A HISTORY OF FEATHERSTONE
1929
DEVELOPMENTS AT B & S
The original company of J Bullock and Sons Ltd went into voluntary
liquidation, and a new company was announced in January called J Bullock
and Sons (1928) Limited. The directors were:
J J Bullock, Banks Avenue, Pontefract
A Bullock, Halfpenny Lane, Featherstone
A J Caton, Wakefield Arms Hotel, Wakefield
J S Higgins, Houndhill Lane, Purston
The aims of the company were to run motor omnibuses and vehicles of all
kinds, and to carry on the business of carriers of passengers and
goods. The future of Mr E P Bullock was not stated but later in the year
he took over South Yorkshire Motors at Pontefract.
The reason for it became clear in December when Ernest Bullock sued his three brothers (James, John and Abraham) in London for alleged breach of agreement in winding up J Bullock and Sons Ltd in 1928.
The judge, Mr Justice Wright, said the brothers formed a business in partnership in 1913 and turned it into a company on 14 June 1913. A term in the agreement was Ernest Bullock would be managing director for life and would have paramount powers. Differences arose between the brothers and led to an attempt to limit the paramountcy of Ernest. This failed so the three brothers used their major voting power to voluntarily wind-up the company.
Ernest contended in doing that his brothers had acted in breach of agreement and he was entitled to damages. They contended there was no enforceable agreement, and they acted within their powers as directors. They counterclaimed in respect of items Ernest had had which they claimed had been taken from the company without authority.
His Lordship said there was a great deal of unpleasant friction and an absence of give and take. The brothers had a strong desire to get rid of Ernest's position of permanent managing director. He found there was no contract between Ernest and his brothers that would be effective against the brothers winding up the company. Therefor Ernest lost his case. The counterclaim would be referred to the registrar of the Leeds County Court.
The reason for it became clear in December when Ernest Bullock sued his three brothers (James, John and Abraham) in London for alleged breach of agreement in winding up J Bullock and Sons Ltd in 1928.
The judge, Mr Justice Wright, said the brothers formed a business in partnership in 1913 and turned it into a company on 14 June 1913. A term in the agreement was Ernest Bullock would be managing director for life and would have paramount powers. Differences arose between the brothers and led to an attempt to limit the paramountcy of Ernest. This failed so the three brothers used their major voting power to voluntarily wind-up the company.
Ernest contended in doing that his brothers had acted in breach of agreement and he was entitled to damages. They contended there was no enforceable agreement, and they acted within their powers as directors. They counterclaimed in respect of items Ernest had had which they claimed had been taken from the company without authority.
His Lordship said there was a great deal of unpleasant friction and an absence of give and take. The brothers had a strong desire to get rid of Ernest's position of permanent managing director. He found there was no contract between Ernest and his brothers that would be effective against the brothers winding up the company. Therefor Ernest lost his case. The counterclaim would be referred to the registrar of the Leeds County Court.
THE DISTRESS IN FEATHERSTONE
The Boots for Bairns Fund reported in January £183 had been raised so
far and almost all had been spent. The committee was considering an
application to the West Riding Fund. The amount subscribed to the
Distress Fund was £71 plus a large quantity of clothing and other gifts
in kind which had all been distributed.
By
the end of the month no help had been received from official funds
outside the town and Cr A Coult said no stone would be left unturned to
secure recognition for a town in which distress was very acute.
In February most of the Distress Fund committee were down with flu and secretary Ben Dakin had to carry on alone. The distribution of vouchers from the Coalfields Distress Fund had to be postponed.
In August the council surveyor was instructed to present schemes for a Government grant which would provided work for the unemployed. Cr Bush asked what the effect on the rates would be. The clerk said the maximum grant would be 75%.
Schemes suggested in September were, apart from the usual regulars of improvements to the roads to Ackworth and Cutsyke, the making up of Halfpenny Lane to Pontefract, and doing away with the level crossings in Station Lane and Halfpenny Lane. They were all dependent on grants from the Government which were not yet forthcoming.
In November the county council agreed the Cutsyke Road improvement scheme could go ahead. All the other scheme were deferred, including a proposal for a new road from the Junction Hotel to Featherstone Lane.
Crs Rodgers and Bush resigned from the Distress Committee in December because they were only allowed to give clothing vouchers to relieve distress among women and children. They said there were many cases of elderly and young single unemployed men who were without boots or decent clothing.
Cr Coult said he was hopeful there would be some amendment to the present scheme, and the rest of the committee would continue to give out vouchers for boots and clothing for women and children, and he hoped the scheme could be enlarged to include food vouchers.
The committee received 200 Christmas hampers from a fund in Leeds and distributed them at the Miners' Welfare Institute, and expressed the regret there were not more hampers, for 200 did not nearly cover the number of needy cases.
Another 40 men received notice at Featherstone Main Colliery, bringing the number of miners from that pit totally unemployed to 100. The Yorkshire Miners' Association sent a gift of 5s each in time for Christmas.
In February most of the Distress Fund committee were down with flu and secretary Ben Dakin had to carry on alone. The distribution of vouchers from the Coalfields Distress Fund had to be postponed.
In August the council surveyor was instructed to present schemes for a Government grant which would provided work for the unemployed. Cr Bush asked what the effect on the rates would be. The clerk said the maximum grant would be 75%.
Schemes suggested in September were, apart from the usual regulars of improvements to the roads to Ackworth and Cutsyke, the making up of Halfpenny Lane to Pontefract, and doing away with the level crossings in Station Lane and Halfpenny Lane. They were all dependent on grants from the Government which were not yet forthcoming.
In November the county council agreed the Cutsyke Road improvement scheme could go ahead. All the other scheme were deferred, including a proposal for a new road from the Junction Hotel to Featherstone Lane.
Crs Rodgers and Bush resigned from the Distress Committee in December because they were only allowed to give clothing vouchers to relieve distress among women and children. They said there were many cases of elderly and young single unemployed men who were without boots or decent clothing.
Cr Coult said he was hopeful there would be some amendment to the present scheme, and the rest of the committee would continue to give out vouchers for boots and clothing for women and children, and he hoped the scheme could be enlarged to include food vouchers.
The committee received 200 Christmas hampers from a fund in Leeds and distributed them at the Miners' Welfare Institute, and expressed the regret there were not more hampers, for 200 did not nearly cover the number of needy cases.
Another 40 men received notice at Featherstone Main Colliery, bringing the number of miners from that pit totally unemployed to 100. The Yorkshire Miners' Association sent a gift of 5s each in time for Christmas.
