A HISTORY OF FEATHERSTONE
1926
JANUARY
A 14 year old pit lad was in court charged with stealing a watch.
George Hodgson said he found his watch had gone from his coat down
Ackton Hall Colliery. He suspected who had taken it but the lad denied
it so he informed the police. The police recovered his watch and in
court the lad offered no excuse and was placed on probation for two
years.
Three schoolboys, one age eight and the others eleven, were charged with stealing a carton of cigarettes from Edith Spencer's shop in Green Lane. PC Lee said he got on a bus and saw the three boys smoking at the back. He questioned them and they admitted they had stolen them. The chairman gave then a telling off and observed such small boys would be better off at Sunday School. They were placed on probation for one year.
Edward Morgan age 48 of Pretoria Street was severely injured by a fall of roof at Ackton Hall Colliery on the 28th and he died two days later in Clayton Hospital. The inquest jury in Wakefield Town Hall returned a verdict of accidentally killed.
FEBRUARY Two Featherstone lads age 14 and 16 were charged with stealing empty bottles from the Jubilee Hotel. Arthur Clarkson said he caught them in the backyard at 9pm. They had climbed a ten foot wall to get into the yard. The landlord, Alfred Caton, said he had lost 42 bottles in the last week and he had to pay as much as 10s a week to make good the losses. The chairman said they were determined to stop the pilfering and bound them over for 12 months.
The 20 council houses on the smallpox hospital site were now wired for electricity and the Yorkshire Electric Power Company were given permission to lay another main cable via Green Lane, Station Lane, Post Office Road, the footpath to Wakefield Road, Wakefield Road, Ackworth Road, Wentbridge Road and Little Lane.
The wall around Purston Church was nearing completion. It was decided to plant trees and make other improvements to the grounds which had put the cost up to £280. There was still £100 to be raised so a sale of work was held in Purston School. The vicar, Revd H S Rogers, expressed his gratitude to the ladies who had produced an excellent sale of work at short notice. He said there was a reaction after the last war when people were inclined to do nothing, but he was glad so far as Purston Church was concerned it could be said they had some very good workers. The sale was opened by Miss Mary Rogers, and Miss Alexander made feeling reference to the late Mrs Rogers.
The three photos below show the various stages of the work and are taken from postcards.
TIPPING PROBLEMS
In January the council told the clerk to write to Mr Holiday asking when the new
dirt tip would commence to enable stopping tipping south of the railway,
which he had said would start last October.
With no reply received by the February meeting the council told the surveyor to interview Mr Holiday to ascertain the
exact progress made with the new arrangement for tipping colliery spoil
near to Featherstone Main Colliery instead of near Featherstone Square
and Henrietta Street.
The March meeting arrived and the surveyor said he had contacted Mr
Holiday who had told him to see Mr McTrusty, the manager. He had tried
to arrange a meeting but failed. Cr Ryan said does he intend seeing you?
I think it's all moonshine. The matter should be taken in hand. Mr
Holiday had given an undertaking to do something last year and here we
were in March and nothing done.
Cr Coult said bitter complaints had been made by shopkeepers and
householders about furniture being ruined by dust and smoke arising from
the tips. The council should do something. If Mr Holiday was taking the council seriously he ought to meet their representatives and get
something done as quickly as possible. If not the council would have to
take drastic action.
Cr Evans said it was getting worse and proposed they ask the county council to help them. Cr Simpkin proposed the surveyor telephone Mr
McTrusty to arrange a meeting. When voted on Cr Evans' resolution won.
The surveyor did meet with Mr McTrusty who told him it would be 12
months before the aerial flight was ready and they would have to
continue tipping on the stack near to Featherstone Square and Henrietta
Street or stop the pit.
On a similar issue the residents in Post Office Road complained about the council's Foden steam wagon being housed in a building at the bottom of their street. They said washing was covered in soot and this with the smoke made it unpleasant for people living near.
The chairman, Cr Rodgers, told the April meeting it was a nuisance and should be remedied. The council had complained about the muckstack nuisance and to be consistent they should not be a party to causing a nuisance elsewhere. The surveyor said the only other place to house it was at the sewage works, but if the more expensive anthracite coal was used it would be better. The council decided to consider it.
On a similar issue the residents in Post Office Road complained about the council's Foden steam wagon being housed in a building at the bottom of their street. They said washing was covered in soot and this with the smoke made it unpleasant for people living near.
The chairman, Cr Rodgers, told the April meeting it was a nuisance and should be remedied. The council had complained about the muckstack nuisance and to be consistent they should not be a party to causing a nuisance elsewhere. The surveyor said the only other place to house it was at the sewage works, but if the more expensive anthracite coal was used it would be better. The council decided to consider it.
 |
| Foden's advertisement. An illustration from The Steam Museum. |
CUT HIS THUMB AND DIED
Joseph Herrington of Dixon Street was admitted to Pontefract Infirmary
on a Saturday in January with a septic wound in his hand and in a
delirious condition. On Sunday evening he jumped out of bed and smashed a
window. He was held back by the other patients or he would have jumped
30 feet to the ground. They put him back on his bed and thought they had
calmed him.
However,
he jumped out of bed again, evaded the ward sister, got to the ground
floor and jumped out of a window there. The sister had followed him and
shouted to two men outside to stop him but he was too quick for them so
she phoned the police.
Herrington made his way into the town clad only in his night attire
followed by a curious crowd which was seen by PC Hall who attempted to
catch Herrington but he had a good start and PC Hall lost sight of him.
He was joined by PC Elkin from the police station and they eventually
found Herrington in a yard. He was suffering from wounds caused by the
broken glass and was thoroughly exhausted. He was given first aid and
taken back to the infirmary in an ambulance where he was attended to by a
doctor and was later said to be comfortable.
