THE FEATHERSTONE ........CHRONICLE....... ..........The 1920s.........: 1927

A HISTORY OF FEATHERSTONE

1927

AFTERMATH OF THE STRIKE

The medical officer told the council in January he was still making grants of free milk but in much reduced numbers. Most cases were for the children and pregnant wives of men not yet able to return to work.
Pontefract Corporation sought the help of Featherstone Council in a letter to the Ministry of Health pressing for a longer period than two years for the repayment of loans to miners during the coal stoppage for their wives and children. Cr Ryan said five years was the least possible time which should be granted. If they got over the effects of the coal stoppage in six years they would be fortunate. The council decided unanimously to support Pontefract Corporation. After receiving a deputation the Ministry increased the repayment period to three years.
A deputation from the Featherstone Distress Fund Committee, Cr A Coult (the secretary), Mr J Coule, Mr S Billson and Mr J Hobson, went to Bradford to thank the Bradford Independent Labour Party for their generous help during the coal dispute. Mr Coult said owing to short-time working, and the heavy debts incurred, distress was still rife in Featherstone.
Mr H J Wilson, the treasurer of the Bradford ILP said they had a balance in hand from their effort during the dispute and he proposed giving this to the Featherstone deputation. The gift was gratefully received and acknowledged, and Mr Coult said he would call the Featherstone Committee together to decided the best means to utilise the money.
There was a great number of ejectment orders sought in court in March, including from Featherstone, on the ground of arrears of rent. In each case the judge granted the order but suspended it so long as the current rent was paid plus so much each week off the arrears.

A NEW SCHOOL

The West Riding Education Committee decided in January to buy a plot of land of just over five acres which was part of the Leatham Estate for £1,310 and build a middle school. They also agreed to pay the seller's solicitor's costs and the surveyors fees.

The plan and site of the proposed new school from an Ordnance Survey map.

ALL CHANGE AT THE PITS

The Express reported several changes in January for the two collieries in Featherstone. Mr J W McTrusty, manager at Ackton Hall, and Mr A M G Prest, manager at Featherstone Main, would change places, and Mr J E Nelson, would move from South Kirkby Colliery to be undermanager at Ackton Hall.

The wages offices for both pits would be at Ackton Hall and wages for both pits would be paid there. Mr W T Oliver, accountant at Ackton Hall, left with his wife to live in France. Mr H L Hersey, the electrical engineer at Ackton Hall left for another job in the south of England, and some members of the clerical staff were transferred to Ropergate House in Pontefract.

PURSTON HALL AND PARK NOT SOLD

Purston Hall and park were put up for auction in January. Only two bids were received, £1,200 and £2,000 so they were withdrawn from sale.

The Express advert for the auction.

BUS CRASH AT THE JUNCTION HOTEL

On a Saturday in February the 4.57pm West Riding bus from Featherstone to Willow Park, driven by William Thomas Brocklehurst of Castleford, was approaching the Junction Hotel when the steering failed. The driver immediately put the bus out of gear and applied the brakes but it swerved across the road and hit one of the bay windows at the hotel.

The bay window was badly damaged and three windows in the bus were broken. Three Pontefract residents on the bus were injured, two slightly and one, Robert Myles, broke his arm. Mr Myles was taken to Pontefract Infirmary by car by Harold Goodall, the Rovers financial secretary, who was returning from the match. All the other passengers were transferred to another bus, and the damaged vehicle was removed the same night.

THE CRICKET CLUB DINNER

The seventh annual dinner of the Featherstone and Purston Cricket Club was held at the Travellers' Hotel in February. Mr E A England paid tribute to all who had helped during the most difficult season the club had experienced. Despite what they had gone through - they had not had a pay at the gate throughout the season - they had finished with a balance on the right side. The club hoped to reap the benefit next season from admitting the public free to all matches in 1926. They would have to rely on what they realised from their winter social programme.

Mr G P Goulding said he hoped all the old players would turn out again next season, and the public would help the club to recoup itself for the very lean time experienced during the coal stoppage. They generally realised £100 from their winter programme and already they had made £40.

George Johnson said the club had been founded on amateur lines, and was being carried on as such, and there was no doubt they secured a much better feeling than obtained in a club which employed one or more professionals. He was proud to belong to a club which had done so well with amateur talent, and it was only right those who had come to the matches last season without payment should help the club to the best of their ability.

Mr J W McTrusty said if a town was known by its monuments and its public buildings, what had they in Featherstone? They certainly had the muckstack, which was of perennial interest to the council, and the Baths, which were a credit to any town. One thing the town could be proud of was its public spirit. During the long drawn out industrial trouble wonderful work had been done by the Distress Committee which had been helped by every class of inhabitant. It was an admirable thing not one extra policemen had been required during the coal stoppage, and there had not been one case of disturbance. If the colliery owners and the men worked together Featherstone's prosperity would be restored in due course.

Mr A Moody, manager of Barclays Bank, proposed a toast to Roslyn Holiday, the club president. He said the fact he had filled for so many years his high position in the coal industry, in public affairs and the social life of the town showed he was the right man in the right place. In reply Mr Holiday said it was quite possible this would be his last year as president of the club, and he took the opportunity of saying he had been proud to be at the head of a club which had been formed to play cricket for cricket's sake, and was still carrying that out. If this was his farewell, he wished most sincerely continued success for the club, and that it would emerge stronger than ever from its testing time.

FIRE AT THE CORONATION CLUB

Felix Garbutt was passing the Coronation Club at 4.50am on a Wednesday morning in March when he saw dense smoke coming through the club entrance. He roused the caretaker, Alfred Hill, who lived at the rear of the premises, and Mr Hill found the club bar was on fire. Bottles of spirit had burst as had also a water pipe. The escaping water had helped to check the blaze, and Mr Hill, Garbutt and other helpers put out the fire with buckets of water. Damage amounting to £150 was done to fixtures, stock and woodwork. There was a trough of sawdust in front of the bar and it was thought a carelessly dropped cigarette into the trough had caused the fire.

