so strong, so true, and so loyal, that it is bound to command the admiration of all who have seen it, and it must be of great advantage to the place so favoured. In this sense so greatly has the Golcar Baptist Chapel profited that it is one of the largest and best-attended places of worship in the district. In former times the doctrine was much divided, there being two
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sections, the broad Baptists (a chance for all) and the Calvinists, who were on a narrower gauge, honestly believing in the selection of a few for God's glory and the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven, the rest nowhere.
Many were the friendly and other discussions in the church on this troublesome question; sometimes making dissensions even in families. It has nearly died out in its bold outlines, and left a wider spirit of true Christianity. But Golear was always original; it has made great progress; and at one time it contained more little cloth manufacturers than any place of its size in the United Kingdom. Many of these were fathers of the present day's most successful manufacturers, merchants, etc., and how they would " fratch " with one another, then and now. I have heard these men call one another names that to-day would land them in an action for libel. But they did not mind: it was their way of differing about the government of the town, their religion, and polities They stood distinctly aloof; the Church had no dealings with Dissent, nor the latter with the Church. No; there seemed a great gulf between the two.
Looking back, I am not sure whether the Church has made the most of its mission. - In the days of old they were very very strong. It has since only extended to Westwood Edge; while, on the other hand, the extensions of the chapels have grown on every side. - This may be food for friendly reflection, but it is not meant for invidious distinction. Oh dear no! And one is much cheered by the broader spirit of charity displayed in later days on both sides, as witnessed by the many acts of kind co-operation for the public good. It will take a longer time, I fear, to work out the same broad spirit in politics. No; a Tory in Golear will to-day stand alone for the faith once held by the saints, just as the Radical now and at all times believes that he alone is in the right, when in reality the truth lies between them. Therefore we will call honour quits, and at the balance will be mute, for we never can adjust it.
Well do I remember a great Liberal banquet and meeting held a long while ago to celebrate a Liberal victory. All
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the clans were gathered together ; the Nonconformists held politics then next sacred to their religion. The Iredales, the Ainleys, the Taylors, the Smiths, and others whom one forgets, were there in great array. - Never shall I forget the honest enthusiasm of the men and the determination of the women. There was one beautiful lady who set off the colour of the party, to which she added a personal charm and an earnest devotion which gave éc/lat to the meeting. She was the then honoured and married daughter of the late J. Taylor, and living on the flat near the new Providence Chapel, and in business (if I am not mistaken) as finishers for the small manufacturers who then, happily, crowded the town. These, unfortunately, have been driven off. There is no place for them, since Europe and America have largely closed their doors by adverse tarifis, that only the very large firms can compete successfully. This means less chance in future for the young and rising generation, and, I fear, fewer self-made men, who cannot have the same easy opportunities to become great manu- facturers in the future as was the case in the good, old past, when Golcar was a perfect hive of thriving piece makers of sturdy independence, pushing energy, and possessed of considerable wealth.
We had a glorious time. Golcar was not Tory, as the wicked had prophesied, but Liberal to the core, as some of the latter-day enthusiasts would warmly acclaim at the present; and as John Sugden found it, to his sorrow.
Then we were for Peace, Retrenchment, and Reform, and preached them for all we were worth, and pledged ourselves at the meeting held in the old Town School to secure the blessing of peace, which was the basis of all human happiness, retrenchment in all that was extravagant, and to work for those reforms which should be just and generous to all persons alike in Church and State.
Much has happened since then. Golcar has gone on prospering in fewer hands, though, like her lilies, she keeps a clean, pure, and lofty isolation from the approaches of all other townships. Huddersfield may promise great things ; Golcar believes they can be achieved at home.
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Linthwaite may all but combine, yet they will miss at the finish. And Slaithwaite may woo and plead with the fond allurements of an earnest lover to make one grand council, with power to grapple with the great education or other important questions. Still, I fear, there is no chance for this most desirable ideal of ever joining with the other adjacent bodies in a happy married state. At the same time, in justice it must be said, there is not a more enlightened Board, or one that has done more for the good of the ratepayers, than the present governing body, so ably presided over by Mr. William Crowther, of whom it may be said :-
" Forasmuch as you have given Help to many a weary brother ; You shall find, though late, in Heaven One good turn deserves another."
CHAPTER XVIIL. EpucaATiOn.
For a long time this place was noted for its education. The late Canon Hulbert was a great promoter, if of an exclusive order, and this made vigorous opposition, and brought into farce other organisations, which also did good work in after time. I wonder how many remember the time of model farming, when the late John o'th Barrett, a clever man in his day, and the local hand-loom maker | (then a great industry), a gentleman of a very noted family, was of some importance, who used to read papers at these model farm meetings, at which Lord Dartmouth presided. - All that was promised was that when other occupations failed, a living might be made out of this. Un one occasion, right well do I remember Richard Horsfall, of Merry Dale, getting up to make a speech, in which he facetiously stated that the corn had begun to grow so high
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by the new process that, standing straight, he could not touch the top. There was a great laugh, it being well known that it grew so low that he had to bend down to reach it. Land in Slaithwaite would not bear it ; the fields at Nields and elsewhere were so impoverished that it took twenty years to get them back again.
In connection with this spade industry, Slaithwaite had its first free scholars going daily from the National School in sections for a few hours to work in the fields, for which specially numbered pinafores were provided and kept in the school. Mr. John Mellor was the master, and, truth to be told, was a very good one. He had a turn in his eye from which very few things escaped him-not a bad fellow to those whom he liked, but to those who opposed him or his, very bitter. The lads on the whole liked him, though he did not spare the rod when necessary or the " grey mare" if required ; the latter being a plank, used for serious offences, and on which the culprit was carried shoulder high, to receive what was a jolly good flogging round the school. Not many will be alive who had the glorious privilege of this journey.
Mr. Mellor turned out a large number of pupil teachers in the early days of State-aided national education. Lads who were pioneers in the district to which they were sent to carry on the great work in which they were engaged. Isaac Bamforth, the son of a well-known private teacher at Slacks, Lingards, was a very quiet and useful man at Hill Top, Lingards. Some little work was done at Shread, and Mr. Barrett kept a well-known private school in Laithe Lane, afterwards at the Bath Hotel. Those who could afford to pay a little more went to this school. These scholars were of the same sturdy stock (though less in numbers), and were ever ready to engage in free fights with John Mellor's scholars, and very numerous were the battles lost and won, to be remembered perhaps by the few who are left who took part in those formidable engagements.
As we have said, Mr. Mellor was a good master, but also a good hater, and at this time the Mechanics' Institute was
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doing good work, led by working men who were determined to be free, Therefore great were the struggles between them and the Meeke and Walker's Institution, which had been set up out of the old Free School endowment and the assistance of Lord Dartmouth, who nearly always presided at the soirées of the latter, while the Mechanics' lads had to do the best they could on 1$d. per week. At this price not much could be paid for teaching. Voluntary work had. to be done, and was of that character that Slaithwaite never presented a better set of young men, bent on not only improving their own position, but of the town to which they were proud to belong. Better classes I have not seen than those of the late Mr. Jarmain, held in the awkward rooms up those dangerous steps at James Hoyle's, Na) Lane, then the Mechanics' Institute of that day. This room became too little, and when fifty working-men offered £1 each towards a new building, the late Mr. Hugh Mason (Ashton) and the late Mr. John Crossley (Halifax) took it up, each with an offer of £50. The latter sent his architect, and came himself to see the sites, then on offer, and it was he who suggested the one where the building stands to-day.
The old soirées at the Lewisham were a series of continued successes, at one of which the late W. Moore, the then postmaster at Huddersfield, almost shocked the audience by his good-humoured determination to know how it was that the population did not grow considering the healthy conditions he saw around him. The old gentleman has been answered since. Greater men came after, including Lord Ripon, John Chetham, Abel Heywood, Bishop Fraser, Alfred Illingworth, and at the opening James Stansfield, the then member for Halifax (to whom we told that we thought we had solved the education question by opening this institution as a day school under a very clever man, Mr. Muxlow, B.A., keeping on the night classes under the same head, and carrying on the science classes under the old master. This plan was recommended to Meltham, where was established a British school at Mill Moor; to the Wesleyans at Linthwaite ; to the Baptists at Clough Head, Scapegoat Hill, and Town School, Golcar; to the Marsden
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Town School, of which one was glad to see the stones laid a short time ago of a new school to carry out the work so well begun in earlier days at the last-named place. Great credit is due to these places and to the men who did the work in seeing that education was well looked after and schools established outside the Church of England, and thus doing a national duty in which they were noble pioneers, by saving the rates from terrible and expensive School Boards. Speaking for myself, soberly, I shall not be sorry to see them replaced by what, when it has been licked into proper shape, will be a much better and less expensive authority, avoid the overlapping, and thus do the work more effectively at considerably less cost.
By the kindness of Mr. Alderman Allen Gee, we are enabled to give the following prospectus of the Slaithwaite Mechanics' Institution for the session 18364, which shows the workings of those days and how modest were their charges : -
" SmpaituwaIts Mrcuanitcs' InstITUTION.
" public are respectfully informed that the classes at this Institution are now open to all who wish to avail themselves of the many opportunities they offer. - On the Monday evenings for reading, dictation, composition, geography, etc.; on the Thursday evenings for writing, arithmetic, grammar, etc. A third night will be devoted to science, under the able tuition of Mr. G. Jarmain, of Huddersfield. The night is not yet fixed upon, but will be decided according to the interests of teacher and pupils. " Terms.-For the two nights particularised, three half- pence per week, and for science instruction (providing that neither pupil nor parent pay income tax) two and sixpence per quarter. If this tax be paid, as mentioned above, a. little more will be charged for admission. -Jonx SUGDEN, Secretary. Slaithwaite, August 26th, 1864.
" Notrce.-The Committee beg to remind their friends and neighbours that this is the oldest institution in the district, "and the only unsectarian school in the neighbour- hood where all classes can meet on neutral ground for the
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promotion of each other's improvement in secular and moral principles. - It is not used as a stalking horse to gam favours from our superiors, or for personal aggrandisement, or religious domination ; nor pecuniary gain from Govern- ment or individuals; but simply to advance civilisation, to improve ignorant minds, to expel darkness, to cultivate and encourage light, to improve society, to clear that low substratum stream of its murky and dark waters, and advance the whole tide of humanity in all that is good, and calculated to make us hbhetter men and women, closer and more reliable friends, kinder neighhours, and truer subjects to our Queen and country. Our friends are few ; our cause is just and our work sublime ; the harvest rich ; the labourers few ; and the materials to work with almost worn out. It is, in fact, a work for the philanthropist which our Committee are about to undertake; but the room is so inadequate, and retards their progress so much, that active steps are about to be taken to raise a building worthy of the growing intelligence and prosperity of Slaithwaite. - While this can be accomphshed we crave the indulgence of the people, and, when it is commenced, their unbounded liberality towards erecting a monument worthy of the best sympathy of all true men. The classes were well attended last winter, and much good resulted from them. The science class also did well, and many candidates passed an honourable examination, and to some wers awarded handsome prizes. If all this can he done in an old uncomfortable place, what might not be done under more favourable circumstances. And when we consider how much it is opposed, and what wealth (both from legacy, position, and Government) is brought to bear against it, it makes one ask how is it that it does flourish, and that it still continues to impart useful instruction to so many? -in spite of being snarled at and called an incidental means of instruction in Slaithwaite, by advanced indi- viduals ; and this by a reverend author, who has published some wonderful Annals and lionised some more wonderful characters. The answer is because it is conducted on the best and most equitable principles, and is always what is seems, and accomplishes what it professes, which is doing,
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and has done, all it can to promote the interests of a class who have many professed, but few real, friends. Then for the good it has done, and for the great prospect of accom- plishing so much more, are earnestly invited to rally round its standard, to help to fight for its existence, to hurl back the efforts of those who have sought its downfall, and to assist to make this an institution worthy of the rising generation, and capable of instructing them in all that is good and worthv of imitation ; for it is said by Pope : -
"'A little learning is a dangerous thing, Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring ; For shallow draughts intoxicate the brain, But drinking largely sobers us again.'"
CHAPTER XIX. SPORT.
Wrat may have been written on this subject before let it be forgotten, and this remain the authorised chapter on sport, which looms largely on the horizon in all classes of His Majesty's subjects, was so in the beginning, and seems as if it ever will be to the end, so with a becoming amen let it be, with this reservation, that to do right every man is bound to do his best to make it pure and wholesome. In this sense how is it compared with the past!? Well, in the good days of old Slaithwaite had little knowledge of horse racing, and it would be no worse if such were so to-day. The men certainly had cock-fighting-not a very desirable thing. The writer has seen many good battles on the green at Crimble, beyond Mr. Thewlis's house, on the banks of the river just at the ford, then used to cross the stream. Dogs were also in many cases kept to fight ; but Spooner, of Holmfirth, was too strong for them. He took their money and beat their dogs so it had happily to be given up.
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Not so rabbit chasing. This was a most popular game, long continued, with some of the best dogs of the age. Trail hunting remained to be at its zenith imty—five years ago, when the little Engin-eer at Ainley Place was king. They had some wonderful dogs, won prizes all over tire country, and then sold their champlons for large sums of money. Go to Dobcross, Saddleworth, and you will see public-house signs with the names of these favourites inscribed, such as " Nudger," " Bounty," ete. This sport was largely patronised at the public-houses, the landlords of which used to get up one of these hunts for the holiday gala. A memorable one is before my eyes in connection with the Harp Inn. The customers of hotels on these occasions formed themselves into a committee to carry out the arrangements. One principal thing to do was to keep back the crowd at the coming-in end, which at this special time was White Royd. I think the time was shrove Tuesday. Be this as it may, there was a large gathering, and some difficulty was experienced in keeping order. As the dogs approached the winning goal, the men crowded in contrary to orders. There was a struggle with those in authority. Free fights were indulged in, and one '' Blacker" was thrown over, who, rising again, shouted with the courage of a better cause, and at the top of his voice, " Ah, by G--! Me to stand back and in office!" Yes; many good men had in that day; and many more will have to stand back before life's rough road is smoothed with kindness.
Foot racing was very popular at about the time of the railway making. "Pigeon" was the great champion, living at Heigh Leys, Cop Hill, a fast and enduring mile champion, who won many good races, and would have won more has he 'been as steady as he was strong. - These contests had their effect on the young. We boys ran races; were very fast; not often beaten. Our biggest stakes were 5s., and it took about ten of us to raise the money. My first meeting with the friend of a life-G. Haigh-was when I had won him sixpence in a good contest with Tom Walker, of Blakestones. We had pumps and drawers, and could go like the wind. Jimmy Bamforth,
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of Roadside, was very fast-he died early of consumption- and Joss o' th' Hey Laith was a good hand. These practices made some speedy colts.
I wonder if Mr. T. Ashton remembers the memorable race I had once with an old " pal," Mr. John Blamires, of Lockwood, who was then putting out work at Bankgate, and had come to see how it was going on. Mr. Blamires was a good shooter, too, and this interested old Mr. Farrar, who was one of the first hands of the day-the friend of Mr. T. Newton, then a noted shot, who also used to come a good deal to Bankgate Mill to kill the burs in wool, and this is the way it was done: A large cistern was got, filled with water, and made to stand six per cent with vitriol, in which was worked the bur wool. It was then strained off on to a wooden stretcher, taken straight away to the stove, dried quickly, and quickly, run through the teaser, after which every bit of the vegetable was gone. The acid only remained to be neutralised, pure wool remaining.
While this was going on, sport was much talked about. Mr, Farrar would not shoot for a wager. But he said to Mr. Blamires one day, "You talk about running; if I could only get my book-keeper to give you a spin, it would be rare fun ; and I think you would just have all your work set to beat him." And this is what I refer to above in reference to Mr. Ashton, who hardened me on so much that a friendly trial was agreed upon just beyond the wood in White Royds (now all cottages) where we at once repaired after dinner, and so bent on winning was Mr. Blamires that he actually pumped up a good dinner he had had at the Harp Inn, so that this should not impede his chance. But this was of no avail, and, without any show of boast, the Slaithwaite lad never having lost his speed by foolish or riotous living, but kept it well up in the cricket field, he had no difficulty whatever in leaving Mr. Blamires far behind, who certainly was much surprised, though he warmly congratulated the victor. Yes; cricket was played in connection with the Mechanics' Institution. We never allowed any swearing, bad language, or betting of any kind. We generally selected clubs of the same character-Marsden Mechanics' Institution, with Mr. E. O.
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Taylor, fast bowler, and ready on all occasions to fight manly for his side. Many were the duels we had, both personal and otherwise, but always ending in good feeling, notwithstanding the intensity of the struggles.
Lockwood Mechanics' Institution was another of our favourites, composed of such genial and well-cultured men as the late Sam Black, Fred Armitage, etc. We did not fare so well with Kirkheaton. Once Allen Hill came and got us all out for 13, and these were byes, not a run being scored from the bat.
Meltham Mills was near home, consequently the rivalry was keener. _ First one side and then the other were victorious. Old Joe Hirst (now living), then young, was a troublesome bowler to play, and the late R. Mellor was - a demon. Besides they had some good bats; the Heaps were very stubborn; but on one occasion we beat them so handsomely at Meltham Mills that a 'bus was chartered to run the victors home, who were received with loyal honours, escorted by a great crowd to the Commercial Hotel, and greeted with the cheers of what was then a grateful population, even for small things.
Can the Slaithwaite team of to-day beat Meltham Mills? On looking over the trials I am afraid it is often the other way. In any case we had a good team with no professional. Andrew Taylor, a slow round-hand bowler, from Dewsbury ; young Horsfield, the boiler maker ; one and sometimes two others from the Savile Club; and Mr. Joseph Sykes, late of Brockholes, used to come help. The rest were Slaithwaite lads, with Mr. Clarke, who was a servant of Mr. Hulbert's. They were a happy lot; we had sunny times. Most of the dear lads are dead, including the late C. Brierley, called "Tuck," who used to throw a beautiful somersault every time one of the opposing side was out.
Oh, football! We had none save at Christmas, when free kicking of shins and against stone walls with the ball were the order of the day. Now you have got it into a great science, and have some popular clubs. May I just ask to what end does all this tend? Have you not science classes to-day? - Or is it all cricket in summer, and football
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in winter? If so, you are in a bad way ; and, remember, there is no greater lover of sport than myself. Still there is something for the youth of this great country to do besides being the best in the field of sport. I only mention these things that it may not be all one way. Win as many cups as you can; but do not meet me with them on a Sunday in a wagonette, going from public-house to public- house to fill them with drink, dressed in your half-holiday dress, and arriving home in not a fit state to meet a loving father and a dear father. No; something higher, my lads, must be your end and aim in life. You must have science to meet the German in the world's field of commercial battle; some technical skill to beat the French and Belgians; and then, with the sturdy training you have in our English games and the culture hinted at above, you will, I feel sure, be a match for the American, and hold up for ever the dear old flag of England's supremacy, the best and freest in the world.
CHAPTER XX. Bumpmma anp Corton Miuu.
Ir it were asked what work in my life I liked most, I should answer and say, One's youthful ambition to do everything to benefit my fellow man, to promote his real interest, to make the world better, and to create more human happiness. That was the young ideal of a warm and generous heart; and the one thing that pleased me most was the £3, 000 that the poor entrusted me with at the penny savings bank.
The best days were those connected with the Mechanics' Institution-science classes, technical knowledge, and, later in life, free and untrammelled day schools, such a one as that commenced under Mr. Muxlow, B.A., at the opening of the new building at the Mechanics' Institution. The
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inhabitants of Slaithwaite up to this time had had to rely on the Church of England National Schools, which then were largely run in the interests of their religion, and at a time when there was no conscience clause to keep a child from the contamination of creeds as we have to-day. To build the Mechanics' Institution on the then slender means at our disposal was a great achievement, of which those engaged are justly entitled to be proud.
Sunday schools come next in my regard. The good they have done can never be overestimated, and the vast number of anniversaries one helped to make popular are among the dear memories laying very near to a grateful heart. Latterly, chapels, as soon as they got an organ, disbanded the instrumentalists who used to assist, much to the relief of the performers; but if the authors of the change had been true musicians, they would have known that the organ was the true basis on which to set up a proper band. In this sense much is lost to the once popular anniversaries.
Politics always had a wonderful charm in my early days. Young hopes ran high on the possibility of promoting freedom's cause, especially at a time when there was great need of help and willing hands to toil on the more barren soil.
I had no need to be ashamed of the high order obtained by brass bands, aided largely by the generous support of willing workers.
I was pleased to be one of those who helped to map out the Colne Valley Division for Parliamentary purposes.
The work of Local Boards when they came into operation had a strong fascination which could not be resisted. Their accomplishments have been very wonderful. Slaithwaite is no exception, as witness the widening of the hump-backed bridge, the gradual raising of Bridge Street down to the Guardian office, the widening of the streets, draining and paving, the leading up to and the final acquisition of the baths for and on behalf of the people, who will yet call the man blessed who had the foresight and courage to secure them on their behalf. Yes ; the good men who struggled in
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a dark far-off day to create sunshine where it had been dark, to give freedom where it had been slavery, and to give smiling happiness where it had been bitter sorrow. Well do I remember, when preaching these things in the Colne Valley, at one special meeting at Golcar-very likely in a speech too highly coloured, brimming with poetry, and in flowing and enthusiastic language-a man in the audience calling out at the top of his voice, "Shall we have to work, then?" Yes ; then and now ; we shall have to work, but it would be much sweeter if it were not for man's inhumanity to man.
How this has been increased by caucuses, etc., which choke individual worth and leave not a breath of liberty behind, how a designing man can put on religion and politics to serve his own ends spoils my picture, and helps to dim the rosy morn which one would like to see, and not obscure the future's brightness. Professionals are, as a rule, a terror to me; their consciences are so elastic, their tongues so oily, truth so easy ; it is impossible to tell what they will do and will not do under given circumstances. If it were not for some glorious exceptions, it would be a dark age in this direction.
Then, again, pure selfishness and unprincipled dealing are much to be abhorred. Stopping at nothing and using everything and everybody to their own ends 1s not desirable; neither is seizing every opportunity for power and pay ; anything but as a means to a miserable end. Or that a pleasant life should be spoilt by these vexations, and mar the fair horizon of a more beautiful life. We are only driven to think of these by the painful experience of after life. Now, whatever may have been the case since, these evil thoughts never entered the minds of those who started the Land and Building Society at the Commercial Inn, the house of Mr. G. H. Walker, the constant friend of
everything for the good of Slaithwaite.
The particulars of this are as follows: " At a meeting, April 26th, 1876, presided over by Mr. John Sugden, it was unanimously agreed that a Land and Building Society be formed-capital £20,000-and that the following be the
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directors-Messrs. G. Haigh, Joseph Crowther, William Crowther, J. Brierley, John Sugden, G. H. Walker, and D. Eagland." This building society managed to build a number of cottages for the workers, who were to have a house of their own and one to let, but to do this it was found that it would be very slow and require much money. So it was resolved by the Board that the building society should be merged into a cotton spinning company, to bring together capital and labour, and bind the two in closer union, especially the latter, which was to become its own employer, and I can say honestly that capital did help to this end, and if the workers did not take the shares it was their own fault, and if any have sold their shares since, the bigger fools they is all that can be said in extenuation.
There has been a worse class than these, and they were a few capitalists who invested a little money with fear and trembling, but, lest they should miss something, on the very first opportunity of a profit sold out, to the great detriment and danger of the company. Happily they did not break the show, the poor loan-holders held on their way, and have now either been paid back or trebled their security. To come back to facts, the change was made September 27th, 1876, at the first general meeting of the Land and Building Society, when, after a favourable balance sheet had been read, it was moved by Mr. H. Walker, seconded by Mr. G. H. Walker, and carried unanimously, that the share capital be increased to £50,000 in one pound shares, so as to be able to erect a cotton mill, the name to be changed to the Slaithwaite Spinning Co., the directors remaining the same. Mr. G. Haigh, by instruction, bought land from Lord Dartmouth at 2s. 6d. per yard. Plans were got out at once. Messrs. Eaglands got the contract, causing David to come off the Board. Mr. Elon Crowther was elected in his place, and Mr. G. H. Walker on the retirement of Mr. H. Walker. Mr. John Wood Beaumont was on for a short time, and until his death. Mr. G. Haigh, the chairman, died early, and Mr William Crowther was elected chairman, and Mr. Alfred Sykes succeeded Mr. Joseph Brierley when the latter died.
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Then came the tug-of-war.
The following list will be
interesting reading, and go a long way to show what had to be done afterwards to raise the requisite capital :-
£ £ G. Haigh ............... 500 | Wm. Crowther......... 500 J. Brierley ............ 500 | Elon Crowther......... 500 R. Walker ............ 500 | David Eagland......... 100 J. Mortimer ............ 100 | J. B. Eagland ......... 100 John Sugden . 100 | E. Eagland ............ 100 G. H. Walker ......... 100 | T. Mellor ......... cell.. 100 H. Maxwell ............ 100 | W. Varley ............ 50 J. Moss.................. 100 | J. Swift.................. 80 J. B. Freeman ......... 100 | W. E. Cotton ......... 100 H. G. Gledhill ......... 100 | William Sykes ......... 100 R. R. Armitage .. ... 100 | T. Wood ............... 100 K. Shaw =............... 100 | Jos. Sykes ............ 50 B. Sykes ............... 100 | E. Gledhill ............ 50 J. W. Greaves ......... 100 | Jos. Sykes 40 A. Thorp .............. 50 ___ J. Helliwell ............ 50 Joe Crowther ......... 500 oe £5,170
Mr. William Varley (the best of men) was manager until unfortunately he died, and since then his only son Thomas has worthily filled the arduous position. In this company, whatever men may say to the contrary, the one idea was to marry work and capital, and the struggle to accomplish it is best known to those who are left. The present wealthy men of to-day had not the money at that time to double and to double again their shares as they had to do to make it go, and to know where to get the needful were twin evils not easily surmounted. - But it was the making of them in those days, and in these latter and more degenerate ones. Don't be spoilt, please, with the greater power and larger abundance. Nothing was missed ; all was purely done in the interests of the company. No accountant was engaged, or solicitor consulted. The then unpaid secretary (myself) did the work at a total cost of about £7, including the stamp and a set of books of the value of more than half of this modest sum. _ There were no shares given, no
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promotion money, or over-valuation to owners, or after- wards to the promoters, etc., etc. No; they don't do so now-at least, altogether. A different class of men have come upon the scene, as evidenced by what has taken place in London and elsewhere. Not that there are no honest company promoters. Oh, dear no! Thank God, there are as good men as the Slaithwaite Spinning Company ; but, alas! there have been a few on the other side who work hand in hand with rosy prospectuses to induce a blind public to take up shares. This neighbourhood, I fondly hope, has none of these evils; but there are things so painful to me-in the betrayal and loss of my own business-that, bad as it is to have lost additionally £15,000 by bad debts in too readily trusting weak humanity, it is even worse to be deceived at last and to lose most you possess by simply believing those in whom you trusted. Here and now this has nothmg to do with the Slaithwaite Spinning Company ; only had my bit been all placed in this concern I should have been very much richer; all the years between could have been devoted to the public good, and my life made happy instead of otherwise.
It may be asked, How is it that this company is so good? (1) The men were honest who promoted it, and had no ulterior aim ; (2) they devoted themselves to make it a success by handsome depreciation ; (3) never paying a dividend until it was honestly earned ; took nothing out and kept all in; had a good man with the best manage ment and the latest machinery, all the time paying Good wages and securing the best conditions for the wmker, who was looked upon more as a partner in a great concern than as an employee. This is the feeling of the present board, and if ever this should unfortunately be otherwise, the sin will not lie at their door.
These men deserve all they get, and if there is one thing (commercially) of which I am honestly proud, it is my humble connection with this great company, which
as much as anything else 'has greatly helped to make Slaithwaite what it is.
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The Globe Worsted Company, largely promoted by the same men, will be a greater success in the future than in the past; and the Corn Mills, formerly belonging for a lifetime to Varleys, secondly to Messrs. Derbyshire, Haigh, and Sugden, and latterly to the co-operative societies of working-men, is happily doing better than ever it did before. So that I can say to finish, let all long continue to flourish and none decay, and, like John Gilpin, may 1 be there to see and drink at the flowing fountains of my youth.
Bent Ley is a very successful company, in which one is very happy, now helping unfortunate Meltham, where there is not a single power loom left. The lovely girls are made - still more beautiful by the clean work brought to their happy homes.
Dobeross Iron Works has brought with it care, many pleasant hours, and the companionship of some very good men; many, alas! dead, but happily we have left (with others) the present able managing director, Mr. E. Hollingworth.
The Yorkshire Union of Mechanics' Institutes I have been connected with for forty-five years, attended its best meetings with Sir Edward Baines, Sir James Kitson, and others, and up to the retirement of my dear old friend, Mr. Frank Curzon (early this year), had remained a constant friend and supporter.
Co-operation in Nlaithwaite has been very successful. What was called the "Yellow Co-op." is the bigger and older institution, and long held the field, until, at an election time, the committee ran their horse for the Liberal candidate. - This was strongly resented, and what was called the " Blue Co-op." was established out of the dispute, but happily ever since these organisations have worked side by side in friendly rivalry, always paying good dividends to their respective members. It will be well for these two societies to remember that churches, chapels, and schools were handsomely supported in the past by local shopkeepers, and that, having taken their businesses, they must not neglect the obligation.
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TaseErnacLr on txE Hiuus.
At the recent anniversary at Pole Moor, I see they got over £100. What a good collection this is, and how creditable to those who are left to continue the Christian labours at this tabernacle on the wild hills above Slaith- waite, made famous by the honourable life of the late Mr. Holmes, who did yeoman service in his day for this popular church by his zeal, devotion, and constant endeavour to win souls for Christ!
I remember the old gentleman well, for a dear mother used to take me by the hand to Pole Moor Chapel, then a miserable dark shell; pulpit due south, facing the congregation, who sat in the body in flat, straight-backed pews. There was a vestry at the end, where dinner was partaken of, and consisted mostly of a bit of bread and butter which had been carried in a handkerchief, and to which a little tea or coffee was made at the place. In going to Pole we should call on friends, and, like the river, gain strength as we went along. Well do I remember the summer following the winter, when old Mrs. Carter's fine boy was drowned in his skates on the Slaithwaite reservoir, just anent that small lane which leads up to Ing Head. At this point the ice was thin, and when the churchwardens turned out from church to clear the water, it being Sunday, all the skaters made for the top end towards Clough House Mill, and just at the point indicated this fine young fellow dropped in, never again to see his dear old mother alive. She, all unconscious at Pole Moor Chapel, was made aware of the calamity, and hardly ever smiled any more through this terrible loss. All day on Sunday every effort was made to rescue the body, but it was Monday forenoon when this was accomplished. I fancy I can see him now on the bier as he was taken home to his sorrowing parents, who received much consolation from Mr. Holmes and their numerous friends.
In talking over this event, when my mother called with me a Sunday later, how these dear souls did fret! The
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one in deep sympathy, the other in irreparable loss. All the circumstances so affected me that they have never been off my mind-giving another example, as it does, of how the poor can truly feel for each other in their great sorrows, and extend a consolation which money can neither buy nor command. ’
Arrived at the chapel, at the morning service, during the dinner hour, and between prayer meetings, I have heard some curious discussions on Christian work and doctrine between men and women, each or nearly all with a long clay pipe in his or her mouth. To-day I am not sure but that the ladies were the more inveterate smokers of the two, holding the pipe between their teeth like a sweet morsel, and handling it with their fingers with a delicacy worthy of a sweeter thing. The picture has so fixed itself on my mind that to see the same again is a great treat, and I only know one place where a lady can be found to recall this scene, and that is at Scapegoat Hill, an offshoot of Pole Moor. In later years I have seen this old dame turn and twist her pipe, leaning forward in her rocking chair, and sending forward volumes of smoke with a relish of sweet perfume, and at the same time the tongue lets out a richer fragrance in quaint sayings, strongly marked by a rich hillside Yorkshire brogue.
