THE FEATHERSTONE ........CHRONICLE....... ........1911 to 1919.......: 1919

A HISTORY OF FEATHERSTONE

1919

A COUNCIL SUPERANNUATION SCHEME?

In January the council received a letter from the Urban Councils' Association on the subject of superannuation for council officials and workmen, the council's view being asked for. Cr Murphy proposed they should reply in favour providing it was a contributory scheme and Cr Maxwell seconded. Cr Darlington said such a scheme would be a step in the right direction. It was but right that all who had done their duty should be provided for in their later days. The proposal was passed but the clerk pointed out similar attempts had been made before but with little success. It was hoped now, however, the Treasury might be moved.

The Express commented "It will be observed by those who follow the doings of the Featherstone Urban Council that at their meeting on Wednesday evening that authority spoke out, both from employers' and employed points of view, in favour of a scheme providing superannuation for both officials and employees of urban councils. This is significant and, seeing how fully such councils represent the community generally, it would seem to point in the direction of superannuation all round, for obviously the great mass of householders who would have to provide the major proportion of the superannuation money would not be content to do so for long and be overlooked themselves".

THE COUNCIL AND LODGERS

The council had a no lodgers policy for its council houses which caused a heated discussion at the February meeting. Cr Edwards alleged a three months old baby had been turned out at nine o'clock at night, and in another case the lodger was a returned soldier who had been four years at the Front and was living with a married sister.

It transpired the baby, whose mother was dead, was living with a couple in whose house there was a case of consumption, the sanitary inspector considered the house to be very dirty, and not a fit home for a baby. On his advice the baby was moved to its grandmother's while the house was cleaned. This was no case of a lodger. The council approved the inspector's action.

Cr Evans said the soldier's was a hard case. In these exceptional times, far different to when the council passed the resolution not to admit lodgers, he thought some allowance should be made. There was bound to be overcrowding somewhere until more houses were built, and the council ought not to say, while there were thousands of applications for houses in Featherstone, you must get out of our council house and move into a private house. The soldier had returned to find his parents had moved to Normanton and they already had a married son and his wife living with them.

He was backed up by other councillors but some said the no lodgers resolution was passed unanimously to prevent two families living in a council house. The chairman said in the past the committee had allowed lodgers in exceptional cases and while still adhering to the principle they should use a certain amount of discretion. In the end the soldier was allowed to stay.

WHAT KIND OF MEMORIAL?

At the February council meeting Cr Murphy asked the council what was intended regarding a war memorial. Something ought to be done of a character beneficial to the young. Featherstone was sadly lacking in this respect, and he was strongly in favour of an Institute and Free Library combined, with perhaps a big meeting room overhead.

He regretted very much at a mass meeting the miners had declined to support a war memorial, but he was hoping, if the council took the lead the miners, who had done splendidly in providing for dependents of soldiers, would reconsider their decision. Would the Local Government Board allow the council to spend money on a memorial?

Cr Evans said in view of the miners' meeting he had written to Carnegie's Trustees asking if they were prepared to help in the erection of a free library but he had not yet had a reply. He said he would back Cr Murphy in asking the miners to reconsider.

The chairman said he had been waiting for the miners decision and he would now call a public meeting to test the feeling of the townsfolk generally.

The Express commented "There seems some likelihood now that the war memorial scheme for Featherstone will get on the way. No town has done better than Featherstone in regard to the War. In men alone Featherstone's record is a proud one indeed. Let the memorial of them be such as no resident need be ashamed of".
In April the Local Government Board said a scheme would be carefully considered, but before an application was made for public money to be spent everything possible should be done to raise money by public subscription. Further, the wishes of the inhabitants should be obtained first.
Cr Edwards said he had been asked by a large number of people to press for a park. He thought Mr Leatham's estate in Pontefract Road would make a grand park. Could they get it? The chairman said yes at a price. Cr Holiday was not at the meeting and it was decided to ask him to hold his public meeting as soon as possible.

Leatham Estate from an Ordnance Survey map.