ROSLYN HOLIDAY DEFEATED

The April elections for the council saw an end to 21 years on the council for Roslyn Holiday. Cr A Evans was returned unopposed for the Ackton and Snydale Ward. The results for the other wards were:

North Ward Thomas Garritty 702 Roslyn Holiday 555

Purston Ward Joseph Rodgers 752 David Protheroe 475

South Ward Edward Edwards 292 Alfred Sharratt 231

The Express commented David Protheroe probably was handicapped because he now lived in Hemsworth. He was allowed to stand because he had property in Featherstone. Also the majority for the Labour candidate suggested no one but a Labour nominee had any chance now in the Purston Ward.

THE COAL DISPUTE DISTRESS FUND

The balance sheet of the 1926 Distress Fund was published in April. It showed the committee had raised £2,760 and goods estimated at £1,000 were given. During the seven months of the dispute the committee provided 350,000 free meals to schoolchildren. This meant it was not necessary to apply to the education sub-committee to put in force the Feeding of the Children Act whereby the children would be fed but the cost would have to be repaid by the parents.

Boxing exhibitions, whist drives, dances and concerts brought in £318, Featherstone Council employees gave £108, Featherstone Rovers Supporters' Club £84, the teachers £127, Ackton Hall officials £134, Featherstone Main officials £200, and Bradford Independent Labour Party £130. In all there were over 200 subscribers. There was £42 left over which would be divided between Leeds Infirmary, Pontefract Infirmary and Clayton Hospital.

Mr A Sharratt was the chairman of the committee, Cr A Coult was the secretary, and Mr A Moody, manager at Barclays Bank was the treasurer.

A SET-TO AT A CLUB

A dispute at the Discharged Sailors and Soldiers Club (the British Legion) led to a charge of common assault in April. Thomas Wilson had been suspended from the club (reason not given). Seventy-one members signed a requisition for a special meeting to sort it out but the secretary failed to call one. Some members put their own notice for a meeting on 3 April on the board but the secretary took it down. The dispute resulted in Joseph Haigh being suspended sine die.

Apparently Joseph Haigh refused to accept the suspension and he entered the club on 31 March to be told by three committeemen "You've either to get out or we'll chuck you out". He refused to leave and was grabbed by William Rhodes, Aaron Hirst and James McLean who, it was claimed, treated him roughly in attempting to put him out. Three other members jumped up and prevented it (they were also suspended) and sixty other members in the club said he should not be put out.

Mr A Butler, prosecuting for Haigh, said he did not suggest the assault was a serious one but the defendants should be bound over to prevent further trouble. The chairman of the Bench said they were satisfied more force than was necessary was used and all three were fined 14s.
There was more trouble in September when Joseph Haigh tried again but on entering the club he was told to get out by Lionel Anderson, the door steward. Haigh told the court he was seized by Anderson and thrown out. Anderson said all he did was eject Haigh when he refused to leave. Haigh admitted he had a letter from the secretary telling him he was suspended sine die but said he had a right to be in the club and intended to go there. The Bench stopped the case and dismissed the charges.

CR HOLIDAY'S LAST MEETING

At the end of Roslyn Holiday's last council meeting in April Cr Darlington proposed they express their hearty appreciation of Cr Holiday's 21 years service. He said it had always been a pleasure to sit with Cr Holiday who had worked very willingly in the best interests of the town.

Cr Evans said he had great pleasure in seconding. He had sat with Cr Holiday since 1909 and found him genial, straight-forward and broad-minded. He had worked as hard as anyone else in the interests of the town.

The resolution was passed with applause, and in reply Cr Holiday said while it was necessarily a sad parting after 21 years, and although they had had sharp differences at times, he could part from them with a smile and a shake of the hand.

The clerk said the officials deeply regretted the severance. He himself owed to Mr Holiday more than he could tell for his expert advice and guidance on many occasions.

DANGEROUS RIDING IN GREEN LANE

Samuel Mitchell was in court in April charged with riding a motorcycle dangerously in Green Lane. He was said by PC Dwyer to have driven down the road, which was very busy, and into which run several side streets, at from 35 to 40 mph. When called upon to stop he shut off his engine and ran for over 200 yards before he could pull up. He did not give any warning of his approach and children scattered in all directions.

Mitchell said he had been riding a motorcycle for 25 years and had never had a charge against him. He had lived in Featherstone for 30 years and knew the lane well. He was testing the machine, and though he might have gone faster than he should have done, he was not driving dangerously because the machine was easy to control and had excellent brakes. He might have been going at 30 mph and he did not run 200 yards with his engine shut off. He was fined 25s.

THE COUNCIL'S ANNUAL MEETING

The council's annual meeting was held at the end of April to elect a chairman for the next year. Crs Darlington and Edwards put forward Cr Simpkin for the post saying he had been an excellent public worker and had filled the vice chair most efficiently. Crs Rodgers and Evans proposed Cr Ryan who had been a member of the Council for eight years and had attended nearly every committee meeting. When put to the vote Crs Rodgers, Evans, Hall, Coult, Dakin and Garritty voted for Ryan, and Darlington, Edwards and Lindley voted for Simpkin.

The new chairman said they had passed through a terrible year but there were now signs of a trade revival in the country. He hoped the district would share in it, and never again would they witness another disastrous trade dispute such as the one in 1926.

The public would be interested to know during the past 14 years the council had completed, or was about to complete, a total of 421 houses, and 86 more were in course of erection. He suggested a housing committee should be formed to deal with the houses, and also to look out for fresh sites, for the need was still great. The other members agreed and decided to form a housing committee to meet every two months.

A WAR WOUND DEATH?

Arthur Shaw age 36 of Victoria Street went to an off-licence shop at 9.45pm on a Sunday evening in May for some beer. His wife Ethel was sent for and she found him lying on the shop floor frothing at the mouth. He was put in a chair and then carried home.

At the inquest William Faulkner of Newport Street said he was in the shop when Shaw came in and collapsed and fell on the floor without speaking to anyone. He did what he could for him and helped to carry him home where he died shortly after.

Dr J B Fairclough said he had attended Shaw since his discharge from the Army with a leg wound which would not heal. Shaw had been frequently in hospital and had had several operations. After a post mortem examination he came to the conclusion death was due to syncope, consequent on an epileptic seizure. He could find no cause other than the effect of the war wound on the man's system. He thought the wound had indirectly brought about the epilepsy. Further than that he could not go. He had known cases in the Army in France of men who had had epileptic fits after being wounded.

