A HISTORY OF FEATHERSTONE
1937
THE COUNCIL
THE SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE
JANUARY
With the closure of Featherstone Main Colliery the Miners' Welfare
Committee had financial troubles and were behind with their rates. The council agreed to reduce the assessment on the Miners' Welfare Institute
from £147 to £100 because parts of it were unoccupied.
FEBRUARY
The surveyor was asked by the housing committee to inspect a vacant
apartment in Purston Hall with a view to improvements including electric
light, and also to report on the installation of electricity for
council tenants who desired it under the Assisted Wiring Agreement. The medical officer reported influenza was very prevalent but was now
decreasing. He had been asked to close a number of schools but he
thought it advisable not to do so.
MARCH The council ordered 3,500 Coronation mugs at 5s 6d per dozen plus 1s for inscriptions. Purston Hall was still occupied but the middle apartment was vacant. It was agreed to accept a tender of £18 6s from Mr J Lord of Pontefract to install electric wiring, and then an offer for the tenancy of 17s 6d a week for three months from Mr H Sawyer. An offer 0f £8 from Mr A Price for the concession of selling ice cream in the park for the season was accepted.
The Nuffield Trust replied its funds were to be granted only to those special areas defined by the Act of Parliament, and as Featherstone was not one of those areas the trustees regretted they could not make a grant. The clerk said he had consulted with the manager of the local Employment Exchange and his view was the same as that expressed in the reply.
MARCH The council ordered 3,500 Coronation mugs at 5s 6d per dozen plus 1s for inscriptions. Purston Hall was still occupied but the middle apartment was vacant. It was agreed to accept a tender of £18 6s from Mr J Lord of Pontefract to install electric wiring, and then an offer for the tenancy of 17s 6d a week for three months from Mr H Sawyer. An offer 0f £8 from Mr A Price for the concession of selling ice cream in the park for the season was accepted.
 |
| Alex Price's ice cream cart. A photo uploaded to Featherstone Bygone Days by Helen Scranage. |
APRIL
The rate for the next six months was fixed at 9s 8d, a rise of one
shilling. Cr Hall said all the other local authorities had had to do
the same, and it was quite unavoidable and not the fault of the councils
concerned. During the past three years Featherstone Council's
expenditure had exceeded the income and had been met to a large extent
out of the balances. They had been hoping trade would improve but they
had been disappointed, and the time had come when, in order to carry on
necessary work, the council must have an increased income.
At the annual meeting Cr King was re-elected chairman. He congratulated Crs Hall, Thatcher, Roberts and Woodcock on their unopposed return to the council. He said it showed they had the confidence of the electors.
JUNE The Government asked councils to make preparations for air-raid precautions. Along with other councils Featherstone were anxious not to spend money until it was decided who was going to pay, so the matter was deferred.
Cr Bradley said everything had worked splendidly at the Coronation celebrations, but the entrance to the park constituted a great danger when crowds were in the park. A better and safer entrance was needed. The council decided to give detailed consideration later.
At the annual meeting Cr King was re-elected chairman. He congratulated Crs Hall, Thatcher, Roberts and Woodcock on their unopposed return to the council. He said it showed they had the confidence of the electors.
JUNE The Government asked councils to make preparations for air-raid precautions. Along with other councils Featherstone were anxious not to spend money until it was decided who was going to pay, so the matter was deferred.
Cr Bradley said everything had worked splendidly at the Coronation celebrations, but the entrance to the park constituted a great danger when crowds were in the park. A better and safer entrance was needed. The council decided to give detailed consideration later.
JULY
The clerk reported inquiries had been made by a firm of rug makers for a
suitable building, had inspected several but nothing had been decided.
The medical officer reported the transfer of the council's maternity
services to the West Riding County Council had been completed.
The sanitary inspector was nominated to attend a series of lectures by the county council on air-raid precautions and the council had received circulars from the Home Office on anti-gas training.
SEPTEMBER Following the death at the baths the council accepted a tender of £33 to renew the alarm bells, and another would be provided at the entrance to the big bath. In future the baths superintendent should arrange for two assistants to be in constant attendance.
OCTOBER The rates were held at 9s 8d in the £1. Cr Darlington said the ratepayers could not afford it, and the council would have to cut down the spending. We cannot go on like this, or we shall have the rates higher than rents.
Mr J Bradbury, the house agent, reported on tenants owing rent who left council houses without paying, and advised the appointment of a bailiff. The council decided to apply for a bailiff's certificate.
DECEMBER The council thanked A Jones of Wentbridge Road for voluntarily assisting infant children from Regent Street School across Station Lane at school closing times. The medical officer reported on the poor response from parents in having their children immunised against diphtheria. The council agreed to publish a notice pointing out the benefits of immunisation.
The sanitary inspector was nominated to attend a series of lectures by the county council on air-raid precautions and the council had received circulars from the Home Office on anti-gas training.
SEPTEMBER Following the death at the baths the council accepted a tender of £33 to renew the alarm bells, and another would be provided at the entrance to the big bath. In future the baths superintendent should arrange for two assistants to be in constant attendance.
OCTOBER The rates were held at 9s 8d in the £1. Cr Darlington said the ratepayers could not afford it, and the council would have to cut down the spending. We cannot go on like this, or we shall have the rates higher than rents.
Mr J Bradbury, the house agent, reported on tenants owing rent who left council houses without paying, and advised the appointment of a bailiff. The council decided to apply for a bailiff's certificate.
DECEMBER The council thanked A Jones of Wentbridge Road for voluntarily assisting infant children from Regent Street School across Station Lane at school closing times. The medical officer reported on the poor response from parents in having their children immunised against diphtheria. The council agreed to publish a notice pointing out the benefits of immunisation.
FEATHERSTONE A DISTRESSED AREA
At the January council meeting Cr B Bradley said he thought a good
case could be made for help from the Lord Nuffield Fund for distressed
areas. Featherstone was certainly a distressed area, and the fund was to
be devoted to reviving industries, or to starting new industries in
such areas. If even one of the two seams at Featherstone Main Colliery
could be set working again - and it should be remembered the two seams
were by no means derelict - It could be all the better for Featherstone.
