A HISTORY OF FEATHERSTONE
1928
THE ROAD REPAIRS PROBLEM
The
maintenance of the Wakefield to Pontefract Road was the responsibility
of the county council, but the roads to Ackworth and Castleford were
down to Featherstone Council and were in poor condition. The council
wanted them classifying so they would also be the responsibility of the county council, but the Ministry of Transport didn't agree and only
offered 25% of the cost of repairing Ackworth Road. The county council
offered nothing.Bullock and Sons had written to the council about the deplorable state of Bell Hill on the Castleford Road, and Cr Rodgers asked, at the January meeting if a grant could be obtained from the Unemployment Grants Committee to put it right with unemployed men. Cr Garritty said unemployment had to be 5% before a grant could be obtained, and it wasn't that bad in Featherstone.
Cr Darlington said it would be most unfair to burden Featherstone ratepayers with the costs and he suggested they do nothing at present and ask the Ministry of Transport to receive a deputation to go into the whole matter of Featherstone road improvements.
The council agreed to purchase 350 square yards of land on the Purston Hall estate from Tommy Sides at 2s 6d a square yard for the purpose of widening Ackworth Road.
 |
| Ackworth Road. An old Featherstone postcard. |
At
the May council meeting the surveyor reported the Ministry had made
Ackworth Road and Station Lane to Cutsyke Road into Class 2 roads, and
particulars had been supplied to the divisional engineer of the Ministry
of Transport of proposed improvements.
In October the Ministry said the funds available would not permit any
of the proposed schemes to go ahead. The estimated costs were: the Bede
houses corner £270, Ackworth Road £230, Cutsyke Road £7,800. Two months
later there was a change of mind and the Ministry said they would pay
one-third the cost of the Ackworth Road proposal. The council decided to
ask the county council if they would contribute towards the cost.
HID IN A TUNNEL WITH HIS THROAT CUT
He turned up at 5pm with his throat cut and a doctor was sent for who decided he should be taken to Pontefract Infirmary. Before he went he said he left home at 7am and walked into Featherstone Main reservoir, but his second attempt at suicide failed so he got out and spent the time in the tunnel under the muckstack. He died the next day in the infirmary.
More details were given at the inquest. He had been off work for two weeks with an injured hand and after going back for one day his hand was so badly swollen he had to stay at home. His wife said he was worried about what they were going to do for food and rent. When he arrived back home he was wet through and said "I've come home to die".
PC Bellhouse, who had taken part in the search for Loundes, saw him after he came home and when asked why he did it was told his head was troubling him. Dr A Barratt of Pontefract Infirmary said death was due to shock caused by the throat wound and exposure.
The coroner said it was evident Loundes had had a sudden brainstorm on the Wednesday morning because he was rational the evening before and again when he came back home. The verdict was death was due to shock brought on by the wounds inflicted while of unsound mind, and exposure.
PERENNIAL COAL PICKING
The local collieries were constantly troubled by people searching for
coal which had slipped through the cleaning processes and ended up on
the stacks. The two main problems were damage to fences and possible
injuries.PS Jolley told Pontefract Court in February trespassers on the stacks had been warned they would be prosecuted if caught again. Joseph Haigh, who said he had not worked for five years, admitted taking six stones of coals valued at 8d and was fined £1. Joseph Sheard was accused of taking coal worth 5d. Because he gave the constable a wrong name and address he was fined 30s.
William Gargett and his son-in-law Frank Stokes admitted stealing more than 1cwt of coal because Gargett's wife was in a delicate state of health. They were fined £1 each, as was Samuel Hughes.
Mr Clayton-Smith, prosecuting, said there were no excuses. Notices were displayed round the stacks, and he himself had secured convictions in hundreds of similar cases. There were many more cases brought to court throughout the year. In August Laura Jackson age 11 fell on the muckstack and broke her jaw.
DEATH OF REVD ROGERS
Revd H S Rogers age 67, Vicar of Purston, died in February in his vicarage after a few weeks illness. He conducted the Christmas Day services and had been confined to his bed since. The Express commented "Purston and Featherstone have lost a beloved personality. There was no kinder-hearted clergyman in the district. He was popular with all sections of the community. His work and that of the late Mrs Rogers during the World War, on behalf of local soldiers and sailors, cannot be over-estimated. The vicarage was an open door for all men on leave, and no undertaking on behalf of the men and their dependents was too much trouble.
"Since the Armistice he took a keen interest in the British Legion and helped to form the Featherstone Branch. The ex-servicemen always looked on Purston Church as their church and held their official services there. He had happy relations with the Nonconformists and took part in services at Purston Wesleyan Chapel, and invited prominent Nonconformists to read the lesson in his church."
In April the living of Purston was accepted by Revd T W Barry Wall, by coincidence the vicar of St Thomas's Church in Halifax.
LOOKING FOR A CAT?
The police were called and PC Parnell charged him with the offence and he replied "I am very sorry I took it. It's the first time I have ever stolen anything in my life". In Court Soaby said he saw the coal-house door open and went in on a sudden impulse, being without coal.
The chairman asked why he had a bag with him and he said it was to bring some blacking in. He was bound over to be of good behaviour for six months.
Note: The fine coal like grains of sand that came from the washery was pumped to settling ponds down Green Lane. When it dried out it was like a black paste which could be burnt. It had various local names: tailings, dubbin (after the product used to clean leather) and in this case blacking (after the cleaner used to clean the fire range in the living room).
THE RUGBY UNION CLUB
The Featherstone Rugby Union Football Club held its third annual dinner
in March. The Vicar of Featherstone, Revd J Gray, presided and he said
throughout their three years they had been actuated by the true Rugby
Union spirit, and in that spirit they intended to continue. They had all
worked hard to build up the club, and he felt sure they all would work
harmoniously in the future as they had done in the past.Mr W L Haley, a member of the Yorkshire County Committee, said the Featherstone Club had made great strides in its three years' existence. In the old days Featherstone had supplied some of the finest forwards Yorkshire had ever had. He looked forward to the time when Featherstone would again furnish some of those hefty forwards for which the district was famous.
Mr S M Harrison, the secretary, said they had their setbacks in the form of players leaving them (to sign on for the Rovers), but on the whole they had done well in so short a time. They were trying to keep alive the Rugby Union spirit, and if they did that he felt sure the Rugby Union game would prosper in Featherstone.
ACKTON HOSPITAL CONTROVERSY
At the March Featherstone Council meeting Cr Darlington said the council should give the hospital committee every possible support in its fight against the proposal. The move came from officials, not the county councillors, and it should be resisted by all the means in the council's power.
Cr Coult said if the proposal would be in the public interest he would favour it, but it would be exactly the opposite. It would mean Featherstone would lose its three representatives on the hospital committee, and there would be a new expensive department. There was nothing to be said for the proposal. He could not speak too highly of the hospital's doctor, matron and staff. From the point of efficiency any new scheme would be for the worse.
Cr Ryan said the proposal would mean a big growth of officialdom and if the county council got hold of the hospital nothing would be done in the same practical way it was done today. The council voted unanimously to support the hospital committee.
MINERS LAID OFF
At the beginning of April the South Kirkby, Featherstone and Hemsworth Collieries Ltd and the Ackton Hall Colliery Ltd announced a further 1,200 men would be given notice at the four collieries. In a statement the combined company said:
"In consequence of the acute depression in trade and the necessity of readjusting working arrangements in order to secure improved results which are essential if these undertakings are to be carried on so as to provide satisfactory employment, more regular work for the greatest number of persons and is in the best interest of the localities affected, the companies have been obliged to dispense with the services of many of their employees until such time as their is a substantial revival in trade. Many of those employees occupy colliery houses, and are indebted to the companies for arrears of rent as well as being indebted to the local authorities for loans etc.
"It therefore follows this step which the directors deeply regret, would not have been taken except under compulsion of circumstances. Two of the causes which have brought about the present position at the Featherstone Colliery and the Ackton Hall Colliery have actually been within the control of the employees themselves. In spite of almost endless representations to the workers through their branch committees that it was impossible for the concerns, so long as such a large percentage of free dirt was filled with the coal in the pit (for which dirt the companies have hitherto paid wages as if it were saleable coal), to continue paying the rate of wages and finding employment generally on the terms prevailing at these collieries; and in spite of appeals matters have gone from bad to worse.