His condition then worsened and seven days after admission he died. At the inquest Thomas Herrington, his brother, said they were working together at Featherstone Main Colliery when a piece of stone fell and cut Joseph's right thumb. The injury was only slight and he did not have it dressed at the pit. It became painful so he went to see a doctor who put a dressing on. It got worse so the next day he went to see Dr Steven who sent him to Pontefract Infirmary.
Sister Gertrude Lovelady said Harrison seemed to be doing nicely then he began to talk strangely. Dr Lippiat saw him at 6.15pm and he appeared more rational. She said she was called away to another patient but was sent for almost immediately. She found Herrington with his head through a window and two other patients holding him by his ankles. He was put back in bed and he said he was alright.
Then he ran out of the ward and she followed him and found him in the sterilising room where he had smashed a window with his fist and he jumped through the window and made off. He was brought back in a state of collapse having lost much blood. He was seen by Dr Lippiat and did not give further trouble.
Dr Lippiat said when admitted Herrington was suffering from an injury to his thumb and an abcess on his hand caused by the wound. The hand was opened and treated and he was going on nicely before his escape. When Herrington was returned he had two wounds in his neck and had lost much blood. One neck wound turned septic and as he was in a run down condition the blood poisoning was enough to cause him to lose his mental balance.
If he had not suffered from exposure and the wounds to his neck he would probably have recovered. The effects of his escape were a contributory cause, but he had no doubt the blood poisoning in the hand caused Herrington's death.
The jury returned a verdict of accidental death due to the injury at work, and the coroner said it was essential in a coal pit a man should go at once and have a wound antiseptically dressed.
In June his widow Gertrude Herrington applied for compensation from the colliery company. The couple were separated and Joseph Herrington was living with his mother and paying 25s a week maintenance to his wife. After his death Gertrude received 18s widow's pension. After hearing all the evidence the judge awarded compensation of £300 to Gertrude, and his mother had already accepted £60.
His condition then worsened and seven days after admission he died. At the inquest Thomas Herrington, his brother, said they were working together at Featherstone Main Colliery when a piece of stone fell and cut Joseph's right thumb. The injury was only slight and he did not have it dressed at the pit. It became painful so he went to see a doctor who put a dressing on. It got worse so the next day he went to see Dr Steven who sent him to Pontefract Infirmary.
Sister Gertrude Lovelady said Harrison seemed to be doing nicely then he began to talk strangely. Dr Lippiat saw him at 6.15pm and he appeared more rational. She said she was called away to another patient but was sent for almost immediately. She found Herrington with his head through a window and two other patients holding him by his ankles. He was put back in bed and he said he was alright.
Then he ran out of the ward and she followed him and found him in the sterilising room where he had smashed a window with his fist and he jumped through the window and made off. He was brought back in a state of collapse having lost much blood. He was seen by Dr Lippiat and did not give further trouble.
Dr Lippiat said when admitted Herrington was suffering from an injury to his thumb and an abcess on his hand caused by the wound. The hand was opened and treated and he was going on nicely before his escape. When Herrington was returned he had two wounds in his neck and had lost much blood. One neck wound turned septic and as he was in a run down condition the blood poisoning was enough to cause him to lose his mental balance.
If he had not suffered from exposure and the wounds to his neck he would probably have recovered. The effects of his escape were a contributory cause, but he had no doubt the blood poisoning in the hand caused Herrington's death.
The jury returned a verdict of accidental death due to the injury at work, and the coroner said it was essential in a coal pit a man should go at once and have a wound antiseptically dressed.
In June his widow Gertrude Herrington applied for compensation from the colliery company. The couple were separated and Joseph Herrington was living with his mother and paying 25s a week maintenance to his wife. After his death Gertrude received 18s widow's pension. After hearing all the evidence the judge awarded compensation of £300 to Gertrude, and his mother had already accepted £60.
THE END OF THE GUARDIANS?
In order to look after the most destitute the Overseers of the Poor
were established in 1597. In 1834 the Government passed the Poor Law
Amendment Act which transferred the looking after to Boards of Guardians
which oversaw a larger area than the Overseers. Featherstone became
part of the Pontefract Union and elected Guardians to the Board. The
Guardians gave assistance called out relief to those who could cope at
home, and for those who could not cope they built a workhouse.
The Government were now considering transferring the system to the county councils and it came up for discussion at the February council
meeting. The chairman, Cr Rodgers, said from all he could learn the county council would have local committees, the majority of whose
members would be co-opted. He would object to that. The committee ought
to be elected locally and consist of persons who knew the needs of the
district.
Cr Ryan said rightly or wrongly Labour was father of the movement to
abolish Boards of Guardians. He had been a member of the Pontefract
Board of Guardians for 12 years and he would stand by this experience
than any of Sidney Webb's theories (a socialist economist).
Administration by the county council would be a failure and the work
would be done by officials. Who better than local selected
representatives for understanding the needs of the sick, infirm, and
deserving poor?
Cr Edwards endorsed all Cr Ryan had said, and added if the powers of
the Guardians were transferred to the county council it would be God
help the poor. Because the details of the proposed change were not yet
ready the council decided to defer passing a resolution.
CEMETERY HILL
The county council was responsible for the upkeep of the Wakefield to
Pontefract road through Featherstone, but the roads to Ackworth and
Castleford were the responsibility of Featherstone Council. The council
were trying to get the county council to take them over but without
success.
Cr
Coult told the February meeting Cemetery Hill was a danger to life and
limb with the present narrow road and the continuous bus traffic and
needed widening at once. It was not fair the Featherstone ratepayers
should have to foot the bill and either the county council or the
Ministry of Transport should undertake responsibility.
The chairman thought the county council should take over the two roads
as they were getting the money from the licences. He did not think they
could get an unemployed grant from the Ministry as there were not enough
men out of work, but they could try the Road Fund.
