Notes from Conisbro’ – Footpaths – Guardsman – Sinking Operations – Mosquitoes

January 1889

South Yorkshire Times January 25, 1889

Notes from Conisbro’

The want of footpaths the roads round about Conisboro’ is much felt and has call some amount of grumbling amongst those whom business or pleasure take them out.

It seems a long time since it was resolved that footpaths should be made, but yet they are still wanting.

When the ship  canal is made and vessels are plying up and, down ; when two or three more pits are sunk and the population of Conisborough increases so much that the place rises to the dignity of a Corporate town , then, perhaps foot-passengers will be able to get along quickly without being plastered with mud from head to foot.

Guardsman

Conisboro’ has often, I might say always, been well represented amongst those who wear the Queen’s uniform, and now has a representative in one of the regiment of guards.

A visit  that the Guardsman paid   us some time ago has around a martial ardour in the breasts of some of the tall young men, and I hear that there his a probability of there being other Conisbroite enter the regiment.

Sinking Operations

News has again reached me that sinking operations in connection with the proposed new pit, which will be, opposite Conisborough station are to be commenced, shortly. The inhabitants will doubtless welcome the day when it does “come off.”

With a new colliery, a ship canal, and other works which cluster round such projects, I hope the sun will shine more brilliantly at. Conisborough.

Some of the young ladies of the village and a number of young gentleman and decided to start a dancing class.

This matter has been talked of for a long time past, and the beginning of the winter season seemed likely to prove a success, but it has been delayed through some cause or another.

A few lessons at the latter half of this season with give the learners a better “foothold” next.

Mosquitoes

We often read of smart and witty sayings of school children, many of which are doubtless fictitious, but the following incident which occurred in an elementary school not far away from the Times office, may be worthy of notice:

“the word “mosquito” turned up in a lesson, and the teacher proceeded to question the children concerning this tropical pest.

Answers were forthcoming as to their habits, places of abode etc. but when asked how people protect themselves when in bed from their annoyance, all were wanting.

After a while, on the question been reiterated, an idea seemed to strike one use, who said, “By putting bug powder around.”

This, sir, is a positive fact