AN UNUSUAL MINING DEATH
Edward Backhouse age 32 of Aketon Villas, North Featherstone, went to
work at Featherstone Main Colliery on 30 November 1928. A small piece of
stone fell from the roof and cut his scalp. He wiped away the
blood, put his cap back on and carried on working. He reported it to the
deputy but neither of them thought it was serious.
On 19 December, after complaining about pains in his head, his doctor
sent him to Pontefract General Infirmary where he was seen by Dr A
Barratt, resident medical officer. He examined the scar and finding no
evidence of pus sent him home with instructions to his doctor to keep
him under observation and send him back if it became worse.
He returned to the hospital on 26 December and this time the medical
officer found an abscess under the scalp. He was admitted and treated
and discharged on 1 January apparently cured.
He was readmitted on 23 January with swelling and pain in the right
knee joint. An operation revealed the lower end of the femur and the
knee were infected. Mr Backhouse told the doctor he had not injured his
knee. He died on 26 February from pyraemia caused by infection from the
femur and knee.
Dr Barratt told the inquest the original infection of the scalp was the
cause of the infection in the knee. He could suggest no other
possibility. The jury discussed in private and then agreed the death was
caused by the condition of the wound set up by the falling stone.
ANOTHER DEATH FROM SEPSIS?
An inquest was held into the death on 2 March of Samuel Jones age 49 of
Anderson Terrace, Purston, a fireman on the boilers at Ackton Hall
Colliery. Dr J B Fairclough of Pontefract Infirmary said he first saw
Jones on 30 October 1928. His arm was scorched from the wrist to the
elbow which he said was caused while he was raking the fires two days
earlier. He was admitted for a few days and returned to Dr Fairclough's
surgery on 11 November when he was much better.
Jones went back to work but only lasted three days when his arm got worse and swelled up. Back at the hospital Dr Fairclough concluded Jones was suffering from Hodgkin's disease. His
opinion was confirmed by Dr J T Blackburn of Pontefract. Dr Russell,
for the Yorkshire Coalowners' Mutual Indemnity Company suggested it was
caused by tubercular trouble, but Dr Fairclough said in his opinion it
was set up by the septic condition of the arm.
As the doctors could not agree, the coroner suggested a post mortem to
settle it. Both doctors said it would not help, so the coroner asked Mr H
Staples, the jury foreman, for his opinion and he said it would help
the jury. The coroner then adjourned the inquest.
At the resumed inquest Dr P L Sutherland, the West Riding County Council pathologist who carried out the post mortem, said the lungs were affected by carcinoma, and Jones had died from cancer. The disease was spreading, and he would have died from it, apart from anything that happened at work, and it was nothing to do with his scorched arm. The jury then returned a verdict of death from natural causes.
At the resumed inquest Dr P L Sutherland, the West Riding County Council pathologist who carried out the post mortem, said the lungs were affected by carcinoma, and Jones had died from cancer. The disease was spreading, and he would have died from it, apart from anything that happened at work, and it was nothing to do with his scorched arm. The jury then returned a verdict of death from natural causes.
DEATHS ON THE MUCKSTACKS
Alfred
Glassby age 69 of Earle Street was coal picking on the Featherstone
Main Colliery muckstack when he was hit by a large stone rolling down.
He was taken to Pontefract Infirmary on 8 February with a fractured and
dislocated ankle. A few days after admission gangrene set in and he
gradually became weaker. He developed bronchitis and died from
exhaustion in April.
Charles Wilkinson of Featherstone Lane, a surface worker at the
colliery, told the inquest he saw Glassby picking coal while he and
another man were tipping dirt on to the stack. He said those picking
dirt were aware tipping was taking place and could see it being done,
and an 18 inches long piece of stone rolled down and hit Glassby on the
leg. Coal picking was not allowed on the stack. A verdict of death by
misadventure was recorded.
The day after the inquest David Edwards was in court for stealing coal
from the same stack. He was fined 10s and his father said "You'll not
get it". He was told the alternative was seven days in jail.
In September Raymond Reynolds age 3 of Henrietta Street went out to play with other children at the bottom of the muckstack. Some older boys were throwing stones from the top of the stack and one hit Raymond on the head and knocked him unconscious. He was taken to Pontefract Infirmary where an operation was carried out for a fractured skull, but the wound became infected and he died.
Ellen Richardson, who found Raymond after hearing a scream, told the inquest there was an awful lot of stone-throwing from the stack. The verdict was death by misadventure.
In September Raymond Reynolds age 3 of Henrietta Street went out to play with other children at the bottom of the muckstack. Some older boys were throwing stones from the top of the stack and one hit Raymond on the head and knocked him unconscious. He was taken to Pontefract Infirmary where an operation was carried out for a fractured skull, but the wound became infected and he died.
Ellen Richardson, who found Raymond after hearing a scream, told the inquest there was an awful lot of stone-throwing from the stack. The verdict was death by misadventure.
THE COUNCIL'S ANNUAL MEETING
At the council's annual meeting in April Cr A Coult was re-elected as
chairman. He said it had been a hard year. All the members of the council had done their best to help the town in its dark time. He did
not see much room for optimism. He commented on the redundancies at
Featherstone Main Colliery and said the men would have to be satisfied
with the mere pittance of unemployment pay unless they could get work. A
few might be content with the pittance, the great majority would
welcome work and the lack of it was demoralising them.
He
said the council should make another attempt to get grants from the
Ministry of Transport for the Castleford Road and Ackworth Road
improvement schemes. Castleford Road was a death trap, and the Ackworth
Road improvement was more than ever necessary now a big housing estate
abutted on the road. The council could not afford to do the work unless
they had a grant from the Ministry.
He appealed to council house tenants to pay the arrears on their rent
and rates (because of non-payment during the coal disputes). The
Government auditor had insisted the rents should be collected, and if
the tenants did not pay the burden would eventually have to be borne by
other equally poor ratepayers. Thanks to the efforts of the council, the
rents in Featherstone for equal properties were less than in Hemsworth,
Castleford and Pontefract.
Cr Rogers was re-elected as representative on the West Riding Playing
Fields' Association, and it was decided to ask if the Association could
do anything to help to provide recreation grounds for the town now the
1927 Miners' Welfare scheme was "hung up".
A FATAL ROAD ACCIDENT
Workmen were digging a trench for a cable in Ackton Lane, North
Featherstone, in May using compressed air picks. They and the air
compressor made a lot of noise. They were being watched by Samuel
Wilkinson age 10 of Housley Terrace and Charles Thomas Clark age 12 of
Church Lane. A car came by and Samuel was knocked down and taken to
Pontefract General Infirmary in the car but he died on the way from
shock consequent on his injuries.
