A HISTORY OF FEATHERSTONE
1931
THE COUNCIL
FEEDING THE CHILDREN
JANUARY
There was a litter problem in Station Lane, especially on a Saturday
night. Messrs Roberts and Co. made an offer to the council to supply
litter receptacles free of charge, subject to the display of a small
advertisement. The Electrical Distribution of Yorkshire Ltd were to be
asked if they could be fixed to their electric standards.
MARCH
The Electrical Distribution of Yorkshire Ltd told the council they
could not under any circumstances allow litter bins to be fixed to their
wooden electric light poles. The council surveyor was told to endeavour
to find other positions.
Only the Purston Ward was contested in the elections. The results were:
Ackton and Snydale Ward H Hall (Labour) unopposed
South Ward A Sharratt (Labour) unopposed
North Ward A T Thatcher (Labour) unopposed
Purston Ward W H Roberts (Labour) 779 N Sawyer (Independent) 486
APRIL
The rates were reduced by 2d to 8s 10d. It had been hoped a
bigger reduction could have been made but the council said they had to
exercise the strictest economy and they still had an overdraft at the
bank.
Herbert Hall was re-elected as chairman. He said the council should
face the question of putting into operation the Private Street Works Act
in certain districts. It was not fair to either the medical officer or
the sanitary inspector having to spend time combating disease caused by
insanitary conditions. Also they should put into operation the Slum
Clearance Act; there were certain houses which should be condemned.
JUNE The council told the Featherstone Subscription Silver Band they could have the use of the park on Sunday evenings during the summer, but replied to the Featherstone Independent Labour Party no kind of political meeting would be allowed in the park.
SEPTEMBER The medical officer had suggested Purston Hall could be used as a maternity home. The council decided they could not afford the cost of conversion and running expenses. John Cole of Hall Street, Purston, was appointed park keeper at a wage of £2 10s a week.
OCTOBER Mr R W Fearnley offered to sell the land the council wanted for house building in Little Lane at £100 per acre. The council turned this down and decided to defer the matter indefinitely.
The emission of black smoke from the chimney at Ackton Hall Colliery was causing concern and the sanitary inspector was told to see the manager and give him a verbal warning as well as a written one.
The rates for the next six months were fixed at 8s 6d in the £1, a reduction of 4d from the last six months.
NOVEMBER The chairman, Cr Hall, protested at the lack of unemployed men being used at the polling booths for the General Election. He said council clerks and schoolteachers were used, and they were paid in addition to their salary.
The council clerk said it was the responsibility of the Returning Officer, and it was important for the persons employed to be efficient. Cr Darlington said he agreed, but surely persons could be found among the unemployed to fill the subsidiary positions. He did not think it fair persons receiving one salary should get another.
The clerk said there were few among the unemployed who could do the work efficiently. The chairman said they could bring the matter forward again at the proper time.
DECEMBER The surveyor, Mr S Chesney, was welcomed back after a spell off for health reasons. The electricity company had refused to allow litter bins to be put on their street lamp poles so the council accepted Mr Chesney's list (not specified) of other places to put them.
A firm of solicitors wrote to the council asking for support in Messrs Hardcastle and Sons application for a road service licence for buses to run between Willow Park and Wakefield. The clerk was authorised to reply there had been complaints about dirty conditions, narrow gangways, and conductors not receiving the standard rate of wages. If these were put right the council would support the application.
JUNE The council told the Featherstone Subscription Silver Band they could have the use of the park on Sunday evenings during the summer, but replied to the Featherstone Independent Labour Party no kind of political meeting would be allowed in the park.
SEPTEMBER The medical officer had suggested Purston Hall could be used as a maternity home. The council decided they could not afford the cost of conversion and running expenses. John Cole of Hall Street, Purston, was appointed park keeper at a wage of £2 10s a week.
OCTOBER Mr R W Fearnley offered to sell the land the council wanted for house building in Little Lane at £100 per acre. The council turned this down and decided to defer the matter indefinitely.
The emission of black smoke from the chimney at Ackton Hall Colliery was causing concern and the sanitary inspector was told to see the manager and give him a verbal warning as well as a written one.
The rates for the next six months were fixed at 8s 6d in the £1, a reduction of 4d from the last six months.
NOVEMBER The chairman, Cr Hall, protested at the lack of unemployed men being used at the polling booths for the General Election. He said council clerks and schoolteachers were used, and they were paid in addition to their salary.
The council clerk said it was the responsibility of the Returning Officer, and it was important for the persons employed to be efficient. Cr Darlington said he agreed, but surely persons could be found among the unemployed to fill the subsidiary positions. He did not think it fair persons receiving one salary should get another.
The clerk said there were few among the unemployed who could do the work efficiently. The chairman said they could bring the matter forward again at the proper time.
DECEMBER The surveyor, Mr S Chesney, was welcomed back after a spell off for health reasons. The electricity company had refused to allow litter bins to be put on their street lamp poles so the council accepted Mr Chesney's list (not specified) of other places to put them.
A firm of solicitors wrote to the council asking for support in Messrs Hardcastle and Sons application for a road service licence for buses to run between Willow Park and Wakefield. The clerk was authorised to reply there had been complaints about dirty conditions, narrow gangways, and conductors not receiving the standard rate of wages. If these were put right the council would support the application.
FEEDING THE CHILDREN
Feeding
of the school children classed as suffering from malnutrition began
last year. The Featherstone education sub-committee consider the need
was easing and asked for a re-assessment. The
result was as follows, the first figure being the number examined, the
second those already receiving milk, and the third the number added to
the list.
George Street Boys 217, 84, 55
Regent Street Girls 166, 80, 38
Regent Street Infants 169, 21, 4
North Featherstone Lane Senior Mixed 130, 21, 7
North Featherstone Lane Junior Mixed 249, 87, 13
North Featherstone Lane Infants 242, 82, 40
Mr A Evans pointed out the list did not give the number of children
eligible to receive dinners. The chairman, Mr J J Murphy, said those
classed as eligible for milk were also eligible for dinners. Mr H
Staples wanted to know if the percentage eligible had gone down from
last year's 70%. The clerk said on the figures given the percentage was
now less than 50.
