EXTRACTS FROM THE WELLINGTON JOURNAL

21st January 1905

Narrow Escape

Mrs A Smith’s child had a very narrow escape on Saturday from being burnt to death.   Whilst the mother was shopping the child fell off a chair into the fire, and was badly burnt about the face, body and legs.  Had it not been for the timely assistance of a man named Brookshaw, who was attracted to the house by the child’s screams, the results might have been of a serious character.

The child is progressing favourably under medical care.

18^th February 1905

Bankruptcy

Joseph Vincent Prince, clerk, of the Poplars, Coalbrookdale, appeared for public examination at Madeley County Court.  Liabilities were estimated at £134.9s and assets at £23.14s.

Also John Walter Smith, fruiterer and fishmonger formerly of Tontine Hill.  He said his debts were £216.4s 2d and assets £18.5s.  He attributed his failure to old debts and family sickness.

4^th March 1905

Welcome home

Mr T Curzon, who has just returned from America after an absence of 25 years was entertained by his many friends at the Talbot large room, to a smoking concert.  The musical programme was sustained by Mr Hill, Mr Roberts, Mr Hewitt, Mr Peskin, Mr W Roberts, Mr W T Chattaway, Mr T Curzon, Mr G Barrett, Mr Davies, Mr W Bennett, Mr George Curzon, Mr F Allcock, Mr W Simmonds, Mr A Dixon, Mr H Wilkes, Mr H Cornish and a glee party.

22^nd April 1905

A sad case

George Williams, landlord of the Three Tuns Hotel, Ironbridge applied under the Married Woman’s Act for a separation order against his wife Sara A Williams on the grounds that she was an habitual drunkard.  The applicant said his wife had given way to drink and had become violent.  They had six children and his wife was not capable of managing her domestic affairs.  After other evidence the application was granted, Mr Williams having to pay the costs and to allow his wife 10s a week, the money to be paid to her father.

 29^th April 1905

Elsie Briscoe, daughter of Mr John Briscoe Manager of Messrs Legge’s Brick and Tile Works,

Madeley Wood, was killed on her way to the bakers.  She had a ride on the “tea bob” which pumps water for the engine in the works.  In less than a minute she fell off, with the result that she was instantly killed.