A HISTORY OF FEATHERSTONE
1938
THE COUNCIL
JANUARY
The Featherstone librarian, Mr J J Murphy, reported the number of
borrowers was 1,241. The West Riding Education Department report on the
library said 45 books loaned out could not be traced, the accommodation
was insufficient, and the lighting should be improved.
FEBRUARY A tender of £68 5s was accepted to repair the damage to the Lister Baths caused by the January gale. Messrs Sawyer and Sons had put in a tender of £179 16s for the installation of a hot water system to 16 council houses. Because of the increase in the cost of copper and lead it was allowed to be increased by £4 1s 4d.
Purston Hall was divided into flats and one was vacant. There was no response to an advertisement to let the western flat. The surveyor was instructed to ascertain the cost of installing electricity and cleaning and renovating.
MARCH The council accepted a tender of £26 10s for the electrical installation at Purston Hall and decided to do the other work with council workmen.
APRIL It was announced the rates would go up to 10s in the pound because of an increase in the amount required by the county council. The Miners' Welfare Committee, whose finances were struggling because of the closure of Featherstone Main Colliery, asked for a reduction because the large hall was empty. The council's decision was kept private.
All four councillors up for the election were returned unopposed. They were:
Ackton and Snydale Ward - A Hollis (Labour) a union secretary
North Ward - P Darlington (Independent) a retired colliery manager
South Ward - J Hobson (Labour) a miner
Purston Ward - F Banks (Labour) a miner
Peter Darlington had been on the council for 43 years. W H Roberts was elected chairman.
MAY Mr R H Jackson met the council regarding his proposal for a radio relay service. The council decided on a visit to the Castleford Relay Service Station, and to obtain details of the proposed service and the charges.
JUNE The medical officer reported there were 124 cases of measles in May, but the epidemic was now subsiding. Three boys found damaging seats in the park were reprimanded, and their parents warned of the seriousness of the matter. The council approved the proposal of a conference of local authorities to appoint an air raids precautions organiser.
JULY At a joint meeting of representatives from Pontefract, Castleford, Featherstone, Knottingley and Hemsworth, Captain Ernest Smith was appointed air raids precautions officer for the combined area at a salary of £450 a year.
The council were told some of their tenants had removed the bath from the scullery and stored it upstairs. It was agreed to re-fix the baths and charge the cost to the tenants.
AUGUST The surveyor told the council some tenants were still removing the baths. The council decided the baths would be refixed by the surveyor and the cost must be paid by the tenants, otherwise they would be given notice to quit.
Some clubs, public houses and off-licences were behind with their rates. The collector was empowered to ask the brewery companies to accept responsibility.
SEPTEMBER The amount of water being used was less than the minimum contracted for from Wakefield Corporation because of the closure of Featherstone Main Colliery and a reduced take by Ackton Hall Colliery. This was costing the council money for water not taken so an approach was to be made to reduce the contracted amount.
OCTOBER The clerk reported the water taken from Wakefield Corporation was now 1,000,000 gallons below the contracted minimum, and the corporation was asking for the money. It was agreed to ask Ackton Hall Colliery if they would contribute because their take of water was reduced.
It was agreed to keep the rates at 10s in the pound, but some members said the council only received 70% of the cost of the air-raid precautions from the Government, which put a strain on the rates, and it should be 100%.
DECEMBER Wakefield Corporation agreed to reduce the daily maximum for water to 270,000 gallons, and the minimum to 180,000 as from 26 September, and said the amount owing up to that date for water not used was £85 0s 9d. Ackton Hall Colliery agreed to contribute £50 on the understanding they would not be asked to make further contributions. The council accepted the cheque and decided to ask Wakefield Corporation if they would settle for £65.
The sanitary inspector reported there were still 385 privy closets in the district which could be converted to water closets if the council contributed towards the cost. He was asked to prepare a scheme.
FEBRUARY A tender of £68 5s was accepted to repair the damage to the Lister Baths caused by the January gale. Messrs Sawyer and Sons had put in a tender of £179 16s for the installation of a hot water system to 16 council houses. Because of the increase in the cost of copper and lead it was allowed to be increased by £4 1s 4d.
Purston Hall was divided into flats and one was vacant. There was no response to an advertisement to let the western flat. The surveyor was instructed to ascertain the cost of installing electricity and cleaning and renovating.
MARCH The council accepted a tender of £26 10s for the electrical installation at Purston Hall and decided to do the other work with council workmen.
APRIL It was announced the rates would go up to 10s in the pound because of an increase in the amount required by the county council. The Miners' Welfare Committee, whose finances were struggling because of the closure of Featherstone Main Colliery, asked for a reduction because the large hall was empty. The council's decision was kept private.
All four councillors up for the election were returned unopposed. They were:
Ackton and Snydale Ward - A Hollis (Labour) a union secretary
North Ward - P Darlington (Independent) a retired colliery manager
South Ward - J Hobson (Labour) a miner
Purston Ward - F Banks (Labour) a miner
Peter Darlington had been on the council for 43 years. W H Roberts was elected chairman.
MAY Mr R H Jackson met the council regarding his proposal for a radio relay service. The council decided on a visit to the Castleford Relay Service Station, and to obtain details of the proposed service and the charges.
JUNE The medical officer reported there were 124 cases of measles in May, but the epidemic was now subsiding. Three boys found damaging seats in the park were reprimanded, and their parents warned of the seriousness of the matter. The council approved the proposal of a conference of local authorities to appoint an air raids precautions organiser.
JULY At a joint meeting of representatives from Pontefract, Castleford, Featherstone, Knottingley and Hemsworth, Captain Ernest Smith was appointed air raids precautions officer for the combined area at a salary of £450 a year.
The council were told some of their tenants had removed the bath from the scullery and stored it upstairs. It was agreed to re-fix the baths and charge the cost to the tenants.