Another scheme was put forward when the council had an interview with Mr M Lancaster, assistant financial secretary for Yorkshire for the YMCA on the question of erecting a YMCA Institute in the town as a war memorial.
The public meeting was held in North Featherstone Lane Council School and was presided over by Roslyn Holiday. He said they ought not to come to a definite decision that night but discuss suggestions. He trusted the memorial would be something more than a mere monument. A cold, hard record on stone or marble would be a permanent record, but a memorial should be something which would result in the making of better men and women. He then invited Mr Bennett and Mr Lancaster of the YMCA to outline the scheme for an institute.
Other ideas sent in for the meeting were an institute for recreation and social gathering by the Free Churches, a park and an obelisk from the Discharged Sailors' and Soldiers' Association, and St Peter's Mission Church for a soldiers' memorial church.
Cr Garritty said the miners were in sympathy with the YMCA scheme. Mr H Staples, for the Purston Wesleyan Bible Class, also spoke in favour. Mr S Batten asked if it would be possible to have the institute in grounds which could be utilised as a park.
Cr Edwards said Purston Hall and 26 acres of land was on the market. The grounds could be made into a park and the hall into an institute. The lodges could be let rent free to wounded soldiers.
Cr Darlington said a park could be left to the council whose duty it was to provide one, if that was the wish if the ratepayers. Then the memorial scheme would be left free for a YMCA institute. A committee was appointed to consider all the schemes and then hold another meeting.
The committee met in May and elected Mr Holiday as chairman. Mr Haigh, the council clerk, agreed to be secretary. Mr Chesney, the council surveyor, agreed to prepare a rough plan for a YMCA Institute at an approximate cost of £10,000 and to make provision for a central hall to seat 500, a committee room for meetings, caretaker's house, billiard room, gymnasium, reading room, kitchen etc.
The secretary was to write to the Carnegie Trustees as to whether their previous offer of £3,500 for a free library still holds good. If so the question of the library being erected as part of or in connection with the war memorial would be considered.
In October the Express commented "The project is in abeyance at present, Interest in this matter ought to be kept alive, we are frequently being asked what is being done, and progress should be made as early as possible. It will not be like Featherstone to allow the scheme to be a poor thing or like Featherstone to lack workers to carry it through".
Mr Chesney showed his rough sketch of an institute to the council in November. Mr Haigh was told to find out if the Assembly Rooms were for sale and then call a meeting of the war memorial committee.

A PARK FOR FEATHERSTONE?

The council were considering a public park for Featherstone. At the May meeting the clerk was instructed to find the prices of the Wilson's Estate, Purston Hall Estate and Leatham's Park. Cr Poppleton asked if this meant they were acting in conjunction with the war memorial committee or were they taking this question out of the hands of the committee?

Cr Edwards said he would like the council to debate only Purston Hall. Here was a house and 26 acres of land. He repeated what he had said at the public meeting plus the greenhouses and gardens could be used for horticultural classes by the schools and the stables by the council. He said they ought to move at once. There were as many as eight children in two roomed houses. What chance had these children of being healthy under such circumstances?

Cr Ryan was in favour of a site down Post Office Road. Purston Park was too far away from the North Ward. Cr Oakley urged the claims of Streethouse and Loscoe. He thought a park would be a burden. He supposed these places would have to help to pay for the park and they had a right to be considered as to its siting.

Cr Johnson said they could not decide until they had all the information. It would not be right to delete two of the proposed sites now. The chairman, Cr Holiday, pointed out it was very difficult to obtain a central site, but surely if they got a nice park people would not object to walking a couple of miles to enjoy its advantages.
In August the clerk told the council Mr Fearnley, the agent for the sale of Purston Hall and grounds, had agreed to meet the council. Mr W H Charlesworth, the tenant, said he would prefer to remain in the hall until his lease was up, but if the council bought the estate he would try to find suitable accommodation elsewhere.
In November the council had been offered Purston Hall and park for £4,000 plus legal fees and subject to the present lease, so the clerk wrote to the Ministry of Health for permission to borrow £4,100. The Ministry asked for a copy of the council's resolution, a plan of the Purston Hall estate, a map showing its position in the district, and a statement showing how the sum to be borrowed is made up.
The Ministry then decided to hold a public inquiry, and asked for the apportionment of the cost between the land and the buildings.

MORE COUNCIL HOUSES

In May the council were told the district housing commissioners had objected to the plan submitted and to the proposed type of houses. They said the floor area must be reduced or the rents increased. The council decided to submit an amended scheme with the hall taken out and the living room would be 15 feet by 13 feet 6 inches. They would again submit two types of houses with the rents of 11s and 10s a week.