To go back to those old times at Pole Moor. An old man would say to his neighbour, " Well, Betty, lass, how has ta liked t' sermon this morning?" " Well, middling, John," she would answer, " but there was not as much grace as I should have liked, for tha knows it's little we can do as poor mortals to be saved, and if it were not for the love of God we should all be lost." " You have as little faith in works as ever," John would reply to Betty ; and the latter adds, " My salvation is from above, and if not that I should never have any at all." " But what about your children, Betty?" "Ah, they are dear to me, and you touch me on a tender subject when you mention them. Oh how I do pray daily that they may be of God's elect and of the chosen race; but this is not for me to decide. It must be left to One aboon, who, in His great mercy, I humbly beseech, will save mine. _ Man cannot
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alter it; we must leave it with the Lord." " But, Betty, you heard Mr. Holmes this morning say everyone that thirsteth, let him drink of the water of life freely ; let none be turned away. Is this not only a more Christian doctrine, but more humane, and more Christlike? _ You surely do not believe that there are children in hell. Come now (continues John), how would you like this applying to your own flesh and blood?" This was a poser to the dear old lady, who dearly loved her children, and when brought home had its effect, for she said, " They taught me the high doctrine in days gone by, which was hard to believe. Maybe we are mistaken, and let us hope with Mr. Holmes that heaven is open to all believers, and then my lads will have a chance." This picture shows not only the religious discussions of the times, but a touch of human nature which must come to a mother solicitous for her children, not only for this world, but for the world to come.
In this way Mr. Holmes did a great work in bringing the church to a sense of saving grace for all, and not for the few ; and if for nothing else, he deserves the blessings of
all good men and women for widening the doors to receive all the ransomed of the Lord.
There were those who were not so soon convinced as Betty ; they were not all mothers, and some of these old Roundheads stuck (as they said) for the faith delivered to the saints, and caused old Mr. Holmes to have many a bad hour, but he triumphed in the end. No minister or man I know did ever a greater service to the church, and at a time when it was greatly needed, and when there was some danger of losing his place by preaching a freer Gospel. To show his broad faith, every Shrovetide he would come down to Slaithwaite and join the Wesleyan body in promoting the mission of the Bible Society, and in this manner and in other ways built up a great church at Pole Moor, with its branches here and there, etc., etc., a history of which has been given in the Slasthwasite Guardian, and may be reproduced elsewhere very shortly. Suffice here and now to say that this man of God has left a great name, a greater work, and passing rich on £50
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a year, a great example to all and sundry who might be tempted to make money out of preaching; not that a parson should not have his just reward (a labourer is always worthy of his hire), but to keep him pure from money's contagion, and at the same time free from poverty, that he be not dependent on the rich. This will preserve for him that freedom to preach a faithful gospel with power, and safe from trammels which might otherwise injure the greatest cause on earth; that is true religron.
CHAPTER XXII. An Onn Romance or tur CounE VALLEY.
Tur old war horse has come off active service. It is now confined to a lovely croft, surrounded by beautiful trees, pleasant grounds, good water, plenty of provisions, and a warm shelter against adverse winds. The numerous battles in which he has been engaged through a long life have scarred and wounded the old campaigner; the shells have so shattered the knees that they knuckle down, and are no longer to be relied upon. Besides the eyesight is some- what dim with the flashes of powder exploded in many a fierce battle; the hair, once raven black, has turned white and straggling ; and the slender and graceful form of youth
is somewhat gfioddy.
Whoever could have thought that this fine old gentleman would ever have grown old, or that this strong character would ever have succumbed to physical weaknesses? So strong in individuality, so determined in principle, so forcible in character was he, that he seemed like Ajax, able to defy the gods.
What a fighter!-never sheathing his sword so long as a challenger came forward, giving and accepting no quarter. Up to old age, he was always the victor, if not by entirely destroying his opponent, then by cleverly knocking him out of the arena.
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He had nursed himself to believe that he was always in the right, a dangerous thing to do; he had no pity for those who opposed him, nor any patience with their arguments, but steadily went on to exterminate the enemy, and all for what he called the good of the country and the happiness of mankind.
With this story picture before him, the gentle reader will be surprised that underneath all this haughty exterior there was as gentle a heart as that of a woman's, full of as much sympathy, and as warm as a summer's sun. I freely admit that he had a strange way of hiding this better side, and did much at times to make this better nature look cold, cruel, and insolent; and yet nothing could be farther from the mark. The moment the strong warrior gave up the fight you had a man capable of the highest sentiment.
He started in youth as a comparatively poor dyer, a lad of a large family. He had to do a man's work when totally unfit; in fact, he was more like going off in a consumption than living, as he has done, to build up a reputation and a great business.
He was always so busy; one could hardly think him capable of a romance, which was all the more beautiful because he was despised, and the girl was one of the most beautiful at the head of the valley. But, what was more, she was one of the best in disposition and the kindest in heart. Wealth and position did not turn her head. Virtue was all her own, and kindness her constant
companion.
Her father was a rich, stately man. He had no dealings with the lower order of things. Church and King were his motto, and he vowed destruction to all and sundry who opposed. Not that he was a bad fellow. Oh, no! The unfortunate training and the bad methods they adopted in those days were responsible for those mistakes. A good Tory to-day has the best of it because he has not promised too much, and has fulfilled more than was ever expected of him. He is a sort of persona grata to every class in
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society. Not so then. If this poor villager ventured to oppose the proud father in Church and State, however could he expect to gain his lovely daughter?
Hence comes the romance and the struggle. Our hero was determined and resolute.
When a dispute arose about the burial ground, without one moment's hesitation he called the people to the churchyard, mounted a tombstone, and warmly denounced the powers that were, of which the father of his beloved sweetheart was one. He moved a trenchant resolution
against them, and, what is more, carried it with a large majority.
At Easter it was just the same, and the fight for the people's warden was prodigious. But it was at Parlia- mentary elections that the great tug of war came. The Tory party was then the stronger, and the odds were great against the Progressives, or anything this young enthusiast could do. _ And what injured his chance of winning the fair young bride did not put him any forrader with the popular cause. When he could steal a clandestine interview in the lovely grounds above the murmuring stream that ground the corn for a starving people, he in such a moment told of his attachment to listening ears. " But," said she, " why do you torment my dear father on questions which need not come between you and I1? If you would only let him alone our union would present no difficulties, but would be as sweet and pleasant as the flowers which adorn these pleasant gardens where we sit. Only the other day he told me never should I have his consent to marry the bitter enemy of his life"; and she whispered with tears, " If I do marry you, I shall have to be cut off from a fond mother and home. Why should you make my young life so full of sorrow, when it might be brimming over with sweetness, joy, and bliss?" Then he answered that all the world was nothing to him. Life would be of no use without the dear object of his heart. He would welcome death rather than her loss. Anything, everything, would he give up to her but his liberty, which must remain, and his principles must prevail. Ask any-
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thing but these, and he would strive with all his might to grant, and with all his fervour pray and work for. With these fears and doubts they tore themselves asunder, pledging to meet again, with fond hopes of not always being kept apart. *
With many strong resolves the young man vowed to take his bride. The proud father determined that his daughter should never be handed over to the enemy. On this the gentleman felt safe, and here on his own grounds he would triumph. - Wait a bit-not so certain, my dear sir! - When the warm affection of a young heart has been given over into the safe keeping of a reciprocal bosom, it is not so easily withdrawn. The resourcefulness that came to hand in such an emergency never fails true and faithful lovers, so these two solemnly pledged themselves (no matter what the consequence) to marry on the first occasion which presented itself, and in such cases Providence invariably comes to the rescue. Early one day the two were united in what was a most happy marriage, for which the father never forgave the son-in-law. In after life he would never go to the house if it were possible for the husband to be there, and 1 don't believe the old gentleman ever spoke to him again.
What queer things in life! How curiously sums work out; and what events follow each other in quick succession | In this case the lady left the hall, and with it greatness and wealth, for honour and the cottage; but the owner of the latter ultimately made it into a mansion for the comfort of his graceful wife and happy children. They lived a charmed life, until death took the dear one away, leaving a vacant spot never to be filled; but the sacred memory of a sainted mother is ever cherished by the son, her girls, and the disconsolate husband.
Where is the romance? Alas! the wealth, hall, lands, _ mills, and business have all gone from the rich father's family-not one left to tell the tale; and if it had not been for the depised and rejected son-in-law there would not have been a gleaning left to keep up a remnant of the race. ’
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CHAPTER XXIII.
Tur CoRONATION.
All the world's a stage- And all the men and women merely players, Having their exits and entrances: At first the infant mewling ; Then the whining schoolboy ; Then the lover, manhood, and middle age ; After which spectacles on the nose; and, Last scene of all, that which ends Man's strange and eventful history on earth.
It is not just so with the history of a place, or a town, or of a city, or a nation, though there are many examples in the past very like the life of man, and there are many more hastening to the same end. Happily this does not apply to England. - The dear old country seems to be rejuvenating into the youngest, the finest nation on earth, with every prospect of being even more so, and offering peace, plenty, and happiness all over the globe where the British flag flies. Hence the great diamond jubilee during the reign of our late beloved Queen, and what would have been the greatest function in the world, viz., the coronation of our present King, only stopped for a time by the tragic illness, which happily passed away. From the ends of the earth all classes and conditions of men and women came to rejoice with and to honour the King. The Queen of Sheba in all her glory was not in it in our day; that pageant was as a toy compared with ours. The prepara- tions at home had been tremendous, every town being not only ready but anxious for the fray. No place for its size was more ready, or more amply provided for, or more enthusiastically ready to enter into the spirit of loyalty than Slaithwaite. To me the scene will ever be before my eyes as one of gratitude to God to see such happiness and prosperity in my native town.
The pleasing sight made me look back to the far-distant days of our youth, when poverty, stagnation, and non- progress were the order of the day, with population and
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rateable value going down, and little hope of better things. Those were dark days for Slaithwaite, but a better sign came with the energy of a number of energetic sons and daughters and the better rule, which had been brought about after a long battle with the lord of the manor and the parson. _ The latter gave up the contest, and the former (Lord Dartmouth) is now the best landlord in the kingdom for concession and fair dealing. This has helped Slaithwaite most materially, and gone far to help to make the place that prosperous community that it is to-day, so ready and able to coronate, as we have said before.
Those having the control had acted wisely to go on with the proceedings as arranged. All the circumstances favoured them ; the King's improvement and the weather did wonders to make it a glorious success-so much so that the reader will forgive me for mentioning these things to- make a chapter to be printed with these notes as a memento of the great day's rejoicing, and the noble part played by this the Queen Village of the Colne Valley. Not more prosperous than the immediate and happy neighbours, but more central and beautifully situated in the lovely valley which has attained such a wide reputation for its progress and prosperity.
If I had the pen of Goldsmith, I could from pure love write of this inhabited place as the genial poet wrote of his deserted village, and call it, without offence to adjacent towns,
"The loveliest village of the plain, Where health and plenty cheered the labouring swain ; Where smiling spring its earliest visit paid, And parting summer's lingering blooms delayed."
Or, again (and the kind reader will let me say from the same beloved author; it will amply repay to read the whole poem) :-
" Yes; let the rich deride, the proud disdain, These simple blessings of the train, To me more dear, congenial to my heart, One native charm, than all the gloss of art."
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No wonder, then, that the far-distant past, the dawn of the middle age, and the maturity of to-day should have such a fascination for me, and when those in power rose so nobly to do honour to the King, one may judge of my gratitude, and how heartily I congratulate all on the grand display they made on that memorable Friday-the best selection, as it turned out to be, that could be made for the festivities. Though the King was il, he was rapidly getting better, and this gave heart to the whole proceedings.
Where everything was done so well, it would be invidious to particularise, but who could have thought to have lived to see such a display as Slaithwaite made? The thousands of quiet, orderly people, looking on amid a blaze of sun, and beaming satisfaction witnessed all round.
The children from the various schools made a vast throng, and, what was best, it was as it ought to be with those going to heaven-there was no distinction or bickering on the way. Then the politicians joined together, as they always should when national honour is required or a service to the State needed. The Freemasons, the oldest known Order, joined with others to do honour to the occasion. There were the picturesque, the historical and local figures; and as nobody has mentioned my old friend, Dan Wood, I am sure, for the sake of auld lang syne, he will not let me say that he was remarkable, and cut a bold figure in the gay assemblage.
The trade exhibits would have done credit to Hudders- field, and that is saying a great deal. But to me the little May Queens were the bonniest in the lot. There was only one regret, and that was that there were different prizes. For to me they were all good alike, and may the dear little things live until they are old, not only as an emblem of one of the greatest events in the world's history, but as the sweet queens of an ever-growing town, with no possibility of decay-of a continuous growth, not only in the future, but of all that is best to make that greater Britain the wonder and admiration of the world.
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CHAPTER XXIV.
SUMMER IN THE VALLEY, ETC.
the young summer is just on the bloom, it will not be amiss to make use of this lovely time for a little homily - pertaining to a personal matter-a dangerous subject-as between vanity on one part and to do justice on the other, and at the same time cover up a terrible defeat inflicted many years ago. The circumstances are recorded in one of the chapters on " Politics," and will be fresh in the memory of the reader. At the time I was awfully cut up that the friends of my youth, the working-men of the Colne Valley, should join the wealthy men of the place to keep out one of their own order. I suppose it always was and always will be so. A prophet hath no honour in his own country ; reward is not often given for honest work ; and, worst of all, it seems as if the workers will never learn to help or support one of their own order, lest he should
either get up or get on.
The men of England must give up this mean policy, and if they will and could but trust one another and do right, and ask only for reasonable things, then the destiny of England might be left in their hands for good. This it will be said is problematical. Very likely so; but one would like, in the sere and yellow leaf of life, to go down to the Great unknown with a sure and certain hope of better thm os, for the greatest happiness for the greatest number. And above all, that the latter would have sense to be just, not only to each other, but to every other class in society. Reasonable in their demands, to do nothing to injure, but everything to improve or reform, and to let well alone. When they do this, one can depart in peace, but until that time comes let us rejoice together in the glories of a summer time, the length of days, the warmth of the sun, the sweetness of the flowers, and the melodious songs of the birds, who come from far and near to build their nests and watch their young, to sweeten our lovely valley, at once teaching us lessons of purity, honourable struggles with great difficulties, and determined perseverance to
overcome them all.
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Lives of great men (as well as little birds) all remind us that we can make life sublime if we only follow in the footsteps indicated, so that many a down-trodden soul just seeing may take heart again. In the sense of all who have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to enjoy, what a happy land this would be! Some men are always after four pennyworth of copper, as if this were the end or ideal of life. Some will do anything to get it, and it is most painful what men will resort to for this purpose. Nothing could be more mistaken, for there is not one thing that lowers the human mind so much as when a poor mortal gets so low down as to make sordid metal his only god. Remember the rich and many of the so-called poor need grace to guard against this great danger. Happily one can say for the Colne Valley that many in all ranks of society have worked hard to promote the prosperity of the place; and what matters it if a little more of this world's gear has stuck more to one than another? A good mind
can richly "thoil" it, and a bad one is not worth considering.
Let us then get back to nature, all smiling, that we can hail each morn with rapture as the dawn ushers in each live-long day to witness our most beautiful scenery, which is a natural inheritance, belonging to the inhabitants of the earth. The lord in the mansion, the manufacturer in the hall, the professional in his woodbine cottage, and the worker at the loom, and all that is therein in this united combination are just as one. The open air is free. The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. What a wonderful republic, the truest in the world, and that
because Jehovah reigns in mercy, and nature is his true handmaid !
It is now in the merry month of May. - How many garlands will be woven by nature's own web to the universal delight of the whole world. How puny man's vain efforts are compared with the joys of this delightful time! Carpets in the hall have no charm with these on nature's own floor, and lose all their attraction, for in the open air all find one charm, new life, fresh hopes, and get sights of better things, that make this earth a heaven to those who
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will but see. Take just one little flower in June, viz., that of the wild rose found in our hedges. Could anything be so beautiful or sweet, so delicate or more lovely tinted, proving as it does that love in a cottage can be as pure and as sweet as that in the hall. Indeed, nature is the grand leveller of all human pretensions, making us all of one common stock, liable to the same sorrows, dividing the same joys, and driven to one common end or destiny..
Then let us drink and be merry while the summer lasts, for winter will come again with its colds, thick mists, drenching rain, wintry winds, and dark nights, to try the delicate, test the strong, sober the young, and perhaps finish the aged. No matter how, this will go on for ever as Tennyson says of the brook :-
"I steal by lawns and grassy plots, I slide by hazel covers ; I move the sweet forget-menots That grow for happy lovers. I slip, I slide, I gloom, I glance, Among my skimming swallows ; I make the netted sunbeam dance Against my sandy shallows. And out again I curve and flow To join the brimming river ; _ For men may come and men may go, But I go on for ever."
CHAPTER XXV.
A Lmcarps
Not everyone will know why Broadfields are called Tanners. For their information let me tell such that at one time a large business was done here in tanning, which 18 another of those industries lost to Slaithwaite. 'The pits were filled up in my time and made into a garden for the three cottages, to one of which my dear old friend G. Haigh brought his lovely young bride from Golcar. Long before the time I am speaking about lived Tanner Shaw, and this
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is what gave it its name. He was a man of substance, a large farmer with many head of cattle, occupying all the lands in the bottoms as well as all Broadfields. In this line he did an extensive business. It used to be one of the sights to see all the animals returning at night to their home-something like the Swiss cattle returning from the mountains. A large number of men and women found employment with fair wages and under a good master. There was no compensation to workmen when injured, but Tanner Shaw, when one of his wild bulls had killed his head farmer man in the Bottoms, the kind-hearted master ever after looked to the unfortunate family. The New Line, known to everybody, was not then made. People had to climb the hump-backed road leading between School Terrace and Springfield to get to Holthead. Population was thin and scattered. _ There were a few substantial manufacturers, such as the Sykes, the Holroyds, the Haighs, and two good blue dyehouses, one at Mellors and another at the top of New Line, from which the Dyer's Arms took its name, and this has only been pulled down within the last few years, whilst the former, or what remains, is used by Mr. Thomas Ashton for his wool scouring. At this place dlso was Mr. Amos Ogden, who married a Miss Mellor, and carried on an extensive business in fancy waistcoats, employing nearly all the hand-loom cottages in and about Lingards. One of the family, a successful Manchester man, came down a few years ago and gave £5 to the Mechanics' Institute in remembrance of the place of his birth. Lingards at an early period was a place of some importance owing to its many industries; the inhabitants felt a little better than their neighbours. They stuck to each other as they do to-day, for where one Lingarian goes another is sure to follow, and for religion go mostly to the Church ; but there were always a few staunch Baptists and other dissenters, who were the principal supporters of the Holthead General Sunday School, which has done good work since its erection.
- The formation of the township was always beautiful. On the long side facing the River Colne to Marsden, and
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commanding an extensive view of Slaithwaite and beyond, running up to the wild moors on the south, inclusive of Deer Hill and hooters Nab to Meltham and beyond. While on the east side runs that lovely little brook, one of the picture spots in the locality-in olden time wooded up to its brim and very far beyond, so much so that there used to be at times a great felling of the trees. The bark was reserved for Tanner Shaw, and the large trunks were sent away and the smaller pieces were burnt to charcoal, then an article of great value, but now nearly done away with by the modern cordite. No wonder, then, that while Lingards was of much note and so prosperous it should excite the cupidity of less favoured places and people. Slaithwaite was in a worse condition. Many of the inhabitants were very poor, lived in wretched dwellings on the moor side, and had to make a living, when hand-loom weaving was bad, by going to Sheffield, Wentworth, Woodhouse, and other places in singing companies, at which art I have often been told they were great experts, and generally got amply rewarded. There were others whom I fear did worse by forming bands of marauders, who went from place to place, taking what they could get and hiding the same in caves-- in such places as Merridale Wood-such as wool, cloth, spirits, groceries, draperies, etc. - Anyway, be this as it may, there were men who had to go away and never return. We will not be hard on them. They were very poor. - It was a dark age, and they knew no better. Fortu- nately they were a small minority, driven by grinding poverty to great distress. No wonder if they did find this wrong means to stave off their abject misery and long suffering. However, a time came which ended all this, and this was the tragedy mentioned at the beginning of this story. As we said, Lingards was better off, and Tanner Shaw, being a man of substance, was an object of envy to the poor.
No wonder, then, that one unfortunate night, at & meeting of the band, it was resolved to rob this yeoman of part of his wealth. A date was fixed, at the dark of the Slaithwaite moon, for it had this orbit to itself then as now. There was no gas or light of any kind. At the
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(Chairman of the Colne Valley Liberals).
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appointed time they sallied forth up by the School Terrace, on the old road to the tanner's house, amid great silence. An entrance was made. The old tanner and his wife were taken by surprise in their bedroom. Their money was demanded, and, when not willingly given, was forcibly taken, under great threats as to the consequences if resistance were made. The rest is soon told. The men were allowed to depart with their booty. But, alas! for one of them who was marked, and when daylight did appear the cry of the valley was that Tanner Shaw, at Broadfields, had been robbed during the night. The one principal culprit was loudest in disseminating this know- ledge to cover his guilt. This was no good. He was known, as mentioned before. _ The constable got on his track. He was tried at York, found guilty, and when brought back to his native village it was in his coffin, along with the rope which had strangled his last breath, for a crime which to-day would be condoned by one or two months' imprisonment. _ They were cruel laws, happily repealed since then, for a more merciful and remedial administration of justice.
CHAPTER XXVL Hoxourasur
Txs subject is a very thin ice on which to slide-how near the water-and how soon one must inevitably fall in were he even to try to skate on so slender a substance, viz., as to who may have done most to build up the better Slaithwaite, and alter the whole aspect of the Colne Valley. It is a large and difficult question, and the honour belongs to so many that it is impossible not to be invidious were an attempt to be generally made, more especially when so many good men have honourable records and deserve so well by their devotion to promote the rise and progress of the place.
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I might be tempted to try if human nature were not so weak, jealousies so great, and ambitions so vain. It is not that one fears these things, but, like sleeping dogs, they had better lie. Then, again, it is too soon to write about the younger men ; these notes have a greater reference to the old men; and maybe I should blunder and fail, being no great hand at unstinted praise. Besides, if I wrote up my friends as they deserve to be, my enemies would call me a slave, a tool, and a time-server in the hands of the rich, a position against which my independent soul revolts. No; I have had my say in my time both about the rich and poor, never failing to be free, and ever holding to principles whether they prospered or failed. We had only one idea, and that was : Is it right? If so, follow it. The few utterly selfish men never thought of these things. All they asked was: Will it pay? With this the idealist has no chance whatever, and he may at once put up his shutters. But there is something better than this, and that is to leave the world better than we found it. Less misery and more joy, less sorrow and more happiness, less suffering and more comfort, less sickness, better health, and 1011061 life, together with a famer dlstrlbutlon of all those better things which co to make something like the world which is to be.
I do not say all the men in the valley are inbued with these ideas alone. They will tell you honestly that, while they do justice to all, they are here to make money, but the beauty of it is for humanity's sake, that they cannot do this without benefiting the less favoured. So on the lower ground let us be generous, and bless the day that men have prospered, and to that extont as to make this district distinguished both for its honourable workers and other pioneers too numerous to mention, and, like the organist and the old blower, the two have done it together, and if one gets a little more than the other, the good time is coming when it will be more equal, and until that day let us give honour to whom honour is due.
I may be allowed to mention the woollen manufactures down to Linthwaite only, without disrespect to the many others equally deserving outside. Who can or will hlame
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me for saying what a family the Crowthers have been-not one miss-how the Colne and the Holme have run quicker by the floods of push and energy they have been enabled to put into the two streams, and how much they owe to the gentle lady, their sainted mother? The good influence she inspired has been felt in this district by implanting one or more of this name into the successful commercial life up to and around Huddersfield. With Mr. Joe on the
box it is a strong team.
At Marsden, Mr. Robinson has kept up his wicket. Mr. Bruce has been a good fielder. Mr. Fisher and Mr. Hirst have done well at point, and the Firths are all good players.
Pearson Brothers, at Commercial Mills; J. Holroyd, at Upper Mill; William Hirst, at Shaw Carr; BE. Shaw, at Clough House; and Robert Bates, Platt Mills, have made progress. The good work taken over from the Meals at the dyehouse by Mr. Joseph Quarmby and Mr. Samuel Sugden, under the name of Messrs. Meal and Quarmby, proved a great success, beginning in a very small way with donkey loads to Meltham Mills and ending with two wagons a day; built the present new dyehouse, and did much as one of the most successful firms in this line of business in the district to help to build up Slaithwaite. The same dyeworks are now most successfully carried on by Messrs. William Brook and Sons, two young men who are keeping up the reputation of the place, providing a large employment here and at Honley, and doing something to advance the commercial value of the town and district. Mr. C. H. Beaumont has done well at Old Corn Mill, since extended to Shaw Carr Wood Mill; made much progress, and added materially to the general prosperity of this growing community.
Messrs. G. Mallinson and Sons and C. Lockwood and Sons (near neighbours) are very similar in prosperity, as also G. Cock and James Dyson, of worthy fame. And still the stream runs on, gaining strength as it flows with a growing tide too deep for me to entel so I must leave its banks or be drowned if I further attempt - to
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describe the volume of deserving men and even
more successful firms which follow on below and nearer Huddersfield.
Messrs. James Woodhead, manufacturing chemist, and Willie Varley, joiner, each have obtained high honours at the Technical College for special subjects in which they had excelled, and their names are on the honourable board of mention. Mr. Thomas Lawson (Mr. Varley's son) has zone one better, and become a distinguished professor in science at a Scottish University. Mr. Cotton has developed a large business at Tape Cotton Mill and Low Westwood. Mr. Ashton persevered with his wool, and Mr. Blackburn with his rugs.
It may justly be said also that the Co-operative move- ment (for and by the people) has advanced with equal rapid strides, and many other good trades and men prospered.
I have not been able to touch upon or mention all that is worthy of notice, so must beg pardon for all omissions, and if I have inadvertently wounded anyone, let it pass, please, because such a thing was never intended.
Perhaps I should have mentioned the Freemason's Lodge, its generous founders (dead and alive), the many canty days we have had with one another at the Lewisham Hotel, in the far-back time of long ago ; the foresight of the brethren in selecting so favourable a site and erecting the present pile of useful buildings, not only for the lodge, but for the shops to help the noble cause if need be.
This 1645 was one of the first of the lesser lights to raise the banner from the public-house to a home of their own. Saddleworth, Meltham, Thornhill, Kirkburton, Milnsbridge, have all splendid new buildings of their own, and long may they prosper, not only in the heart, but in numbers, to carry out those noble principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth.
One more matter of satisfaction to me is that Slaithwaite has a paper all its own, not in opposition to others of older date and greater influence maybe, but because it belongs to the soil as it were. Long may it live to grow in grace
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and greater usefulness and materially add to the greater happiness of its increasing population, so that the local | press, representing the mtellect may be equal to its growing wealth-hantmaidens, if you like-helping each other to swell the progressive tide of this most favoured valley. To use the words of my favourite poet, Robert Burns :-
" Wham ne'er a town surpasses For honest men and bonnie lasses."
CHAPTER XXVII. Tur Days or My Your.
Heres and before I have sung and said from my heart-the joys, the sorrows, the hopes of my young life, and many after days. In giving these I have to recall what the sufferings of a family have been with a drunken father. In early da} S this honourable man was a clever designer and weaver of fancy shawls, etc., and was for years the foreman of Mr. Amos Ogden, Lingards, and afterwards filled similar situations at Spring Head and at Moldgreen. At this time I first remember him well, coming home on the Saturdays with some of the other boys who had just begun to work with him. Young as I was, it was plain to be seen that he was not as steady as in former times, and the bright intellect of the man was becoming injured by the too free indulgence in intoxicating drinks. Always a hail fellow well met he was in constant danger, ready to discuss any question, and always mixing with those in better positions, who even sought his genial company. The reader will begin to understand that the money spent in these directions would have been much better at home. in the mean time the dear mother had to silently struggle with her numerous boys and one only girl. I remember
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one day she was very cross at something I had done that she turned sharply round to me and said, "I will not be talked to with thee. I have had too much to do for you all. - When tha wer in thy cradle I had to rock and weave at the same time by fastening the cradle band to the sley board of my loom, working all the day, and had to do
the home work, haking and washing, at nights."
Still we were happy. The marlocks of the younger end were something sublime; though often in straits for food, never really short. This fond mother would have died first; hut of clothes they were not very numerous, nor very fashionable, or very whole. Many of these had come from the better people, who had a streng sympathy with the family in their straits and difficulties. There was a lame lad, nearest and dearest because of his musfortune, and it was the constant consolation of the dear parent that the Lord would in some way or other provide for the lame and the blind. Poor soul! sho believed in her Bible, and had faith in her religion. Anyway, the lad was happy in his youth, and in after life was respected not only at home, but in the town of Bury, where he went to in later life.
Those young days were the happiest of his and his brother's lives. In summer, at Nields, the days were the longest, the pleasure the greatest: bird nesting, bathing in the River Colne, which ran just below, and fighting the young battles of life with a rich Bohemianism that no other form can present. For instance, when a pair of trousers were given to one of the boys, if they were too long (which was often the case) the legs were cut short to fit, but presenting a width which the lesser brother (for fun) would try to creep up for the amusement of the rest. The richest in the land were not happier, for these poor lads loved one another with that intensity which only poverty seems to create. A crust of bread, a smile from the dear mother, a home to rest in at night, and the wild woods by day formed an everlasting summer to them.
Time came when work squandered the happy family, and my early struggles began by working at the mill
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when eleven years of age. I had to walk to Meltham and back in all weathers, getting up in the morning at 4-30 and returning in the evemncr at about 7-30 for 3s. 6d. a week wages. This was lather too much, and as soon as possible 1 got work elsewhere, nearer home. It will be seen by this that I could not have had much education ; indeed, the odd bit was in a very short spell with John Mellor, at the National School. Judge, then, my position on finding myself in this dark condition made miserable by the worse and worse state we found ourselves by the unfortunate habits which poor father had contracted. Oh! the vows I made in those early days that I would never be a drunkard. Are they not recorded in my heart, and very likely have prevented me travelling this downward road? Only a suffering child knows the misery of a home lost by drink. It is horrible; it saddens everything; it blights all hope and destroys all happiness.
My father knew all this, but he had not the courage to emancipate himself from the dire ruin. In his better moments there was no fonder parent, who was sought after for his intelligence, mixed with better men, and alas ! resorted to the pubhc—houses where in those days they could play cards until morning.
This was a bad job for the home, and you must be there if you want to know what real suffering is to a high- spirited son who warmly resented these things. In reply what I got was, " It is a pity, but I cannot resist it, but by my misfortune you learn to do better." A hard lesson at the best, but better than none at all. Judge, then, how one had to struggle. The Mechanics' Institute became my school; an old tea box was my library and desk, in which I stored my class books and Cassell's Popular Educator, which did much in those days to help neglected education, and in this manner grew up to manhood somewhat respected, and in my day and generation tried to make
the world better than I found it.
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CHAPTER XXVIII . Ou»
A sturpy and, an upright woman, with a strong will, a rich faith, and strong determination. The wonder was that one so marked should have married a man who, though much respected, was only weak when compared with his more ener getic spouse. 'The old lady baked bread and went out with leeches, then largely recommended by the doctors to get bad blood away in disease, and she was as much in requisition as the medical man. Many are the times when one has seen the old lady with her pots going to a poorly house-to the youngster it was almost like going to a funeral ; and often the two things went together, so that it left a Gloomy effect on the mind. Sometlmes when the dear old lady could not attend, the old man was given a chance, but he was not as expert as his wife. And, maybe if there was a public-house near, he might have got a glass too much, and then would get a mild blessing when he cot home. No; the people preferred the wife, for she could discourse about the scripture with the skill of a learned divine, and many are the consolations she would vive, especially to those whom she called the elect. On this doctrine she was eminent, never missing a point or
relenting an inch.
Such was the way with a number of people at that time. Gadsby had left a strong mark behind by his eloquent preaching on these thSIdQQ which stuck to old Malley strongly. She would talk to you at the door of her little baking shop at Hollins Row as long as ever she could spare time from her bread about the faith delivered to the saints. _ Then the old man (her husband) in some moods, coming home, would knock it all out again. It was an exclusive doctri ine, but if you happened (as in my case) to be the child of one who went to her chapel, it made all the difference in the world. You had the best of bread to eat, and the strongest of leeches to get you well
again.
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It is a little world, but there is a greater beyond. When we get there we shall see whether " Malley" of the old or the newer faith was the better, hut let us hope that both have led sinners to salvation.
CHAPTER XXIX.
Tox Kirk.
old man, when I see him limping, crooked and slow, reminds me what the finest athlete in the world is liable to through no fault of his own, in this case in particular, for a quieter man or a more sober man I do not know. He has been a honest hard worker from his youth upwards, has brought up a respectable family, and one (Frisk) I know well as a cheerful, good-natured, and strong man, fondly attached to his mother, and who can or could ride a bare-backed donkey standing up with the ease and comfort of a first-rate artiste at a circus, going full speed ; but, alas! like his poor father, now stricken with disease. The father did not shine in great deeds, but was a most noted man as a dancer when Slaithwaite was a little seaport town. He was a boater in those days, of steady habits, and for single-step dancing (then in full swing) he had no equal in the neighbourhood. The large number of boatmen who came into the town sometimes used to try conclusions with this marionette, for he simply was just as if his body was held up by strings, so lithe and active was he on his pins. No matter where they came from, they had no chance with Tom. Dan Leno himself could not have beaten him at this job; but, then, every young man could do a little at step dancing. What would feasts and fairs have been without it? The public-house was the arena where the village swains showed their prowess.