1931 NEWS ITEMS
A CAUSE OF DEATH PROBLEM
An inquest was held in January on Samuel Hughes age 57 of Pretoria
Street. He was partly buried by a fall of coal in Featherstone Main
Colliery on 14 September last year. Dr Steven said he saw him after the
accident and saw he had a fractured femur so he sent him to Pontefract
Infirmary. He returned home on 16 November but did not go back to work.
He complained to Dr Steven of discomfort in his abdomen which began to
swell, and on 12 December he was sent back to the infirmary and operated
on. He returned home on 24 December and Dr Steven attended him until he
died on 17 January. The cause of death was acute tuberculosis of the
peritoneum.
Dr Steven said no accident could cause tuberculosis, but depressed
vitality could aggravate it. It must have existed before the accident,
but the accident could be regarded as a contributory cause. Dr James
O'Donnell, resident medical officer at Pontefract Infirmary, confirmed
the accident did not accelerate death, nor had the accident any bearing
on the tuberculous condition.
The coroner told the jury to take from their minds any question of
compensation (from the colliery). They were not a compensation tribunal,
and whatever their finding it would not affect the question of
compensation one way or the other. They had to decided if it was
accidental death or natural causes. To find death was due to accident
they must be convinced death was materially accelerated by the injury.
The jury retired and eventually returned a verdict saying death was due
to tubercular peritonitis, accelerated by the injury received at work.
THE CRICKET CLUB
The Featherstone and Purston Cricket, Tennis and Bowling Club held its 12th annual dinner at the Junction Hotel in February. Mr
C S Magee was the principal speaker. He said 80% of the population of
Featherstone was dependent for its livelihood on the local collieries,
while the remainder were indirectly dependent. It was well they should
know what was going on in the trade. He then gave a long speech on the
effects of the 1926 strike on international trade, increased
international competition, and innovations such as hydro-electric power,
as reasons why total output in this country was falling.
Cr J Coult congratulated Mr Magee on his speech and said he himself
blamed the Great War, the 1926 strike and the lack of investment for the
decline in the coal industry. There was nothing more horrible or
degrading than having men getting up at nine or ten in a morning and
signing on to get something at the weekend.
The club president, Mr G F Goulding, said it cost from £300 to £310 a
year to run the club. The gates only averaged £15 per season, so it
could not be said the club was carried on by the public. The remainder
of the money had to be found by the workers. The evening ended with
musical entertainment.
The annual meeting was held five days later. Mr J W Walmsley, the
treasurer, said the total income for the season was £303, but the money
taken at the gate was only £15 19s. The club had paid its way by other
income, and the balance in hand had dropped from £9 to £2.
Mr Goulding said he regretted the lack of a real public spirit for
sport in Featherstone, and it would be a reflection on the town if
either of the chief sports clubs had to go under. They had the men
willing to give of their time and experience; what they needed was the
interest and the backing of the public.
THE OPENING OF PURSTON PARK
The opening ceremony for Purston Park was preceded by a procession headed by the Featherstone Subscription Silver Band. The Express commented
"The whole estate is in the rough, but the council felt the children
and adults should not be deprived of the benefit of an open space. Those
who saw the happy faces of the children on Monday, revelling in the
freedom to roam at will through a spacious park instead of playing
mostly in the streets, would commend the decision of the council".
Cr Coult said it was a particular pleasure in these depressing times to meet under such happy circumstances. There had been criticism but the council did not make any apology for the purchase, and he hoped the ratepayers would be as proud of the park as the council were.
Cr Hall said it was their intention to provide a playing-ground for the children, tennis courts, a bowling green and a cricket pitch. He appealed to the public to keep it clear from litter, and to take a real pride in it.
Cr Sharratt said the council felt repaid by the number of smiling faces around them, and the large attendance was proof the people of Featherstone approved the action. There was abundant room for all. He asked parents to keep children away from the hall as long as it was tenanted.
In May the council considered the surveyor's scheme for Purston Park. The hall would become the caretaker's house, refreshment rooms, a shelter and would have an art collection. Outside would be flower beds, a terrace, and a small dancing green with a maypole.
In the park would be a bandstand and provision for dancing, a cricket field, children's play area, a miniature golf course, a quarter-mile running track with a 100 yards straight, tennis courts and a bowling green, a pavilion and changing rooms. For the public would be a promenade and gardens, shelters and seats.
Cr Sharratt made it clear the scheme could only proceed as money was available. The Unemployment Grants Committee would be asked to provide funds, and the Miners' Welfare Committee would be asked to see if they could contribute.
The July council meeting was told the surveyor's scheme for Purston Park would cost £13,660. He was told to concentrate on roads and fences, a children's playground, a bandstand, a pond and public toilets.
The Unemployment Grants Committee replied in August that except under exceptional circumstances they could not recommend a grant for works such as those outlined in the council's letter. The council decided to send a deputation to the committee to plead their case, but the committee replied they did not consider any useful purpose at the present stage in such a meeting. The Miners' Welfare Committee also said they could not see their way to make a grant towards the park layout.
In October the Unemployment Grants Committee informed the council any grant for Purston Park would only be 25% of the cost. Cr Hall said he did not see how they could go ahead with the full scheme, and Cr Evans said it meant they would have to move very slowly in the development of the park and pay for it out of the rates as they went along.
Cr Coult said it was a particular pleasure in these depressing times to meet under such happy circumstances. There had been criticism but the council did not make any apology for the purchase, and he hoped the ratepayers would be as proud of the park as the council were.
Cr Hall said it was their intention to provide a playing-ground for the children, tennis courts, a bowling green and a cricket pitch. He appealed to the public to keep it clear from litter, and to take a real pride in it.
Cr Sharratt said the council felt repaid by the number of smiling faces around them, and the large attendance was proof the people of Featherstone approved the action. There was abundant room for all. He asked parents to keep children away from the hall as long as it was tenanted.
In May the council considered the surveyor's scheme for Purston Park. The hall would become the caretaker's house, refreshment rooms, a shelter and would have an art collection. Outside would be flower beds, a terrace, and a small dancing green with a maypole.
In the park would be a bandstand and provision for dancing, a cricket field, children's play area, a miniature golf course, a quarter-mile running track with a 100 yards straight, tennis courts and a bowling green, a pavilion and changing rooms. For the public would be a promenade and gardens, shelters and seats.
Cr Sharratt made it clear the scheme could only proceed as money was available. The Unemployment Grants Committee would be asked to provide funds, and the Miners' Welfare Committee would be asked to see if they could contribute.