"The difference clean filling of coal makes in the average selling price is very considerable. In some districts in these collieries the output per man has been inexcusably small, and the directors are satisfied with reasonable effort it could have been materially increased. The directors wish to make it clear unless an improvement takes place in the near future in regard to the great evils, dirty filling and small output per person, they will be compelled to part with the services of a still larger number of workmen."
The Express reported Mr J W McTrusty had relinquished his position as manager at Featherstone Main Colliery. No reason was given. Because he was president of the Cricket Club and chairman of the Rovers finance committee, and his wife was president of the Cricket Club's ladies' committee, it was said there would be regret among all classes if that meant they would move from Featherstone.
The miners' union contended the dismissing of men should begin with non-union men and those with the shortest service (last in first out) but Mr A W Archer, the managing director, said such a method was impossible from a practical point of view. The directors had decided the best method to adopt in the ultimate interest of the coal industry in Featherstone was to close districts which were not paying.
In May, after a period of short time working, the company decided to close the colliery for ten days. This resulted in a rush of miners to the Employment Exchange, held at the Welfare, to sign on. The normal staff was enlarged but were unable to cope with the numbers and a police constable was on hand to regulate the queue. By noon there were still several hundreds to be dealt with.
The manager of the Pontefract Exchange. Mr E Lockyer, said everything possible was being done to cope with the rush. If only the men would observe the instructions they are given as to the hours during which their particular section would be dealt with, the work would be greatly facilitated.
In July the Yorkshire Miners' Association ruled on out of work miners and said if they wanted to retain their union membership they would have to pay 3d a week against the normal one shilling a week subscription.
THE COUNCIL'S VIEW
At
their April meeting the council chairman, Cr Ryan, said a month ago 200
colliery employees were dismissed and now more than 300 received
notice. How were these men going to live, and how was the council to
carry on? They were going to be very badly hit in Featherstone. Before
the 300 men received their notices many of the children were already
underfed and underclothed. They had a larger number of children in the
isolation hospital than had ever been known, because they had not the
stamina to withstand illness or disease. He had never known Featherstone
in a worse position for the past 36 years. He proposed the council should apply to the Ministry to hold an inquiry to recognise Featherstone as a necessitous area, and the Government should be asked to take steps to alleviate the distress, and a copy of the resolution to be sent to the Government and Mr F Hall the local MP.
Cr Coult seconded the resolution. He said he had visited the schools, and in one class he found six boys without boots or stockings, and one boy without a shirt. The men who were working were not earning enough to keep their children properly. He could testily the allegation the men had filled too much dirt with the coal was not true except in isolated cases. Whatever was the cause - and they had their own opinion on the matter - these men must not be allowed to drift into the workhouse.
Cr Garritty supported and said the allegation too much dirt had been filled with the coal was untrue. Men had been held up daily because they could not get tubs, and in some cases they could have filled five or six more a day if they could have got them.
Cr Rodgers thought the speakers who had delivered Featherstone's funeral oration were too pessimistic. He favoured a review but thought immediate steps should be taken on the provision of Government grants for necessary works on which the men could be employed. The North Featherstone to Castleford Road and the Ackworth Road schemes could provide work for hundreds of men. To find the men work would be much better than giving them the dole.
The resolution was carried unanimously. Cr Garritty said if it could be shown 5% of the workers were unemployed they could get grants for work such as road works. He would obtain the necessary information. It was agreed if the percentage of unemployed was sufficient the council would apply for grants for schemes of work.
The manager of the Labour Exchange then informed the council the 5% figure applied to the total population and not just the workers, and although more than 5% of the workers were unemployed it was not anything like the required percentage of the population of the district.
THE SITUATION WORSENS
The colliery is working at a loss and it is impossible to continue unless dirty filling is stopped. Colliers can ensure coal is filled reasonably free from dirt.
The company cannot continue to pay for dirt. The company cannot sell dirt and it is extremely costly to deal with. During the year to March 90,000 tons of loose dirt was filled with the coal into tubs and sent out of the pit.
The possibility of having to close this colliery because of dirty filling has repeatedly been brought to the notice of the union. Forty letters have been sent and deputations met but all to no purpose.
The colliery will reopen on the following terms providing the various classes of workers present themselves for work in sufficient numbers to enable the colliery to be worked in a proper manner.
1 The colliers' basis price for getting coal will be reduced by 10%.
2 No payment will be made for the setting and withdrawing of face timber.
3 There will be no restriction of the number of men working in one stall, but the company will act reasonably.
4 it is in your hand to determine whether this colliery continues to find employment for several thousand workpeople, or whether it shall be closed owing to colliers failing to fill clean coal.
The Express commented "Almost all the miners have been very badly hit, and the vast majority have far from recovered from the effects of the stoppages of 1921 and 1926. At Easter, Whitsuntide and Bank Holiday this year the pit, like many others in the district, was closed down for ten days, and working shifts generally have averaged about three a week."
The colliers refused to accept those terms and when the notice was up pickets, including some women, were posted at the pit but no attempt was made to pass them. Long queues of men gathered at the Miners' Welfare Institute to sign-on for unemployment benefit.
After two weeks a conference was held at the company's offices in Ropergate, Pontefract, between the company and the miners' union, but after four hours it broke up with nothing agreed.
Another meeting was arraigned by the West Yorkshire Joint Board in Leeds and this time terms for a settlement were reached after more than six hours. The following statement was released.
"The colliery company undertake to withdraw their manifesto provided the company's liability in respect of payment for dirt be limited to seven percent, the workmen to have deducted from the weight of coal an amount equivalent to any excess thereof. Work shall resume on the old terms, and the workmen's representatives agree to undertake a thorough inquiry with a view of arriving at a permanent settlement of the issues involved in the dispute within three months from this date."
A mass meeting was held in the Miners' Welfare Institute where the terms were explained, and tribute was paid to the manner in which the situation had been handled. The settlement was unanimously accepted. Mr H Cranswick and Mr B Dakin were appointed "dirt inspectors" on behalf of the men.
THE MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT
Dr W Steven published his report for 1927 in June. He said the
Featherstone Council area had 3,378 houses, an increase of 208 over the
previous year. A few houses were being built by private individuals, but
the council's scheme of building was completed and the council did not
contemplate any further schemes because the financial results of past
efforts were far from encouraging. (This was probably because of the
regular pit stoppages which caused the tenants to be behind with their
rent and rates, which meant repayments on the loans had to be made out
of the general rate fund.)He said a complete sewage system had been installed for the district, and a fully adequate water supply provided, but the original houses built for the rapid increase in population were not now satisfactory. They were now showing signs of decay and the living and sleeping accommodation was not now suitable for present day public health ideals. There were many houses with two families, which system he would like to put an end to.
The infant mortality (deaths of infants up to one year old) in 1926 was 58 per 1,000, and in 1927 it rose to 144. He wrote "The year 1927 was cold, sunless and wet, and we were reaping the aftermath of a disastrous strike, during which period (and still existing) neither parents nor children were suitably nourished or clothed. We are still reaping that harvest of ill-clad and badly fed children. To combat this the council had given him permission to supply milk, Glaxo and Virol to needy cases either free or at cost price.
From Mr Hilsey the sanitary inspector's report it was estimated the total amount of refuse removed was over 10,000 tons. Dr Steven said the reason was most houses were occupied by miners who received home coal which was poor quality and contained bats (pieces of stone) which were put straight in the bin, and the burnt coal resulted in a lot of ashes. He said a lot of other refuse was put in the bins which could be burnt on the fire.
When the council received the report Cr Ryan said up to the present the Ministry of Health had declined to recognise Featherstone as a necessitous area. He proposed the Ministry be asked to hold an inquiry as to the effect of the distress in Featherstone on the health of the women and children.
The Ministry of Health replied in towns of small population there were rather extreme variations in infant mortality, and quoted the average for Featherstone from 1918 to 1922 was 131, and from 1923 to 1927 it dropped to 104, which was still in excess of the average for England and Wales.
The Ministry said the local medical officer and health visitor were giving great care and attention to the matter, and trusted the work being done would result in a reduction of the number of avoidable deaths among infants and young children.
FEATHERSTONE ROVERS ANNUAL MEETING
Mr Goodall presented the financial report. He said there was a profit on the season of £60 but the club owed a total of £1,942 to the bank, the Yorkshire County Rugby League, and the Rugby League stand loan. He remarked if some kind friend would present them with a cheque for £2,000 they could start next season with a clean sheet.
