A HISTORY OF FEATHERSTONE
1932
POLICE RAID THE RAILWAY HOTEL
Ready money betting was illegal and the police suspected it
was happening at the Railway Hotel, so PC Downing of South Elmsall was
sent in civilian clothes to see what was going on. He went on three more
occasions with a dirty face and dressed as a boilersmith. PC Pettigrew
was sent to corroborate the evidence. He was wearing old clothes and
hadn't been shaved for three days.
After these visits had satisfied the police, Inspector Elliot, two
sergeants and six constables raided the premises. There were 70 men
there and all were searched. The outcome was a hearing in Pontefract
Court in January lasting seven hours and the end result was Esther
Shields, the licencee, was fined £5 for allowing licensed premises to be
used for the purpose of betting. James Boulton and Norman Crooks were
fined £10 each for using the premises for the purpose of betting, and
the charges against ten men accused of resorting to the premises for the
purpose of betting were withdrawn. The chairman said it should be a
lesson to them.
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| A photo of the hotel from the Wakefield Libraries Collection. |
TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS
Thomas Thompson of Methley was riding a motorcycle combination in
January coming from Pontefract and intending turning into Station Lane. He
collided with a pony and flat cart driven by a hawker, John Lowther of
Pontefract, who was going home. It was 4.45pm and dark but witnesses
said the junction was well lit. There was the usual contradictory
evidence but the Bench found Thompson guilty of driving without due care
and attention and fined him £5.
Last December James Hardcastle asked Featherstone Council to support his application to run buses from Willow Park to Wakefield. He must have succeeded because one of his buses ran into the back of another bus in January in Purston. The driver, James Childs of Featherstone, and the owner were in court accused of driving, and allowing the bus to be driven, with inefficient brakes.
Childs admitted to the police he could not stop because the brakes were inefficient, and said he had reported the defect but had been ordered to take the bus out. Hardcastle told the court the brakes were as good as new and no one had reported defects.
Hardcastle had four previous convictions for motoring offences, and the chairman told him he must have known the brakes were inefficient, and it was most horribly dangerous to send out a bus in that condition; it was practically potential murder. He was fined £10. It was accepted Childs had done his best, and his charge was withdrawn on payment of 4s costs.
The county council were repairing Pontefract Road at Monk Royd Cottage in April. Lewis Holroyd of Pontefract was cycling home. When he reached the bend a lorry ran into the back of him and knocked him off. James Sutton of Purston was driving a bus from Pontefract. In court in April he said there was not room for the bus, the cyclist and the lorry.
PC Dwyer said the road was 21 feet wide. Holroyd's leg was injured and the bicycle was wrecked. When asked for an explanation Sidney Cameron, the lorry driver from Durham, said he could not pull out in time.
Mr Oddie, the solicitor for Cameron, said it was nothing more than an error of judgement. If the driver of the bus had pulled a little further over to his proper side the lorry would have passed safely. When he realised the bus was not giving him any way he either had to run into the cyclist or the bus.
The chairman said the offence was serious and Cameron would be fined £7 including costs for driving without due care and attention.
Last December James Hardcastle asked Featherstone Council to support his application to run buses from Willow Park to Wakefield. He must have succeeded because one of his buses ran into the back of another bus in January in Purston. The driver, James Childs of Featherstone, and the owner were in court accused of driving, and allowing the bus to be driven, with inefficient brakes.
Childs admitted to the police he could not stop because the brakes were inefficient, and said he had reported the defect but had been ordered to take the bus out. Hardcastle told the court the brakes were as good as new and no one had reported defects.
Hardcastle had four previous convictions for motoring offences, and the chairman told him he must have known the brakes were inefficient, and it was most horribly dangerous to send out a bus in that condition; it was practically potential murder. He was fined £10. It was accepted Childs had done his best, and his charge was withdrawn on payment of 4s costs.
The county council were repairing Pontefract Road at Monk Royd Cottage in April. Lewis Holroyd of Pontefract was cycling home. When he reached the bend a lorry ran into the back of him and knocked him off. James Sutton of Purston was driving a bus from Pontefract. In court in April he said there was not room for the bus, the cyclist and the lorry.
PC Dwyer said the road was 21 feet wide. Holroyd's leg was injured and the bicycle was wrecked. When asked for an explanation Sidney Cameron, the lorry driver from Durham, said he could not pull out in time.
Mr Oddie, the solicitor for Cameron, said it was nothing more than an error of judgement. If the driver of the bus had pulled a little further over to his proper side the lorry would have passed safely. When he realised the bus was not giving him any way he either had to run into the cyclist or the bus.
The chairman said the offence was serious and Cameron would be fined £7 including costs for driving without due care and attention.
THE COUNCIL
JANUARY
There were complaints about the length of time the Station Lane level
crossing gates were closed. The council instructed the surveyor to look
into the matter.
FEBRUARY Mr Darnton was given the order for the repairs to the greenhouse at Purston Hall. A division of the outhouses and gardens between the tenants still in the hall was agreed, and the council said they would not interfere with the tenancies for at least two years.
The surveyor was instructed to sell the old fire engine, hose cart and the old gas lamp pillars at the best price obtainable.
The ambulance had been used 452 times in the past 19 months with a total mileage of 4,408.
After an inspection of the market place off Station Lane belonging to Mrs Edwards she was asked to say what works and improvements she was prepared to carry out in order to render the ground sanitary and suitable for its purpose as a market place.
MARCH The council accepted provisional plans for bungalows to be built on a proposed site in Little Lane at a cost of about £250 each. A tender of £9 10s per house was accepted from Messrs S J Haikings and Son to install a hot water system in 24 council houses.
FEBRUARY Mr Darnton was given the order for the repairs to the greenhouse at Purston Hall. A division of the outhouses and gardens between the tenants still in the hall was agreed, and the council said they would not interfere with the tenancies for at least two years.
The surveyor was instructed to sell the old fire engine, hose cart and the old gas lamp pillars at the best price obtainable.
The ambulance had been used 452 times in the past 19 months with a total mileage of 4,408.
After an inspection of the market place off Station Lane belonging to Mrs Edwards she was asked to say what works and improvements she was prepared to carry out in order to render the ground sanitary and suitable for its purpose as a market place.
MARCH The council accepted provisional plans for bungalows to be built on a proposed site in Little Lane at a cost of about £250 each. A tender of £9 10s per house was accepted from Messrs S J Haikings and Son to install a hot water system in 24 council houses.