The surveyor said the main roads were being cut up by buses and he
agreed the hill was extremely dangerous. The Ministry had asked for a
census. Cr Holiday pointed out the grave danger to pedestrians going
down Cemetery Hill. In the end, after pointing out all the Featherstone
roads were in poor condition, it was agreed the surveyor should take a
census of the traffic and prepare plans and cost estimates to widen the
road from the cemetery to Ackton Wood Corner.
At the March council meeting it was said the Ministry had refused to make the Ackworth to Cutsyke road a classified road. The clerk was told to write expressing the council's dissatisfaction as such refusal, and pointing out the heavy cost of improving and maintaining this road in a safe condition for motor traffic, which is too great a charge to be borne by the local rates. The next month the county council agreed to contribute £128 17s 8d towards the repair of Ackworth Road. In May the Ministry wrote to say it would not change its decision.
At the March council meeting it was said the Ministry had refused to make the Ackworth to Cutsyke road a classified road. The clerk was told to write expressing the council's dissatisfaction as such refusal, and pointing out the heavy cost of improving and maintaining this road in a safe condition for motor traffic, which is too great a charge to be borne by the local rates. The next month the county council agreed to contribute £128 17s 8d towards the repair of Ackworth Road. In May the Ministry wrote to say it would not change its decision.
COMPENSATION CASES
George Davies of Market Street sought an award against the South
Kirkby, Featherstone and Hemsworth Collieries Ltd for his nystagmus. He
was certified as suffering from the disease in 1922 and the company now
held the opinion he had recovered from it. Their two doctor witnesses
said he was fit for work but they would not recommend the coal face
because he had only sight in one eye. Dr Fison and Dr Steven for Davies said he was only fit for surface work.
The judge said plenty of one-eyed men worked at the coal face. The
point was whether nystagmus in a one-eyed man was sufficient to prevent
him working at the coal face. He decided an award would be given for 10s
a week up to 7 December 1925 and 5s a week after that date.
Another case was that of Edmund Spragg of Featherstone Square who was
seriously injured in a fall of roof at Ackton Hall Colliery in 1912. At
that time he was earning 31s 6d a week and was awarded compensation of
27s 7d a week.
The companies case was this compensation award had been overlooked for
some years and Spragg was fit for work and had been so for many years.
Spragg had claimed his right arm was useless and he had no feeling in
it, but a clerk at the colliery said he had seen Spragg fairly
frequently during the past few years riding a bicycle. The companies
doctors said if he had not used the arm for years there would have been
wastage of the muscles and there was none.
The judge took the opinion Spragg was malingering and it took the form
of Spragg having persuaded himself he could not do any work, whereas he
had not the slightest doubt he could have done some work for many
years. The award was reduced to 7s 6d a week.
DIDN'T SING FOR HER SUPPER
Kitty
Robinson. alias Lilly Mullins, a vocalist, was charged in February with
having obtained food valued at 7s by false pretenses. Hannah Preston of
Station Lane said late at night Kitty was brought to her house by the
son of the landlord of the Featherstone Hotel. She said she had obtained
a singing engagement at the hotel at £2 10s a week. On the strength of
that she provided her with food and lodgings for three days. Then she
disappeared.
PC
Senior said he arrested the woman and she said she had paid 5s towards
the 7s owing. On oath Robinson told a long story of being without means
and of not having any intention to defraud Mrs Preston.
John
Thomas Dixon, landlord of the Featherstone Hotel, denied he had engaged
the woman who told him she had a singing engagement in Featherstone. At
her request he sent his son with her to try and find lodgings.
The
Bench found the charge proved and the police handed in a list of 22
convictions for theft, false pretences and other offences. The chairman
told her she had a shocking record. For the past nine years she had gone
about committing nothing but crimes. She would be sent to prison
for two months. Kitty Robinson left the dock shouting and threatening.
MEDICAL CHARITIES SOCIAL
The annual social in aid of the local hospitals was held in the Lister Hall in March. The Express
commented "The members of the Featherstone Council and the lady members
of the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee (together called the
Featherstone Hospital Efforts Fund Committee) have cause to be proud of
the success when by means of a whist drive and dance a very substantial
sum was raised for medical charities.
"It would be difficult for any similar event to excel that at
Featherstone for skillful organisation by expert officials. and
warm-hearted generous response of the public. To see the worthy councillors and sedate colliery managers in fancy headgear was a sight
for the gods, but loss of dignity mattered nothing on such an occasion."
There were 296 players for the whist drive and the hall was packed for
the dance and dancing was difficult but borne without grumble because
the greater the number the greater the benefit for the medical
charities.
The first prize winners of the fancy dress competitions were Mrs Wall
of Fitzwilliam dressed as a wedding cake and John Ryan of Featherstone
as a Spanish dancer. The juvenile's first prize was won by Gracie
Bellwood dressed as a millinery box.
The committee met after the event and reported a profit on the social of £136 15s. Apart from the social the lady members had collected £54 12s, the council members and officials had donated £9 4s and Mr Holiday gave 22s 6d for the juvenile fancy dress prizes.
It was agreed to give £60 each to Leeds Infirmary and Clayton Hospital, and £30 to Pontefract Infirmary. The baby clinics would get £10 and the rest to the Featherstone Tuberculosis Committee.
The secretaries of the three hospitals wrote expressing their thanks for the donations. From Clayton Hospital it was said it was a very gratifying thing to know the effort had been such a splendid success, and all who took part were to be sincerely congratulated on the result.
The committee met after the event and reported a profit on the social of £136 15s. Apart from the social the lady members had collected £54 12s, the council members and officials had donated £9 4s and Mr Holiday gave 22s 6d for the juvenile fancy dress prizes.
It was agreed to give £60 each to Leeds Infirmary and Clayton Hospital, and £30 to Pontefract Infirmary. The baby clinics would get £10 and the rest to the Featherstone Tuberculosis Committee.
