Dale and Atkins
of Swan Street, Manchester (1829)[1]; of Broughton Bridge, Salford (1836)
This should probably be Dale and Atkin.
1836 'Fire in Salford.— About half-past three o'clock on Thursday morning, some men who were at work in the chemical works of Messrs. Dale and Atkins, near Broughton-bridge, Salford, discovered smoke issuing from under one of the large chambers or vats in which the oil of vitriol is kept. They immediately gave the alarm, and one of the Salford engines was on the spot in short time, but not before the flames had spread to a considerable extent. The vats or chambers are made of lead, inclosed in a wooden frame; and soon after the fire broke out, the wooden framework was destroyed, and the lead melted by the heat. The consequence of this was, that the contents of two vats, which were about twenty thirty tuns of oil of vitriol, ran into the river, and in their course damaged or destroyed a large quantity of soda-ash, prussiate of potash, and other chemical preparations. A second Salford engine arrived about half an hour after the first; and at half-past four information was sent to the Manchester police-yard, and Mr. Rose proceeded, with his usual promptness, to the scene of the conflagration, but did not find it necessary to bring his engine into work. From the first it was evident that the shed which the fire broke out could not saved from destruction; and the attention of the firemen was accordingly confined to the other parts of the works, which they succeeded saving. The total loss, we understand, is estimated at about £1,000, and we are told that the building was insured. The works are still in operation, and not much inconvenience will be felt by Messrs. Dale and Atkins in consequence of the accident. The influx of such a quantity of oil of vitriol had a singular effect upon the fish, which are very abundant in that part of the Irwell: immense quantities of eels and dace rose to the surface, and many were cast up on the banks of the river, from which some scores of pounds were gathered by persons who had been aroused by the alarm of fire, and who appeared to be more intent upon this new mode of fishing, than they were active in rendering assistance to extinguish the flames. The surface of the river, as far as the Old Bridge, was covered with dead fish for several hours afterwards.'[2]
1836 Fiat in bankruptcy is awarded and issued forth against JOHN DALE and ELI ATKIN, Manchester.[3]