After considering the surveyor's report on the Station Lane level
crossing (details not given) it was decided to send a copy to the West
Riding County Council with the view the only solution was a new road
from North Featherstone Lane (Cressey's Corner) to the Junction Hotel.
APRIL In the election Cr P Darlington (North Ward), Cr B Dakin (South) and Cr A Coult (Purston) were returned unopposed. In the Ackton and Snydale Ward the retiring councillor, G Bush, had left the district. Charles King (Labour) received 509 votes, and George Armstrong Charlton (Independent) 325.
The rates for the next six months were fixed at 7s 6d, a reduction of one shilling. Cr Coult complained some landlords were not passing on the reduction and something should be done about it; it was sheer robbery.
At the annual meeting the clerk, Mr J A Haigh, took the chair for the election of a new chairman. He said it was the 21st time he had done it. Cr A Sharratt was unanimously elected. He said they were passing through abnormal times. When the coal industry was doing badly tradesmen and everyone were affected, but he saw no reason why, if they pulled together as they had done in the past, the rates should not be kept down.
MAY Permission was sought from the Ministry of Health to build 50 houses for aged people at small rents, the size not to exceed 400 square feet.
The council considered new industries were needed in Featherstone. Young men were demoralised by lack of occupation, and there was nothing for the girls to do meaning they had to leave home at the very time when they most needed a mother's controlling influence.
JUNE The Ministry of Health informed the council the body to approach regarding new industries was the Travel and Industrial Development Association. Also assistance for the proposed houses for aged people would be £5 per house per annum for 40 years. It was agreed to negotiate for two plots of land in Little Lane.
JULY Mr R W Fearnley had offered to sell a field in Little Lane for housing purposes at £120 an acre. The council offered £60, and later put this up to £80.
AUGUST The council increased their offer to Mr Fearnley to £100 an acre but as he would not accept it was decided to consult the district valuer for his opinion. There were complaints about cycling on the Jubilee footpath so notices would be posted prohibiting it. The necessary procedure would be started to take over the powers of the Burial Board.
OCTOBER The council decided the powers of the Burial Board would be transferred from 1 April, 1933. A rate of 7s 6d in the £1 was passed. Tenants in verminous houses would be given spraying fluid to disinfect their house, and any tenant who did not comply would be given notice to quit as an undesirable tenant. Any occupier of premises harbouring rats must take steps to exterminate them.
The question of handy women (unofficial midwives) was discussed, and the following resolution passed. We as a council through the medical officer of health shall prosecute if we get to know of any case where a child has been delivered by a handy woman for a fee, without a doctor being properly engaged in the case.
NOVEMBER On the advice of the district valuer the council upped their offer to Mr Fearnley to £110.
DECEMBER The British Hospital Air Pageant Committee wrote to the council asking for support for air pageants to raise funds for hospitals. The council considered the park was unsuitable because of the trees, but if Pontefract Corporation held one in Pontefract Park they would give every possible support.
APRIL In the election Cr P Darlington (North Ward), Cr B Dakin (South) and Cr A Coult (Purston) were returned unopposed. In the Ackton and Snydale Ward the retiring councillor, G Bush, had left the district. Charles King (Labour) received 509 votes, and George Armstrong Charlton (Independent) 325.
The rates for the next six months were fixed at 7s 6d, a reduction of one shilling. Cr Coult complained some landlords were not passing on the reduction and something should be done about it; it was sheer robbery.
At the annual meeting the clerk, Mr J A Haigh, took the chair for the election of a new chairman. He said it was the 21st time he had done it. Cr A Sharratt was unanimously elected. He said they were passing through abnormal times. When the coal industry was doing badly tradesmen and everyone were affected, but he saw no reason why, if they pulled together as they had done in the past, the rates should not be kept down.
MAY Permission was sought from the Ministry of Health to build 50 houses for aged people at small rents, the size not to exceed 400 square feet.
The council considered new industries were needed in Featherstone. Young men were demoralised by lack of occupation, and there was nothing for the girls to do meaning they had to leave home at the very time when they most needed a mother's controlling influence.
JUNE The Ministry of Health informed the council the body to approach regarding new industries was the Travel and Industrial Development Association. Also assistance for the proposed houses for aged people would be £5 per house per annum for 40 years. It was agreed to negotiate for two plots of land in Little Lane.
JULY Mr R W Fearnley had offered to sell a field in Little Lane for housing purposes at £120 an acre. The council offered £60, and later put this up to £80.
AUGUST The council increased their offer to Mr Fearnley to £100 an acre but as he would not accept it was decided to consult the district valuer for his opinion. There were complaints about cycling on the Jubilee footpath so notices would be posted prohibiting it. The necessary procedure would be started to take over the powers of the Burial Board.
OCTOBER The council decided the powers of the Burial Board would be transferred from 1 April, 1933. A rate of 7s 6d in the £1 was passed. Tenants in verminous houses would be given spraying fluid to disinfect their house, and any tenant who did not comply would be given notice to quit as an undesirable tenant. Any occupier of premises harbouring rats must take steps to exterminate them.
The question of handy women (unofficial midwives) was discussed, and the following resolution passed. We as a council through the medical officer of health shall prosecute if we get to know of any case where a child has been delivered by a handy woman for a fee, without a doctor being properly engaged in the case.
NOVEMBER On the advice of the district valuer the council upped their offer to Mr Fearnley to £110.
DECEMBER The British Hospital Air Pageant Committee wrote to the council asking for support for air pageants to raise funds for hospitals. The council considered the park was unsuitable because of the trees, but if Pontefract Corporation held one in Pontefract Park they would give every possible support.
EDUCATION
The Featherstone education sub-committee had pointed out to the West
Riding Education Committee the state of the teachers' room at North
Featherstone Lane Junior Mixed School. It was draughty, the gas
stove was defective and there was a general lack of comfort. Apart from
repairs it was suggested linoleum should be laid. The WREC said the
strictest economy must be exercised and sent some rugs. The chairman at
Featherstone, Mr J J Murphy said at the February meeting economy had
developed into a disease at County Hall, and the room could not possibly
be used as it was at present.
Last year's road improvement scheme for Pontefract Road from Little
Lane to Houndhill Lane had resulted in the loss of trees at South
Featherstone School. The West Riding Authority refused to replace them.