The coroner said it was a difficult case. That Shaw had had an epileptic fit was established, and the jury must consider what might have brought it on. They had the doctor's opinion to guide them, and the reasons the doctor had given for it, and apart from that there seemed nothing to account for the epilepsy.

The jury retired to consider and returned for the foreman to say they were unanimous Shaw died from an epileptic fit consequent upon war service. The coroner said he quite agreed with the jury's findings.

THE WELFARE AND PLAYING FIELDS

At the May council meeting Cr Edwards asked if the members were interested in playing fields, and Cr Rogers said they were and they would have done more but were hampered by the cost. However, the Miners' Welfare Committee had purchased the Featherstone Rovers football field and were going to buy the adjoining field used by the Purston Wesleyans cricket team. They also intended buying the cricket field and the whole of the fields comprising the Umpleby estate. It was intended to make playing fields and a park for the children. If all went well the scheme could be completed in five years' time.
The Express then contacted the Featherstone Miners' Welfare Committee for further details and were told they had already bought the Rovers ground for £1,500. They hoped to buy the field between the Rovers and the railway line so the pitch could be extended. They were in negotiation to buy the cricket field and then with the sanction of the National Welfare Committee six hard tennis courts and six grass courts would be made, a clubhouse built, and a putting green, croquet lawn and a skittle alley provided.
Then the fields between the cricket and rugby league grounds would be purchased and playing fields for under 16's and schoolchildren provided and as a grand finale there would be a public park.
The funds would come from the levy on coal output for welfare schemes and although the committee had enough money in hand for the land purchases the development work would depend on the future of the coal industry. The more coal produced in Featherstone the quicker the money would be available. The scheme had been described by experts as one of the finest of its kind in the country.

A Sketch plan of the proposals published in the Express.

A COUNCIL BLUNDER

Answering the chairman, Cr T Ryan, at the May council meeting, the clerk said the agreement with the Electrical Distribution of Yorkshire ran until 1932, but it could be reviewed every three years. The chairman said he had raised the matter because the council made a great blunder when they allowed those unsightly poles to be put up. They ought to have underground cables but he did not suppose they could make the change now.

Cr Dakin said they had only themselves to blame. If they had taken notice of the surveyor the cables would have been laid underground. They should have backed the surveyor at the time.

Cr Rodgers said there was no doubt the poles were unsightly but the reason they did not adopt an underground scheme was because of the cost and they wanted the electricity as soon as possible. The overhead system was the easier one to complete. Now they could not afford to make the change. Cr Darlington agreed the removal of the poles would have to be done at the council's expense.
This photo of Mount Pleasant Street (a personal one) shows the poles used to support the overhead wires and the street lamps.

DR STEVEN'S REPORT FOR 1926

In his annual report, published in June, Dr Steven took issue with the Registrar General saying the population of Featherstone had decreased by 80 in the year to 15,810. He said the number of births over deaths was 184, there were 78 more houses and every one was tenanted and in many cases overcrowded.

There were 159 deaths and 20 of them were children under one year old. The infant mortality rate was 58 (per 1,000 births) which was the lowest ever recorded in Featherstone. The rate for England and Wales was 70. He put this down to a good summer with abundant sunshine and the prolonged strike which resulted in a large diminution of smoke in the atmosphere. He regretted to find many of the new council houses sheltering two families and hoped in the future the council would end all such tenancies.

During the strike 24,561 pints of milk had been given to children and pregnant mothers at a cost to the council of £1,173 13s 6d. This sum exceeded by far the sum allowed by the Ministry, but the unusual conditions prevailing were our only excuse.

The sanitary inspector urged the council to adopt a scheme to get rid of middens and privies and have dustbins and water closets. Then in a given period of years they could all be abolished whether they were in a state of being a nuisance or not.

DR BUNCLE'S WINDOW

In the Express in June is the comment "Among the older generation of Featherstone people the memory of Dr Alexander Buncle, who died in 1925, is held in high esteem, and in many parts in warm affection. The great part he played in the life of Purston and Featherstone was told in an excellent address given by Mr A W Archer, the managing director of the South Kirkby, Featherstone and Hemsworth Collieries Ltd, at Purston Parish Church on Sunday morning when a window to Dr Buncle's memory was unveiled and dedicated.

"In his address Mr Archer said Dr Buncle rendered great and beneficent service to the people of the Featherstone district. It was within the span of his life Purston and Featherstone grew from a pastoral settlement to a busy commercial town. It was appropriate Dr Buncle should be memorialised in the Purston Parish Church, for he not only witnessed its erection in 1877, but took a conspicuous part in enabling it to be brought into existence. He became, as it were, part of its fabric and identified himself with all its activities. No man knew the people of his early and middle life so intimately. There was scarcely a home in which he did not enter or a family which he did not professionally attend.

"Dr Buncle was one of the few men who had been satisfied and delighted with their calling. Apart from the satisfaction of alleviating human suffering, he had a logical and inquiring mind; he revelled in diagnosis. In this he would explore and meditate until he arrived at decisions which he held tenaciously and was prepared to defend against all objectors. In connection with workers' compensation cases his evidence was always the expression of mental conviction, definite and unshakeable.

"He had no money sense. He frequently neglected to send his patients a bill of charges. Often, when he received cheques, he would put them aside and forget all about them. It was frequently necessary for them to be validated because they were not presented at the bank within the prescribed time.

"Most of his writing was done in pencil, and for some unaccountable reason he appeared to have a great aversion to ink. But while indifferent to correspondence, and rather contemptuous of money matters, he possessed a great gift for friendship. Rarely has a man been blessed with friends more staunch and true, friends who, despite his idiosyncrasies, surrounded him with protecting and generous care.

"He was the faithful comrade of many of us, and we venerate his memory. This memorial window speaks eloquently of a good physician who holds an imperishable place in the public esteem.

"The window was inscribed "Sacred to the memory of Dr Alexander Buncle, his wife Annie, and his son who was killed in the Great War. Erected by his relatives and patients, 1927."

STOLEN WATCHES

Hugh Richardson of Ferrybridge and Thomas Jones of Featherstone were in court in July accused of stealing three watches from Joseph Radley of Featherstone. Supt Fairbairn said Radley was a great deal to blame because he had Richardson and Jones in his shop and the three of them were drinking together, and he missed the watches after they had left. Radley had no right to have the men in his shop in that condition.

