THE ever-dependable Bernard Murphy has come up trumps once more!

This avid researcher into local history picks up on the miniature whisky jug theme which has run through this page for several weeks past.

Regular customers will recall that reader Carl Dingsdale first brought up the subject of the sample sized four-inch- high object, discovered after the demolition of the Alexandra Hotel, Thatto Heath, in recent years.

He wondered if the pottery 'conversation piece', with the name Sterlini Whisky printed on it, and the toast 'To Auld Lang Syne' embossed around the neck, had been manufactured in St Helens.

Bernard Murphy thinks not.

He explains: "Sterlini was a 10-year-old whisky matured in cherry-wood casks. It was exported worldwide by MacEwens who celebrated their centenary in 1904."

And Bernard, from Glover Street, St Helens, also comments on a cave-like hole, hit upon by demolition men at the pub site.

The tiny whisky jug and other bits of pub paraphernalia were found close to this depression which Carl thought might have been an old cellar.

"But," says Bernard, "this cave was probably the old tunnel beneath Cairo Street, connecting with Victoria Gardens.

"Once owned by Charles Whittle (hence Whittle Street) these gardens are now the site of Bates Crescent."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.