An inquest was held in Pontefract. Charles Clark said he thought Samuel
was trying to get back on the footpath when he ran in front of the car.
The car was being driven by George Cressey of Ackton Hall Farm who said
he was going to his shop in Featherstone, and he always sounded his
horn a few times to warn the workmen. This was confirmed by other
witnesses. He saw the two boys on the bank at the side of the road and
when he was up to them Samuel either stepped or slipped down the bank
and ended up in front of him. There was nothing he could do to avoid
hitting him.
The jury returned a verdict of death by misadventure and exonerated Mr Cressey and the workmen from blame, The Express commented Mr Cressey seemed much affected by the accident.
THE LYON CUP
Featherstone
Rovers and Castleford played at Wheldon Road in May for the sixth
annual Lyon Cup game to raise funds for Pontefract General Infirmary.
The Rovers had won all previous five games, but this time they had some
players missing because of cricket commitments and they lost 18-7.
Supporters of both clubs were of the opinion the game should be played
at the beginning of the season instead of after the end. It would create
greater interest and provide a pointer for the coming season.
The players, officials and committees were provided with tea at the
Kiosk Cafe where the medals were presented. Mr J Murphy of Featherstone
spoke of the need of giving all possible support to voluntary
institutions. There was no getting away from the fact neither
Featherstone nor Castleford were contributing enough to the infirmary to
cover the costs. During the past year Featherstone patients had cost
£791 and contributed only £455. (The Castleford figures were £710 and
£237.) He said it was evident the institutions could not go on
indefinitely giving more than they were receiving, and the contributions
from the Lyon Cup were much appreciated.
ANOTHER SUSPICIOUS MISCARRIAGE
An inquest was held in Wakefield in May on Ada Taylor age 38 of
Scarboro Terrace who died in Clayton Hospital from a self-inflicted
miscarriage. There was different evidence from the relatives as to how
it was done so after a private consultation with Dr P L Sutherland, the
coroner said there were two quite independent stories, either of which
might be correct, but there were reasons to believe they had not been
told everything, and perhaps something might be found out, so he
adjourned the inquest.
At the resumed inquest chief superintendent Burton of the West Riding CID said as a result of exhaustive police inquiries all the evidence pointed towards the woman's injuries having been self-inflicted, there being no one else concerned in the case. Dr Sutherland said there were lots of deaths from miscarriages which were not natural, the deaths being due to an endeavour being made to conceal what had been done, with the result the patient was in a septic condition before the doctor was called in, and then it was rarely possible to do anything. The jury agreed with the medical evidence and that the injuries were self-inflicted.
BABY DAY
ANOTHER SUSPICIOUS MISCARRIAGE
At the resumed inquest chief superintendent Burton of the West Riding CID said as a result of exhaustive police inquiries all the evidence pointed towards the woman's injuries having been self-inflicted, there being no one else concerned in the case. Dr Sutherland said there were lots of deaths from miscarriages which were not natural, the deaths being due to an endeavour being made to conceal what had been done, with the result the patient was in a septic condition before the doctor was called in, and then it was rarely possible to do anything. The jury agreed with the medical evidence and that the injuries were self-inflicted.
BABY DAY
The annual Baby Day was held in the cricket field in June. Miss Brook,
of the West Riding Medical Officer's Department expressed pleasure at
the strides made by women and for women during the past 20 years, which
had resulted in a great decrease in infant mortality, and in better
attention to children after they passed their first year.
She
said there was however still a terrible mortality among mothers. She
felt sure they were all anxious to do their best for the child when
born, but did they realise how important, both to themselves and the
child, was the ante-natal period? They should stir up public opinion to
secure skilled care and supervision during the months before the child
was born. Ante-natal clinics should be established, and everything
should be done to make sure when the child was born it should have a
mother to take care of it. She was sorry Featherstone had only one
health visitor and no nursing association.
Cr Coult said they were told the birth rate was declining, and he was
not sorry. He was glad the children who did come into the world had a
much better chance than in the days when families of 18 - and he had
known one of 20 - were common. He said it was almost impossible to bring
up healthy children in some of the back-to-back houses in Featherstone.
Those who brought children into the world had a right to conditions
which would enable them to bring up their children properly. Regarding
increased maternity care he said it was absolutely impossible at present
to add anything to the rates.
THE ROVERS ANNUAL MEETING
The Rovers annual meeting was held at the Junction Hotel in July. Mr H
Goodall, the financial secretary, said taking everything into account
the members had every reason to congratulate themselves on the result of
the season's working. After allowing for outstanding liabilities there
was a profit on the season of £130. He said it was the best
balance-sheet since the formation of the club. He appealed for better
support at the home games next season. In the last one the gate money
had varied from £243 against Leeds to £1 17s for the A team game against
Hull Kingston Rovers.
George
Johnson, the president, said he was more than delighted with the
balance sheet, but it should be pointed out but for the £1,163 obtained
from the transfer of players, the club would have been in a perilous
position. They could not continue the policy of selling players
indefinitely, and he had no desire to do so. The way to keep the flag
flying was for the people of Featherstone to give more support to the
home games than they had done.
Mr
T Garrity, the corresponding secretary, said the Excise authorities
insisted on the entertainment tax on members cards being paid whether
the cards were paid for or not. Cards for next season would not be
issued until they were fully paid for. Arrangements had been made for
weekly payments during the close season, and he hoped members would
avail themselves of the system. Last season they had 73 vice-presidents,
280 stand members, and 78 field members. Out of 38 league games only
ten were won. (Note: The Express report does say 78 field members, which seems too low. Perhaps it should be 780.)
Mr Johnson was returned as president unopposed. He said he had been 27
years in office, and while he was always prepared to do his share, he
would be ready at any time to give way, and to continue to do his best
for the club in any capacity.
The council wrote to Wakefield Corporation pointing out the seriousness to Featherstone if the water was stopped for trade purposes, as the collieries would have to close down. The Wakefield waterworks engineer replied in July prohibitive steps were being taken only when absolutely necessary, and outside districts were being treated the same as Wakefield. The council could rest assured every possible means would be adopted to maintain supplies of water and he thanked the council for their assistance in this matter.
Cr Coult told the July council meeting there were people in the town who were absolutely careless in leaving taps turned on when there was no water. A shop and several houses had been flooded because of this. People ought to exercise common-sense. The surveyor said the restrictions imposed had resulted in a considerable saving in consumption.