He proposed application be made for help from the fund. It was seconded
by Cr C King and passed by the council. The Nuffield Trust replied its funds were to be granted only to those special areas defined by the Act of Parliament, and as Featherstone was not one of those areas the trustees regretted they could not make a grant. The clerk said he had consulted with the manager of the local Employment Exchange and his view was the same as that expressed in the reply.
A LEVEL CROSSING DEATH
An inquest was held in January into the death of Walter Poppleton age
50 of Lumb Hall Cottages, Purston, whose body was found 40 yards on the
Featherstone side of the Church Fields level crossing. Dr Duncan saw the body in the mortuary and said it was badly mutilated and death must have been instantaneous.
William
Morritt said his brother-in-law worked at Newland Colliery and when on
the day shift he went from Featherstone Station to Sharlston and
left home at about 4.35am. He would be going out of his way to use the
Church Fields level crossing, but he used that way when he was on the
afternoon shift and travelled by bus. He said William was perfectly
normal during that week, and as far as he knew had no troubles or
difficulties.
Fred Kaye, an engine driver of Wakefield, said he was in charge of a
passenger train which left Knottingley for Sharlston and then returned
to Knottingley. On the return journey he saw a body about 40 yards from
the crossing and when he got to Tanshelf he informed a porter. He said
the morning was very dark, there was a strong wind, and it was blowing
rain at times. He gave the usual warning when approaching the crossing
and did not see anyone on the crossing on his first journey.
The coroner said everything pointed to Poppleton using the crossing in
the ordinary way. There was nothing to suggest he intended to take his
life, for he was evidently upright when struck by the train. The fact
the morning was very dark, and there was a strong wind and rain should
be borne in mind. If Poppleton had intended to take his life the
probability was he would have been in a recumbent position. The jury
returned a verdict of death by misadventure and found no blame attached
to anyone.
THE CRICKET CLUB
The
annual meeting of the Featherstone Cricket Club was held in the
Junction Hotel in January. The president, Mr G F Goulding, said there
had been a loss on the season of £35, and total gate receipts of less
than £6. He appealed for more support and praised the excellent work of
the ladies' committee, without whose financial help the club would be in
a bad way.
The secretary, Mr A Maleham, said the Yorkshire Council team played 15
matches, won five, drew four and lost six. They won the Pontefract and
District League and became the holders of the Express trophy.
A New Year Treat of a high tea was given to the 300 members and
guests of the Social Service Centre. Lord Allendale, president of the
West Yorkshire Advisory Committee was present and he remained to see the
dramatic class of the centre perform Stanley Houghton's play The Dear Departed. Abraham Bullock provided cigarettes for all the company, and engaged two comedians for the evening concert. The
event was described as the most successful and enjoyable of its kind
held at the centre. The funding was provided by Mr Olley's Featherstone
Fund.
In April 16 women members of the Social Service Centre went for a holiday to Hope in Derbyshire, and 11 went to Kirby Lonsdale. The West Yorkshire assisted scheme paid the cost.
In April 16 women members of the Social Service Centre went for a holiday to Hope in Derbyshire, and 11 went to Kirby Lonsdale. The West Yorkshire assisted scheme paid the cost.
The June issue of Barclays Bank house magazine The Spread Eagle reported
a considerable increase in the volume of new support for the
Featherstone Unemployment Adoption Scheme. This voluntary effort by Mr R
C Olley of the Head Office Correspondence Department whereby those
interested gave one shilling a month raised just under £20 in January,
but had risen to more than £27 by April. The total raised was now £530.
The members of the West Yorkshire Social Service Centres held their June meeting in the Featherstone Centre. After tea, served by members of the ladies' section, they gave a demonstration of basketball against two local teams. There was also a demonstration by the Featherstone ladies keep fit team.
The keep fit team were among 900 members of the women's sections of Social Service Centres entertained to tea at Bretton Park by Lord and Lady Allendale. Eight teams entered for the keep fit shield and Featherstone won.
The members of the West Yorkshire Social Service Centres held their June meeting in the Featherstone Centre. After tea, served by members of the ladies' section, they gave a demonstration of basketball against two local teams. There was also a demonstration by the Featherstone ladies keep fit team.
The keep fit team were among 900 members of the women's sections of Social Service Centres entertained to tea at Bretton Park by Lord and Lady Allendale. Eight teams entered for the keep fit shield and Featherstone won.
The Social Service Centre decided in September to buy the old Roman
Catholic Church which adjoined the centre. The cost was described as
moderate. It was to be used as a men's workshop and when the equipment
was transferred the workshop in the centre would be used as a men's club
room. Lord Allendale sent a large amount of timber for the men to use.
Because of an accident to her son Lady Allendale was unable to present
the trophy to the keep fit winners, so she came to Featherstone in
September to hand it over. The team performed their winning routine
which the Express described as a striking example which many a team of young folk would be proud to emulate.
 | |||||
| The Featherstone Social Service Centre keep fit team. A personal photo. |
In October 200 people
watched a talent competition for children under 14 years old. They
entertained by song, dance, impersonations, acrobatics, whistling,
piano-accordion and reciting. Ruby Blackburn was the accompanist. Each
member of the audience had a voting paper for the seven prizes donated
by Mr E P Bullock.
The winners were - first prizes
Ronnie Hobson age 13 - whistling - best entertainer
Roy Williams age 9 - vocalist
Joan Davis age 12 - impersonations
second prizes
Wilfred Hanson age 10 - recital
Betty Hanson and Dorothy Poppleton both age 13 - duetists
third prizes
Don Bradley age 10 - recital
Peggy Fennell age 11 - song and dance.
Ronnie Hobson age 13 - whistling - best entertainer
Roy Williams age 9 - vocalist
Joan Davis age 12 - impersonations
second prizes
Wilfred Hanson age 10 - recital
Betty Hanson and Dorothy Poppleton both age 13 - duetists
third prizes
Don Bradley age 10 - recital
Peggy Fennell age 11 - song and dance.
FATAL ACCIDENT AT ACKTON HALL COLLIERY
An inquest was held in March into the death of Joseph Hallmark age 32
of Earle Street. His widow, Phoebe Hallmark of Monkhill Drive,
Pontefract, said they were married in 1925 but had not lived together
since 1933. Jennie Elliot said Hallmark had lived with her for two years
with his ten years old son.
