H.J. GRIFFITHS, PLUMBER, DEPARTS

Leaving Many Sorrowing Creditors

[Welland Tribune, 22 January 1909]

“H.J. Griffiths, sanitary plumbing, gas, steam and hot water heating.”

Such is the story told in the letters of gilt on the window.

But upstairs the blinds are drawn, and downstairs the doors are locked, and the gas stoves and pipes inside refuse to give any information.

It was not long ago that H.J. Griffiths arrived first in Welland.

He was a good plumber, and knew all the ins and outs of that highly lucrative business.

Mr. Griffiths learned his trade with that old-timer Peter McMurray and consequently when he hung out his shingle on his own hook in the East Main street store about a year and a half ago, he had a connection established.

His specialty was bath and closet work, and the installation of heating appliances in up-to-date homes.

With him were associated as employees D. Flick, Leo White and Ernest Peart, to whom he owes, it is alleged $18, $6 and $30 respectively.

Sam Beattie is also a little anxious as to when his $5.00 loaned is coming back, and Ed Hughes would be pleased to have the settlement of a grocery bill.

But these are only trivial things.’

The James Robertson Company of Toronto are anxious over a bill of $675, while the Dominion Radiator Company, also of Toronto, would be pleased to have a settlement of a $500 account coming to them. Then there is the Jas. Morrison Brass Mfg. Company of Toronto, whose interests in the departed Mr. Griffiths, cannot be learned.

However, the Dominion Radiator Company got in first, and the sheriff is in charge, and the key is in the county safe.

Mac Hill is also interested in Mr. Griffiths to the extent of $150, but Mr. Hill was not born yesterday, as his friends know, and there will be no loss in that quarter.

Charles Stewart, who has the shoe repair shop, just around the corner, was Mr. Griffith’s landlord.

He has little kick coming.

There is a contra account.

“Griffiths is a good fellow, and I’m sorry he went,” was the high constable’s comment between stitches.

The manner of his going was strange.

Mrs. Griffiths and a box and trunk went on the G.T.R. to Merritton, and Mr. Griffiths went on Saturday afternoon to Bridgeburg.

Some clothing was left in the home, some waists, and a pair of skates and boots attached. The furniture is there.

Mr. Griffiths has gone.

He had the sub-contract for the plumbing work in the hospital, and on Saturday called at Mr. Peacock’s to get some money, but Mr. Peacock was in Port Hope.

He dealt with the Imperial Bank here, and a few days before he left, made a deposit.

Mr. Griffiths, in his going, so far as can be learned, so far has done nothing to flee the country.

Business reverses seem to be the cause.

A few days before that he received a black eye as the result of a scrap with a fellow plumber, but he was not a bad fellow.

It is understood and alleged that he was given to the sport of kings and followed the bang tales, and had been known to set into a game as get mellow with the stuff that sparkles.

To be plain, Mr. Griffiths played poker, not wisely, not too well, bet on the races and drank whiskey. He did an excellent business, and there was no reason, had he attended to it, why he should not have succeeded in a large way. His card playing was an expensive fad. On one occasion at the Hamilton races, it is alleged that a wandering fellow, with nimble brain and fingers, took away from him $100 at one sitting.

However, there is no proof that he was dishonest, and perhaps someday he will return and surprise the knockers, and the members of the anvil chorus who are saying, “I told you so.”

Mac Hill and P. McMurray were appointed stock takers by Sheriff Smith. The stock will amount to about $1,000.