Radley denied drinking with them but admitted they were the worse for drink and in that condition they spent an hour in his shop. The watches were valued at £12. They both admitted the charge and were fined £2 each.

Joseph Sayce of Featherstone was charged with receiving a watch knowing it to be stolen. The superintendent said Sayce deliberately misled them and gave them great trouble before eventually taking them to a culvert in Little Lane where the watch was recovered. PS Jolly said they spent five days on the case. Sayce was fined £3.

TWO GALAS

Two galas were held in July. The first was a fete and sale of work in the grounds of Featherstone Vicarage. It was opened by Mrs W Steven who was introduced by the vicar, Revd J Grey, who said she was an appropriate opener who understood and sympathised with the difficulties and trials of church-workers' efforts. There were few people in Featherstone who tried to do more for Featherstone people than Mrs Sreven.

Mrs Steven said they might easily have secured a more influential person to open the fete, but she was glad to be among them because she knew they had a fine band of workers. Part of the proceeds would be for the church electric lighting fund. Featherstone had been badly hit, and times were not yet good, but she trusted the long-looked-for improvement in trade would come; let them all work towards that end.

There were many stalls with items for sale, a fortune teller, games, competitions and other amusements. The Featherstone Silver Band played in the afternoon and evening, and an evening concert was held in the marquee.

The other event was the Featherstone Cricket and Tennis Club's sports and gala. The Express commented: Certainly no other organisation in Featherstone could enlist the active help of everyone in the town in the same way as does the Cricket Club. Colliery managers, a bank manager, bank assistants, colliery undermanagers, leading officials of Featherstone Rovers (between whom and the Cricket Club the happiest of relations exist), and the coal face workers were all united to make the fete a success.

The fete opened with a ladies v men cricket game but it had to be abandoned to make way for the sports. All the schools in Featherstone and Purston, plus Snydale, sent teams. There were fancy dress competitions but only one adult competitor turned up; there were over 40 for the juvenile competition.

The schoolchildren gave exhibitions of Morris and country dancing, and the Featherstone Silver Band played during the afternoon, and in the evening for dancing.

THE ROVERS ANNUAL MEETING

Featherstone Rovers held their annual meeting in the Junction Hotel in July. Harold Goodall, the financial secretary, said taking the full season into account the officials have every reason to congratulate themselves on being able to present a favourable statement of accounts. The overdraft increased from £133 to £707, but this included a £216 repayment on the stand loan and other unexpected payments, so the actual working loss on the season was about £150.

The president, George Johnson, said taking in to account the industrial disturbance they had come out extremely well. The support, apart from the coal stoppage, could be improved. He trusted Featherstone, Streethouse, Pontefract and Knottingley people would do their best to improve the attendance. They had some excellent supporters but the number should be larger, They had relied on local players, and any local player could be assured of a fair chance.

Mr McTrusty said the majority of members had done their best to pay their subscriptions, but he appealed to the few who had not paid anything to realise that having had the benefit of membership they were in honour bound to pay.

Mr T Garritty, the secretary, said they had issued 1,130 membership cards and 640 had been paid in full, 182 had paid two-thirds and 289 had paid less than two-thirds. No man would be given a card for next season until he had paid for this season. He trusted all would do their best to pay.

THE CLINICS GALA

The Featherstone and Streethouse baby clinics held their gala in the cricket field in July. The Express commented "The visitor to the Featherstone Cricket Club field need only to glance at the hundreds of fine, healthy-looking children to realise the fine work done at the centres.

Mrs Currer Briggs was the main speaker. She addressed the gathering as "mothers" which she said was the proudest name in the world. Since she was last in Featherstone she was asked everywhere she travelled "What are you doing for the children in England". In this country we still needed to go far before we become an A1 population. Every little child should be the flower of the home, and she was glad to see the great advance which had been made.

Dr Steven said there had been an improvement in the infantile mortality rate in Featherstone. He was not foolish enough to claim it was the result of the work of the clinic, he did claim it had played its part in bringing the figure down.

Tea was served to the mothers and the older children, and certificates were given to the mothers with the best attendance at the clinics. There were prizes for home made garments, decorated prams and thrift.

OLD FEATHERSTONE TREAT

In July the express commented "To organise and carry out a treat for 320 children when the trade of Featherstone is at a low ebb requires grit and abundant enthusiasm. That this is possessed by John Bishop and the other hard workers who ran the Old Featherstone and Aketon children's treat will be conceded by those who attended the event".

As well as the children, 80 old folk were entertained and all had a very good tea in a field lent by Mr G Copley. They got there in a procession headed by the Featherstone Silver Subscription Band. Wagons were provided by local farmers and Featherstone Main Colliery. There were characters in comic and fancy dress, and the Whitwood Mere Charity and Comic Band was much appreciated.

As well as sports the entertainment included a display of Maypole and country dancing, a grand march by all the children and the release of large balloons sent by the Leeds evening newspapers.

During the evening sweets were given to the children, tobacco to the old men and tea to the ladies. The officials and helpers felt that the joy of seeing young and old have a real good time was sufficient reward for all their self-sacrificing work.

MORE HOUSES REQUIRED?

At the August council meeting Cr Ryan said a serious question arose in respect to housing. The council had built 100 houses in Streethouse and 184 in Purston Fields, and he thought to some extent they had become master of the situation; but they still had 386 applicants for houses. If they launched out on another scheme he could see no hope of relief from the overburdening rates in the council's lifetime.

The South Kirkby, Featherstone and Hemsworth Collieries had come into the town and taken over the Ackton Hall estate, and at least 84% of the wealth of the urban area. He thought the council would be wise in asking the managing director to get the company to launch out in a housing scheme of 100 houses for their own workpeople, which would alleviate the present terrible position of the council. It was decided to ask Mr A W Archer to meet the council.

HOSPITAL SUNDAY IN THE RAIN

The Hospital Sunday Musical Festival should have been held on Feast Sunday in August but it was rained off. The organisers tried again the following Sunday on Featherstone Rovers ground. Once again it rained and the musical programme by the choirs of Featherstone's churches and the Featherstone Permanent Orchestra had to be cut short.