The July council meeting was told the surveyor's scheme for Purston Park would cost £13,660. He was told to concentrate on roads and fences, a children's playground, a bandstand, a pond and public toilets.
The Unemployment Grants Committee replied in August that except under exceptional circumstances they could not recommend a grant for works such as those outlined in the council's letter. The council decided to send a deputation to the committee to plead their case, but the committee replied they did not consider any useful purpose at the present stage in such a meeting. The Miners' Welfare Committee also said they could not see their way to make a grant towards the park layout.
In October the Unemployment Grants Committee informed the council any grant for Purston Park would only be 25% of the cost. Cr Hall said he did not see how they could go ahead with the full scheme, and Cr Evans said it meant they would have to move very slowly in the development of the park and pay for it out of the rates as they went along.
ANOTHER MUCKSTACK DEATH
An inquest was held in April into the death of William Prust age
57 of Carlton Street. He had been a colliery locomotive driver at
Featherstone Main Colliery for 30 years until last September. He left
home at 6.30am to go to the colliery for coal picking. He returned home
about 8.30 with a bag of coal and told his wife he had had a knock on
the head with a wagon door and his head ached. He changed, had a wash
and a cup of tea and went to bed. At 12 o'clock she called in Dr Thomas
who said Mr Prust was unconscious and ordered his removal to Pontefract
Infirmary.
Dr P A Campbell said Prust was unconscious when admitted and he died
the next day. A post mortem examination showed he had a depressed
fracture of the temple bone on the left side, with laceration of the
brain.
Colliery workers told the inquest wagons were taken to the end of the
stack and emptied by lifting the wagon doors and spragging them. Prust
and Albert Edward Townsend of Gordon Street went to the first wagon to
see if any coal would come out. Somehow one of the spragged door fell
and hit Prust on the head, but no-one admitted seeing it happen. A few
minutes later Prust set off home.
William Hunter of School Yard, North Featherstone, said the pickers
used to help to empty the wagons before they were stopped from doing it, and it was a
wonder they (the colliery workers) did not lame them every day. They
were swarming all over the stack.
The coroner said Prust had no authority to be where he was, although it
had been the practice to help in the unloading of wagons and probably
the opening of the doors. They could understand and sympathise with the
men in charge of the wagons on their difficulties in keeping
coal-pickers away. A verdict of accidental death was returned.
WORK FOR THE UNEMPLOYED
In March the council complained about the small number of Featherstone
men employed on the county council road improvement scheme at Purston,
and it was decided to meet with Mr J R Bailey, manager of the Pontefract
Employment Exchange.
Mr
Bailey consulted the Unemployment Grants Committee and it was agreed in
April future employment on the Purston road widening scheme would be
Featherstone 75% and Pontefract 25%. No more Knottingley or Normanton
men would be employed there. The council was highly satisfied with this,
and Mr Bailey was thanked for the interest he had taken in the matter.
Mr
Bailey called attention to the fact the number of unemployed in
Featherstone was now 15% of the total population which entitled them to
larger grants. The clerk was told to apply to the Ministry of Labour for
recognition of Featherstone as a distressed area.
Another
point was the Ministry had made it a rule the proportion of
ex-Servicemen on these schemes should be 75%. The council considered
this unfair in Featherstone because some men in Featherstone were not
allowed to enlist and were kept at work in the pits during the War. The council was to apply to have the percentage reduced to 50.
Mr Bailey pointed out many boys and girls leaving school were not
registering at the Employment Exchange in the North Featherstone Lane
Primitive Methodist Sunday School building. It was important they should
do so, so everything possible could be done to find them work. The council agreed to put up posters and get the help of the education sub-committee.
In May Mr Bailey told the council the Pontefract Road Purston Scheme was under the control of the Ministry of Transport, and therefore the condition as to the employment of 75% of ex-Servicemen did not apply.
In May Mr Bailey told the council the Pontefract Road Purston Scheme was under the control of the Ministry of Transport, and therefore the condition as to the employment of 75% of ex-Servicemen did not apply.
COUNCIL HOUSES FOR COUNCILLORS?
At the May council meeting Cr Edwards asked for the names of Crs
Thatcher and Rodgers to be deleted from the council house waiting list.
He said some people had been waiting four years for houses who ought to
come first. The chairman, Cr Hall, said in view of the arrears they must
look for tenants who would pay the rent.
Cr Coult told Cr Edwards to be careful what he said outside. It was not
the first time things that happened in committee were told outside. He
claimed Cr Edwards had said nothing about waiting tenants when his son
applied for a council house.
Cr Thatcher said he did not want to rob anyone of a house; he wanted
his turn and nothing more. Cr Rodgers said he had been in lodgings for
three years, and as a lodger he had a right to consideration. He had
given way for any number of people rather than press his claim.
Cr Rodgers said all Cr Edwards wanted was cheap publicity. He went from
one end of the town to the other talking tittle-tattle, trying to make
people believe he had done something, whereas he had done nothing.
Unfortunately some people were silly enough to believe him.
Crs Rodgers and Edwards then tried to talk at the same time and the
chairman decided to end the discussion and put it to the vote. Cr
Edwards lost.
A FIGHT OVER A 3d STAPLE
Wilfred Davis of Green Lane was in court in June charged with damaging a
staple valued at 3d on an allotment gate belonging to Ada Wilson, and
assaulting her son Arthur. It was alleged Davis had deliberately broken
the staple on the gate so he could pass through to another allotment.
When Arthur Wilson remonstrated with him he was struck and fell to the
ground.
Mr
Clayton-Smith, for Davis, told the court Wilson's brother George, a
professional boxer, came up and a fight ensued. Davis ended up with two
black eyes, a cut mouth, and a bruised face.
PC
Bellhouse said Davis admitted being in the allotment and having struck
Wilson, but denied breaking the staple. He said Davis was badly knocked
about and presented a sorry spectacle on the day after the alleged
assault.
Davis's wife said he was in a horrible terrible condition when he came home. The charges were dismissed.
THE MEDICAL OFFICER'S ANNUAL REPORT
Dr Steven published his report for 1930 in July. He wrote "The
unsettled condition of the coal mining industry has brought the building
of houses to a standstill. The council will have to consider how to
find accommodation for those displaced from old or insanitary buildings.