The council were contracted to get all their water from Wakefield, but they held informal discussions in August with Pontefract Corporation about getting some water from them. On application to Wakefield Corporation the council were told there was no objection to Featherstone getting water from Pontefract as an emergency measure. They also said they were considering cutting the water off at 3pm instead of 6pm.
The council received a letter from John Roberts on behalf of the carnival inviting them to a thanksgiving service at Purston Church for the success of the carnival. The council accepted and Cr Edwards said the vicar should be asked to pray for rain.
It worked. The Featherstone Parish Church and St Peters' Mission Church annual treat held in August in farmer Cressey's field in Ackton had to be abandoned because of heavy rain. They all had to make a dash for the church school. When the rain stopped the sports were held in the playground.
Wakefield Waterworks Department wrote to the council in October to say there were now 55 days' supply in the reservoirs and the restrictions would be lifted. They also wanted to put up the price to 1s 5d per 1,000 gallons. Cr Darlington said it was a big jump from the original price of 10d. The clerk said they were now actually paying 1s 1d.
A WATER SHORTAGE
There was a widespread water shortage in June so residents were asked to
economise, and notices were posted banning hosepipes and the watering of
gardens, lawns, tennis courts and cricket grounds. Wakefield
Corporation cut off the water supply to Featherstone every day from 6pm
to 6am.The council wrote to Wakefield Corporation pointing out the seriousness to Featherstone if the water was stopped for trade purposes, as the collieries would have to close down. The Wakefield waterworks engineer replied in July prohibitive steps were being taken only when absolutely necessary, and outside districts were being treated the same as Wakefield. The council could rest assured every possible means would be adopted to maintain supplies of water and he thanked the council for their assistance in this matter.
Cr Coult told the July council meeting there were people in the town who were absolutely careless in leaving taps turned on when there was no water. A shop and several houses had been flooded because of this. People ought to exercise common-sense. The surveyor said the restrictions imposed had resulted in a considerable saving in consumption.
The council were contracted to get all their water from Wakefield, but they held informal discussions in August with Pontefract Corporation about getting some water from them. On application to Wakefield Corporation the council were told there was no objection to Featherstone getting water from Pontefract as an emergency measure. They also said they were considering cutting the water off at 3pm instead of 6pm.
The council received a letter from John Roberts on behalf of the carnival inviting them to a thanksgiving service at Purston Church for the success of the carnival. The council accepted and Cr Edwards said the vicar should be asked to pray for rain.
It worked. The Featherstone Parish Church and St Peters' Mission Church annual treat held in August in farmer Cressey's field in Ackton had to be abandoned because of heavy rain. They all had to make a dash for the church school. When the rain stopped the sports were held in the playground.
Wakefield Waterworks Department wrote to the council in October to say there were now 55 days' supply in the reservoirs and the restrictions would be lifted. They also wanted to put up the price to 1s 5d per 1,000 gallons. Cr Darlington said it was a big jump from the original price of 10d. The clerk said they were now actually paying 1s 1d.
DR STEVEN'S ANNUAL REPORT
Dr Steven's annual report for
1928 was published in July. He said the population for a year or two had
been decreasing notwithstanding the considerable increase in new
houses, but house building, both by private enterprise and council
houses had ceased, and further development could not be anticipated with
the staple industry in such a disturbed condition. In all probability
the urban area had reached its maximum expansion.
He wrote: "This area
depends entirely on coal mining operations. The trade is in a most
disturbed condition, the three collieries working short time; the wages
wholly inadequate for proper subsistence; house rents out of proportion
to the weekly income; and the necessities of life still largely
exceeding pre-war prices. Only those living amongst them can realise the
straits many of these families are put to in trying to scrape a
living".
The infant mortality rate was 69
compared with 65 for England and Wales. In the previous year it was 144.
The number of infectious cases during the year was smallpox 18, scarlet
fever 65, diphtheria 11 and tuberculosis 46. There were still 343
privies and 26 pail closets
The sanitary inspector, Mr
Hilsley, said there were no facilities for weighing the refuse collected
but some loads were weighed which gave an estimated total for the year
of 10,500 tons. This gave a yield of 36 cwt per 1,000 population per day
compared with the average of 16 cwt for the country, so there was
considerable room for improvement.
He accepted the fact the home coal was not of the best quality and
resulted in a lot of ash, but the council had to remove hundreds of tons
of material that could be burned which would result in an economy to
the householder as well as the council.
TWO CHILDREN'S GALAS
The Featherstone Annual Sports
and Gala organised by the cricket club took place in July in the cricket
field. There were hundreds of scholars from the various elementary
schools to compete for the shields for the boys and girls schools
which gained most points. They were won by Gordon Street Boys and
Snydale Girls. (Note: People began calling North Featherstone Lane School "Gordon Street" now the houses were built and the street named, but it was unofficial.)
After the sports there was a tea
tent, folk-dancing and community singing with music provided by the
Featherstone Subscription Silver Band.
The Old Featherstone and Ackton
Children's Treat and Gala was also held in July in farmer George
Copley's field. There was a procession from North Featherstone, headed
by the Featherstone Subscription Silver Band, which included Britannia
and her maids of honour, fancy and comic dress characters, and about 250
children. They were given tea in the field, and 140 old folk had
theirs in the National School.
Afterwards there were displays of
Maypole and country dancing, an old man's walking race, performances by
the Whitwood Mere Comic Band, and the usual grand march by the
children. Each child received 4 oz of sweets, each old lady a packet of
tea, and each old man an ounce of tobacco.
THE MEDICAL CHARITIES CARNIVAL
The annual event for medical charities was held in August. The Express commented
"All the residents joined in making the event a great success, and the
wholehearted way in which the humblest householders responded to the
appeal for decorations was a lesson to many bigger places not far from
Featherstone. Never has there been such a blaze of colour; and though many of the decorations were of necessity of the coloured paper variety, the effect was very striking".
A procession of trade displays, tableaux, fancy and comic characters
was headed by Messrs A Gledhill and B Armstrong om horseback followed by
the Featherstone Subscription Silver Band. They set off from Old
Featherstone to Featherstone Lane, Green Lane, Station Lane, the Purston
council estate, Featherstone Square and ended up in the Jubilee
Fields.
There there was a long programme
of sports and other competitions. The event ended with a greasy-pole
competition and a display by the Featherstone Fire Brigade. Over £22 was
taken in street collections and £29 in gate receipts. To be added to
those was the money taken from ticket sales. Crossley Street won the
prize for the best decorated street. The photo below is from the
Featherstone Library Collection.
The accounts were finalised in November, the total raised from all
sources was £175 and the expenses were £94. Pontefract General Infirmary
was given £64, and £8 each was sent to Leeds Infirmary and Clayton
Hospital.
