Huddersfield Chronicle (13/Apr/1850) - page 7

The following is an uncorrected OCR conversion of a newspaper page and will contain numerous errors. The text is in the Public Domain.

The Local Chronicle: Huddersfield, April 13, 1850

The Projected "New Town"

The public of Huddersfield have learnt with great satisThe pues 5 ' : tion that the question of laying out the ground behind eset Georg? Hotel, and in front of the handsome 'qx Station. — a structure which is at 'once an ornament an onjuct of just pride to the totn, — has been taken © wile grounds, by the Improvement Commissioners, i thst they are about to make respectful representations cue trustees of Sir J. W. Ramsden concernifig the mode aving out that present vacant space, so as to cenduce to "pablic advantage, and, at the same time, subserve the srosts of Cae prepricter of the soil.

\ strong feeling has been entertained gencrally against -plan of laying out this space, as projected and published the trustees; for a slight examination of that plan sed to show that sufficient care to avoid those errors of en-constmuction, which experience hzs proved to be jix detrimental to public convenience and health, had icen observed : but rather an attempt made to crowd . igrvest mans Of buildings possible upon the smallest "able space ; a mode ef proceeding, py-the-bye, which, uch it might at first appear to give a heavy rent-roll, 4 i not be as successful in that respect as a more enlightened comprehensive course would be: for whatever adds to value of the property in the centre of the town, and asthecharacter and importance of the locality, operates 5 stimulus to building in adjacent parts, calls more iding-ground sooner into requisition, adds materially to present value, and, on a series of years, gives a rent-roll ch inercased in amount over that which would have reed from a narrow and contracted policy. The general sperity and ability-to-pay of the district is also materially uenced by the manner in which a town is designed and structed, to say nothing at present of the higher ques1s of public morals and health, which are also intimately nd up with the other question. 'he plan of the trustees has before-time been made ter of public comment in the local press ; and the most iential of our cotemporaries performed signal service 'he town by the insertion of an elaborate article cn the ject, in which the defects of the plan were forcibly ated out, and excellent suggestions for its improvement ic. That article was afterwards reprinted and extenly circulated, and has no doubt served materially to cextrate public opinion on the wante and defects of the 2 in question. 'ubsequently to this, the question was introduced to the mtion of the Huddersfield Improvement Commissioners Mr. Commissioner Moors, and by that Commission rred to their paving and drainage committees, We think edounds greatly to the credit of this public body of hority, — a body charged as it were with the preservation conservatien of the public health, — that they have taken the subject and considered it in the spirit of true con'ators of the public weal; that they have let no false 'cacy as to their right to interfere (by representations) 1 the laying out of private property, deter frem their lie duty en a questien involving impertant and weighty lic consequences. The fact is that no plan for the ' aation of the plot ef ground in question into streets, by consequence into "a new town," can be carried Without the direct interference and action of the Imrement Commissioners. Not a street can be formed, 10ut the level thereof being fixed by the Commissioners, 'are also charged with the duty of seeing that it is of proper width for the purpose required, When the ls ef the new streets are thus fixed, they must be ered by the Improvement Commissioners, though at expense of the owner of the soil ; and thet hadp ix also vend 2tw prupe vuschamaze, communicating such sewers, is provided for every building. The umissioners are further empowered, and it is a duty anbent on them, to pave such new streets, at the ex:¢ of the owners of property next adjoining; and they also required to act in fixing the level for every house, in seeing that there is provided, or in providing themS at the expense of the owners, @ separate private 'cuience for every dwelling. With any plan of new cis, therefore, they are bound to interfere; and we conr that they evince a true conception of the important ers With which they are clothed, and of the purpose for -a such powers were conferred, when they interfere to "enttherepetition of evilsand the perpetration of mistakes dated, nay certain, to defeat the sanitary purpose of existence. Nor can we believe that the trustees of Ramsden estates will consider this very praiseworthy "erence in any other spirit than that in which it is 'e, a sinecre desire to advance the character of the i, in design, construction, health, and morality ; and nhance, et the same time, the value of the whole estate 'he preprietor. In that spirit we feel assured the Im'tment Commissioners, and, through them, the inhabiSof Huddersfield, will be met by the Ramsden trustees, 'cannot but feel gratification that such an interest is "sted by their teaantry in matters so important to Well-being of both. ithe hasty report given in the last (and first) number 1c Huddersfield Chronicle, of the Improvement Com'oners' Meeting on the 5th inst., it would be 'that the committees to whom this subject had been 'ved, had duly considered it ; and thata plan, prepared 'T their auspices, and embodying the suggestions of the Committees, for the improvement of the trustees' plan, bech prepared by the Commissioners' Surveyor, and brought up from the committees at the last general "hz of the board, with a " statement of reasons" why Comittes's plan was to be preferred to the trustees' : The two committees before-named also recommended Cie pian should be adepted (generally speaking) by the wal body ; and that then, both the amended plan and "tatement of reasons accompanying it, should be sub'd to the trustees ef Sirj. W. Ramsden. This recom"aton ef the committees, after the plan had been ex-

