THIS WEEK IN 1888 - JUNE 16TH 1888

WHAT WAS IN THE NEWS ON SATURDAY JUNE 16TH 1888

DR RODERICK MACDONALD BECOME CORONER

As was, perhaps, evident from last weeks reports the winner of the contests to succeed Wynne Baxter as Coroner for the North-Eastern Division of Middlesex was won by Dr Roderick Macdonald.

On June 13th 1888 the winning candidate wrote to the East London Observer to express his gratitude:-

Gentlemen

I beg to return you my hearty thanks for the very generous support you accorded to me in the recent Coroners election by means of which I was returned with 4,567 votes as against 715 votes received by my opponent, Dr. Yarrow, leaving me the splendid majority of 3,852 votes

I can only attest that my action in the future as the Coroner for the North-Eastern Division will merit the confidence which you have thus reposed in me.

Believe me, Gentlemen,

Yours faithfully

R. Macdonald.

MAC OF ALL TRADES

The fact that Macdonald had pursued numerous careers including, Barrister (he was a member of the Middle Temple, Doctor and member of Parliament led the press to dub him "Mac of all trades."

ALLEGED SCANDAL AT MILE END

Meanwhile Dr Thomas Loane, Public Vaccinator for the West Ward of Mile End, wrote to the Mile End Board of Guardians on Thursday 14th June 1888 telling them of his intention to terminate his contract.

However, according to the East London Observer Mr. E. H. Kerwin moved that:-

"...considering the disgraceful conduct of Dr. Loane, at the public vaccination station on Wednesday week, in consequence of his being incapacitated through intoxication from performing his duties, whereby the lives and physical health of several children were risked, this Board requests the Local Government Board to at once institute an enquiry.

Since last Wednesday week, the speaker said, he had seen several parents of the children, who had been taken on the occasion in question to the vaccination station for the purpose of being vaccinated. The statements made by these people were, to the effect, that the condition of Dr. Loane was such as to cause them to fly from the room; while judging from the arms of four children whom the doctor had attempted to vaccinate, and the blood spilt upon the register, there was no doubt as to his condition at the time..."

SERIOUS ASSAULT WITH A JUG

Meanwhile Elizabeth Manning, aged 40, appeared before Thames Police Court having been charged with assaulting Mary Ann Griggs of Star Street, St George's. According to the East London Observer the Prosecutrix stated that on the evening of Sunday 10th June 1888 Elizabeth Manning passed her door and:-

"...called her a beastly name and struck her with the jug on the arm cutting it. Accused also cut witnesses neck with the jug and she gave her into custody.

Prisoner had previously assaulted her. Witness had her wounds dressed by the doctor. Mr. M. McCoy, surgeon, said that the Prosecutrix had two lacerated wounds on the arm..and they were rather deep. A jug could produce them.

Constable 31 H said when he arrested the accused she said Prosecutrix abused her, and she went to throw some beer over her, when the jug slipped and caught prosecutrix. Manning now made a similar statement.

Mr Hannay did not believe the prisoner's statement and fined her 40s or one month's hard labour.."