James Hayes of Halton Street said he and Hallmark were instructed to
reset a prop under a girder which had come out at one end and the girder
was resting on a compressed air pipe. Without warning two more girders
came out and Hallmark was buried by a fall of roof. Hayes said he worked
with mates for an hour to release Hallmark but he was dead when they
got him out.
The jury returned a verdict of death by misadventure. The manager, Mr J
E Nelson, paid tribute to the rescuers and regretted their brave work
did not save the man's life. His tribute was endorsed by the coroner and
the jury.
In January for
the forthcoming Coronation celebrations the council agreed to provide a sum
not exceeding a rate of 1½d in the pound. Cr Darlington said the
children should come first, but the aged people also should be
entertained if funds allowed.
A joint meeting was held in March by the council, the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee and the headteachers of the primary schools to decide what to do. An invitation from the Vicar of Purston (Revd T W Barry Wall) and the Vicar of Featherstone (Revd W B Chapman) to attend a united service at Purston Parish Church on the morning of the Coronation was accepted.
A tea would be given to all children of school age, and the council ordered 3,500 mugs at 5s 6d a dozen plus 1s for inscriptions. Each child born this year up to the day of the Coronation would be presented with a spoon. The West Riding County Council decided to give each schoolchild a Coronation spoon.
The teachers undertook to arrange an entertainment in Purston Park in the early afternoon, and then they would go to their respective schools for tea. An evening programme to include dancing, an entertainment, a bonfire and fireworks was suggested and would be considered further.
Tea would be given to all unemployed old-age pensioners over 65 and the Local Committee for the Blind would decide on a treat for blind people. The Featherstone Subscription Silver Band would be engaged to play in the park.
In April it was decided to lay the baths floor in the park for dancing, consider the possibility of floodlighting, have a small fireworks display and a bonfire, and have a public procession. The Featherstone Subscription Silver Band would be engaged at a cost of £20.
THE CORONATION OF KING GEORGE VI
A joint meeting was held in March by the council, the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee and the headteachers of the primary schools to decide what to do. An invitation from the Vicar of Purston (Revd T W Barry Wall) and the Vicar of Featherstone (Revd W B Chapman) to attend a united service at Purston Parish Church on the morning of the Coronation was accepted.
A tea would be given to all children of school age, and the council ordered 3,500 mugs at 5s 6d a dozen plus 1s for inscriptions. Each child born this year up to the day of the Coronation would be presented with a spoon. The West Riding County Council decided to give each schoolchild a Coronation spoon.
The teachers undertook to arrange an entertainment in Purston Park in the early afternoon, and then they would go to their respective schools for tea. An evening programme to include dancing, an entertainment, a bonfire and fireworks was suggested and would be considered further.
Tea would be given to all unemployed old-age pensioners over 65 and the Local Committee for the Blind would decide on a treat for blind people. The Featherstone Subscription Silver Band would be engaged to play in the park.
In April it was decided to lay the baths floor in the park for dancing, consider the possibility of floodlighting, have a small fireworks display and a bonfire, and have a public procession. The Featherstone Subscription Silver Band would be engaged at a cost of £20.
The programme published in the Express.
On
10 May 400 unemployed and old-age pensioners were given a tea and
entertainment in the Miners' Welfare Institute. Those living at a
distance were taken in buses and returned home afterwards. The women
received a gift of licorice allsorts, and the men a half-ounce of
tobacco. The tea and gifts were sent to about 30 old folk who were
unable to attend.
Two days later on Coronation Day there was persistent rain and a cold
wind. There was a procession from Cressey's Corner to Purston Parish
Church headed by the Featherstone Subscription Silver Band. It included
the council, British Legion, Scouts, Guides and the schoolteachers. The
children did not join in as intended because of the rain.
During the afternoon the schoolchildren assembled at the schools for
tea and were presented with their beaker and spoon. In the evening
loudspeakers were erected in the park for those who desired to listen to
the BBC broadcast, and about 200 people braved the rain. The other
events were postponed for a fortnight.
 |
| A West Riding County Council spoon. A personal photo. |
The council's Coronation mug and inscription uploaded to Featherstone Bygone Days by June Nelmes.
After
another postponement because of rain, the celebrations in the park were
finally completed on 2 June. The schoolchildren were taken to the park
in buses and thousands of adults gathered. There was community singing
accompanied by the Featherstone Subscription Silver Band and then
athletic sports for the children with 35 events.
The grounds and Purston Hall (now turned into flats) were flood-lit.
Dancing began at 8pm followed by Cr W H Roberts setting the bonfire
alight at 8.30. The dancing ended just turned 11pm and buses were
provided to take the revellers home.
WAS IT HIS WAR WOUNDS?
An inquest was held in March on Azariah Jones of Scarborough Terrace
who died in the County Institution, Pontefract, (the old workhouse). Dr T
Gardner, who ordered the man's removal to the institution, said death
was due to heart failure following a series of epileptic fits. Jones had
an old war wound, but it was not active and had not affected his brain.
He said he had done his best to get Jones into the Ministry of Pensions
Hospital, but the reply was the illness was not the result of war
injury.
The
widow, Hilda Jones, said they had been married for 18 years. Her
husband was wounded ever so many times during the war, and had received a
pension of 5s a week. He had not worked for nine years because of the
war wounds. An operation four years ago had found shrapnel in him, and
he never had an epileptic fit before that operation.
The
coroner said it might be in some undiscovered way the epilepsy was
related to the war wound, and it might seem to the jury rather
astonishing there was no connection between the two. The doctor's evidence, however, was very clear on the point. The jury returned a verdict of death from natural causes.
DARK DAYS FOR THE ROVERS - BUT A SILVER LINING
In April George Johnson said after much deliberation he had decided to
relinquish his position of president of Featherstone Rovers. The Express commented
"The blow will be severe, for to a very large extent Mr Johnson has
been responsible for the policy of the club. There is no better judge of
a player, and it is the misfortune of the club his capacities have had
to be called into play too often in the selling of a player. The
attendances at the games have brought him to the conclusion the public
do not want a first-class club in Featherstone".
By June, when the players held their annual dinner, all the committee had resigned as well. The club secretary, Mr H Littlewood, said we hope to continue the club next year, but last season was very bad. The total attendance at home games, not including members was only 13,000, and the club finished bottom of the league.