Mr Johnson said considering the depression in trade the club had done well, but there was a need for more support considering the excellent football played by the team. They ought to have gates of not less than 3,000. The local players had developed into one of the best teams in the league as was shown by their appearance in the League Final. They did not take their chances in that game or they would have won. He congratulated their opponents Swinton on their success.
He said the club had suffered two serious losses during the year - the death of committee member Joe Poppleton, and the removal from the district of Mr J W McTrusty, the chairman of the finance committee. He commented on the selection of Tommy Askin for the touring side to Australia and New Zealand, but said he had caught a chill on landing and had not yet played.
GROSS, BUT NOT CRIMINAL, NEGLIGENCE
Joseph Taylor of Victoria Street, his father, wondered why his son had not come home for his dinner and he went to the pit to inquire. The man in the power house phoned the pit bottom and was told his check was still there and his pony had not been returned so he was probably working overtime. At 10pm his son had still not arrived home so he went back to the pit where he saw a deputy. The deputy raised the alarm and the manager, undermanager and another deputy arrived, Taylor was quickly found and artificial respiration was tried but he was beyond help.
The horsekeepers and deputies were questioned at length and it turned out the horsekeepers had a practice of booking all the horses back in whether or not they were and leaving it to the next shift to sort out. The book was produced and it showed Taylor's horse as back in in good condition. Someone had later added fatally injured. A deputy admitted he knew Taylor's check was still on the board showing he was still in the pit but did nothing about it.
The coroner said the jury, as he did, would find it difficult to understand why people arrived at the conclusion Taylor was working overtime when there seemed nothing to base it on. The deputy who failed to make a check would regret his omission as much as anyone else, but it did not seem any steps he could have taken would have any effect on the death. It was for the jury to say whether there had been negligence of a criminal nature. Whether there had been negligence to justify civil proceedings did not concern them.
The jury retired to consider their verdict and on their return said they found Taylor died from asphyxiation, the death was due to misadventure, there had been gross negligence on the part of the day deputy and others in keeping the registers and not making an earlier search for Taylor, but it did not amount to criminal negligence.
This photo of an Ackton Hall Colliery check is from eBay. Each
miner collected his own personal number and handed it in when he went
down the pit. They were all hung on a board at the pit bottom and
collected by the miners on leaving their work and handed in to the
bamksman or onsetter. This showed if anyone had not gone up the shaft,
but it relied on someone doing something about checks not collected.
It was a standing order of the council if a member resigned his
position and caused an expensive by-election a fine of £20 would be
imposed. Crs Ryan and Garritty wanted to apply for the vacancy of a rent
collector, and Cr Garritty proposed at the July council meeting the
fine be reduced to 5s. He said it was not right for a working man like
himself who wished to resign to take up a position should be obliged to
pay such a large sum. He had now been unemployed for eight months and
could net see any prospects of getting his old job back. He therefore
had to look out for a new position, and he thought he should have the
same chance as any other man when such a position became vacant, instead
of which, as the rule stood, he would have to pay £20. Cr Rodgers
seconded.
Cr Darlington disagreed. He said the rule was made 34 years ago for the protection of the ratepayers. When the ratepayers had borne the cost of one election, it was not fair that at any time they should have to pay for a second election. When a member accepted office he should serve to the end of his term. If he wished to apply for a lucrative office, then the money he would get from that office would recompense him for the fine paid.
When put to the vote Cr Garritty won by seven votes to three, but he did not get the job. There were 74 applications for the job of rent collector at £3 6s 4d a week and it went to Cr T Ryan who then resigned from the council, but it was considered likely the council would leave the seat vacant until next year's election.
At the August meeting the clerk said he had looked into the matter and found it would be illegal to delay the by-election and it was the duty of the council to declare the seat vacant now, and his duty to see a by-election was held within a month. The council then declared the seat vacant.
The by-election result for the Purston Ward was W H Roberts 480 votes, W Sawyer 288, D T H Protheroe 150, G Cadman 109, W H Jones 43.
THE CARNIVAL
The carnival organised by the Featherstone and Purston Coronation and Jubilee Committee in aid of Pontefract General Infirmary was held in August. The Express commented "Residents entered heartily into the spirit of the occasion, and there was scarcely a house, from North Featherstone to the Jubilee Fields that did not flaunt a gaily-coloured decoration or some cheery message. It was a joyous event. Forgotten for the time was the shadow of industrial depression which has overhung Featherstone and similar districts, and the transformation was very marked. If for no other reason than that it brought a few hours' happiness into the lives of the townspeople, the venture was justified.
"Headed by the Featherstone Subscription Silver Band a procession wended its way from North Featherstone to the Jubilee Fields. There were the local "Buffaloes", resplendent in regalia, ambulance men; the Featherstone, Castleford and Pontefract Fire Brigades; gaily decorated vehicles and tableaux, tradesmen's displays, fancy costumes, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, and comic bands".
There was a big crowd for the sports in the Jubilee Fields, and the band played selections during the afternoon and evening and for dancing at night. The total receipts were £167, and after paying for the prizes and other expenses the sum left for the hospital was £92.
When the Rovers joined the Northern Rugby League in 1921 Mr A T
Lazenby, a director on the board of the Leeds Cricket, Football and
Athletic Company, promised to entertain the players to dinner in the
first season in which they reached the 50 per cent mark in the league
table. That position was soon reached, but the Rovers committee, mindful
of Mr Lazenby's generosity in other directions. did not care to claim
the fulfilment of the promise. When the Rovers finished as finalist in
the league Mr Lazenby insisted his offer should be accepted, and it
should include the committee and staff as well as the players. It took
place at the Junction Hotel in September.
George Johnson proposed a toast to the donor and said Mr Lazenby did his best for Featherstone when they applied for admission to the Northern Rugby League, and it was good to feel the Rovers had fulfilled all Mr Lazenby prophesied of them. Mr Lazenby found enough to do in his own district where he had given fine service, and it was good to know he was prepared to extend his generosity as far as Featherstone.
Mr Lazenby said he was delighted to entertain them, if only because they were a purely local side. Other clubs scoured England, Wales, and even Australia for players. Featherstone went their own way, encouraging local talent. He thanked Mr Johnson for arranging the function, and appealed to the players to play the game always, win or lose.
Mr Evans paid tribute to Mr Johnson, but for whose efforts and sacrifices Featherstone would never have reached senior rank, and declared the reason Featherstone, a purely local side, had done so well was they had the team spirit, which was so often lacking in cosmopolitan sides.
The annual Hospital Sunday festival was held on the Rovers ground in
September. The combined choirs of the town sang well-known hymns and
selections from The Messiah.
The Vicar of Purston, Revd Barry Wall, said hospitals were an expression of man's faith in God. Hospitals had been built up on love, but a good deal of life today seemed to be built up on selfishness. He was glad to know the colliery workpeople were giving regularly, but what about the others. The hospitals in even the poorest districts must have the most up-to-date appliances and capable staff, because the poor had the right to as good care as those who could afford expensive nursing home treatment.
Cr Garritty said last year Featherstone sent 141 in-patients and 418 out-patients to Pontefract Infirmary at a cost of £793 and only contributed £442. if the Infirmary had to depend upon Featherstone contributions it would have to close. The workpeople of Featherstone subscribed one penny per man per week, and if other classes gave in proportion the Infirmary would be able to progress.
Dr Finch said Featherstone was doing its bit for hospitals but was failing in another direction. Was not the time long past when Featherstone should have district nurses. When a patient was discharged and was told at the hospital he should place himself under the care of the district nurse he had to reply we haven't got one.
Money thrown into the collection sheets taken round the ground totalled £8 4s and the Featherstone Subscription Silver Band had toured the streets for collections. The total raised was expected to be over £15.
DISPUTE OVER A £20 FINE
Cr Darlington disagreed. He said the rule was made 34 years ago for the protection of the ratepayers. When the ratepayers had borne the cost of one election, it was not fair that at any time they should have to pay for a second election. When a member accepted office he should serve to the end of his term. If he wished to apply for a lucrative office, then the money he would get from that office would recompense him for the fine paid.
When put to the vote Cr Garritty won by seven votes to three, but he did not get the job. There were 74 applications for the job of rent collector at £3 6s 4d a week and it went to Cr T Ryan who then resigned from the council, but it was considered likely the council would leave the seat vacant until next year's election.