The secretaries of the three hospitals wrote expressing their thanks for the donations. From Clayton Hospital it was said it was a very gratifying thing to know the effort had been such a splendid success, and all who took part were to be sincerely congratulated on the result.
ANOTHER CROSSINGS DEATH
An
inquest was held in the Gospel Hall in April into the death of Albert
Armitage of Green Lane. His brother Oscar said Albert had been in
ill-health for 18 months after an attack of flu and he hadn't worked for
seven weeks. His daughter Kathleen said his illness appeared to depress
him and she last saw him at 7.30pm when he said he was going for a walk
and would not be late back.
Ronald Taylor of Halfpenny Lane said he found the badly mutilated body
at 5.30am the next morning. PC Marshall said there was evidence at the
Halfpenny Lane crossing of the man having been struck there. Mr W Davies
for the LMS said 27 trains would have passed the crossing between
7.30pm and 5.30am including an express train at 7.44pm.
Thomas Darwent, the driver of the express, said he was travelling at
40mph and it was dark. He felt no obstruction at the crossing and when
he examined his engine at Wakefield there were no marks on it.
Summing up the coroner said it appeared clear from the evidence
Armitage was knocked down by a fast moving passenger train. The jury
returned an open verdict saying there was insufficient evidence to show
how the dead man came to be on the line. John Bedford, the foreman, said
the company should be approached for a footbridge at Halfpenny Lane and
a subway at the Church Fields crossing. The coroner said the Church
Fields crossing did not enter into the case but he would pass the
recommendation on.
SLOW COUNCIL HOUSE BUILDING
At
the April Council meeting the clerk was told to write to Harold Hirst,
contractor for the building of the Purston council house estate, drawing
attention to the fact he had failed to complete the first section of 18
houses in accordance with the contract, and pointing out the loss to
the council because of the non-receipt of rents, and notifying him to
comply with the terms of his contract as to the completion of specified
sections without further delay.
The first four houses were ready for 1 June and the rent was fixed at 6s 3d a week pus 4s a week rates.
The first four houses were ready for 1 June and the rent was fixed at 6s 3d a week pus 4s a week rates.
The two photos of the Purston scheme are from the Wakefield Museums Collection.
THE CANCER CAMPAIGN
BABY DAY
1926 NEWS ITEMS
There had been an appeal in Pontefract for a Pontefract and District scheme
in aid of the Yorkshire Cancer Research Fund but Featherstone decided to
go it alone and a meeting was held in the Hippodrome in April.
Cr
J Rodgers, chairman of the council, presided over a large gathering and
said it was a pleasure that all classes could combine for one common
object. It had been suggested they should join with Pontefract but he
thought Featherstone was big enough to make its own effort. The
Yorkshire Miners' Association had suggested each miner contributed one
shilling and each pit lad sixpence. He hoped the colliery owners and the
Tradesmen's Association would also do their share.
Dr Veale of Leeds spoke of the dreadful toll of the disease and urged
the public to go to their doctors at the earliest sign. Many might ask
what prospects there were of curing this dread disease, but they might
have asked the same question about tuberculosis, and yet the discovery
had come which helped them to combat it. The research would be
enormously expensive but the money would be got if they had the general
sympathy of the country.
Mr A W Archer, managing director of the South Kirkby, Featherstone and
Hemsworth Collieries Ltd said it was refreshing men of all types could
meet for such a purpose. It was good to find such men as Dr Veale giving
up their leisure to this cause. Because of the marked advance in
medical science for other diseases they were entitled to hope cancer
research would be successful.
Roslyn Holiday, general manager of Ackton Hall Colliery, appealed to
all to become missionaries and spread the word throughout Featherstone
that a local fund was to be started and all were needed to help. They
must not expect results at once and must be prepared to wait a good
time. They should go away determined to do their bit and persuade
others to do their share for this great cause. A preliminary meeting was
held in May where it was decided to defer any decisions until after the
miners' strike.
THE COUNCIL'S ANNUAL MEETING
The Council held its annual meeting in April. Cr J Rodgers was
unanimously re-elected as chairman. He thanked them for their support
and he trusted they would all work together as loyally as during the
past year. He reviewed what they had done in the past 12 months.
At
Day's Field in Purston 30 houses had been roofed in and another 26 were
under construction. The council was not satisfied with the progress.
There should have been 20 houses ready in seven months but after eight
months not one was finished.
The original council houses built in 1914 were being painted and the
streets and other works postponed because of the war and high prices
afterwards were making good progress. For the 20 houses on the smallpox
hospital site the council had put in the kerbs and foundations for the
roads and levelled up the site. A total of £2,800 in subsidies had been
given for the private building of 26 houses and three bungalows.
He would like to see the purchase of an ambulance for Featherstone and
the fire engine and apparatus was obsolete and urgently needed
replacing.
He referred to the cancer meeting recently held and hoped a committee
would be formed in Featherstone to raise funds for the campaign. Mr
Archer had given them a start with a cheque for £50. Cr Coult said it
was a noble work the medical profession had undertaken and they deserved
the backing of everyone.
Cr Dakin said there were others than Mr Archer who could well afford to
give £50, and if the miners were to give their shilling, and it should
be remembered this was only a recommendation and the men could refuse to
pay the levy if they wished, they would want to see the other classes
contributing.
It was agreed the council and the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee
should meet and invite other representative to attend and join forces.
THE ROVERS' ANNUAL MEETING
The Rovers annual meeting in June reported a profit on the season of
£256, mainly due to receipts for the cuptie games. Mr McTrusty said they
were a sound and solvent concern and the members could rely on
Featherstone Rovers continuing to be the most economically managed club
in the Rugby League.
He
went on to say they were moving rapidly in matters concerning ground
and equipment. The rights of the club (to play at Post Office Road) had
been transferred to the Miners' Welfare Committee who would become
ground landlords of the estate. A long term contract had been arranged
between the Welfare Committee and the Rovers which would give the club
full control of the playing area and approaches for a reasonable annual
rent.