aed the " statement of reasons" considered, was "ed; and a deputation, consisting of the excellent ae of the Commissioners, and Coramissioners Moore, " % and Mallinson, appointed to confer with the "462 trustees and their agents on the subject. The "t; We are certain, could not be in better hands. "ng had an opportunity of examining and comparing : — or proposed modes of laying out the vacant Dgore described, and also of judging of the applica"34 Weight of the objections taken against the plan sed by the Ramsden trustees, and of the reasons of tnee adduced in support of the emendations suggested "e Reprovement Commissioners, we here present the "A those objections and reasons, convinced that by . Shall greatly serve the interests of all concerned, ie our part towards making Huddersfield one of is ae in the kingdom. The opportunity of doing i often hen presented in a manner more complete che, S PCRS: and it would be almost criminal not such opportmmity, and to make the most of it. 2d wh meacn the relative size of the two places, comNoweng Jorstield, the "new towns" of Edinburgh Wenicga vet be far behind the " new town" of Osment ( laid out on the design as put forth by the Visitor lias omraissioners : for in both the former places __"48 to pass through two distinct regions before Character of the place: from the " auld ad.

WS we

"Uicam the town" of Reekie, with its wynds, and closes, and squalor, and filth, into the 'new town" with its splendid crections i and better arrangements. So also in Newceastle — where similar marked distinctions and tharacterittics solute both { the eye and olfactory nerves of the visitor. In Huddersfield, however, the "new town" will be the town; will be the spot where the traveller will arrive and depart ; will convey the idea as to the general character of the place — an idea more or less creditable, according to the mode in which the "new ttwn" is designod and constructed. Let this design be imperfect, or composed ef intongruities, and the character of the whole town will suffer. Let it be one of which all concerned will have just reason to be proud, and the benefit will te universtily felt. Whatever te can do, dither in the way ef ree?'ning, cr of respectful remenstrance, with the trustecs of the youthfi Bart., the otner of the soil, or in the way of gathering together and giving expression to the public opinion of the town, to cause the design for the ' new town" to be one worthy of the public-spirited and enterprizing inhabitants of the district, shall be done. The statement of reasons" adduced by the Paving and Drainage committees of the Huddersfield Improvement Commissioners, why their suggested plan for the laying out of the ground behind the present George Hotel is to be preferred to the pian published by the trustees of Sir J. W. Kamsden, Bart., states - — Firct, theplan, published by the trustees, is objectionable, inasmuch an 1. — It is designed with the intent and for the purpose of keeping up a quantity of buildings of a comparatively worthless character, that abut on two of the main streets of the town,

Kirkgate and Westgate; and some of the proposed new streets have in consequence to betaken in angular directions, and out of true connection with the rest to aveid theze old buildi

2. — In the design, as exhibited, there is no provision made for &n open space or square to act as a lungs to the town, nor even to increase the present small market acommodation.

8. — In all the laying out of the Ramsden property tlre has not'been ahy provision made for square? or open #paces ; and if the open ground now proposed to be laid owt, be arranged according to the plan of the trustees, all chance of obtaining such an open space near the centre of the town will be lost.

4. — The carrying out of the trustees' plan would completely block-up — would effectually hide from view, the clegant railway station erected by the spirited directors of the Huddersfield and Manchester Raiiway ; and would also block-up but in a less degree, the handsome new George Hotel now in course of erection by the Ramsden trustees.

5. — The direction of the main of the streets according to the trustees' plan, is almost due east and west; and therefore one half of the dwellings will never enjoy the direct rays of the sun upon them, — so essential as this is to due ventilation and consequently to health.

6. — From this direction of the streets being followed, most of them areona very steep incline, equal to th: average gradient of the present King Street.

{. — The greater poition of the plots of building ground, as laid out, are so narrow that it will be impossible to have lights into the back rooms, if shops are buiit facing each main street, with small rooms behind ; and the same objection will apply to the upper floors, ifthe dwellings are built with two rooms on a floor, front and back,

8. — From the same cause, — the narrow contracted width of the building plots, — it will not be possible te have back streets, er back yards, or private out-lets for the dwellings to be erected in this new part of the town ! — but every description of ware, article of merchandise, and even the filthy refuse from the dwellings, «rill haze to be conveyed inand out of the Sront of the dwellings, even in the main streets!