Cr Ryan said he was very dissatisfied with the position. He resented the interference of the commissioners with the council's original plan. The commissioners had estimated the cost of the original houses at £1,000 to £1,200. Leeds were going to build ideal workingmen's houses at £700 each. If Leeds could do this why not Featherstone? The ratepayers were terrified they would be a repeat of the Church Fields type of houses. He was sorry for the people who they ought to consult before agreeing to the amended plans.
At the July meeting it was said the housing commissioner was suggesting further changes to types of houses as last submitted for the second council house scheme. The chairman said a deputation had seen the housing commissioner and he had given his reason for wanting changes. He agreed to give way regarding the position of the WC's and promised to reconsider the coalplaces and the fireplaces.
The Ministry of Health had given permission for the council to borrow £1,420 from the Local Government Board for the purchase of the housing site. Cr Darlington urged them to get on with the scheme at once. The surveyor said but for the delay in the approving of the scheme they would have had the streets and sewers well on the way now.
At the August council meeting Cr Ryan said the ratepayers were tired of waiting. The Local Government Board were responsible for the whole of the delay. They had to put up with the housing commissioner who at first said the houses were too dear and were too large. The second plan showed the same amount of cubic space and was passed. This was the red tape in Yorkshire. What the red tape would be when the plan got to London he hardly dared to think.
In October the plans were ready for the council to send to the housing commissioner, and to ask the Ministry of Health for permission to borrow £3,685 for the project.

THE END OF THE WAR COMMITTEES

The Belgian Refugee and Local Distress Committees held their final meetings in May. All the refugees except one had returned home, and she was teaching in a local school but intended to leave soon. Mrs Darlington asked for any money left to be given to this woman. The committee agreed to grant her the remaining £7 16s.

There was only 4s in the Distress Fund but the chairman, Mr Darlington, said there was some to come from Featherstone Main Colliery. It was agreed to give this to a particularly needy case and then close the funds.
The committee were thanked by the Discharged Sailors' and Soldiers' Association for their work and also the efforts of the Shirt and Sock Fund Committee and said hundreds of men had blessed the labours of that committee.
Mr Darlington said the committee's work had been a labour of love, and they had done their best to relieve every case of distress brought to their notice. Other members spoke in a similar vein and the meeting was brought to a close.

A HUSBAND'S DASTARDLY ACTION

The above was the Express headline to a matrimonial dispute in May. Mary Ann Whalley charged her husband Harry, of Belle Vue Terrace, with persistent cruelty. She was represented by Mr J A Atkinson who said the couple were married in 1914 and there were two children. The marriage had not been happy because of the habit of the husband keeping late hours at the club. When she remonstrated with him he repeatedly struck her.

In September 1914 he joined the Army and when he was home on leave they were happy together. He was demobilised last December and had not been home long when he made allegations about Noah Blanchard, a cousin of Mrs Whalley.

The husband was friends with Blanchard before he joined the Army, and while he was away she sometimes went on a cycle ride with Blanchard, and went for walks quite openly. In 1917 the husband wrote home and complained about the cycle rides so she sold her cycle. When he came home he would almost daily say "You know, it is right about Blanchard" and when she denied it he would strike her. In January she was ill in bed and he said how nice she would look in a coffin with shrouds. In April he told her to get out.

Mr William Bentley, for Mr Whalley, produced a handwritten note and asked her if she had written that confession of her misconduct. She denied it and said her husband had written it and got her sister to sign it. The note was handed to the Bench and it read "This is to prove that me, wife of Harry Whalley, had misconducted myself with Noah Blanchard" signed Mary Ann Whalley. "PS I want him now - that is the reason I am asking for a divorce". Witness Mrs Cowling.

Mrs Cowling of Dickinson Terrace said she went to Harry Whalley's house and he was writing a note and he asked her to sign it. She asked him what it was as she could not read and he said I will tell you later. She confirmed the note produced in court was the one she had signed.

Harry Smallwood, police court commissioner, said he had known Mrs Whalley over 15 years and had always found her moral character very good. His wife had visited the house and could say the same. Mr Atkinson said his client had been ill as a result of Mr Whalley's actions. He produced a certificate of ll-health from Dr Steven.

Mr Whalley went into the witness box and denied striking his wife at all. He admitted writing the note but said his wife asked him to put it shipshape for her.

The chairman said they thought everything alleged was true about him and his character, and whatever they could do for the wife's benefit they would do. A separation order was granted, the wife would have custody of the children and Mr Whalley would pay her £2 a week, the costs of £4 3s 6d and the solicitors' fees.

A FEATHERSTONE CLUB STRUCK OFF

In May Alfred Bell, secretary of the Featherstone Main Colliery Athletic Club, was charged with three offences of being in breach of the Licensing Act. He pleaded guilty.

Mr Farmer, assistant West Riding solicitor, said the charges were the premises were not conducted in good faith as a club, persons were habitually admitted as members without 48 hours interval after nomination, and the supply of liquor was not under the control of the members.