Dr Steven said it could not be too well known Pontefract and Leeds Infirmaries and Clayton Hospital were entirely dependent upon voluntary subscriptions. Some Featherstone people had been waiting for weeks to be admitted to hospital but there was not sufficient accommodation, and the institutions could not undertake extensions on their present finances - a point which should be borne in mind in Featherstone. Scientific research, which of course cost money, was going on all the time, and now artificial sunlight had been added to the blessing of X-rays, and very valuable results were obtained.

All these things cost money and he knew the Featherstone community was sorely put to it as present to find the necessities of life, but he could not help noticing the buses seemed to be doing well, considerable mugs of beer were drunk every week, and the cinema was doing good trade. He was not finding fault with these things; all he asked was the working-man should sacrifice one quart of beer a week and give the money to the hospitals.

Mr Murphy said all three institutions had a claim on Featherstone, and at present the workers were not able to make organised contributions as they had done before the coal stoppage, but he asked them to remember the hospitals were all greatly in need of help. They did not take the hospital appeals seriously enough in Featherstone, and they must not be surprised if in the circumstances Featherstone cases were turned down some day. If they visualised those patients lying on a bed of sickness and perhaps in great pain, waiting for admission to hospital, he thought in spite of bad times they would spare a little for the hospitals.

They knew his views in politics (left wing), but he was against the nationalisation of hospitals, believing every man and woman should take his or her share in maintaining the institutions on a voluntary basis. Whatever they gave would be money well spent.

Mr Garritty said he hoped the time would soon come when the colliery owners and workmen would resume their former subscriptions. He knew at present. with the repayment of relief, back rent, and other debts, the workers could not give as they had done formerly, but individually they could do something to help discharge Featherstone's debt to Pontefract Infirmary. During the past year 68 in-patients had been treated and 333 out-patients at a total cost of £458.

Mr Vaughan said later in addition to the receipts from the festival of £17 the committee had received £20 from the West Riding Police, and £50 from the Featherstone and Purston hotels. Before the festival the Featherstone Silver Subscription Band and the Salvation Army Band toured the streets and collected £4 each.

ASSAULT AT ACKWORTH PIT

Ronald Lewis, overman at Ackworth Pit, brought a charge of assault in September against Fred Lisle of Ackworth. Mr Guy Clayton-Smith, for Lewis, said while men were being paid Lisle entered the office and demanded more pay than he had received. There was a dispute about yardage and Lisle began to shout and swear. Mr Fell, another employee in the office, said he could not have such language and took Lisle to the door.

Mr Lewis resumed his work and the next moment received a blow on the head from a poker wielded by Lisle. He had to have two stitches in the wound. But for the fact he was wearing a hat there might have been a much more serious charge.

Lisle said he had worked for the colliery company for 19 years and said he was only paid for one yard when he was entitled to three. He admitted he became incensed and called Lewis a thief and a robber and lost control of himself. He realised he could not justify such an assault, and wished to apologise as completely as possible. He had had no work since and no pay. Mr Will Bentley asked the Bench to take into consideration the fact Lisle had lost his work. He was fined £4 and given eight weeks to pay.

THE RATES HELD STEADY

At the October council meeting it was proposed to keep the rates at 3s 6d in the £1 even though because of less money coming from the pits it meant the total collected would be £2,560 less than the previous six months. Cr Coult said their tenants were owing £3,250 in rent and he appealed to all who could to pay off their arrears as early as possible. There had been much criticism in the town about the council's fire engine but a new one would cost £850, so if the public had to pay for a new one they must not grumble.

Cr Darlington said the members could congratulate themselves on not increasing the rates. They were doing their utmost to keep the rates down and the prospects in the coal trade were brighter now than for the past two years.

The chairman, Cr Ryan, endorsed Cr Coult's appeal to council tenants to reduce their arrears of rent, and said many of them were not playing the game. But for this there could have been a substantial decrease in the rates, as it was they would have to be content with £2,560 less income to March.

NO GRANT FOR PONTEFRACT INFIRMARY

Pontefract Infirmary asked the local councils in October to make a grant as they were in need of funds. Pontefract agreed but Castleford turned them down. At the Featherstone Council meeting Cr Ryan said as the Featherstone collieries were to have five stoppages off the pay for the hospital instead of three he was not in favour of making a special grant.

Cr Garritty said Featherstone people were becoming more and more dependent on Pontefract Infirmary. The collieries were to make five stoppages of 6d instead of three of 1s and had not sent anything since last year's coal stoppage, and the cost of Featherstone patients last year was £500. The infirmary had increased its accommodation and was dealing with many more cases than formerly, and had never turned a Featherstone case away. It did not mean giving a grant every year and he thought Featherstone should do its bit. He proposed a grant of £50.

Cr Coult said he had been convinced by Cr Garritty's appeal and he would second the resolution. Cr Evans said an equally good case could be mad for Clayton Hospital and Leeds Infirmary. They should not single one out but should try to help all. When put to the vote only three members voted in favour.

A HORSE DRAWN FIRE ENGINE

In September the Express had the following report. "The need to bring Featherstone's fire brigade and equipment up to date was shown when the brigade was summoned to a fire at Vicarage Lane. Fortunately the fire was so small the brigade's services were not required, but in other circumstances the result might have been very different.

"The council pays a retaining fee to a local firm to supply horses when needed. The horses were not forthcoming, and one fireman assisted by several boys tugged the fire engine up Station Lane. Before the house in Vicarage Lane was reached one or two other firemen had turned up but by the time the engine had got to the house the fire had been put out.

"The tenants had left the house locked, and a live coal from the fire had set the hearthrug smouldering. Neighbours forced an entry and put out the blaze and very little damage was done. The incident will probably serve as an argument for more modern methods of dealing with fires."

Because of the criticism the council asked for a report which was given at the October meeting. Mr Butterfield said the fire buzzer went at 6.40pm. He went straight to the fire station and found two firemen pushing the hose cart out of the yard. They were being assisted by boys. Three other firemen then arrived, along with Mr Copley's motor (to tow the cart?) which had been delayed at the railway crossing.