Mr T Dennis, for the players, said injuries had played havoc throughout the season, and the same team in the same positions could not be fielded in two consecutive matches. He said all the players who had left Featherstone did so with much regret, because of the good company. All the players appreciated the committee must have worked very hard to meet all their obligations.
Albert Dobson, Featherstone's top-class referee, said there always comes a darkest time, but there must come light after darkness. Regarding Mr Johnson's retirement he said it just can't happen, and he thought he would be back again. There was never a difficulty that could not be got over, and the players could make a difference. They must go onto the field telling themselves they had to win.
George Johnson said the circumstances which compelled the committee to sell the club's best players were regrettable. There were up to 1,000 people in Featherstone who would go anywhere to watch a football match, and if we cannot give them their shilling's worth, it plays on the committee's mind, and they are very much worried. It was up to the players to entertain the crowd, and success would follow. He concluded by saying he had definitely decided to finish.
The annual meeting was held at the Junction Hotel in June. The financial statement showed a loss on the season of £30, and the club still owed £1,856 to the Rugby League for the stand loan. Later in the meeting the Supporters' Club gave a cheque for £40 which cleared the season's loss.
The secretary, Mr H Littlewood, recalled the poor playing season, but said some games proved the club had a team of footballers who could give a display of excellent football against teams in which practically every man cost more than the whole of our team.
George Johnson regretted the club had not made a better show. Much promise was shown in some games but on away games the team went on to the field beaten. The committee had no chance of buying experienced players. If only the attendances were bigger a second team could be organised and then the club would have so many players it could sell some.
The club was compelled to sell players to make ends meet, and that was the main reason he was resigning. It had come to bear more and more on his mind people in Featherstone paid the same English shilling as did spectators at Leeds, yet when the Rovers discovered a good player they had to sell him.
If the Rovers could not give the spectators their shillings-worth, why should they take the shillings? he hoped the club would prosper and said it had a team which in a couple of seasons would be a very good one.
Mr Johnson was asked why the committee had resigned en bloc and he said they thought it the wisest course. Any newcomer had a chance to join the committee, and old members could seek re-election if they wished.
Messrs A Bullock, H Wilson, J Nelson, A Asquith, W Sawyer and N Sawyer were nominated as guarantors and all were elected. Mr Bullock was unanimously elected as the new president. It was agreed to put off the election of a new committee for a week. Mr Bullock thanked the meeting but said it would be impossible for him to devote as much time to the club as he would wish.
A special meeting was held at the Junction Hotel to elect eight members of a new committee. Arthur Berry topped the poll, and as Mr Bullock had said he would not always be available, Mr Berry was elected chairman.
A public appeal for help in reviving the club was made at the Junction Hotel. Mr Johnson introduced the new chairman and appealed for generous support of the new committee's enthusiastic efforts to revive interest.
Mr Berry said things had looked black but there was always a silver lining, and what they had done in Featherstone previously they could do again. It was up to the people in the district to support them. He said the greatest praise was due to the old officials in their hard work in the past four or five seasons. The supporters' club had promised every assistance, and old hands were needed to teach the young players. In conclusion he said Mr Johnson has been made an honorary life-member of the club.
Mr G W Ward said a junior team was vital. The Central Working Men's Club had offered to run one, and the Rovers had offered the use of the ground on alternate Saturdays. Mr W Williams, the club coach, said the problem was lack of players. During the past two or three seasons there were no more than 16 to 18 players on the list, and men had gone on the field not up to standard. A second team made it possible to drop players who did not try.
John Wilson, secretary of the Rugby League, said the Rugby League is just as much interested in Featherstone Rovers as in any other club in the league, and if there is anything we can do to help you, we will try to meet you in every possible way.
The Rugby League could not give money; if they did so for Featherstone many other clubs would want help. The town must support its own club. But small clubs like Featherstone Rovers had to be looked after, and he would be happy to act on any other suggestions made to him.
A 5,000 shilling appeal was launched and in August it enabled three new players to be signed on. Mr Bullock donated £50 to get the new season off to a good start. The committee hoped their new policy of buying players instead of selling them would recapture the interest of ex-supporters in Knottingley, Pontefract, Ackworth, Hemsworth and Normanton.
At a September showing at the Welfare of the 1936 tour of Australia and New Zealand by the Rugby League, Mr T Garritty said they were hoping to restart the A team. Then they would be able to get back into the position the club occupied in 1926-28 when they feared no one. Now they were down and out, and a few of them got together to try and carry on the club for another season. If the necessary financial help was not forthcoming from the supporters, it was a question whether they would be able to carry on next season.
By June, when the players held their annual dinner, all the committee had resigned as well. The club secretary, Mr H Littlewood, said we hope to continue the club next year, but last season was very bad. The total attendance at home games, not including members was only 13,000, and the club finished bottom of the league.
Mr T Dennis, for the players, said injuries had played havoc throughout the season, and the same team in the same positions could not be fielded in two consecutive matches. He said all the players who had left Featherstone did so with much regret, because of the good company. All the players appreciated the committee must have worked very hard to meet all their obligations.
Albert Dobson, Featherstone's top-class referee, said there always comes a darkest time, but there must come light after darkness. Regarding Mr Johnson's retirement he said it just can't happen, and he thought he would be back again. There was never a difficulty that could not be got over, and the players could make a difference. They must go onto the field telling themselves they had to win.
George Johnson said the circumstances which compelled the committee to sell the club's best players were regrettable. There were up to 1,000 people in Featherstone who would go anywhere to watch a football match, and if we cannot give them their shilling's worth, it plays on the committee's mind, and they are very much worried. It was up to the players to entertain the crowd, and success would follow. He concluded by saying he had definitely decided to finish.
The annual meeting was held at the Junction Hotel in June. The financial statement showed a loss on the season of £30, and the club still owed £1,856 to the Rugby League for the stand loan. Later in the meeting the Supporters' Club gave a cheque for £40 which cleared the season's loss.
The secretary, Mr H Littlewood, recalled the poor playing season, but said some games proved the club had a team of footballers who could give a display of excellent football against teams in which practically every man cost more than the whole of our team.
George Johnson regretted the club had not made a better show. Much promise was shown in some games but on away games the team went on to the field beaten. The committee had no chance of buying experienced players. If only the attendances were bigger a second team could be organised and then the club would have so many players it could sell some.