AUGUST The surveyor told the council some tenants were still removing the baths. The council decided the baths would be refixed by the surveyor and the cost must be paid by the tenants, otherwise they would be given notice to quit.
Some clubs, public houses and off-licences were behind with their rates. The collector was empowered to ask the brewery companies to accept responsibility.
SEPTEMBER The amount of water being used was less than the minimum contracted for from Wakefield Corporation because of the closure of Featherstone Main Colliery and a reduced take by Ackton Hall Colliery. This was costing the council money for water not taken so an approach was to be made to reduce the contracted amount.
OCTOBER The clerk reported the water taken from Wakefield Corporation was now 1,000,000 gallons below the contracted minimum, and the corporation was asking for the money. It was agreed to ask Ackton Hall Colliery if they would contribute because their take of water was reduced.
It was agreed to keep the rates at 10s in the pound, but some members said the council only received 70% of the cost of the air-raid precautions from the Government, which put a strain on the rates, and it should be 100%.
DECEMBER Wakefield Corporation agreed to reduce the daily maximum for water to 270,000 gallons, and the minimum to 180,000 as from 26 September, and said the amount owing up to that date for water not used was £85 0s 9d. Ackton Hall Colliery agreed to contribute £50 on the understanding they would not be asked to make further contributions. The council accepted the cheque and decided to ask Wakefield Corporation if they would settle for £65.
The sanitary inspector reported there were still 385 privy closets in the district which could be converted to water closets if the council contributed towards the cost. He was asked to prepare a scheme.
THE KOYLI TREAT
The Featherstone Branch of the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
Regimental Association held a New Year treat for 43 children of members
at their headquarters, the Railway Hotel. A tea, prepared by the members
wives, was served to the children and was followed by games. Each child
received a present from Santa Claus (Jack Windmill), and a competition
for a handsome cake was won by Madge Freeman.
The members and their wives had a steak and kidney pie supper, and
their president, Mr F Cook, presented Mr and Mrs A Beresford (the host
and hostess) with a Westminster chiming clock because they would be
leaving Featherstone shortly for a hotel in South Elmsall. The gathering
terminated with the singing of Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem.
THE SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE
The January issue of the Barclays Bank house magazine The Spread Eagle contained the following account.
The annual treat at the Social Service Centre was held over two days in January. The patronage of some members of Barclays Bank Headquarters in London helped to pay for it. On the first day 150 children had a tea followed by entertainment of marionettes and recitation and songs by some of the youngsters. Each child received an apple, an orange, sweets and a toy made in the centre.
"The
report issued in December by Mr R C Olley of Head Office Correspondence
Department, concerning the fund which he organised among the staff in
February 1934 for the assistance of the Social Service Centre in the
mining town of Featherstone in Yorkshire, records an expansion in the
proceeds of the fund as encouraging to him and to the contributors as it
is valuable to those who benefit from it. At the outset there were 168
subscribers, mainly at Head Office, and the first remittance amounted to
£7 7s 4d. There are now more than 700 subscribers, including many at
City Office and Foreign Branch, and the average monthly amount sent to
Featherstone through the National Council of Social Service is £25. In
November last, £38 18s 4d was collected, subscribers being, as usual,
invited to increase their usual contributions to provide a Christmas
treat for the unemployed and their children.
"The membership of the centre has increased from 102 in 1934 to 486 in
December 1937, and the report of the activities in which they are able
to indulge leaves no doubt as to the value of the assistance provided by
the fund. They include a number of crafts for both sexes, as well as
social relaxation and holidays, which could not otherwise be enjoyed.
"Mr Olley will always be glad to hear from members of the staff who
would like to support the fund. Subscriptions are limited to a maximum
of 1s per month." The annual treat at the Social Service Centre was held over two days in January. The patronage of some members of Barclays Bank Headquarters in London helped to pay for it. On the first day 150 children had a tea followed by entertainment of marionettes and recitation and songs by some of the youngsters. Each child received an apple, an orange, sweets and a toy made in the centre.
The next day nearly 400 adults enjoyed a tea and entertainment. Mr E P
Bullock, the president of the men's section, congratulated the centre on
its solvency and said it was an organisation of which Featherstone
could be justly proud. The aim was to uplift and improve the people, to
brighten their lives, and provide facilities for useful work. A telegram expressing good wishes and thanks was sent to Barclays Bank.
Lord Allendale, chairman of the Yorkshire Unemployment Advisory Committee, paid a visit to the Social Service Centre in April. Laid out for him was an exhibition of article made at the centre. From the ladies there were knitted jumpers, scarves and berets, table covers and runners, and dresses. Also thrift work - new garments made from old. The men had on show tables, chairs, stools, upholstered furniture, rugs and raffia work.
The president of the centre said they were fortunate in having so excellent a building, and he praised the contributions from their friends at Barclays Bank in London who made large contributions to its upkeep, and without whose help the rooms could not have been built in the first place.
At the annual meeting of the men's section in June it was said the finances were in a poor condition. It was suggested to raise the subscription of the employed members to a penny a week instead of two shillings a year. A similar move to raise the subscriptions of unemployed members was met with opposition and was dropped.
Four members returned home at the end of June after a month at King's Standing where they received instruction on various trades. They were J Brumby (woodwork), J Rudge (upholstery), H Gilding (weaving) and A Aston (boot repairing).
The Featherstone centre was used as a school for making toys out of wood. Men from other local centres attended and were provided with dinner and tea by members of the ladies' section.
A concert was arranged in October for the visit of Mr and Mrs R C Olley. Mr Olley gave a performance of a one-man sketch. He was presented with a hexagonal table made by the men, and his wife received an artistically-worked cushion. The gathering was surprised when Lady Allendale turned up, and she remained until the end when supper was served.