On arrival at the house no window had been broken (to gain entry?) and no water had been used. The brigade dealt with the fire and was dismissed at 7.30pm. Mr Butterfield stayed at the house until the occupiers came home at 8.35pm. Mr Roberts, the captain who was away at the time, said their was no damage to property and most of the reports in the papers were untrue.
At the next council meeting it was decided to ask the Ministry of Health for permission to borrow £828 for a new fire engine, which was the quoted price for a "Bennett" 250 gallon engine from Messrs Dennis Bros. The Ministry agreed but the Public Works Loan Board said they had no power to make loans for such a purpose. The clerk was told to make inquiries from other sources.

ASSAULT ON A REFEREE

William Rushton of Stanley Street was in Court in October on a charge of assaulting the referee after the Rovers game against Leigh. He admitted the assault. Mr E N Gundhill said both the referee (John Eddon of Swinton) and Featherstone Rovers looked upon the case very seriously and he asked the Bench to consider a fine insufficient saying this sort of thing has got to be stopped.

The evidence was when the match was over and the players and referee were making for the dressing rooms Rushton met the referee in the covered passage under the stand. He rushed at him and kicked him on both knees. Ethelbert Woolley, a Rovers player, grabbed Rushton and pushed him to one side. He was then arrested by the police and locked up.

Mr Gundhill said the Featherstone Rovers committee were as anxious as anyone that an example should be made of Rushton. What happened was a reflection on the club itself; and the club wished the referees visiting their ground to feel they were safe, when leaving the field, from such a brutal assault as this was.

When asked if he had any defence Rushton said "I think he got what he deserved, I did not kick him with heavy boots". The chairman said the Bench considered it a very serious case. They were not going to allow interference of this kind with sports officials, and he was sentenced to prison for one month. As he left the dock he made for where Mr Eddon was sitting. The police seized him and hurried him out of court. It was later said he claimed he merely wanted to speak to one of the Rovers officials.

ALBERT HAWES IN TROUBLE

Albert Hawes of Vicarage Lane, described as an amusement caterer, was fined £1 at a court in Leeds in October for conducting a lottery at Woodhouse Feast..The police said he had an electric spinner bearing the names of various towns and he sold tickets at 2d each, and a prize was given to the holder of the ticket which bore the name of the town at which the spinner stopped.

He was in trouble again at Wakefield Court in November when a detective said he saw him on the fairground at Wakefield Market with 24 coin operated automatic fruit machines contrary to the Betting Act of 1853. He said there were 150 to 200 people round the stall. He tried the machines which had buttons to stop the reels to try and get a winning combination but the reel went that fast it was impossible to control them so it had to be left to chance. Hawes pleaded guilty and was fined £3 or one month in prison. It was stated he had six previous convictions for similar offences.

DEATH OF JOE POPPLETON

Joe Poppleton, described by the Express as one of Featherstone's best known and most esteemed public men, was a keen Featherstone Rovers fan and he went to Belle Vue on a bitterly cold and wet day for the game in November and caught a chill. He was confined to bed with pneumonia and heart weakness and seemed to be making good progress but he suddenly collapsed and died.

He came to Featherstone as a boy and for many years was weigh clerk at Featherstone Main Colliery. He then set up his own business as a grocer and provisions merchant about 25 years ago, He was the first president of the Featherstone Grocers' Association and then the Featherstone and District Tradesmen's Association. He was also a member of Featherstone Council for many years. In later life he was persuaded to put up for election to the Featherstone Rovers Committee and was successful.
He was 64 years old and was survived by a wife, three sons and three daughters. Two other sons died in the Great War. The photos of his shop is from the Dr J Gatecliff Collection, and that of his van is from Alamy on the internet.

THE CRICKET CLUB'S NEW PRESIDENT

The Featherstone Cricket, Tennis and Bowling Club held its eighth annual meeting at the Travellers' Hotel in November. The secretary, Mr G F Goulding, said from a playing point of view it had been their most successful season ever, The Yorkshire Council side finished with a percentage of 60 and reached the final of the Horsfall Cup. Because of the bad weather the money taken at the gate for home games had not been enough to pay the travelling expenses for away games. He acknowledged the excellent work done by the ladies' committee without which the club could not have carried on.

Mr R Dawson gave the financial statement which showed a total income of £305 of which only £34 had been taken at the gate. The expenditure was £300 with outstanding accounts of £30. It was hoped by means of winter attractions they would start the next season with £100 in hand.

Roslyn Holiday, the president for many years, resigned because of the uncertainty of his future movements. Mr J W McTrusty was unanimously elected as the new president. He spoke of his interest in sport, and promised to do everything possible for the club.
The annual dinner was also held at the Travellers' Hotel. The invited guests were Cr C Johnson, Mayor of Pontefract, and Mr G W Reynolds, chairman of the West Riding Cricket League.
After the dinner Mr Reynolds said considering the crisis through which Featherstone had passed, there was not another town in the broad acres with a finer record. The progress of the Featherstone Cricket Club was all the more creditable inasmuch as the club was conducted on strictly amateur lines. He congratulated the club on electing as president such an excellent businessman as Mr McTrusty who was a great asset. He also praised the secretary, Mr G F Goulding. What George Johnson was to Featherstone Rovers Mr Goulding was to the cricket club.
Mr G H Laver contrasted the Featherstone of today with that of 30 years ago. They were still lacking recreation grounds for the children. They had a large recreation ground years ago, with a bandstand. The bandstand was never used for music and part of the ground had been taken for allotment purposes. It was not right children should have to play in the streets, and he hoped something would be done soon.
Cr T Ryan said the council had concentrated recently on housing and by the end of the year hoped to have over 500 tenanted. He was afraid they had not yet felt the full effect of the great blunder, the coal strike. When he saw children walking Featherstone's streets under-clothed, under-shod and under-fed he was afraid next year's health figures would not be satisfactory. He was in full sympathy with Mr Laver, and if and when the playing fields scheme reached fruition (see above) he could promise the council's warm support.
Mr A Moody, Barclays Bank manager, paid a fitting tribute to the former president, Roslyn Holiday, and said it was a matter of great regret a gentleman of his unfailing tact and geniality should have severed his business connections with Featherstone. They would always have very kindly remembrances of him. They were very fortunate in having Mr McTrusty as his successor. It was a good thing when men in responsible positions took such an active interest in sport. He hoped the club would have increased prosperity and he felt sure the president would do his share to this end.
Mr McTrusty said he felt it a great honour to follow in the footsteps of a man whom they all esteemed, and he greatly regretted Mt Holiday's severance. Ever since he came to Featherstone he had taken an active interest in the football and cricket clubs, and he would continue to help both to the utmost of his power. He described Featherstone's present industrial position as that of batting on a sticky wicket, but they were not down and out, and he looked forward to a brighter day.
Cr Johnson said he always felt at home in Featherstone and had a great admiration for Featherstone people. He was an optimist about the trade situation and believed the dawn was coming, and at the end of the next two years the council would be receiving more rates from the collieries than ever before. He was proud of the Featherstone sports clubs which were doing important work in trying to teach young men how to use their leisure time.

