A MOTHER’S STORY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1095, 19 April 1883, Page 3

A MOTHER’S STORY.

It: seems that the safety of the chimney at Bradford which fell and caused such loss of life and property was often questioned. The fear and trepidation with which the poor operatives had for some time past gone to their work in the mills was touchingly described by a bereaved mother in her evidence before the coroner. This poor woman, named Hancock, whose son, her only solace and help, was killed, said: “On Thur* day morning he woke shortly before 6 o’clock, and, as there was a strong wind blowing, the poor little fellow remarkid : ‘ Oh, mother, I don’t want to go this morning. There'll be someone killed at yon place.’ The mother made answer: ‘ but, lad, this week I’ve rent to pay, so tba’ mun go. 1 The boy cheerfully obeyed, and called ‘ Good morning’ to hi* mother, aud disappeared in the darkness of the morning. She did not again see him alive.” In answer to the oroner as to whether the boy had said anything about th# chimney previously, the mother stated ; “0" the evening before it fell ray poor lad was at tea, and hs commenced talkie the chimney ; he moved his hand backward* and forwards, and said I seed it sway this way and that way to-day.’ I said ‘James, lad, don’t talk on that way j’ and he replied ‘ Well, mother, you’ll see the chimney will bs down before twenty-four hours,’ I then answered ‘ No, lad ; master will know better than that, and will never lot yon work in danger.’ ” As this poor creature was giving this narrative she broke down more than once, and before she had finished several of those present had to dry their cheeks.