The club was compelled to sell players to make ends meet, and that was the main reason he was resigning. It had come to bear more and more on his mind people in Featherstone paid the same English shilling as did spectators at Leeds, yet when the Rovers discovered a good player they had to sell him.
If the Rovers could not give the spectators their shillings-worth, why should they take the shillings? he hoped the club would prosper and said it had a team which in a couple of seasons would be a very good one.
Mr Johnson was asked why the committee had resigned en bloc and he said they thought it the wisest course. Any newcomer had a chance to join the committee, and old members could seek re-election if they wished.
Messrs A Bullock, H Wilson, J Nelson, A Asquith, W Sawyer and N Sawyer were nominated as guarantors and all were elected. Mr Bullock was unanimously elected as the new president. It was agreed to put off the election of a new committee for a week. Mr Bullock thanked the meeting but said it would be impossible for him to devote as much time to the club as he would wish.
A special meeting was held at the Junction Hotel to elect eight members of a new committee. Arthur Berry topped the poll, and as Mr Bullock had said he would not always be available, Mr Berry was elected chairman.
A public appeal for help in reviving the club was made at the Junction Hotel. Mr Johnson introduced the new chairman and appealed for generous support of the new committee's enthusiastic efforts to revive interest.
Mr Berry said things had looked black but there was always a silver lining, and what they had done in Featherstone previously they could do again. It was up to the people in the district to support them. He said the greatest praise was due to the old officials in their hard work in the past four or five seasons. The supporters' club had promised every assistance, and old hands were needed to teach the young players. In conclusion he said Mr Johnson has been made an honorary life-member of the club.
Mr G W Ward said a junior team was vital. The Central Working Men's Club had offered to run one, and the Rovers had offered the use of the ground on alternate Saturdays. Mr W Williams, the club coach, said the problem was lack of players. During the past two or three seasons there were no more than 16 to 18 players on the list, and men had gone on the field not up to standard. A second team made it possible to drop players who did not try.
John Wilson, secretary of the Rugby League, said the Rugby League is just as much interested in Featherstone Rovers as in any other club in the league, and if there is anything we can do to help you, we will try to meet you in every possible way.
The Rugby League could not give money; if they did so for Featherstone many other clubs would want help. The town must support its own club. But small clubs like Featherstone Rovers had to be looked after, and he would be happy to act on any other suggestions made to him.
A 5,000 shilling appeal was launched and in August it enabled three new players to be signed on. Mr Bullock donated £50 to get the new season off to a good start. The committee hoped their new policy of buying players instead of selling them would recapture the interest of ex-supporters in Knottingley, Pontefract, Ackworth, Hemsworth and Normanton.
At a September showing at the Welfare of the 1936 tour of Australia and New Zealand by the Rugby League, Mr T Garritty said they were hoping to restart the A team. Then they would be able to get back into the position the club occupied in 1926-28 when they feared no one. Now they were down and out, and a few of them got together to try and carry on the club for another season. If the necessary financial help was not forthcoming from the supporters, it was a question whether they would be able to carry on next season.
The photo of Abraham Bullock and the season's accounts are from Ron Bailey's book Featherstone Rovers Rugby League Club.
Note: The Rugby League loan for the stand was £1,500 to be paid back at
£150 a year. In eleven years only one repayment had been made, and with
the interest it was now much bigger than in 1926.
DR STEVEN'S ANNUAL REPORT
Dr
Steven's report for 1936 was published in July. He said the population
had shown a progressive annual decline, owing to the dislocation of the
mining industry. During the last 13 years the population had decreased
by 1,810. There were about 800 wholly unemployed, and up to 100
partially unemployed. Twenty-eight houses were built during the year, 18 of them council houses.
The infant mortality rate (deaths before the first birthday) had gone
up from 65 per thousand births to 73. The number of cases of infectious
diseases reported during the year was 233. During the year 17 cows
suffering from tuberculosis were destroyed, and he said he would point
out milk from those cows was purveyed to the community at large.
Only 67% of lavatories were water closets but he said they insisted on conversion upon the discovery of any structural defect.
The sanitary inspector reported there was still overcrowding, although
several of the worst cases had bee relieved by providing another house,
and others had been relieved by migration to other districts. During the
year 89 tins of canned food were surrendered by shopkeepers and
destroyed.
NORTH FEATHERSTONE GALA
The Old Featherstone and Ackton annual treat and gala was held in July.
The Carnival Queen was Gladys Hague, and Britannia was Joyce Abbott.
They were in the procession headed by the Featherstone Subscription
Silver Band, and others were characters in comic and fancy dress, and
the St John Ambulance Brigade. They set off from the National School and
ended in Mrs G Copley's field.
The
aged persons entertained to tea numbered 144 and they were given packet
tea and tobacco. They were followed for tea by 160 children who were
given sweets and balloons. To follow the afternoon's competition there
was an evening concert.
On the Sunday there was a special service in the Parish Church followed
by a sacred concert in the field, given by the Salvation Army. The
event ended with the old folk taken on a bus tour of the Dukeries
arranged by Abraham Bullock.
SETTLING A BETTING DEBT
At Leeds Assizes in July Aaron Hill of Orchard Terrace, a Purston
bookmaker, sued Rowland Smith of Hull for £461 10s. Mr Hill said
following betting transactions he paid Mr Smith £423 as winnings on
bets. Mr Smith subsequently owed him £38 10s on losing bets but did not
pay. Under the Gaming Act of 1835 he sought to recover the £423. Mr
Smith denied he had defaulted, and said as far as he knew he did not owe
Mr Hill anything.
There was then a private consultation between the two sides, and back in
court Mr Hylton-Foster for Mr Hill asked for judgment by consent for
£38 10s and costs. Mr Justice Humphreys said I am very glad to sanction
that because the position is very curious. Mr Hill said all he wanted
was £38 10s, but he had to sue for the whole amount because of the
remarkable state of the law. It was nor his fault, or the fault of his
adviser (the National Turf Protection Society). He said he was satisfied
it was a proper result. He never had any doubt the £38 10s was owing,
and he thought Mr Smith had behaved very properly in admitting that.