Such are the objections urged by the Improvement Commissioners againsi this very ojectionable design: objections which, on sanitary grounds alone, fully justify their interference te prevent the accomplishment of so many and such serious abuses. Had the Commissioners not interfered, it would have been time to vote the Commission "a nuisance," and have taken steps for its abatement or removal! What! a tewn without back streets, or back yards, er private outlets, or means of placing a private convenience, but either im the dwellings or under the catstways in the main streets !

What! a town so arranged, and the Sanitary Commissioners not interfere! Whatever else are they for ?

Each of the objections so forcibly urged in the above statement contains within itself so strong a reason why it is an objection, that we are spared the necessity of going further into them. Each proposition forms a good text, upon which strong sanitary discourses might be based. And on fitting occasions it is our intention to enter upon some of the subjects therein mooted, and give in detail the reasonings which justify the conclusions embodied in the objections taken ; for we consider that the public mind cannot be too well informed on these subjects so essential to health and well-being. Meantime we pass on to the rest of the document read at the last Commissioners' meeting, which is as follows :- —

Second. — in the plan 2s proposed by the Paving and Drainage Committees, most of the preceding objections have been had in Yiew, and an endeavour made to steer clear of them.

1. — The plan has been designed with the intent, that, at some time or other, all the existing buildings above the Parish Church, on the north side of Kirkgate and Westgate, shall be removed, and make way for erections more befitting the town generally, the situation in particular, and far more valuable to their owners than the present comparative heaps of rubbish. At the same time, it is not necessary that these removals take place forthwith, nor any considerable part of them: but the other parts of the design can be carried out, and these buildings removed in process of time, as circumstances call for.

2. — Such removals will give opportunity for the making of twoof the main streets, — Kirkgate and Westgate, — now contracted, frregular,-and narrow, into fine open, broad, regular, and well-proportioned streets — adapted for the increased and increasing traffic of the town.

3. — Provision is made for additional market accommodation ; and also a site provided for a Town Hall in the centre of the town, where all the public business of the town may be transacted, and where a building may be erected, worthy in every respect of the district for which it would be provided.

4. — An open space, or lungs for the town, is provided in front of the Railway Station and the new George Hotel; one sufficiently large to allow a portion to be planted, and have a fountain in the centre: and thus the greater portion of the facade of the Railway Station would be open to view from the new Market Place, and the new George Hotel would be seen from the old Market Place: while to parties standing under the portico of the Railway Station, a good portion of the new Market Place would be visible, including the front of the Town Hall: and, with the other splendid buildings, athich such a laying dut of the ground would be certain to cavze, the just impression that Huddersfield was one of the finestbuilt towns in the kingdom, would be secured, .

4. — The direction of the main streets in the new plan is almost direct north and south: and thus every dwelling in them would enjoy the sun's rays direct upon them, both in front and back every day. The condition to secure healthy residences in this respect is, therefore, provided.

§. — Instead of the greater portion of the streets being on a steep incline, they would be nearly on a level, and in connection with existing and intended streets in the present i rtions of the town. a F

6 Fis waiting plots are of that width, as to socure backstreets and back preriises for nearly every dwelling or warehouse to be erected; with ample accommodation for the taking-in of wares, and riddance of refuse, without troubling ai mt streetsat all. -. "a '. tn a doer space of ground laid out on. the trustees' plan, and bounded by John William Street on, the west, the brick factory and Brooks' on the north, Byram Street and other portions of available building ground on the east, the Pasish

Church yard and a portion of plot No 19, on the south, lhe quantity of land set out as available for building purpeses is

£4,102 square yards: on the committee's plan the same aggregate area, bounded by the same lines, gives 28, 018

square yards to be let for building purposes : showing a Gif ference of 3,916 yards in favour of the committee's plan, as far as the mere quantity of land to let is concerned. a

8. — Tho re-Jaying out of the old-built portions of the town, would not give as great an area for) buildirg Piirpcbes as 8

now occupied ; nor is it desirable that it suiould, or the pre-

sent narrow contracted streets wiH have to remain as they are. But in the place of the present comparative worthless rubbish, scattered over a large surfaco, good buildings, with excellent frontage, would arise; and the worth of the land, the buildings, and the situation generally, be considerably enhanced.