The building adjacent to the Social Service Centre was originally the New Connection Methodist Chapel. It was taken over by the Roman Catholics until their church was built in Station Lane. When they moved they agreed to sell the building to the Social Service Centre to be used by the men as a workshop.
It was officially opened by Lord Allendale in December. He was welcomed to the centre by the president, Mr E P Bullock, who praised the Roman Catholic Parish Priest of Pontefract (Revd W Fitzgibbon) who had agreed the transfer for a nominal sum of £25 and had agreed to pay the legal fees.
Mr King, the secretary of the National Council of Social Service, said the Featherstone centre was a model centre and had set the standard for other centres throughout the country.
The chairman of the centre, Mr H Howes, thanked Lord and Lady Allendale for their attendance, and said no appeals to them were made in vain, and it was because of their interest in the Featherstone centre the number of subscribers at Barclays Bank in London had increased.
Lord Allendale, chairman of the Yorkshire Unemployment Advisory Committee, paid a visit to the Social Service Centre in April. Laid out for him was an exhibition of article made at the centre. From the ladies there were knitted jumpers, scarves and berets, table covers and runners, and dresses. Also thrift work - new garments made from old. The men had on show tables, chairs, stools, upholstered furniture, rugs and raffia work.
The president of the centre said they were fortunate in having so excellent a building, and he praised the contributions from their friends at Barclays Bank in London who made large contributions to its upkeep, and without whose help the rooms could not have been built in the first place.
At the annual meeting of the men's section in June it was said the finances were in a poor condition. It was suggested to raise the subscription of the employed members to a penny a week instead of two shillings a year. A similar move to raise the subscriptions of unemployed members was met with opposition and was dropped.
Four members returned home at the end of June after a month at King's Standing where they received instruction on various trades. They were J Brumby (woodwork), J Rudge (upholstery), H Gilding (weaving) and A Aston (boot repairing).
The Featherstone centre was used as a school for making toys out of wood. Men from other local centres attended and were provided with dinner and tea by members of the ladies' section.
A concert was arranged in October for the visit of Mr and Mrs R C Olley. Mr Olley gave a performance of a one-man sketch. He was presented with a hexagonal table made by the men, and his wife received an artistically-worked cushion. The gathering was surprised when Lady Allendale turned up, and she remained until the end when supper was served.
The building adjacent to the Social Service Centre was originally the New Connection Methodist Chapel. It was taken over by the Roman Catholics until their church was built in Station Lane. When they moved they agreed to sell the building to the Social Service Centre to be used by the men as a workshop.
It was officially opened by Lord Allendale in December. He was welcomed to the centre by the president, Mr E P Bullock, who praised the Roman Catholic Parish Priest of Pontefract (Revd W Fitzgibbon) who had agreed the transfer for a nominal sum of £25 and had agreed to pay the legal fees.
Mr King, the secretary of the National Council of Social Service, said the Featherstone centre was a model centre and had set the standard for other centres throughout the country.
The chairman of the centre, Mr H Howes, thanked Lord and Lady Allendale for their attendance, and said no appeals to them were made in vain, and it was because of their interest in the Featherstone centre the number of subscribers at Barclays Bank in London had increased.
"THE LUCKIEST MAN ALIVE".
Charles Haikings was in court in January accused of driving a car
without due care and attention. He was driving from Pontefract and was
hit at the bottom of Station Lane by a lorry coming from Wakefield.
The
lorry driver, Harold Ashworth of Manchester, said snow was falling
heavily at the time, and driving conditions were bad. He saw the car
slow down as if it was going to turn behind him, but it skidded and was
hit by the lorry.
PC
Tubby said he found the car broadside on across Wakefield Road and the
lorry on the pavement. Mr Haikings was unconscious and Dr Duncan ordered
his removal to Pontefract Infirmary. The car was very badly damaged and
there were two inches of snow on the road.
Mr Clayton-Smith, for
Mr Haikings, submitted there was no case to answer. He was content to
rely on the evidence already given. The defendant had slowed down to
pass behind the lorry, but when he applied his brakes the car skidded
across the road into the path of the lorry. If he had attempted to turn
into Station Lane he would have committed suicide. As it was he was
nearly killed; "He is the luckiest man to be alive". It was obvious a
skid occurred on the treacherous road. The Bench dismissed the summons.
A WINDY DANCE
Featherstone
Rovers Supporters' Club arranged a dance in January in the Lister Hall
in aid of their 5,000 shillings appeal fund. Unfortunately the evening
coincided with a gale which reduced the expected attendance. Some
windows near the stage were dislodged and broken, and tarpaulins were
used to cover the opening but they proved ineffective and the rain came
through. Sylvester's Band had to be moved to the other end of the room,
and the dance went on until 2am.
At the B & S garage a bus top lying in the yard was lifted into the air and blown about causing damage to two chimneys.
MR CHESNEY RETIRES
A ceremony was held in the council chamber in February to mark the
retirement of Mr S Chesney after 28 years as engineer and surveyor to
the council. The clerk, Mr J A Haigh, presented to Mr Chesney a solid
silver server in the Chippendale style, and remarked he had spent the
whole of the 28 years service in close co-operation with him, both as an
official and as a friend.
Mr P Rothers, who had been Mr Chesney's assistant and was now promoted
to his job, spoke of Mr Chesney's achievements from his first big job -
the alterations and additions to the Snydale sewage works - to his last
one - the 13 aged peoples' bungalows in Little Lane.
Other councillors and officials paid tribute to Mr Chesney, and also to
Mrs Chesney's generosity and assistance on many occasions. The silver
plate was inscribed "To Mr and Mrs S Chesney, from the Members and
Officials of the Featherstone Urban District Council, Feb. 28th, 1938".
One of Mr Chesney's achievements was the diversion of the Went Beck to
allow Brookway to be built. He included a paddling pool for the
children. This photo, from the Featherstone Library Collection, was taken before the old buildings of Brook Farm
were demolished.