THE GALA AND HOSPITAL SUNDAY
The
annual gala in aid of the hospitals was held in August. The procession
started at the Bradley Arms and ended at the field opposite the Jubilee
Hotel. It was headed by the Featherstone Subscription Silver Band and
included the carnival queen, Mary Hale of Wilson Street, and the North
Featherstone queen, Gladys Hague, the fire brigade, tableaux and many in
character or comic dress. There was also Tiny, a pony from Ackton Hall
Colliery, with his attendant G Braim.
The attendance and street decorations was less than previous years because, according to the Express, many were unable to afford the sixpence admission because of the coal dispute.
Once again entries to the competitions were from a wide area. The winners were:
Character or fancy costume - H Coatesworth of Woolley
Comic dress - E Lunn of Wath-on Dearne
Tableaux - a pagoda by Mr G Stephenson
Decorated horse - J H Hallas of Hunslet
Window dressing - Madge Rycroft of Station Lane
Decorated street - Albert Street
On the Sunday an afternoon musical festival and open-air service was
held in Purston Park and in the evening a sacred concert was given by a
large choir.
A DROWNING AT THE BATHS
Hannah Marsh age 14 went to the baths in August with her younger
sister, Doreen age 12, and four other girls. It was Hannah's first
visit, she had a curved spine and could not swim, and Doreen was told to
look after her. Doreen said they took Hannah into the little bath and
then she came out into the big bath to watch Doreen dive. When she came
up after her dive she could not see Hannah.
Apparently
Hannah had gone back into the little bath and Doreen found her under
the water. She pulled her to the side and got her out with the help of
other girls, and she ran outside for the baths manager.
The manager, Septimus Bilston, told the inquest there were no bathers
in the baths when he went for lunch. His son Jack was in the ticket
office. He heard a commotion and went out and was told about the girl in
the little bath. He tried artificial respiration but to no avail. His
daughter went for the doctor.
Dr
Thomas Gardiner said it was obvious when he arrived the girl was dead.
He had previously treated her for general debility and congenital
weakness, and she was a delicate child.
Mr Bilston said it was the custom to keep watch in the big bath, but
they did not anticipate danger in the little bath. His daughter, Mrs
Doris Walker was in the baths at the time. Mrs Walker said it was
ladies' day and she was preparing a foam bath for a customer. She did
not see the girls go into the little bath, and she did not hear anything
owing to the running water.
The coroner said it was an unfortunate coincidence of events that led
to the child not being discovered. In the circumstances the jury could
not say anyone had been guilty of dereliction of duty. It did not occur
to anyone it was necessary to look after the little bath. The jury might
consider whether there should be some tightening up of duties to
prevent a similar occurrence, and perhaps they might not agree with the
method of supervision in the little bath. It was just as possible for an
accident to occur there as in the big bath.
The jury returned a verdict of death by misadventure, and expressed the
opinion there should be some tightening up of the regulations, and
supervision of both baths.
The young miners strike was still causing problems in August. At Ackton Hall colliery they went back to work, but stopped again after three days. The management continued to run the pit with a skeleton staff. Snydale Colliery had been idle for a week, then started again only for the strike to resume. The colliers who had reached their working places had to be recalled.
Ackton Hall Colliery management said if the continued absence from work without proper notice continued they would have to consider taking action against the offenders. A meeting was held in the Welfare Hall and it was decided to resume work after the union said it would meet the owners to discuss a higher wage rate. Not all went back to the pit. It was said some had become disillusioned and joined the Forces.
In common with the other local collieries Ackton Hall management took out summonses claiming 10s a day damages against each person concerned for the time he was absent from work without notice. This resulted in the lads putting in notices to cease work.
Negotiations were opened and it was agreed the lads would withdraw their notices and the company would adjourn the summonses. In court in September Mr G Clayton-Smith said the 122 defendants had signed admissions of their breach of contract and undertaken to pay the costs of the summonses (3s 6d each). Subject to their good behaviour in the future, he did not think the Bench would be troubled with the matter again.
PIT LADS STRIKE
The pit lads throughout Yorkshire went on unofficial strike in July after their
wages were dropped by 2s a week for a 21 year old. They also complained
they were not being moved to coal face work quickly enough. The dispute
meant the pit ponies had no drivers, and the conveyors and haulages had no attendants,
so the other workers were sent home.The young miners strike was still causing problems in August. At Ackton Hall colliery they went back to work, but stopped again after three days. The management continued to run the pit with a skeleton staff. Snydale Colliery had been idle for a week, then started again only for the strike to resume. The colliers who had reached their working places had to be recalled.
Ackton Hall Colliery management said if the continued absence from work without proper notice continued they would have to consider taking action against the offenders. A meeting was held in the Welfare Hall and it was decided to resume work after the union said it would meet the owners to discuss a higher wage rate. Not all went back to the pit. It was said some had become disillusioned and joined the Forces.
In common with the other local collieries Ackton Hall management took out summonses claiming 10s a day damages against each person concerned for the time he was absent from work without notice. This resulted in the lads putting in notices to cease work.
Negotiations were opened and it was agreed the lads would withdraw their notices and the company would adjourn the summonses. In court in September Mr G Clayton-Smith said the 122 defendants had signed admissions of their breach of contract and undertaken to pay the costs of the summonses (3s 6d each). Subject to their good behaviour in the future, he did not think the Bench would be troubled with the matter again.
THE DEATH OF THOMAS JEFFRIES SIDES
The death of Mr T J Sides was announced in September. He was born in
Dakota, USA, and came to Featherstone when he was 12 years old. He was
employed by Featherstone Main Colliery for 15 years and became foreman
on the screens. He left there to take over the Featherstone Hotel. He
moved from Featherstone to Pontefract in 1917 to work at Carters'
Knottingley Brewery where he rose to become managing director and Mayor of Pontefract.
During his Featherstone Hotel days he had a spell on Featherstone Council, and he started a football club calling it simply Featherstone NUFC which played on the Featherstone Main Athletic Club ground. After one season he amalgamated with Featherstone Rovers. In 1925 he bought Purston Hall and Park for £2,750 and sold it five years later to Featherstone Council for £3,800.
During his Featherstone Hotel days he had a spell on Featherstone Council, and he started a football club calling it simply Featherstone NUFC which played on the Featherstone Main Athletic Club ground. After one season he amalgamated with Featherstone Rovers. In 1925 he bought Purston Hall and Park for £2,750 and sold it five years later to Featherstone Council for £3,800.
