The Cotton Factory Times. — 1897-09-10 (Manchester, Greater Manchester, England)

SUICIDE OF A LOCKED OUT MECHANIC.—A shocking discovery was made at half-past one o'clock on Tuesday afternoon in the Alexandra Park, the lifeless body of a locked out mechanic named John Hartley being found suspended across the boys' lavatories. At the time stated some labourers who had been employed during the forenoon near the lavatories returned to their work, and one of their number, an cld man, was horrified to see the body of a man hanging over the lavatories. Instead of cutting the body down he went away for assistance, which was speedily obtained. It was then found that the body was lifeless. It was cut down and conveyed on a stretcher to the mortuary at Rhodes Bank. In the deceased's possession was a pocketbook and other papers, from which it has been ascertained that the man's name is John Hartley, and that he is a locked out mechanic, residing at 114, Ashton-road. The rope with which deceased hanged himself was fastened to a bush near the lavatories, and then brought over the top, the man in reality being slowly strangled to death. STATE OF Tan.—Most of the cotton spinning mills in the town are kept in full operation. Spinners, however, complain of the want of profitable orders, and say that those being accepted show a clear loss on every pound of yarn spun, especially so in weft counts. Some weeks ago the question of working short time with the object of curtailing production was mooted, with the hope of improving the margin. A few firms at noyton stopped a week, but they could not get the Oldham millowners to throw in their lot with them, although it was generally acknowledged the course taken was a sound one. Now the local firms are again complaining of the unsatisfactory condition of things, and it is being whispered that some action will shortly be undertaken to effect a general stoppage if an improvement does not quickly set in. It is thought by many spinners, seeing how unsettled matters are in the manufacturing districts and the battle in the iron trade, that the present is a favourable opportunity for curtailing production either by a stoppage or working short time. There are ttfew who would like to go in for a wages reduction, but this is regarded as out of the question by the most influential members of the trade. It must be a lessening of the output or nothing. COLOSSEUM Tn-raene. The bright and ever fascinating Japanese opera, "The Geisha," with its dainty melodies, pretty costumes and stage sets, was once more presented at the Colosseum on Monday evening before a packed audience. The story of a Japanese tea house, as told by Mr. Owen Hall. received a worthy interpretation by the members of Mr. H. H. Morrell's and Mr. F. Mouillott's company. every member of which did excellent work and gave a delightful rendering of this most successful piece. Miss A. E. Percival made a successful appearance in the part of O'Mimosa San, , while Miss Ethel Irving was equally pleasing as Miss Molly Seamore. Their vocal efforts were well rewarded. Among the other artistes the following figure prominently :—Mdle. E. Darcier (0 Juliet Drainant), Miss I. Fayne (Lady Constance Wynne), Mr. H. T. Davis (Reginald Fairfax), Mr. C. Herberte (the Marquis Imari), Mr. L. Stigant (Wan-hi), Mr. It. Ouston (Ta,kamini), and Mr. W. Doran (Captain Katana). The tuneful melodies were as refreshing, and the humorous dialogue as mirthprovoking as over, and the opera was thoroughly enjoyed. Everyone may profitably renew acquaintance with this tried favourite, which will be repeated to-night and to-morrow eveniag.—Next week Mr. Henry Dundee' Company will appear in the excellent drama "A Life of Pleaeure."