At the August meeting the clerk said he had looked into the matter and found it would be illegal to delay the by-election and it was the duty of the council to declare the seat vacant now, and his duty to see a by-election was held within a month. The council then declared the seat vacant.
The by-election result for the Purston Ward was W H Roberts 480 votes, W Sawyer 288, D T H Protheroe 150, G Cadman 109, W H Jones 43.
THE CARNIVAL
The carnival organised by the Featherstone and Purston Coronation and Jubilee Committee in aid of Pontefract General Infirmary was held in August. The Express commented "Residents entered heartily into the spirit of the occasion, and there was scarcely a house, from North Featherstone to the Jubilee Fields that did not flaunt a gaily-coloured decoration or some cheery message. It was a joyous event. Forgotten for the time was the shadow of industrial depression which has overhung Featherstone and similar districts, and the transformation was very marked. If for no other reason than that it brought a few hours' happiness into the lives of the townspeople, the venture was justified.
"Headed by the Featherstone Subscription Silver Band a procession wended its way from North Featherstone to the Jubilee Fields. There were the local "Buffaloes", resplendent in regalia, ambulance men; the Featherstone, Castleford and Pontefract Fire Brigades; gaily decorated vehicles and tableaux, tradesmen's displays, fancy costumes, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, and comic bands".
There was a big crowd for the sports in the Jubilee Fields, and the band played selections during the afternoon and evening and for dancing at night. The total receipts were £167, and after paying for the prizes and other expenses the sum left for the hospital was £92.
MR LAZENBY KEEPS HIS PROMISE
George Johnson proposed a toast to the donor and said Mr Lazenby did his best for Featherstone when they applied for admission to the Northern Rugby League, and it was good to feel the Rovers had fulfilled all Mr Lazenby prophesied of them. Mr Lazenby found enough to do in his own district where he had given fine service, and it was good to know he was prepared to extend his generosity as far as Featherstone.
Mr Lazenby said he was delighted to entertain them, if only because they were a purely local side. Other clubs scoured England, Wales, and even Australia for players. Featherstone went their own way, encouraging local talent. He thanked Mr Johnson for arranging the function, and appealed to the players to play the game always, win or lose.
Mr Evans paid tribute to Mr Johnson, but for whose efforts and sacrifices Featherstone would never have reached senior rank, and declared the reason Featherstone, a purely local side, had done so well was they had the team spirit, which was so often lacking in cosmopolitan sides.
HOSPITAL SUNDAY
The Vicar of Purston, Revd Barry Wall, said hospitals were an expression of man's faith in God. Hospitals had been built up on love, but a good deal of life today seemed to be built up on selfishness. He was glad to know the colliery workpeople were giving regularly, but what about the others. The hospitals in even the poorest districts must have the most up-to-date appliances and capable staff, because the poor had the right to as good care as those who could afford expensive nursing home treatment.
Cr Garritty said last year Featherstone sent 141 in-patients and 418 out-patients to Pontefract Infirmary at a cost of £793 and only contributed £442. if the Infirmary had to depend upon Featherstone contributions it would have to close. The workpeople of Featherstone subscribed one penny per man per week, and if other classes gave in proportion the Infirmary would be able to progress.
Dr Finch said Featherstone was doing its bit for hospitals but was failing in another direction. Was not the time long past when Featherstone should have district nurses. When a patient was discharged and was told at the hospital he should place himself under the care of the district nurse he had to reply we haven't got one.
Money thrown into the collection sheets taken round the ground totalled £8 4s and the Featherstone Subscription Silver Band had toured the streets for collections. The total raised was expected to be over £15.
A FIGHT OVER A RUG
A rug put on a dividing wall in a back yard (the street was not named,
neither what was the dispute) led to a court appearance in October by
neighbours. George Dennis and Joseph Haigh were charged with causing a
breach of the peace by fighting. The question was whether the fight took
place in the backyard or the adjoining lane.
Mr W Bentley, for Dennis, said there was no offence if no one was annoyed. Mr G Clayton-Smith, for Haigh, said surely these men have a right to fight if they wish to. The police evidence was they were in the lane when separated by the police.
The chairman of the Bench said there could be a breach of the peace even in a backyard. Both solicitors argued no evidence had been given of annoyance; it was purely a private fight. The chairman said two men fighting in a field in Hemsworth were convicted. Mr Bentley said if the men were fighting for money it would be a prize-fight, which was totally different from a sudden quarrel in a backyard. The chairman then gave up, and the charge was dismissed.
Then followed a claim and counter claim for assault by Joseph Haigh and Selina Dennis. Each alleged the other was the aggressor, and several witnesses were called on each side. The magistrates dismissed both charges.
The Rovers were due to play Bramley in the first round of the Yorkshire
Cup in October and the players decided it was an opportune moment to
seek better terms. They had been offered normal winning pay plus a bonus
for a win or draw, but they were not satisfied and said unless their
demands were met they would not turn out against Bramley (no figures
were given). The committee promptly cancelled the A team game and said
they would play against Bramley.
The first team players met at the bottom of Station Lane and went to the ground together. There they were interviewed by the president, George Johnson, and offered to play. The committee had a short meeting and accepted, and the game commenced six minutes late with the Rovers side jeered when they took the field and the Bramley side cheered. With a hostile crowd the Rovers struggled throughout the game but in the end won 4-2.
THE YORKSHIRE CUP FINAL
Leonard Kelly and Ricard Blakestone were charged in November with
stealing a fowl from George Henry Compton's fowl house, and three fowls
belonging to Arthur Hennessey. They both pleaded guilty
PC Hardy said he was told a fowl had been stolen from Mr Compton and he found a trail of feathers from the fowl house to another belonging to Mr Hennessey. The trail of feathers continued to the houses of the defendants. They claimed they did it when the worse for drink. Kelly, who had previous convictions, was sent to prison for 28 days, and Blakestone was fined £2.
In another case Thomas Rushton, a fruit hawker of Ivy Street, said he had a shed on the Stanley Street allotments where he left his cart and fruit ready for the next day. PC Marston said because of previous complaints he hid in the shed and at 9.20pm the door opened and Herbert Cook and Thomas Noble came in and took some fruit. There were other men outside and PC Hardy said he saw William Davies, Harry Briscoe, Enos Powell and John Taylor run away. PC Marsden said he found a key on Noble which unlocked the shed.
They were all also charged with a previous theft from the shed and all except Taylor (who claimed he told them not to do it) pleaded guilty. Taylor was fined £1 and all the others £2.
Francis Joseph Hall, a chemist who lived in Featherstone Lane, married
Ursula Mary Walsh of Leeds and eight weeks later she was dead. An
inquest was held in the Gospel Hall in December. John Christopher Walsh
told the jury his daughter came to see him and told him she was
determined to leave Featherstone. He told her in the presence of her
husband her place was with her husband. She told her husband she hated
Featherstone and everyone in it.
A few days later her husband arrived home at 4pm and found her in bed and she told him she had taken poison. He gave her hot water and a powder to make her sick and she said she had taken emerald green (an arsenic poison used to kill vermin). She implored her husband not to leave her but after three hours he did and went for Dr Steven who arrived at 7.15pm.
He told the jury she was undressed and in bed and in a hysterical condition but she did not say she had taken poison. She was pale and cold so he told the husband to light a fire and get a hot water bottle. He returned at 8.30 and she was dead.
The doctor did a post mortem examination and he said he did not find any traces of emerald green so he sent certain organs away for analysis and that showed there were 15 grains of arsenic in the body so he concluded the cause of death was arsenic poisoning.
Mr Walsh said his daughter was strong willed and used to having her own way, and she was depressed at having to continue to live at Featherstone. His belief was she had taken the poison to try and put the wind up her husband so he would let her leave Featherstone but she had miscalculated the amount.
The coroner told the jury the chief difficulty was to arrive at the reason for the act. There could be no doubt Mrs Hall knew she was taking poison, but was it to force her husband's hand or with the object of ending her life? if the latter, was she in her right mind when she did it, or had she become so depressed by having to remain at Featherstone against her wish her mind had become unhinged?
The jury retired and eventually agreed Mrs Hall died from arsenic poisoning during temporary insanity. The coroner said the decision amounted to a verdict of suicide while of unsound mind.
At the December council meeting the chairman, Cr A Coult, said the time
had come when the people of Featherstone should know all the council
had done with regard to unemployment in the town. No council could have
tried harder than Featherstone had to get the Government to move, but
everything they had done had been turned down. They had not received the
slightest help from the Government, and now they were in the midst of a
catastrophe.