The building scheme by the council has not been a success from a
monetary point of view, but that those new houses have been welcomed by the population cannot be gainsaid.
"The population entirely subsists on coal mining. There are three
collieries which used to employ more than 5,000 men. Now less than 4,000
are engaged, and most of those with much broken time. There are on
average 580 men totally unemployed and in receipt of unemployment pay,
and 1,100 partially employed. This state of matters cannot fail to have a
demoralising influence on the future of these men, not to mention the
sparse amenities at present in their families."
The infant mortality rate (babies dying before their first birthday)
was 60 compared with a rate of 70 for England and Wales. The average for
the previous five years in Featherstone was 97. The need for the new
ambulance was proved by the fact it was called into use 108 times
between 16 July and the end of the year.
The sanitary inspector (Mr J Hilsley) said five schools were
disinfected because of the measles epidemic, and 24 houses in a
verminous condition were treated with insecticide. During the year 158
houses were inspected and 80 were considered as to be unfit for human
habitation.
He said there was difficulty in keeping the smoke from colliery
chimneys within the prescribed limit. A problem more detrimental to the
public health was the smoke and fumes from the spoil heaps which were in
an active state of conflagration. A solution would be a blessing to
this area.
The refuse collected was 10,986 tons which was more than double the rate per household for the country, partly because of the unemployment which forced people to obtain low grade fuel from the dirt heaps.
The refuse collected was 10,986 tons which was more than double the rate per household for the country, partly because of the unemployment which forced people to obtain low grade fuel from the dirt heaps.
THE BABY SHOW
The baby show was held in July and 250 mothers and babies were present.
Dr Susan Gilchrist from the Hull Maternity and Child Welfare Centre was
the guest speaker. She spoke of a proper diet for babies, keeping them
away from people with a cold, doing everything possible to prevent them
getting measles, and a mid-day rest for all babies and young children.
The competition winners were:
New garment - Mrs Bush, Streethouse
Thrift garment - Mrs Smith, Featherstone
Knitted garment - Mrs Bradshaw, Featherstone
Something out of nothing - Mr Jones, Streethouse (open to dads)
Plum cake - Mrs Nixon, Featherstone
Plain cake - Mrs Connell, Loscoe
White bread - Mrs Moorby, Streethouse
Brown bread - Mrs Hartley, Featherstone
Brown bread - Mrs Hartley, Featherstone
THE ROVERS ANNUAL MEETING
Featherstone Rovers annual meeting was held in the Junction Hotel in
July. Harold Goodall gave the financial report. He said the average gate
for home games was £61, the highest (£147) was for the Leeds game, and
the lowest was only £10 against Hull KR. The loss on the season was £74.
The
president, George Johnson, said they came along each season with
varying deficits, but that state of things could not go on indefinitely,
and if the club was going to continue they must have better support.
With an average gate of £130 they could pay their way. They were
desirous of running a second team again, but must have more money to do
it.
He
said the club favour the proposal to reduce the minimum admission
charge from 1s to 6d, but the Rugby League had decided against it and
they would have to abide by that decision. On the proposal to play in
the summer, he said it was not practicable. The grounds would be too hard, the injuries would be too many, and the game would develop into handball instead of football.
He told the meeting he had been associated with Featherstone Rovers for
30 years, and if the time had to come over again he would not wish to
do any less. There were times when he felt despondent, but somehow they
came up smiling at the end of every season, ready for another year.
There must, however, be a change in the finances if the club were to
continue.
A NEAR MISS
Pontefract Court was told in August a
bus from Pontefract was turning into Station Lane at 10.25pm when a
lorry attempted to pass it. The lorry driver, Fred Duddy of Wigan,
realised his error, mounted the footpath scattering men standing there,
and ended up on the wrong side of the road in Station Lane.
The bus driver, Arthur Hoyle of The Green, said he sounded his horn and
put out his hand to indicate he was going to turn. When he saw the
lorry he pulled up dead. Stephen Hurdley, a bus driver from Pontefract,
said he was siting in his bus ten yards from the bottom of the lane and
he saw the other driver put out his hand and heard him sound his horn.
Mr Duddy said he did not see the bus driver's hand, and the night was
dark. He thought he had room to pass safely. He had driven for nine
years without a charge. He was fined £5 for driving a lorry in a manner
dangerous to the public, and his licence was endorsed.
ROAD IMPROVEMENTS?
Consideration of how to improve the area's roads resulted in the
Sheffield and District Regional Planning Scheme published in July. Among
the recommendations was the removal of old buildings at North
Featherstone crossroads and the junction re-planned. The rural nature of
the Ackton to Hopetown road should be retained.
The Ackworth to Cutsyke road through Purston, Featherstone and North
Featherstone "is so full of difficulties with corners, width and
congestion as to be almost impossible to remedy completely. Starting
from High Ackworth the present route continues along Ackworth Lane, with
good surface and width for a rural road, and is of pleasant character.
Passing Purston Hall Estate on the left a bad corner is met near the
housing scheme, and a proposal is suggested for widening the corner on
the far side, so as not to interfere with the very fine planting along
the fringe of the park. This section of the road from Purston to
Ackworth has a very attractive character, which should at all cost be
preserved.
"Continuing from Purston, a proposed new section of road to run
parallel with Station Lane, joining Featherstone Lane at its foot. This
section will necessitate crossing underneath the railway, and although
this may appear to be a little drastic, it is a far simpler thing than
attempting any improvements in Station Lane, with all the problems of a
densely built-up area".
There was a proposal to improve the Wakefield to Goole road. This included: "The proposed route would commence with a much-needed by-pass to the towns of Featherstone and Purston Jaglin, starting from the existing Wakefield Road about quarter of a mile to the west of Featherstone Square. Swinging out and proceeding across low-lying land to the south of the town, a great deal of the filling that might be required for a portion of this section could be acquired from the enormous dirt-heaps that at present flank the Wakefield Road.
"Proceeding to Girnhill Lane, the route would carry forward across the southern end of Purston Hall Park to form a junction with the Ackworth-Cutsyke Road, and swing out gently between Ackworth Park and the valley of the Little Went to join the Ackworth Road at the foot of Castlesyke Hill. A parkway character would be imparted to the route as it traverses Purston Park, which has recently been acquired by the Featherstone Urban Council as an open space for the locality. The Ackworth Road would be followed for a short distance until a carefully planned intersection is made with the Pontefract by-pass."