They had also declined to supply sand, cement and slaked lime for the
gardening classes. This photo from the Dr J Gatecliff Collection shows the
trees which were lost.
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The
Salvation Army pointed out their hall had been used to feed
schoolchildren for 20 months without any rent being paid, and asked for
some remuneration. The Featherstone clerk said the WREC paid for gas,
coal and the cleaner. The sub-committee members thought the request was
very reasonable and recommended a rent of 7s 6d a week should be paid.
At the March meeting it was announced Leeds University would provide 14
trees for South Featherstone School, and Mr C Harris of Knottingley was
retiring after 28 years as divisional clerk.
Mr Harris was employed by the West Riding Education Committee to serve on all the local sub-committees. To mark his retirement a function was held at Wordsworth's Cafe, Pontefract, in April. Mabel Alexander of Featherstone, one of 70 teachers present, presented a cheque (amount not stated) to Mr Harris, and a case of cutlery to his wife. She remarked on Mr Harris's cheerful help always accorded to teachers, his friendly relationship, the fairness of his decisions, and his unfailing courtesy at all times.
A crowded audience at South Featherstone School in April saw about 50 girls perform excepts from four of Shakespeare's plays. Other girls sang the incidental music.
At the annual meeting of the education sub-committee in June the state of the accommodation for the teachers at Featherstone Council School (Gordon Street) was raised again. It was described as going back to the stone age, and it was agreed to complain again to the West Riding Education Committee. Another decision was to hold lantern lectures for school children in the Miners' Welfare Hall.
Children were allowed to leave school early if they had a guaranteed job to go to. This sometimes caused disputes between parents and the committee. The September meeting was told by the clerk the Board of Education had decided all children must attend school until the end of the term in which they attained the age of 14 years. Cr Coult said it was a relief to the committee to have the position clearly defined.
Mr Harris was employed by the West Riding Education Committee to serve on all the local sub-committees. To mark his retirement a function was held at Wordsworth's Cafe, Pontefract, in April. Mabel Alexander of Featherstone, one of 70 teachers present, presented a cheque (amount not stated) to Mr Harris, and a case of cutlery to his wife. She remarked on Mr Harris's cheerful help always accorded to teachers, his friendly relationship, the fairness of his decisions, and his unfailing courtesy at all times.
A crowded audience at South Featherstone School in April saw about 50 girls perform excepts from four of Shakespeare's plays. Other girls sang the incidental music.
At the annual meeting of the education sub-committee in June the state of the accommodation for the teachers at Featherstone Council School (Gordon Street) was raised again. It was described as going back to the stone age, and it was agreed to complain again to the West Riding Education Committee. Another decision was to hold lantern lectures for school children in the Miners' Welfare Hall.
Children were allowed to leave school early if they had a guaranteed job to go to. This sometimes caused disputes between parents and the committee. The September meeting was told by the clerk the Board of Education had decided all children must attend school until the end of the term in which they attained the age of 14 years. Cr Coult said it was a relief to the committee to have the position clearly defined.
THE CRICKET CLUB DINNER
The Featherstone and Purston Cricket, Tennis and Bowling Club held
their 13th annual dinner at the Junction Hotel in February. The main
after dinner speech was usually "The Town and District" and this year
was given by Mr E Cockburn. He said he was very glad to have the
opportunity of vouching for the good work done by the councillors. A
term on any council brought an education which was not to be despised;
but the snag was in getting there. The electors made them promise so
many hundred things which no man on earth could perform; a councillor
must have an elastic conscience.
Cr A Sharratt responded. He agreed councillors had to make many promises, but when they reached the council chamber they were made to realise they could not possibly fulfil them all. Unfortunately if the coal trade was bad everyone in Featherstone was badly hit, but the council tried to see every member of the community received 20s in the £1 value so far as the rates were concerned.
Dr Steven said for 45 years he had been a silent observer of sport in the district. He recalled a Featherstone Cricket Club when the team played where the Ackton Hall Colliery tip now stands (Between Featherstone Square and the railway lines). Before that a team played in front of where Purston Church now stands.
He liked to see ten or a dozen urchins playing with a crudely fashioned bat and a non-consistent ball, all keen on the game. He congratulated the cricket club on allowing girls and boys to play tennis on the field, and said such sports had tended to decrease the number of diseases peculiar to women and girls. Statistics showed schoolchildren put on weight and height by following vigorous games.
George Goulding, the president, said although they had passed through some hard terms they had not been bowled out. The club had three cricket teams, ladies' and men's tennis sections, its bowling green, and the provision they were making for junior members. They had long since ceased looking to gate money to keep the club going, and now relied on the people who had a direct interest in outdoor sports. Many of those present were real good friends to the club, proving the spirit and love of outdoor sport was not yet dead.
The annual meeting was held at the same venue a week later. The secretary, Mr J Bradbury, said including tennis 50 matches had been played on the field during the summer. The Yorkshire Council eleven had played 19 matches, won 10, lost eight and drew one. Four matches had to be abandoned because of the weather. He congratulated the women's tennis section on winning the league championship.
Cr A Sharratt responded. He agreed councillors had to make many promises, but when they reached the council chamber they were made to realise they could not possibly fulfil them all. Unfortunately if the coal trade was bad everyone in Featherstone was badly hit, but the council tried to see every member of the community received 20s in the £1 value so far as the rates were concerned.
Dr Steven said for 45 years he had been a silent observer of sport in the district. He recalled a Featherstone Cricket Club when the team played where the Ackton Hall Colliery tip now stands (Between Featherstone Square and the railway lines). Before that a team played in front of where Purston Church now stands.
He liked to see ten or a dozen urchins playing with a crudely fashioned bat and a non-consistent ball, all keen on the game. He congratulated the cricket club on allowing girls and boys to play tennis on the field, and said such sports had tended to decrease the number of diseases peculiar to women and girls. Statistics showed schoolchildren put on weight and height by following vigorous games.
George Goulding, the president, said although they had passed through some hard terms they had not been bowled out. The club had three cricket teams, ladies' and men's tennis sections, its bowling green, and the provision they were making for junior members. They had long since ceased looking to gate money to keep the club going, and now relied on the people who had a direct interest in outdoor sports. Many of those present were real good friends to the club, proving the spirit and love of outdoor sport was not yet dead.