A MEMORABLE TRIP
The Ex-Servicemen's Club
held their annual August outing for the children of the men who fell in
the Great War. It was for children between the ages of five and 14 so
the numbers dwindled as the years went by and were now down to about 70.
This year it was decided to have a railway trip to Cleethorpes. To make
a train worthwhile there were about 200 other children of club members,
and other families made the total on the train up to 600.
Heavy rain in the afternoon put a
damper on it but worse was to come. They set off for home at 9.15pm and
should have arrived at Featherstone at 11.45pm. The train broke down
near Grimsby and the parents at the home station had a long wait until it
finally arrived at 2am.
Before then most of the children
were asleep and the helpers on the trip had a hard task waking them all
up when the train passed Knottingley. The cost of the outing was
defrayed by the club without the need for an appeal to the public.
THE ROVERS IN TROUBLE
This notice appeared in the Express of 13 December. The paper commented "Formerly the average home gates were about £136,
and that was not enough to conduct successfully a first-class club. By
parting with players, and thanks to some good runs in the Yorkshire Cup
and the Rugby League Cup, the club has kept going. This year the gates
have dropped to an average of £80 for no known reason.
"It rests with the local public
whether a club with such a record can continue as a first-class club.
There is a very good ground, excellent stand accommodation, and a good
team which has had wretched bad luck in the way of injuries."
ANOTHER CROSSING DEATH
At an inquest in December into
the death of George Hepworth age 41 of Leeds Street, Christopher
Reddyhoff a railway signalman of Railway Terrace said he was walking
down the lines from Tanshelf cabin at 10.25pm when he found Hepworth's
body on the lines at the Church Fields crossing. It was very dark and
windy and there had been stormy weather earlier.
Dr
J B Fairclough said he had attended Hepworth for over four years and he
had a form of paralysis which affected his walking and he did not have
proper control of the movement of his legs.
Emily Hepworth said her husband
had not been able to work for the last six years because of his
condition. He left the house at 6.30pm to go for a walk. It was his
custom to go for a walk about three times a week, and she knew one of
his walks took him over the crossing. She began to get uneasy about 9.30
and made inquiries at the Coronation Club which he sometimes visited.
She had not the slightest reason to suspect he would take his life. The
night was raining and windy and she did not want him to go out.
The coroner said there was
nothing at all to suggest Hepworth had any intention of taking his life.
Whether he did not hear or see the train owing to the weather
conditions, or having seen the train was not able to get out of the way
because of his physical condition, was pure conjecture. It seemed quite
clear from the evidence he had not sought to end his life. The jury
returned a verdict of death by misadventure.
NURSERY SCHOOLS
In December the council received a
joint circular from the Minister of Health and the Minister of
Education asking for the provision of nursery schools for children
between the ages of two and five. As an alternative, to admit under
fives to the ordinary elementary schools. The idea was they would have
medical examinations in school.
Cr Rodgers said although
he took it they were all in favour of them, he did not think the council
had any power to provide nursery schools. They had better ask what the county council were prepared to do.
Cr Evans said they should tackle
the present schools first. They had three or four infant schools which
needed scrapping. Cr Bush said if the Government were really sincere
with these proposals let them come forward with grants. We can all dream
dreams and see visions, but we want some concrete facts.
Cr Darlington said the local education sub-committee had been hammering at the state of some of the
schools for years, reports had been issued, and visits made by county council officials, but not a shilling had been spent. It was decided to send the Government's request to the West Riding Education Committee asking them to move in the matter.
1929 NEWS ITEMS
JANUARY
An inquest was held in the Gospel Hall on Enoch Hollis age 8 of
Brookway. His mother said he complained of a headache and did not go
out. He was the same the next day so his father sent for the doctor, but
he died before the doctor arrived. Dr Duncan said death was due to
syncope following broncho-pneumonia which must have developed quickly
and imposed too great a strain on the boy's heart. The coroner certified
death was due to natural causes.
The
Featherstone Rugby Union Club held a fancy dress ball in aid of club
funds (venue not named). Miss Stubbs won the ladies' prize dressed as Bo
Peep, and Mr R Sutherland the men's dressed as a mandarin.
The history of the Bede Houses in North Featherstone finally came to an
end when the council agreed to buy the site from the United Charity
Trustees for £94 plus the legal fees and the valuer's costs. The
surveyor was instructed to proceed with the demolition of the old houses
as soon as possible.
Last November the council told the clerk to ascertain from Tommy Sides his terms for the sale of Purston Park. The council decided they could not accept his terms (not stated).
Purston Parish Church held a fancy dress dance in the Lister Hall. There were 250 dancers, 80 of them in costume. Miss Ramskill won the ladies' prize dressed as a South Sea Girl, and Stuart Smith won the men's dressed as a cowboy. J Holyhead's Jazzema Orchestra provided the music.
Last November the council told the clerk to ascertain from Tommy Sides his terms for the sale of Purston Park. The council decided they could not accept his terms (not stated).
Purston Parish Church held a fancy dress dance in the Lister Hall. There were 250 dancers, 80 of them in costume. Miss Ramskill won the ladies' prize dressed as a South Sea Girl, and Stuart Smith won the men's dressed as a cowboy. J Holyhead's Jazzema Orchestra provided the music.
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| The sign behind the piano says The Jazzema Orchestra. A photo from the Featherstone Library Collection. |
FEBRUARY
While picking coal on the muckstack Alfred Glasby of Earle Street had a
leg broken by a large piece of rock and was taken to Pontefract General
Infirmary.
Tommy Askin, Featherstone Rovers international player, couldn't agree terms with the Rover's committee so he was put on the transfer list at £1,000. Five clubs showed an interest but Leeds made the first move and signed him for £800.
PC O'Dwyer was in Green Lane just after midnight when he saw Oliver Powell physically and verbally abusing his wife. He told the court when he asked for Powell's name and address Powell snatched his notebook and punched him in the face, and in the ensuing struggle his coat was torn. Powell denied hitting the constable and said the uniform was accidentally torn, but he was sent to prison for one month and fined £2 7s 6d for the damage or another month in jail.
The review of last year's settlement at Featherstone Main Colliery was an agreement for the 7% dirt allowance to continue, and any tubs which weighed over that could be examined by a representative of the colliers. The union expressed the hope the pit could settle down to a smooth period of working. In January it had worked five shifts in three of the weeks and four shifts in the other week. (Normal working was six shifts - Monday to Saturday.) A severe frost caused an increase in the demand for coal and both pits continued working five days a week.