An inspector and two constables visited the club with a warrant, and the present proceedings followed. Mr Bell was secretary to the club and to the Assembly Rooms Company, and chief wagon clerk at Featherstone Main Colliery. When the police visited the books were seized. There was a set of rules and Rule 1 stated the ordinary members of the club should be persons in the employ of Featherstone Main Colliery Company and should pay 1d per week subscription. This money was stopped (collected) automatically by the company, and he therefore submitted nobody was a member.
From the books it seemed the colliery company paid £5 a week in respect of these subscriptions. This would represent over 1,000 members. For 12 years there had not been an annual meeting or anybody elected. The steward was asked for a list of members and he said he hadn't got one. He would not therefore know whether anybody entering was a member or not. The club was making £50 or £60 weekly and going by the cash book there was a matter of five figures in the accounts.
The last record of an annual meeting was in 1908 when the secretary was instructed to arrange for a general meeting. The next reference to a general meeting was in 1912. It could not be a club. It was registered under false pretences. It was nothing more nor less than an unlicensed public house. The last entries in the books the police had seized were months ago and the bank book was out of date.
The inspector said the secretary admitted he didn't have a register of members and there had been no election of committee members for seven years. There was no visitors' book. He said there might be books other than those on the premises.
Mr Clayton-Smith, for the defence, said they were technical offences only without any wilful intent. Money received had been paid into the bank every week and payments made by cheque. The members thought the club had been conducted in good faith, and they had regularly subscribed to charities. He thought the case could be met by a condition the rules must be adhered to in future.
It was felt during the war it was not desirable to hold a general meeting because so many members were away. There was something like 1,300 members and a balance sheet was being prepared to last March. If the club were struck off it might lead to unrest. If the Bench must strike the club off they could do so for 24 hours and obtain the promise of correct following of the rules in future.
The magistrates retired to consider and on their return the chairman said the breach of the law was very flagrant. The Bench had decided the club should be struck off the register, the premises not to be used as a club for 12 months. The payment of 5s 5d costs on each summons was ordered.

PRESENTATION TO TINLEY SIMPSON

After 46 years as headmaster at Purston and then George Street School Tinley Simpson retired in May. At a gathering at Regent Street School he was presented with £60 in banknotes and his wife was given a gold bracelet.

The presentations were made by Roslyn Holiday who spoke of the strides made in education during Mr Simpson's time. Formerly all that was asked for was the three R's but Mr Simpson had done much more than that. He had helped to build the character of thousands of boys who had passed through his school.

Mr Simpson said the time he had spent in Featherstone had been one long succession of happy days. When he came to Featherstone it was a small colliery village. He came to take charge of Purston School which had 100 scholars. With the growth of the place came George Street School and it was a proud day when he was appointed its first headmaster 34 years ago. He had reached the retiring age over two years ago but was allowed to stay on to improve his pension which he said said would have been a miserable £1 a week if he had retired then.

Mr Darlington, Revd Rogers, Mr Watson and Mr Chapman also spoke about their time with Mr Simpson, and Percy Rothera displayed a scroll to be inscribed with the names of those who contributed to the presentations.

THE PEACE FESTIVITIES

When the peace treaty with Germany was signed in July it was celebrated nationally. In Featherstone all the streets were decorated with flags and bunting. The bells of the parish church were rung morning and afternoon.The schoolchildren were provided with a tea in the schools consisting of currant buns and cakes and all were given two ounces of sweets.
The problem of getting them all to Warren House Farm for the festivities, where the parents were waiting, was solved as usual by Ackton Hall Colliery building a temporary station at the end of the sidings at Halfpenny Lane and providing engines and wagons to take the children over Station Lane, past the pit, and over Green Lane to another temporary station at the farm. Children from North Featherstone, Loscoe and Streethouse were taken by motor or horse drawn wagons. There they were entertained by fancy and comic dress competitions, sports, Featherstone Brass Band and variety acts.

Pensioners over 70 years old had been spectators at the children's sports and were entertained to tea in the Wesleyan schoolroom. After tea they were taken back to the playing field in waggonettes for the adult sports. There were slow and fast cycle races, potato and spoon races for the ladies, races for ex-service men, and a race for old people which was much applauded. The old men did the 70 yards more for the fun of the thing than the prize, but Mr Crowcroft age 71 was the winner.

Music was provided by Mr F Fisher's orchestra and pianist Miss W D Turton. It began to rain so three races and the dancing had to be cancelled and the festivities came to an end.
Four days later there was a reception in the Assembly Rooms for people too old to attend the above festivities plus the mothers or widows of those who had died in the war. The main room was decorated with flags, bunting and flowers. There had to be two sittings to accommodate everybody but there was ample food and afterwards the men were given tobacco and the women packets of tea.
Peter Darlington acted as chairman and spoke of the great sacrifice made by many Featherstone men. He sincerely hoped the war just finished would be the last, not only in their time, but in their children's also.
The evening's entertainment was by Mr H L Hopkins' party from Pontefract, Mrs Parker, Miss Barker and Miss Norton. There was a special welcome for the dancing children from Featherstone National School.