He continued "It is about time we educated the people to realise all wars and strikes make innocent people suffer. Since the horrible position of 1926 the men had not been able to recover, and many were now faced with the workhouse". He was glad for what the Boots for Bairns Fund was doing. Over 300 pairs of boots had been distributed.
Suffering was still very acute, and so undermined was the health of the people there was danger of a serious epidemic of infectious disease. The patients who were being taken to hospital were under-clothed and underfed.
Leeds Rugby League Club had offered to provide £50, and a Leeds director had offered to send 100 parcels of clothing. There ought to be a central committee so the offers could be made the best use of. Many had been living chiefly on bread and margarine for the past twelve months, and the public in Yorkshire should know there was distress as acute in their county as in South Wales. The men did not want charity, they wanted work, but until work could be found for them something should be done to relieve their distress.
Cr Sharratt supported all the chairman had said, and told the council the miners' branches were already taking steps to form a committee. A meeting would be held shortly and he did not care who was at the head so long as something was done at once. All cases of distress must be treated alike whether or not the man was a member of the union. He invited the council to the meeting and his invitation was accepted.
The meeting was held in the Miners' Welfare Institute and a Distress Committee was formed with Mr A Sharratt as president, Mr B Dakin as secretary and Mr A Moody of Barclays Bank as treasurer. A daily paper (not named) had appealed for help for miners and as a result 630 Christmas hampers had been sent to Featherstone. It was agreed Featherstone Main and Ackton Hall Collieries would have 300 each, and Snydale Colliery the remaining 30. The committee also received gifts of money, meat, other foodstuffs and clothing.
PC Purnell told Pontefract Court in December he saw Edith Winwood of
Featherstone Square with a hammer in her hand and she knocked an 18 feet
long spar off the fence round the muckstack. With the assistance of
another woman she carried it home and laid it against her back door. He
knocked on her door and asked her why she had taken it and he claimed
her reply was she was hard up and could not afford to buy firewood. She
refused to name the the other woman.
Mr J Webb, storekeeper at the colliery, told the court the spar was worth 1s 6d. Considerable damage had been done to the fence and very little remained.
Mrs Winwood denied everything. She said she went out and found the spar lying near her back door. She did not know who put it there and she did not use the words the constable said she had.
A Mrs Dean, who lived four doors away from Mrs Winwood, said she took the spar away after a boy had broken it down. When someone mentioned the police she dropped it near the defendant's back door and ran into her own house. She admitted Mrs Winwood's house was four doors away and she had to pass her own door first to get to Mrs Winwood's.
The Bench decided to believe the policeman's version of events, and Mrs Winwood was fined 25 shillings.
Mr W Bentley, for Dennis, said there was no offence if no one was annoyed. Mr G Clayton-Smith, for Haigh, said surely these men have a right to fight if they wish to. The police evidence was they were in the lane when separated by the police.
The chairman of the Bench said there could be a breach of the peace even in a backyard. Both solicitors argued no evidence had been given of annoyance; it was purely a private fight. The chairman said two men fighting in a field in Hemsworth were convicted. Mr Bentley said if the men were fighting for money it would be a prize-fight, which was totally different from a sudden quarrel in a backyard. The chairman then gave up, and the charge was dismissed.
Then followed a claim and counter claim for assault by Joseph Haigh and Selina Dennis. Each alleged the other was the aggressor, and several witnesses were called on each side. The magistrates dismissed both charges.
THE ROVERS PLAYERS GO ON STRIKE
The first team players met at the bottom of Station Lane and went to the ground together. There they were interviewed by the president, George Johnson, and offered to play. The committee had a short meeting and accepted, and the game commenced six minutes late with the Rovers side jeered when they took the field and the Bramley side cheered. With a hostile crowd the Rovers struggled throughout the game but in the end won 4-2.
THE YORKSHIRE CUP FINAL
The Rovers beat Castleford 10-6 to earn a place in the Yorkshire Cup
Final in November against Leeds. The Yorkshire County Committee met and
chose the Huddersfield ground for the final. George Johnson, the Rovers
president, arrived late for the meeting because of a business commitment
and objected but was told the matter could not be reopened. The Express
commented Huddersfield Town FC and Halifax RL were at home that day and
the decision to play there instead of at Wakefield was past
understanding.
The Rovers, backed by Leeds, objected, so a special meeting was held.
For the Rovers it was said Featherstone was a distressed area and they
could not expect their supporters to pay four or five shilling on
getting to Huddersfield when they could get to Wakefield for one
shilling
The Leeds club said while they were not greatly affected they felt for the position in which the Rovers supporters found themselves, and they heartily supported the suggestion the match should be played at Wakefield. After much discussion, in which Mr Johnson said more people would walk from Featherstone to Wakefield than would go by bus or train to Huddersfield, the committee voted by ten votes to three to change the venue to Wakefield.
In the event nearly 14,000 spectators turned up with probably many others put off by the poor weather. In a tight game the Rovers lost 5-0.
The Leeds club said while they were not greatly affected they felt for the position in which the Rovers supporters found themselves, and they heartily supported the suggestion the match should be played at Wakefield. After much discussion, in which Mr Johnson said more people would walk from Featherstone to Wakefield than would go by bus or train to Huddersfield, the committee voted by ten votes to three to change the venue to Wakefield.
In the event nearly 14,000 spectators turned up with probably many others put off by the poor weather. In a tight game the Rovers lost 5-0.
PETTY THEFTS
PC Hardy said he was told a fowl had been stolen from Mr Compton and he found a trail of feathers from the fowl house to another belonging to Mr Hennessey. The trail of feathers continued to the houses of the defendants. They claimed they did it when the worse for drink. Kelly, who had previous convictions, was sent to prison for 28 days, and Blakestone was fined £2.
In another case Thomas Rushton, a fruit hawker of Ivy Street, said he had a shed on the Stanley Street allotments where he left his cart and fruit ready for the next day. PC Marston said because of previous complaints he hid in the shed and at 9.20pm the door opened and Herbert Cook and Thomas Noble came in and took some fruit. There were other men outside and PC Hardy said he saw William Davies, Harry Briscoe, Enos Powell and John Taylor run away. PC Marsden said he found a key on Noble which unlocked the shed.
They were all also charged with a previous theft from the shed and all except Taylor (who claimed he told them not to do it) pleaded guilty. Taylor was fined £1 and all the others £2.
COULDN'T LIVE IN FEATHERSTONE
A few days later her husband arrived home at 4pm and found her in bed and she told him she had taken poison. He gave her hot water and a powder to make her sick and she said she had taken emerald green (an arsenic poison used to kill vermin). She implored her husband not to leave her but after three hours he did and went for Dr Steven who arrived at 7.15pm.
He told the jury she was undressed and in bed and in a hysterical condition but she did not say she had taken poison. She was pale and cold so he told the husband to light a fire and get a hot water bottle. He returned at 8.30 and she was dead.
The doctor did a post mortem examination and he said he did not find any traces of emerald green so he sent certain organs away for analysis and that showed there were 15 grains of arsenic in the body so he concluded the cause of death was arsenic poisoning.
Mr Walsh said his daughter was strong willed and used to having her own way, and she was depressed at having to continue to live at Featherstone. His belief was she had taken the poison to try and put the wind up her husband so he would let her leave Featherstone but she had miscalculated the amount.
The coroner told the jury the chief difficulty was to arrive at the reason for the act. There could be no doubt Mrs Hall knew she was taking poison, but was it to force her husband's hand or with the object of ending her life? if the latter, was she in her right mind when she did it, or had she become so depressed by having to remain at Featherstone against her wish her mind had become unhinged?
The jury retired and eventually agreed Mrs Hall died from arsenic poisoning during temporary insanity. The coroner said the decision amounted to a verdict of suicide while of unsound mind.
THE STATE OF FEATHERSTONE
He continued "It is about time we educated the people to realise all wars and strikes make innocent people suffer. Since the horrible position of 1926 the men had not been able to recover, and many were now faced with the workhouse". He was glad for what the Boots for Bairns Fund was doing. Over 300 pairs of boots had been distributed.
Suffering was still very acute, and so undermined was the health of the people there was danger of a serious epidemic of infectious disease. The patients who were being taken to hospital were under-clothed and underfed.
