The Slaithwaite Guardian and Colne Valley News. — 1900-05-18 (Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire, England)

FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR. THOMAS WALKER.— Fully 150 persons attended the funeral of the late Mr. Thomas Walker, manager of the Co-operative Stores, which took place on Saturday afternoon at Providence Baptist Chapel, Slaithwaite. The high I regard in which he was held was amply exemplified, for in addition to the large attendance of mourners, quite a concourse of spectators assembled in the vicinity of his late residence, and manifestations of sympathy and respect were I forthcorffing on all hands. The Rev. J. H. Snow (who officiated throughout) conducted a short service at the house. after which a sombre procession was formed in Brook Lane. At the head were the 1 committee of the Co operative Society, including I the president (Mr. Fred Westmoreland) and the secretary (Mr. John Chadwick), followed by Mr. J. E. Lunn (the society's architect), Mr. Joseph Swift (manager of the Scare Wood Coal Society), Mr. E. Pogson (chairman of the Crosland Moor Co-operative Society), and Mr. J. Lister (Rehoboth Baptist Chapel, Lockwood). Then came the employees of the Co-operative Society, including Mr. Bowker (manager of the branch shop at Town End). The superintendents, teachers, and choir of Lingards Wocd Bottom Sunday School—in all, a large contingent—were next. The deacons (Messrs. S. Lunn' Joshua Garside, G. Carter, J. Hawley, and E. Shaw), members and choir of Providence Baptist Chapel comprised the remainder who preceded the hearse. On each side of the latter walked the bearers (cousins of the deceased), and two mourning coaches, containing the principal relatives of the deceased, followed, while a number of friends brought up the rear. Along the line of route taken by the cortege Radcliffe Road and through Crinable—knots of spectators were observed at frequent intervals, and many occupants of the various residences had drawn their blinds. An affecting scene was enacted upon arrival at the chapel, the front part of the procession separating and allowing the cuffin to be bourne up the centre, the chief mourners following. The service in the chapel was of a most impressive character, the Rev. J. H. Snow expatiating at some length on the good qualities of the deceased, and the great loss which had been sustained by his relatives, the church, and the co-operative society. At the conclusion of the service the organist, Mr. E. P. Rothery, played the " Dead March in .Said, which rendered the proceedings doubly solemn. The last rites at the graveside were most affecting. The coffin, of dark pitch pine, with heavy brass mountings, suitably inscribed, was supplied by Messrs. Wnt Shrigley and Son, James Street, Golcar, who also carried out the arrangements very satisfactorily. A number of beautiful floral tributes adorned the coffin, the number including one from his sorrowing wife and darling children, Alston and Stanley, another from Mr. J. Douglas Alston, two from the choir and committee of Providence Baptist Chapel, one from the teachers of Liugards Wood Bottom Sunday School, one from his fellow-employees, and two from the committee and members of Dia Co-operative Society.—A memorial service will be held at the Providence Baptist Chapel on Sunday morning.  Slaithwaite and Milnsbridge celebrated the relief of Mafeking last Saturday. When the news was found to be premature bunting was removed most unceremoniously. A local lodge of Freemason's celebrated the auspicious event by a "smoker,' and it was none the less enjoyable because another will have to be held shortly.  About seven o'clock on Wednesday evenimt., Herbert Ainley, teenier, aged 38 years, of Golcar. committed suicide by jumping into the canal near Brierley Mill, Milnsbridge. In theafternoon he was observed walking backwards and forwards on the towing path, but little importance was attached to the circumstance. At the time stated, however, he was seen by Jas. Howarth, finisher, Milnsbridge, to take off his cap, place it on the towing path. and then deliberately throw himself into the canal. Howarth raised an alarm, and secured the assistance of Mr. Albert Edward Gledhill, manager for Messrs. Armitage Bros., manufacturers. :NB.. Gledhill jumped into the canal wearing hib clothes, and with assistance succeeded in getting Ainley out of the water. Whether Ainley was then alive or not is somewhat doubtful but he never showed signs of consciousness. Dr. Farrar was sent for, but when he arrived life was extinct. The deceased had, it appears, been living apart from his wife and family for nearly a year, and during the last few months had led a somewhat indifferent life. A note was found in his pocket, but it threw no light on the circumstance, and contained merely a dying request that his wife and children would attend his funeral.