Such is the description given bY the two Committees before-named, of the distinguishing features of the plan prepared under their auspices and directions 3 and, speaking generally, and in comparison with the one previously pub1 lished, #e must pronounce it grand ini its leading features — one calculated to make Huddersfield a first-rate town, as fat as the laying out of this new portion can do it. In like manner, as before, these propositions of the Committee carry their reasons on their face, and at once commend themselves to the judgment' We are, therefore, ogain spared the necessity of geing rere into detail,

Respecting a Town Hal, and the necessity of speedily making provision for a structure of his kind, if Huddersfield would take her proper place amongst the other large towns of the West-riding, we may mention, thet when in attendance on the Pontefract Sessions, the other day, we heard what was in reality notice ofa motion given, to cease to hold Querter Sessions at Knaresborough, Skipton, and, if we mistake not, at Pontefract also, and to transfer the business now transacted at those, places to Wakcfield end Bradford. Now, why should not Quarter Sessions be held at. Huddersfield, as well as either Wakefield or Bradford? Assizes and Sessions add maierially to the importance and rank ef 2 town, as well as to its wealth, York is almost entirely sustained by the Assizes held there} during the year; and Wakefield benefits materially from the Quarter Sessions. Why, then, should not Huddersfield put in her claim, and take her proper stand? Because she has no proper place for the transaction of such business, nor a site fit for a building for Court House purposes. Let but the general features of the Commissioners' plan beadopted by the trustees, and a want which will every year become more and more apparent and pressing, will be protided for.

We shall be anxious, and no doubt the public will be anxious also, to learn the result of the Commissioners' Deputation to the Ramsden trustees, concerning this impertant question. We have every confidence that the result will be, that which every friend to a well-ordered and creditable town would desire ; but pending the announcement that the "new town" will not be marred, — to use an expressive Lancashire term, — we cannot but feel that amount of anxiety which wiil cause us to recur to the subject again and again.


Correspondence

All letters intended for tasertion in the CHRONICLE must contain the veal name of the writer, not with the vier to publication, but as an assurance that the statements advanced are correct.

— _-_ — __ — — — — —

Huddersfield & Upper Agbrigg Infirmary

HUDDERSFIELD -& UPPER AGBRIGG INFIRMARY.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE HUDDERSFIELD CHRONICLE.

Srr, — i observed in your last number the seasonable and judicious appeal of "Qne of the Governors" of the above institution, addressed to the inhabitants of the district, and urging upon them amore liberal and general support of this noble charity, on the ground that its annual income is at present inadequate for its annual expense ; and that the necessity of trenching upon its funded capital has been averted only by the casual falling in of legacies and donations.

The vast amount of good resulting from the medical aid afforded by this establishment to the most destitute part of our population in their "hour of need," is so well known, and I trust so generally appreciated, as to render any further advocacy of its claims superfluous.

The administration of its affairs, financial as well as medical and domestic, I believe to be in the main very judieiously and efficiently managed.

There is, however, one point in which I think it must be admitted that this Institution might, and ought to be, made more conducive to the good of the community.

The first object of an Infirmary, I apprehend, must be to provide for the prompt and efficient relief of its patients in cases of accident and sickness, -

A second, and I think almost equally legitimate, object is, that the benefits of the medical experience'fforded bysuchan Institution should be as widely diffused among the properly qualified medical men of the district as possible ; — that it should be, in fact, so far as is consistent with the former primary and all-important object — a scheol of medicine for the general advancement of the " healing art " throughout the district. :

It is obvious that the entire community is largely and vitally interested in this gencral diffusion of the medical experience derivable from such a school.

How largely and how vitally no one can possibly judge in his own case, until overtaken by some of the accidents or 'ills which flesh is heir to."

In the first requisite of affording prompt and efficient medical relief, I believe our Infirmary has, from the first, been eminently successful ; and its usefulness in this de-

rtment has probably been as wide-spread as that of any institution of similar means.

In the second requisite (as I conceive it to be,) namely, that of subserving the purposes of a school of surgery and medicine, it has professed little and done less.

I proceed to the proof of this assertion by quoting rule 43, which is as follows : —

"That none of the greater operations be porformed, (except on occasions of emergency,) without a previous consultation of the medical officers, to all of whom a written notice shall be sent by the apothecary, if possible, the day before. . And with a view to the extension of the utility of this Infirmary, it is recommended that the gentlemen of the profession of the town and neighbourhood of Huddersfield, who are governors, should be invited to witness the capital operations."

Ifi am rightly informed, the recommendation so judiciously embodied in this rule has become, (if indeed it has not been so from the beginning,) a complete dead letter.

Why should this be? Is it not quite practicable that medical aid to the poor should go hand in hand with the improvement and advancement of the science of medicine amongst its professors throughout the district ?