Leeds Rugby League Club had offered to provide £50, and a Leeds director had offered to send 100 parcels of clothing. There ought to be a central committee so the offers could be made the best use of. Many had been living chiefly on bread and margarine for the past twelve months, and the public in Yorkshire should know there was distress as acute in their county as in South Wales. The men did not want charity, they wanted work, but until work could be found for them something should be done to relieve their distress.
Cr Sharratt supported all the chairman had said, and told the council the miners' branches were already taking steps to form a committee. A meeting would be held shortly and he did not care who was at the head so long as something was done at once. All cases of distress must be treated alike whether or not the man was a member of the union. He invited the council to the meeting and his invitation was accepted.
The meeting was held in the Miners' Welfare Institute and a Distress Committee was formed with Mr A Sharratt as president, Mr B Dakin as secretary and Mr A Moody of Barclays Bank as treasurer. A daily paper (not named) had appealed for help for miners and as a result 630 Christmas hampers had been sent to Featherstone. It was agreed Featherstone Main and Ackton Hall Collieries would have 300 each, and Snydale Colliery the remaining 30. The committee also received gifts of money, meat, other foodstuffs and clothing.
WHICH NEIGHBOUR WAS IT?
Mr J Webb, storekeeper at the colliery, told the court the spar was worth 1s 6d. Considerable damage had been done to the fence and very little remained.
Mrs Winwood denied everything. She said she went out and found the spar lying near her back door. She did not know who put it there and she did not use the words the constable said she had.
A Mrs Dean, who lived four doors away from Mrs Winwood, said she took the spar away after a boy had broken it down. When someone mentioned the police she dropped it near the defendant's back door and ran into her own house. She admitted Mrs Winwood's house was four doors away and she had to pass her own door first to get to Mrs Winwood's.
The Bench decided to believe the policeman's version of events, and Mrs Winwood was fined 25 shillings.
1928 NEWS ITEMS
JANUARY
The Council had been given permission to buy a new fire engine but not
to get a loan from the Public Works Loan Board. Barclays Bank were
approached and they offered to lend the £828 to be repaid in five years
and at 5% interest.
Purston Wesleyan Church announced plans to renovate the building including installing electric lighting at a cost of £300.
Purston Wesleyan Church announced plans to renovate the building including installing electric lighting at a cost of £300.
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| The interior of Purston Wesleyan Church. A photo from the Featherstone Library Collection.. |
George
Atkinson of North Featherstone Lane died age 84. He was a shaftman at
Ackton Hall Colliery until he retired at the age of 79 claiming to be
the oldest employee.
FEBRUARY Last November the council wrote to the Postmaster General after the Pontefract Postmaster refused a later last collection time. He replied the last collection at Featherstone Post Office would now be 8pm instead of 6.30pm but from the street boxes it would remain the same.
Now the Purston council house estate had its first tenants the council agreed to lay a footpath from Hall Street to Wentbridge Road. Tenants in St Thomas Road were given permission to have electricity installed providing underground cables were used and the council were not put to any expense in the matter. The council also banned any more overhead cables in the district. council tenants were now allowed to take in lodgers, but applications would be refused where the council considered the lodgers applied for were unsuitable.
FEBRUARY Last November the council wrote to the Postmaster General after the Pontefract Postmaster refused a later last collection time. He replied the last collection at Featherstone Post Office would now be 8pm instead of 6.30pm but from the street boxes it would remain the same.
Now the Purston council house estate had its first tenants the council agreed to lay a footpath from Hall Street to Wentbridge Road. Tenants in St Thomas Road were given permission to have electricity installed providing underground cables were used and the council were not put to any expense in the matter. The council also banned any more overhead cables in the district. council tenants were now allowed to take in lodgers, but applications would be refused where the council considered the lodgers applied for were unsuitable.
A Featherstone child was in Leeds Infirmary with rickets. The
hospital suggested removal to a convalescent home for three months. The council told the medical officer to see if the Guardians would pay the
cost, and if not apply to the Ministry of Health for permission for the council to send the child and ask for a grant of half the cost.
During a domestic row William Platt hit Isaac Wilson, living in the same house in Carlton Street, on the head with a poker causing a four-inch wound on his forehead. In court Platt said Wilson threatened him using very foul language and kicked his mother. Wilson then rushed at him when he had the poker in his hand and he used it on the spur of the moment in self defence. The chairman said the Bench didn't believe him and he might have killed Wilson. He was fortunate he was not charged with causing grievous bodily harm and he was fined £3.
Ackworth Hall was untenanted and targeted by thieves so the police kept watch. They found Philip Shepherd, Joseph Leonard Marsh and Edward Johnson, all of Featherstone or Purston, with a horse and cart and nearly 5cwts of lead from the roof of the hall. In court they pleaded guilty and one said "We have no work, and we had to have some money". They were sent to prison for two months.
The annual whist drive and dance for medical charities was held in the Lister Hall. There were 284 entrants for the whist drive and the hall was crowded for the dance with many in fancy dress. The competition winners were Mrs Bailey (Indian squaw) and Mr E Richardson (Mongolian eagle-trapper).
During a domestic row William Platt hit Isaac Wilson, living in the same house in Carlton Street, on the head with a poker causing a four-inch wound on his forehead. In court Platt said Wilson threatened him using very foul language and kicked his mother. Wilson then rushed at him when he had the poker in his hand and he used it on the spur of the moment in self defence. The chairman said the Bench didn't believe him and he might have killed Wilson. He was fortunate he was not charged with causing grievous bodily harm and he was fined £3.
Ackworth Hall was untenanted and targeted by thieves so the police kept watch. They found Philip Shepherd, Joseph Leonard Marsh and Edward Johnson, all of Featherstone or Purston, with a horse and cart and nearly 5cwts of lead from the roof of the hall. In court they pleaded guilty and one said "We have no work, and we had to have some money". They were sent to prison for two months.
The annual whist drive and dance for medical charities was held in the Lister Hall. There were 284 entrants for the whist drive and the hall was crowded for the dance with many in fancy dress. The competition winners were Mrs Bailey (Indian squaw) and Mr E Richardson (Mongolian eagle-trapper).
MARCH
In the county council elections Mr E Hough (Labour) beat Roslyn Holiday
by 1,969 votes to 1,365. Mr Hough had the backing of all the local
miners' branches, and some of his election posters were headed
"Coalowners v Miners".
The clerk told the council the child with rickets in Leeds Infirmary was to be treated by the Pontefract Board of Guardians in their workhouse infirmary and then sent by them to a convalescent home.
The council's new fire engine was delivered, and they decided to sell their Foden steam wagon and find the price of a new 30cwt motor wagon.
The clerk told the council the child with rickets in Leeds Infirmary was to be treated by the Pontefract Board of Guardians in their workhouse infirmary and then sent by them to a convalescent home.
The council's new fire engine was delivered, and they decided to sell their Foden steam wagon and find the price of a new 30cwt motor wagon.
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| The council's new fire engine. A Featherstone Library Collection photo. |
In
February the Rovers were playing at Castleford and as a consequence six
bus conductors were in court for allowing their bus to carry more
passengers than the licence allowed. They were all fined £1, and the
chairman said but for the fact the defendants were carrying football
passengers on a very busy day, the fines would have been very much
heavier.
Alfred Oswald Brooke, a carter age 57 of Hawthorne Cottages, was loading ashes into his cart at Featherstone Main Colliery when he leaned on his shovel and said to his workmate, James Boulton Fellows, he felt ill and he then fell down. Fellows went for the ambulance man but Brooke was dead when they returned. At the inquest Dr W S Finch said Brooke suffered from diabetes and weak action of the heart. The coroner decided death was due to natural causes.
Seven schoolboys were in court charged with stealing 12 bottles valued at 4s from Arthur Edmund Littlewood's mineral water works on Wakefield Road. Mr Littlewood said he had missed bottles on several occasions and when emptied they were returned to shops in exchange for pennies. The boys admitted the offence and the chairman said if they came to court again they would probably be birched. They were all bound over for two years and put on probation.
Alfred Oswald Brooke, a carter age 57 of Hawthorne Cottages, was loading ashes into his cart at Featherstone Main Colliery when he leaned on his shovel and said to his workmate, James Boulton Fellows, he felt ill and he then fell down. Fellows went for the ambulance man but Brooke was dead when they returned. At the inquest Dr W S Finch said Brooke suffered from diabetes and weak action of the heart. The coroner decided death was due to natural causes.