The
need for a stand had been felt for years but had been delayed for
financial reasons. Earlier this year a scheme was prepared and a loan of
£1,500 obtained from the Rugby League Council, subject to the Rovers
raising the other £1,000. All the proceeds from social events for the
past five years had been saved and the £1,000 was in the bank.
To
repay the loan the club would ask for 100 subscribers to pay 10 guineas
each at the rate of two guineas a year for the next five years. They
would have reserved accommodation on the stand and a ticket for all
league games. The club would find the remaining amount required. The
industrial dispute had interfered with the building of the stand but it
was hoped it would be ready early next season.
Mr
McTrusty expressed appreciation of the work done by the Supporters'
Club who had raised £225 for the stand fund. Other donations of £100
each had been given by Featherstone Main and Ackton Hall Collieries,
Tetley's brewery £75 and John Smith's brewery £50. The photo of the stand, full on match day, is from the fevarchive internet site.
The Maternity and Child Welfare Committee held its annual baby day in
July in the cricket field. The baby show was dropped in favour of
competitions for baby cloths, a pram parade and races for babies and
infants.
Mrs
Briggs of Methley said all of them had to do their best for their
babies and give them a better chance in life than they had had for
themselves. She stressed the importance of avoiding infantile ailments
by having pure milk, boiled in hot weather, fighting the housefly evil,
and seeing the babies were properly clothed and fed and had as much
fresh air and sunlight as possible. It was said every child had a peck
of dirt allotted to it but mothers should make sure they did not go
above the legitimate peck.
Major Briggs (Snydale Colliery) said on the lack of sunlight he
appealed to public authorities and householders to do everything
possible to abate the smoke nuisance, and the collieries should do
everything in their power to lessen the smoke evil.
Tea was served to the mothers, and children from Regent Street School
gave an exhibition of country and folk dancing. The competition winners
were: crawling race, Kenneth Evans, Lily Burns, James Spragg; boys two
to three Kenneth Charmer, D Garbutt, Albert Lane; girls two to three.
Joyce Burne, Doris Bradley, Betty Cole.
OLD FEATHERSTONE TREAT
There were fears the industrial dispute would prevent the Ackton and
Old Featherstone Children's Treat from going ahead but the committee,
mindful of the fun the children got out of it, decided to press ahead in
July. Flags and bunting were put up and the procession headed by the
Featherstone Silver Subscription Band made its way from the National
School to a field loaned by Mr G Copley.
There were displays of Maypole dancing, country dancing.and a "grand march" performed by the school children trained by Miss M Williams and her staff followed by a substantial tea for the children and the aged. The day ended with a series of sports.
There were displays of Maypole dancing, country dancing.and a "grand march" performed by the school children trained by Miss M Williams and her staff followed by a substantial tea for the children and the aged. The day ended with a series of sports.
CEMETERY CONSECRATION
The Featherstone Parish had been transferred from York to Wakefield so it was the Bishop of Wakefield, Dr
G R Eden, who performed the consecration ceremony in July on part of
the extension to the cemetery. He was accompanied by Revd J Gray, Vicar
of Featherstone, and Revd H S Rogers, Vicar of Purston, plus other
officials and the choir from both churches. They walked in procession
from Featherstone Parish Church to the cemetery and then around the
ground to be consecrated.
After the ceremony the bishop said it was a legal act arising from past
disagreements between the Church and Nonconformists. It did not mean
those who were not buried in consecrated grounds were not as safe in the
arms of Jesus as those in sacred grounds. It (the consecration) had
been done for something like 1,700 years. It was a very reverent act and
led the minds of the people more toward Christ and the great Christian
hope of a future world where everyone would be transformed.
DR STEVEN'S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1925
Dr Steven, in his July report for 1925 said the population was now
15,890 and 69 new houses were completed in 1925, and as soon as the
houses become more numerous serious consideration will have to be given
to many houses that are detrimental to the health of those living in
them. Many are back-to-back and too small for the families occupying
them. Many others need repairs or are too near the colliery spoil heaps.
The council have wisely prevented anyone taking in a lodger known to be
suffering from tuberculosis. Overcrowding is very prevalent and the
ventilation in many houses is inadequate. A smoky atmosphere, shutting
out the sun's rays, must be an attributable agency (to tuberculosis).
Three spoil heaps or muckstacks are in active conflagration pouring out
smoke and fumes. Sulphur fumes are destructive to all vegetation and
injurious to all human beings who have the misfortune to live in the
immediate surroundings.
Overcrowding, a smoky and contaminated atmosphere, the apathy of many
householders in keeping their immediate surroundings clean and tidy, all
take their toll on human life and contribute to the general sickness
and high infant mortality, and the prevalence of tuberculosis in the
area.
The infant mortality rate (deaths of children before their first
birthday) was 98 per 1,000, The average for England and Wales was 75.
The causes were overcrowding, a bad atmosphere, poor storage of food,
and giving improper and indigestible food to infants.
There were 68 cases of tuberculosis and in total 158 cases of
infectious diseases. The sanitary inspector had condemned 51 beef
carcasses which were infected with tuberculosis.
MORE LIBRARY BOOKS?
The Featherstone branch of the County Council Circulating Library was
opened in the Miners' Welfare Hall last year, and by this October there
were 400 regular borrowers. Apart from the books regularly changed by
the County Library there were 377 given by local donors, most from Mr
Holiday. There was room for 4,000 books and an average of 120 were exchanged on library night. The two librarians gave their services free and the Welfare made no charge.
Cr Holiday said the use of the library had been a revelation and
appealed to the public for more books. Cr Evans said the council should
assist if possible. The clerk said years ago they adopted the Free
Library Act which enabled them to spend up to a penny rate, but whether
they could spend money on a library already established was a point he
would have to look up. It was agreed to request more books from the
County Library stock.