In the larger Hospitals of London, and other places, these two objects, I understand, are worked out together with entire harmony and success.

An additional motive would also be given to those who are not already supporters of our Institution, by the consideration that, in subscribing to its finds, they will be contributing to the stability of a most important means of ensuring the skill, and enlarging the experience, of their own medical attendant. sy .

I will merely add that the principle for which I am now contending, having been fully admitted by the founders of the Institution in the above retommendation, I would respectfully submit to the Governors whether an extension of its utility by a larger admission of the Profession to the ordinary as well as extraordiaary routine of its practice would not be most desirable. .

At all events, Mr. Editor. whether right or wrong in the view I am now advocating, I beg to urge upon the Governors of the Hnddersfeld Infirmary, that the matter is sufficiently important to demand their serious consideration ; and that if in their judgment a change of the kind I have now indicated would conduce to the wider extension of the benefits of the Institution, it is their bounden duty to see that such change be made.

Iam,

Sir, your ebedient servant, ANOTHER GOVERNOR.

— <p — —

The Proposed Public Testimonial

THE PROPOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONIAL. TO THE EDITOR OF THE HUDDERSFIELD CHRONICLE. Srr, — i never felt myself placed in a more embarrassing position than I now do — on reading a letter in your paper of this day, signed " Plato" — because I must seriously remonstrate with one who has shown that he is actuated by the kindest faclings and intentions towards me, although I have not the remotest idea who the writer is, and whose communication to you has surprised me more than I can express. meee trust I shall never be indifferent to the opimion which my more immediate friends and connections, 2s.yell as the public in general, may form of my actions, whether in my private, public, or mercantile character: After the approval of one's own conscience (on endeavouring-to have it nghtly informed), the good opinion of those amongst whom he resides must be dear to every right-mindeed man ; and IT have ever felt that I have invariably received, from all classes, that kind consideration which is quite commensura'e with my desefvings ; and I can assive your correspondent that the consciousness of this is far more gratifying to my feelings than any expressions of approval of my conduct, under peculiar circumstances, could be — conveyed to me by a more public demonstration. I cannot but express my regret that the matter, Which is so entirely of a private character, should have been brought thus prominently before the public, and which, I must own, has ¢aused me no little pain ; and I beg of your correspondent, and one who I am sure, although unknown to me, I may 'ca © singere, but in this instance @n injudicious friend, that he will not pursue the subject any further, and also to excuse me remarking that it is not well to name figures and circumstances which can only be guessed at from vague reports, which too often are found to be erroneous.

Would you be kind enough to insert this in your next publication, and allow me to subscribe myself

Your very obedient Servant, and THE INDIVIDUAL WHO IS EVIDENTLY ALLUDED TO BY YOUR CORRESPONDENT « PLATO." Huddersfield, Saturday Evening, April 6, 1850,

— ie

Paddock Plague-Spots

PADDOCK PLAGUE-SPOTS,

TO THE EDITOR OF THE HUDDERSFIELD CHRONICLE.

S1r, — i am glad that at length we have a public journal in our own district, — one that we can emphatically call "our own," so far as the making known of our peculiar wants and wishes is concerned, and also as far as it concerns the advocacy of all those questions and matters that

'affect us locally. The public of the entire district will have cause to honour the spirit and enterprize that have led you to offer to supply a great public want; and if you but carry out your design, as set forth in your prospectus, no doubt the public will evince, in an unmistakeable amount of support, that your efforts, for their benefit, are appreciated. That euch an important district as Huddersfield should, for so long a period, have been without an organ of news and opinion of its own, has been frequently matter of surprise ; and that the want which all have felt, more or less, is now supplied, must be matter of congratulation on every hand,

Not that we have any fair reason to complain of the manner in whieh the Huddersfield district has been treated by the conductors of the press in adjacent towns, generall speaking; for the fact is, that all these journals have foun this district to be so productive as to ke worth weel-cultivateng ; and an unusual prominence has been given to the Huddersfield news, generally speaking. Still these journals could not possibly do for the district all that was required. There are matters, which from the very nature of things, are only locally interesting — though in the particular loeality they may be of the greatest importance. But a paper published in another locality bas to be made GENERAELY acceptable; and it therefore cannot afford sufficient space for the thorough discussion of matters purely local — because the readers in other parts would s ily interpos remonstrate, and cease subscribing. With a paper devot to the interests of a particular district the very reverse of the above described state of things holds good. What is of detriment te the journals of the former class is the life and soul of the latter. Local questions can be thoreughly discussed and sifted, because ail in the district are interested in such thorough discussions. I, therefore, again hail your appearance in the Huddersfield district, to Chrontcle our doings and to make known our peculiar wants, as an event of signal importance.