MARCH Featherstone Rugby Union Club were due at Rotherham. Because of the bad weather the Rotherham secretary said he would send a telegram if the pitch was not fit. Hearing nothing the team went to Rotherham. The pitch was fit and there was a fair number of spectators but no Rotherham players or officials. The Featherstone club said they would claim expenses.
The annual whist drive and dance for medical charities was held at the Lister Hall and there were 192 players for the whist and 450 for the dance. The fancy dress winners were Miss G Brooke as a militaire and Mr H Walker as an Indian. The music was provided by J C Hollyhead's Jazzema Orchestra.
Harriett Blackburn of Warwick House, Purston, said her husband Thomas age 63 went out of the house at 1pm and 30 minutes later she went looking for him and found him hanging in the stable. At the Gospel Hall inquest it was said he had been out of work for some time and suffered from rheumatism. He had tried to gas himself a month previously and he told Dr Fairclough his life was not worth living but he would not do it again. The doctor told the inquest the pain and depression must have affected his mind. The coroner returned a verdict of suicide whilst of unsound mind.
A fire broke out at the British Legion Club and the fire brigade were there within seven minute of the alarm being sounded, a big improvement on the old horse drawn fire engine. The damage was estimated at about £400.
The council decided to go ahead with the erection of an electric fire alarm on the council offices site.
The demolition of the Bede Houses in North Featherstone was carried out. They were said to be 400 years old. A letter dated 1872 was found behind one mantelpiece.
Tommy Askin, Featherstone Rovers international player, couldn't agree terms with the Rover's committee so he was put on the transfer list at £1,000. Five clubs showed an interest but Leeds made the first move and signed him for £800.
PC O'Dwyer was in Green Lane just after midnight when he saw Oliver Powell physically and verbally abusing his wife. He told the court when he asked for Powell's name and address Powell snatched his notebook and punched him in the face, and in the ensuing struggle his coat was torn. Powell denied hitting the constable and said the uniform was accidentally torn, but he was sent to prison for one month and fined £2 7s 6d for the damage or another month in jail.
The review of last year's settlement at Featherstone Main Colliery was an agreement for the 7% dirt allowance to continue, and any tubs which weighed over that could be examined by a representative of the colliers. The union expressed the hope the pit could settle down to a smooth period of working. In January it had worked five shifts in three of the weeks and four shifts in the other week. (Normal working was six shifts - Monday to Saturday.) A severe frost caused an increase in the demand for coal and both pits continued working five days a week.
MARCH Featherstone Rugby Union Club were due at Rotherham. Because of the bad weather the Rotherham secretary said he would send a telegram if the pitch was not fit. Hearing nothing the team went to Rotherham. The pitch was fit and there was a fair number of spectators but no Rotherham players or officials. The Featherstone club said they would claim expenses.
The annual whist drive and dance for medical charities was held at the Lister Hall and there were 192 players for the whist and 450 for the dance. The fancy dress winners were Miss G Brooke as a militaire and Mr H Walker as an Indian. The music was provided by J C Hollyhead's Jazzema Orchestra.
Harriett Blackburn of Warwick House, Purston, said her husband Thomas age 63 went out of the house at 1pm and 30 minutes later she went looking for him and found him hanging in the stable. At the Gospel Hall inquest it was said he had been out of work for some time and suffered from rheumatism. He had tried to gas himself a month previously and he told Dr Fairclough his life was not worth living but he would not do it again. The doctor told the inquest the pain and depression must have affected his mind. The coroner returned a verdict of suicide whilst of unsound mind.
A fire broke out at the British Legion Club and the fire brigade were there within seven minute of the alarm being sounded, a big improvement on the old horse drawn fire engine. The damage was estimated at about £400.
The council decided to go ahead with the erection of an electric fire alarm on the council offices site.
The demolition of the Bede Houses in North Featherstone was carried out. They were said to be 400 years old. A letter dated 1872 was found behind one mantelpiece.
The
Bede Houses were the buildings on the corner of Church Lane and Ackton
Lane, shown near the 211 on this Ordnance Survey map. The council considered them a
danger to traffic and as they were derelict wanted to demolish them and
improve the road junction.
The council election results were:
North Ward P Darlington unopposed.
South Ward B Dakin unopposed.
Purston Ward A Coult unopposed.
Ackton and Snydale Ward George Bush, miner 437, Arthur Simpkin,colliery manager 323.
APRIL Albert Dobson had served many appointments as a rugby league touch-judge. Now he had achieved first rank as a referee and was appointed to the Dewsbury and Hull game which the Express expected to be the stepping-stone to full recognition as a referee of senior matches.
The council said in spite of strict economies the rates would have to go up to 3s 8½d in the pound, an increase of 2½d, partly because after a reassessment £4,000 would have to be given back to Ackton Hall Colliery.
The medical officer told the council there was an unusual number of deaths in March (40) mainly due to epidemics of influenza, scarlet fever and pneumonia.
During the past year the county council library situated in the Miners' Welfare Hall had issued 3,640 books.
Featherstone Main Colliery decided to close one of the districts in the Warren House Seam because of a large number of geological faults. This meant 60 men and boys would be given notice. Ben Dakin, the secretary of the miners' union, agreed the colliery were bound to close the district, but he hoped employment could be found in other parts of the mine for the displaced workers.
MAY A parent allowed a child sickening for scarlet fever to attend the anniversary tea at Purston Wesleyan Sunday School. The result was twelve other children got it and they were all taken to Ackton Hospital, bringing the total cases from Featherstone up to 40.
Fred Hall, the MP for the Normanton Constituency which included Featherstone, held a pre-election meeting. His speech was mostly about national issues and he ended by saying he had represented the Normanton Division for 23 years, and although he was not as young as he used to be, he felt that with their assistance by returning him he would have the satisfaction of completing a quarter of a century's record as their representative.
JUNE The General Election result was Fred Hall (Labour) 26,008 votes and Alfred Coates (Conservative) 5,276.
The council decided the street lighting needed improving so the Electrical Distribution of Yorkshire Ltd replaced all the 100 watt bulbs by 150 watts, and the 60 watt bulbs by 100 watts. The agreed annual charge for the electricity was £4 5s and £4 per lamp respectively.
Notices were posted by the council giving advice to girls seeking situations in London, telling where they could be helped on their arrival in the city.
In cases of difficult pregnancy women went to Leeds Maternity Hospital. The council paid the fee but the women had to give up their maternity allowance. The hospital informed the council from next month the charge would go up from 10s a day to 11s 6d a day.