Many are the times that one has seen these contests. The Commercial, the Shoulder, Dartmouth (Tidings), and
the Globe (Ephraims) were the hotels situated near the canal, and here the contests waged fast and furious. A
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young man and his maiden would go-the former to contest his skill, and the latter to admire and encourage. It was not so much drinking, as one of these things a young buck should be able to do. I have, in later life, seen old Mr. Joe Lumb, Folly Hall Mills, give a step at Thornton's Hotel to let them see what old men could do.
But to come back to Tom Kirk. He was a clipper and never beaten. _ Dwell on those happy day dreams, old man, and think-if your limbs are stiff to-day-there was a time when none were more active, spirits more high, or hopes more unbounded. These feelings will help you on many a lonely day, and spread a flower or two to sweeten the road to the great unknown to which we are all travelling. Poor Frisk is now dead and gone before.
CHAPTER XXX. Bext Ley Muu.
Wuart a busy place Bent Ley Silk Mill is to-day, now that all the extensions are completed, and the new engine running so smoothly! It is like a hive of busy bees, all manipulating the soft skeins of the tender silkworm, where lovely girls find clean and healthy employment and stronger men do the harder work. Meltham finds the place a real help in time of need to make up a little for its decaying industries, which have been too marked during the last few years, now especially that the woollen trade has nearly gone, but, let us hope, not for ever. The men have found work elsewhere, and are to be seen in the morning at the station, going by the early trains to earn their daily bread, and returning at night like hares to the old ground which they love so well. Still, the old village does not seem impoverished, for hands are not to be had, and Bent Ley is that short-handed that workers have had to be imported with the Nottingham branch to fill in the vacancies. What a change for the dwellers of the good old town of ancient history and of progressive manu-
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facture! Trent Bridge, with its boulevards ; Colwick Hall, the ancient place where Lord Byron went to woo (now the racecourse), and the old hall turned into an hotel, and its ancient lake and evergreen woods the resort of the workers of the lace city ; Clifton woods and grooves, with the winding Trent silently slipping round the well-wooded banks. All these will often be remembered, and the little outs to Thurgarton and Bleasby to see their favourite river, or to catch fishes in the famous reaches in and around Hoveringham Ferry, together with the beautiful and historical sights too numerous to mention. They may at first sigh for the home they have left, but will soon find that the land they have come to is one to make them welcome and find remunerative work to make them comfortable. _ Neither is the happy valley devoid of beauty, sheltered as it is by the hills, which shield it from storms, and make an amphitheatre nearly as fine as that of Rome. What could be prettier than Hall Heys above the mill where they work; High Brow Hill, leading to the level plain of South Crosland; Netherton, standing boldly out on the eastern side, pointing to the early morn? Wilshaw offers many points of attraction, leading to that charming retreat, Wood Cottage, and again to the Isle of Skye, and far away to the ever memorable " Bill's o' Jack's," and its wild moorlands. These and other scenes will well compen- sate them in summer for any loss they may have sustained, and in the long run be an ample reward for their sojourn in the land, which, if not flowing with milk and honey, is a place where they can find rest and as good conditions (perhaps better) as they have enjoyed before.
CHAPTER XXXI. D. F. E. Syrrs, LL.B.
Tug rising Guardian is not the only weekly paper which has found a home and an influence in the Colne Valley, in addition to the other three well-established papers in Huddersfield. Once upon a time there was the Northern
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Pioneer. It came out like a flash, with a bold dash for life and usefulness, if I remember aright, somewhere about the year 1880. ° Its author was a brilliant young man- no smoodger-and had had a good education, to which were added great natural abilities. He was a splendid speaker, had a facile pen, and was a great Radical, full of zeal on behalf of the working classes, wisely or unwisely exerted it is not for me to say, only to add that it was well meant. A lad only, one might say, yet no mean member of the Huddersfield Corporation, where he and the author had many well-known battles on behalf of the people against the slow forces of retrogression. One kept the camp, while the other went out to battle on many a memorable occasion. How this young man fluttered the dovecotes of the old Corporation are written in the minutes of that august body, where we will leave them to a further review. The young man at that time had a large practice as a popular solicitor in Market Street, near the Queen Hotel, Hudders- field He lived in good style at Almondbury, and had a pony and trap to take him to and from his work. Many there were who partook of his liberal hospitality. - He seemed destined for a great position, and there was no office but what he was eminently qualified to hold if a little more stability had been there; but business is a queer jade, not to be driven at will or held according to the caprice of the individual. - Anyway, law and the Northern Proneer were bad partners; they would not run together or be driven in pairs, and the result was that one ruined the other. This Proneer as a political venture was too much in advance of the age. It was rather fast, and too impatient. The leaders were warm and rapidly progressive ; the get-up very like Mr. Labouchere's T'ruth- I should think copied after this style. Once we got this gentleman (Mr. Labouchere) down to Huddersfield, to the no small consternation of the milder Liberals, who, like many of the same class to-day, have no love for this, then and now, unrestrained free lance. Mr. Leatham spoke from the same platform, but there was not much love between them, and a wide gap separated their respective friends, though to the audience these things were all dark. The
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meeting in the Town Hall was a good one, and we dined at Mr. Sykes' house-he had then removed into Trinity Place, Trinity Street, Huddersfield. All this time there was a greater danger on the horizon of the Northern Pioneer. It had many writers. One only will I name, and that was dear old Croft, of Thornton's Temperance Hotel, but not altogether given to the same drinks. He was a good soul, with a warm desire to benefit his fellows, and to the best of his knowledge took every opportunity of doing so. Being a writer of some repute, he took the first opportunity in the Pioneer to distinguish himself, and signed his productions " Melampus "-a grand sounding name, which he used to advantage. For a bit of digression I will name an occasion when this great synonym did not retain its fair balance. It was Christmas time, when good cheer was plentiful at the then Central Liberal Club at the top of High Street. Mr. Croft being a hail fellow well met, did not miss these things. _ But the fatal time approached when all had to go home, and in such a night as was unfit for either beast or man to be abroad. The roads . were as slippery as a glass bottle, and however poor Croft got to the top of Chapel Hill was a mystery. But there he was, and there he stuck, trying all he knew to get up, but always falling back, until at last he gave up all hope, and helplessly sat down to physically consider his recumbent position, when he was seen and heard by a wag of a friend soliloquising quietly. _ With all his glory gone and in complete resignation, he was heard to exclaim, " Melampus ! By G---, on his b-t-m, presenting a sight for gods and men." The dark shadow hinted at was the eve of a great strike, which is said by many to have brought ruin and disaster to the industry of Huddersfield. Here and now I will not take sides to revive a bitterness more terrible than death. Then the whole district was rent as with a holocaust, which has left nothing but deep regret behind. Mr. Albert Shaw was a great leader of the men, and the masters seemed to think Mr. Sykes was encouraging the weavers, and when all their mills were standing this did not put them in a very lovable mood. This Mr. Sykes warmly resented, and often repeated that he was their
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best friend, was against the strike, and when it unfortu- nately took place did all he could to adjust it-though, in my opinion, he would have done better to have left it alone. In this, as in all wars, when the first shot 'had been fired no one could control it until it had run its fatal course. _ When this came, the Proncer languished for support. All the money that had been put into it had gone, and the law business, which had been neglected, went with the paper, leaving Mr. Sykes stranded and helpless, and causing him to leave the town a sadder if not a wiser man.
Many things have happened since then. For years the poor fellow wandered about the country, suffered terrible hardships and great privations, and when he came home brave efforts were made by good men to reclaim him. If not altogether successful, let us hope in the coming future that it may be so, and is (after many changes) living happily with his wife at Booth.
" Pardon this freedom I have ta'en, And if impertinent I've been, Impute it not, good sir, in ane Whase heart ne'er estrang'd ye ; But to his utmost would befriend Ought that belang'd ye."
CHAPTER XXXII. Countrx LirrE.
A Townsman has many advantages over the countryman sometimes, in government, combination, assemblage,. streets, shops, shows, parks, music, etc., all of which go- to make an appearance which village life cannot possess ; but the latter has more than its reward, if not the better of the argument. Oh! just think of the summer, of the: country life, the mossy banks, the clear streams, the:
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flowing fields, the scented hedgerows, the hawthorn fences, with nesting birds ; the joyous songs of the youngsters as they enjoy the long summer evenings; and the modest pairs that saunter along the lanes and by-paths, making one sweet season seem a long dozing age of pleasant intoxication and a never to be forgotten delight.
No wonder in after life like this that there should be so much happiness and love of home which in a thousand times is made dear, especially if it be at one of those outside cottages ever to be remembered by its little garden, cherry tree growing and spreading over the stone bench by the door, or the fresh water at the well, which never runs dry. Scenes like these endear all the workmen to their homes on the hillside, to the toilsome day, and the long winter nights; not only this, but everything around is noted and taken into account. The cattle, the farm, and that which is in them, also the stranger that comes within their gate. In a town a beggar is ruthlessly driven from the door of the rich, who have almost lost all feeling for the sufferings of the poor. Not so with a feeling cottager of the country, who feels it a religious duty to give a little, not only for pity's sake, but as I once heard a very poor but a very dear old mother say when being remonstrated with for giving in this way more than she could afford, "Why ; I would rather go without myself than a poor body should want a crust or a drink." With true Christian charity like this, it often follows that even animals find fond homes, and the surroundings of the place have every consideration; and here comes in the mournful story I have to tell of a hare and a hunt.
The former, an innocent thing, had found a quiet home on a country farm near to the house, where it sat when not disturbed by would-be poachers and cruel hounds. The mother of the house (as is always the case) had a maternal care of the poor thing so harassed by man and beast ; not only this, but when storms came such as those of a dark December, when lanes are snowed up, the fields all covered with snow that not a blade of grass is to be found or a bit of food to be picked up-in such a moment the tenderness of the woman and family came in, and the
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poor beastie, the hare, having gained confidence by previous considerations, came daily to the door to be fed with the birds, etc., etc., so much so that it became an object of endearment, was carefully watched, protected, and daily cared for until the storm had passed ; but, alas! nothing
lasts. All things human or otherwise change; and so with this fine hare.
One day lately the huntsman's horn was heard. A merry throng attends him on the hunting morn, with a southerly wind and a cloudy sky. Straight for this country side they make, and as the scent is good they at once find this hare at home, never hoping or dreaming of killing the poor thing, but simply having a good run, which followed up hill and down dale (Tally ho!), and they went right on to the moors, where after a long and a strong run she doubled back for the shelter of the cottage by the wood, which was never to be hers any more, for the dogs in an unlucky moment overtook her, and no one being near to help, she was unhappily destroyed, to the great regret of the hunt and the poignant grief of the dear lady and her family who had nursed the poor innocent thing through the storm of wind and weather to this cruel end.
CHAPTER XXXIIL A Lovey Lass anp user
TnxeErE was sorrow in the house. The dog lay on the hearth aweary, and the cat in the corner of the old farmhouse seemed lost in thought. The mother had just come in from milking in the barn with a cloud on her face, and the dear old dad was foddering the cattle with a solemn mien, which betokened a funeral at no distant date. Ah, what was all this trouble at the lovely cottage on the hillside, with its little garden full of wild flowers, situated near the wood, around which the road twined to the house? At this time (June), when the hedges were in full bloom, the Maythorn clad in white, the wild rose just raising its
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sweet head, and the woodbine opening its charming petals to the lads and lasses, who on these summer days spend their spare time in taking their walks, keeping company, and forming those happy associations in life which mean either their future happiness or life-long misery.
Mary, the only daughter of the above couple, was a pretty girl, ringlets of golden hair streamed down her fair shoulders, which seemed to gladden the beautiful blue eyes of the fair owner. With a mouth as sweet as strawberries all smothered with cream ; straight as a statue and as lithe as a willow, a fairy form with a nature as sweet as herself. No wonder she had been won by a neighbouring lad, as full of life as a sapling tree, ready for a romp with any or all, and beloved by those who knew him. It was a happy time these two young folks had, and the elder ones looked on with satisfaction. _ But the Sunday before entering on this chapter Mary and her parents had been to chapel, to which they were fondly attached, but there was no William there. Alas! he had suddenly: departed, and brought a dark cloud to a home which had been one of undisturbed joy and sweetness.
On this particular Sunday night, when they got home the husband questioned his wife anent the gloom which had suddenly fallen on his dear child. The wife answered gravely that she feared that their Mary had trusted too implicitly, for a neighbour friend who was in the confidence of their girl had secretly confided the information that the lover had been false; in fact, he had run away, and left behind a thorn that would darken the remainder of their natural lives. The father was a Christian man, bound to keep calm ; but if the stealer of his daughter's honour had come across him just then there would have been death in the pot. Instead of this, it settled to a darkness which never departed, but not a word did he say to the victim. Says he to the wife, " Don't upbraid the lass, but comfort her all you can, and when the worst comes to the worst she shall share with us to the last penny." The mother felt this keenly, but was glad to think there would be no adding to a sorrow of which their innocent daughter was the helpless victim.
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Their solemn and sacred resignation after finding out the betrayal of their only daughter was a touching sight to behold ; locked in that tender embrace as of old, when Mary first kindled that sacred love to be found only in the deep, deep bosom of a sainted mother.
Eliza Cook says in one of her beautiful poems, when writing in a similar strain :-
" Would you learn the spell? A mother sat there, And a sacred thing Is that old arm chair."
Can it be wondered at then that, like the dove when wounded, the young bird made for the parent nest, helpless and hopeless, and cried out in the biltterness of her soul, " All is lost; nothing left but heaven and you." Nor did she go in vain ; their joys had been too great to be parted in their sorrow ; and when the girl, broken-hearted, cruelly blighted, basely deceived, and disgrace looming in the near future, sought that consolation which only a mother can give, the reader need not be told that this great comfort was most willingly bestowed, with a fond prayer to their Maker that better things would come soon, if not on earth, at least in heaven above.
Alone and alone Mary wandered and was disconsolate, but a time came when the suffering was ended by the joy which a dear young life brought to the home. The solace of an injured life which was always true to the first love, that nothing in after life could ever induce her to change her name, while to the old parents their only delight was in the second nursing of a dear young thing, of which they became more fond every day, until as a man he grew to honour and help them in their old age.
But what of the villain of the piece? Alas!! he went the way of evil-doers. He nearly broke a fond mother's heart by departing in disgrace from the land of his birth, to find oblivion in one of the far-up stations of one of the young countries over the sea.
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CHAPTER XXXIV.
Courtsmr Aanp Marriages ror tus CoLNE VALLEY.
I no not know that much more can be said on this most desirable subject, except to get it put into working order. To do this there must be none of that cold isolation which seems the unfortunate position of the three desired dominant partners, viz., Marsden, Golcar, and Linthwaite.: Slaith- waite will be willing, I have no doubt, when the happy time comes, and it is but paying the other townships a deserved compliment to say that there are few district councils better managed than Slaithwaite-that have better sewage works, less rates, purer water supply, or more advanced education. They have a town hall, with baths and pleasure grounds, etc. From this it will be seen that Slaithwaite is seeking no advantage, but has more to give than receive, and has only one desire, and that is the common weal of the Colne Valley. Then why should there be any more delay? The whole district requires this combination. It will be better for the poor, giving greater security to their health and well-being. The rich, better for themselves, as they will be in an improved position to help their neighbour by conferring greater blessings than they were ever able to give before. One clerk, whose duty would be to the whole borough, would be an immense gain, and the sanitary inspector, instead of being local and isolated, would be a power in the neighbourhood to safe- guard the health of the people. Then they could combine for a number of other things which with four divided Boards is quite impossible. Besides, it would keep away the encroachments of Huddersfield, with its high rates and heavy burdens. What say ye, men of Linwaithe, Golcar, and Marsden? It seems to me it all depends on you. If you are not willing to court or be courted, there can be no chance of marriage between you. One may be justified in saying you have nothing to lose and all to gain in strength, influence, and progressive power. Will you do it, and be equal to the hour, time, and occasion? So far
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you are not much behind, therefore be not so in this great and important matter. Much of the local power would remain as it is to-day by the respective wards retaining command of the roads and expenses. Not only this, but by the combination greater power would be given to the central authority, to be equal to any municipality in Yorkshire to well govern its people. But it is no use further preaching; it is the saving that is now wanted ; and to secure salvation for all some one should take the lead, and the most sensible step to take would be, in my opinion, for the local authority of Nlaithwaite to call a friendly meeting of those interested to discuss the matter fairly and frankly. You may be a little shy at first; but you will buckle to and make one happy family-at least, this is the hope and belief of the writer.*
CHAPTER XXXV. Stuxparyr Trams.
[From the Huddersfield Examiner.] Trg Sunday trams have come to stop, and the wisest thing to do is to make the best of them. If advocates of temperance and religion would go out into the highways and hedges, meet the people in the open air, and arrange services at the various termini, they would do more good than Paul Prying to see how many of the passengers enter public-houses, etc. Again, more might be made of them by persons having some information about the varied localities and their possibilities. All know the beautiful route to Outlane by way of the far-famed Pole Moor Chapel, on by Pleasant Pastures to the famous hostelry, " Nont Sarah's," and beyond to the hills about Buckstones. I wish to point out one of the beauty spots of the Colne Valley-the Slaithwaite Baths. In former years these were the
tam
* Nothing came of it.
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exclusive right of the better class. The opening ceremony by the people outside the gates on the first Sunday in May will be well remembered by persons getting into years, when various things were done and said on those bright May mornings which need not be repeated. Not so the opening on the third Wednesday in the same month, when the ceremony was followed by the music of the cornet, harp, and violin, to which the young folk danced merrily. Now all is changed. A wise Urban District Council has purchased these baths and grounds for the benefit of the town, and they are, moreover, open to the public from all parts of the country.
Here a lovely retreat can be found by means of the Slaithwaite tram. A penny may be saved by stopping at Hoyle House and walking up by Lees Mills, or one may remain on the car to the Bath Hotel, and then down the road to the well-kept grounds. Here the traveller can have rest on the banks of the River Colne, which is nearly clear on a Sunday, and when hunger prompts they can have ample refreshment (without ale) by giving due notice to that hale and hearty Slaithwaite lad, Mr. Haigh, the manager, who with plain speech and kindly manner will attend to all the visitors' wants. This over, the visitor can wander over a prosperous little town, admire the evidences of its public spirit, and wonder at its prosperity as compared with its past stagnation. Or (and trams were never intended only for those who do not attend places of worship) those religiously inclined can go to the Parish Church and hear an eloquent sermon from the genial Mr. Rose and a good sing from a special choir. Those who require stronger meat will find it at the Particular Baptist Chapel, where the sensible minister will preach all the good he knows; while you can get the same in a little milder form from Mr. Evans at the Zion, above the railway station. _ The Wesleyans have just enlarged their now beautiful chapel, and it is worth a visit. The same holds good of the Methodist Free Church, the members of which have within the last few months added a new organ, and those charitably disposed may give a few shillings to defray the cost, and to help a small body deserving of all support.
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In addition, there are three missions at Crimble and a Spiritualistic Church in Laith Lane. So there is ample choice in these directions. Then, after the ramble or after the service, there are the trams to take the wanderer home at the close of a pleasant and profitable day. Next week I will describe the Crosland Moor route to Blackmoorfoot, the reservoir, and the country around.
Last week, by your kindness, a promising route was laid to Slaithwaite, with a mention of Crosland Moor to follow. Though not so sylvan in its beauty, it offers many attractions, and will do anyone good by its breezy atmosphere and varied beauties. It beats, or otherwise, the other in this, that at the terminus (Crosland Moor) you have a nice walk before you get to Blackmoorfoot, which can only be taken on fine days with comfort or safety. Approaching Crosland Hill you find a great change going on. The lovely trees of the ancient old hall are unhappily dying off and being destroyed in the prosperous operations going on in getting up the valuable stone, which is its only interest to-day, and those who want more will find ample reward by reading up ancient history anent the feuds, jealousies, and battles of former days between the barons of Elland and elsewhere. These are not for this letter, so one must trudge on to " Hole in the Wall," formerly a public-house, now in a dilapidated condition. A by-road runs alongside on the flat, at the end of which you meet one of the most striking views of the prosperous Colne Valley-the river running below in its winding course between two high ascending hills. What a picture, worth going a long way to see! _ All the wealth and prosperity of the wonderful district lies before you, and the chimneys of the numerous factories (as has been described elsewhere) rise high in the air like lofty minarets, and call the faithful to work if not to prayer: Come back again to the main road. Crosland lies low with its church at the foot of the moor, and far away and beyond the hills above, Meltham and Holmfirth stand off in the long distance, and these are beautiful objects to behold, and
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alone well repay for the trouble. In going along, very likely you will come across (and, if so, do not injure) one of the numerous, harmless, and innocent hares happily to be found in these parts, carefully preserved by Mr. Henry Lockwood (not to kill, if it can be avoided) during the winter months, when and where numerous friends find this one of the prettiest hunting grounds in the neighbourhood, where the best of good fellowship always prevails, and all are made welcome to this Mecca of the chase. By this time you will be hungry. If so, there is no better place for reasonable refreshment than you will find at what is commonly called France's and the Bull's Head. Now you will be under the great embankment of a great lake-the " Blackmoor reservoir," of (700 million gallons of good water. So well was the work done that it cost less money than " Butterley, in Marsden," which is little more than half the capacity. Thanks to Mr. J. Brook, the then chairman, Mr. Alderman R. Hirst, and many other good men, most has been made of this charming spot by making good roads, planting numerous trees, making beautiful walks, and otherwise adorning nature's own with nature's art. I dare not advocate these well-kept grounds being open to the public, because, whatever else, the water must be kept pure for the people. Make as many visits as you like; they will always pay in pleasant weather, and now with the trams you have only to drop down to Hoyle House Clough to get home with the greatest ease, after what should always be a most enjoyable day up on the mountains, on the moor, and down into the valley again.
CHAPTER XXXVI
Suvcerss or LimtuwaitE® Bann»: PRESENTATION OF THE Crystarm Pamacs Troruy.
By carrying off the Daily Telegraph Challenge Cup at the Crystal Palace Contest on September 27th, the Linthwaite Brass Band gained what is regarded as their highest
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distinction. The band have secured during an existence of nearly fifty years hundreds of prizes, but all these are eclipsed by their recent success, which is highly gratifying to all lovers of instrumental music in the district, and particularly to those residing in Linthwaite and Mllnsbrldge The band's previous reputatlon was by no means a low one. For years it has occupied a premier position in this neigh- bourhood, and in recent times perhaps the only combination which has vied with it is the Lindley Band. Of course, success has not at all periods attended the efforts of the members. The band has occasionally fallen into compara- tive insignificance for a short time, owing to circumstances over which no one connected with it had control. But now it may safely be said to be on the high road to such success as the most sanguine supporter could hardly have wished for it. It is interesting to note that the only achievement of the band which at all approaches their recent success was that which was secured at Edinburgh in 1877, when a prize of £60 was awarded.
Congratulations such as the band deserved were given to the members last night, when a meeting was held in the Baptist schoolroom, Mllnsbrldge The promoter of the Crystal Palace Contest, Mr. J. Henry Hes, was present for the purpose of publicly presenting the cup, and the proceedings were of an enthusiastic character, a crowded audience evincing the liveliest interest in the ceremony and in the splendld performances of the band. To many the event was of a dual character, for the Crosland Moor Handbell Ringers also gave some excellent items, and this was the first occasion on which a proper opportunity had been given the public of congratulating them. Needless to say, they met with a hearty reception, and the audience were immensely pleased with the duty of congratulating both combinations.
Mr. A. J. Haigh (Milnsbridge) presided, and he was
supported, in addition to Mr. Iles, by a number of prominent gentlemen residing in the district, including
Councillor H. A. Whittell (Huddersfield), Councillor A. Hanson (Milnsbridge), and Councillor J. W. Freer (Linth- waite) The Chairman explained that he occupied that
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position in place of Alderman J. Sugden, of Huddersfield, who was prevented from attending through indisposition. Mr. Haigh also read letters of apology for non-attendance
from the Mayor of Huddersfield (Alderman E. Woodhead), Colonel E. H. Carlile, Mr. Charles Armitage, Mr. Barrett (Leeds), and Mr. Joshua Marshall and Mr. B. Stocks (Huddersfield). Each of these gentlemen heartily con- gratulated the band on its success, and the Mayor expressed the hope that the members would stick together and practise until they were able to take the principal prize at the Crystal Palace Contest. The Chairman added a few words of congratulation, and was sure everybody residing in the neighbourhood was proud of the success which the ~ band and the handbell ringers had attained. He hoped the latter would be successful next year at Belle Vue, and
that the former would gain even greater distinction than that which had already fallen to their lot. (Applause.)
Mr. Mellor Addy read a letter which had been received by the secretary (Mr. H. Needham) from Mr. Edwin Swift, who has acted as conductor of the band for many years. Mr. Swift regretted that he could not be present, but congratulated the band on their success. Considering the instruments which the band possessed, the past season had been a remarkably successful one. He, however, trembled to think of what their prospects might be if a new set of instruments were not secured. Mr. Swift went on to say that it would be fifty years next February since the band was formed, and he hoped something would be done in the matter of providing new instruments in the jubilee year. If something were done in this direction, then they ought to go in and carry off the 1,000 guineas cup at the Crystal Palace. (Applause.)
Mr. Iles then made the presentation, which he considered a very pleasant duty. He heartily congratulated the band upon its magnificent victory at the Crystal Palace. - He was convinced that the band were deserving of greater praise than he at first thought. It had been greatly handicapped, having had to compete against some of the finest bands in the country with comparatively inferior
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instruments. - He was sure, therefore, that it reflected the highest credit on the band to have, notwithstanding these great difficulties, carried off the Daily Telegraph cup. They were, no doubt, all very proud of the band, and would, he was sure, do their best to support them. He did not think anyone could estimate the importance of the series of contests at the Crystal Palace, and he believed there was nothing better to induce bands to keep on the steady road of improvement. that Linthwaite would have to compete in the first section at next year's contest, and as they would be opposed by some of the finest bands in the world, they would need all the support and encouragement which could be afforded them. _ He hoped they would be able to go into the contest field with an up-to-date set of instruments second to none. The reputation of the band was something to be proud of, and nothing would give him greater pleasure than that they should outshine their present success and obtain the much-coveted cup valued at 1,000 guineas. _ Mr. Hes referred to the presence of Mr. Richard Stead, of Slaithwaite, one of the judges at the contest, who was amongst the audience. There had been, he stated, certain statements flying about the country as to the qualifications. of the judges, but he considered their decisions were honest, straight, above board, and altogether beyond suspicion. He then handed the cup to the Chairman, and after once more congratulating the band, expressed the hope that this success would stimulate them to greater efforts in the future. (Loud applause.)
The Chairman accepted the trophy in a few appropriate words.
The new instruments have been secured, and in the order of merit at the great coming contest referred to, Linthwaite was seventh on the list.
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CHAPTER XXXVIL. CHRISTMAS AT SPLAITHwAITE Now axp a Loxag Aco.
To-parx all is progress and prosperity in the town, and in a district so busy that nearly every mill is working overtime, and many night and day. Indeed, just now, the Colne Valley is the marvel of all who have the pleasure to see it, or the happy acquaintance of any of the sons and daughters of this prosperous neighbourhood. Wages are fairly good, and the people are learning more sense than to spend it all foolishly. They will have their enjoyment, but in a rational way, and who can blame them after the long hours of hard labour.
The youngsters will get a rest from the school, and kind mothers will fill their stockings with good things. Christmas cheer will abound everywhere. Sunday schools will have their great day, speeches will be made, pieces said, and anthems sung to commemorate the great festival. The churches and homes will be decorated, and the hearts of the people (young and old) made glad because of the birth of a Saviour to redeem the world.
On Christmas Eve Slaithwaite perhaps sends out more waits than any other town of its size. _ All places of worship, clubs of any kind (and they are numerous and many), so that the inhabitants have a lively time, and in some cases are kept awake on the happy morn with mixed feelings not always Christian. But what of the old? - Well, had much the same, with the vast difference of the age, much less in population, and the people then not over- stocked with money. The children had less in their stockings, and the men and women fewer coppers in their
pockets ; but it was a great day, well observed there on the hills and in the valleys.
Going over the hills on Saturday, what a change one found! The dear old cottages of a former generation were deserted and boarded up. What a tale of love, life, and death they could tell if only some kind one would find a tongue for them to talk of the past. °
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Take the Lingards side. What a tell-tale at Fox Stone Edge, once the home of the honey bee, which gathered this sweet morsel every day from the wild moors adjoining, where the happy farmer lived and made out his busy life with hand-loom weaving. There was a little dam on the site of the present Deer Hill reservoir, and a spring of fresh water, which the lads and lasses used to drink in summer, along with that richer draught which bound them one in after life, remembering the canty days they had with one another while musing on these scenes, the dear old lanes, the quiet footpaths, the river banks, the old friends, and the pleasant reminiscences of the past. I was rudely awakened by the sight of a hearse. "Who goes there?" says I. "John Meal" is the answer, and I anm reminded of another landmark gone for ever.
Ah, John Meal, another Lingards lad in early days, the mate and co-worker of the lamented and respected Mr. Samuel Sugden, of Springfield. In early days they worked together at Upper Mill-the long hours of the then miserable factory days, when the ways were rude and the wages little. At Upper Mill lived in a cottage old Mr. Haigh, a remarkable character in more ways than one, from whom sprung the Haighs, of Quarmby and Colne Bridge. The crutch was an effective weapon for disorderly lads, and the billy roller handy when cardings were left to run in. It was here that poor Samuel Sugden had to go without dinner. His brother John, when a mere child, had gone hunting with Walter Barker, instead of obeying the instructions of a kind mother, who had gone out charing. The instructions were that the little brother was to put a pint of water to a pint of milk ; boil up the same, and then pour it into a quart can, into which the fond parent had broken a penny cake, with a little salt and pepper j this part done before going to her early matin of hard work to help to feed her dear and numerous progeny. Sam missed his humble dinner that day, but happily lived to have many a better, and to get into that position that he was able and ever ready to give a dinner to a wandering brother who might in want be passing by.
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But to come back to this old Upper Mill. It had many characteristics. One was that the wheelwrights had part of their wage in food. One of these was very particular, and got a name which stuck to him for life, and that was " Broth." It came about this way : It was the custom to have broth, pudding, beef, vegetables, bread, cheese, and ale. This man above mentioned objected to the broth. Then, said Mr. Haigh, no broth, no pudding ; no pudding, no beef. This drastic ultimatum, it is said, so settled the disinclination that the hesitating one fell to with the whole course, but left him a by-name which was not over pleasant to the old gentleman, especially when he had had a little too much beer. Otherwise he was a hard-working, honourable, and upright man, whose greatest fault was strong language, to which he was far too often provoked.
It was here also that John Meal got a name more common to him than his own. The boys playing at leap-frog in the meal-time were often very boisterous, and not always over jannock to avoid mischief and to act square. John said to one of his companions, " Now, Tom, set a fair back, and pull thi nobbin in "; and by this (without the slightest offence) the man was known through life. In early days he was connected with Holthead Sunday School ; in middle life had great admiration for the late Charles Bradlaugh ; later on sympathised with the Labour movement on behalf of his brother man; he inclined to the Wesleyans in religion, to which his family are closely attached.
He died on Friday (getting on in life), and they buried him on Saturday, with the deep regret of his dear relatives and numerous friends.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
A CHAPTER FOR SLAITHWAITE AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD.
old sport is as old as the Bible, and has been indulged in at all times, in all countries, and by every kingdom and nation. No wonder it is so popular, notwithstanding
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the strong opposition of so many religious people, and why this should be so often makes me wonder. The hunting stories of the Bible are very interesting-are not profane, but are rather pretty pastoral reading, of a poetical kind, from the dear old Book. If good Christians would think a little broader, act a little more liberally, and think no evil because they did none, then this world would be all the better, and the next one sure to those who followed the commandments, obeyed the same, and humbly followed the Lord to the Cross. In the religion of the present day, to my thinking, there is too much selfishness and too little of that democracy taught by Christ when on earth. Why should heaven be for the few and the favoured, and why should those (at least a few) professing religion do and say things that a man of the world would scorn and disown? Let anyone just think these things over, and maybe he will soon discover why the men of to-day cannot be gathered into our tabernacles. A strong man making this discovery, and fearlessly preaching a living doctrine, free of cant, selfishness, and hypocrisy, might (and would, in my opinion,) bring back the people to the fold of God again. What a funny digression, many will say, from the peculiar subject mentioned to begin with, and my excuse is that I was bound to follow the meanderings of thought suggested by the theme considered to be so wicked by the correct Christians, that one could not miss the chance to lecture them a little from the standpoint of what they deem wickedness and folly. - They will say, very likely, " Satan preaching the Gospel." Never mind; if my surmises are not true, they will need no answering.