The annual meeting was held at the same venue a week later. The secretary, Mr J Bradbury, said including tennis 50 matches had been played on the field during the summer. The Yorkshire Council eleven had played 19 matches, won 10, lost eight and drew one. Four matches had to be abandoned because of the weather. He congratulated the women's tennis section on winning the league championship.
The treasurer, Mr J W Walmsley, said although there was a loss on the
cricket season, the club was in a satisfactory position thanks to
amounts raised by social efforts, and a grant of £20 from the ladies'
committee.
ACKTON HOSPITAL DEATHS
The council received a letter from the Normanton and District Joint
Isolation Hospital Committee in March saying the number of deaths at the
hospital had been reviewed and it was considered some were because
patients had been admitted in a dying condition. The council was urged
to ask medical practitioners to send cases to the hospital as quickly as
possible. The committee realised the difficulty in diagnosing certain
diseases but stated there was a special observation ward for doubtful
cases.
Cr Coult said fresh medical assistants in the district did not know the
rules and were afraid of being shown up if they got it wrong. It was
safe to say many cases of diphtheria could have been saved if treated in
time.
The council clerk was instructed to inform the local medical practitioners of the hospital committee's request.
A FEATHERSTONE MAN'S ADVENTURES
Edmund Williams of Allison Street was born in 1898. He
grew up to be a strapping young lad, and when war broke out in 1914 he
went to Pontefract Barracks and gave his age as 21. From then until the
war ended his mother, Mary Ann Williams, did not see him. He was sent
straight to Newcastle for training and then to France without leave.
When the war ended he came back home and worked in the pits but could
not settle, so he emigrated to Canada where he worked on farms and on
the railway. He then moved to New York, but the trade depression left
him jobless so he decided to return to England.
With no money for a ticket he met up with George Henry Gray, a
Scotsman, and they decided to stowaway in April with their luggage on
the steamer Lapland. They gave themselves up when out at sea and were
made to work their passage. At Plymouth they were arrested and charged
with secreting themselves on board the ship and were fined £2 each.
THE JOHNSONS IN TROUBLE
Arthur Johnson, a Featherstone amusement caterer, received a summons
for obstructing the highway with a heavy locomotive. At Wakefield Court
in April it was said he left a locomotive engine with trailers attached
on the road from Doncaster Road to Heath from 7am to after 1pm and
caused an obstruction to other traffic.
Arthur Johnson's father
Christopher appeared in court. He produced a driving licence,
presumably intended to be Arthur's. The magistrates' clerk, Mr Cooke,
pointed out it was not signed. He asked Mr Johnson if his son could not
write. Mr Johnson replied he really did not know.
Then PC Nurse had a look at it and said it was not the licence he had
examined from Arthur Johnson. Mr Johnson Snr then produced another
licence from his pocket. Mr Cooke said I see this is signed. Who signed
it? Mr Johnson replied I don't know.
Mr Johnson, obviously well known, was asked by one magistrate if Betty
had signed it. He said I don't think so; it was hard work to get her to
go to school. His son got a fine of 12s.
Christopher Johnson was in Wakefield Court again in June charged with gaming with an electric spinner at Normanton. The police told the court no skill was required in playing the machine. Mr Johnson pleaded guilty and was fined £2 2s.
In May the park keeper was instructed to stop all forms of dog racing and dog training in the park. A tennis court was being prepared and a tended of £22 14s 6d was accepted for a fence round it. No Sunday play would be allowed.
At the June council meeting it was agreed to draw the attention of the police to ice cream vendors obstructing the highway at the park entrance, and vandalism at the public toilets. Another appeal would be made to the Welfare Scheme Committee for financial help in developing the park.
The Carnegie United Kingdom Trust sent the regulations for obtaining assistance. It was agreed to apply for help with a children's playing area and a second tennis court.
In July the council agreed to provide a bowling green and purchase six pairs of bowls, proceed with plans for a children's playground at a cost of £500, and to tell the Independent Labour Party open air meetings would not be allowed. A request from the Sports and Carnival Committee to use the lawn in front of the hall for the performers in concerts was turned down.
There were rumours the council were taking part of the proceeds for band concerts in the park. The council confirmed it neither paid anything to the bands nor received one penny from them.
The August council meeting fixed the price for bowls at 2d per hour per person, and for the tennis court it would be one shilling per half hour. Youths cycling in the park would be warned it was not allowed; two youths were reprimanded for throwing ginger beer bottles and they promised not to repeat the offence.
Christopher Johnson was in Wakefield Court again in June charged with gaming with an electric spinner at Normanton. The police told the court no skill was required in playing the machine. Mr Johnson pleaded guilty and was fined £2 2s.
PURSTON PARK
Permission was given in April for various bands to give Sunday concerts in
Purston Park. The council could not pay a fee but collections would be
allowed. Tenders were invited for the sole privilege of selling
ice-cream in the park. In May the park keeper was instructed to stop all forms of dog racing and dog training in the park. A tennis court was being prepared and a tended of £22 14s 6d was accepted for a fence round it. No Sunday play would be allowed.
At the June council meeting it was agreed to draw the attention of the police to ice cream vendors obstructing the highway at the park entrance, and vandalism at the public toilets. Another appeal would be made to the Welfare Scheme Committee for financial help in developing the park.
The Carnegie United Kingdom Trust sent the regulations for obtaining assistance. It was agreed to apply for help with a children's playing area and a second tennis court.
In July the council agreed to provide a bowling green and purchase six pairs of bowls, proceed with plans for a children's playground at a cost of £500, and to tell the Independent Labour Party open air meetings would not be allowed. A request from the Sports and Carnival Committee to use the lawn in front of the hall for the performers in concerts was turned down.
There were rumours the council were taking part of the proceeds for band concerts in the park. The council confirmed it neither paid anything to the bands nor received one penny from them.
The August council meeting fixed the price for bowls at 2d per hour per person, and for the tennis court it would be one shilling per half hour. Youths cycling in the park would be warned it was not allowed; two youths were reprimanded for throwing ginger beer bottles and they promised not to repeat the offence.
FLOODED OUT
On the last Sunday in May in the early hours there was a rainstorm and
the culverts under St Thomas Road, Station Lane and Wakefield Road
couldn't cope with the amount of water so the Went Beck burst its banks.
Cellars
were flooded and houses along the route of the beck had two feet of
water in them. One of the gasometers in Girnhill Lane was empty for
servicing and was also flooded. The fields along the beck's route to the
sewage works and the sewage works boilers were also flooded.
