17th November 1915

Winter

Harrogate was visited by snow on Monday. The fineness of the flakes and the sustained fall suggested more than a filmy covering of white. November 13th is rather early for snow, basing our experience upon later years. Last winter was exceptionally mild, and it was preceded by seasons of almost equal mildness. It may be that we are to have a snowy winter. At all events, we should be prepared, like our armies, for whatever may come. The first thought which will have arisen in the minds of our readers will, doubtless, be of our boys at the Front. We shall all hope that the discomforts of the cold months of last year will not return to them. In the meantime our lady readers will be well advised to increase their knitting activities in order that any unusual demands for comforts from home may be promptly satisfied. Helmets, mitts, and socks will probably be in the greater demand. There should be more opportunities for home work of this kind, particularly if the prospects without are not, owing to the rigours of winter, seductive. The weather turning suddenly cold recalls to our mind the poor we have with us. Artificial means of warmth is very dear, and we fear there may be some suffering in the months to come. We take this opportunity to remind our generous readers of the importance of not forgetting the claims of those in our midst who may be in needy or straitened circumstances. Whilst the claims of our soldiers will be gladly met, we have little fear that these in need of help at home will be overlooked, except, by oversight, hence we offer this brief reminder.

Clear the Way!

Our Corporation has always been credited with being a progressive and fairly level-headed body, and they will doubtless recognise that the vast development of the town in the past two or three decades demands that they should act on the suggestion of a correspondent and remove those awkward and unnecessary barriers that block many of our footpaths in the centre of the town. Undoubtedly these pillars have fulfilled the purpose for which they were originally erected. We assume this was to protect shrubs and greensward in the Harrogate early days, when cattle were more likely to be found straying. Indeed, Harrogate has grown to such an extent and the traffic is so pronounced nowadays that ay cattle wandering into our thoroughfares would be driven out again. The posts that block the way are an inconvenience at any time, but under present conditions have become a public danger. In some cases projecting parts have already been removed to the great advantage of pedestrians, and adding convincing proof of their superfluous nature. Possibly there may be difficulty in regard to removing the palisades that enclose the greensward in some streets, but there should be none to the banishment of the pillars that bar and endanger the pedestrian's path. We, therefore, bring the matter to the notice of our city fathers, feeling that they will give the subject due consideration and do that which is conducive to the convenience and safety of their constituents.

Assets

The loss in war of so much British manhood has caused the minds of statesmen and publicists to turn to the subject of the children of the Empire. Like the leaders of thought, the general public are beginning to realise that the children who are to become the men and women of the future are a most valuable and indispensable asset. This conviction has resulted in prompt action so far as Harrogate is concerned. Child life is precious, not only to the families, but to the nation. The exigencies of daily work has sometimes been inimical to their proper upbringing and even preservation. Many mothers are compelled to leave their children without sufficient care in order to win bread for the family. It is to obviate danger from this direction that yesterday a day nursery was opened in New Park (one of the residential districts of the toilers) to care for these children whilst their mothers are labouring elsewhere for the support of their little ones. This movement needs support by way of donations and subscriptions from the public. We feel that we have but to point out the objects of this nursery to ensure generous support from our readers.

24th November 1915

"An Officer and a Gentleman"

The terms "officer and gentleman" have fortunately always been synonymous. A holder of a commission who has been guilty of conduct unworthy of an officer and a gentleman has not remained an officer. During the present war many young men of civilian life have obtained commissions and have been invested with the dignity which accrues from such favour. It is satisfactory to realise that thousands of excellent young men have proved themselves worthy of the honour conferred upon them. There have been exceptions, and those parties have not been permitted to retain their distinction. An incident which occurred at the Grand Opera House, Harrogate, on Thursday created a painful sensation in the minds of those jealous for the honour of our Army. A party of men, understood to be subalterns, occupied a box that evening. Their conduct was highly disturbing to the audience and the performers on the stage. It is alleged that the parties were not sober. They threw things upon the stage, spoke loudly to the actors and actresses, and otherwise created disturbance. An attendant of the theatre, a man getting on in years and worthy of respect, went to the box to remonstrate. Without any warning, we are informed, he was knocked to the floor. There was further violence. We are glad to say that though other disturbances have taken place at the Opera House, there has never been a complaint against an NCO or a Private. It was left to these men honoured by His Majesty's commission, to create a bad example. We understand that the proprietors of the Opera House will lodge a complaint with the military authorities. It is their duty to do so for the honour of a noble profession and for the protection of their patrons the public.