Let us proceed on the journey we set out with, and that is hunting. All of my time, and those of more before me, have reminiscences of hunting the hare in and around the beautiful hills which surround Slaithwaite. My old mother told me in my childhood a story of Phoebe, of Heath, catching a poor run hare in her apron, and thus saving the poor thing's life from the jaws of the hounds. Old Edward Brook, the well-known local Wesleyan preacher, used to tell the stories of his hunting days with delight, and I should say after all these years of reflection that anything
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done under this head by him (to my notion) never would or could hinder him now of heaven, and this not being his order of going in, the dear old man would have a double entry.
We never had a real good hunting parson like Canon Kingsley, but we have had many who would just look on, but not openly avow the chase-for want of courage, say I, boldly, for whatever harm could befall the most saintly of men by following a little healthy sport between two animals equally equipped by their Maker; and, besides, the good gained in health more than repays for the labour.
The early hunters of my day were old Tom Kaye, of Holmfirth, a quiet and orderly man, well-beloved by all who knew him, and maybe his memory keeps up the name of the chase to the present generation, for they have at this town one of what is called the best packs of working- men's hounds in the country, supported by a few local subscriptions, and run on such lines of economy that at the end of each year they are not much in debt.
Whoever can forget the princely conduct of the generous Sykes's, of Lindley, Tom Hirst, etc., etc., at the high tide of the Honley Hunt, with the genial Sam Norcliffe, the popular master? Nothing was short in those days, down to the poor follower, who had many a helping hand in various ways and glorious days of sport.
Saddleworth, too, had its pack of hounds. Mr. Malladew was master in my time; in later days it died out under Mr. Broadbent, and now there is nothing left to tell the tale but the large number of trail-hunt dogs, which are bred and kept for this latter sport, very popular over this part of the country, embracing bits of Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cheshire, over the hills, which are often roamed to the scent of the aniseed, and for the prize at the end of the trail.
Meltham from the time of " Old High Brow " has not done much. It supplied G. Taylor, the long and popular huntsman, to the Slaithwaite pack, who is living in happy retirement from the chase, and, I am glad to say, in better
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health. Long may he live! Mr. Charles Brook, of Durker Roods, the now deservedly popular master of the Badsworth, began his hunting career with a pack of beagles at Meltham and on Honley moors ; and, if it were a day of confession, and one would get him to own up, I venture to think he would say they were the happiest days of his life. If they were not so to him, they were to me, because we could so well keep up with the dogs without any physical pain, and always be in at the finish.
Mr. Fred Eastwood, Huddersfield, has always been very fond of the sport. At one time he kept his own back at Crosland Moor. Had some splendid days together, and may we have many more with so good a sportsman.
Slaithwaite has been more continuous. Right well do I remember in my early days Mr. John Horsfall and his first beagles, under that famous hunter, Walter Barker, who for a lifetime hunted the Slaithwaite pack under the various masters who followed in succession, nearly to the preseut day. - First Mr. Horsfall, who, though passionate at times, was a good fellow, and to his death had the shooting over Lord Dartmouth's estate.
Mr. John Haigh (a Slaithwaite man) followed Mr. Horsfall, who by this time had got the hounds the proper size, and for years gave splendid sport with Old Walt all over the district. Mr. Alec Walker, Mirfield, another good sort, followed, a modest man, who will never push himself forward, but is always there at the finish if there is anything to do or anything to pay. One exception I must make, the gentleman will not make a speech, and it would be quite as well if many who think they can talk would do less. This leads to the last lap, and that is to Mr. Henry Lockwood and his brothers at Black Rock Mills. They have been so liberal in their generous support that if this is continued the Colne Valley Hunt has a great prospect in store. Peace has been made in Crosland ; Lord Dartmouth's Slaithwaite estate, by the kindness of Mr. Crowther, is entirely at the Hunt's disposal; the two Marsdens and the dear old Daniel Hall favourable; so that with the new huntsman coming on nicely and that
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friend and supporter, John Vickerman, grumbling to make him do better, there seems in store some grand sport for this neighbourhood in the coming by and by, and the only wish left is that good men may be there to see it-a hope not to be realised, for both dear Aleck and poor George Taylor have gone before to their happy hunting ground.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
Tur Snows: Tnx® Snow Rapicau anp tur Snow Tory.
Ox reading over the report of the Colne Valley Liberal Association meeting, it was striking to find how alike each other's proceedings are-almost the same identical men playing the leading parts to a good and deserving member. Decent fellows, every one of them, but with unthinking injury go on playing the old game of exalted notions of superiority over what they call their less favoured and demented Tory brethren in the Conservative camp, quietly and unconsciously dubbed, as if wickedness were their normal condition, and that a time had come when strong and sturdy men of Liberal principles and progressive ideas were required.
Being only a poor mortal, one had been taught to believe that these virtues had always been the sole rights of those who were so loudly beating the big drums at the show on Saturday, but it appears these wonderful attributes are wanted just now ; more in particular to purge the country from the baneful influence of Toryism ; to arrest retrogressive legislation ; to prevent Chamberlain counter- acting the grave injury done to us, as it appeared to me, by growing and hostile of Europe and America ; as if it would not be better to draw closer together that larger Britain (of which Englishmen are so proud) by more reciprocal relations of mutual benefit and goodwill.
How very poor the argument that when the election came round they were to have an increased majority,
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because the longer this wicked Government remained in office the more of their bad work they (the Liberals) would have to undo! - Surely increased happiness would have been a better order, because the majority in the Colne Valley is safe enough.
Then there was that recreant Education Bill to be swept out of the Statute Book by one of the mighty swoops of one of the most enthusiastic supporters of the resolution. This gentleman knows what has been done for education by the denominations, and that at present, notwithstanding the large sums regularly expended, the Slaithwaite Church schools are £800 in debt, which they will have to raise; while the heavy expenditure of School Boards have to be borne by the rates, to which denominational school supporters have had to pay their fair share, in addition to maintaining their own. Marsden has had more sense, as the chairman of the meeting knew, than to go in for an expensive School Board. It is not unreasonable, then, to ask from one so valiant that some sense of justice would have led him to observe one, if not more, of the ten commandments. Such is show No. 1, in all the blaze of noon, at Slaithwaite Feast, let us surmise, bidding the gay throng walk up, walk up, the performance having just begun. Make haste; don't delay! We have been here before, but never had such talented performers or more variety to offer. Don't miss it, please, or you may never have the opportunity again.
" Stop! stop!" says the showman from the other side of the fair, " not so fast, my good fellows. Come this way, and we will give you something better, cheaper, and far more lasting than a change of places ; that is nothing less than the constitution of the showman's life. Let this go, then all falls to perdition, and every chance of further _ prolonging the lives of these shows will be gone for ever, and there will be no other opportunity of preserving them for the benefit of posterity, individual claims, and party popularity."
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Say Mr. John Arthur Brooke (all classes will be glad to learn that this most useful man is out of danger) as the spokesman, supported by Mr. Hellawell (maybe), Mr. Waterhouse (quiet man), Mr. Kirk (so faithful), and a few friends from Saddleworth, nearly always the same men ; in this matter just like the other side. Says Mr. Brooke at the top of his voice: " Don't believe all they say. Walk up this way. liemember we are the great united party. We have kept the faith ; we fear God and honour the King, uphold the nation and strengthen the borders, while the others would slack out and dismember the empire. Don't believe a word they say. Come along to our show, and we will do you good. There are," he continues, " two features in our past performances, Free Education and the Workmen's Compensation Act, and in due time we will give you old-age pensions, when the money comes to hand to carry out this most desirable boon to the aged poor." Going on, showman like: "They on the other side, with all their boasted superiority, have only given you the empty name of councillor for your urban districts and the chairman for the time being the doubtful honour of sitting on the county bench of magistrates." ‘ '
Now, my lads, it may be reasonably asked, What is all this to you? Is it worth walking all the way up to see such a poor entertainment? Is it any surprise that the bystanders get bewildered, hesitate, and say, with the American, "I have heard this before, and cannot be caught with such professions ; I must have something more up-to-date "? It is, like the old Slaithwaite Feast, gone for ever, and he wanders off for things which he hopes will serve him better. This fact makes the rival show wonder what has come over the people that they do not, will not, walk up as in former days, do as they are told, pay their pennies, and say they like it. No; something else begins to attract. Patriotism is lost in the chaotic din of the shibboleth of a new faith. What is best for the nation may be lost sight of in the ugly rush to benefit the masses on the same lines the classes have unfortunately taught them. It would not matter much if the masses were likely to get the benefit. This is very doubtful, considering the means
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and proposals to be adopted to bring about the change, but the worst part is that this is the undesmned effect of the two shows in the Colne Valley. Some of the Co- -op. men, with more than average selfishness, are talking of having a member of their own. The Labour party have tried, and are only biding their time. Ultimately they hope to be a plague to both parties, by carrying off the seat themselves. Chapels are falling out with churches with uncharitableness worthy of a public-house, and, if carried on long enough and kept bitter enough, will empty all the faster the few houses of prayer. The grasp for power, place, and wealth is so great that men will often sacrifice everything to get these baubles.
Can anyone therefore predict what will come next? Will there arise men and a party equal to the occasion, when principle shall prevail, justice be done, and rights lespected so that when the Son of Man cometh 'he will find faith on the earth, with England the greatest, the freest, and the most prosperous natlon ready to welcome the glory of
the second Advent.
CHAPTER XL.
Marspen Moor MurpErs.
THis was the terrible calamity of the year 1903, in the peaceful valley of the River Colne, in the lov ely late summer time of this beautiful and prosperous district. All things were going on quietly. Work was plentiful ; good will universal. - The churches, chapels, and schools were all doing good work, so that by the zeal displayed one might reasonably have expected universal goodwill on earth- Angel Jim " in that charming novel by Hales; but, on the other hand, unsuspecting humamty may expect many a rude awakening, as to professions and performances, and often the blatant are mere advertisements to deceive the very elect. Some day let us hope right and richteousness will be possessed and not flauntingly used as
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a mask to cover deceit. Until then the best means in our hands must be made use of to regenerate that blessed word, Humanity.
With regard to the heading of this note. 'The days of old presented a similar catastrophe at " Bill's o' Jack's," the wild moorland height on the lovely Greenfield Hills, where father and son were done to death one dark night in that old hostelry, and the foul murder never found out. It then rang out with a loud clang throughout the length and breadth of the land, calling for restitution on the perpetrators of this foul deed ; but, alas! they were never found out, and the crime goes unpunished to this day.
How singular that this unfortunate débacle should be repeated on the Marsden Moors, closely adjoining. On a peaceful morning the inhabitants were terribly startled by the wild announcement that Bob Kenyon and Bill Uttley had been shot on the Buck Stone Moors, occupied by Messrs. Joseph Crowther, John E. Crowther, and Tom Ramsden. How these gentlemen were shocked, and the whole neighbourhood upset, can only be realised by those then hvmo in the neighbourhood. The above gentlemen were lebulldmo the shootm box, and had done all they could for their men, who were all Good sportsmen, and the best of their kind. How this should come to them under the circumstances was a staggering blow to their glowing hopefulness ; to find their best keepel lying dead by gun- shot wounds, with his faithful dog by his side, was so shocking as to almost deprive them of their senses at least for a time. - But to also discover young Bob Kenyon hidden under bracken and stones was something too terrible for words and too horrible to describe, and yet this was so, and all the skill of the best solicitors, men from Scotland Yard, the police from near and far, could do nothing to elucidate the matter or find anythmo to fix the crime on the nroper shoulders. True, there were trials which got no forrader, and demonstrations made which had been much better let alone, but what a pity that nothing has
ever been found out. The mystery remains, and the world still wonders.
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It was a terrible time for all concerned. Those living will never forget it, and the sympathy will always go largely to Mrs. Uttley for the tragic death of her dear and faithful husband, beloved by man and master as a true example of honest worth, true fidelity, and sterling manliness ; and here it has to be silently left for good old Father Time to reveal or for ever retain.
CHAPTER XLL Merry DaAaur.
Dors a Sunday well spent bring a week of content? The answer is: It all depends. The good and religious cannot believe this possible unless in service at church or chapel, and in this direction much may be said and more conceded, for it would be a bad day if the good old English Sunday were turned into a French one of pleasure, a sort of unbelief and anti-Christianity. Good men and women do not desire this unhappy state of things, and workmen need have a care that if they generally lost the Sunday rest it would be their disaster without a corresponding benefit of any
kind.
_-_ It seems to the writer that there is a middle course, and that is to go to church and chapel by all means, but he does not think it past forgiveness to make most of a sunny day in addition. We have had very few this year, but last Sunday was glorious-a drop from the cold and prolonged winter of our misery and discontent. Besides, everything was so young and fair, kindling fresh hopes, new joys, and pleasant possibilities. It was really grand after dinner to take tram to Outlane, where you find every kind of trap to finish the journey to " Nont Sarah's," where the traveller will be pleased to see the handsome rebuilt inn, with all the new stables, etc. True, he will not meet the dear old face of Mrs. Sykes, who during her long life gave the place a habitation and a name, but he will find
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a ready welcome and substantial hospitality at a reasonable cost. After this, if he will start over the moor, down by Goat Hill to Merry Dale, and the journey so far will have given him some of the best scenery in the county of high hills, lovely valleys, and sweet moorland, and all the while be breathing the most fragrant air. Scout Wood is at its best just now. - On Sunday the cuckoo's welcome voice was heard, and it was here that the bullfinch was to be found in the good old days, when birds had a chance to live and reproduce their young. At Merridale Cottage, Sidney Horsfall used to have them trained to whistle most beautiful airs, a great attraction for the young and a great pleasure to the old. Here was the old carding mull, from which the country people took the cardings to spin and make into pieces. The present generation will have some comprehension of the vast strides that have been made since then by the tremendous improvements effected by the machinery in our workshops of to-day. Here also was old Richard Horsfall, who did much good in his day by the skilful manner in which he brought about safe cures for most of the wounds that afflicted humanity.
Sunday was a great day. Hundreds wandered this way. It was a busy time. But now it is as silent as the tomb under which the old herbalist lies, save and except the rippling brook which accompanies you down to Clough House Mills, and afterwards down the reservoir bank to Slaithwaite-as pleasant a journey as can be found on & fine day, and quite within the reach and power of any ordinary healthy person.
CHAPTER XLII.
Mossury To-paxy anp im tur Daxys or Oup.
It was a near thing on 24th March, 1902, when the Colne Valley lads had taken over the great cotton-spinning firms of this unfortunate town, under the head of Robert Hyde Buckley and Sons lelted with a share capital of £150,000.
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The prospectuses were out, a first instalment of payment had been sent in, and all was going on as settled ; but, just at the last moment, there was a slip between the cup and the lip. Others, jealous of the success which had attended the efforts of thess men, dropped by a fluke into the arrangements, gave a few pounds more-a most shabby action on the part of those concerned in the selling -and the deed was perpetrated, one of those over-reaching schemes which go far to shock men in regard to what one tradesman will do to another to gain advantage. keen as they undoubtedly are in the valley, they have a sense of honour, and when they do make a bargain, they keep it, if they take good care not to let anyone make much out of them, but in this case the action of their opponents was downright mean and contemptible. For the sake of Mossley, it is to be hoped that no further harm will come of it, but out of an ill deed done good may follow for the benefit of the town and the workpeople, who have had a very time for a considerable period. Poverty has reigned in place of past prosperity; happiness has departed ; and there has been much sorrow in place of past joy. Let us hope this is all changed for the better, and that Mossley will breathe freely again, and be more prosperous than before.
It was a wonderful place once. The Mayhalls and Buckleys used to come to the Slaithwaite Baths in great estate by special saloons. Their dances there were the best and of the most fashionable kind, exciting the keen interest of the dwellers of this side of the mountain, that to-day they stand out as some of the most dazzling things which used to astonish the natives. So much so that, heing very poor in those days, they honestly thought that where there was so much wealth and happiness was a land worth going to, and with this view scores of Slaithwaite men and women went Lancashire way to that Eldorado of wealth and prosperity. It used to be a great thing for the wanderers to return to their old homes at Slaithwaite Feast, the great time for the re-union of divided families. Besides, to the young mind, though the distance is so little, it was great; at
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and help each other from youth to age, from early life till death.
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Such are the lives of our village lads and lasses, presenting to the world lessons of purity, honest devotion, and that noble self-denial which has made English men and women the pride of the world. May they never decay or be spoiled by luxury's contagion. Wealth is poverty compared with these beautiful ideals, and whether at Mossley or in Slaithwaite, or in any other part of the United Kingdom, may they always have plenty of work, ample wages, good health, long life, sunshine, and happiness-the deserving attributes of so no noble a race.
CHAPTER XLIII
Op» BooxmEx.
It is said we are a nation of footballers, cricketers, and sportsmen, leavened with narrow religion and bitter politics. This I do not believe, as I know we are something better, though at times it is painful to find what wrong things can be done under a sacred cloak, and what tyranny can be practised under the name of liberty. It is true that our young men are more given to games than they were formerly. England would not suffer if these pleasures were taken in more moderation, and the higher aims of life better attended to. _ No; no one nowadays would dream of robbing young men and women of their well-earned pleasure and repose. But has not a time come when we should take stock to see where we are with other nations? Because for me England must be first in all things, great, glorious, and free.
Slaithwaite, poor and poverty stricken in the old days, had more than one public library, and a large number of readers. - Where are the latter to-day? - Old ones are mostly dead, and the libraries have become neglected, unless it be a poor unreadable book in the Sunday schools, whick no one thinks it worth while to take out. This is mot as it should be. I would rather have a well-read
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people than a rich people, because the latter would lead to pure selfishness of a degrading character, while the former would elevate the mind and lift mankind to a higher state of real happiness, so that this world would be more worth living in.
We did not always achieve this, I am bound to own, in the good old times of long ago. No; but we tried hard and made some impressions which are not altogether lost, and can be seen in that better and bigger Slaithwaite, which has grown to distinction with other thriving towns on the banks of the dear little River Colne, making one happy and prosperous community, not readily surpassed or often equalled, and let us hope will so run on as to reach the beautiful town of Huddersfield, to stop every indication of decay, and give every impulse to its reviving industries.
This preliminary leads one to speak a little of some very few of the old bookmen-maybe dreamers, though supporters of the Mechanics' Institute, reading rooms, progressive ideas, and social developments. I will not take the wealthy ones this time, because they were very few, though to their honour, be it said, there were some who were not one whit behind their poorer neighbours in their strong desire to promote the public weal.
Take at random three of my choice to-day: James Bamforth, Inghead, known best as James o' Dickey's. He was one of the founders of the Local Board, became one of its first members, and was so learned in the by-laws that he was called the solicitor general to the ruling authority, and was able to keep them right in all matters of difficulty, and this without fee or reward of any kind. It could not be said of him as Brougham (in a facetious mood) said of a lawyer, viz., that "he was a learned gentleman who rescues your estate from your enemies- and keeps it himself." No; old James was happy in serving the public, and none more content than he when at the Shoulder of Mutton Inn, with his long clay pipe, a tankard of ale, and a good company, discussed the great
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questions of the day at the forum of the public-house, then the cockpit, where disputes were settled, high or low, sacred or profane.
Joe Dyson, Windy Bank, and Charles o' th' Barrett were two of a very different class, retiring and modest in their several ways, both great bookworms. Talking of that Windy Bank, how deserted is the place! Not a soul to tell the tale of its former glory, when old Mrs. Marsden was queen, with Dyson as next-door neighbour; but, oh, so different in character! Those tall trees sigh in vain on stormy nights to the tumble-down barns, once the happy home of man and beast. Here was Dyson's castle, library, workshop, and study. He was a man of frugal - habits and a saving turn which always enabled him to be independent, and at the finish to leave a little behind for his relatives and friends. - Dyson's mind was an ideal one: full of poetry, rich in imagination, and very great on Shakespeare, Burns, and Byron. These he (Dyson) would discuss for ever.
One dark night I remember when I was in great distress, having just lost the dear young wife of my youth, and mother of my three dear little girls, youngest under two years of age. It was a sad time, and Joe was my greatest comforter. Sitting in the house with the darlings in bed, the housekeeper gone home, in comes a popular parson of the day, who had been accompanied from Huddersfield to Slaithwaite, it being Sunday and too late in the day for trains. To put it plainly, the reverend gentleman dare not go home alone, and abjectly begged for company on the lonely road. In vain I pleaded that the little ones could not be left, but it was no use , we had to go, Dyson, myself and the minister. On the road the first-named was all in his glory, reciting his best poetry for the comfort of the last mentioned, who was all gratitude and thankfulness as long as we kept on through Cellars Clough nearly to his door. But the sting of the whole thing was that some time after it came to my knowledge that this ungrateful beggar had only been having us on, and for the benefit of his private friends was imitating Joe in his
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recital of poetry, especially that part in " Childe Harold's Pilgrimage," canto 3, stanza 21, beginning with
" There was a sound of revelry by night," and going on to
* Music arose with its voluptuous swell ; Soft eyes look'd love to eyes which spake again."
I know that Joe did not pronounce the long word correctly, but called it " volumpious," but it never entered my mind that it would be used against my friends as a reward for the pilgrimage of mercy we had bestowed on the reverend gentleman, and I may be pardoned to-day surely for saying that ever since I have given the ungracious scoffer a wide berth, though I have watched with pleasure his greater success in a much wider sphere of influence.
Charles o' th' Barrett was a different man, cold and calculating, and when " Essays and Reviews" came out at Oxford he was one of the first to purchase them. He was a very great reader, and the one who first brought to my mind Lyell's " Antiquity of Man." He was almost a Freethinker, and encouraged all young men to go to his house just under Pole Moor Chapel. All the young fellows who were coming out used to be found in his den discussing all the great questions of the day to the delight of the old gentleman, who with many a sage advice would correct the erring ones and help the weak. had come of a family who had money, and he never had to work, but could live quietly in his little way in comparative comfort and ease. He could be very satirical at times and almost ill-humoured, for he was very peculiar. He had a large heart, and had generous sentiments. Good natured to a fault, and he would never let the mice running about the house be destroyed, but would kindly feed them, and they were one of the sights of the place. Joe Dyson and he were great friends until near the end of their days (neither ever married), when in an unfortunate moment they fell out about nothing, blackguarded each other soundly, called
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names willingly, and were indeed very foolish, to the great regret of their numerous friends. They both lived long, and I believe died happy. May they in this state have met in the world they have gone to, there to renew the fond friendship of their early days, and never to grow older in that far-off happy land. '
CHAPTER XLIV.
NotEp PrEacuErs.
In the good old days Slaithwaite had more noted local preachers than it has to-day. Old Mr. Bamforth, of Dark Wood, was a man of mark, led a peculiar life all his own, was at one time a stated minister of no mean ability, and in after time lived a long and quiet life at his old home at Dark Wood. He was before my time, and I know little of him beyond being strongly impressed with his personality when we used to call on a Sunday night to see him.
Joshua o' th' Row I knew much better. This gentleman used to come and preach at Gadsby's, and could divide his subject as clearly as any man I ever heard, though it was hard stuff between, but firmly believed. The Sunday school might and did teach writing, but it could not teach religion. This was to come from above: a queer faith that will surprise the present generation of Sunday school teachers.
John o' Charlotte's was not of the same mental capacity, did not often try his hand, was more of a singer, and right heartily he laid on when singing the bass part in the good old tune of "Derby," and then looked round the congre- gation for a well-merited approbation. He was a faithful soul, and his dear wife was as peculiar in another way, being most remarkable for her short cuts at truth, religious or otherwise. On another occasion John took Mr. Holiday to tea, and knowing the peculiarities of his spouse only too well, John went on in front up the garden walk quickly,
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and called out, " Charlotte! set out the cups and plates ; here is the minister coming." _ " Not I, by G---," returned the wife, " tha'lt have to have thi porridge." The minister was shocked. John was dismayed, but the old lady at last relented and made a good tea, which put everything right, and made for peace and happiness which was not always the lot of this good old Christian when the preacher was away.
The preachings used to be in the weekdays on the Wednesday nights at some brother's or sister's house. This particular one for John was at Clough House, in a large roomy 'house, with the furniture and work-things all put back, and forms added to sit on. On this occasion, after duly opening with singing, prayer, and a lesson, the time of the sermon came, which was, " Owe thou no man anything " ; but, do what he could, our friend John could get no forrarder, and after struggling with it a long time with no better result, old Anthony Hoyle gave out a hymn, A prayer was said, then the pipes were brought out, and in the discussion which followed some one said, " Whatever did ta tak yond text for, John, because it is unkindly said that tha owes Jim Clay some money, and he cannot get paid." Very likely this is a story of the. worldly, who are ever ready to invent something to the detriment of the faithful, for John was a grand old man, and deservedly respected.
Among those who used to come and preach in Slaithwaite was the great personality of Squire Brooke, briefly called * Ned Brooke." He was a great favourite at the Wesleyan Chapel, then not so comfortable or handsome as it is now. The chapel bottom was a wilderness, and used for the Sunday school, with a square railed off for the singing pew immediately under the pulpit. In that pew (I can see them to-day) sat old Sam Whiteley, Tom Carter, Joseph Haigh, Edward Varley, R. Wilkinson (with his 'cello), Frank Shaw, and myself (with a violin each), and this was mainly the choir, who were largely called upon in the service when the squire was preaching. _ It was quaint, straight, honest, and direct. He would tell how he used to go to church on a Sunday morning before he was converted, and in the afternoon go out into the fields
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to see where to find a hare for the Monday morning. Then he would take the congregation into his confidence and tell them how smart he used to be in his shooting costume, and dry remark, " How fine the devil had me, but, thank God, not so after my conversion." Then he would stop - _ suddenly, and begin to sing " I do believe," etc., etc., in which all the congregation heartily joined.
The old gentleman never came empty handed, and the deserving poor had ever a helping, hand. There was one lamentable occasion on which a drunken man in the chapel threw his pipe at the old gentleman in the pulpit. This was too much to submit to, so the fellow who had done this foul thing and his mate went to beg pardon, a matter readily granted, and they were well fed ; but what should the wicked beggars do but steal the knives they had used in eating the good things provided! Happily, this was not discovered by the family at the time, but wrongdoing does not go long unpunished, and in a short time after, for other misdeeds, they were brought to justice.
Edmund Sykes, known briefly at the chapel as Ned o' Billy's, one of the oldest, best-remembered, and most respected of a family of village shopkeepers, living under the shop at what was the old post office, now occupied by Godfrey Woodhead. Ned Lane takes its name from the old gentleman, who was not so much of a preacher, but a devoted member of Gadsby's Chapel, to which his wife (a fine woman in every sense) was closely attached. The ministers were often located there, and old Mr. Kershaw, of Rochdale, used to tell with a relish of his first reception there. Getting from Rochdale was not so easy as now. He had to walk over Blackstone Edge, and came on a Saturday. When he arrived he was not so well dressed, a little uncouth and uncanny. He did not take Mrs. Sykes's eye, and little was the talk that night, you may imagine. The morning was no better, so all quietly went to chapel. The service opened, hymns were sung, lesson read, prayer said, and a most eloquent sermon preached. And when this was done all was changed from darkness to marvellous light ; where it had been winter cold was summer warmth.
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Ever after, Mr. Kershaw, as long as he lived, when coming to Slaithwaite, always stayed with the Sykeses, and was most welcome.
sometimes a minister did not turn up, and then one of the deacons had to try. Mr. Sykes sometimés did duty, who nearly always cried, so soft and tender were his feelings. To us boys this used to be a wonder, and it generally won our sympathy, so that we were better behaved than on ordinary occasion. Once he did not get on a bit. He had taken a hard text from a very complicated subject, which he could not open out, and had to cut it short. When he got home his wife lovingly advised him that in future he was to take all his texts from the Psalms, as more within his powers, advice which never failed him after, as he always kept his little boat near the shore, and within the sound of the songs of David. Joseph Sykes, Lingards, was a very good hand, was very useful at Holthead, and latterly was a home missioner down Bedfordshire way.
James Wood, Hollins Row, did not do much, but had a very clear head, and could repeat a sermon when he had heard it. However, on one memorable occasion, when he should have preached at a week-night meeting, he had entirely lost the idea of his sermon, and could not proceed. He was a bellman of the town, and could tell a good tale, giving a clear idea of a sale, etc. Well known and highly respected, he brought up a large and honourable family.
Brother Mellor belonged to the old Wesleyans, and had a respectable career. He was asked to become the clerk at the church, which in later life he accepted. He was a very useful man, and at the meetings which Lord Dart- mouth attended was most welcome, often delighting his lordship with his quaint sayings.
Messrs. Charles and John Wilkinson were long the staunch and able supporters of the old body, in which they spent a lifetime for the love of the cause.
John Varley did the same yeoman service for the Free Wesleyans after the separation. This latter body had a
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hard struggle, and the only thing to be regretted (and for which they were not to blame) was the purchasing of the land for their new chapel in Carr Lane from a private owner (at a profit), who had made the first purchase of free land after Lord Dartmouth had consented to sell. This put the sale of land back for a time, had a very bad effect on the authorities, and was not conducive to cheap land in the future. A bad beginning which, fortunately, has had a good ending.
CHAPTER XLV.
MaxtracturErs or OupEnN Days.
In the former chapters it was shown what the long- windowed houses were for, what use was made of them, and how things had changed with workers, but it is a creater change with the manufacturers. In the old days there were very few mill owners in the Colne Valley who were manufacturers. No; they were woollen sceribblers, millers, dyers, finishers, four separate businesses, which found employment from the many (small and large) who in those days were called piece makers, who put out their material to factories in the first place to be made into yarn, which was sent home in the cop, to be again delivered out to the weaver. These came from all the hillsides, with their wrapper and their donkeys, principally in a morning, the allotted time for this kind of work. Then could be seen hundreds of them going to the various large houses of the scattered manufacturers, who had a busy time of it in the early part of the day; and again on Tuesdays, when they went to Huddersfield to sell their pieces. At other times it was one easy happy-go-lucky existence. Most of the afternoons these men congregated together, calling on the way at neighbouring public-houses, and arriving at the Globe, where Ephraim was king, brewer, farmer, and hail fellow well met, always strong enough with characteristic personality to keep his friendly
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company together. They did not drink to get drunk. Oh, no; it was their club and rendezvous for good fellow- ship. The village gossip was heard, stories were told, valiant deeds recounted, and disasters retailed. They were a right good sort. No pride of family or conceit of wealth. Then, big fortunes did not turn their heads, or a little power make them vain. They had real enjoyment, and were not above their neighbours; friendly with all, and the good workman was often their companion. The talk would be general. - Mr. John Crowther would tell the company of the pleasure he had had last market day in going to see the beautiful lass his oldest son was going to marry, and how proud he was that she was good, which was better than riches. These are living to-day under altered conditions, of which a tale could be told. Then Mr. Hopkinson, a new comer, who was doing a large business, would say, "Mine are too young for courting, but it is remarkable how the old granny is helping them. She beats all I know, or any I have ever seen. She can keep her shop accounts without a single book. She is no scholar, neither knows a single lefttel yet, with a bit of white chalk and her own pecuhal mark on the back of the door, knows to a penny what everyone owes her "-- and in those harder times the number would not be few, or the amount small. Mr. J. Haigh said, " Tha'll be weel off some day, Harry ; and my wife's doing same for my son. She gets up by five o'clock 1' th' morning to do her housework, and then at eight o'clock begins to take in his pieces from the weavers, who come in crowds from all sides until dinnertime, and then after this she has to help to tenter. Sometimes I wonder what he will do when he gets his wife, for he will have to have her soon, as she bas begun to smooth his rough hair, smarten his appear- ance, and make him more presentable. The mother says a bonnet maker will be a poor hand at a tenter, and very little use with the weavers." Such were the notions of these good old stagers in those days. One has lived to see many things different in this case.