There was a proposal to improve the Wakefield to Goole road. This included: "The proposed route would commence with a much-needed by-pass to the towns of Featherstone and Purston Jaglin, starting from the existing Wakefield Road about quarter of a mile to the west of Featherstone Square. Swinging out and proceeding across low-lying land to the south of the town, a great deal of the filling that might be required for a portion of this section could be acquired from the enormous dirt-heaps that at present flank the Wakefield Road.
"Proceeding to Girnhill Lane, the route would carry forward across the southern end of Purston Hall Park to form a junction with the Ackworth-Cutsyke Road, and swing out gently between Ackworth Park and the valley of the Little Went to join the Ackworth Road at the foot of Castlesyke Hill. A parkway character would be imparted to the route as it traverses Purston Park, which has recently been acquired by the Featherstone Urban Council as an open space for the locality. The Ackworth Road would be followed for a short distance until a carefully planned intersection is made with the Pontefract by-pass."
THE GALA
The fourth annual carnival, athletic sports and gala was held in
August. On the due date heavy rain caused it to be postponed for a week.
One week later there was rain all day Friday and showers on the
Saturday but it was decided to go ahead. The procession set off from the
Bradley Arms headed by the Wakefield City Band and paraded Featherstone
and Purston with a break to take shelter from a heavy shower. Twice
during the afternoon the proceedings in the sports field in Wakefield
Road had to be suspended because of thunderstorms.
The Carnival Queen was Rene Marsh, and once again the competitions were entered by people from a wide area. The winners were:
Notable character - A Kettlewell of Wakefield as convict 99
Comic dress - E Chappell of Batley as not to be hung
Fancy costume under nine years - Marie Wood of Batley as a lucky mascot
Fancy costume under 16 years - Muriel Higgs of Featherstone as a chip off the old block
Fancy costume over 16 years - R Walker of Batley as the Queen of Sheba
Fancy costume local schoolchildren - Enid Fletcher of Pretoria Street
Decorated cycle/motor/pram - Evelyn Field of Featherstone
Comic band - Airedale
Tableau - Mrs A Broughton of Crossley Street as the Rose Queen
Decorated horse - Mr Marriott of Batley
Tradesman's horse turnout - Mr Copley
Tradesman's motor turnout - Mr Dobson of Pontefract
Best decorated street - St Thomas Road
A large number of balloons was released with cards attached. The card from the furthest distance was returned by Mr D Jarvis who found the balloon in Filey waterworks yard.
In November the Featherstone and Purston Carnival and Sports Committee gave £70 to Pontefract General Infirmary, £16 to Leeds General Infirmary, £12 to Clayton Hospital and £5 5s to Devonshire Hospital, Buxton.
A large number of balloons was released with cards attached. The card from the furthest distance was returned by Mr D Jarvis who found the balloon in Filey waterworks yard.
In November the Featherstone and Purston Carnival and Sports Committee gave £70 to Pontefract General Infirmary, £16 to Leeds General Infirmary, £12 to Clayton Hospital and £5 5s to Devonshire Hospital, Buxton.
ROUND THE WORLD WALK ABANDONED
George Day of Featherstone Lane had travelled all over England,
Scotland, France, Belgium, Germany and Canada since his wife died in
1925 because he could not stay at home. He then planned a round the
world walking tour with Thomas McEvan of Shipley and Geoffrey Dobson of
Bradford. The intention was to cross France, Belgium, Germany, Russia,
India, China, Japan and Canada, and then back home.
Mr Day met Mr McEvan at Halifax on 29 August for the journey to London. They were met at Coventry by new member
Harry Hirst of Belfast and set off to London to meet up with Mr Dobson.
In London they decided to see the sights before setting off for
Southampton.
The streets were thronged with people, and Mr Hirst, who was standing
near the edge of the pavement, was pushed into the road and knocked down
by a car. He died later in hospital. Under the circumstances the others
decided to abandon their hike and return home.
The meeting was held in the council offices in November. Mr W Bentley, for the Burial Board, said the original burial ground was one acre in 1872. Another acre was added and a further two in 1912. The estimate of grave spaces left was 475, and the average burials per year was about 170.
The only objection was that of Mr Ingham, but it should be pointed out he already had graves within 25 yards of his house, which was erected after the development of the original burial ground.
The board considered at least a quarter of an acre at the west end should be abandoned because of a rock formation so additional land would be require in less than 18 months time. The application was to borrow £1,320. The Ministry of Health sanctioned the purchase in December and the board said the work would be put in hand as soon as possible.
THE CEMETERY EXTENSION
The
cemetery was filling up, so the Burial Board held a ratepayers' meeting
in the Miners' Welfare Institute in July for approval to buy three acres of
land on the south side from the Ackton Hall Colliery Company at a cost
of £70 an Acre. There was no opposition and the extension was
sanctioned. A public meeting would have to be held for permission to borrow the money.The meeting was held in the council offices in November. Mr W Bentley, for the Burial Board, said the original burial ground was one acre in 1872. Another acre was added and a further two in 1912. The estimate of grave spaces left was 475, and the average burials per year was about 170.
The only objection was that of Mr Ingham, but it should be pointed out he already had graves within 25 yards of his house, which was erected after the development of the original burial ground.
The board considered at least a quarter of an acre at the west end should be abandoned because of a rock formation so additional land would be require in less than 18 months time. The application was to borrow £1,320. The Ministry of Health sanctioned the purchase in December and the board said the work would be put in hand as soon as possible.
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| Mr Ingham's house next to the cemetery lodge. A Dr J Gatecliff photo. |
REMEMBRANCE
Collections were held in November by the British Legion for the Earl Haigh Fund. It
was hoped last year's amount of £40 would be exceeded. The children of
North Featherstone Lane Junior Mixed School held their memorial service
for past pupils on the 11th. The memorial was covered with flowers, and
the names of the fallen were read by Geraldine Farrar. Ex-CSM Bearns
laid a wreath in memory of the old boys. Wreaths were also placed on the
Ackton Hall Colliery memorial.
The British Legion held their service at Purston Church. They marched
there headed by the Featherstone Subscription Silver Band together with
members of the St John Ambulance Brigade, Boy Scouts and Girl Guides.
After the service wreaths were laid on the War Memorial.