There were street parties for those not included in the above festivities. This is Victoria Street. A Featherstone Library Collection photo.

THE COAL STRIKE

There was a national coal strike in July for improved wages and working conditions. Sailors were sent to some pits, including Ackton Hall Colliery, to assist with pumping water out of the pits. The Yorkshire Miners' Federation said they must not be interfered with.

The strike was over after about three weeks, but at Ackton Hall Colliery it was said it would take four days to get the boilers working. then a further four days to commence in the Haigh Moor Seam. Four days later the Warren House Seam would be ready and it would then take a further week for the Silkstone Seam.

At Featherstone Main Colliery some work could start almost immediately, and more men would be taken on as other places were got ready, but it would be two weeks before the colliery was back to normal.

The sailors at Ackton Hall Colliery from a postcard.

THE RATES GO UP

At the October council meeting Cr Maxwell proposed the general district rate for the next six months should be 2s 6d. He said he had no pleasure in doing it. It was 5d more than last time. he thought Featherstone would compare favourably with their neighbours regarding the rates, and but for the fact they had a £3,100 reserve in the bank the rates would have been 2s 9d. If the council were careful they could manage with a 2s 6d rate for some years.

Cr Holiday seconded and said there was need for very careful consideration before they spent public money nowadays. They had exercised great economy during the war, but work had been postponed then which would now have to be done. They should ask not only whether things were desirable but whether they were necessary. Better houses and better conditions were necessary. Were recreation grounds and the park in the same category, however desirable they might be? The council should not be caught in the whirl of social improvement regardless of the cost.

Cr Murphy said any retrenchment in the policy of better houses and better facilities for recreation was rotten economy. How could they expect people brought up in hovels and living drab lives to become useful citizens? He would vote for recreation grounds; no money could be better spent.

Cr Ryan supported Cr Murphy's views and the chairman said he agreed with those views. He simply laid the position before the Council. If they held recreation grounds were necessary he was with them. The rate increase was then passed.

THE SAD CASE OF A DEAF MUTE

There was what the Express called a difficult case against Samuel Shackleton, a labourer at Ackton Hall Colliery. He could neither hear nor speak and the evidence was put in writing and shown to him. He was charged in October with being drunk and disorderly in the offices of the colliery and with using threats to Mr J W McTrusty, the manager. He denied being drunk but admitted the threats. PC Cawthorne said he had to lock the prisoner up because he refused to leave the offices.

On the threats charge it was said there was a written conversation between him and Mr McTrusty who said because of continually causing disturbances they must dismiss him. He then threatened to kill the manager and everybody else and blow up the boilers. The prisoner consented to be bound over for six months and to pay the costs of 4s on each charge.

He was back in court one week later and throughout the hearing behaved peculiarly seeming to hold conversations with persons no one else could see. He was charged with being on enclosed premises for unlawful purposes. Someone had stopped the pumps at the colliery and set a stables on fire. He was found in the boiler house and by motions threatened what he would do to the workers, and interfered with some of the taps.

Supt Ackroyd said the question was whether the prisoner was in his right mind and suggested he should be remanded for medical observation. If he was not responsible for his actions it would be unfair to punish him.

The Bench agreed and decided to obtain medical evidence. That showed he was aware of what he was doing and he was sent to prison for three months.

A FATAL ACCIDENT IN PURSTON

An inquest was held in November at Pontefract Barracks into the death of Robert Mallott, a private in the KOYLI. PS Mann said he saw the soldier exercising a horse in Ackworth Road going towards Featherstone. He saw the horse stumble and fall and the soldier was thrown on his head. He went to give assistance and saw there was a superficial wound on the soldier's head. He was conscious and remained so. He was taken by car to Dr Finch's surgery and then to the barracks.

The road where the horse stumbled was macadamised and had recently been tar-sprayed and could have been greasy. The medical officer at the barracks said death was due to laceration of the brain. He pointed out this was the third accident in this locality because horses could not get a grip on the macadamised surface. He suggested a small width on either side of the road should be left rough. The present condition could be very good for motor traffic but is very dangerous for equestrians.

The jury decided it was accidental death and added a rider that the authorities concerned be requested to keep the road gravelled.

FEATHERSTONE MAIN'S WAR HEROES

There was a gathering in the Assembly Rooms in November to make a presentation to 13 Featherstone Main Colliery men who were awarded medals during the war. One man was unable to be present and another had not yet received his medal. The colliery company had given £100 towards the cost of the occasion, and the organising was done by the Featherstone Main Colliery Workmen's War Relief Fund.

