THE COLLIERS AND THEIR BRIDECAKES.

Globe, Volume I, Issue 75, 27 August 1874, Page 3

THE COLLIERS AND THEIR BRIDECAKES.

There are some diverting stories going about in connection with the changed fortunes of our colliers. The other day two pitmen called upon an owner about “ butty work ” in a gig, and they gave a man half-a-crown for holding the horse. This is a Durham story, and it is vouched for by an old friend of mine. The following comes from the neighbourhood of Leeds, and I can guarantee the truth of the story myself : “ Bill, what’s that stuff?’’said one pitman to another, pointing to a bridecake in a confectioner’s window. “Don’t know, lad ; it’s a grand cake o’ some kind, covered wi’ sugar and things.” “ Hast ever tasted it ? ” “ Noa, lad,” “ What is there inside on ’em ? ” “ 0,

there’s currans and raisins, and th’ loike.’| “ Wonldst loike to have a taast? ” “Shouldna’ moind, lad.” “ Gome into th’ shop, then.” The two pitmen go in, and then ensues the following conversation ; First pitman ; “ Want some o’ that caake i’ th’ winder.” Confectioner ; “ Yes, sir.” [Brings out buns and cakes.] Bill: “Noa, not them; chap wants yon big ’un wi’ sugar and things on it.” Confectioner ; “ This 1 Why that is a bridecake.” First Collier : “ Ole reight, bring it out. Do you make a pound on it?” Confectioner (endeavouring to look serious) : “No. we do not cwt such a cake as that.” First Pitman, to Bill (puzzled) : “ They doant cut it.” Bill: “Bo t’ chap says. Ax him t’proice o’ t’ lot.” First Pitman (to confectioner) ; “ What’s proice o’ t’ caake ?” Confectioner (smiling) : “ Two guineas.” First Pitman : “ Ole reight ; I’ll tak it.” Confectioner (more serious) : “Very well, sir ; and where shall we send it to?” First Pitman : “Two pund two shilling ; there’s the money.” Confectioner : “ And where shall we send it ? ” Bill : “ Nowhere ; we’ll tak it wi’ us ; we’re only going to Feathers, next door, to have a point o’ yale.” They took the cake next door, and ate it over their “ yale.” And why should they not, if they could digest it ?— Pictorial World.