The Northern Guardian. — 1894-02-24 (Hartlepool, Cleveland, England)

LOCAL GOSSIP.  I am glad to learn that the Sub-Post Office in Brunswick street, West Hartlepool, will soon be opened. There appears to be an absence of red-tapeism altogether in this instance. Mr Scott is to be congratulated upon his place of business having been selected for the office, seeing that he waited until the matter had come before the Council before he applied. Others, I have heard, were spurred on by busy-bodies to make application before the Postal Authorities' letter had been before the Council, with the result that they were not successful. It is a case of the last beiag first.  I notice that the firm of Messrs Furness, Withy, & Co., shipowners, have had two successful trial trips lately. Neither of these vessels was built here—one on the Clyde and one on the Tyne, I believe. Working-men will probably remember this when the next election comes, and Mr Furness harps on about the work he brings tbis way.  The West Hartlepool Police have had a merry and exciting week. First of all, they had a woman in the " lock-up " for stealing, and on three separate occasions she endeavoured 'to commit suicide. Her efforts were not successful, however, and, after steaming out of West Hartlepool in the wrong train without the usual police escort, she was at length safely lodged in Durhain Gaol. Then there was the important capture of a Penrith burglar, with about £lOO worth of stolen silver in his possession. Ido not like to hear of burglars in our neighbourhood, but it is better that they should be captured here than they should carry on their horrible calling in our midst.  We are told that trade is improving, and that ere long we will he in the midst of such high ,jinks as the world knows not of. These stories may be true, and they may not. It is a fact, however, that 40 applications have been received by the West Hartlepool Town Council for tha post of librarian. It is fair to presume that each of the candidates is a man of good education, or he would not have the audacity to apply for the position. Fancy a man of learning seeking a position of trust for a salary 'of £lOO a year. This does not look as though the revival in trade was affecting all. 000  The letter which appeared in last Saturday's Guardian, under the heading "500 Given Away" evidently tinkled the fancy of Councillor Foxton. Last night's epistle drove the points still further •home, and I fancy Mr Foxton will have to puzzle his brains to deal with the arguments therein contained. There is no getting over the fact that, had the Hartlepool Sdhool Board purchased the Galley's Field site at first, they would have got it for £5OO less than they now have to pay for it.  -000 I was considerably amused at the discussion at the Hartlepool School Board meeting about the appointment of an assessor of the plans of the new schools. Although Mr Cruinmack, who has done much good work for the Board, offered to do the duties at a lower figure than an outsider, it was decided to pass him over and appoint a Newcastle gentleman. It is a case of "no local man need apply." My readers must understand that the Board did not appoint an outsider because he was cheaper. He asks £25, and Mr Crummack £lO. Probably "A Hartlepool Ratepayer" NN ill say another £1.5 has been given away. —