Mr Cooke read out the financial statement of the fund. He said from September 1914 to October 1919 the workers of Featherstone Main Colliery had voluntarily raised £17,971. Of this £17,092 had been paid to soldiers' and sailors' dependents, £178 to the Shirt and Sock Fund, contributions to other charities, and £315 on the watches and chains for this presentation. There was a balance in hand of £35. He said this was a record the Featherstone Main men could be proud of.

Mr Darlington, the manager, said while they were doing honour to those who richly deserved it they should also pay a tribute to all the grand lads who had gone from Featherstone, many of whom would never return. For those who had come back maimed or in ill health, the colliery company were doing their best for them, giving each man work he could do.

The Revd H S Rogers said he saluted every man present who had not won military honours. No place in Yorkshire had a better record than Featherstone and he was proud of the way the men had done their duty.

Dr Steven said his work had brought him in constant touch with many poor men who had come back broken in health or maimed. He commended the colliery companies for what they had done and were doing for these men.

Mr A W Archer, managing director of the South Kirkby, Featherstone and Hemsworth Collieries, said he counted it a high honour to be asked to make the awards, and added the company appreciated more than any words of his could express the grand services of their Featherstone men in the war.

He said the company had given £50,000 to its men's wives and 20,000 tons of coal (at all three pits). Three thousand employees had joined the Forces including 900 from the Main, and 76 Featherstone men were killed. He asked those who were to receive the awards to regard them not as valuable only, but as precious gifts to commemorate acts of bravery and endurance, of lives jeopardised to save the lives of others.

He then presented a gold watch and chain to each of the thirteen men (one to a son). The other man not present would receive it privately and the last one would be given after the man received his medal.

THE STATION GOODS YARD

The carting agents in the town asked the council to meet the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company with a view to improving the dock and warehouse accommodation at the station. Cr Maxwell said Featherstone was the worst-served town of its size in England. It was agreed to ask the company to send a representative to discuss this and other matters. Cr Darlington said they had obtained no satisfaction in the past.
In November the council clerk reported on a meeting with Mr H Marriott, chief goods manager of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway. He was told of the great need for better accommodation at the station, establishing a system of delivery of goods, and subways at the level crossings.
Mr Marriott promised to report to his directors, but pointed out, particularly regarding subways, that railway companies were still largely in the hands of the Government who had taken them over in the war, and he could not commit his directors.
Cr Maxwell said a delivery of goods was very desirable, but Cr Poppleton said he and Mr Smurthwaite had been telephoned by Mr Marriott and they had said they were not in favour, as they had already made their own arrangements.
Cr Scholes said such action by the grocers was unfair in view of what the council were trying to do. He was backed up by Crs Maxwell, Garritty and Ryan, and the chairman said he understood the new tradesmen's association were backing up the grocers' action.
Cr Poppleton said the councillors had no mandate to deal with the delivery of goods question. The grocers had had to make their own arrangements and would not have sufficient work for their horses if the railway company began deliveries.

A POOR GAS SUPPLY

The Featherstone Main Branch of the Yorkshire Miners' Association wrote to the council in December asking them to use their influence to get a better supply of gas. Cr Ryan said the quality of the gas was awful. He said they should ask the Yorkshire Electric Power Company to give them terms. Cr Scholes pointed out the company already had powers for Featherstone but had not exercised them.

The chairman said the electricity company had been held back by the war, but they would have to move soon else their powers would lapse. He agreed the gas was bad but that company had been up against a great scarcity of materials and labour. He suggested they write to the company asking for a better supply.

Cr Johnson said the postmaster had told him they had to use candles to sort the letters, and Cr Poppleton said if he had not used candles in his office he could not even have seen the paper he was writing on. In the end the chairman's suggestion was agreed.

ACKTON HALL COLLIERY'S WAR HEROES

Ackton Hall Colliery War Relief Fund held a reception in the Lister Hall in December for returned soldiers, their wives or lady friends and the widows or parents of those who gave their lives, totalling 900. The caterers for the tea were Messrs T Wordsworth and Son of Pontefract and the chief guests were Lord and Lady Masham.

After the tea Mr Holiday presided and he paid tribute to the men from Ackton Hall Colliery who had left to fight and keep us safe at home. He spoke feelingly of those who would not return and the audience stood in silent tribute. He said 880 men from the colliery had enlisted and 96 had made the supreme sacrifice.

He said 550 dependents and 1,000 children had benefited from the fund, and Lord Masham had given more than 7,000 loads of coal. His Lordship and the workmen were joint contributors to the fund with Lord Masham giving £20,000 and the workmen, officials, checkweighmen and staff £19,536. Dependents had received £31,410. Other payments had been made to the Belgian Relief Fund, the Shirt and Sock Fund, Clayton Hospital, and Christmas parcels to men still serving. There was a balance of £5,000, and payments were still being made to the dependents of the 96 men who had fallen and those who had returned with 100% disabilities. The colliery company was continuing the delivery of free coal to these.