JANUARY
Mr W H Fearnley was preparing an oak tablet recording the names of 38
Featherstone vicars since 1310. The names before then were not known.
When finished it would be installed in the church.
The dispute at Featherstone Main Colliery which began last August was settled, with the colliers accepting revised terms. The Express commented "This news will be received with great satisfaction, particularly by the wives of the men affected, as there has been no unemployment pay, and the men have had to be content with grants from the Yorkshire Miners' Association, and with occasional sums collected at other collieries".
Frederick Harrison, a haulage worker age 15 of Low Ackworth, tripped in Ackworth Pit and hit his head on a rail. He died at the scene from a fractured skull. The inquest jury at the Gospel Hall decided it was death by misadventure.
The cost of St Peter's Parochial Hall was £540, of which £200 was borrowed from the Diocesan Committee. The workers at the church held many functions to repay it and they finally succeeded after two years with a whist drive and dance in the hall.
FEBRUARY Featherstone Station entered two teams in the LMS ambulance competitions for the Leeds District. The number one team (W Applegate, C Baines, J Rollin, G Haywood and G Bullock) won on the first day, and the number two team (H Silverwood, H Beaumont, F Stabler, F Hartley and C Reddyhoff) won on the second day.
The education sub-committee was concerned with absenteeism at the schools. The current percentage attendance was 84. The reasons given for irregular attendance were late rising, poor boots, and sickness. One teacher said nothing would remove the evil except educating the parents, and convincing them education was good for the children.
There were 240 players for the whist at the annual whist drive and dance for medical charities in the Lister Hall. There were nearly 700 for the dancing, and it was hoped to realise a profit of at least £120.
John Wilson, secretary of the Rugby League, attended a meeting at the Junction Hotel to explain the arrangements for the Cup Final at Wembley. he said there were 300 promises from Featherstone to attend the final. Regarding the Rovers he said there was no cause for despondency. He was confident the club would come again, and he appealed to the sport-loving public of Featherstone to back up the committee, who had had a very hard time.
MARCH There had been proposed plans for a dedicated library building for some time instead of the library being in the Welfare Institute. The Welfare Committee told the council they would be willing to provide a suitable site if the Charity Commissioners agreed, but they had no funds to erect a building. The equally hard-up council regretted they were unable to provide a clock for the institute building.
The Express commented the result and the size of the majority in the county council election came as a staggering shock to Mr Hough's supporters. It was:
Edwards (Independent) 1,782
Hough (Labour) 1,147
The dispute at Featherstone Main Colliery which began last August was settled, with the colliers accepting revised terms. The Express commented "This news will be received with great satisfaction, particularly by the wives of the men affected, as there has been no unemployment pay, and the men have had to be content with grants from the Yorkshire Miners' Association, and with occasional sums collected at other collieries".
Frederick Harrison, a haulage worker age 15 of Low Ackworth, tripped in Ackworth Pit and hit his head on a rail. He died at the scene from a fractured skull. The inquest jury at the Gospel Hall decided it was death by misadventure.
The cost of St Peter's Parochial Hall was £540, of which £200 was borrowed from the Diocesan Committee. The workers at the church held many functions to repay it and they finally succeeded after two years with a whist drive and dance in the hall.
FEBRUARY Featherstone Station entered two teams in the LMS ambulance competitions for the Leeds District. The number one team (W Applegate, C Baines, J Rollin, G Haywood and G Bullock) won on the first day, and the number two team (H Silverwood, H Beaumont, F Stabler, F Hartley and C Reddyhoff) won on the second day.
The education sub-committee was concerned with absenteeism at the schools. The current percentage attendance was 84. The reasons given for irregular attendance were late rising, poor boots, and sickness. One teacher said nothing would remove the evil except educating the parents, and convincing them education was good for the children.
There were 240 players for the whist at the annual whist drive and dance for medical charities in the Lister Hall. There were nearly 700 for the dancing, and it was hoped to realise a profit of at least £120.
John Wilson, secretary of the Rugby League, attended a meeting at the Junction Hotel to explain the arrangements for the Cup Final at Wembley. he said there were 300 promises from Featherstone to attend the final. Regarding the Rovers he said there was no cause for despondency. He was confident the club would come again, and he appealed to the sport-loving public of Featherstone to back up the committee, who had had a very hard time.
MARCH There had been proposed plans for a dedicated library building for some time instead of the library being in the Welfare Institute. The Welfare Committee told the council they would be willing to provide a suitable site if the Charity Commissioners agreed, but they had no funds to erect a building. The equally hard-up council regretted they were unable to provide a clock for the institute building.
The Express commented the result and the size of the majority in the county council election came as a staggering shock to Mr Hough's supporters. It was:
Edwards (Independent) 1,782
Hough (Labour) 1,147
Teddy Edwards' pre-election Express advert.
The Featherstone and Purston Sports and Carnival Committee arranged a
whist drive and dance in the Lister Hall for medical charities. There
were 132 players for whist and over 400 for the dance. The event raised
£128 and the committee decided to give Pontefract General Infirmary £40,
Clayton Hospital and Leeds General Infirmary £25 each, Featherstone
Maternity and Child Welfare £10, Yorkshire Home for Mothers £10, and
Featherstone Tuberculosis Care and After Care Committee £6.
APRIL The education sub-committee declined to grant a child a certificate of exemption from school because there was no job to go to. A medical certificate was then obtained covering the whole of the remaining period the child should have attended school. The headmaster of North Featherstone Lane Senior School said such a procedure made it easy for the parents to evade the law. Several committee members took the view no doctor was justified in giving a certificate for six weeks ahead.
Featherstone Rovers were in a serious financial position so the committee announced all the players were available for transfer.
The Rovers had arranged a party of 100 for the Rugby League Cup Final at Wembley including all the players. The Featherstone Juniors' team was also making the trip, and the clubs in the town had organised parties. They would leave Featherstone at 4.15am on the day of the match.
MAY The Rovers played Wakefield Trinity at Belle Vue for the Clayton Hospital Cup. Wakefield won 24-10. The Mayor of Wakefield said footballers all over the country derived considerable benefit from these noble institutions, and it was up to them to help them all they possibly could. He hoped the next time the cup was played for it would take place much earlier in the season, then he was sure there would be a much larger attendance.
William and Sarah Patrick of Wakefield Road celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary. They came to Featherstone in the 1870's for William to work at Featherstone Main Colliery. He was still a coal face worker when he retired at the age of 73.