BULLOCK'S SPORTS CLUB

The first annual dinner of Messrs J Bullock and Sons Sports Club was held at the Junction Hotel in December. After the dinner Mr Bullock promised continued interest in the sports section. He said he had the utmost confidence in the firm's employees and trusted the happy relationship now existing would long continue. He was of the opinion the troublesome times which Featherstone was passing through would materially improve within the next year or two, and he hoped the firm would be able to propose sharing some portion of the profits with the employees.

George Johnson said generally speaking the best sportsmen made the best workers, and he was glad the firm had provided sports facilities. He thought it would result in better service from their employees.

The following facts about the firm were given. In 1922 they had 12 buses; now they had more than 70 operating over 400 square miles. The total route mileage was 206 miles, and during the past 12 months they had run over two million miles and carried over three million passengers. The photo of a bus below is from Flickriver on the internet.

1927 NEWS ITEMS

JANUARY Herbert Brooks and Thomas Brookes were charged with having damaged rye grass in a field near Featherstone Main Colliery. Mr Clayton-Smith, for the company, said considerable damage had been done in the field and the company wanted it stopped. PC Hardy said there was a footpath around the field and he saw the defendants walk across it from corner to corner. Thomas Braithwaite, the colliery's farm bailiff, estimated the damage at 3d. Herbert was fined 10s and Thomas 15s.

The council approved a plan by the surveyor for public conveniences near Brookway, considered a request to repair the pit road to Featherstone Main Colliery and seek if Ackton Hall Colliery could supply the electricity to light it, and appointed Mr J Hilsley as sanitary inspector.

Percy Hemingway left his Old Featherstone butcher's shop at 9.30pm on a Saturday when he was struck in the face by a man who had some sort of weapon in his hand. The assailant then ran off without attempting to rob Mr Hemingway who had a large sum of money on him. He was taken to Dr Steven's house for treatment by a policeman.

FEBRUARY Mr Bertram Hawley signed a contract for £37,200 for the erection of 86 houses on the second phase of the Ackworth Road council house project.

Residents close to the site of the proposed public conveniences near Brookway objected to the council. It was said the pantry of the nearest house was quite near to the proposed building. The surveyor said it was 17 feet away and there would be no window at that side. The council decided to go ahead.

The council decided to protest to Pontefract Labour Exchange about the treatment of Featherstone men being kept outside the exchange for hours and then being told to come back in the afternoon. It was said letters changing the time of appointment had been sent out but they arrived after the men had left for Pontefract. The council considered there should be an exchange in Featherstone considering the number of unemployed. The protest worked and and a branch exchange was opened in Featherstone.

The Ministry of Health told the council it had no power to make a grant for the purchase of library books which was proposed last November, but the county council had such powers and could make a grant and recover the money by a special rate on Featherstone.

Herbert William Ellen age 32 of Pontefract was injured by a fall of roof at Ackton Hall Colliery on 22 February and died four days later.

MARCH The sanitary inspector told the council all the streets from Market Street to Kimberley Street had stagnant water and notice should be served on the owners to abate the nuisance. Cr Edwards said at the bottom of Station Lane bus stop on busy days women and children had no chance. The council decided to ask the county council to erect a crush barrier, but they said they did not have the power so a request was made to the bus companies.

Three men were charged by H Hirst and Son with stealing timber from the housing site in Purston. The men, who admitted the theft, said the wood was throwing about. They had made steps and tables with it and were fined 12s 10s and 7s 6d.

Timothy Constantine, a hawker of no fixed abode, was in court for stealing 115lbs of lead from Charles Haikings premises in Station Lane. The lead was valued at 37s 6d. Inspector Bowler said there were seven convictions against the prisoner for warehouse breaking, stealing and receiving. Constantine admitted being on the premises but denied intent to steal. He was sent to prison for three months.

This is Haikings shop in Station Lane. The initials over the shop are for Sarah Jane, his wife. A photo from the Dr J Gatecliff Collection.

APRIL Frederick Round age 20 of Pontefract was killed by a fall of roof at Featherstone Main Colliery.

Charles Armitage of Albert Street was in Leeds Infirmary. He needed an operation and the hospital informed his relatives a blood transfusion was necessary before it could be done. He worked at J Bullock and Sons so the request was passed to there. Eight people from the firm volunteered and went to Leeds where Reginald, son of Ernest Bullock, was found to be suitable and a pint of blood was taken.

The council kept the rates at 3s 6d in the £1 in spite of losing £9,000 from the collieries because of the coal dispute, paying £1,300 for milk to give to children and pregnant mothers, and a total of £3,000 in arrears of rent and rates for council houses.

The Pontefract postmaster wrote to the council to say as soon as possible money orders, savings bank and telephone services would be provided at Purston Sub-Post Office.

MAY James Bullock took a load of home coal to Pontefract and tipped it in Freeman's Yard. He was taken to court for doing it when he knew the householder was not at home, and the coal was outside from 9.40am to1pm and was obstructing the footpath. The magistrate's clerk raised the point as to who was liable. Supt Fairbairn said Bullock had no right to tip it and leave it when he knew the householder was absent but he would withdraw the charge on payment of the costs of 4s. The defendant's father wanted to say something but the Bench said no, his son had been very leniently dealt with.

A meeting of local ladies at Angus House, the home of Mrs Steven, agreed to form a branch of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. They were told by Miss Blackie, who came from London, there were five complaints from Featherstone last year.