At their November meeting the council proposed a grant of £50 for the purchase of books for the library. The books would remain the property of the council but the library committee could make the selection.
At their November meeting the council proposed a grant of £50 for the purchase of books for the library. The books would remain the property of the council but the library committee could make the selection.
FREE MILK DISPUTE
The council paid out of the rates for milk for children up to the age of
two and expectant mothers in the last month of pregnancy if the medical
officer, Dr Steven, considered it necessary. A sub-committee proposed in
November because of present conditions it should be extended to
children under five and expectant mothers for their full term.
Cr Holiday asked what was meant by present conditions. Wasn't there an
obligation on the council's part to supply free milk at any time to
certain cases? The chairman, Cr J Rodgers, said the medical officer had
reported a number of children had reached two years of age during the
coal stoppage and he wished for milk for these, and to give milk to
expectant mothers earlier.
Cr Holiday said he did not wish to deprive any needy case but the
recommendation was much too sweeping. The medical officer would have
shoals of applications for free milk and he could not possibly
investigate them all properly. He moved an amendment so the grant of
free milk to children who had reached the age of two and in all cases of
pregnancy be left absolutely at the medical officer's discretion.
After more argument over who should get free milk Cr Holiday's amendment was put to the vote and he won by six votes to five.
1926 NEWS ITEMS
Three schoolboys, one age eight and the others eleven, were charged with stealing a carton of cigarettes from Edith Spencer's shop in Green Lane. PC Lee said he got on a bus and saw the three boys smoking at the back. He questioned them and they admitted they had stolen them. The chairman gave then a telling off and observed such small boys would be better off at Sunday School. They were placed on probation for one year.
Edward Morgan age 48 of Pretoria Street was severely injured by a fall of roof at Ackton Hall Colliery on the 28th and he died two days later in Clayton Hospital. The inquest jury in Wakefield Town Hall returned a verdict of accidentally killed.
FEBRUARY Two Featherstone lads age 14 and 16 were charged with stealing empty bottles from the Jubilee Hotel. Arthur Clarkson said he caught them in the backyard at 9pm. They had climbed a ten foot wall to get into the yard. The landlord, Alfred Caton, said he had lost 42 bottles in the last week and he had to pay as much as 10s a week to make good the losses. The chairman said they were determined to stop the pilfering and bound them over for 12 months.
The 20 council houses on the smallpox hospital site were now wired for electricity and the Yorkshire Electric Power Company were given permission to lay another main cable via Green Lane, Station Lane, Post Office Road, the footpath to Wakefield Road, Wakefield Road, Ackworth Road, Wentbridge Road and Little Lane.
The wall around Purston Church was nearing completion. It was decided to plant trees and make other improvements to the grounds which had put the cost up to £280. There was still £100 to be raised so a sale of work was held in Purston School. The vicar, Revd H S Rogers, expressed his gratitude to the ladies who had produced an excellent sale of work at short notice. He said there was a reaction after the last war when people were inclined to do nothing, but he was glad so far as Purston Church was concerned it could be said they had some very good workers. The sale was opened by Miss Mary Rogers, and Miss Alexander made feeling reference to the late Mrs Rogers.
The three photos below show the various stages of the work and are taken from postcards.
There was a large audience in the Miners' Welfare Institute to hear
Commander B T Coote, the National Organiser for the Mines Welfare Scheme
who spoke about the innovations made in the country under the scheme.
Also present was Lady Cunliffe Lister, one of the owners of Ackton Hall
Colliery and wife of the president of the Board of Trade. She spoke of
her interest in Featherstone and the welfare schemes, and Featherstone
Rovers. She expressed the hope in the near future she would be able to
come to Featherstone and see them play.
Jake Parker age 17 and David Gilding age 19 were in court for riding on their ponies down Ackton Hall Colliery. The charge against Gilding was withdrawn but against Parker Mr E N Gundhill for the colliery said it was a serious offence and was dangerous for the drivers, the ponies and workmen in the pit bottom. it was essential the managers should have discipline and if the boys would not do as they were told they must be punished. Parker admitted the offence and was fined £1.
The Featherstone Station Ambulance Team won the District Ambulance Shield Competition in Leeds. The team was W H Wood, captain, W Applegate, E Simpson, H Denton and J Blackburn. G Bullock was the reserve. Each received a silver and oak salad bowl.
The cricket club held a social in the Baths Hall. There were 128 for the whist drive and 300 for the dance. A profit of about £20 was expected.
MARCH The boy's band from the Port of Hull Sailors' Orphans' Home made their usual visit to Featherstone to raise funds. They paraded the streets during their first day and in the evening gave a concert to a crowded audience in the Miners' Welfare Institute. They were put up locally for the night and the next day they visited the local collieries and in the afternoon they played at the Rovers v Leeds game. It was hoped they would return to Hull with a record amount.
In the council elections P Darlington, B Dakin and A Simpkin were all unopposed. In the Purston Ward Mr J H Shelton put up against retiring member A Coult and lost by 384 votes to 681,
APRIL The council put the rates up to 3s 6d in the pound. It was said 6d on the rates was because of the extensive council house building in Purston and Streethouse and interest had to be paid on the loans before the houses were built and rents paid. Also there was now a superannuation scheme for the council's officials (the workmen would not join) and sick pay for the workmen.
Two Featherstone youths were in court for allowing overcrowding on a bus. John James Fryer's bus was stopped on the road to Leeds and found to have 37 passengers when only 28 were allowed. John Child's bus was stopped on the road to Castleford and had 28 passenger when only 20 were allowed. He told the court people got on the bus while it was moving. The police said in the second case the rear lights on the bus had been turned off in a deliberate attempt to deceive the police. Sergeant Duckworth said they were continually telling these youths about overcrowding but they treated the advice with contempt and continued the offence. They were each fined £2.