FILMS IN CHURCH
In March Sunday cinema services were held in Purston Parish Church to
stimulate interest among the parishioners. The original idea was by Mr E
P Bullock, a prominent Methodist, and the vicar, Revd T W Barry Wall
agreed. The first was held in the afternoon for the children, and two
more were held in the evening.
At all of them the vicar explained their use. The films were The Sower, Canterbury Cathedral and Barabbas. The Express commented
all were very instructive, and created a deep religious impression; so
much so some members of the congregation at the first service in the
evening remained for the second.
The Secretary of State informed the council that in connection with air
raid precautions and the training of auxiliary firemen, pumps, hoses and
other equipment would be supplied. Mr Hilsley, the captain of the Fire
Brigade, said the council could use them but they would remain the
property of the Government.
AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS
There was bombing in the Spanish Civil War, the trouble between Russia
and Japan plus increasing tension in Europe, so the Government decided
it would be prudent to make plans. In March the
sanitary inspector attended the air raid precautions lectures run
by the county council, which included anti-gas training.
A massive exercise was held on a Sunday night in August to test the
precautions. The street lights were turned off and property owners were
asked to do likewise, although it was done late at night so few would
have been involved. The RAF were to conduct "bombing raids" to test the
blackout and many people stayed up watch the proceedings but the weather
was too bad for the planes. The clerk told the next council meeting he
had been informed by the police the precautions taken by the council
were satisfactory.
In September Mr Hilsley reported he had received 800 feet of canvas fire hose and two trailer pumps. He had gone out to tender for training uniforms and he recommended the lowest one of £1 3s 5d per man be accepted. The council encouraged people to volunteer for rescue, demolition, decontamination and repair services under the Air Raid Precautions Scheme. The air raid wardens were presented with a badge.
Trenches were dug and shelters were provided in case of air raids, and 10,000 gas masks had been distributed. All the staff and patients at Ackton Hospital were given a gas mask. The illustrations below are from Britain Since the 1930s on the internet.
In September Mr Hilsley reported he had received 800 feet of canvas fire hose and two trailer pumps. He had gone out to tender for training uniforms and he recommended the lowest one of £1 3s 5d per man be accepted. The council encouraged people to volunteer for rescue, demolition, decontamination and repair services under the Air Raid Precautions Scheme. The air raid wardens were presented with a badge.
Trenches were dug and shelters were provided in case of air raids, and 10,000 gas masks had been distributed. All the staff and patients at Ackton Hospital were given a gas mask. The illustrations below are from Britain Since the 1930s on the internet.
An older child's and adult's gas mask.
The box it arrived in.
The instructions.
The men in the Civil Defence (wardens, first aid parties, auxiliary firemen, special constables) had a different gas mask.
Arrangements made in October were having the Purston Hall coach-house
cleared out to use as a first-aid post, the preparation of the Lister
Baths for both a gas decontamination centre and a first-aid post, and
manning the telephone 24 hours a day. The surveyor reported the steps
taken so far had cost about £1,000.
FEATHERSTONE ROVERS
For the eighth year the players entertained the committee and officials
to dinner. It was held in the Junction Hotel in May. After the meal Mr H
Littlewood, the Rovers secretary, said in the season just finished
there was a general improvement from the playing point of view, but
unfortunately not on the financial side. The committee had spent £500 on
new players and believed next season had something good to look forward
to. It was up to the players to do their best next year and so improve
the gates. If they could climb three or four places in the league each
season the committee would be highly satisfied.
Mr G Johnson congratulated the club on its management, and
said it was to be admired for spending money in trying to build up a
good team, and not selling players, but the reduced takings did not
appear to have paid for all the hard work.
The club chairman, Mr A Berry, said it took time to find their feet,
but he believed they now had the players to administer shocks to bigger
clubs. They were out to make Featherstone Rovers a foremost club again,
and all they needed was public interest.
The annual meeting was held in June at the Junction Hotel. The secretary said there was a profit of £38 on last season. Receipts from transfer fees had gone down by £300, but gate receipts had increased by £558.
The Supporters' Club, which had dwindled to about four members who deserved congratulating, handed over £40. The 5,000 shillings appeal fund had not done as well as expected but raised £99. The club still owed £1,914 to the Rugby League.
The chairman, Mr Berry, said the president (Mr A Bullock) had promised to erect a children's stand at his own expense. The team had lost many matches in the last 20 minutes, but the young players required time to settle down. He looked to a much more successful season next year, for they were not letting players go. "What we have, we hold."
Eleven candidates were nominated for the three positions on the committee. Messrs R H Jackson and A Evans were elected. Mr W Walker and Mr R Chilton had equal votes and cut for it. Mr Walker won.
Abe Bullock's children's stand was erected in time for the start of the season. It can be seen in the background of this team photo from Ron Bailey's book Featherstone Rovers Rugby League Club.
Mr Bullock paid for a dinner for the Women's Committee in November and Mrs Asquith handed over a cheque for £100, the profits on their efforts in the 1937-38 season. Mr Bullock acknowledged the work of the women in helping to keep the Rugby League flag flying in Featherstone.
The annual Christmas carnival dance by the Rovers was held in the Lister Baths with nearly 500 attending. Dancing was to the Georgians' Band of Wakefield, and Mr A Bullock provided the spot prizes.
WORK OR SCHOOL
The annual meeting was held in June at the Junction Hotel. The secretary said there was a profit of £38 on last season. Receipts from transfer fees had gone down by £300, but gate receipts had increased by £558.
The Supporters' Club, which had dwindled to about four members who deserved congratulating, handed over £40. The 5,000 shillings appeal fund had not done as well as expected but raised £99. The club still owed £1,914 to the Rugby League.