JULY It was a legal requirement to have a fireguard if there were young children in the house. Mrs Jane Annie Longley of Kimberley Street had one. She put it to one side while the children were outside to take out the ashes. When she was in the backyard the children came in and Nora age 2 pulled a pan of hot water over and was badly scalded. She was taken to Pontefract Infirmary and died eight days later. At the inquest the coroner said there was nothing to show how the pan came to be upset, and he would record it was accidental. He did not know that the mother could have done anything more than she did. It showed one could not be too careful. There was no suggestion of negligence on the mother's part.
At the annual meeting of the rugby union club it was said in spite of financial losses on the cup-ties, and ten games being cancelled, they ended with a balance of 15s 7d. They were looking forward to a tour of Hull and Scarborough next Easter.
The fire buzzer was originally at the gas works in Girnhill Lane where there was a continuous supply of steam. When the gas works closed down it was moved to Ackton Hall Colliery until the council could install an electric siren at the council offices. It had now been fitted and tested so the colliery were told they were no longer needed.
King George V fell seriously ill in November 1928. On his recovery thanksgiving services were held. At Purston Church the vicar, Barry Wall, thanked the congregation for their attendance which showed they preferred coming to church instead of listening at home (on the wireless) to other people thanking God for them.
The council expressed their regret at losing the service of Nurse Swift, the health visitor, and recorded their appreciation of her splendid work at Featherstone and their best wishes for her future success. She said she had been very happy in her work at Featherstone. Mrs Olive Booth of Hull was appointed in her place.
AUGUST Buses from Pontefract on the Pontefract to Featherstone service reversed into Station Lane to be ready fro the return journey. The council said in future they must travel via St Thomas Road and Station Lane.
The council borrowed £500 to be spent on installing a hot water system in some of the council houses.
At 11.30pm one night a man told the police the council's dutch barn at the sewage works was on fire. The fire brigade were quickly on the scene and used water from the mill pond but the barn and its crop of hay were lost. The brigade stayed until 10am the next morning to make sure it did not flare up again. It was said it was definitely not spontaneous combustion, but likely a carelessly discarded match. The damage, covered by insurance, was about £230.
The council election results were:
North Ward P Darlington unopposed.
South Ward B Dakin unopposed.
Purston Ward A Coult unopposed.
Ackton and Snydale Ward George Bush, miner 437, Arthur Simpkin,colliery manager 323.
APRIL Albert Dobson had served many appointments as a rugby league touch-judge. Now he had achieved first rank as a referee and was appointed to the Dewsbury and Hull game which the Express expected to be the stepping-stone to full recognition as a referee of senior matches.
The council said in spite of strict economies the rates would have to go up to 3s 8½d in the pound, an increase of 2½d, partly because after a reassessment £4,000 would have to be given back to Ackton Hall Colliery.
The medical officer told the council there was an unusual number of deaths in March (40) mainly due to epidemics of influenza, scarlet fever and pneumonia.
During the past year the county council library situated in the Miners' Welfare Hall had issued 3,640 books.
Featherstone Main Colliery decided to close one of the districts in the Warren House Seam because of a large number of geological faults. This meant 60 men and boys would be given notice. Ben Dakin, the secretary of the miners' union, agreed the colliery were bound to close the district, but he hoped employment could be found in other parts of the mine for the displaced workers.
MAY A parent allowed a child sickening for scarlet fever to attend the anniversary tea at Purston Wesleyan Sunday School. The result was twelve other children got it and they were all taken to Ackton Hospital, bringing the total cases from Featherstone up to 40.
Fred Hall, the MP for the Normanton Constituency which included Featherstone, held a pre-election meeting. His speech was mostly about national issues and he ended by saying he had represented the Normanton Division for 23 years, and although he was not as young as he used to be, he felt that with their assistance by returning him he would have the satisfaction of completing a quarter of a century's record as their representative.
JUNE The General Election result was Fred Hall (Labour) 26,008 votes and Alfred Coates (Conservative) 5,276.
The council decided the street lighting needed improving so the Electrical Distribution of Yorkshire Ltd replaced all the 100 watt bulbs by 150 watts, and the 60 watt bulbs by 100 watts. The agreed annual charge for the electricity was £4 5s and £4 per lamp respectively.
Notices were posted by the council giving advice to girls seeking situations in London, telling where they could be helped on their arrival in the city.
In cases of difficult pregnancy women went to Leeds Maternity Hospital. The council paid the fee but the women had to give up their maternity allowance. The hospital informed the council from next month the charge would go up from 10s a day to 11s 6d a day.
JULY It was a legal requirement to have a fireguard if there were young children in the house. Mrs Jane Annie Longley of Kimberley Street had one. She put it to one side while the children were outside to take out the ashes. When she was in the backyard the children came in and Nora age 2 pulled a pan of hot water over and was badly scalded. She was taken to Pontefract Infirmary and died eight days later. At the inquest the coroner said there was nothing to show how the pan came to be upset, and he would record it was accidental. He did not know that the mother could have done anything more than she did. It showed one could not be too careful. There was no suggestion of negligence on the mother's part.
At the annual meeting of the rugby union club it was said in spite of financial losses on the cup-ties, and ten games being cancelled, they ended with a balance of 15s 7d. They were looking forward to a tour of Hull and Scarborough next Easter.
The fire buzzer was originally at the gas works in Girnhill Lane where there was a continuous supply of steam. When the gas works closed down it was moved to Ackton Hall Colliery until the council could install an electric siren at the council offices. It had now been fitted and tested so the colliery were told they were no longer needed.
King George V fell seriously ill in November 1928. On his recovery thanksgiving services were held. At Purston Church the vicar, Barry Wall, thanked the congregation for their attendance which showed they preferred coming to church instead of listening at home (on the wireless) to other people thanking God for them.
The council expressed their regret at losing the service of Nurse Swift, the health visitor, and recorded their appreciation of her splendid work at Featherstone and their best wishes for her future success. She said she had been very happy in her work at Featherstone. Mrs Olive Booth of Hull was appointed in her place.
AUGUST Buses from Pontefract on the Pontefract to Featherstone service reversed into Station Lane to be ready fro the return journey. The council said in future they must travel via St Thomas Road and Station Lane.
The council borrowed £500 to be spent on installing a hot water system in some of the council houses.
At 11.30pm one night a man told the police the council's dutch barn at the sewage works was on fire. The fire brigade were quickly on the scene and used water from the mill pond but the barn and its crop of hay were lost. The brigade stayed until 10am the next morning to make sure it did not flare up again. It was said it was definitely not spontaneous combustion, but likely a carelessly discarded match. The damage, covered by insurance, was about £230.
