What a Difference 100 Years or So Makes

[Sue Mackay]

While searching some originals copies of the Farmers' Chronicle (Cathcart, South Africa) at Colindale I came across the following snippet concerning a twiglet on my tree.

"It is rumoured that the Hon’ble Thomas BROWN on conclusion of his coal contract intends starting a cigar manufactory. The silent hills around his homestead will resound with the clatter of the steam engine and the joyous laughter of the merry maidens whom he intends to employ will make the desert smile again. Nothing like local industries."

No placards about ruining the countryside or noise pollution in 1887, let alone the dangers of smoking. I wonder how the equivalent local rag would cover such a development today?

[AnnB]

I suppose it would depend on the 'newspaper' involved. It could be something along the lines -

"Tommy Brown, aged 47, three times divorcee and son of Lord Brown of Nobland, is about to turn the rolling acres of the Nobland Estate into a smoke belching factory, for the manufacture of cigars. The local villagers are outraged and have drawn up a petition claiming destruction of a greenfield site and say the potential noise and smoke pollution will be detrimental to the health of those who live in the vicinity of Nobland."

I am sure there are others out there (naming no names) who could do a lot better, being far better story tellers than me.......

Best wishes
Ann

[Peter Goodey]

Or Daily Mail: "Nobland Home Prices to Plummet"

Daily Express: "Illegal Immigrants to Flood Nobland"

Daily Telegraph: "Further Blow to Ken Clarke's Hopes" or alternatively "Liz Hurley to Visit Nobland" (with picture of scantily clad Ms Hurley).

[Geoffers]

the joyous laughter of the merry maidens whom he intends to employ will make the desert smile again.

They were no doubt ecstatic at the prospect of long shifts and short wages.

No placards about ruining the countryside or noise pollution in 1887, let alone the dangers of smoking. I wonder how the equivalent local rag would cover such a development today?

For the amusing views of a 'local rag' on the late lamented Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson, and its take on how modern legislation would impinge on naval warfare of the day; have a look at http://www.themarlpit.com/themagazin...uly%202005.pdf and turn to page 7, and read from 'Hero or just Horatio'.

Geoffers

[Linda]

Interesting snippet Sue, thanks for sharing.

I am sure there are others out there (naming no names) who could do a lot better

Now I wonder who that could be Ann.....the letter M comes to mind

[AnnB]

Now I wonder who that could be Ann.....the letter M comes to mind

....and ends with a Y

Best wishes
Ann

[IreneH]

Interesting letter "M"

Irene