St Peter's Mission held a sale of work in aid of the new building fund. The vicar, Revd J Gray, said St Peter's had either to go on or go out, and in place of a mission room a mission church must be erected if St Peter's was to retain its identity.
MAY The Featherstone Branch of the British Legion gave its annual outing to the local children whose fathers fell in the war. There were about 100 who left in charabancs for Scarborough. They had breakfast near York and dinner in Scarborough where they were met by the Mayoress. They were given sweets and money to spend as they liked, and all had a glorious day thanks to the arrangements made by Mr J Norton.
When it was time to put the tennis net up at Featherstone Vicarage it was found a wren had nested in one of the sockets. All the intending players agreed to leave it alone until a more appropriate time.
JUNE Seven well-dressed young colliery workers were charged with stealing 33 bottles of stout valued at 16s from North Featherstone Working Men's Club. They pleaded guilty to entering the club late on the night of 4 June and taking the stout. John Herrington, the club steward, said all but one were club members and all were very respectable. Supt Fairbairn said they seemed to have done it out of bravado, and not to have realised the nature of their act. The chairman of the Bench said they must respect property and they would be bound over for a year.
JULY At the council meeting the medical officer said there were eleven cases of tuberculosis in the previous month. Cr Coult said these figures were not occasional but continuous and were more or less the result of overcrowding. He knew of one case where two married couples, a man and five children were living in a back-to-back house with one room downstairs, a small bedroom and an attic.
Thomas Trevor age 78 of Park Lane, North Featherstone was about to sit on a chair in June when he fell and fractured his thigh. Some weeks later he died and the inquest medical evidence was death from exhaustion consequent on the fracture and senility.
AUGUST The Midland Bank opened a branch in Station Lane. The Express said a great deal of mahogany was used both on the frontage and inside the bank.
The trustees of Lord Masham's estate sold Ackton Hall Colliery to the South Kirkby, Featherstone and Hemsworth Collieries Company which owned Featherstone Main Colliery. It was already the biggest colliery company in Yorkshire.
An inquest was held into the death of Amy Beaumont wife of PC Norman Beaumont. He said he returned home from work at 5pm and heard the children crying and the door was locked. he got a ladder and got in through a bedroom window to find his wife dead on the floor and a gas pipe near his wife's mouth with the gas tuned on so he immediately turned it off. The coroner said the wife had left a note but he did not propose to read it. There was no doubt it was suicide and the jury had to find what her state of mind was. They decided it was suicide while of unsound mind.
The electricity company had been using overhead cables for the street lighting. The Council said in future the cables must be put underground.
The Rovers new stand was tested at a practice match played for the benefit of the Distress Fund. Various methods of weight testing were applied and proved the structure to be safe for the opening league game.
SEPTEMBER John James Millard aged two of Brookway went into the back yard to play and was found by a neighbour face down in a two foot high tub of water. Artificial respiration was tried and Dr Finch sent for but it was too late. The inquest jury returned a verdict of death by misadventure.
Roslyn Holiday decided it was time to retire after the sale of Ackton Hall Colliery. At a meeting of colliery officials at the Gospel Hall he was presented with a gold stop-watch and photographic apparatus by Mr J W McTrusty, the colliery manager, on behalf of those officials. At the same meeting retiring undermanager Mr J J Birmingham was handed a gold watch, and Mr McTrusty was given a silver tea service and cigarette box as an expression of the officials' personal esteem.
NOVEMBER Fred Barras, a pony driver, was charged with stealing a board from the fence which surrounded the spoil heap near Featherstone Square. PC Lee said he found him with a board under his arm and he admitted he was taking it for firewood. Mr E N Gundhill said over 800 boards had been taken with the result children could climb onto the stack and a watchman had to be employed. The chairman said the Bench considered it a bad case and if he had been older he would have been sent down, however, he would be fined £2.
Four Featherstone lads said they found brass fittings when they were getting slurry in Green Lane. They were convicted of stealing it. Herbert Lorriman, a garage proprietor, was accused of buying it off the boys, knowing it to be stolen, and selling it on to a dealer in Pontefract. He denied knowing the brass was stolen but was sent to prison for one month.
DECEMBER An inquest was held on Mary Lydia Perry age 61 of Earle Street who died in Pontefract and District Hospital (at the workhouse). Mary Windmill said she heard Mrs Perry scream and found her lying on the kitchen floor. She said she had fallen and hurt her side. The hospital doctor said she was admitted on 8 December and found to have a fracture of the left femur. She became worse and died from exhaustion caused by the fracture. The Jury decided it was death by misadventure.
The Featherstone Cricket Club had doubts about their annual whist drive and dance because of the seven months coal stoppage, but 180 turned up for the whist and there were about 400 for the dancing. Auld Lang Syne was sung at midnight and then dancing continued until the early hours.
Jake Parker age 17 and David Gilding age 19 were in court for riding on their ponies down Ackton Hall Colliery. The charge against Gilding was withdrawn but against Parker Mr E N Gundhill for the colliery said it was a serious offence and was dangerous for the drivers, the ponies and workmen in the pit bottom. it was essential the managers should have discipline and if the boys would not do as they were told they must be punished. Parker admitted the offence and was fined £1.
The Featherstone Station Ambulance Team won the District Ambulance Shield Competition in Leeds. The team was W H Wood, captain, W Applegate, E Simpson, H Denton and J Blackburn. G Bullock was the reserve. Each received a silver and oak salad bowl.
The cricket club held a social in the Baths Hall. There were 128 for the whist drive and 300 for the dance. A profit of about £20 was expected.
MARCH The boy's band from the Port of Hull Sailors' Orphans' Home made their usual visit to Featherstone to raise funds. They paraded the streets during their first day and in the evening gave a concert to a crowded audience in the Miners' Welfare Institute. They were put up locally for the night and the next day they visited the local collieries and in the afternoon they played at the Rovers v Leeds game. It was hoped they would return to Hull with a record amount.