The rain eventually stopped and the water drained away by 11am and
clearing up began. The Fire Brigade turned out at 10am to pump out the
cellars and then went to the gas works to pump out the gasometer which
was estimated to contain 340,000 gallons of water. They began at 8pm and
it took 24 hours.
At
the June council meeting it was decided to charge the gas company £3
for the pumping out there, but none of the residents or shopkeepers were
charged.
A photo from the Featherstone Library Collection showing the flood at the bottom of Station Lane.
MISCHIEVOUS NONSENSE
Thomas Gates age 16, his brother Frederick 14, Albert Hames 15 and
Wilfred Wilkes 17 were charged in June with breaking into a platelayers'
cabin on the LMS railway and stealing tools valued at 4s 3d. They admitted it, and Hames who had four previous convictions was sent to a reformatory until he was 19, Wilkes was fined £1, and the brothers were bound over for three years.
The same four plus Fred Langhorn were then charged with removing a
piece of rail on an Ackton Hall Colliery tip. PC Hardy said there was no
doubt their idea was to see the wagons go toppling down the tip.
Because of his previous sentence the case against Hames was withdrawn,
the other three were fined £1 each, and Langhorn was bound over for two
years.
Thomas Gates was then charged with damaging an insulator on a cable
carrying 220 volts. The chairman said I have known people die from shock
from 100 volts, and he warned Thomas if he came before the court again
he would be sent away. He had already caused considerable cost to his
parents for this mischievous nonsense.
FEATHERSTONE ROVERS ANNUAL MEETING
The Rovers held their annual meeting at the Junction Hotel in July.
Harold Goodall gave the financial report. He said the club had made a
profit of £265 on the season, but this was only because they had
received £550 for the transfer of players to other clubs. The club still
had a bank overdraft of £569 and owed the Rugby League £1,566 for the
stand loan. He suggested the Rugby League should be asked to forego the
interest on the loan which was weighing heavily on the club.
The
president, George Johnson, said the public should note the income from
the sale of players. This was not a sound policy but it was Hobson's
choice, and unless there was much better support next season the
committee would have to sell at least one player if not more. He said there had never been a better team spirit, but it would be very unsettling if the best players had to be sold.
NORTH FEATHERSTONE GALA
The
Old Featherstone and Ackton Gala was held in July. There was the usual
procession from North Featherstone and ending in George Copley's field.
There were 280 children headed by the Featherstone Subscription Silver
Band and including jazz bands from Featherstone and Thwaite Gate (the
Tom Thumb band). The Rose Queen was Annie Petitt.
The
children had tea in the field and were also given a packet of sweets
and a stick of specially made Featherstone rock. The old folk had tea in
the National School, and the women were given packets of tea and the
men tobacco.
The
old men's race was won by William Chase age 61. George Brumby had won
in the previous three years but he was now 72 and could only manage
second place. The prize for best decorated wagon was won by Mr S Hoyle.
FEATHERSTONE PARISH CHURCH TOWER
THE HOSPITAL CARNIVAL
The Featherstone and Purston Hospital Committee held
their fifth annual carnival in August. The procession headed by the
Featherstone Subscription Silver Band and featuring Carnival Queen
Jessie Taylor toured the town for two hours before entering the carnival
field.
In the speeches the chairman of the council, Cr A Sharratt, welcomed
the visitors, thanked all concerned for their assistance, and paid
tribute to the townsfolk for their sacrifice on behalf of charity under
trying circumstances. The people of Featherstone had never refused an
appeal and were now paying 100% more than when they were receiving
bigger wages. Cr W Wordsworth, the Mayor of Pontefract, Alderman C
Johnson, chairman of the Pontefract Infirmary Management Committee, Cr A
Coult and the Carnival Queen all had something to say, so the speeches
lasted an hour before things got under way.
The competition awards were:
Impersonation of a notable character - Mr B Gorman of Normanton as Gandhi
Comic dress - Harold Jackson and Jack Cockerham of Knottingley as a married couple
Fancy costume under nine years old - R Green of Featherstone as a Chinaman
Fancy costume 9 to 16 - A Wood of Batley as a Zulu witch doctor
Fancy costume for a local schoolchild - Enid Fletcher as a Russian dancer
Fancy costume over 16 - Miss R Wake of Batley as Cleopatra
Best tableau - Old Featherstone Club with Rose Queen and Britannia
Best horse and gears - A Marriott of Batley
Tradesman's turnout - J H Copley of Featherstone
Comic band - Airdale and Featherstone equal
Decorated street - St Thomas Road
Decorated shop interior - Mr Allen, fish dealer, Wakefield Road
Decorated shop exterior - Mr Hodgkiss, frutier, Station Lane
Decorated house - Mr Haddock of Nostell View
Mr C Poppleton provided amplified gramophone music throughout the day,
and the band played for dancing when the competitions ended.
There was also a concert in the park on Sunday. More than 100 vocalists
drawn from all the local townships and accompanied by an orchestra
entertained a large crowd.
The committee published their financial statement in October. A profit of £93 10s was made on the carnival and £70 was given to Pontefract Infirmary and the remainder to Leeds Infirmary. The March whist drive and dance realised £33 and the Sunday concert £15.
In December the committee made further donations of £30 to Pontefract Infirmary, Leeds Infirmary £9 10s, Clayton Hospital £30, Pontefract Infirmary Extension Fund and Devonshire Hospital Buxton £5 5s each.
The reason why the committee has started donating money to the Devonshire Hospital is not stated, but perhaps Featherstone people were being sent there for hydrotherapy treatment. The photo of the ladies baths at Buxton is from Wonders of the Peak.
The committee published their financial statement in October. A profit of £93 10s was made on the carnival and £70 was given to Pontefract Infirmary and the remainder to Leeds Infirmary. The March whist drive and dance realised £33 and the Sunday concert £15.
In December the committee made further donations of £30 to Pontefract Infirmary, Leeds Infirmary £9 10s, Clayton Hospital £30, Pontefract Infirmary Extension Fund and Devonshire Hospital Buxton £5 5s each.
The reason why the committee has started donating money to the Devonshire Hospital is not stated, but perhaps Featherstone people were being sent there for hydrotherapy treatment. The photo of the ladies baths at Buxton is from Wonders of the Peak.