Mr. Joseph Sykes was of another class. He had no children, was of a family of noted shopkeepers, and had
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joined this club of the manufacturers. He sold coals, pots, clothes, greengroceries, and was a farmer, with a native wit and a natural vein for banter. - He once said, " If I have no children of my own, there is my niece, who will be provided for, and "-now addressing the landlord-" they say thi son is looking after her, so that we shall be getting muxed up in a bit." " Never mind that," says Mr. Haigh, " what said old Betty to thi the other day, when tha turned her hens out of the field?" " Well," returned Joseph, " it was not bad. The thing fairly settled me, and though against myself, it was so good that I don't mind telling you, but it must not go out of this room under any conditions, for as overseer it would never do to get out into the town. Well, Betty and I had a regular set-to about the hens, and the worst of it was we were the best of friends, and old Johnny, the husband, an old chum. The old lady says to me, ' What am I to do? My husband comes among you, and leaves me and the children to provide for, and they will have to have something to eat wherever it comes from, and if tha will not let me keep hens I shall have to come to thi for relief; and if I do, tha cannot for shame give me less than '*"-naming an old sweetheart. " Tha were fairly had there, Joe," said Mr. Horsfall, " but I had a funnier experience this morning. You all know we are building a new warehouse at our mill, and, trade being good I am anxious to get it up, so I push them on in every way. There was Tramp there, as careless as possible, and when I asked him why he had not brought his breakfast, he pulled a long face and answered, ' Breakfast be d ! No; indeed I have not, for no one ever knows here that he will have to stay to a meal-time.' And then when I got down to the lower mill one of the young beggars put me in a skep, and said if I touched him he would poise me soundly. Is this not enough for one day? What is the world coming to when such words can be said and such deeds done to masters, even in their own workshops?" Mr. G. Eastwood and the others said nothing. The dear old landlady chimed in, " You should have more patience with the men, treat them more kindly, and with greater consideration. They are the same flesh
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and blood, and what a singular reflection! How narrow a margin differentiates us all from one another."
This motherly wisdom would benefit the whole world, and bring all classes into closer union for the common good of all if only more practical-a sort of just levelling - up which would increase happiness, bridge over dlfficultles and make a solid road for mankind to walk upon.
CHAPTER XLVL WorkERs AT THEIR FoRrUXM.
Txr Dartmouth Arms is seated round with workers who have just begun to take a warm interest in the Co-operative movement. Workers are no lounger to be kept under. George Jacob Holyoake is preaching his new doctrines to listening ears of how to raise mankind. Walter Eagland and John Bamforth eloquently expounded the scheme of self help to their fellows, who encourage each other on, and from this source was commenced the great Co-operative movement in Slaithwaite, which has grown to such large dimensions all through the Colne Valle} Anyway, here was the commencement, and no one can tell what it will develop into if the members be but true to one another, and try to live for something else besides the purely selfish " divi." There are times when brotherly love, relief, and truth do not seem to be the order of the day even in this well-regulated community, and when it appears as if the least wage was the right thing to do, and the longest hours to work was a correct code. - If this be so, let us hope there will be less of it, and more of the ideals of the early days
in the future history of Co-operation.
Speaking of the Co-operative movement, I sometimes wonder if the promoters will ever join the Independent Labour Party and go in for class legislation pure and simple-to me a wrong thing either for the few of the
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past or the many of the future. If it is to be purely selfishness, it will be a low rung on the ladder of human progress. The best of men have not laboured for this beyond the greatest happiness for the greatest number, but surely there is something else than seizing by fair means, or otherwise, the great power of production, distribution, and exchange. Where it can be done legitimately, no objection can be taken. - 'The first named is a difficult problem, and has been long in getting to the strong position it is in to-day.
The worthy individuality of genuime brain power and force of character must and will tell in all ages, and as long as the world is better for them they are fairly entitled to a just reward. If there had not been these, where would the great industries of the day have been. Some, alas! a little precarious just now, but by and bye they will be put right, so as to be able to meet the world with equal justice to the worker and the individuality of merit and ability. - It would be an insult to common decency to level down the brightest intellect to the lowest level of humanity. Fair play to both is my ery, and may they work together for the good of the world, as in the past.
Distribution is somewhat easier, and here it has taken the Co-operative movement fifty years to attain the proud position it occupies to-day. How many shopkeepers have been killed in the process is no part of this discussion. We have to welcome progress which leads to greater happiness, and if the movement can take up production no one will object. They have their chance. The world is before them. If the many can accomplish what the few have done in production to the greater benefit of mankind, a grateful age will welcome the progress; but until that day let there be none of that ill-natured railing, which does not deserve the approbation of a generous public bent - on the improvement of the condition of men.
Exchange is a greater difficulty. Those who have the money make the mare to go. It will take a long time to denude our banks of their vast capital, our joint stocks of their accumulation, and our large concerns of their wide
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extensions. A much better plan than pulling down would be building up, and if the men of the present age will do what those have done in the past, they will show something which the age will appreciate, and fit to be put alongside the records of that glorious past which has been the envy of the world. Be this as it may, let me proceed with my story of the workers.
Another pioneer of progress appeared at this time, at the same good old hostelry, to preach to the same class of men on the higher aims of Co-operation, viz.: to provide their own workshops, to be their own masters, and collar the means of production in addition to their distribution-- a subject warmly debated to-day. There will be much more of it in the future, and if men would only be true to each other there would be a greater chance of its success. It all depends on themselves. Only it is a mistaken idea to ever think that they can knock out individuality, merit, or ability, or reduce to one common level the intellect or capacity of men. No; let those who have wings of power soar the atmosphere of righteous conquest, and he who is strong use it, not only for himself, but for the benefit of mankind.
At Slaithwaite, they were a little before their time. Mr. Paterson, the preacher, was most eloquent, made many converts, and unfortunately (judged by results) succeeded in getting a company together to commence cotton spinning in Scammonden. How they got the money to build that unlucky mill, how they stopped short, lost all their maney, and how bhcrhted were all their prospects was painfully illustrated by the lamentable death of Mr. Bamforth, a highly respectable who had money, and when all was lost went and destroyed himself in the unfinished factory, which was to have been the joy of their lives, but ended, alas! in their untimely graves.
Another class and another kind of " drouthy neebors " often met at the Bottoms, then, as now, a lovely spot on the small river running from Deer Hill Springs. - The place was formerly an old mill with a water wheel, but at this time it was the residence of Mr. William Valley, who
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had a brew-house, by which he did a rare trade, and had a licence to sell ale in the low room, up to the running brook. At the door here often sat, by an ingle bleezing finely in reaming swats that drank divinely, a choice lot of old Lingardians. Some of them worked at the quarry (now idle), Windy Bank, under old Mr. Stocks, called good old Jerry for his kind nature and cheerful disposition. "old Johnny, the ancient, a true but dry crony, was nearly always there. They (the company) loved him as a brother, but this was a disaster for the sufferers at home. Then would come in John Marks with a good hearty laugh at his own tales, at which old Joe Beaumont would want to fratch a bit, but Dan o' th' Holt would not have it. Said he one day: "We have a better thing on. Ben o' Bamforths o' Carters has gotten a fortin, and we are to spend every penny "-and, what is more, they did. Never one of the happy lot did anything but drink until it was all gone. At the end of this long spree I remember Dan coming to. our house for my father. He was fairly done, and gasping. He says to my mother, " Betty, lass, I do want something tasty ; what can you give me?" " Nay," she replied, " I have nothing with your cursed drinking ; but if a treacle shive and a onion is anything in thi way tha can have that." - This little incident lives in Slaithwaite to this day, and is often quoted, and was a great favourite with the late William Sykes, of the gasworks.
And another class of the same period foregathered at the Rose and Crown at Cop Hill. There would be sporting men, and the talk would be of foot racing, pigeon flying, and trail hunting-the latter then in Great vogue, and what a pleasant sport! for it is harmless compared with the more cruel ones; nothing killed or anything injured, and a good test of the skill and strength of a dog.
One day, in having their pints, John o' Sarah says: i Well lads, I have been over to the Hanging Gate yonder ' Saddleworth to meet as gradely a lot of sportsmen as ivve1 I met afore. Little Enginer gave me £10 to back his great dog ' Nudger' to run qugle and they took it on sweetly, I can tell you. We knew we were in for
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a good thing. The money was as good as in my pocket, and when all was ready I took notice of the sign over the door, which says :-
"'This gate hangs well, and hinders none ; Refresh and pay and travel on."
- This I did, and I asked the chaps what they were going to have on. They supped up. Then I called again. Balley says ' Put me daan for 50s.) ' Nay," says J ohn o' Tommy's, 'tha arn't going to have it all'" Anyway, a good stake was made up. " Now," said John o' Sarah's, "our dog is in splendid We are sure to win if all yo' fellows will go to the race and spread yerseln aat to cover the whole run to see fair play." I need not add they all went their several ways that night full of the coming event, and when the time came they were all there, and came marching home from Saddleworth Hills and over Standedge Moors with their favourite dog and the money rattling in their pockets. These two famous dogs were so remark- able in their day and generation that the Saddleworth people became the happy possessors of both, and to-day their names adorn respectively two signs of public-houses at Dobcross, as a mark of their great powers, and what workmo—men thought of them in those days.
CHAPTER XLVIIL Wrart tur Lasses Firty YEars Aco, axp Now.
Firtyr years ago they worked at the mill when old enough. There. was a beautiful crop of them at the silk mill ; oh, so nice and clean. Others wove at home, and some very few went out to service. They were a handy lot indeed, fast with nothing, and could do almost anything. In the first place, they could knit and sew, bake and brew, mend their stockings, attend to the house-work, etc., etc., and do
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samplers. (These latter have gone out largely in these later days, as formerly noted in Chapter XV., and varied in this.) You can see a few remnants of the past hung up in some of the houses in their heavy frames, representing Bible characters, pet lambs, etc., illustrated with numerous verses. This art was largely taught at the old " Dame's school," Kitchen Fold, where a few boys were taught to knit stockings between running out of doors ; for in summer time, when the days were fine, they used to bolt out into the open and enjoy themselves in the fresh air, or go fishing in the River Colne hard by. They were fine times, and not spoilt by anticipations of punishment, for the truant knew that at the worst it would only be a gentle tap or two from an old strap kept for the purpose. The hardest thing that ever came from this weapon of correction was when the old lady had hurled it at the head of some ill-behaved scholar, one or two of whom had the audacity to throw it back. Then there were ructions, and the culprit got a well-deserved punishment, which probably troubled him for many a day. Education was not altogether neglected either. Truth to be told, Canon Hulbert, even if he did take advantage of it in the interest of his church, was one of the pioneers of this great movement, and his schools did a useful work in teaching good reading, useful writing, ready mathematics, sound grammar, and plenty of geography. Then there was the Sunday school, where some of the Dissenters taught writing on a Sunday, and many a girl that I know well owed her writing to one of these places; and oh, what would have been missed if it had not been so? _ It is no secret that at times, longing for a glimpse of little reminiscences of the past, I look into a hidden drawer for a sacred sheet of paper, reminding one when summer was one continuous day of sunny happiness, and winter had no darkness. Such documents are dear to one's heart, and that to bedew it with tears can be no desecration, descending as it does from so pure a source, and the writing and the writer coming from a Sunday school one loved so well in those far-off yet happy days. Then singing was a great art, taught at most of the schools, and with this aid the young people could sing by
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ear. It was a common thing for two girls to sing duets at the anniversaries, and on a Sunday evening could be heard the choruses resounding from the mountain sides, the loud hosannas-the little hills rejoice and the valleys covered with corn. Not only these, but the higher themes could be heard of Handel's " Hallelujah," and even so far as Beethoven, and other great masters' works.
They sing well and beautifully at this time, and perhaps with greater training go further, but they do not do much better than those of the remoter period. Besides, in the higher grade, we had in my early days classes for drawing, taught by the late and lamented Mr. Peace Sykes, of Huddersfield, who with rare ability did for the girls in this pleasing art what Mr. Jarmain did for the boys in practical science as applied to trade and commerce. By this the present generation will see we were not idle at that time, but were sowing the seed of the greater Slaith- waite which was to be, and in which all classes of the community rejoice to-day, and cheerfully participate in the labours and joys of those of the past. Then and now,
" With joy unfeigned, brothers and sisters meet, And each for others' welfare kindly speers,"
the brother to defend, and the sister finds in him a rock on which she can firmly stand, and if on this she will rely no danger will ensue. In addition, while in the past the Sundays schools were poor, ill adapted, out of all propor- tion, and totally unequal to the requirements of modern times, still good results attended the efforts of former workers in the labour of love. The singing classes were well attended, the books were freely taken out of the libraries, and the recreations, though somewhat restrained, were wholesome and pure. Neither was there so much of these things as to interfere with the duties at home, which were as numerous as they were varied. - When a young girl got married she had not to learn her duties. A fond mother had taught her everything; in this respect they were a little better then than now, though in many modern things a little behind. For instance, in dress. They were
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not so smart, and all the new fashions did not find their way into the village. The fit was not so neat, the figure was not so trim; neither were the bonnets so gay, or the hats so large; but there was something more-nearly every girl could make her own frock, and often make her own headgear. But, what is more still, she could make her old clothes look as well as new. A lost art at home; everything or nearly so is bought at the shop or Co-op. In this matter the old days were better than the new; and with regard to cleanliness, this was a religion never transgressed by saint or sinner. - There was no John Holroyd and Company to take in washing; this was all done in the cottage as well as in the hall, and the starching was a study, especially the white caps of the young wives, now unhappily gone out of existence. But what matters it which was the better, as both these things are good alike. The classes at our schools are larger, and the rooms rebuilt to meet modern requirements. - They do much good, to mention one only, because it is the largest, and the teacher a kind friend to all the dear one hundred girls who attend on a Sunday afternoon. What pleasure it gives to both! Could girls be better preserved, or their lives be made more happy? Every birthday there is a card, not because of its value. Every marriage a present, though not great, yet thoughtful, and in every sorrow some comfort, and . this sincere and well-meant. Who could spoil the plumage of these bonny birds!?
" Is there, in human form, that bears a heart, A wretch; a villain ; lost to love and truth ; That can, with studied, sly, ensnaring art, Betray one of these sweet unsuspecting youths?"
No; and, if so, a curse on his perjured arts, and be he at all times condemned until justice has been done to the so ruined maid, and consolation brought to the fondling
parents o'er their child.
This nearer and dearer teacher than all others, alas! gone to her reward.
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CHAPTER XLVIIL.
anp NEDDY WALKER.
Herors do not all come from the wealthy and great. Oh, no; the cottage as well as the hall are regularly supplying bright specimens. Neither are deeds of valour, the achieve- ments in art or development of wealth, the only things which constitute worth and distinction. They have all their degrees, and this time let us take example from the struggling workers who for a lifetime fought blindness with a zeal and success quite praiseworthy. _ The lads named above were the sons of Mr. T. Walker, Scarr Hall, a slubber at Tape Mill, under Mr. John Horsfall, in the best days of this old Slaithwaite firm. The father was an honest hard worker, with a large family of three boys and a number of girls. The latter were bright and intelligent, well brought up by a good mother, and attached to the Wesleyan Chapel. The dear old creature was so quiet that she was beloved by everybody. She had one great sorrow, which stamped itself on her existence. - It was always present, and considerably oppressed her, but she struggled bravely with it, and as far as possible kept it from the afflicted sons, who were unfortunately born very short- sighted-in fact, nearly blind. It was a terrible misfortune to face, but for the sake of the dear ones she never complained, but made their lives cheerful, their surround- ings happy, and their hopes as bright as circumstances would permit. Unfortunately there was no school for the blind in and about Slaithwaite, so of education they had none. Food and comforts at home the old birds always provided, and when the lads got bigger they took to the only trade there was for them, and that was driving what were called Midgley's donkeys, belonging to Messrs. J. and J. Sykes, the old coal dealers, between the hump-backed bridges on the banks of the canal, on which they had boats, and in which they brought house coal and distributed the same largely by the above said process. These teams of
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donkeys were then a study. Some of the best animals in the kingdom could be found here, and their services were valuable, for roads were none too good. Distances were great and the pay very small both for boy and beast, still everybody seemed only too willing to give a helping hand to the three dark brothers, who were heroically trying to make an honest living rather than go to the overseer for relief. It is wonderful how kind the poor are with one another when misfortune overtakes one of their order, and it is here that greatness of character comes in, which was mentioned at the beginning of this chapter.
To-day-without the least disrespect to the rich, may I say!-if I were begging on the road, sad to relate, if I wanted a crust of bread, I think it would come more freely from the cottage of the poor than from the mansions of the great; though, truth to be told, the latter are not wanting when true charity is required. My dear mother- and I must be pardoned if I have told this story before- made a practice of serving all beggars; a foolish thing to do on the off chance. She, poor thing, said that if any of her boys were starving some poor soul would take pity and give them the return crumb-which she could so ill spare at that time from her humble cottage home.
This kind of thing is what this chapter means in making out nature's heroism in humble life, and by the manly and womanly way they meet and successfully overcome sorrow and distress. In this sense these lads deserve well of their order for the honest efforts they made to support them, selves ; but greatest of all was their natural talent for music, which, untaught, they developed with great success. Loss of sight by a wise providence seems to be compensated by the greater brilliance given to the ear; but, still, what a calamity when it is " all dark amid the blaze of noon "! What those who can see have to be thankful for, and what those in need of this splendid faculty have to mourn! Yet it did not bother them. They made the best of it, always remembering that in one way or the other the Lord would provide. Johnny, the elder, had a violin given to him early in life, and, self taught, in time became very
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_- proficient, and was in requisition at all the neighbouring feasts, fairs, and dances. At the classes taught for the latter he was the never-failing fiddler to supply the tunes. At feasts and fairs he was a great draw, because in addition to his ability with the strings he had a fair voice, and could sing a good song to his own accompaniment; until at last, too soon, after a long number of years of great usefulness, one fatal Slaithwaite Feast Sunday he was taken to Broad Fields and there ate some raw gooseberries, which gave him a violent attack of cholera and laid him low in a few hours. Thus Slaithwaite lost its blind idol with sympathetic regret.
Billy could play no instrument, but he was the best of them as a singer, and, accompanied by his brother, it was a real treat to hear them at the Star Hotel giving their musical concerts to appreciative neighbours and friends. He dearly loved a song with a good chorus, in which the company could join with a right hearty goodwill, and was also great in a piece where talking was introduced. - He lived a fair time, and was honoured in his death.
Now comes the last, poor Neddy. Who has not heard him with his concertina and his treat in either, and a charm when combined. He, too, was in great request at public-houses and at dances. What a friend he had in the then genial host, Mr. G. H. Walker, of the Commercial Inn, when this gentleman kept this popular hostelry. At Linthwaite, too, he was a great favourite, and went there up to the time of his death. For years he had not been over well, and kind friends had often helped to smooth his suffering life, and now when he is gone the public have come to the rescue with a gala, which, it is pleasing to know, has realised a fair sum of money, and if not enough, let them try again. There is plenty of music in the Colne Valley to help a fallen brother, a public spirit which will not let those suffer who are left behind, and that strong appreciation of merit and ability to do justice to the memory of the last of the three little heroes.
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CHAPTER XLIX.
V arIETYy.
SLAITHWAITE people have had their feast time, and maybe when now at work will be interested to learn how others spend theirs. These feasts and wakes, of what vast | importance they are in the north! - Every town and village sends its contingent to the seaside, and what a time they have of it! Who could find in their heart to deny it to those who have from year to year to stare at the walls of a factory, and to hear the machinery grind? No wonder the young people are as merry as crickets when every prospect pleases, and only vile when the weather disappoints with teeming rain, as was the case at Douglas last Sunday -one of the most wretched days that ever the sun did not shine upon. "Oh, the young darlints!" The dear young girls were kept in like caged birds, and had no chance to turn out in their gay feathers to sport on the promenade (poor things!), but there was nothing for it but to make the best of it by playing like tame kittens at the doors of their lodges. Older birds had their work set to get through such a day without moping or thinking of the absent ones at home. One of these old stagers, however, managed it in this way. There was Gipsy Smith preaching in the town. - Wading through the rain up Victoria Street, a vast throng was discovered in a large and commodious chapel, waiting nearly one hour before the time for this popular preacher to come in. There was the usual well-dressed tradesman to show people to their seats, to boss the show, and make the collection. After long waiting the preacher turned up, with his dark moustache, dark eyes and dark hair, well-chiselled face, a musical voice, and a taking manner. He was at once at his ease, and held the audience from first to last, with his earnestness, plain speaking, and honest truths of the John Ploughman stamp. It made one think that if every Wesleyan minister adopted the same style it would not take long to empty the chapels of the wealthy and better- to-do. No; there was no chance for the religious man
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who says he does business on business lines, and that religion is a different thing. The latter is everything with Smith, and the rest nowhere. There were a few there who would wonder at this, to them a strange doctrine, but the eloquent preacher seemed to get them to swallow it very nicely, with now and then a bit of sugar.
The text was a long one from the ninth chapter of St. Mark, and from this he drew tears and laughter, and lifted many a bosom to heave for better things and resolve
to do better deeds, and then finished with beautifully singing a selected hymn, along with his daughter.
After so good a morning one may be indulged with a sacred concert for the evening, especially in the Colne Valley, where three of the principal performers were Slaithwaite lads. This was at the Palace, and oh how beautiful they have made the place since the fire! The decorations are of the best, the balconies very fine, the painting grand, and the floor magnificent; but greater than these things was the vast audience, and the galaxy of talent for the evening's entertainment, commencing with that well-known hymn, " Arise, O Lord, and shine," to the tune "Darwen," in which all the people joined.
The band was at its full capacity, assisted by Mr. Daniel Wood, from London, and other clever men, and one lady at the pianoforte, under the perfect control of Mr. Harry Wood, who seemed to revel in the work. Dressed to perfection, he looked much better in his evening dress than in that short jacket, which is not so graceful or suitable to his person, but the work he did told in every department. - The first piece was "In Memoriam" (Sullivan), performed faultlessly, as a tribute of respect to the memory of the late Lord Salisbury. Then came Mr. William Green, the tenor, with the song, " Onaway, awake! beloved " (Coleridge-Taylor), a very fair perfor- mance, and for an encore sweetly gave " The Anchor's Weighed." Brightly following this was Miss Ella Russell with that dramatic scena, " Adonais" (Langdon Ronald), specially composed for this lady, and the words selected from Shelley's poem by Vernon Blackburn. How she
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delighted the audience: played with the top and bottom notes as only a very great artist can do.; and again she fetched them with an undeniable encore by her winsome response of "'Twas within a Mile of Edinboro' Town," and again her marvellous singing of " Il Bacio " (Arditi), and "In Maytime" (Dudley Buck). - In all the recalls she did a womanly thing: she insisted in sharing the honour with Harry Wood, the conductor, who richly deserved it. Mr. Green also gave effectively " O vision entrancing" (Goring Thomas) and " An _ Evensong" (Blumenthal) ; but to the writer two of the gems of the evening may be fairly claimed for the youthful brother, Haydn Wood, who was loudly applauded on making his appearance, and more so as he retired after each clever performance, in the first place in a piece of his own, entitled " Souvenir de Pesth," and in the second solo, " Rondo Capriccioso" (Saint-Saens). Such playing was never dreamed of by the old stagers dying off, and it would be a great pity if he were allowed to stop here. He must go on and on, until he attains the highest rung in his profession, and that is by going to Italy or Germany to the greatest masters, to prepare for what all his numerous friends believe to be a great career. The band was very successful in a selection, Tschaikowsky's " Bridal March," and a great concert ended, having given delight to thousands on a wet and miserable night.
I was largely the means of Harry Wood being a fiddler, and I have written the above to encourage the younger brother to be greater by sending the youth to the best
masters.
CHAPTER L. An AnnUAL.
For the fifty-first annual contest at Belle Vue there has been a keen struggle between the great bands of the North, the South being mostly out of it; at least until very lately, when at the Crystal Palace, at the end of
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September, a great contest has been held during the last few years, and here most of the principal prizes have been brought North. Last year Black Dyke and Linthwaite secured the two principal prizes respectively in the order named. What these men have to do, the distances they have to travel to and from practice, the natural abilities required, and the devotion necessary, is something of a study to those who understand these things. - Without drawing an unkind comparison, how easy it is to attain fame in football if strength, speed, and courage be there! But it is not so in music; it takes years and years to accomplish, and yet how popular the former, and how badly paid and patronised the latter. It used not to be so in the early days of contesting, when Meltham and Linthwaite were neck and neck; then, as each band returned home with their prizes, the inhabitants at each village used to turn out to welcome them, even if it were midnight when the return journey was accomplished. Then it was a great fight with Lancashire, this county being often beaten down to the lower prizes-Besses o' th' Barn in those days were low down, Kingston Mills came up pretty well, Rochdale Old was not bad, Stalybridge had a good band, Mossley was coming on, Accrington was all there, Pemberton Old, as to-day, was good, and this year for a wonder got the first prize.
This was all after the great time of the Bacup Band, which had carried all before it for a long time, and this old band has a history all its own with regard to winning at Belle Vue in the days of a long time ago.
The fight between the Roses was just as keen as is the battle in cricket, and to keep prominent there was some- thing to do for Yorkshire. Linthwaite was fortunate in getting the valuable services of that great musician, Mr. Sidney Jones, who in his turn did much to bring out Mr. E. Swift, one of the oldest and best bandmasters of the day. If he were to reckon up the scalps he has taken they would be a formidable array, and do credit to his great worth in the brass band world, not only as a great teacher, but also an equally eminent writer of selections which have ever been popular with brass bands.
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This year (1903) Linthwaite is his only band at Belle Vue. - What a lesson to go back to 1869, when this combination begun to contest! - Since then they have taken many good prizes at this great musical carnival, from the first on September (th, 1874, down to nothing at all, as the Irishman would say; and, what is worse, the latter very often.
Charles Auty was a long and well-tried leader, who did some good things in his time. John Beaumont was a born artist. H. Haigh was a good and tried friend of the band. J. Taylor, in 1882, won the euphonium solo competition (£18 18s.) at Belle Vue. G. Raine was a wonderful acquisi- tion, and in his time did many great things. Monk was a good player, but did not stop long. Then, whoever was better than H. Oldham on the tenor, or Fisher on the bass, or Garside on the trombone? One is only remem- bering a few of the (so-called) old fossils, while the rest of the band were no less efficient, and not daring to mention the young race both in and out of the band for fear of causing jealousy, because in music (as in other things) there is much more trouble with success than in the ordinary course of things.
One has seen in companies shareholders quiet for years without a dividend, but let the same company be more than successful, then the " music " begins, and from the directors, the manager, the workers, and the shareholders there comes an ugly rush, a sort of avalanche, which, if not stopped in time, will crush all before it. The moral in bands, men, and companies is always to be reasonable and just, then all will come right in the end. But what has all this to do with Belle Vue contest? - Well, let us come back to the subject.
Monday last was a great day. Thirty bands entered, nineteen were selected, and each played a selection-- " Caractacus," selected and arranged by Charles Godfrey, R.A.M., Lieut. and B.M., Royal Horse Guards. It is a difficult piece, calculated to test every member of the band, hut so great have our bands become that they seem able to tackle anything no matter how great or difficult. The
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playing was simply wonderful, and every band deserved a prize. The contest begun a little after one o'clock. Of the nineteen bands, A. Owen had eight, John Gladney three, Edwin Swift one, William Rimmer three, and the rest divided between men less known. The first prize was £50 in money and cup ; second, £30; third, £20 ; fourth, £15; fifth, £10; and sixth, £5. To these prizes were added musical instruments, etc., by the various well-known makers. What a record Mr. John Gladney has at these contests! No matter which band, he is almost sure to win. Of the above six prizes he took first, second, and sixth. Mr. A. Owen, with eight bands, only managed to get fifth-Lea Mount, Halifax, together with a consolation prize for Lea Mills. Mr. Rimmer took third with Irwell Springs, and a consolation prize with Wingates Temperance. Mr. B. Lodge, of Primrose Hill, Huddersfield, happily took fourth prize with Lindley-Mr. Gladney's old band. But Mr. E. Swift is to be sympathised with very greatly for missing to win with Linthwaite. They played magnificently-tone, tune, ensemble, smartness, and finish were marked features-- everyone declaring it was a fine performance, which only took nine minutes (less time than any of the other bands), but they were badly drawn between some good bands, and third in the order of going in, while Pemberton and Lindley were very much more favoured by coming in later on and between some poorer bands. Indeed, Linthwaite never was very fortunate at Belle Vue, and had their merit to depend on their success here, they would never have had much success. Their renown has all been won outside these contests. It is thirteen years since they ever got a prize at these gardens. - Indeed, they have ever been unfortunate here, but this year it is a double misfortune, because they have just got their new instruments, were in great need of the money, and had gone so well prepared and confident. Their friends must sympathise with them the more and rally round them with that support which they so richly deserve. If it is some consolation to the band and their numerous supporters, it is to know they are in good company, for neither Besses o' th' Barn or Kingston Mills (two of the best bands there) got one penny.
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Batley Old, another good Yorkshire band, was unfortunate, so that company in distress should make the trouble less for poor Linthwaite, who will do better next time, and, what is more, have better luck-let us hope to be renewed at London again when they go to the Crystal Palace.
There were the usual crowds from all parts of the country, the shouters for the popular bands, the old musicians, and those on pleasure bent. - Each one here had his or her turn, and right well did they score. All had prizes, and there were no blanks. Fortunately, there was less drunkenness than ever before. Better order and great good humour, only marred by the terrible rain which set in just after five o'clock, and made everybody miserable, except those who had won the day. ' The judges were Mr. Manuel Bilton, bandmaster 17th (Duke of Cambridge Own) Lancers; Mr. J. O. Shepherd, musical director, Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool ; and Mr. J. W. Beswick, Manchester; and it is no mistake to say their decisions gave general satisfaction, although, indeed, they were much in the nature of a surprise to a good many there.
CHAPTER LL.
Dratn or Mr. E. Swirt: A FRIENDLY APPRECIATION. -
Ox Tuesday morning died one of the best of our well-known citizens, Mr. Edwin Swift, at his residence, Roadside, Milnsbridge, Linthwaite, at the age of sixty years, honoured and respected by all. The deceased gentleman leaves a widow and an up-grown family to mourn his irreparable loss, and a district to be all the poorer through his departure to the " Better Land." For a long time it has been seen that Mr. Swift has not been very well. About four years ago he had a great shock by the death of his favourite son Fred, a lad beloved by all, a great acquisition to the Linthwaite Band, and possessing a talent almost equal to his father, with more favourable opportunities of
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rR. Eowmn SwIFT.
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developing the same, and had at the time of his demise won not only honour at home, but a great position in Bceotland. This great loss told and hurt, but still Mr. Swift did not lose head or heart, but went on with his work to drown his sorrows.
For last September-Belle Vue contest-he had doubly prepared the Linthwaite Band, and with their new instru- ments he was expecting great results, and when the two first prizes were given to one eminent conductor, and again in London, a month after, the first and second prize to another who had failed at Belle Vue, it was a case of fairly putting out Mr. Swift's pipe-food for reflection, and a cause of great disappointment to many good supporters of bands-but Edwin opened not his mouth ; still it told, and he was greatly disconcerted.
Only few knew of Mr. Swift's illness; indeed, he did not know himself, for only the other Sunday, when the writer went to see him for the first time, he jokingly remarked that he was going to cheat the doctor and hoped to be soon well again. But, alas! the hopes of man are often doomed to failure, and when Dr. Macgregor saw him on the Monday he could offer no cheering hope, and after this the spirit of the subject of our notice drooped to hopelessness. - On the Wednesday early in January he took to his bed, on which he peacefully lay until death stole his gentle spirit away, as above stated.
Mr. Edwin Swift was a great honour not only to the sons of toil, but to every class. A lad from the loom, who, mostly self-taught, had climbed to the highest rung of musical fame in the brass band world. No one was more popular at the welcome concerts in the park during the lovely summer months each year with Wyke and Linthwaite. What he has done for the latter can never
be forgotten.
In the " Slaithwaite Notes " these things have been told with glowing enthusiasm by a friend from youth upwards, who has been true till death, and now mourns for him as a verra brother.