The chairman, Mr Berry, said the president (Mr A Bullock) had promised to erect a children's stand at his own expense. The team had lost many matches in the last 20 minutes, but the young players required time to settle down. He looked to a much more successful season next year, for they were not letting players go. "What we have, we hold."
Eleven candidates were nominated for the three positions on the committee. Messrs R H Jackson and A Evans were elected. Mr W Walker and Mr R Chilton had equal votes and cut for it. Mr Walker won.
Abe Bullock's children's stand was erected in time for the start of the season. It can be seen in the background of this team photo from Ron Bailey's book Featherstone Rovers Rugby League Club.
Mr Bullock paid for a dinner for the Women's Committee in November and Mrs Asquith handed over a cheque for £100, the profits on their efforts in the 1937-38 season. Mr Bullock acknowledged the work of the women in helping to keep the Rugby League flag flying in Featherstone.
The annual Christmas carnival dance by the Rovers was held in the Lister Baths with nearly 500 attending. Dancing was to the Georgians' Band of Wakefield, and Mr A Bullock provided the spot prizes.
WORK OR SCHOOL
The 1936 Education Act proposed raising the leaving age at school from
14 to 15. There was a get out clause for children who had an offer of
beneficial employment. The local education sub-committees held a
meeting at County Hall, Wakefield, in July to consider which jobs should
be excluded. A long list was agreed including lather boy in a barber's
shop, attendant in a billiard saloon, working in a fairground, hawking
on the public highway, and employment in a bookies.
The child would also have to attend evening classes, not be employed
before 8am or after 6pm, no Sunday work and a half-day off in the week,
and one week's paid holiday a year as well as the bank holidays. Some
people considered the conditions so onerous that no 14 year old would be
employed.
ACKTON HALL COLLIERY TO CLOSE?
The
Ackton Hall Colliery Company Ltd said in July the amount of dirt (stone
and shale) sent out with the coal had increased and such a state of
affairs could not continue, otherwise they would be compelled to close
the colliery. They wanted a much lower percentage which the colliers
said couldn't be met.
The company then put out the following statement. "Owing to the gravity
of the situation, these pits will close Tuesday night, Wednesday
morning and afternoon to enable all workmen to attend a special meeting
in the Welfare Hall to discuss the dirt question."
At the mass meeting the men were told the company would make the
maximum dirt allowance 7 per cent; the offer was final; and if it was not accepted the
pits would be closed. A ballot was agreed to and Mr E Hough,
vice-president of the Yorkshire Miners' Association, advised all union
members should vote so if there was a stoppage they would be entitled to
union unemployment benefit. The colliers, who were the only ones
affected by the dispute, objected to voting by the youths, but the union
decided the ballot would be open to all employees.
The result of the ballot was a rejection of the management's terms by 750 votes to 257. In reply the company gave seven days' notice to every worker at the colliery terminating his employment.
The colliers claimed it was the new manager's fault. The coal-cutting machine cut in the shale under the coal seam and the cuttings should have been cleaned out before the shotfirers went to work. This was being neglected and the colliers had no choice but to load the cuttings with the coal onto the conveyors. Cr Woodcock said he had heard more men had been employed in the last week removing the cuttings, and the management would have noticed the improvement in the quality of the coal sent out.
At the council meeting, held during the week of the notice period, Cr A Evans said it would be a big blow for Featherstone if Ackton Hall Colliery closed. When Featherstone Main closed down old men had no possible chance of getting another job. Cr A T Thatcher suggested the council should ask the management to meet a deputation of the council and the Ackton Hall miners' union. This was agreed.
Each coal face had two colliers called checkers whose job it was to ensure the men got all they were due to. The management asked them to see each collier individually to find out his view. They reported back the men intended to abide by the result of the ballot and this decision was final. So the colliery was closed.
A meeting was held between representatives of the coal company, the council and union representatives from Ackton Hall, South Kirkby and Hemsworth collieries but no agreement was reached and the meeting was adjourned.
The union recommended the colliers go back to work and give the management's terms of up to 7% dirt a try. If then they didn't like it they could put in their notice. The workers were worried if they came out on strike under such conditions would the union pay strike pay. The management repeated if they came out on strike the colliery would close.
The adjourned meeting between the deputation and the company resumed. The management agreed to effectively deal with the problem of cuttings from the coal cutters, but would not budge from their 7% maximum dirt allowance. The colliers had to agree or lose their jobs and work resumed on the Sunday night after a week's closure.
The Express commented "Featherstone people generally welcomed the good news. The closing of the colliery would have spelt Featherstone's doom".
DR STEVEN'S ANNUAL REPORT
The result of the ballot was a rejection of the management's terms by 750 votes to 257. In reply the company gave seven days' notice to every worker at the colliery terminating his employment.
The colliers claimed it was the new manager's fault. The coal-cutting machine cut in the shale under the coal seam and the cuttings should have been cleaned out before the shotfirers went to work. This was being neglected and the colliers had no choice but to load the cuttings with the coal onto the conveyors. Cr Woodcock said he had heard more men had been employed in the last week removing the cuttings, and the management would have noticed the improvement in the quality of the coal sent out.
At the council meeting, held during the week of the notice period, Cr A Evans said it would be a big blow for Featherstone if Ackton Hall Colliery closed. When Featherstone Main closed down old men had no possible chance of getting another job. Cr A T Thatcher suggested the council should ask the management to meet a deputation of the council and the Ackton Hall miners' union. This was agreed.
Each coal face had two colliers called checkers whose job it was to ensure the men got all they were due to. The management asked them to see each collier individually to find out his view. They reported back the men intended to abide by the result of the ballot and this decision was final. So the colliery was closed.
A meeting was held between representatives of the coal company, the council and union representatives from Ackton Hall, South Kirkby and Hemsworth collieries but no agreement was reached and the meeting was adjourned.