A photo from the Wakefield Libraries Collection.
1937 NEWS ITEMS
JANUARY At the Featherstone Labour Party annual meeting Cr B Bradley was elected president and Mr E Rowley as secretary.
The
annual whist drive and dance organised by the local police for
charities was held in the Lister Hall. The flue epidemic affected the
attendance but there were 156 players for whist and nearly 500 for the
dance. Sylvester's Melody Makers provided the music.
FEBRUARY William Robinson of Fern House, John Street, probably Featherstone's oldest resident, celebrated his 95th birthday.
The Featherstone Cycling Club held its annual dinner-dance in the Lister Hall. Mr E C Paver, the president, said the Government was trying to secure a healthier nation. He knew no better way to keep fit than cycling, which also gave the opportunities of enjoying the beauties of nature. Greening's Band provided the music for 250 dancers.
A Bradford firm of worsted spinners posted notices offering to train females from 16 to 30 and to pay them 24s a week for a 48 hour week. At the end of their training they should be able to earn from 26s to 28s. Good food and lodgings were available from 12s to 14s a week. The Express commented there was not one avenue of employment for girls in Featherstone except for a few shop assistants.
FEBRUARY William Robinson of Fern House, John Street, probably Featherstone's oldest resident, celebrated his 95th birthday.
The Featherstone Cycling Club held its annual dinner-dance in the Lister Hall. Mr E C Paver, the president, said the Government was trying to secure a healthier nation. He knew no better way to keep fit than cycling, which also gave the opportunities of enjoying the beauties of nature. Greening's Band provided the music for 250 dancers.
A Bradford firm of worsted spinners posted notices offering to train females from 16 to 30 and to pay them 24s a week for a 48 hour week. At the end of their training they should be able to earn from 26s to 28s. Good food and lodgings were available from 12s to 14s a week. The Express commented there was not one avenue of employment for girls in Featherstone except for a few shop assistants.
MARCH
John Edward Precious of St Thomas Road was working at Linton-on-Ouse
and lodging in York. Returning from work on his motor-cycle he collided
with a bus and was taken to York County Hospital where he died three
days later. The inquest jury decided it was death by misadventure.
Cr B Bradley was re-elected unopposed to the West Riding County Council.
At a ceremony in the Junction Hotel a cheque and a silver rose bowl were presented to Mr G A Appleyard, former secretary of Featherstone Rovers, who had left to be secretary-manager of Newcastle Rugby League Club. Mr H Goodall made the presentations on behalf of the Rovers committee and members.
The West Riding County Council applied for an order under the Maternity and Child Welfare Act and the Notification of Births Act to take over the maternity and child welfare services from Featherstone Council as from 1 April.
APRIL The Salvation Army celebrated their 50 years in Featherstone with a march through the town and a weekend of special services.
The Hospital Committee announced last year's whist drive and dance raised £119 which was £25 more than the previous year. They made donations to 12 organisations, the main ones being Pontefract General Infirmary £45 and Clayton Hospital £15.
Cr B Bradley was re-elected unopposed to the West Riding County Council.
At a ceremony in the Junction Hotel a cheque and a silver rose bowl were presented to Mr G A Appleyard, former secretary of Featherstone Rovers, who had left to be secretary-manager of Newcastle Rugby League Club. Mr H Goodall made the presentations on behalf of the Rovers committee and members.
The West Riding County Council applied for an order under the Maternity and Child Welfare Act and the Notification of Births Act to take over the maternity and child welfare services from Featherstone Council as from 1 April.
APRIL The Salvation Army celebrated their 50 years in Featherstone with a march through the town and a weekend of special services.
The Hospital Committee announced last year's whist drive and dance raised £119 which was £25 more than the previous year. They made donations to 12 organisations, the main ones being Pontefract General Infirmary £45 and Clayton Hospital £15.
The Featherstone education sub-committee were presented with a poser at their April meeting. The women who cooked and served the meals
at the children's feeding centre asked for an increase in their pay of
1s 6d a day and a week's holiday with pay during August. One member
admitted he didn't know they were paid for the work. It was decided to
forward the request to the West Riding Education Committee for a
ruling.
The question of filling vacancies on the staff at the feeding centre,
preferably by wives of unemployed men, was raised. It was decided future
recommendations should be made by a member of the committee, and the
final selection would be made by Mrs Darlington and Mrs Nash.
MAY
Charles Bennett age 63 of Victoria Terrace, Purston, said he was going
for a walk. When he didn't return he was reported missing, and his body
was found in the River Don at Doncaster. He had been out of work since
Featherstone Main Colliery closed, but there was no evidence as to the
state of his mind so a verdict of found drowned was given at the
inquest.
JUNE An inquest was held into the death of Ernest Popplewell age 58 of Cowards Buildings, North Featherstone, who collapsed and died at the coal face in Ackton Hall Colliery in May. After evidence from Dr W Steven that death was due to heart disease the jury gave a verdict of natural causes.
Norman Sawyer was building a new wing at Ackton Hospital and one morning he found a sheet of lead weighing 8cwt and valued at £15 was missing. He searched for it and found it in a hedge bottom, cut into pieces. He informed the police and PC Bottomley kept a lookout. He said a lorry drove up with J Baker printed on the door. Edward Baker, Fred Makin and Thomas Gregson jumped out and began loading the lead. They saw the constable and drove away. They were all later arrested.
In Court Edward Baker claimed he was asked to do a haulage job for scrap iron and he objected when he saw it was lead. The case against him was dismissed. Fred Makin was fined £5, and Thomas Gregson, considered to be the ringleader, was sent to prison for six months.
A new branch of the County Lending Library was opened at George Street School by Mr S Taylor, HM Chief Inspector. He said as far as schools were concerned it was the only one in the area, but he hoped it would be the forerunner of other similar schemes. Miss Overbury, the West Riding County Librarian, said it would differ from the ordinary school library because it would have access to an open source of valuable books. There were 600 books to begin with, but as the demand increased the supply would be enlarged.
About 350 schoolchildren from Featherstone and district, and 160 adults, went on a trip to Liverpool and New Brighton. They examined the liner Adda in Liverpool docks, and then went on a trip to New Brighton through the Mersey Tunnel. They came back to Liverpool on the ferry boat and got back to Featherstone about 10pm.