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During his time Mr. Swift has done many things- commencing a boy as a flautist (under the late Mr. Thornton, of the New Street Temperance Hotel), a member of the Linthwaite Drum and Fife Band, then a woollen weaver, and when at home studied music. He soon discarded the flute and took up the horn, became a good player, and then joined the Linthwaite Band, which was just becoming popular, under Mr. J. S. Jones, the Harrogate bandmaster for so many years-the father not only of bands in Yorkshire, but the proud paternal father of sons and daughters of musical geniuses. From this gentleman Mr. Swift learnt much, became second conductor of the band (under Mr. Jones), and when the latter retired became first, a position he has retained to the time of his lamented death. It is no exaggeration to say that nearly all the first-class bands of the day and yesterday have greatly benefited by his wonderful teaching-Leeds Forge, Golcar, Holme Mills, Mossley, Mirfield, Dewsbury, Wyke, Linth- waite, Todmorden Old, Cornholme, Lindley, Honley, Oldham, Rifles, Kingston Mills, Denton Old, and hosts of others too numerous to mention-not only this, but his masterly compositions and clever arranging of music for bands in contesting and otherwise. He was self-taught, had great natural abilities, which brought him to the top of his profession. He was ever liked as a judge, because he was fair, able, and honest, and when contesting the same. And what fights they were in the long time ago, especially between Meltham and Linthwaite! No complaining when he had lost, as was often honestly the case, nor even when (as was sometimes though) he had been cruelly robbed of a well-earned prize. This latter kind of thing has always told adversely on bands and their supporters, and if too often indulged in would seriously endanger con- testing, and will lose many friends. - So that to-day we have not the rosy morn of bands, which are still the proudest products of Lancashire and Yorkshire, and may they long retain their pre-eminence, and young men rise to fill up the wide gap created by the removal of this faithful friend and brother, and that those who struggle so hard to be first may always get that place honestly ;
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then bands will come back with all that place of honour and position to which they are so eminently entitled by their great merit and ability. J.S.
Tur FUxERAL.
Many were the signs of regret and sorrow on the occasion of the late Mr. Edwin Swift's funeral, which took place at the Wesleyan Chapel, Linthwaite, on Friday afternoon last. The weather could scarcely have been more wretched, as rain fell incessantly during the whole of the afternoon ; but, despite this, an immense number of people either witnessed or took part in the mournful procession. The funeral cortége was formed at the deceased's house at Milnsbridge, and wended its way along the plain and unsheltered Manchester Road in the blinding rain. Heading the procession were the members of the Linthwaite Brass Band in uniform, with whom were many members of the Wyke Band, and other musicians from the Lindley, Almond- ' bury, Gainsboro' Britannia, and Gainsboro' Volunteer Bands, in ordinary mourning. _ With muffled drums the large body of instrumentalists played Handel's " Dead March " all along the route, and lent a very melancholy air to the proceedings. Following the hearse came the carriages, in which were the widow, three sons, and three daughters of the deceased, and other relatives. Several members of the Linthwaite Brass Band Committee were in attendance, and old players in the band were represented by Messrs. John Beaumont, Henry Oldham, Oliver Pogson,
and James Garside, together with an old secretary, Mr. B. Holroyd.
Amongst well-known conductors, bandmasters, and repre- sentatives of bands were Messrs. John Gladney (Manchester), T. Valentine (conductor of Harrogate Borough Band), Albert Gray (conductor of the Northern Military Band, Manchester), Fenton Renshaw (Brockholes), B. D. Jackson (Dewsbury), John Paley (conductor of Shipley Band}, John Riley (Gainsboro' Volunteer Band), J. Bromley (Batley Old Band), Harry Bower (bandmaster of Black Dike Band), William Lumb and P. Turner (Wyke Band), Cooke
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(Gainsboro' Britannia Band), Ashworth and Rushton (band- master and secretary respectively of Eagley Mills Band), and John Brook (bandmaster of Thornhill Band), Messrs. Richard Stead (Slaithwaite), and Edwin Stead (Meltham), former members of the old Meltham Mills Band, were present. - Mr. T. Slatford also represented the well-known firm of Messrs. Besson and Company, London (who supplied the Linthwaite Band with their new instruments), and Mr. J. Eaton represented the Cornet, whilst a deputation attended from the Milnsbridge Liberal Club, of which the deceased was a member. _ Councillors Lawley and J. Milnes, Messrs. A. J. Haigh, J. Wadsworth, and A. Broadbent joined in the procession. Blinds were drawn at many houses along the route, and the knots of people assembled to witness the procession, whilst many followed the cortége to Linthwaite. The Rev. 8. C. Hall met the mourners at the chapel, and was joined by the Rev. J. short, of Milnsbridge. The coffin, upon which were placed the family wreaths, was laid in front of the communion rails. The Rev. S. C. Hall read the opening sentences of the service, and Mr. J. T. Bramley played on the organ Mendelssohn's " O0 Rest in the Lord." The hymn " Rock of Ages" was pathetically sung by the congregation, and the two ministers read portions of Scripture, after which Handel's " Dead March" was played by Mr. Bramley. The coffin was then borne to the grave, where the rest of the funeral service was conducted by the two ministers, and the augmented band played "The Last Wish" twice through. The coffin, which was of solid pitch pine with brass mounts, bore the inscription: " Edwin Swift, died February Oth, 1904, aged 60 years." A sorrowing look into the grave, where other departed members of the family are also interred, was taken by the mourners, who then departed. There was a very large number of floral tributes, and in addition to those sent by relatives of the deceased, wreaths were sent by the Linthwaite Brass Band Committee, Wyke and Eagley Mills Bands, Mr. John Taylor (Ball Royd, Longwood), Mr. and Mrs. Holdsworth (Middlesbro'), Messrs. Besson and Company, Mr. Hes (proprietor of the Brofish Bandsman), Messrs. Hodgson and Company (Huddersfield),
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and Mr. W. Rimmer (Southport). - The messages of condolence received, which were very numerous, included letters from the Contest Committee, Abergavenny, South Wales and Monmouthshire Brass Band Association, Ferndale Prize Band, Mr. G. T. H. Seddon (London), and Mr. John Dixon (representing Messrs. Boosey and Company, of London), all of which were handed to the family by Mr. Richard Stead.
CHAPTER LIL.
Tur Poumricau CRISIS.
It is difficult at this time of day (January, 1904) to know where politically. Since 1888 we have been " all over the shop." Then our great Mr. Gladstone went astray from the path direct into the wilderness, as many thought, to get the Irish vote, of which he was in great need. Up to this time he had been dead against Home Rule for Ireland, and many, like the writer, hung on his words at Leeds, when he said the laws of civilisation were not exhausted. How proud we were of this manly statement, and would have followed him to the ends of the earth on this straight line of policy! Judge, then, of our dismay when, without the least hint or ever consulting us, he asked us to vault clean over to what he had taught us not to believe. This made a breach which has never been healed, and opened flood- gates which have never been closed. - That portion of the old Liberals who would not go or be thrown into the Parnellite juice have ever since had the full tide of Liberal political hate playing upon them from their old pals, and while regretting this very much, have been content to keep up a show of their own, and for propagandist purposes have allied themselves with the old Tories, who have been very loyal and true to all their obligations. When difficulties have arisen the settlement has always been of a give-and- take character, but, on the whole, leaning to the side of mercy, the greatness of the Empire, and generally, if not altogether, beneficent to mankind. _ Neither side could have its own way ; something must and has been
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from time to time by both parties, by which a reasonable modus operandi has been secured, which won the nation to steady progress, carried two great elections by large majorities, and occupied a most commanding influence in the world's history. But where are we to-day, and what shall we do, is the question of the hour. We have two of our great leaders pulling with all their might in opposite directions-" Joey," as lovingly called by his best friends, forwards and the noble Duke backwards. One says there is no chance for this country unless we alter our fiscal arrange- ment, and Devonshire almost swears he will not have it at any price. - This is strange to me. _- Only a very short time ago, when presiding at a complimentary banquet (which I was at) to the hon. member for Birmingham at the Hotel Cecil, the Duke spoke most eloquently of the great service which the Colonial Secretary had rendered to the country by the unsurpassed grip and tenacity with which he had pulled through the unfortunate war, and more than any other Minister helped to weld the nation together in bonds of unity with the sons and daughters beyond the sea. But, alas! what now? We cannot go on this way and hold together much longer with such divergence of opinion between leaders. Very likely the Liberal Unionist organi- sation will go, and the members cast abroad, never to return to the old fold. Then where will they wander, like goosey goosey gander, up stairs and down stairs, and into what kind of a political chamber. There are three courses before us: the old Conservative party, the (what is called) pieced-up Liberal party, and the Independent Labour combination-which shall it be? Or is it possible for another, and a better still, a National party, which shall, as Lord Macaulay put it, only serve the State. Let us see.
CHAPTER LIIL.
Conservatives Partvt ProsrpEotrs.
HAvE the leaders confidence, or have they ceased to believe in themselves by believing in others? Such a nebulous
state of mind is not conducive to a strong Government.
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ap
Monn
mors e
JOHN ARTHUR BROOKE, Esq., J.P.
Chairman of the Colne Valley Conservatives).
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It is told of a lawyer who, in conducting a case, quoted many sorts of laws, read twenty pages of senseless judicial Latin, and then proposed to the judges to throw dice, and if the numbers proved odd the defendant should be right, if even, the plaintiff. Has it come to this with a great party, for so long the pride and strength of the English nation, made possible by the great Lord Beaconsfield, and from whose brilliance and success it took prestige and high degree. Derby did much, but Lord Salisbury did more, by consolidating and joining the older and better Liberals who would not go in for Home Rule at the bidding of one of the greatest statesmen of modern times. _ Altogether these things made the Tory party strong up to this year, when, as with all human things, time brought about a change. Success was not to be for ever. Personal ambi- tions run high. There were those out who wanted to be in -young, pushful men who had not the patience to wait. They would assert themselves and show the world how much greater they were than other men, and if they were only at the head of affairs how - much greater the nation's happiness and prosperity would be. _ Besides, with this, was a notion in the minds of the young bloods of the party that they were strong enough to do without the Liberal Unionists. Mr. Winston Churchill begun it, with the Becketts, Lord Hugh Cecil, and others, in the early part of this year. In varying forms, adopting other means, have they kept it up, and this in spite of the older and wiser heads. There was bound to be " an emeute" sooner or later, and at last it has come with a vengeance, to disturb every home, upset every hope, and maybe dismember the Empire, if certain politicians get into power and join the Irish and others to belittle every- thing dear to an Englishman who aspires to strengthen, and not weaken, the nation.
It is a poor return for the work and struggles of the last fifteen years. How from this can one hope much of the Tory party? - Well, Mr. Balfour is honest, true, resourceful, and endowed with great ability, a suavity of manner highly captivating, but at times seems indolent and does not know what to do ; if left to himself would
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have great difficulty to hold on his way. True, he has surrounded himself with a lot of promising young men, who will learn much and be to reckon with in future-a strong point of advantage which will tell in the long run. But suppose the Unionist party is broken, with no chance to piece up, how is he to withstand the attacks from without and within and carry on a strong Government beset on every side with vanity and vexation ?
Many of the great problems have been settled; great and good work has been done; but what of the future? You cannot stand still. _ What are your prospects, and what is your programme? I fear but very meagre, and that a good strong dose of " wandering in the wilderness " will be the price which will have to be paid for the lamentable upheaval in the Government. The Prime Minister is not to blame; he has been the victim of unfortunate circumstances which he has been unable to control. - Should Mr. Chamberlain win and come back, there may be some chance; but this is more than one can hope for. So that the future is very uncertain, and as one is not seeking a safe side, or sitting on the fence to see which way the cat jumps, or afraid of hard work, all that is wanted is: Which is the best way for the individual and the nation? Just now it is most difficult to say. In the next chapter I will consider what the Liberals are prepared to do, and see if they have something better to offer besides enter upon this ready-made road to office by the miserable Unionists' differences, which have been a curse, and the forerunner of the destruction of the great Unionist party.
CHAPTER LIV.
Wrar wit tur LisEraLs bo?
Ix answer to this I cannot tell. Let us be just, but when office is in view one cannot be too careful. _ Human weakness is so great, passions so strong, and failings so numerous, that it makes it very difficult to find a right
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solution to the perplexing question before us. The past fifteen years has been a long sojourn in the wilderness. Has the experience taught a lesson, brought common-sense, and will it have shown them that the nation is greater than a party and its existence of vastly more importance to the citizens? Further, it should have taught the lesson that however eminent the man he must not take upon himself the position of dictator, or, without consulting any of the followers, enter into arrangements diametrically opposed to those which he has been preaching. Abject adherence would be simply hollow mockery, outraging common decency, and it is a grand reflection that this country has always found men to resist this, and in the nick of time just come on to the stage to save the piece. England is great, glorious, and free, and may she ever be is the song of all true patriots. When danger threatens, defenders arise, and when trouble comes helpers have been near. Will the Liberal party rise to the occasion? We cannot tell; it is very problematical. 'The past is not very assuring. The weakness of Mr. Campbell-Bannerman is such that, while he is a well-meaning man, with a laudable desire to serve his country, he lacks firmness, which undermines all his efforts. Unfortunately, he is not Mr. Gladstone, and his past does not inspire hope. When Minister for War he so neglected his duties that there was no cordite, and the Government was justly turned out. When our soldiers were undergoing their sufferings in South Africa, spilling their blood like water, he showed not sufficient appreciation, but said things which will never be forgotten. But, then, the narrow doors of his little conventicle are not wide enough to admit the stalwart Britisher. The miserable little squabbles that have arisen under his reign are of no more merit than that of Mrs. Jones, who is offended because Mrs. Smith has been put over her head at the quarterly tea meeting at the little Zion Chapel over the way. No; this kind of thing is too small to govern a nation of our magnitude. The greater England requires length and breadth. - Our sons and daughters at home and over the sea are too numerous for a petty policy of this kind. Something will have to be
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done to bind the colonies more closely and to make the people more happy and prosperous at home: to fill the United Kingdom with gladness, more interesting, more confident, and more joyful. Who shall do it? Perhaps Lord Rosebery from the Liberal side is most likely. He has large and generous sympathies, eloquent and able; but has he staying power, and will he keep up to the high standard to which he now and again attains, or will he fall away again, and once more bow to the worshippers in the little conventicle? If left alone, and would only follow his own lofty ideals, he would lead a willing following, and together they would govern well in the interests of the greater nation, no descending to the lower plane just to get into office. That will not do at this crisis. Strong men are wanted, not passive resisters; the Little England has happily gone for ever. Lord Rosebery would be satisfactory if he were only a little more determined. So many changes come over the spirit of his dreams. Quite recently, at Burnley, he said that Free Trade was not in the Sermon on the Mount, and now no one knows where he is, unless it be that he slid down an inclined plane. Still, he is a noble patriot. Mr. Asquith is able enough, but cold and unsympathetic; Sir William Harcourt (now unfortunately dead) is out of the question ; and honest John Morley is too much of a latterateur. - Lord Spencer might knit the units for a time and make a possible Government but would this meet with the present-day wants; would it be strong enough to cope with the present difficulties and effect those reforms necessary to bring about the greatest happiness for the greatest number? It seems very doubtful, and when the Labour party has been dealt with, I will try to outline a National party which would do the work satisfactorily. That is, in the humble opinion of the writer, who, unfor- tunately, can give no guarantee.
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CHAPTER LV. Wuar can tur LaBour Party po!?
Wuat will they or can they do in the present state of politics? They will not help the Conservatives, and may spoil the Liberals in playing their own hand. But what will this do for the people? Both of the organised parties have done something for the nation, and will do again as opportunities arise-maybe not all that could be desired, nor half so much as is needed ; but, then, the engine of State moves slowly, and Rome was not built in a day.
The Labour aims are noble, and largely appeal to the generous side of human nature-to lift the helpless, to lessen suffering, to destroy sorrow, and create happiness is surely an ideal worth fighting for; but how curiously at times they go about it, and when not smothering each other fall foul of capital and of Mr. Chamberlain. Just now the latter gentleman is as a red rag to a bull to them and the little Englanders; and how curious this is when the Trade Union principle is one of pure protection, and the members often boast of the great good it has done to their order. - Has it never struck them, if it is such a good thing for the union, that it might be the same for the nation? But their leaders have always been the same with regard to the hon. member for Birmingham. They, like the sick and friendly societies, would not have old age pensions at his hands, and the same leaders have never yet found in their hearts to acknowledge his great boon of compensation to workmen. Just now a large number of the leaders have their faces turned towards Westminster, where they will have to be provided for, and if they could only do the good they promise they would richly deserve all they get. But there is no royal road to the ameliora- tion of mankind. This is a great problem which the best of men have been trying to solve since the beginning of the world. Some progress has been made by the forwards of the past; men who deserve recognition, and who ought not to be flouted. For instance, how these men rail at
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capital. Well, what can the worker do without it; at least, until he gets some of his own? Then and now the world is open to employ or be employed; either way, if it only leads to greater happiness for the many. _ In Lancashire just now some of the Labour leaders are busy against the Tariff Reform League, casting reflections and making scornful allusions to fiscal reform in the County Palatine and elsewhere, taking upon themselves to decide for the people who have never been consulted as yet. This is a state of Toryism worthy only of the worst days of the past. Surely the men of the Red Rose will have a voice in the matter, and not be like dumb cattle driven to the slaughter under a new name. There is something to do, and if these men will sober down to reach the sufferings of the multitude they will deserve well of the nation. Look at the poor mothers in our congested towns. What a sad lot is theirs! No houses worthy of the name, in which the poor things have to nurse, cook, char, clean, and sew for an entire household. Without her the only ray of sunshine would be gone; but, alas! how soon this hard life tires out, and how early decay sets in, and how many of the dear souls are taken early away, leaving orphans to struggle alone, unloved, and more cruelly afflicted by the loss of the dear one through long suffering and dire neglect.
Here is a work to do, and if the leaders of the Labour party would direct their energies to lessen these and other evils, they would be sure to have a greater following, and occupy a stronger position. - We are told in a grand manifesto that 172 trade unions, 70 trade councils, the Fabian Society, and the Independent Labour party, repre- senting over 1,000,000 trade unionists, are affiliated against fiscal reform. If this is so, no one will complain. But if they, the workers, have expressed no opinion, and are only being dragooned into it by the leaders, as in the ill-mannered circular of their Parliamentary Committee, it will be a fair question for enquiry. In these days it is not safe to dictate too much, but, whatever the result, if the poor get better terms and conditions all true hearts will rejoice.
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There are, it is said, fifty Parliamentary Labour can- didates in the field, and forty of them occupy positions so strong that the Liberal party is not likely to oppose them. Who will they join? What will they do? How soon, if they act alone, will they be able to get into power!? It looks a long time hence, and by the period this may be accomplished most of the present generation will be in their graves. _ However good these men may be, or however desirous to lift the lowly, they will not have the chance for some time; therefore at the present a party will have to be called into power who can act, act in the living present, faith within, and God o'erhead. Such a one will be outlined in the next chapter. Such a party may be impossible and impracticable ; if so, we shall have to muddle on until the time of selection. Then may those who will honestly do most for the people win the day at the next general election.
CHAPTER LVI.
A NaTionaAL, Party.
Ir one could heartily sing-
Sound the loud timbrel O'er the Fiscal's dark sea ; Truth it has triumphed, And England is free-
then our troubles would be over, and our people would breathe more easily through every isle and every land where proudly floats our flag of liberty.
The first chapter was the opening of the subject, showing the rocks of the situation, the flooded rivers, and the boisterous seas-all terribly disturbing the political arena, and made far more difficult to deal with by the breaking up of parties.
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It will have been seen that the writer in the previous notes had almost come to the conclusion in this time of a political chaos that none of the three parties named would be able to do justice to the present revolution of public thought and national sentiment.
Where the Conservatives fail is in that want of cohesion which they once so splendidly possessed. They have now a number of older and younger men of the Churchill class, who are too clever by half. They have not patience to wait. Office is their goal, and anyone standing in their way is a bitter enemy. This is not patriotism, but selfish- ness of the lowest order. What can Mr. Balfour do with such a following, and how is he to show fight with such a backing? More than this, some day soon it will be found that the Unionists cannot have two policies-one of the Government and one of Mr. Chamberlain. A man cannot serve two masters; neither can a party. Then, my readers may ask, what about the Liberal prospects? The answer is ready enough. Unionist differences have opened the road to office for them ; but what will they do with it when they have got it? Will it be Lord Rosebery or Mr. Campbell-Bannerman? Which policy shall it be-that of the noble lord and the greater England, or shall it be that of the latter and the lesser kingdom, with maybe a joining of the enemies of this country, and, ultimately, granting Home Rule? This country cannot and must not be broken up ; therefore it will not do to let the latter have power. If one were assured that Roseberyites would predominate, one might have some hope; but where does it come in, for political promises are like pie-crusts-they are made to be broken. Then some say trust the Labour-they are the coming men. This is not so plain. Besides, they have much to learn, and their leaders too often fall out, and too many of them are most anxious to get into Parliament at the workers' expense. - True, they have very good men amongst them, prone to giving shows, and a little less ability than they imagine, who might learn something from those they are apt to despise-they are getting on, let them learn wisdom by experience; they have a noble mission, but
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until they are able to fulfil it we must have some one to govern. Who shall it be? The most likely seems to be a National party, who would at once refer the fiscal problem to a Royal Commission of experts, from whom alone can we expect an unbiassed opinion on this great and most important subject, and finally learn from them what would be best for the United Kingdom at home and beyond the seas. Going on these lines, and waiting for this with patience, who could so well fill up the gap as a new combination of the following: the noble Duke of Devon- shire, Prime Minister; Lord Rosebery, Foreign Secretary ; Sir M. Hicks-Beach, Chancellor of the Exchequer; Lord James of Hereford, Lord Chancellor ; Mr. Asquith, Solicitor General; Mr. Ritchie at the Board of Trade; Mr. Bryce at the Education Office; and Sir Edward Grey, Colonial Secretary ; together with a number of the able tradesmen in the House of the class of the members for Colne Valley to fill in many of the offices, instead of as to-day, when men get positions in the Government for which they have only political qualifications, and the consequences are that the country has to suffer. Lawyers and professionals, when such alone, are often a danger to the State, and should always be carefully avoided when better men can be secured.
These are a line of gentlemen who would be able to give some good account of themselves, and, whatever else, would always be for the State and not for themselves. In ordinary games the plan is to select the best men. The cricketers whom we have sent out to Australia were chosen because of their worth, and when the test matches are played their opponents are the best side the colonies can produce, and by this means the greatest results are achieved.
Simple and correct as this is for other purposes, one can hardly hope for so much common-sense in politics. There are too many human passions and desires to gratify, too much vaulting ambition to serve, and too many interests at work (individually and otherwise), that one almost despairs of finding one universal and wise plan to help the people. All that can be done is to wait for the
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tide, and have your boat trim, so that you may be ready to ride on to fortune, not for the party, but for the State, of which we form but a part, and the greater happiness and more universal prosperity of mankind. If, at this time, such a team cannot be got together, the writer, with others, will either have to stick to the old or throw in their lot with what comes to hand and may be considered the best means of securing the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
Of course, if Mr. Chamberlain wins all previous prognos- tications are at an end, and the hon. gentleman's proposals are "the only way," and if all he promises comes true, then we may all rejoice in this universal redemption, and in a salvation which has saved a nation, consolidated an empire, secured English manufactures for the towns, and opened up a better prospect for the land, on to which the people may go with some reasonable hope, and cheerfully leave the congested districts, in which are many dens of suffering, misery, and want.
Mr. Winston Churchill has now gone quite over to the Liberals.
CHAPTER LVII. or CoBDEXN.
It may not be amiss, whilst Cobden's name is in everybody's mouth, to repeat the following story: Many long years ago four ardent politicians from the neighbourhood of
Huddersfield-Mr. Joseph Woodhead, Mr. J. B. Robinson (Marsden), Mr. Samuel Wimpenny (Holmfirth), and the present writer-journeyed to Rochdale on a memorable occasion to hear Richard Cobden and to see John Bright. Of the four, one, Mr. Samuel Wimpenny, is dead, carried off all too soon; Mr. Woodhead is still with us, wonderful for his years. Mr. Robinson has retired in old age and ill-health, as one sees from the report of Sir James Kitson's
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meeting at Slaithwaite last Saturday ; and the fourth- well, of him the less said the better, for he has had a long sojourn in the wilderness, and by appearances may have to wander almost alone ploughing his lonely furrow. The four put up at the Wellington Hotel, where the present scribe was put into a damp bed, which sent him home in such a condition that his friends thought he would never recover. His brother, a strong Tory, described the
illness as the Cobden fever. Whatever it was, it was almost the end of the writer.
The occasion of the great meeting at Rochdale which the quartet had gone over to attend was the annual address of Richard Cobden to his constituents. It was held in Mr. Robinson's foundry, near the railway station, as this was the largest room that could be utilised for the occasion. Even this large room was filled to its utmost capacity. At this meeting the great apostle of Free Trade tackled the land question in his own masterly way. So vigorous was his criticism and so thorough his programme that it brought down the Tomes upon him the morning after with a charge of wanting to divide the land of the rich with the poor. After the article came the memorable defence of Cobden from the great Tribune of the people, which had the unique effect of drawing Mr. Delane, the then powerful editor of the leading journal. What a stir the event made, and what recriminations there were, and what a hubbub in the political world! It was on such . battlefields as these that the rights of the people had to be fought and won, and only those who were in the thick of it know what it cost and what sacrifices had to be made. All honour to the brave men, dead and living, who were privileged to render such valuable services to the nation. It was none of your namby-pamby work of present-day political clubs-billiards, cards, and more or less gambling. No. In those days it was necessary to strip, fight, and work ; but for that the present generation would not have the rare comfort and freedom they now enjoy. But to return. That meeting became historical as the means of drawing Mr. Delane from behind the screen of
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Printing House Square, and the beginning of that land reform which, applied first to Ireland, is making of that country a favoured nation; so much so that it is high time that similar remedial measures were passed for England, and that those driven from the farms may get back to the land again from the congested towns to find happiness, health, and sustenance in cultivating the soil. Such beneficence and justice was preached by Mr. Cobden in the days to which J refer.
The enterprising four went to see Mr. Cobden the morning after the meeting at One Ash, the residence of Mr. Bright, to try to get him to come to Huddersfield to advocate the same faith. We were almost struck dumb by the evidences of physical prostration which Mr. Cobden manifested. This was the beginning of the end of this great patriot. - Mr. John Bright, with characteristic thoughtfulness, appealed to the deputation not to ask Mr. Cobden to endanger his future usefulness by running such a serious risk as would be involved in his going to Yorkshire at that time. It need not be said that the visitors appreciated the force of Mr. Bright's remarks, and they came away without preferring their request, placing larger interests before those of their own locality, since they believed that the remaining strength of this great statesman would be jealously reserved for the service of the nation at large.
AunErmMAx SvapExn Aanp FrEE Traps.
Tur following letter was sent by Alderman J. Sugden to Mr. James Morrison, but was not read at the meeting in honour of Mr. Cobden :-
22, Greenhead Road, Huddersfield,
June 4th, 1904. Mr. James W. Morrison.
Dear Sir,-I am much obliged for the opportunity you so kindly give me to attend the Cobden Centenary dinner at the George Hotel next Tuesday. I am a Free Fooder and a universal Free Trader, but when I cannot get these
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tunings, to the no small detriment of my country, I should (if you please) just like as much fiscal reform as would secure this most desirable end by fair and reasonable means. Perhaps it would be best accomplished by the appointment of a Royal Commission, to which I have always been favourable-at least, since the topsy-turveydom of the Gilbertian politics begun just over twelve months ago, landing us where we do not know where we are, or who is who. Our gentle and honoured countryman, R. Cobden, whose memory we all revere, was always for reciprocity. But, unfortunately, this is just what we don't get. Therefore, it may be reasoned that any means to secure fair dealing should be welcomed by all Englishmen, and this outside politics, for once inside its whirling cataracts nothing but destruction will ensue. Just now, too, you do well to commemorate the memory of the great patriot who so successfully negotiated the French treaty, which, if not actually bringing about the pleasing entente of to-day with our nearest neighbour across the sea, did much to break down the barriers of past misunderstandings, and prepared the golden bridge of better feeling over which English and France can march together, arm in arm, for the good of both, and in this terrible age for war act as a forerunner of peace and goodwill between all nations. Very sorry I cannot attend, but you will, I am sure, let me wish you every success, and you are to believe me always, yours faithfully, J. SvapEXN.
PaTtrioTIsx AaAnp Party.
[Letter to Editor of Huddersfield Examiner.]
Sir,-This letter will not perhaps meet with your approbation, but you are kind enough to find room for sentiments of which you do not altogether approve, if by discussion you can get at the truth. Therefore let me kindly ask: Is it possible that latter-day Liberalism (like the Bourbons) will learn nothing, tolerate nothing, | abate nothing, until it is too late, and then to find it banished to a longer turn in the wilderness-" C.-B." with
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the Irish, and Rosebery longing for a closer union with the Unionists? It might have had a chance if it would only have recognised that something will have to be done on fiscal reform, and referred the same to a Royal
Commission.
America has hit Yorkshire hard, especially since the Dingley Tariff Bill of 1897. From this date the States have rushed to unbounded prosperity-mills, workshops, etc., etc., have sprung up on every hand, fortunes have been made in every direction, and the condition of the country and its people vastly improved, in this case by Protection alone.
It is no use shirking these facts, or denying that English manufacturing towns have not correspondingly suffered, especially Huddersfield. Where are the new factories here as compared with those West? And, on the other hand, how many have become derelicts? And what a large number have gone out of use, so that the increase in population and rateable value has become almost nil (the successful do not seem to count)! But this cannot go on for ever, though the trade unions, the dissenters, the co-operative societies, temperance men, and the Labour party have been captured by the reckless disposal of fascinating intoxicants by the leaders of a thirsty Opposition, who have this way, I fear, traded on the credulity of the people, so that there will some day be a huge awakening of the shortness of the performances as compared with the largeness of the promises; and their followers then, like all drunken men, will have very bad headaches, dashed aspirations, and impaired political strength.
Truly, the caucus is a terrible engine! In my opinion it ruined the Liberal party, and is fast doing the same for the Conservatives. Even in our local parliament we have good men masquerading as party whips, whipping away every movement towards liberty, to the no small loss to this town, and by it men get into power who could not possibly do so otherwise. Indeed, unless one enters this vortex life is often made miserable. Baseless imputations
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of a personal and malignant kind are at times thrown at the free man. The unkinder sort cannot bear even to hear them speak unless they can descend to the abject praise of the smaller greatness of leaders jumped into power, rather by their wealth and position than their goodness or any special service they may have rendered either to State or humanity. Alas for such Gargantuan proceedings!
When will the British workman rise superior to this lamentable spirit of unappeasable animosity, in which there is not much toleration? And until the sense is bowed down to the Baal of the time being, you will run the risk of being jolly well cuffed and kicked out of the degraded windows of latter-day political organisations. It would be much better if we had more patriotic solidarity and less of the blind following of any leader, right or wrong; and yet I shall be told without this party could not be kept together. Then let party as at present constituted perish, and a more Christian doctrine come in of doing to others as ye would that they should do unto you.
Does Lord Rosebery meet this obligation? He does in a way, but when abusing Mr. Chamberlain he is lost in distrust of the man. Many a time has it seemed possible for this eloquent patriot that he would fulfil the ardent expectation of moderate and reasonable men with regard to the larger aspirations of the nation and its children across the seas. Then he fell away. Imperialism with his lordship has all the virtues, but coming from Birmingham it is shady. This is the painful part of it, and if it were not that these two able men were in opposite camps, they would be a tower of strength to the kingdom ; but as it is they waste their force and miss their opportunity by falling out with one another. “
When shall we learn better? Read Rosebery's speech through, and if it were not for the above strictures how admirable it would be. Perhaps if the noble Duke of whom he spoke so kindly comes into line he will supply the missing link to the Rosebery tabernacle, and make it _ that complete that we shall ultimately have a Government, not of factions or self-seekers, log rollers, and vaulting
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ambitions, but one strong enough to resist all unjust things, and powerful enough to defend our interests in trade- tariffs or otherwise-to weld and keep this imperial nation together with one spirit, one common hope, and one grand march for the amelioration of the condition of the subjects of our noble King, whether in dear old England, the British Isles, or where the burning rays of rubies shine, on the frozen shores of Canada, in the plains of Australia, on the mountains of New Zealand, or in what has been that darker Africa, to be made much brighter because it seeks only that which is best for the millions of the sons and daughters under England's mild, wise, and beneficent rule.
Yours truly,
" My War to BrEttsr Huddersfield,
June 13th, 1904.
Scarprcoat Hint Suxrpay Schoor.
Last Sunday the anniversary services in connection with the above place were held, when three sermons were preached-morning and evening by the Rev. B. Williams (resident mlnlster) and afternoon by Mr. P. E. Jones, of (ireetland. Special hymns and anthems were sung by the teachers, scholars, and chapel choir, assisted by a few nelohbom ing singers and a small band of instrumentalists, Alderman J. Sugden of Huddersfield, taking the lead. The children had been trained, and were conducted at the morning service by Mr. Friend Dyson, and at the afternoon and evening services by the choirmaster, Mr. J. A. Blackburn. Mr. J. W. Whitwam presided at the organ. The weather was somewhat against a large attendance, as it was threatening rain most of the day, yet there were large gatherings in the afternoon and evening, and the collections amounted to the handsome sum of £45 10s.