Featherstone Rovers beat Castleford 2-0 in the fifth annual Lyon Cup game at Lock Lane. After the game the players, officials and visitors met at the Kiosk Cafe in Castleford where the cup was handed to the Rovers. Mr Penfold said in the previous four seasons they had handed over to Pontefract Infirmary a total of £1,000. This year the industrial strife and the shortage of work had made it difficult but they hoped to have raised something like £200.

The county council approved a purchase of reference books for Featherstone Library at a cost of £25 and asked for a list of the books desired.

Arthur Parkin age 26 of Hemsworth was killed when crushed by tubs at Ackton Hall Colliery. James Sephton age 37 of North Featherstone Lane was injured by a fall of roof at Featherstone Main Colliery and died seven days later in Pontefract Infirmary.

JUNE William Jones age 14 of Henrietta Street had a fish and ship supper and went to bed. Some hours later he was sick and said he did not want to get up so he had bacon and tomatoes in bed. In the afternoon he got worse and died before Dr Finch arrived. At the inquest Dr Finch said it was nothing to do with the food. The post mortem showed the beginnings of meningitis and the boy suffered from St Vitus Dance which indicated cerebral irritation. The verdict was natural causes.

JULY Five Purston schoolchildren were summonsed for damaging growing grass in Purston Hall park by running about on it. The damage was estimated at 3d. The father of one of them protested to the magistrates saying he had lived in Purston for 12 years and children had been allowed to play in the park. If it was no longer to be allowed notices should have been posted. They agreed and decided only the costs should be paid.

The council decided to send a letter to the Ministry of Agriculture regarding the large number of animals which, when slaughtered, were found to be unfit for human consumption because of tuberculosis, pointing out the serious loss to the retailers. It was recommended cattle should be examined before being offered for sale at markets, and a guarantee given to the purchaser on each sale.

The Post Office Telephones Department proposed erecting a telephone kiosk on the footpath of the main road near Brookway.

The council agreed to write again to the Ministry of Transport to get Ackworth Road and Station Lane to Cutsyke classified as Class II roads instead of being a burden on the rates. The county council refused to contribute to the cost of maintaining Station Lane because through traffic was only 8% instead of the minimum requirement of 10%. Cr Rodgers said the traffic had increased a lot during the past year and suggested another census be taken.

AUGUST A man went to Dr Steven's surgery and was diagnosed with smallpox, the first case for many years. The council informed the Ministry of Health as far as can be ascertained all possible steps and precautions have been taken to prevent the spread of infection and no further cases have been traced.
Dr Steven, as medical officer of health for Featherstone, posted a notice advising vaccination for all those who had come into contact with this and other local cases (they were all outside Featherstone), and telling mothers to call in a doctor on signs of what they might think is chickenpox.

SEPTEMBER Frank Simmons of Purston was summonsed by Mr J Poppleton for fraudulently removing his household goods to avoid distraint for rent (the bailiffs). Mr Will Bentley, for Mr Poppleton, said the weekly rent was 8s 3d and the arrears amounted to £15 9s. Mr Simmons told Mr Poppleton he wanted to move to a smaller house and Mr Poppleton said he must not remove any of his goods unless he paid half the amount down and half by installments. Mr Simmons gave two weeks notice and moved his furniture before the time was up. He said he had not done a moonlight flit and would pay the arrears off by installments. The Bench fined him £20, twice the amount of the goods moved.

An inquest was held in Pontefract Infirmary on Theodosia Quarmby, a widow, of Post Office Road. Ann Wray, another widow in Post Office Road, said Mrs Quarmby took some linen upstairs and shortly after she heard a bang and found Mrs Quarmby lying at the bottom of the stairs. Dr Barratt of the infirmary said she was admitted suffering from hemorrhage and shock and a large wound on the scalp. She suffered severely from bronchitis. Death was due to senility, bronchitis and hemorrhage. The fall had undoubtedly hastened death. The verdict was accidental death.

Edward and Charles Harper were stopped by police near Featherstone Main Colliery suspected under the Poaching Prevention Act. A dead rabbit was found under Edward's coat. They were fined 10s each.

Florence Wigglesworth of Mafeking Street arrived home to find her husband John in the bedroom with a waterproof sheet over his head and the gas fire turned on. She ran for a neighbour who turned the gas off and opened a window. Dr Finch was called and said he had been dead about two hours. The only explanation his widow could offer was he had been off work seven months. At the inquest the coroner decided Wigglesworth poisoned himself during a fit of depression.

OCTOBER Ackton Hall Colliery was concerned about fences being broken down. Frederick Chamberlain was suspected of being a culprit so PC Lee went to see him and discovered two boards in the coal house. He said a woman had given him one and he found the other on the stack. In court the chairman asked if much damage had been done and Mr Clayton-Smith said there was hardly any fence left. A fine of £1 was imposed.

Squire Hill, a deputy at Featherstone Main Colliery, claimed in court he found Joseph Sharpe of Normanton and Walter Hill of Featherstone asleep in the mine, a breach of the Coal Mines Act. They admitted it and were fined £1 10s each.

Victor Brant age 25 of Crossley Street was crushed by an overturned tub at Featherstone Main Colliery and died shortly after he was admitted to Pontefract Infirmary.

NOVEMBER PC Bellhouse stopped a coal cart pulled by a horse which he said in court was practically walking on three legs. It was owned by William Robson and was in the charge of his son at the time. The constable caused the animal to be taken out of the shafts. Inspector Steele of the RSPCA said the nine years old horse was painfully lame and not fit to walk, much less do any work. It had to be destroyed. Mrs Robson, in court for her husband, said there was no intentional cruelty. The Bench imposed a fine of 30s.

The clerk told the council the Pontefract Postmaster was unable to arrange a later collection of letters from Featherstone because it would mean additional staff. Cr Coult said Featherstone was important enough to have a collection later than 6.30pm. They used to be able to post at the railway station at nearly 9pm. On the suggestion of Cr Simpkin it was decided to write direct to the Postmaster General.

DECEMBER The council clerk reported the books for the library, for which the county council had allocated £25, had been selected, approved and ordered.

Dr Steven was elected a Serving Brother of the Order of St John of Jerusalem (the Ambulance Brigade) for his many years as instructor to the first aid classes at Featherstone Station and Ackton Hall Colliery. Also for his position as examiner for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company, and the Yorkshire Collieries' Ambulance League. The photo is from eBay.