Lord Masham rose and was received with enthusiasm. He asked who performed wonderful feats in the darkest days of the war? Who did such valuable work in tunnelling, work which only a skilled man could do? My miners, and I'm proud of every one of you.

Mr Murphy responded for the workers. He said they were glad to see Lord Masham, particularly in that hall, and he thanked him for the gift of the baths which Featherstone greatly appreciated. Also the homes for aged miners which Lady Masham had opened a few years ago. He praised the work of Mr Lindley, the secretary of the fund and presented him with a gold watch on behalf of the workmen.

Next came the presentations to those who had been decorated for their bravery. Lady Masham did the honours and gave gold watches, guards and medals to the men who had returned, and more suitable watches to the five widows and a mother of those who did not come back.

The doctors of the town were thanked for free attendance on the soldiers' dependents. Dr Steven said there could be only one answer when they were originally asked, and he would continue free attendance on the widows and families of men who had fallen.

The evening ended with what was described as one of the best concerts given in Featherstone.

The above photos of the invitation to attend are from the Dr J Gatecliff Collection, and the photos below of one of the watches are from the Tony Lumb Collection.

A CHRISTMAS EVE ACCIDENT

An inquest was held at the Pontefract Dispensary on Arthur Knight aged 49 of Carlton Street. Friend Ward of North Featherstone Lane said Knight called at his house on Christmas Eve and then left to go to the Royal Oak Inn at Glass Houghton. He left some time later to join him. They left the inn at nearly 10pm to catch a tram to Pontefract Park gates and then began to walk home along Park Side.

When they got to the Girls' High School Knight said his legs were failing him and he had great difficulty helping him along. When they were near Featherstone a car came towards them and he pulled Knight on to the grass. As the car drew level Knight overbalanced and fell head first towards the car. Knight and the car ended up in the ditch. Another car came along and Knight was taken to the dispensary.

Dr Poole, medical officer at the dispensary, said Knight had a fractured skull and other fractures and he was dying when he was brought in. He died about an hour later. Colin Bateman of Pontefract, the driver, said he was travelling at about 12 mph. He saw the man standing on the grass and had no idea he would make the move he did. The jury decided it was accidental death and there was no blame attached to the driver.

1919 NEWS ITEMS

Bullock's getting back to peacetime running.

JANUARY The Featherstone Main Colliery Club Cigarette Fund and the Featherstone and Purston Shirt and Sock Fund continued to received letters from soldiers still in France and Germany thanking them for parcels they had received.

The council welcomed back the clerk, Mr J A Haigh, after his recovery from illness and thanked all those who had helped during his absence.

Sam Allen, a pony driver at Ackton Hall Colliery, was summonsed for taking matches down the pit. Harry Craven, a deputy, said he found two matches in Allen's waistcoat. Allen said he put his father's waistcoat on and searched the pockets but he found no matches. They could have been under his handkerchief. Mr W E Clayton-Smith said the colliery was bound to prosecute but asked for only a small fine. Allen was fined 5s plus 15s 6d costs.
A similar case was held against William Holyhead with evidence by deputy Arthur McLaren. The fine and costs were 17s 6d.

   Elizabeth Trickett aged eight of Granville Street went downstairs in the morning with a younger sibling. The fire had been lit but was guarded. The children lit some paper and Elizabeth's nightdress caught fire. Her screams brought her father, George, down but she was badly burned before the flames were put out. Dr Thomas attended but she died the next day.

An inquest was held on Alfred Nutter aged 77 of Featherstone Square. He had worked at Ackton Hall Colliery for 30 years and was on the screens when he fell ill and died when he was being taken to the ambulance room. Dr Steven said the cause of death was hypertrophy of the heart and the jury decided it was natural causes.

A clinic was opened at North Featherstone Lane School to give treatment to all school children in the district for minor complaints of the eye, ear, sores etc. A school nurse would be in attendance every day and Dr Fleming would attend once a week.

Featherstone Rovers decided to resume playing after being shut down for a while because of lack of interest in wartime and lack of players.

M Bandon had been a Belgian refugee staying at The Haven in Little Lane before moving to Durham. Before he left for his home in Belgium he wrote to Mr Darlington saying "I am very sorry because I cannot come to Featherstone to say a goodbye to you all. My family are very grateful and thank you and the people of Featherstone for what you have done for us. Will you say goodbye to all the people for me? I thank you and all the ladies and gentlemen of the committee".