Sir, we have wants, and strong wants, that require to be made known; and emboldened by the tone of your prospectus, wherein you state that local questions shall receive a due share of prominenee at your hands, I venture to send you this communication, calling attention to a most disgraceful state of things, in the hope that your publication of my imperfect and unconnected description may spur up to duty those who are responsible for the existence of the peculiar evils I allude to, and who ought to have applied the remedy long ago, but particularly when such awful evidence of the detdly results of such a reprchensible state of things was made manifest by a very recent experience.

I live, Sir, within the range of the recently PLAGUESMITTEN district, known througheut the Huddersfield Union and a good deal further, as the iz-famous " Johany Moore Hill." I can remember, and shall never forget, when the death-struck inhabitants of that infected locality dropped+ off like rotten sheep — were hurried to the grave one after another, after a few short fleeting hours of sickness and excruciating pain. I remember, and never shall forget, the consternation and fear that took possession of the inhabitants ; how terror and extreme dread was imprinted on the countenance, and all self-reliance and judgement seemed to have departed! and how numbers fied from their homes to distant parts — actually and literally " flecing for their lives," but in some instances too late! for they earried in their system the poison they had imbibed in the plaguesmitten spot. I remember too the great cave that was suddenly evinced for the victims to this dread pestilence, and for those who were likely to become victims; how pub lic commisseration was aj'oused ; how the Guardians of the Poor set to work to mitigate the effects of the scourge, and how, to their hononr, they sent an able medical staff on to the infeeted ground, and erected a hospital to receive the patients from the infected district. I remember, moreover, how the medical men indulged in most unseemly contests, quarrelling openly as to whether the pestilent could be sooner killed-off with "little" or "big" doses of medicine ; and I remember further how the agents of the lord of the manor, — (to whom the estate on which all the abominations hereafter described are to be found belongs) appeared in the neighbourhood, evincing a care and solicitude most commendable ; how the aid of other parties was sought for, and how meetings, and examinations throughout the Paddock were had, with a view to remedy what all pronounced to be the most disgraceful state of things — as to sanitary regulation — that the Huddersfield Union could exhibit; hew pig-cotes near to dwellings, and in some cases close to the walls of dwellings, were found to abound ; how petties, with open cess-pools, were stuck in every nook, or placed tx front and between the rows of dwellings ; how cesspools on the surface were almost before every door, there ing for the five thousand inhabitants residing at Paddock scarcely a furlong of sewerage — and such a thing as a properly constructed house-drain no where to be discovered: I remember all these things, and how promises were made that the appearances so disgusting should be amended; that evils so deplorable should be remedied ; how the owners of cottage residences were smartly spoken to — told that pig-cotes would have to be romoved_ that petties would have to be re-constructed — and that proper ash-pits would have to be provided. I remember also that plans for the thorough sewerage of Paddock, and for the construction of systematic house-draining were prepared ; and how it was promised thae this sewerage should be put down at the expense of the owner of the vast estate on which these glaring evils were found — and that the owners of the dwellings should be at the cost of a proper drain to every house, and made in connexion with such sewerage. I remember further how the miserable one-storied hovels, — not houses, — at the Paddock-head, with their caves level with the ground behind, beimg built izto the hill, were condemned — were pronounced unfit for human habitations, and how it was attempted to touch the pride of the agents of the manorial lord to get these miserable places razed to the earth. I remember also how it was promised that the earth behind the "long row" at " Johnny Moore Hill" should be excavated away, these dwellings like the rest being also built zrto the hill, and the earth close against the back walls almost to the top of the chamber ceilings.

I have a vivid recellection of all these things ; of the interest then betokened in the condition of cottage dwellers, and the acknowledgment of the necessity of zmmediate sanitary regulation — and of the PROMISES that were made that these so-long-neglected essentials to public health should be immediately attended to. And I also as vividly remember the scepticism of many of the in-dwellers of the Paddock cottages, who said that all these efforts to brush up and "make things pleasant" were only temporary and partial, prompted by the actual appearance of the PLAGUE; and that when the alarm and consternation caused by this had. patsed away, things would fall into their old course; that nothing effectual would be done, totwithstanding all the then bustle and pretence ; and that another pestilence would find the same cess-pools and the other heaps of filth to wallow in, and cause another overflow of commisseration and pity — and another vistt from the agents of the property to lode at them) .