JULY George Eyre age 75 of Little Lane collapsed and died in Purston Park. The inquest at the Gospel Hall decided it was natural causes.
The closure of Featherstone Main Colliery had cause a big drop in the income of the Miners' Welfare Fund and they were behind with their rates. They had received a grant from the District Committee and now offered £54 17s 2d to pay off the rates on the welfare house and the water meter cost and £90 off the Institute rates bill. The Council accepted.
JUNE An inquest was held into the death of Ernest Popplewell age 58 of Cowards Buildings, North Featherstone, who collapsed and died at the coal face in Ackton Hall Colliery in May. After evidence from Dr W Steven that death was due to heart disease the jury gave a verdict of natural causes.
Norman Sawyer was building a new wing at Ackton Hospital and one morning he found a sheet of lead weighing 8cwt and valued at £15 was missing. He searched for it and found it in a hedge bottom, cut into pieces. He informed the police and PC Bottomley kept a lookout. He said a lorry drove up with J Baker printed on the door. Edward Baker, Fred Makin and Thomas Gregson jumped out and began loading the lead. They saw the constable and drove away. They were all later arrested.
In Court Edward Baker claimed he was asked to do a haulage job for scrap iron and he objected when he saw it was lead. The case against him was dismissed. Fred Makin was fined £5, and Thomas Gregson, considered to be the ringleader, was sent to prison for six months.
A new branch of the County Lending Library was opened at George Street School by Mr S Taylor, HM Chief Inspector. He said as far as schools were concerned it was the only one in the area, but he hoped it would be the forerunner of other similar schemes. Miss Overbury, the West Riding County Librarian, said it would differ from the ordinary school library because it would have access to an open source of valuable books. There were 600 books to begin with, but as the demand increased the supply would be enlarged.
About 350 schoolchildren from Featherstone and district, and 160 adults, went on a trip to Liverpool and New Brighton. They examined the liner Adda in Liverpool docks, and then went on a trip to New Brighton through the Mersey Tunnel. They came back to Liverpool on the ferry boat and got back to Featherstone about 10pm.
JULY George Eyre age 75 of Little Lane collapsed and died in Purston Park. The inquest at the Gospel Hall decided it was natural causes.
The closure of Featherstone Main Colliery had cause a big drop in the income of the Miners' Welfare Fund and they were behind with their rates. They had received a grant from the District Committee and now offered £54 17s 2d to pay off the rates on the welfare house and the water meter cost and £90 off the Institute rates bill. The Council accepted.
George Watson age 49 of Sommerville, Purston, was a boiler firemen at
the fellmongering works in Pontefract. He was on a ladder doing
maintenance work when he fell off. He was taken unconscious to
Pontefract Infirmary where he died from a fractured skull. The inquest
verdict was death by misadventure.
AUGUST Percy Whitworth age 11 of Hartley Street went to Cleethorpes with three bus loads of Featherstone people. He went for a swim in the sea and was run down by a motor boat. He was taken to Grimsby Infirmary where he was X-rayed, but no bones were broken. He ended up with three stitches in one leg and two in the other, and other cuts and bruises. He was able to return home with the party.
William Moran age 17 of Pontefract was run over by tubs at Ackton Hall Colliery and died at the scene. At the inquest the coroner said there was not a great deal of evidence to show how the accident happened. The jury returned a verdict of death by misadventure.
AUGUST Percy Whitworth age 11 of Hartley Street went to Cleethorpes with three bus loads of Featherstone people. He went for a swim in the sea and was run down by a motor boat. He was taken to Grimsby Infirmary where he was X-rayed, but no bones were broken. He ended up with three stitches in one leg and two in the other, and other cuts and bruises. He was able to return home with the party.
William Moran age 17 of Pontefract was run over by tubs at Ackton Hall Colliery and died at the scene. At the inquest the coroner said there was not a great deal of evidence to show how the accident happened. The jury returned a verdict of death by misadventure.
SEPTEMBER
It as announced John Ewart Nelson who had been manager of Ackton Hall
Colliery since October 1932 would be leaving to be manager of Hemsworth
Colliery. He was president of the local British Legion, and a member of
Featherstone Rovers committee. He was also connected with the
Featherstone Subscription Silver Band and was the section commander of
the special constables. His replacement was named as Mr C J S Garner.
OCTOBER King George VI and Queen Elizabeth passed through Featherstone on their way to Wakefield. The schoolchildren had the day off and lined the main road with their flags. The royal car arrived in Purston just after noon and drove slowly through the crowd lining Pontefract and Wakefield Roads. Many men wore their service medals.
OCTOBER King George VI and Queen Elizabeth passed through Featherstone on their way to Wakefield. The schoolchildren had the day off and lined the main road with their flags. The royal car arrived in Purston just after noon and drove slowly through the crowd lining Pontefract and Wakefield Roads. Many men wore their service medals.
 |
| The royal car passing Station Lane. A photo by Enoch Turton. |
David
Gilding, a shunter and occasional bus driver, was spotted by PC
Gillespie driving a bus and not wearing a public service badge. He said
he had forgotten it. In court, Inspector Keighley said Gilding was not a
regular driver and he could not take a serious view of it, but badges
must be worn. Gilding was let off on payment of 4s costs.
The annual Armistice Parade set off from Cressey's Corner headed by the Featherstone Subscription Silver Band. It included councillors, police and special constables, the British Legion, the RAOB, St John Ambulance Brigade, Fire Brigade and Girl Guides. The service at the memorial was conducted by Revd. W B Chapman, and the Last Post and Reveille was sounded by a bugler from Pontefract Barracks.
The Education sub-committee was concerned about the conditions in Featherstone because the number of schoolchildren being fed daily had risen to 355. The problem of feeding the children in the holidays was left to those in charge - Mrs Darlington and Mrs Nash.
DECEMBER Joseph Widdowson age 83 of Mount Pleasant Street fell down the stairs and died instantly of a broken neck. The coroner decided it was death by misadventure.
An inquest was held in the Gospel Hall on the death of Percy Clarkson age 16 of Arundel Street in a haulage accident at Ackton Hall Colliery. He and John Adamson of Girnhill Lane had signalled to stop the haulage rope to sort out a problem, but the rope started again and Clarkson was trapped and he died. It could not be established who signalled for the haulage rope to be started, and the jury decided it was accidental death.