January 3, 1893
But how about yesterday? Then there was a difference with a vengeance. Skaters looked glum when they saw signs of a thaw, and householders began to quake. In frosty weather the water in the pipes, as well as the water in the lakes, has a very inconvenient way of freezing, and when the thaw sets in it has an equally troublesome way of bursting the pipes, and bringing devastation upon otherwise happy homes. In various parts of the city yesterday the plumber was, as a result of the thaw – which may after all only be temporary – in much request. Bills of charges, which in the case of plumbers are usually said to be of a wonderful and mysterious nature, will doubtless follow in due course.
(Liverpool Echo: January 4, 1893)