I am sorry, Sir, to have to record the fact; that these fears and doubts were too well founded. The immediate danger is past, and the 'muck heaps" are left undisturbed. People are not xow dying off like poisoned fish — so a cesspool before every door is no nuisance, The Cholera is not raging — so pig-cotes and petties with filth on the surface and in front of doors, are no evils. Men, women, and children are not now stricken down by the scythe of death as with the sword of a devastating force — so sewerage is not required, and house-drainage not even to be talked of, The pretty-looking plans for sewerage works, made by the surveyor to the trustees of the lord of the manor, are carefully put by, to be brought out again when another deathdealing scourge manifests itself, then to be examined and discussed, and estimates' madc — and then to be carefully put by again. .. "Johnny Moore Hill" remains as it eas — in allits pristine glory of filth, nastiness, .and infamy, The tro-storied petty is tere, with its still open cess-pool, The petty against the gable end of poor Mrs. Micklethwaite's suse — (she tat fought so stoutiy with the grim king of terrors, when her husband, two of her sons, and two of her nurses had fallen victims); the petty, that poisoned every breath of air the inmates of this residence drew into their lungs, ts sttdl there! glorious in filth! Not an ounce of earth from the back of the "long row" has deen excavated : but there the dwellings stili are, back up ito the hill — damp, , and unventilated. Not a yard of sewerage or drainage has there been there executed — but before every door there still is a reeking mass of abomination, giving oif malaria into the abodes every instant. The miserable disgraceful hovels, — disgraceful to a lord of the soil, — are still there at Paddock Head, without pottios, other than dry walls, bshind which the human inhabitants crouch — a sort of provision that would degrade even beasts! Nay worse ; one tumble-down hovel that was then unfit to shelter a human victim has since been rebuilt, and is now almost ready for a tenant-<ancther to be sacrificed on the altar of fever and plage !

Really, Sir, was it not time that we hed a lecal tongue to give utterance to such humiliating facts as these ?

This "Johnny Moore Hill" has for the last twentv vears been a. fever-spot — a place whete every form of disease has been more intense than in the surrounding localities: an-1 since the cholera disappeared, fever has again been present. But what of that ? pestilence has passed — nobody now is looking on — and, xothing is done!

One fact more and I have finished. The fish-pond to the south of " Johnny Moore Hill," respecting which there Were such complaints, and even law proceedings which Failed, has been cleaned out, and the slime and aquatic vegetables made ito compost for the land : so that hers we have the instructive fact, that those who resisted and denied the necessity of certain preventive sanitary nreasur have done all that was required : while those that promi so much, — HAVE DONE NOTHING !

Pray, Sir, do not let this question rest until the dreadful evils I have pointed out are effectually removed.

I am, Sir, aout t fully," A CHOLERA COMSEPTEE-MAN,

Paddoek, April 6, 1880, e

The Gas Question

THE GAS QUESTION.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE HUDDERSFIELD CHRONICLE.

Sir, — it is often matter of beast that we live in an age of " pro; ive improvement." I believe it — as far as gas bills are concerned. Of all the subjects that can engage she attention, in these days of enlightenment and: blaze, sure!y no question requires a Eeht to be thrown upon it se ugently as this question of gas. I eenfess it puzzles me. f will venture to state to you my case, (and what is the case with me is the case with scores of others,) and see if it does not puzzle you too.

T am a gas-consumer, and have been in my present premises since the beginning of 1846. I have, during the whole period, had the same number of lights. During that period there have been two reductions in the nominal price of gas ; and theugh I have continued to exercise increased vigilance in economising te teme I have had my lights burning, (for a very obvious reason When you see my bills,) still the actual cost of gas has been to me continually on the increase, as the following figures will show, being a statement of the sums paid by me, fer each half year, since January, 1846 :- —

Half year, Jan. te June, Half year, June to Dec. 1846 . Ob 15s, 2d.| 1846 2. 3. 600 18s. 6d. 1847... 13 1 1847 116 1848... u. 18 6 1843 1 50 1849. 1 1 6 11849 1 19

The nominal price of gas in 1846 was 6s 3d_per 1000 cubic feet ; in 1847, 6s Od ; in 1848 and 1849, 5s Cd!

if you doubt my statement, I will furnish you with my bills and receipts.

To account for this mest extraordinary "rise" in amount of bill, with a nominal decrease in price, has bothered me not 4 little. I have leoked at the metre, many a time and oft, and tried to decipher the hieroglyphics that pretend to tell the quantity consumed; but all to nouse. Observing that when the gas-men came to "take stock" of tke metre, they had a water-pot with them to supply the metro with water, I have suspected they have ptrposely left mo short te make the metre "measure" more than it should do ; so I have often and again given it more water — and more water still ; but still the result has been — an inerease tn my bell!