The tower at Featherstone Parish Church had been decaying for years. It
was considered too expensive to replace it so a decision was made to
encase it with new stonework. A fund was started in 1925 to raise the
necessary £500. By 1929 it was considered enough had been raised to make
a start.
By October the casing was up to the roof, and
the £500 cost had been raised. It was then found the lead had rotted and
caused other damage. It was decided to replace it with concrete, and
the celebrations for completion were delayed.
The scheme was completed in November and a series of celebrations was organised. The parishes of Purston, Whitwood and Whitwood Mere which were originally part of Featherstone Parish asked to be involved so representatives from each were invited.
There was a choral celebration of Holy Communion on Sunday morning at which Dr J B Seaton, the Bishop of Wakefield, preached the sermon; before the evening service the three organists from the old parts of the parish gave recitals, and afterwards there was a vocal programme of sacred music; and on the Tuesday there was a celebration tea in the National School.
The scheme was completed in November and a series of celebrations was organised. The parishes of Purston, Whitwood and Whitwood Mere which were originally part of Featherstone Parish asked to be involved so representatives from each were invited.
There was a choral celebration of Holy Communion on Sunday morning at which Dr J B Seaton, the Bishop of Wakefield, preached the sermon; before the evening service the three organists from the old parts of the parish gave recitals, and afterwards there was a vocal programme of sacred music; and on the Tuesday there was a celebration tea in the National School.
The line of the new casing can be seen round the window above the clock in this detail from a photo by S D Norfolk.
REMEMBRANCE
The poppy sellers raised £54 9s 7d. The North Featherstone Lane Junior
Mixed School held its usual memorial service. Ethel Haigh read out the
27 names on the memorial.
The Sunday Remembrance Parade headed
by the Featherstone Subscription Silver Band marched from Halfpenny
Lane to Purston Church. So many took part that a large number had to
stand in the church.
After the service wreaths were laid at the War Memorial and hymns were sung. A bugler from Pontefract Barracks sounded The Last Post.
1932 NEWS ITEMS
JANUARY The Welsh Churches of Yorkshire held a meeting at Featherstone
Welsh Wesleyan Church. Miss Pierce of Featherstone was secretary of the
Welsh Churches and it was announced she was leaving for an appointment
at Llandudno. She was presented with the Welsh Wesleyan and Calvinistic
Methodist hymnal and a fountain pen.
The West Riding Featherstone Police held a social in the Lister Hall in
aid of their charity fund. There were 200 for the whist and about 700
for the dance. It was expected there would be a profit of £40. The music
was provided by Sylvester's Melody Makers, and a panotrope (a
gramophone with a large enough volume for a hall) loaned by Mr C
Poppleton.
FEBRUARY James Beardsley of Leeds Terrace sustained a fractured pelvis in a fall of roof at Snydale Colliery. He was taken to Clayton Hospital where he died six days later. The inquest jury returned a verdict of death from misadventure.
Last September an inquest jury and coroner commended Samuel Smith of Kimberley Street for his efforts to save Benny Chilton who was fatally injured in a fall of roof at Ackton Hall Colliery. The Carnegie Hero Trust for bravery in the mine awarded him their certificate and £15.
The annual effort for medical charities was held in the Lister Hall. There were 216 players for the whist and 600 for the dance. The entries for the fancy dress competition were described as disappointing, and the names of the winners were not reported.
MARCH At the Gospel Hall annual prize distribution 350 prizes were given out. Isaiah Wall received his 38th prize.
The miners at Featherstone Main Colliery were annoyed because when men were laid off due to lack of demand for coal, they were not given preference for re-employment when demand picked up. They considered this to be victimisation and voted by 768 to 177 for strike action. The Yorkshire Miners' Association took up their case.
The Featherstone and Purston Carnival and Sports Committee held a whist drive and dance at the Lister Hall in aid of medical charities. There were 156 players for the whist and over 400 for the dance.
Alfred George Bell age 58 of Belvedere, Purston, died after a brief illness. He was born in Louth and came to Featherstone at the age of 19. He became chief wages clerk at Featherstone Main Colliery, was secretary of both the Featherstone Main Athletic Club and the Assembly Rooms, was scoutmaster of the first scout troop in Featherstone, and a worker for Purston Church.
APRIL The Featherstone Salvation Army celebrated their 45th anniversary. Royston Young People's Band helped with the celebrations. They combined with the Featherstone band in the Salvation Army Hall and at two concerts in the Miners' Welfare Hall.
MAY The Featherstone Cycling Club went on a long ride on Sundays. One round trip to North Yorkshire was 102 miles.
The dispute at Featherstone Main Colliery was not resolved, so the Yorkshire Miners' Association gave permission for a ballot at Ackton Hall Colliery to see if the miners there would back any action taken.
Samuel Hughes age 18 of Kimberley Street, the son of a Welsh miner who came to Featherstone 14 years ago, won one of ten university scholarships awarded by the Miners' Welfare National Scholarship Scheme. It would pay all his fees at Oxford University where he hoped to go in October, and a maintenance allowance of up to £200 a year.
JUNE Joseph Johnson of Pontefract was in court accused of an assault down Featherstone Main Colliery on Squire Hill, a deputy. It was claimed there was a dispute and Johnson knocked the deputy unconscious and kicked him breaking two ribs. He was sent to prison for three months.
The carnival queen was chosen at a public meeting in the Jubilee field. There were nearly 190 entrants to face the judges, Mrs S Butterworth, Mayoress of Wakefield, the Mayor of Pontefract Cr W Wordsworth and his wife, and Mr G Charlton, manager of Snydale Colliery, and his wife. They eventually chose Jessie Taylor age 16 of Railway Terrace.
Fred Hall, the MP for Normanton Constituency which included Featherstone, said he would not stand at the next election. Tom Smith, ex-Pontefract MP was selected to replace him.
The Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners, who decided on bus routes and which companies should run them, considered there were too many companies on the same route. One example quoted had 30 buses an hour, which they cut down to eight. B & S complained these reductions would cut 1,020,955 miles from their yearly mileage and cost them £29,000 in gross takings, meaning they would have to reduce their workforce by 60. None of the routes concerned Featherstone.
JULY The cycling club had a Sunday trip to Bridlington which beat their previous distance.
Alice Sayce of Vicarage Lane was sent to prison for six months for stealing articles from Pontefract Market over a period of 12 months. Her husband Joseph was sentenced to four months for receiving stolen property. The Express report says they both wept bitterly on hearing the sentences.