The union recommended the colliers go back to work and give the management's terms of up to 7% dirt a try. If then they didn't like it they could put in their notice. The workers were worried if they came out on strike under such conditions would the union pay strike pay. The management repeated if they came out on strike the colliery would close.
The adjourned meeting between the deputation and the company resumed. The management agreed to effectively deal with the problem of cuttings from the coal cutters, but would not budge from their 7% maximum dirt allowance. The colliers had to agree or lose their jobs and work resumed on the Sunday night after a week's closure.
The Express commented "Featherstone people generally welcomed the good news. The closing of the colliery would have spelt Featherstone's doom".
DR STEVEN'S ANNUAL REPORT
Dr Steven, the council's medical officer, published his annual report
in July. He said the population in 1937 was 13,830, a decrease of 250 on
the previous year. In the past 12 years it had gone down every year and
the total decrease was now 2,060. Fourteen new houses were built and 16
demolished. There were 245 births and 20 of them had died before the
first birthday. All the cases of scarlet fever (except one) and
diphtheria were sent to the isolation hospital at Ackton. Various offers
were made to immunise children at the eight schools but the response
was very meagre. There was a need for more three bedroom houses to
combat overcrowding, and to separate different sex children.
The sanitary inspector pointed out the council now had power under the
Public Health Act 1936 to insist on the conversion of waste-water
closets and pail closets, in addition to privies, to proper water
closets where sewers were available. He commented although privy closets
as such were not recognised as a nuisance, they were an abomination
which should not be tolerated in this age.
The estimated amount of refuse collected during the year was 10,330
tons, just over half of it being put through the destructor. The rest
was tipped at the South Featherstone Sewage Farm and the land
subsequently brought back into cultivation.
During
the year 5 council houses and 4 private houses were treated with
contact insecticidal fluids and fumigated with sulphur on account of
vermin. The furniture of eight families moving into council houses from
properties to be demolished was treated with hydrogen cyanide in a van
before moving in, and the bedding was put in the steam disinfector.
An Ordnance Survey map of the sewage farm at the joining of the Streethouse and Featherstone Went Becks showing the refuse destructor.
OLD FEATHERSTONE GALA
On the appointed day in July for the 19th Old Featherstone and Ackton treat and gala for the children and the old folks it was raining so the outdoor activities were abandoned and tea was served in the schoolroom to 134 children and 160 old people.
One week later the sun was shining so the Rose Queen, Joyce Abbott, was
crowned, and the procession, headed by the Featherstone Subscription
Silver Band, toured Willow Lane, The Green, Church Lane, Ackton and
Vicarage Road to Mrs G Copley's field. Although the company had feasted
the week before, Mr G M Cressey of Ackton enabled further teas to be
served after the procession.
The best decorated horse competition was won by Mrs G Copley, the
walking match for men over 60 by Mr J Amery, and the ladies' ankle
competition by Miss Lily Vaughan. Mr A Bullock paid for the old folk to
have a trip to Golden Acre Park and Harrogate.
HOSPITAL GALA AND CONCERTS
The Featherstone and Purston Sports and Carnival Committee held their annual gala in August. The Express commented
"The day is seemingly passed when the field opposite the Jubilee Hotel
was packed with a gay crowd for the annual gala. But there remains
unstinted endeavour to send as much to local hospitals as possible."
There was the usual parade headed by the Featherstone Subscription
Silver Band followed by Kathleen Cording the Carnival Queen. It started
at the Bradley Arms and toured Featherstone and Purston.
The competitions attracted entries from a wide area, and the winners were:
Fancy dress - W Thompson, Armley
Comic dress - E Lunn, Wath
Fancy dress for children - Pat Wilson, Wentbridge Road
Tableau - Mr W Dyer, Featherstone
Decorated horse - Featherstone Urban District Council
Decorated house - A Falkinder, West View
Decorated shop window - Messrs Gledhill
On the Sunday there were concerts in the afternoon and evening in
Purston Park with good crowds. At the evening concert the orchestra and
chorus numbered over 100.
1938 NEWS ITEMS
JANUARY
Cr Charles King, the chairman of the council, died after a short
illness. He was 61 years old and lived at Whinney Lane, Streethouse. He
worked at Snydale Colliery, and was then caretaker of Streethouse
Working Men's Club followed by being landlord of the Whitwell Main Inn.
FEBRUARY The West Riding Education Committee decided to purchase fields adjoining North Featherstone Council School in Gordon Street. Together with fencing, gates and layout the cost would be £570.
Over 500 people attended the 14th annual whist drive and dance at the Lister Hall in aid of medical charities. Sylvester's Band provided the music.
At a gathering at the Junction Hotel, the Rovers president Mr A Bullock presented to Mr G Johnson, the former president, an inscribed solid silver cigarette box in recognition of his long and devoted service to the club.
MARCH Lewis Nottage Howe of Ivy Cottage, Purston, was with his son Edwin in Wakefield. He went into a butcher's shop and slipped down and broke his thigh. After treatment at Pontefract General Infirmary he returned home and died 11 days later. Dr T Gardiner told the inquest death was due to heart failure and pneumonia supervening on the fractured thigh. The verdict was death by misadventure.
MAY Robert Oldfield age 23 of Albert Street and Charles Kirton age 30 of Featherstone Square were badly injured by runaway tubs at Ackton Hall Colliery. They died the same day in Pontefract General Infirmary. The inquest jury's verdict was death by misadventure.
Mr J W McCowan, headmaster at George Street School, was awarded the Recognition Badge of the Royal Life Saving Society for his work as the local representative of the society, and his organisation of the examinations at the Lister baths.
JUNE Fred Stevens age 31 of Loscoe Street was trapped in the rollers of a conveyor at Ackton Hall Colliery while cleaning it with the guard off. The inquest jury decided death was due to misadventure.
The Fire Brigade won first prize in the motor pump competition at Halifax in the West Riding Division of the National Fire Brigades' Association rally. The team was J Hilsley (captain), T Hollis, D Jaques, G Dransfield, C Roberts and J Noble.