JUNE The South Kirkby, Featherstone and Hemsworth Collieries Ltd prosecuted nine people for stealing coal from their muckstacks. They included Samuel and Frank Garbutt and Ernest Glover of Featherstone, and Albert Locket of Ackton. The remainder were from other districts. The chairman of the Bench said the practice was becoming intolerable and very dangerous, with fatal accidents. The company said they had no option but to prosecute because people took no notice of the warning notices. They were all fined £1 each.
The West Riding Education Committee agreed to the transfer of 1,462 square yards of land at the South Featherstone Council School to the Highways Committee for road widening, in exchange for a good kerb, footpath and boundary wall the whole length of the school site fronting the road. The view of the road before widening and the two views of the completed scheme are from the Dr J Gatecliff collection.
APRIL The education sub-committee declined to grant a child a certificate of exemption from school because there was no job to go to. A medical certificate was then obtained covering the whole of the remaining period the child should have attended school. The headmaster of North Featherstone Lane Senior School said such a procedure made it easy for the parents to evade the law. Several committee members took the view no doctor was justified in giving a certificate for six weeks ahead.
Featherstone Rovers were in a serious financial position so the committee announced all the players were available for transfer.
The Rovers had arranged a party of 100 for the Rugby League Cup Final at Wembley including all the players. The Featherstone Juniors' team was also making the trip, and the clubs in the town had organised parties. They would leave Featherstone at 4.15am on the day of the match.
MAY The Rovers played Wakefield Trinity at Belle Vue for the Clayton Hospital Cup. Wakefield won 24-10. The Mayor of Wakefield said footballers all over the country derived considerable benefit from these noble institutions, and it was up to them to help them all they possibly could. He hoped the next time the cup was played for it would take place much earlier in the season, then he was sure there would be a much larger attendance.
William and Sarah Patrick of Wakefield Road celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary. They came to Featherstone in the 1870's for William to work at Featherstone Main Colliery. He was still a coal face worker when he retired at the age of 73.
JUNE The South Kirkby, Featherstone and Hemsworth Collieries Ltd prosecuted nine people for stealing coal from their muckstacks. They included Samuel and Frank Garbutt and Ernest Glover of Featherstone, and Albert Locket of Ackton. The remainder were from other districts. The chairman of the Bench said the practice was becoming intolerable and very dangerous, with fatal accidents. The company said they had no option but to prosecute because people took no notice of the warning notices. They were all fined £1 each.
The West Riding Education Committee agreed to the transfer of 1,462 square yards of land at the South Featherstone Council School to the Highways Committee for road widening, in exchange for a good kerb, footpath and boundary wall the whole length of the school site fronting the road. The view of the road before widening and the two views of the completed scheme are from the Dr J Gatecliff collection.
A
function was held at the Featherstone Hotel to present medals to the
players of Featherstone Juniors Intermediate Football Club who had won
the Yorkshire County Intermediate Cup and the Wakefield and District
Intermediate League Cup. They were also the first intermediate team to
reach the first round proper for the Rugby League Cup.
The education sub-committee were concerned about the state of Regent Street School (which was the responsibility of the West Riding Education Committee) but no details were given apart from the infant classes being overcrowded. The chairman, Mr J J Murphy, said if something was not done people would be writing to the papers about it. The only way to make the authority move faster was to get the sanitary inspector to make a report on it.
The education sub-committee were concerned about the state of Regent Street School (which was the responsibility of the West Riding Education Committee) but no details were given apart from the infant classes being overcrowded. The chairman, Mr J J Murphy, said if something was not done people would be writing to the papers about it. The only way to make the authority move faster was to get the sanitary inspector to make a report on it.
JULY For the Old Featherstone and Ackton annual treat the secretary, Mr J J
Bishop, was in Pontefract Infirmary so Mr E Bailey stepped in and did
the arranging. There was a procession of over 200 schoolchildren headed
by the Featherstone Subscription Silver Band to Mr G Copley's field
where they were given a tea. Nearly 130 old folk were given a meal in
the National School and afterwards tobacco for the men and packet tea
for the women, and sweets for the children. The day ended with a sports
programme. Mary Helliwell was the May Queen.
AUGUST Heavy rain ruined the Saturday for the showmen on the feast ground, although the Express commented the pits had shut for a week for the holidays and the miners and their dependents were short of money to go afeasting. The annual carnival had to be postponed.
Isaiah Cording age 74 of Scarborough Terrace was found in a field with his throat cut by Arthur Allett, a Wragby farmer, who set off for help on his bicycle. He met PC Hall who arranged for Cording to be taken to Pontefract Infirmary where he died nine days later. His son told the inquest his father was depressed by the death of his wife and said he wished he could have gone with her. The verdict was suicide while of unsound mind.
SEPTEMBER Mr J W McCowan of Horsforth was appointed headmaster of Purston National School in succession to Mr A Alexander who had gone to Brackenhill Council School. Mr McCowan had previously been an assistant teacher at the school. He left in 1929 to take up a position at Horsforth.
An inquest was held on Benny Chilton of Pontefract who was killed by a fall of roof at Ackton Hall Colliery. The verdict was death by misadventure. Samuel Smith of Kimberley Street was told by the coroner the jury wished him to express their appreciation of his efforts to save Mr Chilton's life.
Ambrose Makin age 65 of Houndhill Lane went to Leeds to go to the Theatre Royal. According to a witness at his inquest he was looking up at an aeroplane and stepped backwards off the footpath into an oncoming tramcar. He was taken to Leeds Infirmary and died shortly after admission.
John Morrell of Post Office Road told an inquest he came home early on a Saturday morning after working a night shift and found he could not get into the lavatory. He forced the door open and found his brother William dead with a razor by his side. John William, a son, and Nora, a niece, who lived at the same address, and Dr Duncan, all said they could think of no reason why William would commit suicide. The coroner said there was no doubt William had taken his own life. There was no evidence to show he was not normal, but he had doubts any person who took his life could be regarded as normal. He recorded a verdict of suicide with insufficient evidence to show the state of mind.
OCTOBER In the General Election there were two candidates for the Normanton Division which included Featherstone. Fred Hall, described as a Socialist, polled 22,877 votes. His National Conservative opponent J N Cumberbirch managed 9,774.