Seven schoolboys were in court charged with stealing 12 bottles valued at 4s from Arthur Edmund Littlewood's mineral water works on Wakefield Road. Mr Littlewood said he had missed bottles on several occasions and when emptied they were returned to shops in exchange for pennies. The boys admitted the offence and the chairman said if they came to court again they would probably be birched. They were all bound over for two years and put on probation.
A calving went wrong on George Muller Cressey's farm at Ackton and the
cow had to be put down. It was taken to Wakefield to be processed but
that place wasn't registered as a slaughterhouse which resulted in
charges being brought against him in Wakefield Court. He pleaded guilty
and was fined £3 on each of three charges.
Jeremiah Blackburn age 43 of Streethouse was killed by a fall of roof at Ackton Hall Colliery. The inquest jury returned a verdict of death by misadventure.
The results for the council election were:
Purston Ward Thomas Ryan 904 G F Goulding 370
North Ward A T Thatcher 910 A M G Prest 489
South Ward A Sharratt 366 A Lindley 126
Ackton and Snydale Ward H Hall unopposed
APRIL Joseph Elkin of Phipps Street was alleged to keep geese on his property such as being a nuisance or injurious to health. The council ordered their removal from the yard and street, and thorough cleansing of the yard.
Jeremiah Blackburn age 43 of Streethouse was killed by a fall of roof at Ackton Hall Colliery. The inquest jury returned a verdict of death by misadventure.
The results for the council election were:
Purston Ward Thomas Ryan 904 G F Goulding 370
North Ward A T Thatcher 910 A M G Prest 489
South Ward A Sharratt 366 A Lindley 126
Ackton and Snydale Ward H Hall unopposed
APRIL Joseph Elkin of Phipps Street was alleged to keep geese on his property such as being a nuisance or injurious to health. The council ordered their removal from the yard and street, and thorough cleansing of the yard.
The council kept the rates at 3s 6d. Cr Arthur Coult said not one penny
which could be avoided would be spent as there were very difficult
times ahead. The council were to re-elect Cr T Ryan as chairman for the
next year but he declined for domestic reasons. Cr Coult was then
elected. He said dark clouds were hanging over Featherstone, but they
all hoped a brighter day was not far distant.
Tommy Askin was the first Rovers player to be selected for a Rugby League tour of Australia and New Zealand. The Supporters' Club, Rovers committee and others raised money to provide him with a cabin trunk and suitcase containing all he would need for the tour.
Herbert Mew, described as an elderly Featherstone man, admitted in court altering his marriage certificate to support his claim for an old age pension. He said he didn't know where he was born and could not produce a birth certificate, but he had a marriage certificate for 28 December 1892 on which his age was given as 36. That meant he was 71 and entitled to a pension. The certificate was examined and it was found the age had been altered to 36 from 30. The chairman said he was liable to be sent to prison but because of his age he would be fined £2.
The McTrustys were leaving Featherstone so the ladies committee at the
Cricket Club presented their president Mrs McTrusty with a silver
epergne (a branched ornamental centre piece for the table) in
appreciation of all she had done for the club.
MAY
The council decided with regret they would have to dispense with the
services of Mrs H Edwards the office cleaner because of her age and
infirmity. It was agreed to make up her old age pension of 10s a week to
18s 6d from the superannuation scheme. The council later decided they
did not have the power to make it more than 17s. Mrs Randall of
Granville Street was appointed the new cleaner at 22s 6d a week.
The council had received a precept of £535 for the smallpox hospital at Glass Houghton. Cr Simpkin, who was on the hospital committee, explained because of the number of cases the hospital had to be made three times its original size and there was also the cost of equipping it. Other councillors complained men inmates were given beer and cigarettes, and some cases were sent which turned out not to be smallpox. The clerk pointed out the precept was about the same as usual but had been sent earlier and the matter was dropped.
The council had received a precept of £535 for the smallpox hospital at Glass Houghton. Cr Simpkin, who was on the hospital committee, explained because of the number of cases the hospital had to be made three times its original size and there was also the cost of equipping it. Other councillors complained men inmates were given beer and cigarettes, and some cases were sent which turned out not to be smallpox. The clerk pointed out the precept was about the same as usual but had been sent earlier and the matter was dropped.
Featherstone Rovers beat Castleford by 12 points to 9 in the annual
Lyon Cup game. The referee was Revd Frank Chambers who had just refereed
the Rugby League Cup Final and was leaving the area for a post down
south. After the cup was presented Mr J J Murphy said Mr Chambers first
game was at Featherstone and asked him to say a few words. Mr Chamber
said his first game was indeed at Featherstone and he sent off five
players.
Twelve cases of smallpox had been sent from the Featherstone district
to the hospital at Glass Houghton in recent weeks, but only one in the
past week, and it was considered the outbreak was dying out.
JUNE Featherstone Cricket Club were fined (amount not specified) by the Yorkshire Cricket Council for failing to send in results of matches and not complying to applications for them. The rules were all clubs should send in results immediately after matches, and captains should send in reports on the work of umpires.
None of the hundreds of council houses had a hot water system. The council decided to seek permission to borrow £500 to make a start on installing such a system and estimated it would pay for 38 houses.
JUNE Featherstone Cricket Club were fined (amount not specified) by the Yorkshire Cricket Council for failing to send in results of matches and not complying to applications for them. The rules were all clubs should send in results immediately after matches, and captains should send in reports on the work of umpires.
None of the hundreds of council houses had a hot water system. The council decided to seek permission to borrow £500 to make a start on installing such a system and estimated it would pay for 38 houses.
The fire buzzer was situated at the gas works in Girnhill Lane where
there was said to be a constant supply of steam. The council decided to
install an electrical siren at the council premises and until it was
ready ask Ackton Hall Colliery to have a temporary buzzer there, or
failing that to site it at the Lister Baths.
George Davies pleaded guilty to taking bets in Station Lane. PC Marsden said he saw him receiving seven slips of paper and money. Mr Will Bentley, defending, said it was a fair cop, but it was a case of a man on compensation, who had never been charged with an offence before, eking out a small income by taking bets. A good deal could be said about the injustice of the betting laws to the ordinary working man. (Ready money betting was illegal but credit betting was allowed.) The Bench fined Davies £3.
Harry Bishop age 33 of Kimberley Street was working in the sawmill at Featherstone Main Colliery when he was hit on the head by a large piece of wood thrown up by the circular saw. He was taken to Pontefract Infirmary and died the same day. At the inquest the other two present in the mill claimed to have their back to Bishop when it happened so could not account for it. The coroner said he did not know if the jury would be satisfied with the evidence but there was no question of negligence. They returned a verdict of accidental death.
The Church of St Thomas, Purston, celebrated its 50th anniversary with a week of services and functions. The Express commented
"To celebrate the jubilee of a church when the parish is waiting for a
new vicar must be a unique experience. The Revd T W Barry Wall of
Halifax was appointed to the living after the death of Revd H S Rogers,
but he has not yet been instituted". Other clergy, including the Bishop
of Wakefield, had to take the services. There were special services and
functions during the week for the Mothers' Union, the choir, the Girls'
Friendly Society and a Men's Day. A few days after the celebrations the
new vicar received his institution and induction.
A Featherstone woman died in Clayton Hospital and the post mortem
showed the cause of death was septic inflammation following abortion.
The coroner said there was a great deal of secrecy in such cases and the
circumstances were suspicious. There was no evidence to show exactly
what had been done, but probably there were some persons in Purston who
did know. Supt Burton said this class of offence was on the increase but
it was very difficult to get evidence as there was so much secrecy
observed. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical
evidence.
Mr W Kirk, undermanager at Featherstone Main Colliery, lived in
Kimberley Street. The gable end set on fire, apparently caused by the
sun or a spark from the chimney igniting a birds nest, and it was the
first call on the council's new motor fire engine. The brigade turned
out in less than five minutes and the fire was quickly put out. After
this first successful turnout the council decided they did not require
horses any more for the old fire engine and the agreement with Messrs
Copley and Sons for the retention of the horses was terminated.
JULY The ninth annual children's treat and gala at North Featherstone was held as usual in George Copley's field. The children went there in procession headed by the Featherstone Silver Subscription Band. The children and 80 aged people were given tea, and then there were sweets for the children and packet tea and tobacco for the old folk. There was maypole, Morris and country dancing and the Grand March by all the children.