The Featherstone and Purston Sports and Carnival Committee organised a mile of pennies event, which was laying pennies along the footpath. The full mile was 84,480 pennies, but the committee declared itself satisfied with the 5,532 they collected which amounted to £23 1s.
The annual report of Dr T N V Potts, the school medical officer for the West Riding Education Committee, showed meals given to schoolchildren in 1931 were - at the Miners' Welfare Institute 19,997, Salvation Army Hall 7,623, and North Featherstone National School 3,762.
A B & S bus driven in thick fog by Ernest Waller collided on the Askern to Doncaster road with another bus owned by Samuel Wilson who sued for damages. At Leeds Assizes the Jury decided Mr Waller was to blame and awarded Mr Wilson £215.
AUGUST Two members of the Featherstone Cycling Club (not named) journeyed to the Lake District on Sunday and returned on Monday. A round trip of 250 miles.
A charity (not named) took 146 children who had never seen the sea to Cleethorpes. They left at 7.30am in a string of buses and were fed and watered both going and coming back. They arrived back home at 10pm.
The Dutch barn at Warren House Farm caught fire. The fire brigade tuned out and while they couldn't save the barn they prevented the fire spreading after being there for 24 hours. Fortunately for Sam Hoyle the barn and contents were insured.
A meeting in Leeds between the West Yorkshire Coalowners' Association and the Yorkshire Miners' Association failed to resolve the Featherstone Main Colliery dispute. It was now up to the local branches at Hemsworth, South Kirkby, Ackton Hall and Featherstone Main to decide what to do next.
SEPTEMBER The Warren House Seam at Ackton Hall Colliery was closed down and 326 men and boys, both surface and underground, were given their notice. A union official said they had to accept the owners had no alternative because the seam was played out as far as profitable working goes.
OCTOBER Over the years the Methodist Movement had split into different sections. The Wesleyans, Primitive Methodists and United Methodists decided to join forces as The Methodist Church. The Featherstone branches celebrated with a combined service in the Purston Methodist Church. Revd J Gray, the Vicar of Featherstone, and Revd T W Barry Wall, the Vicar of Purston, attended to give their support.
A post mortem was held into the death of Walter Ashton age 39 of Church Lane, North Featherstone. He was found hanging in the lavatory early one morning, having used the clothes line. Dr J B Fairclough said Ashton was suffering from neurasthenia (physical and mental exhaustion from psychological factors). His widow insisted on a post mortem which found nothing to dispute the medical opinion, so the coroner entered a verdict of suicide while not of sound mind.
Ambrose Webster age 55 of Willow Lane, North Featherstone, was badly injured by a fall of roof at Featherstone Main Colliery and was taken to Pontefract Infirmary. He died two weeks later from pneumonia. The inquest decided it was death by misadventure.
At the St John Ambulance annual dinner Cr Edwards said the Featherstone ambulance was bought on tick, but it would not be many years before it was paid for. The people of Featherstone ought to be proud of the work of the ambulance and the brigade. They had had the ambulance for two and a half years and it had travelled 7,972 miles and taken 300 cases a year. The public did not know the work and the time devoted by ambulance men to the cause; and they did not do it for themselves, but for humanity.
NOVEMBER J Bullock and Sons introduced a special 3d return fare for miners from Streethouse to the Miners' Welfare Institute, and they and the West Riding started a special penny fare between Johnson's Corner and Little Lane.
After the home game against Bradford Northern, Westwood complained to the trainer Billy Williams of an injury to his head. Mr Williams found an abnormality and Westwood was taken to Pontefract Infirmary where a depressed fracture of the skull was diagnosed. It turned out to be not too serious and Westwood made good progress.
The attendance officer told the education sub-committee the main reason given to him for children being off school was lack of boots and clothes. It was decided to ask the West Riding Education Committee what could be done in the matter.
DECEMBER The police whist drive and dance in the Lister Hall was attended by 108 players for the whist and 350 for the dance. Mr T Sylvester's Orchestra provided the music.
There was an outbreak of a severe type of measles and some children died from complications. All the infant schools were closed until after Christmas, the Child Welfare Clinics in Featherstone and Streethouse were closed, and the Christmas parties at both had to be postponed. Those most affected were between four and seven years old.
The United Charities gave £1 10s to 25 old people for Christmas instead of the usual quarterly 19s 6d. The police charity fund contributed 5s 6d of the extra money. The Yorkshire Evening Post sent 100 cards to be exchanged for Christmas parcels.
FEBRUARY James Beardsley of Leeds Terrace sustained a fractured pelvis in a fall of roof at Snydale Colliery. He was taken to Clayton Hospital where he died six days later. The inquest jury returned a verdict of death from misadventure.
Last September an inquest jury and coroner commended Samuel Smith of Kimberley Street for his efforts to save Benny Chilton who was fatally injured in a fall of roof at Ackton Hall Colliery. The Carnegie Hero Trust for bravery in the mine awarded him their certificate and £15.
The annual effort for medical charities was held in the Lister Hall. There were 216 players for the whist and 600 for the dance. The entries for the fancy dress competition were described as disappointing, and the names of the winners were not reported.
MARCH At the Gospel Hall annual prize distribution 350 prizes were given out. Isaiah Wall received his 38th prize.
The miners at Featherstone Main Colliery were annoyed because when men were laid off due to lack of demand for coal, they were not given preference for re-employment when demand picked up. They considered this to be victimisation and voted by 768 to 177 for strike action. The Yorkshire Miners' Association took up their case.
The Featherstone and Purston Carnival and Sports Committee held a whist drive and dance at the Lister Hall in aid of medical charities. There were 156 players for the whist and over 400 for the dance.
Alfred George Bell age 58 of Belvedere, Purston, died after a brief illness. He was born in Louth and came to Featherstone at the age of 19. He became chief wages clerk at Featherstone Main Colliery, was secretary of both the Featherstone Main Athletic Club and the Assembly Rooms, was scoutmaster of the first scout troop in Featherstone, and a worker for Purston Church.
APRIL The Featherstone Salvation Army celebrated their 45th anniversary. Royston Young People's Band helped with the celebrations. They combined with the Featherstone band in the Salvation Army Hall and at two concerts in the Miners' Welfare Hall.
MAY The Featherstone Cycling Club went on a long ride on Sundays. One round trip to North Yorkshire was 102 miles.
