Caterer and Hotelkeeper – 31623

100 years ago

}A terrible death occurred at the Commercial Hotel in Middletown, County Armagh, Ireland, early this month.

The cook, who was in a hurry preparing dinner, requiring a flare-up, threw paraffin on the fire. Part of the oil got on her dress and she was suddenly enveloped in flames.

She died from the burns and shock. This is a warning against the dangerous habit of pouring paraffin on burning coals; the practice should never be tolerated.~

50 years ago

}Notices for display in hotels in connection with the fuel economy campaign are still available.

One for use in bathrooms asks guests not to use more than 5in of water; others are reminders to switch out lights, save water and so on. All are attractively printed on slips 6in x 21/2in and have sticky backs.

Arrangements have been made with the Ministry of Fuel and Power for readers to obtain supplies of these notices free of charge on application to the editor of Caterer & Hotelkeeper.

When writing, please state the number of bedrooms and bathrooms in your hotel and enclose 3d in stamps to cover postage and packing.~

10 years ago

}Manchester was singled out last week by Michael Montague, chairman of the English Tourist Board, as one of Britain's most boring tourist towns.

Speaking at the opening of an aviation museum in Southampton, he said that there are far too many towns and cities "which can only be described as one big yawn" for visitors, and Manchester leads the pack.

"It is somewhere that has not got its act together yet. No doubt it's an interesting place, but there is no proper attempt to tell people about the attractions."

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