At the supper table the usua votes of thanks were accorded the musicians who had helped to make the anniversary a success, and Mr. Sugden suitably responded. In doing so, he said he had gone to that and the old place
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for fifty years, and he contrasted the conditions of the people of the place then and now, both in their homes, and in their school and church. He hoped that they would ever continue to grow and prosper in the good work in which they were engaged.
CHAPTER LVIIL.
SLAITHwWAITE's Progress.
Is it to be another mill-No. 5-for the Slaithwaite Company, the directors and managers of which deserve well of the town for their determined efforts to promote the interests of the place, and of this company in particular; indeed, the progress of the two has been most remarkable and most beneficial to the district. No. 1 was a most terrible effort, and the battle of success was only achieved by determined effort and action. No. 2 was a much easier strain, because the first had done so well, and in this way materially helped the second, though all was not plain sailing. There were the faint-hearted, and the week-kneed, and the doubters, who had no faith, some of whom took their money out ; others foolishly sold when they could get out without loss, and this had a wet-blanketing effect on the shares, but still they were held, and constantly went up in value, and this was the best answer to the then detractors.
Still, all was not a bed of roses. The engine of No. 1 broke down very badly, various repairs had to be made, - which happily proved effective, and this considerably relieved the directors, who had not only this and other troubles to go through, but there was the loss by death of some of the most able promoters. This sorrowfully steadied the staunch team which was. left, but like good cricketers they kept up their ends, and scored all round the wicket, such a handsome score that under an able
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captain they have kept pegging away ever since, with the professional (F. Varley), who can both bat and ball.
In this way No. 3 mill came, and not long ago No. 4, but it is much easier to write this than it has been to accomplish. Many of these men are older, their young lives have been spent, their pulses do not beat so strong or their hopes run so high as in the young halcyon days of their ardent, hopeful, and confident youth. Still, there is no flagging, no hanging back ; forward is the command and every man shoulders his rifle to the music of the march of Progress. In the olden days they were cheered at times by the speeches made at the starting of an engine. Such a time was when the late Mr. G. Mallinson told them " to be diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." This was much better than the scant respect which a few have of those in authority to-day ; so much so that some of the ratepayers are indignant, and in passing through Slaithwaite you can hear the remark : " Yes; they have by their folly driven out No. 5, which will be the biggest new mill, into Golear, which townsh1p will have the benefit of a largely increased rate and the non-reliability of any roads." These latter become the legacy of Slaithwaite, which authority would not take over a reasonable road which had been well provided.
The Board have too much hard and responsible work to do to take any notice of this idle gossip. A road here or there will have no influence whatever on their action, and when they build No. 5 it will be on their own land, and most suitable for the purpose, and best adapted for the work. These things alone, no doubt, will commend them- selves to the directors, who, if they were in France, would be deemed worthy citizens of the country for promoting its prosperity-at home they must be content with less things, satisfied that in their day and generation they have done something for the district in which they lived, and towards betterlng the condition of the people, and of making life more happy in a valley that was once as stagnant as it is now prosperous. This project is not yet undertaken.
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CHAPTER LIX.
May Day ar SLaAITHwAITE.
THs event last Sunday has no particular interest beyond the annual Wesleyan Sunday School anniversary, which was a great success, and at which they got the handsome sum of £40. Fifty years ago this bright and joyous time of the year, where all is so gay and fair, was celebrated otherwise at and near the Slaithwaite Baths. All the roads leading there were thronged with a jocund throng of ardent youths from Lockwood, Crosland, Meltham, Scam- monden, Outlane, Stainland, and all the other villages, in the now happy and prosperous valley, but then in a state of lethargy and decay. They had no pretty little May Queen to crown as in many other parts of dear old England. When this joyous season of the year is seized upon to rejoice at the arrival of spring, with all its young hopes and greater possibilities-longer days, brighter weather, warmer sunshine, and all the fresh flowers springing wanton to be pressed and nursed out of the cold and bleak winter just past-in such a moment whose pulse will not beat stronger, whose heart is not warmer, and whose joy is not greater? Then let us rejoice that the happy season has come round again to rouse the enthusiasm of youth, and to give another chance of a sweeter existence and a further spell of life. True, in the old days they were not so refined as now. Our schools have had a look in to improve matters, and if our churches would have less hates and more of the Sermon on the Mount, they would have greater congregations, and more good would be done both for this life and that which is to come. In some things life's rough ways in the past could teach us something, and that was to be real, honest, and true, to be what we seemed to be. One cannot commend all the things done fifty years ago. Our duty is to record them, showing the changes that life has gone through, like seasons of the year.
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Just imagine a bright May morning so long ago, when all the roads (as stated above) were crowded with a vast throng making their way to the Slaithwaite Baths. Every cock bird from each district went to show his paces, drink of the water from the pump, and gallantly help the young maidens with their cans to catch the spa water, and carry it home to make that splendid tea which no other water can equal. The Slaithwaite Old Band would be playing on a neigh- bouring hill, making pleasant music, which happily resounded through the valley and delighted the hearts of all. But all the sweetness did not stop here. A young spark from Marsden would challenge another from Golcar, and then there would unfortunately be a battle, all for the love of the thing. Then a race run to see which village
was fastest, or which of its representatives could jump furthest.
What is it that youth will not do? The present genera- tion may learn by these things the spirit of rivalry and a desire to excel, and this is why it is well to record them here and now. The Baths then were the home of the few privileged people, and all the workers could do in those days was to get as near the gates as possible on the memorable first Sunday in May to celebrate the event in their own way. The better-class subscribers had a grand dance on the third Wednesday, a privileged tea, a lovely band made up of harp, violin, and cornet, and the bowling green was a festive scene of youth and beauty of what might be called the " better-to-do " of Slaithwaite; but the poor had no home there. Now, by the wisdom of the best men in the place, who have worked a lifetime, and who deserve all honour for all time, these Baths have been secured free to the people, where the rich and poor can meet on common ground and enjoy the beauty of the season in one of the most lovely nooks in the Colne Valley -not only this, but the rest of the inhabitants of the district are all free, and all join while you may. (Go listen to the band, and watch the rivulets as they play down by the river bank on the bright and sunny day of what it is to be hoped will be a warmer summer than has been experienced for several years.
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CHAPTER LX.
OuLp TREAT AT SLAITHWAITE.
ConsEquEnNt on a bequest of £50 made by the late Mrs. Aspinall, of Hill Top, to the old folks of Slaithwaite, a meeting was held some time ago to make preliminary arrangements for holding an old folks' treat. A committee was formed and collectors appointed to canvass subscribers, and as a result of those efforts a very successful function was brought to a happy and memorable issue on Saturday last at the Spa. Upwards of 400 people over sixty years of age were recipients of the invitation to tea and - entertainment, and with few exceptions the old people were present. - Those who through infirmity or illness were unable to be present were not forgotten. - Many good things were carefully stowed away in baskets, and despatched to the homes of the unfortunate absentees. A willing band of subscribers and committee, together with wives and helpers, made light work of preparing and serving the tea, and the old folks had a right merry time over their cups. Animated conversation was kept up with never a flag through the whole course of the meal. After tea some of the guests wandered about the beautiful grounds, what time the Upper Slaithwaite Brass Band discoursed inspiriting music from the kiosk. After the tables had been cleared, the entertainment was proceeded with. Mr. Thomas Varley (president) occupied the chair, and on behalf of the committee extended a hearty welcome to all the old folks present, and expressed the hope that they would all thoroughly enjoy themselves. He had much pleasure in asking an old Slaithwaite friend to say a few words to them.
Alderman John Sugden, J.P., said he was thankful to be called to a meeting of the old brigade-a function he had never been at before-for he liked youth, with all its glorious promises, rather than the frosty period of advancing years, and wished to ever be young in hopes and aspirations for the good of the people. He might have been wrong at times as to the modes of procedure, but never in the object to help struggling humanity to a
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higher plane, and when he considered that he had been at it, along with others (some living and some dead), for fifty years, it made him feel a very "old man, notwithstanding his determination to be young as long as he could. He paid a compliment to Mr. Varley, the chairman, for the business-like manner in which he had brought the proceedings to such a successful issue, and said how delighted he was that one of his dear relations had contributed £30 to the fund which was to make the old people of Slaithwaite and Lingards (above sixty years of age) happy one day in each year, at least, by a grand assemblage, a good tea, and a God bless their " silver yure." It had, in spite of its brightness, a melancholy side. It brought to him "John Anderson, my jo, John." The time when " their locks were like the raven, when their bonnie brows were brent"; the many canty days they had with one another, to the tottering down the hill of life, when at the bottom they would have to sleep together. Might the time be far away, and many the happy reunions, when they could give each other a helping hand and a winning smile, to help each other to finish the last lap of life. They had the most beautiful grounds to meet in, their own band of music, the large and commodious rooms-all their own-advantages which few other urban districts possessed, and he paid a warm tribute of respect to those who had devoted noble lives to secure these blessings, not only for the present generation, but for all time to come-to be the happy " summer" home and hope of the generations which are to follow-to live happily together in what he always hoped would be this ever- prosperous Colne Valley, of which the Spa Grounds was the beauty spot, and their old people's tea that day was one of the crowning points of its glory. In all these things he told them with Waugh, that
" It's wise to be humble 1 prosperous ways, For trouble may chance to be nee ; It's wise for to struggle wi' sorrowful days, Till sorrow breeds sensible glee ; He's weel off 'at's rich, ivy he nobvbut can feel He's brother to them that are poor."
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This to him was the highest form of riches in this world, and long might they live to enjoy them; and when next they called the aged together might there be non missing, and, like John Gilpin, might he be there to see. (Applause.)
Mr. William Crowther, J.P., made a few appropriate remarks, and showed his sympathy by being present. He was as yet only a lad, and unqualified in years to be one of the old party ; but it was fast coming on, against his will and inclination, when he would, unfortunately, be one of them. He thought it was a very sensible thing to have these parties in mid-summer, when the trees, the flowers, and the weather were all at their best, and in that way they made it doubly pleasing, having the most pleasure with the least possible harm. He hoped the old people would live long, and be able to come to those very pleasant gatherings for many years.
During the evening songs were rendered by Messrs. R. Stead, F. Gunby, J. T. Ferrior, and James Saville-being known as "Timmy Twist! The latter was attired in full fireman's toggery, and led off the solo in the " Holmfirth Anthem," in which chorus the whole company joined with hearty enthusiasm. - Mr. T. W. Thorpe, of Golcar, delighted the old folks with his comic reading about a man making his invalid wife a pancake of cement and a Yorkshireman's description of having his " tooith pooled." Mrs. R. Stead and Mrs. Saile sang a duet, and the Golcar Orpheus quartet party gave a number of musical selections. Mr. Cowgill, of Leeds, himself nearly eighty years of age, gave several recitations with fine elocutionary skill and dramatic intensity. Messrs. J. A. H. Eagland, Lewis H. Eagland, and Thomas Ferrior shared the duties of accompanist. During the progress of the entertainment the old folks were liberally supplied with liquid refreshment, and those who were addicted to the fragrant weed were furnished with " churchwardens" and tobacco of a suitable blend to suit all tastes.
Mr. Edward Walker prdpofised a comprehensive vote of thanks. Mr. Oliver Armitage seconded, naively observing
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that if the committee thought fit to call them together twice a year instead of once, he didn't think they (the old folks) would object. (Laughter.)
Mr. Sam Haigh (treasurer) asknowledged the vote of thanks on behalf of the committee, entertainers, etc., and said that if the subscriptions in future were equal to those of this year, the old folks' treat was an assured institution for many years to come. (Applause.)
CHAPTER LXL. DranuEap THuMPp.
Mrx may come and men may go, but this seems to go on for ever and with unabated success. Fifty years since, situated as now on the wild moors and rough grass lands, with a very thin and scattered population, the attendance was necessarily small as compared with the then great feast below at Slaithwaite on one side, with its vast saturnalia, which used to be looked for by all the inhabi- tants, and when gone mourned as a lost friend; the one thing in all the year above another to be reverenced and bowed down to. - Slaithwaite, though its feast was great, had little room for its growing population-but none of your hankey-pankey. The people were robust and honest, and most of them had an average of about eight fine healthy children, who when they grew up had to steer off to find work elsewhere. What a lot went to Mossley, Stalybridge, Oldkam, Ashton, New Mills, Glossop, etc., ete! And at feast time they all came home to the old ground, like a hare, to feast on the old pastures. The streets on a Sunday were impassable, and high jinks and rich revels lasted for three days. But, as last week, the glory has all but departed. - The roads were unoccupied, and the homes deserted, according to the new order of things. Now the feast extends from Greenfield to Huddersfield, and the inhabitants go off to the seaside to build up for winter.
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Elland, the valley of the Hebden, and Brighouse, on the other side, have done just the same, for there is nothing left unless it be the remains of what was once the great popular flower show on the banks of the Calder.
With all these vast changes, Scammonden holds its own, and the feast of Sunday was much greater than in - the days of old, and that in the wet, and on a barren hill. Few live here, and many less than of old. There is the parsonage in the hollow of the hill, so that wherever the worthy vicar reams he has always to ascend-to the church up a steep hill, or to town with far greater difficulties, and even with the new tram he is three miles from the terminus. - But, wet or shine, this dear old pilgrim attends to his duties as vicar of the parish and guardian of the poor. Maybe he is a little better off than Goldsmith's prototype, who was passing rich on £40 a year. Anyway, money is not the object of this clergyman, neither does hard work hurt, for he is not afraid of this, but ready when at times he can get no help to do for himself, either at his home or on his farm.
What say you to this, ye half-spoiled members of the rich Dissenting congregations? Cannot you learn a lesson from this simple man of God, instead of railing at his church, and posing as martyrs, while ye magnify your political importance to the powers that be, and make one fear the neglect of what should be your real avocation in life. This was not the way of the dear old Mr. Holmes, of Pole Moor, who made a popular church in the wilderness, midway between Outlane and Nont Sarah's. There was a great crowd on Sunday-bigger than ever, and more and better accommodation. There are in addition to the public-house-yes, many more and well-kept places- pleasant pastures, moorland refreshment rooms, etc. The last-named is a most beautiful place, well-fitted, and tea served on most reasonable terms. In addition to the throng there was the Atheist trying to convert the Christian, and the latter valiant to defend his faith, while between was the charming music of the Upper Slaithwaite Band, fit to play before a king.
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The trams to Outlane have made this new popular place easy, for on getting off at the terminus you can have a cheap and beautiful three miles mountain ride in a comfortable trap for sixpence. No wonder at the crowds. Its popularity and the rapid development in the matter of providing for the growing numbers who avail themselves of these favourable means to get a breath of fresh air from the mountain heather make it a real health resort.
These scenes and these memories dear remind one of a little event which happened over fifty years ago-a Dean- head Thump Monday episode. The family here referred to were very poor, though highly respectable and honest- the father, a very good man, who had, unfortunately, got past hard work, and did odd jobs. Un this occasion, Joah o' Ned's, the greengrocer, had kindly fitted him up with nuts, snap, fruit, etc., carried to the place by Dick Wood's mule, which had been duly engaged for the occasion. The old man took his youngest boy to assist; then a smart lad with white hair, but very young indeed. So much so that with the Thump, the donkey, and the merchandise, he was fairly set up with the promise of a great oppor- tunity, and on arriving at Sykes' public-house (beyond Pole Moor Chapel) the goods were duly unlimbered, put on to a stall, and exposed to an admiring crowd. Soon, too soon, the father left the lad to do all the business, who, being quick, soon became an expert salesman, disposing of the goods freely, while the dear old dad was as busy in pitching with pennies for ale, and partook of so much of the latter, by means of the ready money from the stall, that at night he was dead drunk, most of the cash spent, and little left but the remainder of the stock and the tears of the youngster, who was as helpless by his youth as the father was from drink. However, some one must have sent word to the dear old mother at home, for later in the evening the two brothers came. They cleared the stall, packed up the remainder of the goods, placed them on the donkey for the return journey-the boy on the back of one dear brother, and the other took charge of the father, whose legs had lost all control. It was a curious picture that night parade home, and showed what
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deep love this unfortunate family had always with one another at all times and under all conditions.
Many things have happened since then. This lad is well known in the valley, on the hill, and in the town, with only one sister living alas! all the others are dead. One of these two brothers left a large fortune, honourably earned, and the other and the elder a name to be loved and remembered by all who knew him for his kind and generous labours for his town, his home, his church, and his principles.
CHAPTER LXII NEw.
_ History repeats itself. One comes-one goes-one gets up- another gets down-one rises-another falls-one reigns and another is deposed-one dynasty is dethroned and another rises in its place. And thus the world goes on with seeming change ; but it amounts to the same in the end. Maybe a varmtlon but, like the seasons that come and go, repeating the same thing in the revolution of time. - Radicals (with just cause) in the past have complained of the tyranny of the Tories, but when the former get into power and pay, they imper- ceptibly fall exactly into the same dominating evils of intolerance and oppression if they are in the least criticised and not explicitly obeyed. Poor men often have the goodwill to think if they were only richer, how they would help the needy, but when they get the needful they seem to forget, and when over their fellows are often much worse than their masters. Others have said, " Get money honestly," but most men get it when and where they can, no matter how, and as long as this seems the main thing in creation to command power it will continue to over-ride the law, virtue, ability, and everything else, and it will always be so seemingly. The church or the chapel ask no questions. They are always ready to give absolution and the collection boxes so long as they can be filled.
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There are many noble and true exceptions, or'life would not be worth living, more especially for the poor and deserving. "Consider mine enemies, for they are many, and they hate me with cruel hatred." These have at times the comfort of breaking into a song of joy : "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want, for thou art with me;. thy rod and thy staff they comfort me, and my cup runneth over." ~
The kind readers of the Slaithwaite Guardian will say, What does this all mean, and what has it to do with the headline " Nothing New "? The only answer is that it is a little discoursive prelude to some of the great features of business life, in which are important lessons to be learnt, things to improve upon, some to ignore, and others to profit by, so that humanity may make progress in the higher walks of life, and to higher ideals of existence.
» Thus ev'ry kind their pleasure find, The savage and the tender ; Some social join and leagues combine, Some solitary wander."
In the latter sense, on Saturday last, a recluse wandered to Blackmoorfoot, to find in the hunting field " nothing new," only change of names. The robust hills, the healthy rompings over the mountains, and the charming descent into the lovely dells, are all the same now as fifty years ago. - At the latter period, "Hole in the Wall" was a public-house kept by " Belus"-still living-then a strong young man, who used to keep rabbit dogs to chase with those of " Beth Bray," " Ned o'th Tailors," and others from Slaithwaite. - Many were the courses run at this then popular pub. on a Saturday afternoon, but now, though the place be dead, not half a mile away are the young bloods of this age racing their favourite dogs at rabbits for the stakes.
In place of old Tom Kaye, of Holmfirth, or the best of all hunters, the Sykes's, of Lindley, we had the Colne Valley Hunt, so generously organised by the Lockwoods, with Master Henry at the head and young Sam not far
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away-the latter with one of the best horses seen on this ground; and many have been there before-the Farrars, of Henley, the best in Huddersfield, and all that money could buy for old Sam Norcliffe and his hunt by his then noble patrons from Lindley.
Perhaps in those days they missed few fences. _ On Saturday they did miss many. Young Mr. Ingham's horse would not negotiate, but then Mr. Schofield jumped what he faced with his fine black horse. The men, too, are little changed (only in name), though on Saturday one did not see the old sparks of the chase. Alas! " Aleck Walker" and others are dead. There was not the hale pioneer from Marsden, Mr. Daniel Hall, or Richard Garner, old Mr. Denton, etc., etc., but a fair following embraced the opportunities of one of the finest October afternoons ever seen or enjoyed. The Traveller's Inn was the same old centre-the only change being genial Tom Haigh, the landlord, smiling to serve all and sundry who might call. There was the same fine moor and grass land of South Crosland, with its sandy soil, just given its generous crop of corn, all gathered in. The healthy turnips and potatoes yet to be harvested, now sheltering many fine hares, some of which were unearthed into a fine chase on Saturday, with only one death, to finish with a splendid run from Orange Wood. From here the hunters could sit and admire the expanse of moorland, with its blooming heather and the golden tints of an ideal autumn day, that will be fondly remembered for many years to come.
CHAPTER LXIIL
Dratg or Mrs. W. H. Brook, or SLAITHWAITE.
SonmurtHina approaching consternation was felt in Slaith- waite on Monday morning last when it became known that Mrs. Brook had passed away during the previous night. The circumstances surrounding the tragic event were so painfully sudden and unexpected that it seemed impossible
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that it could be true. _ Mrs. Brook attended morning service at the Parish Church on the occasion of the harvest festival, for which event she had-as was her wont- done a great deal towards the decoration, and again at the service in the afternoon. On reaching home, Mrs. | Brook complained of not feeling well, and in a short time it was observed that her speech was affected. Dr. Dean was summoned, and was quickly in attendance. He was so strongly impressed with the seriousness of the complaint that Dr. Irving, of Huddersfield, was called in, but from the first it was regarded as almost hopless. Mrs. Brook had been afflicted with hemorrhage of the brain, and after the first attack never again recovered consciousness. Members of the family were summoned, her father (Alderman John - Sugden, from Huddersfield), her sister (Mrs. W. H. Varley, of Slaithwaite), and a message was sent to Mr. Varley, who was spending the week-end at Blackpool. Dr. Dean was in attendance until the end, which came at midnight. Some of the worshippers at the Parish Church had heard at the evening service that Mrs. Brook had suddenly been taken ill, but no one was prepared for the overwhelming intelligence of Monday morning that Mrs. Brook had passed away, and that the place which had known her would know her no more for ever.
Mrs. Brook was the eldest daughter of Alderman John Sugden, of Laurel Bank, Huddersfield, formerly of Slaith- waite, and was forty-three years of age. The early years of her life were spent with Mrs. William Sykes, of Slaith- waite, and in course of time she became a teacher at the Mechanics' School, afterwards filling the post of infants' mistress with conspicuous ability and uniform kindness to the children. She held this post until her marriage, fourteen years ago, with Mr. W. H. Brook, of the firm of William Brook and Sons, dyers, Slaithwaite and Honley.
Mrs. Brook had two children, the elder, Maud, being
now thirteen years of age, the other, a boy, died in its infancy. Of her associations with church life and work, it would be difficult to do justice. The place she has left vacant can scarcely be filled. Her capacity for organisation and loyal devotion to detail are best known to the vicar
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and church officers, and in this regard they have suffered an irreparable loss. One of the objects that was nearest and dearest to Mrs. Brook was her Sunday school class. Composed of nearly one hundred girls and young women, this class regarded their teacher with feelings of deep affection and tender regard. Her lessons will never be forgotten by them. They were inspired by sincere solicitude for the spiritual welfare of her scholars, and were often delivered with an impressiveness, earnestness, and affection that moved her young friends to tears. She was more than a teacher to these girls. She was a close personal friend, and manifested deep interest in their lives and circumstances. Each one of these girls received a token of remembrance and good wishes on the morning of her birthday, and similarly at Christmas they were the recipients of the season's greetings. Then, during the summer months, Mrs. Brook entertained her girls to tea at the Baths. These girls have lost more than a teacher : they have lost a friend, a counsellor, a living incentive and inspiration to a godly life. On Monday evening they were drawn instinctively to meet in the class-room where they had met before so often, to condole with each other, and consider how best to show the affection they felt for their beloved teacher. It was a sad meeting. _ They decided to obtain a floral tribute for the interment, and afterwards replace this with a permanent wreath.
Mrs. Brook was also president of the Mothers' Union, to which organisation she was firmly devoted. - The members had been invited to a coffee supper to be given by Mrs. Brook on Tuesday evening, but the supper was not held. The president was absent. This, too, was a mournful meeting. Eyes were dimmed with tears as they looked at the vacant chair that would never again hold the material form of their leader and fellow-worker. Her sympathies were not bounded by her own church. Her charities were larger than her creed, and her acts of kindness and helpfulness were done to all denominations.
Mrs. Brook was appointed to a seat on the Colne Valley Education Committee on its formation, a post she was
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amply qualified to fill by both natural capacity and interest in the work. Her knowledge of detail and the routine of school life made her an active and useful member of that body.
The poor of Slaithwaite have lost a friend. Whenever cases of poverty or distress were brought to her notice she was ever ready to minister to their creature comforts, without ostentation, and without patronage. Many dark homes in Slaithwaite and district have been brightened by her presence, and a spark of hope kindled by the gift she left behind. To the sick and bereaved she ministered as an angel of mercy, whispering words of hope and comfort, and infusing faith into lives that were ready to despair. Those who knew her best loved her most. What she was to her friends and neighbours must have been intensified a thousand-fold to her husband and child and the members of her family; and to these we voice the feelings of the people when we say that Slaithwaite mourns to-day, with a sense of irreparable loss, the death of Mrs. Brook.
FUnERAL.
Not for very many years has there been so large a funeral as that of Wednesday afternoon last. The universal respect in which Mrs. Brook was held was testified by the presence, not only of the members of St. James' Church, but by people connected with other churches and chapels in the neighbourhood, and by those who were not regular attenders at any place of worship. A service was held in the Parish Church, the body of which was filled with mourners. As the funeral party entered the church, they were met by the choir and the vicar (Rev. H. H. Rose), while Mr. Lewis H. Eagland played Chopin's impressive. funeral march. The choir solemnly chanted the thirty- ninth Psalm, and Mr. Rose read the opening portion of the service for the burial of the dead. The choir also sang " Blest are the departed," from Spohr's "Last Judgment." After that the congregation tried to sing "Now the labourer's task is o'er," but their eyes were mostly dimmed with tears, and their throats unable to articulate a sound.
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To the deeply moving strains of the "Dead March" in "Saul," the cortege left the church on its way to the cemetery. The members of the choir, Mrs. Brook's class, and of the Mothers' Union, walked first, followed by members of the public, officers of the Sunday school, and general public. Included amongst the latter were Messrs. G. H. Walker, Edwin Gledhill (clerk to the Urban District Council), William Sugden, W. Hirst (churchwarden), and Messrs. Thomas Mallinson, J.P., Geo. Garside, T. Bamforth, James Woodhead, and John Furniss, representing the Colne Valley Education Committee.
The chief mourners were: Mr. W. H. and Miss Maud Brook, Mr. and Mrs. Sugden, Mary Varley, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Varley, Mrs. William Sykes, Mr. and Mrs. Sam E. Sugden, Mr. and Mrs. Sugden, Mr. Georgie Sugden, Mr. Jack Sugden, Mr. John Meal, Miss M. J. Sugden, Mr. John Edward and Charles Gordon Varley, Mr. Edwin Brook, Miss Brook, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. H. Eagland, Mrs. Charlesworth, Mrs. Swift, Miss Betty Sugden, Mrs. Cotton, Mr. Joe Binns, Mr. John Senior, Mr. Sam Sugden (Lockwood), Rev. H. H. Rose, Rev. T. Haworth, Mr. A. C. Applebee, Dr. and Mrs. Dean, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sugden (Bury), Mr. and Mrs. Sam Sugden (Bury), Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Haigh, Mr. George Haigh, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Varley, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Haigh, Mr. and Mrs. Denton, Mr. and Mrs. B. H. S. Walker, Mr. Noel Whitehead (Oldham), Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Beaumont, Mr. and Mrs. James Woodhead, Mr. Handly (Settle), Miss Charlesworth, Mrs. Joseph Hirst and Miss
Hirst, Mrs. William Hirst and Miss A. M. Hirst, Miss Smith, Mr. Robert Taylor.
Private carriages were sent by Alderman John Sugden,
Mr. W. Quarmby (Buckley Hall), and Mrs. S. Sugden (Springfield House).
The following sent wreaths: Mr. and Mrs. J. H. G. Roberts and family, Mr. and Mrs. H. Denton, Mrs. J. A. Shaw and Mrs. J. H. Hirst, Ellen and Mitchell Charlesworth, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Cotton, Dr. and Mrs. Chevers, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Davenport, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Haigh, Mr. and Mrs. William Hirst, Miss M. Hunter, Mr. and Mrs. J. A.
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Sugden, Dr. and Mrs. Clampett, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Bates, Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Varley, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Beaumont, Mr. and Mrs. Sam E. Sugden, Mrs. Hirst, Louisa and Joseph, Dr. and Mrs. Dean, Lucy, Hildred, and Edgar Brierley, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Greenwood, Slaithwaite Tennis Club, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Haigh, Aunt Mary, Cousin Martha and Mary Jane, Mr. Edwin and Misses Brook, Mothers' Union, Parish Church Choir, workpeople at Slaithwaite, Mr. and Mrs. J. Furniss and family, Sunday
School Bible Class, Parish Church Gymnasium, teachers
St. James' Church Sunday School, Mr. and Mrs. B. H. S. Walker, Mr. and Mrs. William Quarmby, staff and children at Nields Council School, Mrs. Sam Sugden, Mr. W. H. and Miss Maud Brook, Mr. and Mrs. John Sugden, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Varley, Rev. H. H. Rose, Elsie and Lizzie Sykes, Mrs. Enos Beaumont and family, Miss Smith, Mrs. W. E. Cotton and family, Mr. Sam Sugden (Lockwood), Mr. W. H. Cotton, Mr. and Mrs. George Haigh, Mr. and Mrs. William Hirst and family, workpeople at Honley, Bible Class, cousins Brierley.
On arrival at the cemetery, Mr. Rose read the committal portion of the burial service, and the coffin was laid in its last resting place. The coffin, which was of unpolished oak, was quickly covered with the floral tributes of the Sunday School class, and bore the inscription :-
Eniza Jane BRrooK. Born September 15th, 1861 ; Died October 17th, 1904.
anp DEcay. .
the l7th of October, 1904, the flowers which were blooming beautifully a week ago are all a-dying, and a complete wreck compared with their former beauty.
Alas! how this illustrates a painful feeling in many places, and fills many a soul with grief, and for which there seems
no relief, and from which there seems no escape.
Think of it, dear reader, Mrs. Brook, the pride of the village, gone in a moment! Think of her largeness of
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heart, her generous disposition, and her help to all people, all religions, and all conditions in life. To her church ever devoted, and to her troops of friends most wondrous kind. Yes ; the firstborn of young wedded life, her mother only eighteen years of age, whom she very much resembled. She was one of three little girls, who were left motherless at a very early period. Lizzie, the youngest, being then short of two years old, and now the only one living. The middle girl, Maud, the favourite of all who knew her, for the universal kindness she ever displayed, for the useful life she lived, her guileless disposition, her charming manner, and her winsome ways, which were, alas, cut short at twenty-one years of age by that terrible disease, con- sumption, which also robbed the family of a dear parent in the young days of a somewhat chequered life. This leads one back to the faded flowers of Monday as the exact simile of the altered conditions of to-day.
Yesterday, dear Mrs. Brook, after a week of devotion to many of her philanthropic objects, went to the afternoon harvest festival of her church, which she had done so much to decorate on the Saturday. She took part in the bright and pleasant service and returned home, where all at once she had a seizure, became at once helpless, and all that - Dr. Dean could do, and later on assisted by Dr. Irving, was all in vain, and the dear woman died at 12 o'clock midnight, leaving a more than kind husband, one dear daughter, Maud, aged thirteen, the above-mentioned Lizzie, broken-hearted, with her dear little girl, Mary, aged ten. Her disconsolate father, mother, and four closely-attached brothers, together with the whole village in a sort of total eclipse, with no direct vision at hand to lighten the painful darkness. This is a much more terrible reality for all concerned than the faded flowers of nature, but just that touch of similitude of the long and bright summer, with all, its freshness, which, on the first touch of winter's frost, which came a week ago, blighted all the blooms in nature to decay and death. So with this nobler life-only forty- three years. Done so much. Won her neighbours. Gathered her classes. Worshipped her God. Led others
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the same heavenly way. Never still. Always up and doing. Nothing or anybody came amiss. If a kindness had to be shown, a helping hand to be given, or a winning smile needed to encourage, Mrs. Brook was ever ready with
"A heart at leisure from itself, To soothe and sympathise."
Frox THE Slaithwaz'te Guardian.