The dispute at Featherstone Main Colliery was not resolved, so the Yorkshire Miners' Association gave permission for a ballot at Ackton Hall Colliery to see if the miners there would back any action taken.
Samuel Hughes age 18 of Kimberley Street, the son of a Welsh miner who came to Featherstone 14 years ago, won one of ten university scholarships awarded by the Miners' Welfare National Scholarship Scheme. It would pay all his fees at Oxford University where he hoped to go in October, and a maintenance allowance of up to £200 a year.
JUNE Joseph Johnson of Pontefract was in court accused of an assault down Featherstone Main Colliery on Squire Hill, a deputy. It was claimed there was a dispute and Johnson knocked the deputy unconscious and kicked him breaking two ribs. He was sent to prison for three months.
The carnival queen was chosen at a public meeting in the Jubilee field. There were nearly 190 entrants to face the judges, Mrs S Butterworth, Mayoress of Wakefield, the Mayor of Pontefract Cr W Wordsworth and his wife, and Mr G Charlton, manager of Snydale Colliery, and his wife. They eventually chose Jessie Taylor age 16 of Railway Terrace.
Fred Hall, the MP for Normanton Constituency which included Featherstone, said he would not stand at the next election. Tom Smith, ex-Pontefract MP was selected to replace him.
The Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners, who decided on bus routes and which companies should run them, considered there were too many companies on the same route. One example quoted had 30 buses an hour, which they cut down to eight. B & S complained these reductions would cut 1,020,955 miles from their yearly mileage and cost them £29,000 in gross takings, meaning they would have to reduce their workforce by 60. None of the routes concerned Featherstone.
JULY The cycling club had a Sunday trip to Bridlington which beat their previous distance.
Alice Sayce of Vicarage Lane was sent to prison for six months for stealing articles from Pontefract Market over a period of 12 months. Her husband Joseph was sentenced to four months for receiving stolen property. The Express report says they both wept bitterly on hearing the sentences.
The Featherstone and Purston Sports and Carnival Committee organised a mile of pennies event, which was laying pennies along the footpath. The full mile was 84,480 pennies, but the committee declared itself satisfied with the 5,532 they collected which amounted to £23 1s.
The annual report of Dr T N V Potts, the school medical officer for the West Riding Education Committee, showed meals given to schoolchildren in 1931 were - at the Miners' Welfare Institute 19,997, Salvation Army Hall 7,623, and North Featherstone National School 3,762.
A B & S bus driven in thick fog by Ernest Waller collided on the Askern to Doncaster road with another bus owned by Samuel Wilson who sued for damages. At Leeds Assizes the Jury decided Mr Waller was to blame and awarded Mr Wilson £215.
AUGUST Two members of the Featherstone Cycling Club (not named) journeyed to the Lake District on Sunday and returned on Monday. A round trip of 250 miles.
A charity (not named) took 146 children who had never seen the sea to Cleethorpes. They left at 7.30am in a string of buses and were fed and watered both going and coming back. They arrived back home at 10pm.
The Dutch barn at Warren House Farm caught fire. The fire brigade tuned out and while they couldn't save the barn they prevented the fire spreading after being there for 24 hours. Fortunately for Sam Hoyle the barn and contents were insured.
A meeting in Leeds between the West Yorkshire Coalowners' Association and the Yorkshire Miners' Association failed to resolve the Featherstone Main Colliery dispute. It was now up to the local branches at Hemsworth, South Kirkby, Ackton Hall and Featherstone Main to decide what to do next.
SEPTEMBER The Warren House Seam at Ackton Hall Colliery was closed down and 326 men and boys, both surface and underground, were given their notice. A union official said they had to accept the owners had no alternative because the seam was played out as far as profitable working goes.
OCTOBER Over the years the Methodist Movement had split into different sections. The Wesleyans, Primitive Methodists and United Methodists decided to join forces as The Methodist Church. The Featherstone branches celebrated with a combined service in the Purston Methodist Church. Revd J Gray, the Vicar of Featherstone, and Revd T W Barry Wall, the Vicar of Purston, attended to give their support.
A post mortem was held into the death of Walter Ashton age 39 of Church Lane, North Featherstone. He was found hanging in the lavatory early one morning, having used the clothes line. Dr J B Fairclough said Ashton was suffering from neurasthenia (physical and mental exhaustion from psychological factors). His widow insisted on a post mortem which found nothing to dispute the medical opinion, so the coroner entered a verdict of suicide while not of sound mind.
Ambrose Webster age 55 of Willow Lane, North Featherstone, was badly injured by a fall of roof at Featherstone Main Colliery and was taken to Pontefract Infirmary. He died two weeks later from pneumonia. The inquest decided it was death by misadventure.
At the St John Ambulance annual dinner Cr Edwards said the Featherstone ambulance was bought on tick, but it would not be many years before it was paid for. The people of Featherstone ought to be proud of the work of the ambulance and the brigade. They had had the ambulance for two and a half years and it had travelled 7,972 miles and taken 300 cases a year. The public did not know the work and the time devoted by ambulance men to the cause; and they did not do it for themselves, but for humanity.
NOVEMBER J Bullock and Sons introduced a special 3d return fare for miners from Streethouse to the Miners' Welfare Institute, and they and the West Riding started a special penny fare between Johnson's Corner and Little Lane.
After the home game against Bradford Northern, Westwood complained to the trainer Billy Williams of an injury to his head. Mr Williams found an abnormality and Westwood was taken to Pontefract Infirmary where a depressed fracture of the skull was diagnosed. It turned out to be not too serious and Westwood made good progress.
The attendance officer told the education sub-committee the main reason given to him for children being off school was lack of boots and clothes. It was decided to ask the West Riding Education Committee what could be done in the matter.
DECEMBER The police whist drive and dance in the Lister Hall was attended by 108 players for the whist and 350 for the dance. Mr T Sylvester's Orchestra provided the music.
There was an outbreak of a severe type of measles and some children died from complications. All the infant schools were closed until after Christmas, the Child Welfare Clinics in Featherstone and Streethouse were closed, and the Christmas parties at both had to be postponed. Those most affected were between four and seven years old.
The United Charities gave £1 10s to 25 old people for Christmas instead of the usual quarterly 19s 6d. The police charity fund contributed 5s 6d of the extra money. The Yorkshire Evening Post sent 100 cards to be exchanged for Christmas parcels.