I have heard that another reduction in the price of gas is determined on. If that be so, Pll have my pipes eut off forthwith. Every "reduction" has been an txcrecse to me ; and more than 1/. 19s. for what, in " dear" times only cost me 13s. 6d, is what I will not stand, Til burn " penny dips" first. ONE .WHO HAS HAD HIS POCKET BURNED WITH CHEAP GAS. King Street, Huddersfield, April 4, 1559.

{Our Correspondent, in his anxicty to lessen what appeared to be his consumption of gas, has very innocently taken the means to increase it; or rather to merease the registering power of his metre, by diminishing its capacity to hold gas. The explanation of this seeming paradox would occupy more space than we have at prezent ai disposal ; but we promise ere long to return to the subject so quaintly mooted by our eorrespondent, and to give a popular explanation of the ¢enstruction, mede of action, and proper management of the gas metre, when our correspondent will see that if he wanted to have his full tale of gas, as " told" on the index, he should have kept his water out ! The metre is formed so as to stop when it is hort of water ; for the gas companies are not going to kt the consumer pass the gas through the metre without its turning the wheels. They have "protected" themselves in that particular. As long,. therefore, as the metre will Wors, it haa water plenty within it ; and every inch of space occupicd by water, beyond the quantity barely required to work tha metre, is registered, txstead of so much ges, every time the drum goes round! Many people have the notion that seems to have possessed otr correspondent, and keep pouring water into their metres, The folly of this practice will be.seee mince we come to treat the subject thoroughly. —

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Barnsley

The Franklin Club

FRANKLIN Club. — the seventh general annual mecting of this Literary Institution was held on Monday evening last, for the election of officers and a committee for.the ensuing Year. After a vote of thanks had been moved to tho retiring officers, which was carried by. acclamation, tha mecting proceeded to the eleotion of individuals to fill the official capacities. The following were elected : — Mr. Joha rlick, president; Mr. Charles Weodcock and Mr. John Fogp, vice-presidents ; Mr. John Kenworthy, treasurer ; Mr. Joseph Wilkinson, cotrespandiae secretary ; Mr. James Dickinson and Mr. Henry Nicholson, gencral secretaries; Mr. J. Barber, Mr. William Rymer, and Mr. G. Burnett, librftrians ; Mr. A. Buckley and Mr. Exley superintendents of reading room.

Mechanics' Institute

Mecnanics' Institute. — on Tuesday evening last the concluding lecture of the session wasdelivered by Mr. Amivs Maidsley, on the 'Philosophy of Taste and Beauty." The lecturer, who is a working mon, end a resident of Barnsley, delivered an: interesting lecture. 'The audicnce was both numerous and respectable, and testified their gratification by rapturous applause.

Singular Accident

SINGULAR Accident. — on Saturday evening last as BU. John Greenwood, butcher, of Darton, was returning home from Barnsley market, and walking slowly a:short distance in advance of his cart and horse, he turned round rather suddenly to. quicken, the pice of the aiiimal, when he accidentally stumbled, and the concussion he oxperienced on falling was so severe that one of his legs was broken from its effects. Being considcrable distance from any habitation he managed, after considerable diffrulty,. to get into the cart, and drive on until assistance could be procured.

Ebenezer Elliott

EBENEZER Elliott. — many individuals have recently visited, and shed 8 tear of sympathy over, the grave of this zealous patriot: ,It is situated about.four miles from Barnsley, in the beautifiijl, aiwcierit, and secluded church Yard of Darfield. The place selected for his last: home perfectly harmonizes with the feelings of the once-living man, — it r2minds his admirers of that beautiful poem, in which he says : — De : :

' Flowers, ye remind me of rock, dale, and wood, Haunts of my early days, and still loved well." Darfield Church. is a massive antique pile of architecturd and isapproached bya beautiful immnbregoons grove. Around Elliott's grave are some ¢laborate tombstones and monwmental columns, which, blended with the sombre aspect, of some memorable yews,, give the place'a solemn and sublime appearance, ' The scenery which the position commands is extensive and picturesque, among which is 2. par tial view of the vast domains of Wentwerth, to which wa may, in the poet's words, refer,: —

Opi clinib the oak-crowned summit ! Hoober stands,

And Keppel's pilldr gaze on Wentworth's hails,

And misty lakes, that brighten and oxpand, — _-

And distant hills that watch the western stran ad." ; We learn that a monument will shortly. b>. erected, to pomt out to posterity the place to which his remains were consigned.


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