JULY A gala organised by the Featherstone and Purston Sunday Schools Movement was held. All the Nonconformist schools and Purston Church took part. There was a procession headed by the Salvation Army Band which toured Featherstone and Purston and ended at the Rovers' ground where tea was served for the children and competitions were held.
AUGUST Lightning struck an aerial at the house of Mr L Haigh in Gladstone Street. Several slates were dislodged and soot fell in every room. Curtains and clothing caught fire but the Fire Brigade were quickly on the scene and soon put out the flames.
In court two policemen said they saw James Kirton of Pretoria Street running in and out of his house using bad language and threatening his wife. When they intervened he kicked them both on the shins and struck them. Supt A Elliott said Kirton had 11 previous convictions and was becoming a source of trouble. He had lost an arm and was taking advantage of his infirmity. He was sent to prison for a month.
Fred Brooke age 48 of Jardine Avenue died in Pontefract Infirmary from injuries received when he was knocked down by a car near Mill Cottages at midnight. At the inquest it was said he told a witness he didn't see or hear the car. The driver of the car, Walter Senior Maw of Pontefract, said he didn't see Brooke until he suddenly appeared in front of him. The jury decided it was accidental death and exonerated the driver from blame.
Richard Barker age 21 of Vicarage Lane was reported missing. A week later his body was found under a tree in the Huntwick Park Plantation. Apparently he had hanged himself and the rope had broken. The coroner said there was no doubt Barker had taken his own life, and the verdict was suicide while the balance of his mind was disturbed.
Tom Hemmings age 48 of Rhyl Street and Herbert Copeland age 51 of Purston Buildings, two council workmen, were pushing a refuse barrow near the Junction Hotel. They were struck by a lorry and both had to be taken to Pontefract Infirmary.
SEPTEMBER William Morley age 3 of Little Lane, Purston, was admitted to Pontefract General Infirmary unconscious and died the next day. The post mortem examination could only find a bruise on his leg and grazes on his knee. At the inquest his mother said he had been playing outside. Dr W H Thompson said the cause of death was osteomyelitis (a rare bone infection) and the infection probably entered through the grazes. The verdict was death by misadventure.
Albert Rushton age 23 of Albert Street was riding home from Wakefield on his motorcycle on a Thursday night when he ran into a lorry turning into Batty's Cafe and died at the scene from his injuries. After hearing the evidence of witnesses a verdict of death by misadventure was returned, and the coroner said no blame could be attached to the lorry driver.
The 26th annual swimming gala was held in the Lister Baths. Mr C J S Garner, the Ackton Hall colliery manager, presided, and his wife handed out the prizes for the competitions. One feature was a parade of children in the pool with parasols to the tune of Lambeth Walk played on a piano-accordion.
OCTOBER Leslie Stringer of Ivy Street was riding his motorcycle from Ackton to North Featherstone at too great a speed. He failed to negotiate the S-bend and collided with a motorcycle and sidecar parked outside the Sun Inn. He rode off without reporting it but was traced and ended up in court where he was fined £7 on four counts.
An operatic society was formed from members of the Methodist churches. They hoped to produce a Gilbert and Sullivan opera before the end of the year.
At the annual meeting of the British Legion held in the Ambulance Hut it was said many needy members had been supplied with clothing, food, books, funeral grants and legal aid.
NOVEMBER There was the usual procession to Purston Church on Remembrance Sunday. After the service wreaths were laid at the memorial, and the Last Post and Reveille were sounded by Bandsman Bean of the Gordon Highlanders, who had just returned to Featherstone from abroad.
Harold Thompson age 18 of Beal was in court accused of dangerous driving when he knocked down Tom Hemmings and Herbert Copeland last August. Mr Hemmings had to give his evidence from a stretcher. Harold Thompson was fined £5 and his licence was endorsed.
Richard Colley age 31 of Henrietta Street was buried by a fall of coal and roof, and he died before he could be taken out of the mine. The inquest jury decided it was death by misadventure.
An automatic telephone exchange was opened in Green Lane to replace the one at the Post Office. There were 98 subscribers and the equipment was sufficient for 150. The building was large enough to cater for 200 if need be.
DECEMBER It was decided to make South Featherstone Senior School a mixed school instead of separate classes for boys and girls. In order to do this the pupils from Streethouse were transferred to North Featherstone Senior School (Gordon Street).
The British Legion held their annual whist drive and dance in the Lister Baths. There were 250 dancing to Jack Tumelty's Band. It was announced the total raised for the Poppy Day Fund was a record £54 16s.
A fault at a transformer in Ferrybridge Power Station put out the lights on a Sunday evening. The congregation at Purston Methodist Church, in the dark, sang Sometimes the Light Surprises the Christian While he Sings.
The Child Welfare and Maternity Clinics held a reception for mothers and babies in the Lister Baths. The presents and food were provided by an anonymous donor. Sweets for the children were given by Wilkinson and Company of Pontefract.
FEBRUARY The West Riding Education Committee decided to purchase fields adjoining North Featherstone Council School in Gordon Street. Together with fencing, gates and layout the cost would be £570.
Over 500 people attended the 14th annual whist drive and dance at the Lister Hall in aid of medical charities. Sylvester's Band provided the music.
At a gathering at the Junction Hotel, the Rovers president Mr A Bullock presented to Mr G Johnson, the former president, an inscribed solid silver cigarette box in recognition of his long and devoted service to the club.
MARCH Lewis Nottage Howe of Ivy Cottage, Purston, was with his son Edwin in Wakefield. He went into a butcher's shop and slipped down and broke his thigh. After treatment at Pontefract General Infirmary he returned home and died 11 days later. Dr T Gardiner told the inquest death was due to heart failure and pneumonia supervening on the fractured thigh. The verdict was death by misadventure.