The boys band from the Sailors' Orphan Homes at Newland, Hull, visited Featherstone and toured the streets. Mr T Hargrave and his willing band of helpers made collections and put them up for the night. A concert was given in the Miners' Welfare Institute supported by the Green Lane Male Voice Choir. They first came to Featherstone in 1902 and had visited regularly ever since.
AUGUST Heavy rain ruined the Saturday for the showmen on the feast ground, although the Express commented the pits had shut for a week for the holidays and the miners and their dependents were short of money to go afeasting. The annual carnival had to be postponed.
Isaiah Cording age 74 of Scarborough Terrace was found in a field with his throat cut by Arthur Allett, a Wragby farmer, who set off for help on his bicycle. He met PC Hall who arranged for Cording to be taken to Pontefract Infirmary where he died nine days later. His son told the inquest his father was depressed by the death of his wife and said he wished he could have gone with her. The verdict was suicide while of unsound mind.
SEPTEMBER Mr J W McCowan of Horsforth was appointed headmaster of Purston National School in succession to Mr A Alexander who had gone to Brackenhill Council School. Mr McCowan had previously been an assistant teacher at the school. He left in 1929 to take up a position at Horsforth.
An inquest was held on Benny Chilton of Pontefract who was killed by a fall of roof at Ackton Hall Colliery. The verdict was death by misadventure. Samuel Smith of Kimberley Street was told by the coroner the jury wished him to express their appreciation of his efforts to save Mr Chilton's life.
Ambrose Makin age 65 of Houndhill Lane went to Leeds to go to the Theatre Royal. According to a witness at his inquest he was looking up at an aeroplane and stepped backwards off the footpath into an oncoming tramcar. He was taken to Leeds Infirmary and died shortly after admission.
John Morrell of Post Office Road told an inquest he came home early on a Saturday morning after working a night shift and found he could not get into the lavatory. He forced the door open and found his brother William dead with a razor by his side. John William, a son, and Nora, a niece, who lived at the same address, and Dr Duncan, all said they could think of no reason why William would commit suicide. The coroner said there was no doubt William had taken his own life. There was no evidence to show he was not normal, but he had doubts any person who took his life could be regarded as normal. He recorded a verdict of suicide with insufficient evidence to show the state of mind.
OCTOBER In the General Election there were two candidates for the Normanton Division which included Featherstone. Fred Hall, described as a Socialist, polled 22,877 votes. His National Conservative opponent J N Cumberbirch managed 9,774.
The boys band from the Sailors' Orphan Homes at Newland, Hull, visited Featherstone and toured the streets. Mr T Hargrave and his willing band of helpers made collections and put them up for the night. A concert was given in the Miners' Welfare Institute supported by the Green Lane Male Voice Choir. They first came to Featherstone in 1902 and had visited regularly ever since.
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| The orphans' home in Newland, Hull. A photo from Mitchell Families Online. |
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| The band and their bandstand at Newland. A photo from Children's Homes. |
NOVEMBER
Alice Haddock told an inquest she poured a cup of tea and put it on the
table. Her ten months old son Edward pulled it on to him and was badly
scalded . He was taken to Pontefract Infirmary where he died from septic
poisoning. A verdict of accidental death was recorded.
DECEMBER There were 200 mothers and babies in the Gospel Hall as the guests of the Featherstone Maternity and Child Welfare Committee. The tea and toys had been paid for by a lady well known for her good work among Featherstone folk, and who wished to remain anonymous. Dr Steven provided fruit for the children, and Wilkinsons and Dunhills gave licorice sweets.
Harry Whiteley age 17 of Huddersfield and Ivy Norton age 18 of Featherstone wished to marry but his parents refused permission so they went to court. Samuel Whiteley said "I don't think he's old enough yet, and the wage he's earning is not sufficient for a man to take unto himself a wife". Harry said he was earning 21s a week which would rise to 30s next month when he was 18, so permission was granted.
The Yorkshire Evening Post sent 100 vouchers for Christmas hampers to Featherstone Council who would decide who would have them. The 25 recipients of the Featherstone United Charities normally received 19s 6d each quarter. For the Christmas quarter it was increased to 27s 6d which included 3s from the local police charity fund.
North Featherstone Church tower was in a bad state and it was agreed the best way forward was to encase it in new stone. It was going to cost £500 and work had started but stopped because the Church Council decided it should progress only as funds were received to warrant it. After many efforts the fund had now reached £400 and it was agreed to complete the work as soon as the weather was favourable.
Featherstone Rovers held their usual Boxing Day dance at the Lister Hall. In spite of heavy snow over 350 turned up. The Cricket Club fared better on New Year's Eve. There were 224 for the whist drive and over 500 for the dance. The gathering joined hands at midnight to sing Hail Smiling Morn and Auld Lang Syne.
DECEMBER There were 200 mothers and babies in the Gospel Hall as the guests of the Featherstone Maternity and Child Welfare Committee. The tea and toys had been paid for by a lady well known for her good work among Featherstone folk, and who wished to remain anonymous. Dr Steven provided fruit for the children, and Wilkinsons and Dunhills gave licorice sweets.
Harry Whiteley age 17 of Huddersfield and Ivy Norton age 18 of Featherstone wished to marry but his parents refused permission so they went to court. Samuel Whiteley said "I don't think he's old enough yet, and the wage he's earning is not sufficient for a man to take unto himself a wife". Harry said he was earning 21s a week which would rise to 30s next month when he was 18, so permission was granted.
The Yorkshire Evening Post sent 100 vouchers for Christmas hampers to Featherstone Council who would decide who would have them. The 25 recipients of the Featherstone United Charities normally received 19s 6d each quarter. For the Christmas quarter it was increased to 27s 6d which included 3s from the local police charity fund.
North Featherstone Church tower was in a bad state and it was agreed the best way forward was to encase it in new stone. It was going to cost £500 and work had started but stopped because the Church Council decided it should progress only as funds were received to warrant it. After many efforts the fund had now reached £400 and it was agreed to complete the work as soon as the weather was favourable.
Featherstone Rovers held their usual Boxing Day dance at the Lister Hall. In spite of heavy snow over 350 turned up. The Cricket Club fared better on New Year's Eve. There were 224 for the whist drive and over 500 for the dance. The gathering joined hands at midnight to sing Hail Smiling Morn and Auld Lang Syne.