The
men at Featherstone Main Colliery balloted by a big majority to ask the
Yorkshire Miners' Association to back them in handing in their notices.
Their grievances were violation of an agreement about bar setting,
alleged victimisation, and a fairer share-out of the safety work done
when the pit was on "play days".
The
Ackton Hall Branch of the union passed a resolution requesting
permission be given for the the men at that pit to take a ballot on the
question of giving support, and for their own grievances. They suggested
the men at Featherstone Main should delay handing in their notices
until concerted action could be taken by the two branches, and the
notices handed in together. The owners and the union couldn't agree on a settlement.
The Adult School was held in the
Sunday School building at the back of the chapel in Featherstone Lane.
Several members laid a new floor, panelled the walls with wood, added a
porch, and redecorated it. It was re-opened by Miss Coult on a Sunday
afternoon when a small orchestra played for hymns. The photo is from the Wakefield Libraries Collection.
 |
Joseph Watson died age 80. He came to Featherstone 60 years ago to run a grocery business, and was the first sub-postmaster - first in his own premises and later in Post Office Road until he retired after 30 years service. He was assistant overseer for Purston until the Guardians took over, secretary and director of the gas company, and vicar's warden and people's warden at Purston Church.
Purston Wesleyan Church completed a refurbishment scheme which included painting, decorating, installation of electricity and organ repairs. A large crowd gathered outside for the opening ceremony which was performed by Miss S Wood of Ackworth, who was the daughter of Mrs Wood who performed the original opening ceremony 25 years earlier. The total cost of the updates was about £500, and Pastor Hickson, at the evening meeting, said they were £11 short and he appealed to the congregation to manage it that night.
The tower at All Saint's Church, North Featherstone, had been decaying for years, and a fund was started for renovation in 1925. Re-building was considered too expensive so work began encasing the old stonework. It was estimated to cost £500. Mr W H Fearnley, the architect and surveyor, who was also the organist and choirmaster, gave his services free.
SEPTEMBER The boys' band from the Hull Sailors' Orphans' Homes had their regular visit. They arrived on Friday morning, played selections at Ackton Hall Colliery gates, paraded the town, and gave a concert in the Miners' Welfare Institute. The next day they played in the streets, at Featherstone Main Colliery, and at the Rovers game against Bramley. Before leaving for Hull they played in the market place.
The local collieries dispute was still not settled. Evan Evans, who said he was deputed to speak for all the collieries including Hemsworth and South Kirkby, told the Express there were grievances at all four collieries. They had not yet been able to get a meeting with Mr Archer, the managing director, but hoped for an amicable settlement or they would have to press for arbitration by the West Yorkshire Joint Board.
OCTOBER The 1928 Rating and Valuation Act caused problems in setting the rates for the next six months. Previously the council published the rate just for Featherstone, this time they published the overall total which included the county council rate and the poor rate for the Guardians. The amount was 9s 1d in the pound with a possible reduction when the revaluing was done.
There were complaints about the Snydale Colliery muckstack concerning fumes, and it being too near to the Wakefield Road footpath.
The Central Electricity Board proposed to erect pylons and overhead cables in the district and asked the council for approval. Cr Garritty said what little beauty there was in Featherstone was spoiled by ugly overhead standards and wires. All the cables should be underground. Cr Darlington pointed out the cost would be three times higher with the result of an increase in prices. The clerk said unless there was a specific objection he did not think a general objection to overhead cables would do any good. However, the council decided to object and follow up as necessary.
The colliery disputes were discussed by the West Yorkshire Joint Board who felt they could be settled locally. A local meeting was held and all matters were settled except one which would have a further meeting. The six men at Featherstone Main and the three at Ackton Hall said to be victimised were reinstated.
George Holland of Leeds was driving from Pontefract to Wakefield at 11.25pm when he ran into a stationary bus at the stop near Purston Wesleyan Church. It was a slight bump and he did not stop. The driver of the bus overtook the car at Sharlston Common. Holland was in a dazed condition and told the police he had earlier been dazzled by an oncoming car in Pontefract and he ran into a cyclist with no rear light. He took him to the infirmary and then went on to Wakefield in a nervous condition.
The court was told as a result of an illness he was subject to nervous attacks. The accident at Pontefract upset him, and a car at the other side of the road in Featherstone made him go more to his left and he caught the bus a glancing blow. It was merely an error of judgement. The court agreed and fined him the costs, £2.
NOVEMBER Featherstone Parish Church held a concert in the Miners' Welfare Institute to raise funds for the Tower Restoration Fund. It was described by the Express as a delightful musical evening and was expected to bring in £25.
An inquest was held at the West Riding Mental Hospital in Wakefield on Thomas Shaw of Featherstone who died there. The evidence was he suffered spinal injuries in a fall of roof at Featherstone Main Colliery in January 1926. He was in Clayton Hospital for eleven weeks before returning home but was unable to work. In January this year he became unmanageable and was admitted to the mental hospital where he died on 4 November. After hearing the medial evidence the jury decided he had died of general paralysis, accelerated by the colliery accident and it was death by misadventure.
The war dead were remembered in the usual manner. There was a service at the Gordon Street Girls' School memorial, a procession and Sunday service at Purston Church, and wreaths were laid at the War Memorial and the Ackton Hall Memorial. The British Legion poppy collection realised £36 17s, £6 more than last year.
Tommy Sides, the owner of Purston Hall and Park, wrote to the council regarding a possible sale. The council agreed to arrange a meeting to discuss terms.
The council had put money on one side to buy an ambulance. Cr Coult said there was a pressing need. Pontefract had refused on occasions, which was natural as Featherstone did not subscribe. The colliery companies were good, but could not let the ambulances out when the collieries were working. There might be a serious accident at any time of the night, and it was time Featherstone made a move. It was agreed the surveyor would obtain tenders.
William Tipton age 7 of Brookway slept with his brother Henry. He awoke at 8am and told his brother it was time to get up. Then he immediately collapsed. Dr John Duncan was called in and found he had died. The medical evidence at the inquest was valvular disease of the heart was the cause, and a verdict of death from natural causes was returned.
DECEMBER The council decided to buy an ambulance for about £450 and the surveyor was instructed to see if it could be housed at the Post Office Road depot. If possible the ambulances purchased by nearby local authorities would be inspected. The St John Ambulance Brigade would be consulted regarding its use.
The Rovers and the Cricket Club held their annual functions at the Lister Hall. The Rovers event was a carnival dance and it was hoped to provide £60 for the club funds. The cricket function, on New Year's Eve, was a whist drive for 150 and a dance for over 500. Harry Cooke led the singing at midnight.