MAY Robert Oldfield age 23 of Albert Street and Charles Kirton age 30 of Featherstone Square were badly injured by runaway tubs at Ackton Hall Colliery. They died the same day in Pontefract General Infirmary. The inquest jury's verdict was death by misadventure.
Mr J W McCowan, headmaster at George Street School, was awarded the Recognition Badge of the Royal Life Saving Society for his work as the local representative of the society, and his organisation of the examinations at the Lister baths.
JUNE Fred Stevens age 31 of Loscoe Street was trapped in the rollers of a conveyor at Ackton Hall Colliery while cleaning it with the guard off. The inquest jury decided death was due to misadventure.
The Fire Brigade won first prize in the motor pump competition at Halifax in the West Riding Division of the National Fire Brigades' Association rally. The team was J Hilsley (captain), T Hollis, D Jaques, G Dransfield, C Roberts and J Noble.
JULY A gala organised by the Featherstone and Purston Sunday Schools Movement was held. All the Nonconformist schools and Purston Church took part. There was a procession headed by the Salvation Army Band which toured Featherstone and Purston and ended at the Rovers' ground where tea was served for the children and competitions were held.
AUGUST Lightning struck an aerial at the house of Mr L Haigh in Gladstone Street. Several slates were dislodged and soot fell in every room. Curtains and clothing caught fire but the Fire Brigade were quickly on the scene and soon put out the flames.
In court two policemen said they saw James Kirton of Pretoria Street running in and out of his house using bad language and threatening his wife. When they intervened he kicked them both on the shins and struck them. Supt A Elliott said Kirton had 11 previous convictions and was becoming a source of trouble. He had lost an arm and was taking advantage of his infirmity. He was sent to prison for a month.
Fred Brooke age 48 of Jardine Avenue died in Pontefract Infirmary from injuries received when he was knocked down by a car near Mill Cottages at midnight. At the inquest it was said he told a witness he didn't see or hear the car. The driver of the car, Walter Senior Maw of Pontefract, said he didn't see Brooke until he suddenly appeared in front of him. The jury decided it was accidental death and exonerated the driver from blame.
Richard Barker age 21 of Vicarage Lane was reported missing. A week later his body was found under a tree in the Huntwick Park Plantation. Apparently he had hanged himself and the rope had broken. The coroner said there was no doubt Barker had taken his own life, and the verdict was suicide while the balance of his mind was disturbed.
Tom Hemmings age 48 of Rhyl Street and Herbert Copeland age 51 of Purston Buildings, two council workmen, were pushing a refuse barrow near the Junction Hotel. They were struck by a lorry and both had to be taken to Pontefract Infirmary.
SEPTEMBER William Morley age 3 of Little Lane, Purston, was admitted to Pontefract General Infirmary unconscious and died the next day. The post mortem examination could only find a bruise on his leg and grazes on his knee. At the inquest his mother said he had been playing outside. Dr W H Thompson said the cause of death was osteomyelitis (a rare bone infection) and the infection probably entered through the grazes. The verdict was death by misadventure.
Albert Rushton age 23 of Albert Street was riding home from Wakefield on his motorcycle on a Thursday night when he ran into a lorry turning into Batty's Cafe and died at the scene from his injuries. After hearing the evidence of witnesses a verdict of death by misadventure was returned, and the coroner said no blame could be attached to the lorry driver.
The 26th annual swimming gala was held in the Lister Baths. Mr C J S Garner, the Ackton Hall colliery manager, presided, and his wife handed out the prizes for the competitions. One feature was a parade of children in the pool with parasols to the tune of Lambeth Walk played on a piano-accordion.
OCTOBER Leslie Stringer of Ivy Street was riding his motorcycle from Ackton to North Featherstone at too great a speed. He failed to negotiate the S-bend and collided with a motorcycle and sidecar parked outside the Sun Inn. He rode off without reporting it but was traced and ended up in court where he was fined £7 on four counts.
An operatic society was formed from members of the Methodist churches. They hoped to produce a Gilbert and Sullivan opera before the end of the year.
At the annual meeting of the British Legion held in the Ambulance Hut it was said many needy members had been supplied with clothing, food, books, funeral grants and legal aid.
NOVEMBER There was the usual procession to Purston Church on Remembrance Sunday. After the service wreaths were laid at the memorial, and the Last Post and Reveille were sounded by Bandsman Bean of the Gordon Highlanders, who had just returned to Featherstone from abroad.
Harold Thompson age 18 of Beal was in court accused of dangerous driving when he knocked down Tom Hemmings and Herbert Copeland last August. Mr Hemmings had to give his evidence from a stretcher. Harold Thompson was fined £5 and his licence was endorsed.
Richard Colley age 31 of Henrietta Street was buried by a fall of coal and roof, and he died before he could be taken out of the mine. The inquest jury decided it was death by misadventure.
An automatic telephone exchange was opened in Green Lane to replace the one at the Post Office. There were 98 subscribers and the equipment was sufficient for 150. The building was large enough to cater for 200 if need be.
DECEMBER It was decided to make South Featherstone Senior School a mixed school instead of separate classes for boys and girls. In order to do this the pupils from Streethouse were transferred to North Featherstone Senior School (Gordon Street).
The British Legion held their annual whist drive and dance in the Lister Baths. There were 250 dancing to Jack Tumelty's Band. It was announced the total raised for the Poppy Day Fund was a record £54 16s.
A fault at a transformer in Ferrybridge Power Station put out the lights on a Sunday evening. The congregation at Purston Methodist Church, in the dark, sang Sometimes the Light Surprises the Christian While he Sings.
The Child Welfare and Maternity Clinics held a reception for mothers and babies in the Lister Baths. The presents and food were provided by an anonymous donor. Sweets for the children were given by Wilkinson and Company of Pontefract.