The reason for last month's decision to remove the steam fire buzzer
from the gas works in Girnhill Lane became apparent when the gas company
announced the making of gas from coal in Girnhill Lane would cease and
in future all the gas would be from the coke ovens at Ackton Hall
Colliery. A six inch main would take the gas from the colliery to
Girnhill Lane where it would be purified and stored in the gasholders.
This would enable the price to be reduced from 5s 2d per 1,000 cubic
feet to 4s 6d. It was said but for mining subsidence in the district
causing leaks on the gas mains the price could have been reduced
further.
AUGUST A public lavatory was opened on Pontefract Road and J Westwood of Albert Street was appointed caretaker at 11s 3d per week.
The Council turned down an offer of £4 for the old fire engine, but accepted one of £85 for the Foden steam wagon.
Richard Bernard Pollard, a blacksmith age 35, had been guiding the winding rope onto the drum in the winding house at Featherstone Main Colliery with a pole. He was sat on a widow ledge when the pole slipped and as he tried to grab it he fell and was fastened down by the rope onto the drum. There was no guard in place to prevent such an occurrence. The winding engineman had seen him fall and had stopped the engine. He put it in reverse to release Pollard but he was dead. At the inquest the coroner said it was one of those unfortunate occurrences where a life was lost in order to point out a dangerous practice, which in this case had been in operation for 20 years.
Mr T Beach, the agent for the company, said they regretted the sad occurrence and would take every possible precaution. The extraordinary thing was it had not occurred to them before. The jury returned a verdict of death by misadventure.
At half-time in the Rovers game against Leeds a cheque for £195, the proceeds of the Lyon Cup game against Castleford, were handed over for Pontefract General Infirmary. Mr C W Penfold, the chairman of the Lyon Cup committee, said during the past five years they had raised £1,500.
AUGUST A public lavatory was opened on Pontefract Road and J Westwood of Albert Street was appointed caretaker at 11s 3d per week.
The Council turned down an offer of £4 for the old fire engine, but accepted one of £85 for the Foden steam wagon.
Richard Bernard Pollard, a blacksmith age 35, had been guiding the winding rope onto the drum in the winding house at Featherstone Main Colliery with a pole. He was sat on a widow ledge when the pole slipped and as he tried to grab it he fell and was fastened down by the rope onto the drum. There was no guard in place to prevent such an occurrence. The winding engineman had seen him fall and had stopped the engine. He put it in reverse to release Pollard but he was dead. At the inquest the coroner said it was one of those unfortunate occurrences where a life was lost in order to point out a dangerous practice, which in this case had been in operation for 20 years.
Mr T Beach, the agent for the company, said they regretted the sad occurrence and would take every possible precaution. The extraordinary thing was it had not occurred to them before. The jury returned a verdict of death by misadventure.
At half-time in the Rovers game against Leeds a cheque for £195, the proceeds of the Lyon Cup game against Castleford, were handed over for Pontefract General Infirmary. Mr C W Penfold, the chairman of the Lyon Cup committee, said during the past five years they had raised £1,500.
Mr R S Bailey, who had been station master for many years, died age 62
after a long illness. Apart from his railway duties he was a member of
the Featherstone Lodge of the RAOB, and was added to their Roll of
Honour for his long and valuable services. He was also the secretary of
the Featherstone Station ambulance class, and the St John Ambulance
Brigade had recognised his service by making him an Honorary Serving
Brother.
SEPTEMBER William Dew Nash of Pretoria Street walked into the Stamford Police Station in Lincolnshire in a dazed condition and said he found himself under a bush but had no recollection of how he got there. He was sent to Stamford Workhouse Hospital where he was detained. When the police informed his wife she said he left home saying he was going to look for work so his absence did not cause any anxiety. She sent money to the workhouse for her husband's train fare where he was said to be making good progress and would be allowed home as soon as he was fit to travel.
An inquest was held into the death of Frederick Cope age 55 of Halfpenny Lane who was killed by a fall of roof at Snydale Colliery. The coroner entered a verdict of accidental death.
SEPTEMBER William Dew Nash of Pretoria Street walked into the Stamford Police Station in Lincolnshire in a dazed condition and said he found himself under a bush but had no recollection of how he got there. He was sent to Stamford Workhouse Hospital where he was detained. When the police informed his wife she said he left home saying he was going to look for work so his absence did not cause any anxiety. She sent money to the workhouse for her husband's train fare where he was said to be making good progress and would be allowed home as soon as he was fit to travel.
An inquest was held into the death of Frederick Cope age 55 of Halfpenny Lane who was killed by a fall of roof at Snydale Colliery. The coroner entered a verdict of accidental death.
OCTOBER
The Council decided to keep the rates at 3s 6d. It was also agreed all
men signed on for work in future would be via the Employment Exchange.
The rugby league tour of Australia and New Zealand made a profit of
£10,607, so the players, including Tommy Askin of Featherstone Rovers,
each got a bonus of £136.
A charity committee, called the Featherstone Boots for the Bairns Fund, was formed to provide boots for needy schoolchildren. The National Union of Teachers gave £25 and there were other small donation so a sub-committee was formed to include the headteachers and arrange for the distribution of boots. It was said the boots would be stamped to prevent misuse (worn by adults?). The council agreed a room at the Lister Baths could be used for the distribution of the boots.
A charity committee, called the Featherstone Boots for the Bairns Fund, was formed to provide boots for needy schoolchildren. The National Union of Teachers gave £25 and there were other small donation so a sub-committee was formed to include the headteachers and arrange for the distribution of boots. It was said the boots would be stamped to prevent misuse (worn by adults?). The council agreed a room at the Lister Baths could be used for the distribution of the boots.
NOVEMBER
There was a lot of pilfering from the Featherstone Rovers ground so a
policeman hid under the stand on a Sunday morning and caught three
Featherstone schoolboys stealing straw which the club was storing in
case of frost. In court they were fined the costs of 10s each. Three
Purston schoolboys climbed over an 8 foot fence and used a ladder to get
into the dressing room hut where they stole a number of articles. The
club said they did not wish to appear vindictive, but these pilferings
from their premises must cease. They were bound over for three years.
Purston Church was too small for all those who wished to attend the Armistice Day service. There were the British Legion, Guides, Boy Scouts, ambulance workers and the council. The ex-servicemen marched to the church headed by the Featherstone Subscription Silver Band. Wreaths were laid at the War Memorial and at the Ackton Hall Colliery Memorial on their way back.
The council agreed to join the Yorkshire Playing Fields Association. They had delayed joining because of the Miners' Welfare scheme published last year. Cr Edwards said the council threw away a great chance by not buying Purston Hall and Park. He continued "I don't think there will be a miner alive in Featherstone when the Welfare scheme comes off". The council decided to ask Tommy Sides the price at which he would sell Purston Park.
After the Featherstone Fire Brigade had been requested to help with a
fire at Fairburn the council decided on a fixed set of fees. The engine
would cost £5 for the first hour and there would be other incidental
fees at cost price (wages, petrol, cleaning the engine etc).
The Featherstone boots committee decided not to use the Baths, and 100
pairs of boots at a cost of £60 were given to the most needy cases at
their schools. They said there were more required and money was urgently
needed. A whist drive and dance raised £30 and the boots total went up
to 140 pairs. Mr Watson, for the committee, said the need for boots was
still very great. Some miners, after deductions for rent, rates and
other things, had only 13 shillings a week left.
Arthur Johnson was fined £2 for having automatic gaming machines at Wakefield fairground. He said he had had the machines all summer and had not been interfered with before. The court chairman said it was pure gambling and he must not repeat the offence as the maximum penalty was £100.
Arthur Johnson was fined £2 for having automatic gaming machines at Wakefield fairground. He said he had had the machines all summer and had not been interfered with before. The court chairman said it was pure gambling and he must not repeat the offence as the maximum penalty was £100.
The St Peter's Church workers had had to use the mission church for all
parish purposes, and they wanted it to be reserved entirely for
religious services, so they purchased a hall to be used for Sunday
School and social events. The opening ceremony including a sale of work
was performed by Mrs T H Elloitt, the leader of the Mothers' Union
movement in the Pontefract Deanery.
DECEMBER The cricket club held its annual New Year's Eve whist drive and dance at the Lister Hall. There were 200 players for the whist and nearly 700 for the dance.