In the council elections P Darlington, B Dakin and A Simpkin were all unopposed. In the Purston Ward Mr J H Shelton put up against retiring member A Coult and lost by 384 votes to 681,
APRIL The council put the rates up to 3s 6d in the pound. It was said 6d on the rates was because of the extensive council house building in Purston and Streethouse and interest had to be paid on the loans before the houses were built and rents paid. Also there was now a superannuation scheme for the council's officials (the workmen would not join) and sick pay for the workmen.
Two Featherstone youths were in court for allowing overcrowding on a bus. John James Fryer's bus was stopped on the road to Leeds and found to have 37 passengers when only 28 were allowed. John Child's bus was stopped on the road to Castleford and had 28 passenger when only 20 were allowed. He told the court people got on the bus while it was moving. The police said in the second case the rear lights on the bus had been turned off in a deliberate attempt to deceive the police. Sergeant Duckworth said they were continually telling these youths about overcrowding but they treated the advice with contempt and continued the offence. They were each fined £2.
St Peter's Mission held a sale of work in aid of the new building fund. The vicar, Revd J Gray, said St Peter's had either to go on or go out, and in place of a mission room a mission church must be erected if St Peter's was to retain its identity.
MAY The Featherstone Branch of the British Legion gave its annual outing to the local children whose fathers fell in the war. There were about 100 who left in charabancs for Scarborough. They had breakfast near York and dinner in Scarborough where they were met by the Mayoress. They were given sweets and money to spend as they liked, and all had a glorious day thanks to the arrangements made by Mr J Norton.
When it was time to put the tennis net up at Featherstone Vicarage it was found a wren had nested in one of the sockets. All the intending players agreed to leave it alone until a more appropriate time.
JUNE Seven well-dressed young colliery workers were charged with stealing 33 bottles of stout valued at 16s from North Featherstone Working Men's Club. They pleaded guilty to entering the club late on the night of 4 June and taking the stout. John Herrington, the club steward, said all but one were club members and all were very respectable. Supt Fairbairn said they seemed to have done it out of bravado, and not to have realised the nature of their act. The chairman of the Bench said they must respect property and they would be bound over for a year.
JULY At the council meeting the medical officer said there were eleven cases of tuberculosis in the previous month. Cr Coult said these figures were not occasional but continuous and were more or less the result of overcrowding. He knew of one case where two married couples, a man and five children were living in a back-to-back house with one room downstairs, a small bedroom and an attic.
Thomas Trevor age 78 of Park Lane, North Featherstone was about to sit on a chair in June when he fell and fractured his thigh. Some weeks later he died and the inquest medical evidence was death from exhaustion consequent on the fracture and senility.
AUGUST The Midland Bank opened a branch in Station Lane. The Express said a great deal of mahogany was used both on the frontage and inside the bank.
The trustees of Lord Masham's estate sold Ackton Hall Colliery to the South Kirkby, Featherstone and Hemsworth Collieries Company which owned Featherstone Main Colliery. It was already the biggest colliery company in Yorkshire.
 |
| The companies advert, taken from the internet. |
An inquest was held into the death of Amy Beaumont wife of PC Norman Beaumont. He said he returned home from work at 5pm and heard the children crying and the door was locked. he got a ladder and got in through a bedroom window to find his wife dead on the floor and a gas pipe near his wife's mouth with the gas tuned on so he immediately turned it off. The coroner said the wife had left a note but he did not propose to read it. There was no doubt it was suicide and the jury had to find what her state of mind was. They decided it was suicide while of unsound mind.
The electricity company had been using overhead cables for the street lighting. The Council said in future the cables must be put underground.
The Rovers new stand was tested at a practice match played for the benefit of the Distress Fund. Various methods of weight testing were applied and proved the structure to be safe for the opening league game.
SEPTEMBER John James Millard aged two of Brookway went into the back yard to play and was found by a neighbour face down in a two foot high tub of water. Artificial respiration was tried and Dr Finch sent for but it was too late. The inquest jury returned a verdict of death by misadventure.
Roslyn Holiday decided it was time to retire after the sale of Ackton Hall Colliery. At a meeting of colliery officials at the Gospel Hall he was presented with a gold stop-watch and photographic apparatus by Mr J W McTrusty, the colliery manager, on behalf of those officials. At the same meeting retiring undermanager Mr J J Birmingham was handed a gold watch, and Mr McTrusty was given a silver tea service and cigarette box as an expression of the officials' personal esteem.
NOVEMBER Fred Barras, a pony driver, was charged with stealing a board from the fence which surrounded the spoil heap near Featherstone Square. PC Lee said he found him with a board under his arm and he admitted he was taking it for firewood. Mr E N Gundhill said over 800 boards had been taken with the result children could climb onto the stack and a watchman had to be employed. The chairman said the Bench considered it a bad case and if he had been older he would have been sent down, however, he would be fined £2.
Four Featherstone lads said they found brass fittings when they were getting slurry in Green Lane. They were convicted of stealing it. Herbert Lorriman, a garage proprietor, was accused of buying it off the boys, knowing it to be stolen, and selling it on to a dealer in Pontefract. He denied knowing the brass was stolen but was sent to prison for one month.
DECEMBER An inquest was held on Mary Lydia Perry age 61 of Earle Street who died in Pontefract and District Hospital (at the workhouse). Mary Windmill said she heard Mrs Perry scream and found her lying on the kitchen floor. She said she had fallen and hurt her side. The hospital doctor said she was admitted on 8 December and found to have a fracture of the left femur. She became worse and died from exhaustion caused by the fracture. The Jury decided it was death by misadventure.
The Featherstone Cricket Club had doubts about their annual whist drive and dance because of the seven months coal stoppage, but 180 turned up for the whist and there were about 400 for the dancing. Auld Lang Syne was sung at midnight and then dancing continued until the early hours.