Txr loss to Slaithwaite of Mrs. Brook, of Field House, is too recent and happened too suddenly to be yet fully realised. Her absence will naturally be felt most in her home and in the church, but it will also be felt by the poor and unfortunate. Mrs. Brook had the private means to minister to the wants of the deserving poor, and she had what many other people with larger resources have not-the willingness to give. If we had more people with the kindly disposition and the generous heart of Mrs. Brook, a great deal of class bitterness would be done away with, and the complaining platitudes of Socialists would lose their point. While many persons in positions of affluence assume arrogant airs, and use their wealth for personal display and ostentatious parade, Mrs. Brook regarded it rather as a serious responsibility; a trust to be used for the benefit of her fellow-creatures ; and as an incentive to public work. That work grew beyond the capacity of one brain and one body, however vigorous and strong to outward seeming, with the result that the tension became too great, and the silken cord broke beyond repair. Slaithwaite can ill afford to lose such a useful and active life, while the church is left poor indeed. The influence of such a noble life, and the impressiveness of such an untimely death cannot fail to exercise the mind of the community, and if such influence has the effect of inspiring others to walk in her footsteps and take up her work, the sad event will lose something of its gloom.
PuupitT REFERENCE.
A marae congregation assembled at St. James' Church on Sunday morning to pay tribute to the memory of the
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late Mrs. W. H. Brook. The congregation for the most part were attired in the sombre habiliments of mourning, and conspicuous amongst the mourners were a large number of the members of the deceased lady's Sunday school class, who were accommodated in the northern aisle. There was a large number of people from other denominations present, all testifying to the respect and esteem in which Mrs. Brook was held.
The organist, Mr. Lewis H. Eagland, A.R.C.O., played
Mendelssohn's " O rest in the Lord" as an opening voluntary. The service was conducted, in the absence of the vicar, by the Rev. T. Haworth, M.A., vicar of Linth- waite, who was assisted by Mr. A. C. Applebee. The hymns were: " Now the labourer's task is o'er," "Days and moments quickly flying," "How sweet the hour of closing day."
The Rev. T. Haworth preached a helpful sermon from the words, "There were other little ships," and before concluding said that he was there that morning in place of their vicar, whose life was almost crushed by the over- whelming sorrows that had overcome him within the past few weeks-first by the death of his dear wife, after years of suffering, and now the death of Mrs. Brook, who had been such a tower of strength and support to him in the carrying out of the work in that great parish. Had he (Mr. Rose) been there that morning, they knew how words of recognition of her services would have fallen from his lips. He (the speaker) knew from the vicar's own mouth that he felt her loss to be almost irreparable, and her demise had created a void in his own life and the life of the parish which could never be filled. As a neighbour and friend, he joined with them in showing sympathy with the bereaved family, and also to add a tribute of love and respect to one who was justly honoured in her place for her self-sacrificing service to the church and to the poor and needy, her devotion to duty, her interest in the Mothers' Union and Sunday School, and every object which was for the good of the church and school. Her name would ever be remembered in love and esteem. If outward
and visible demonstrations of feeling were any testimony
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of inward feeling, such were not wanting on the previous Wednesday, when the deceased lady was laid to rest. The long procession, a full church, and crowds of sympathising people who lined the road from Field House to church and church to cemetery, drawn blinds, and the peaceful and orderly multitude who witnessed the ceremony, was in itself a tribute which could not fail to be some consolation for the sorrowing family. It was a tribute that men did not pay where they did not feel it. Though he, personally, had only known Mrs. Brook for the past few years, he had known her long enough to perceive her sterling qualities. With her there were no half measures, no halt- heartedness. Any task that she took up she entered into with an enthusiasm that was bound to succeed. And may they not say-was it not true to say-that she had been a victim of over-devotion to duty? _ In her self- sacrificing spirit she had allowed her zeal and enthusiasm to carry her beyond the limits of her not over strong constitution. As a soldier of the battlefield sheds his blood for his king and country, as the lonely missionary working in some far-off land lays down his life for his Christ and wins the martyr's crown, so he readily believed their dear friend in the nobleness of her heart, in her love for the Master, and her love for the people of Slaithwaite, had laid down her life and won a martyr's crown. They could not blame her now, but they must thank God that He had given them such a blessing and example in her life, such a self-sacrificing and devoted spirit. With her example before them, they must strive for and pray that there might be reproduced in their lives something of that nobleness of character, something of that enthusiasm and zeal for the service of God and for the good of their fellow- men, which was so marked a feature in her life. " She has zone from us," said the preacher. " You will miss her well-known face, her well-known form, her sunny smile, her cheery voice, her sympathetic look." To-day their hearts bled as they thought of the bereaved family, and their sympathy and prayers went out to them. In the homes of the poor and the needy she had always a glad welcome, and her winning smile brought sunshine to the
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sad and weary heart. The members of the Mothers' Union, in which she took such a genuine interest, had lost a wise counsellor, for verily she was a mother in Israel. The large class of young women were now mourning the loss of a teacher and sympathetic guide, and a really personal friend. - And to her friends the world seemed empty, dreary, and sad. - They were decidedly poorer by the removal of such a noble life as hers, but they must remember that she was now at peace. Her life's work was done; her Master had come; she had now entered into joy and rest. She had safely entered where they also might go at last after many struggles, after many ups and downs. "Meanwhile we will never forget her, and she will never forget us." They must go on watching and praying day by day, for however long the hours might seem, they would come to an end, the sun go down, and give place to eternal light.
At the evening service the pulpit was occupied by the Rev. T. H. Greenhalgh, vicar of Paddock. - During his
discourse he made reference to the death of Mrs. Brook, and remarked that it came as a great shock to him to hear that one who was with them last Sunday in the fulness of life was here with them no more.
Ix Mrxoriax.
Alas! how soon our sister pass'd away! We knew not then t'was our last Sabbath day That we together in God's House would spend ; How soon that happy spirit would ascend On angel wings to meet the saints above, Join in the song of Christ's redeeming love! No doubt, her heart that day was overjoyed, Whilst with her youthful band she was employed In acts of worship, love, and holy praise; They knew not that their teacher's eyes would gaze
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So soon upon the Saviour's smiling face, Her heavenly friend in fellowship embrace.
X as X K
She cheerfully had joined with loving zest To deck the church with fruits and flowers the best ; Thinking not that those symbols of our praise And harvest thanks, the last that she would raise ; "* Who is my neighbour ?"-she by works could show To orphans, widows, sufferers, she would go! Her Christlike kindness both to rich and poor, Sinner and saint were welcomed at her door. Amongst the roses, or amidst the storm, Her charity stood forth in willing form ; She sought not for herself to rest on down, But wrought with hand and heart to gain the crown. She feared no foes! time was to her no loss, If she could bring poor sinners to Christ's cross.
Ye little flock, fear not; keep by the side Of the Chief Shepherd, he will be your guide! Let your late teacher's love still urge you on To the bright kingdom whither she hath gone. O0, let her good by you be wider spread, That hundreds more may in her footsteps tread.
Ye Slaithwaite maids, keep your late teacher's bright Example e'er before you, day and night; New channels make where living streams shall flow, And gardens in which Sharon's rose shall blow ; Sow seeds of piety in life's fresh morn, Which shall with fruit your after years adorn!
Wiuuram SykKEs.
Crossley Place, Linthwaite,
October 26th, 1904.
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CHAPTER LXIV.
A FEw LETTERS or CONDOLENCE.
Slaithwaite, October 18th, 1904.
My dear Mr. Sugden,-" What shadows we are, and what shadows we pursue!" I little thought, nor you either, that my thanks for your most kind condolences to me would be blended with equally sincere condolences with you. 'We are one in sorrow, one in hope. _ May God comfort you even more than He has comforted me! The bright rays of light beam thro' the shadows. She was what she was, and she was spared the ordeal of pain. If we who live after her follow her as she followed Christ, she will not have lived in vain, and will continue to live as a blessed influence.-With deep sympathy, yours very sincerely, “ H. Haroun
The Vicarage, Huddersfield,
October 22nd; 1904.
Dear Ald. Sugden,-I am grieved to hear of your great and sudden bereavement, and respectfully offer you my deep sympathy. I have read with interest the accounts of her most useful and beautiful life, and feel that while your sorrow will be greater than that of others, you will also have comfort which all cannot share. - Her character appears in a very beautiful light in the touching memoirs I have read.-With kind and sympathetic thoughts of you in your heavy trial, I am, dear Ald. Sugden, yours sincerely,
ForL1oTt G. SANDFORD.
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56, Somerset Road, Huddersfield, October 19th, 1904.
My dear Sir,-The members of the Methodist Free Church, Slaithwaite, desire to express their sincere Christian sympathy with you and your family circle in the loss you have sustained by the death of your daughter, the late Mrs. Brook. They beg to assure you that they will cherish the memory of her high Christian character and her useful life. The district is the poorer for her departure. May I associate myself personally with this expression of sympathy? I pray that you and yours may be consoled by the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.-Believe me, my dear sir, yours very truly,
H. M. Bootg (Minister). Ald. Sugden, Esq.
Northgate Mount, , Honley, Huddersfield,
October 22nd, 1904.
Dear Mr. Sugden,-Will you allow me to express my deep sympathy with you and all your family in the great sorrow which has befallen you in the loss of your daughter? It is impossible to read the account of Mrs. Brook in the paper which has been kindly sent to me without being - very deeply touched, and feeling what a terrible loss the whole community among whom she lived have sustained. In one sense all that Mrs. Brook was and the great blessing her life has been to so many must be your greatest consolation, and we can reverently thank God for it all. But I know what a sorrow her loss must be to those nearest and dearest to her, and I trust you will not think I am taking any liberty in writing these few lines to you.- Yours truly, Wax. Brooks.
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SLAITHWAITE NOTES.
bo aap! C C
Fearn Lodge, Ardgay, N.B.,
October 29th, 1904.
Dear Ald. Sugden,-I am writing a line to express the heartfelt sympathy of my wife and self with you and yours at the death of your daughter. I can assure you our thoughts have been constantly with you since we heard. It is indeed one of the most inscrutable of the problems which face us why the best and most useful are so often cut off first. May God comfort and sustain you.-I am ever, yours most sincerely, Joux A. Brooxr.
Smedley's Hydropathic Establishment, Matlock, October 21st, 1904.
Dear John,-May I offer to you my sincere sympathy in your sore bereavement? I was deeply shocked when I heard of it, and regretted being deprived of the opportunity of paying a last tribute of respect by my absence from home. That you, and all of you, and her widowed husband may be supported by strength from the Most High, is my heartfelt wish.-Yours sincerely, Wirrrarr CrowTtHER.
Jno. Sfigden, Esq., J.P.
Delph, October 22nd, 1904.
My dear Friend,-I am very sorry to see the account of the death of your daughter, Mrs. Brook. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Though taken away in the fulness of her usefulness, her life is not to be measured by its length of days, and hers was a life crowded with good deeds. For this we may well be thankful, and be resigned to God's kindest regards, yours truly,
F. W. Jno. Sugden, Esq.
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206 SLAITHWAITE NOTES.
Rock Mills, Brockholes,
October 17th, 1904.
Dear John,-This is sad news I hear! Elon joins me in deepest sympathy with you and yours. After all, it is something to know that your sorrows are shared by your friends; and, as fetter after fetter with the present is broken, it makes easier the contemplation of our own dissolution, which approaches silently but surely. Let us resolve to double our efforts for making the world happier than we found it.-Yours most sincerely,
ALFRED SYKES.
Southwood, Birdhurst Road, Croydon, December (th, 1904.
Dear Mr. Sugden,-I have duly received your letter of the 3rd inst., and regret very much to hear that since I saw you last you have suffered so much, and I sincerely sympathise with you in the loss of your daughter. It is most unfortunate at a time like that through which you have recently been passing, that the dominant party in the Council should deprive you of your aldermanic seat, and their action in doing so is a very sad commentary upon the letters of sympathy and condolence which you received. Your work for the town, especially in relation to its water supply, has been not only useful, but valuable, and I have on several occasions officially acknowledged the same, and I therefore trust that you will soon be restored to the Council as a member, and be enabled to continue that good work.-With kind regards, believe me, yours very truly, F. C. John Sugden, Esq., J.P.,
22, Greenhead Road, Huddersfield.
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At a meeting of the Colne Valley Education Committee, the Chairman moved that a vote of condolence be sent to the relatives of the late Mrs. W. H. Brook. He was sure the Committee would join with him in placing on record their sense of the loss they had sustained. Mrs. Brook's death had been very sudden and unexpected, and it would prove a serious loss to that neighbourhood in particular. He moved that the Committee express their deep sympathy with Mr. Brook in his irreparable loss. Mr. T. Mallinson seconded. He had known Mrs. Brook for many years. she was a most amiable lady, and well qualified to occupy the position she did on that Committee. She had had a remarkable traiming for that work, and, very early on, he took the opportunity of asking her if she would accept the position in the event of a lady being required as a member. She did not at once give her consent, but mentioned the matter to her father, and afterwards said she was willing to stand. They had welcomed her amongst them, and the time she had been amongst them had testified to her ability. They were deeply sorry for the family, for their own sakes, and for the sake of that neighbourhood, that she had been so suddenly taken away from them. The motion was passed in silence, all the members standing.
CHAPTER LXV.
RomreErt ToxsB.
It is not generally known, even by old Slaithwaite residents, that the tombstone of the Rev. Robert Meeke, of blessed memory, one-time curate of this parish, stands within a few feet of a public thoroughfare. The road leading from Market Place to the Dartmouth Arms is said to pass immediately over the grave of the devoted vicar and quaint diarist.
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208 SLAITHWAITE NOTES.
In the south-east corner of the burial ground is to be seen a somewhat ornate tombstone, bearing this inscription :-
" Near this Place is Interred the Body of Mr. Robert Meeke, Who was Curate of this Chappel 39 Years and 5 Months, To ye Satisfaction of his Auditors. He left £4 per annum to ye School of Slaithwaite For Teaching 10 Poor Children, And ye Interest on £9 for Bread and Wine, _ And 133 Books for ye Use of Succeeding Curates. He departed this Life May 31st, 1724, in the 67th Year of his Age."
The tombstone is in a wonderfully fine state of preser- vation, and the ornamentation is perfect in every detail. The last line of the inscription is almost on a level with the ground, and the stone cannot be read without removing the creepers that threaten to obscure it altogether.
Some years ago, when the local authority widened the road, they reverently spared this grave by placing over it an iron beam to keep it intact.
CHAPTER LXVL Locar OmBItuary ror 1904.
In the following local obituary for 1904, copied from the Huddersfield Examamer, will be found the names of two
of the very interesting individuals specially noticed in this volume, viz., Mrs. W. H. Brook and Mr. Edwin Swift :-
Years. January 15--F. Vickerman .................. 50 26-Watts Balmforth ............... rll 26-A. Halstead ..................... 53
20-Ed. Brook (Meltham) ......... (8
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a Years. February 4-Alderman F. Calvert ......... 5) 8-H. L. Parratt 69 9-B. Swift 60 25-W. H. Autey ...........222222.2222. 3: Midgley ..............222222. 58 March 3-L. Liversedge 22-Sarah Parkin ...............2... 93 250-J. Mellor T1 26-W. Brook 99 April T-W. Child 68 15-J. McHutchon ............222... 3 [ 18-J. T. Kilner .......222222.222222. TT 20-W. H. Woodcock ............... T9 21-J. W. Mellor 65 25-J. E. Cooper 09 May (-H. Beardsell ...............222222. 55 21-H. J. Wadsworth ............... 85 3l-E, A. Bradbury ............... 49 June 4-H. D. E. Greenwood ............ 34 4-W. Blakeley ..............2.222.. (2 8-J. B. Matthewman ............ oJ July 6-B. H. Bradbury .................. 38 22-J. A. Stocks 52 August 3-E, 7TO . 10-R. Butterworth ............2.222.. 83 27-Sir Joseph Crosland ............ T7 Septembel 2-M. Cooke 81 {-J. Moseley 67 12-J. E. Taylor ...........2.222.2222, 80 16-T. Furniss TT 25-Thomas Halstead ............... 84 October _ _ G-Edwin Learoyd .................. Tl 17-Mrs. W. H. Brook ............... 43 22-J. C. Broadbent ............... 19 31-(G. Bentley 79 November Clegg T3 (-J. E. Wheatley .................. T3 21--Dr. F. W. Shaw 65 December 6-I. Pogson 57
27-J. H. Cooper ..................... 66
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CHAPTER LXVIL
aAaxp Foxt.
AT a large and influential meeting at the Parish Church it was unanimously agreed that the following should be the memorial to the two dear ladies :- A window will be placed in the south-west end of the church, with a new font immediately adjoining. A couple of pews will be removed for the purpose, and placed where the old font now stands. The new fout will be of white marble, set in a floor of terazza, and will bear the following inscription : " This font was erected by the parishioners and friends to the glory of God and in memory of Catherine Ann, wife of the Rev. H. H. Rose, incumbent of Slaithwaite, who died October 5th, 1904. 'She hath done what she could.'" The inscription on the window, the subject of which will be "Faith, Hope and Charity," would run as follows: " This window was placed by the parishioners and friends to the glory of God and in memory of Eliza Jane, wife of Mr. W. H. Brook, who died October 17th, 1904. 'The memory of the just is blessed.'" The inscription on the old font would be: " This font was placed in the old church during the ministry of the Rev. Robert Meeke. It was transferred to the present
building in 1789, and substituted by the present font in 1905,"
CHAPTER LXVIIL
Prx anp SxEtcu: Cnarnrcers m Lirs.
HE lives at a beautiful home on the hillside of a lovely valley, the sides of which are clothed with healthy trees and many rich woods; indeed, in the autumn it is a charming district, with 'its fadmg green and yellow leaves. The poet has sung its praises, writers have written of its
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®
A MEmorIaL WInbow.
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SLAITHWAITE NOTES. 211
beauties, travellers have been charmed with its scenery, but none have done it full justice, and it would take the pen of a Sir Walter Scott to succeed, so that in this feeble attempt no one will blame this halting effort. Where he lives was where we begin this short story, and it is to this we must return. The house is situated at the far side from Huddersfield, in one of the most famous woods in the neighbourhood. Here the hare could sit in solitude were it not for the prowling cats and weasels ; here little bunny is at rest, and the birds sing gaily the long summer days; while on the ground the bracken is a thing of peculiar beauty, and in winter makes bedding for cattle which cannot be surpassed. On the knoll of this interesting spot the house stands high, commanding the hills and valleys for many miles. The structure, half Gothic to begin with, has been subject to many alterations for the better. : The billiard room is one to be remembered for flowers and ferns. The furniture is of the latest and best ; every comfort has been anticipated, and nothing left to chance. In going through the modern houses, one is pleased to note how many useful books they have, as well as those for ornament. The grounds-yes, the grounds-- they are the charm of the place, and will be when he has done making that quarry hole in the back, the beauty spot of that rock's beautiful home.
But whatever there may be in that place, it is the love at home which decorates it best ; indeed, he is blest with a charming family, one of the best of partners, who has been able to supply that of which he was in most need, together with combined and successful effort.
Considering what has gone before, the numerous readers of the Slaithwaite Guardian will understand that the owner of the above fairy land was not always so fortunate, and to the past this story is devoted, and not to win favour by abject flattery or undue adulation.
Then let us turn to a valley almost as lovely, and there is a village that tops yon neighbouring height that many a tale could tell-but this time only of the other house in which the subject of this chapter was born. Here it
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was hard fare, but the best of mothers made a heaven of small things by her constant devotion to her family and the sensible manner in which she brought up her children, and would you know the spell? She was a Slaithwaite lass, and this to the writer has a double charm and mearing.
Come back to her home, then, and see her numerous family in that small house and workshop, for they weave at home for their living, and the looms and hits of furniture completely fill the house. And here's the rub. How do they sleep, and where? Maybe the father and mother have a turn-up bed, and this is the sacred thing in the house. But what of the lads? Where do they recline and get a good night's rest? This to the uninitiated would be a perfect riddle, but to those in the know, and on looking up they would have found right up to the skylight, where in summer it was particular hot, and in winter almost as cold as last Monday (hunting on Linth- waite Edge Tops). Yes, at the roof, and fixed on the top of the loom, was a bed for three. But how did they get there? And this almost beats Crafty, the once famous acrobat of the Colne Valley. But they did ; and how, think you, but to climb up the loom after undressing downstairs, for there was no room for this kind of thing ; neither was there any mock modesty about it.
Ah, how happy they were when everything was pleasing and there was nothing vile! The wealth and happiness of latter days do not exceed the joy of the former, and, oh, how with a miser's care he needs must look back and dwell on the days of his youth. But one little incident was bardly all to his liking, and that was when going to bed one night in the dark (and they had always to do this- candles were dear, and there was no electric light as now) no; up that steep incline he must go, groping his way as best he could, but in an unfortunate moment he lost his grip and down came the climber, body and all, first alighting on the " twelve apostles " (the bobbin wheel) This was turned over on to the open tub, containing water to wet the bobbins, in which he at last alighted, happlly
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more wet than hurt, and the little episode, simple as it may be, is one of the little points in a life which makes history, though at the time quite unthinking.
These are some of the incidents which mark the Colne Valley. Many were the beds similarly situated ; but now how different, and how much better! - But the hard lessons learnt in the past have made most of the wise men of to-day, and may their sons and daughters never despise these things, but always remember that a sweet kindness is better than great riches alone.
Following this latter thought, the gentleman is now highly respected, justly occupies many very high positions, a director of a number of great industrial concerns, the chairman of a district council. _ These all good and important as they are, the one above all others for which he is honoured is the large Sunday school class (at a mission church) which he conducts weekly with love, care, and ability, to the no small satisfaction of the teacher and the taught.
CHAPTER LXIX. Yr Oun HostEury, or THE REp» Broox
SITUATED on the edge of the moor stands, facing south, the well-known old inn called the Moorcock, now kept by two ladies of the old family of Bottomleys, who have lately become the owners. - After a long absence from their native heath they have returned, like the hares, back to the old ground to welcome all who may travel that way. There will be bread and cheese for all, and better things provided if due notice only be given. The attractions are numerous. To the lamb like comes the sheep's bleat, bleat, blended in the air with the whirring cry of the feathered game, very numerous on the high hills and in the sheltered dells, which abound on every hand. Here, too, may be seen the timid white hare running helter-skelter on the least
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approach of danger, and on a hunting morn speed becomes a matter of life or death. There is no belingering here. Nature has given them legs to run, and if well used the innocent things do get away, to the no small joy of a manly hunter.
But this place offers better attraction. - Here on the highlands of Standedge you have some magnificent scenery and most invigorating fresh air to strengthen the lungs of the numerous workers in the valley below, if when they hare a chance they will only embrace it. It is not far to walk the whole way, either right on to Diggle or turn just below the Great Westeln, under the shadow of the tow ery Pule, down to Marsden again, by what is called the New Road. The old one was made by Blind Jack, of Knares- borough, on which in the old days ran the coaches from Manchester to Huddersfield by way of Holthead, and might be called the Wuthering Heights journey of former days, so picturesque and so grand the whole stretch over the mountains and overlooking the lovely vales below.
The district not far from the Moorcock is darkened by two foul murders-the one near Buckstone* recently, where good honest Uttley was foully shot and young Kenyon found in the same condition, but by whom and how has never been ascertained-the other just over the hills at Bill's o' Jack's, where the dear old landlord and his son were done to death by unknown hands. - How strange neither has been found out, and yet in places so near and in time so far apart!
The old days of coaching had many an adventure on Standedge Hills, but none of this terrible character. Red Brook, famous as a starting point for trail hunts at the time when these “chums ran 111011 in Saddleworth, had many little scrimmages. It is a lovely spot on the moors, lying due south from the Great Western Hotel, appzoached from Huddersfield in the old days by the Moorcock Inn,; just beyond which was a toll bar, and it was said that the keeper of this gate was in league with the footpads who
stairs r > cem ncs came mnm me - - nena m n sm, commenrnetinn ceo o comment e s memes en cones cnn nmn
* The Murder at Buckstone is referred to in a former Chapter.
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pestered the road by waylaying such as were not strongly protected-sometimes extracting money by threats and at other times by fears.
An old stager told the writer, when out on a friendly hunt, that one of the modes was for one of these men to dress in a white sheet to represent a ghost, and in this manner become a terror to all the travellers on the road, but his time came at last at the hands of a rough wagoner, who had begged a pair of besom shafts at the Moorcock Inn. When this sturdy fellow came to the fatal Red Brook, out came the ghost in due form to tax and frighten ; but this Jehu had faced these hills too often to be fright- ened, neither was he soft enough to pay ransom. - Seizing the stronger of these two shafts he belaboured this chap so unmercifully that in penitence and exhaustion he prayed for mercy, which was duly granted on an abject promise that he would never do so any more. As a mark of surety he was tied beyond the wagon and taken on to the next public-houses to be shown what a poor despicable thing the boggart of Red Brook was. He was never seen again, and his condign punishment was just sufficient to deter any other from following what proved to be such an inglorious ending.
CHAPTER LXX. Ax Onn Smamnwaits Max's REquEst.
Ix the Huddersfield Examiner of August 8th, 1874, will be found a report of Mr. Alfred Sykes-then of Ramsden, Sykes, and Ramsden-defending a case from Scapegoat Hill way. How many things have happened since then? The Huddersfield horough magistrates on the bench for
the week were Messrs. Henry Brooke, Jer. Kaye, and E. Huth-all three long dead.
At Marsden a meeting was held to consider rules for a proposed Liberal Club. A sub-committee was selected, and Mr. Joseph Crowther was appointed chairman. Further
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under, Marsden is noted as a place for a feed, on which is drawn a fictitious picture. But more lasting is the notice of a testimonial to the Rev. H. Pickersgill, some time a former minister, but then of Tunstall, Staffordshire, and who was again removing to Westmorland.
At the same time, under Linthwaite, mention is made of the then famous band taking first prize (£26 10s.) at Gorton, near Manchester; Kingston Mill second, and Healey Hall (Rochdale) third. Judge, Mr. Jenkins, Manchester.
In the same issue was a notice of Mr. Thomas Dean, M.D., being appointed medical officer of health for Burnley at £500 per annum, and at this date (a Slaithwaite lad) now living, and honourably carrying out his plofessmnal duties most successfully.
A little lower is a notice of the Slaithwaite choir, then under the late and respected Henry Pearson, the then popular organist, and the father of some eminent musicians.
It also says of the Feast time: " Serub, scrub, serub, and clean, clean, clean, may be said to be the order of the day, and nearly enough of it to drive an old bachelor mad." Describing further it says: " All sorts of vendors have found their way into the town, with a miscellaneous lot of articles, while beer, beef, and provision dealers have been as throne" as if a famine were coming on. Traps of varied degree have entered the village, already filling the Towngate, so that those who love this sort of thlng are Ilkely to have their fill." The glory of this thing has departed. It is a corpse in latter days, a deserted town, the inhabitants of which have gone to the seaside.
Again, there is mention of the adult members of the Baptlst Sunday School, with their then popular minister, the Rev. W. E. Tomsett of a pleasant Saturday afternoon's out to the then famous Blake Ley, kept by Mr. John Hirst, a well-known character in his day, representing many of the ups and downs of life-opened again, after many years of closing, by Mr. Firth, the temperance reformer.
Then follow some comments on the flower show, which had had a very successful career with such good men workers
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as Mr. G. H. Walker, one of the pioneers of all that was best in Slaithwaite; but it had got down to horse racing, and this was what killed it. It was up to this a living ornament to the village. The cottagers did wonders in their successful productions, and it is anent this that a dear old living soul has preserved a copy of my report of 18374 and treasured it with a miser's care, and now prays for it to have a corner in my little book. It may not be much, but it is enough to graciously grant the request of this deserving fellow :-
" Mr. James Walker, gardener and farmer, of Hill Top, has in his little vinery three very good vines, all in fine condition, trained almost to perfection, the branches being very straight and quite filling the house, which is only 15 feet by 21 feet. It would be a difficult matter to find an equal for the same room and conditions. The bunches of growing grapes number about 500, and are very healthy. About a similar number have been taken away to help the others to grow. From these trees, which are regularly improving, Mr. Walker took the first and second prizes at the annual flower show last Saturday, being about the last of these things in Slaithwaite of which he is justly proud to-day."
CHAPTER LXXI.
HuppERsFIELD CORPORATION.
AFTER a strenuous young life, spent with other good men in promoting the rise and progress of his native village-an epoch in the early days of his vigorous youth, as indicated largely in these notes-Mr. Sugden removed to Huddersfield and entered the Town Council after a hard-fought contest with his old friend, Mr. John Blamires, 25 years ago. He has had 18 years' service therein-13 as Councillor and five as Alderman-and during that time has fought many memorable battles, both inside the Council Chamber and out, mostly on independent lines in his later days--
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a position which required an effort to maintain, owing to the strength of parties, which many think is to be highly deplored in the interests of the town. Whether this or not, Mr. Sugden could hardly recommend anyone to follow his example; it is much easier to gain favours and promotion by following one party or another. What with political machinery and applause, and with human nature what it is, one can find many opportunities (on both or any side) of showing bitter resentment, which only a very strong man can resist, and, even if successful-with very little comfort to the mind but that of having fearlessly done one's duty and for conscience' sake sacrificed everything else-splendid isolation, more or less, is bound to be the doom of an independent course where party is at all powerful. Mr, Sugden was early associated with Huddersfield's pioneers, when a galaxy of good men were developing the resources of the town in its most material and important aspects. _ There was not much water then, no trams or electricity, no sanitation worth the name as compared with to-day, the hospitals poor and crude, the sewage untreated, the gasworks to be re-modelled, the education to improve, and the Technical College to take over. All these things, and many more, mark a great stride for Huddersfield, in which a vast amount of work has been done by some earnest ana devoted men, a history of whom some day will be written, when such services become better appreciated by the general public. Here, now, and until then we will have to be satisfied with this short mention of a few of the things on which Mr. Sugden was especially engaged, with others more eminent, such as the getting of the minutes printed, securing the General Purposes Committee for the whole Council instead of belonging to the few. Neither is the £2,000 per annum profit on his sulphate of ammonia plant to be despised. - The convenience and income from the Sunday tram comes in useful at a time when promises of income have not been attained. The lovely flowers in the parks and the splendid bands in the charming summer months give delight to thousands newadays. An abundance of water is coming by and by.
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and the Technical College shall retain the trade of the town on its higher and more artistic development by its ample and greater scientific knowledge. The poor and the 'suffering, too, when in sickness, will find comfort and help in the splendid hospitals which have been erected-fit for a king. All these and many others may have a good word to say of the many worthy citizens who have thought more of the good to humanity than of their own personal ends (in money or otherwise), and have made many sacrifices for the public good during the long years of hard work which it has taken to attain-men who, regardless of personal applause or abuse, were quite content in having done their duty in their day and generation, men of John Bunyan's class.
''There is no discouragement shall make him once repent His first avowed intent to be a pilgrim."
To such an one loss of a seat only causes the regret of the inability to render a further service. To him there can be no jealousy of those who may arise. No! there will orly be a miser's care for a prolongation of their usefulness and a brighter chance for their many virtues; and that all their future efforts may far eclipse those who have gone before is my simple prayer, not only on behalf of the people here, but all over the world. Let such arise, shine! and be honoured as they so richly deserve to be for their laudable efforts to lift humanity, to lessen its suffering, and to promote its greater happiness.
CHAPTER LXXIL Mr. SvapEx's Retirement. (NovemBEr, 1904.)
Txs Mayor proposed a resolution, thanking the retiring aldermen for their services, and said that Alderman Sugden and Alderman Whitehead, whose places they had filled that
morning, gave many years of service on the council with
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zeal and energy in many directions and assiduity in serving the public in many capacities. He thought it would not be fitting if they did not place on record their sense of the value of their services and regret at their close.
The Deputy Mayor seconded, and said that Alderman Sugden had been a colleague of his for a long series of years, and he was always able to look forward to assistance from him. The same remarks, to some extent, applied to Alderman Whitehead. He was sure the town would heartily appreciate the services they had rendered. ’
Councillor Beaumont, in supporting the motion, said that Alderman Sugden had deserved well of his town, and he had been treated in a most scandalous manner for conscience' sake. It was a shame that the Liberal party in that council had kicked him out of the aldermanic bench that day. Mention had been made of his work in regard to the waterworks question. That was only one instance of his many services. He acted in a straightforward and conscientious manner in all he did, and the reward was that the Radical party in the council had deliberately kicked him out, and that, too, at a time when death had taken his daughter from him and he was suffering from his bereave- ment. _ His reason for speaking was to emphasise the disgraceful way in which the Radical party treated good servants.
[The above is copied from the proceedings of the Council, with which the author had no concern, and expresses no opinion thereon but one of gratitude to his yet numerous friends, who have been constant in their devotion, and ever faithful. May this continue until and at the last lap, and there comfort and sustain at the end.]
Joux HEywoop, ExcEusior® Printing axp BookBInDINGg Works, MANCHESTER.