Three young Featherstone lads called Briggs, Spencer and Barnsley pleaded guilty in court to stealing five leather purses, 30 collar studs, and ten whistles from Amos Todd of Station Lane. Mr Todd said he locked his shop at one o'clock and on his return he found articles thrown about and the scullery window smashed.
PC Tyson said he saw Briggs and Spencer and he found a purse on Briggs. Spencer told him where he had hidden some articles and he found them. Later Barnsley told him where some items were hidden and he recovered four purses.
Supt Aykroyd said there were previous convictions against Briggs for stealing eggs and he had been put on probation for three years. The Magistrates sent Briggs to a reformatory and put Spencer and Barnsley on probation for three years. The parents were ordered to pay the costs.

FEBRUARY Harry Jackson was walking home with friends when he slipped down a step opposite Purston Police Station. A companion also fell across Harry Jackson's leg and it was broken in two places. First aid was given by George Mottram the Ackton Hall Colliery ambulance room attendant and Mr Jackson was taken home. He was said to be making favourable progress.

Isaac Haywood had been running the Featherstone Main Colliery Working Men's Club cigarette scheme for the Forces for three and a half years. The first collection was made on 3 October 1915 and altogether he had collected £236 15s and sent out 6,160 parcels of cigarettes and tobacco to 435 soldiers.

Susie Massey charged her husband George with desertion. She said she had had an unhappy life since their marriage in December 1916 because of his mother interfering. Her husband had joined the Army in April 1918 and was now demobilised. He told her he did not intend living with her any more. She denied an allegation as to her conduct with another man. The case was adjourned for a week and he had to pay £2 to his wife. Harry Smallwood, the police court missioner, was to see the couple One week later the court was told they were reconciled and living together so the case was dropped.

Harriet Williams was in court for being drunk at Tanshelf Station. The police said she was almost carried to the police station. She admitted having a drop to drink and said she interfered in a quarrel between two women and one of them set on her. She appeared in court with two black eyes and said her Featherstone husband was in the Army in Egypt and was expected home any day. She was fined 10s.

The Featherstone and Purston Voluntary Aid Detachment held a whist drive and dance in the Lister Hall in aid of the Red Cross Society's memorial for nurses who died in the Great War. The effort raised £22 for the fund.

George Whitehead, landlord of the Featherstone Hotel, was charged with allowing drinking after hours. Inspector Hall said he visited the hotel at 3.0pm and found Arthur Hartley of Featherstone and Tom Martin of Glass Houghton with a drink. Mr Whitehead said no drink had been served after 2.30pm. He had been tenant for about three years and had never been reported before. He was fined 40s and Hartley and Martin 10s each.

MARCH James Horne, a Featherstone miner, was charged with obtaining money by false pretences by altering the motty of a fellow miner, Patrick Kelly of Pontefract. Horne pleaded guilty and Inspector Battye reported five previous convictions. He was fined £4 including costs and the chairman said it was a dastardly, contemptible offence to rob a fellow worker in that way.

An inquest was held in the Gospel Hall on George Cranswick aged eleven of Post Office Road. He had a pain in his head on a Sunday and on Monday afternoon Dr Finch was sent for but he died before the doctor arrived. The post mortem showed death was from lobar pneumonia accelerated by partial inefficiency of the heart, and the inquest decided it was natural causes.

Another inquest was held at the Spread Eagle Hotel, Wragby. on William Groves, a tailor in Station Lane, who was found dead in Nostell Dam. The deceased left home perfectly cheerful and said he was going for his usual walk to Owlet Hall. His body was found floating in the dam and the policemen who recovered the body said the deceased was grasping his walking stick in his left hand. The coroner said death was due to drowning but there was no evidence to show how the man got into the water.

Abraham Bullock of Featherstone was charged with driving an improperly-lighted motor charabanc in Pontefract at 8.30pm and driving without a licence. Mr Bullock said he was relieving a driver and the light was in when he set off. The bad setts at Ropergate End must have jolted the light out ( was it an acetylene lamp?). He was fined 10s for driving without a light and the costs of 5s 6d for driving without a licence.

George Senior, a discharged soldier, was charged with deserting his wife Gertrude. She said they married in 1907 and had three children. There was trouble regarding his association with other women and he never allowed her sufficient money. He had never found a home and they had always lived in lodgings. When he left the Army he came home and took his clothes and said he thought more of the other woman in Birmingham and he was going back there. The Bench granted a separation order with 25s weekly, the wife to have custody of the children.

The St Peter's Mission Church congregation wanted a new church. They had discussed various schemes and plans had been drawn up by Mr W H Fearnley. The Express commented the cost of £4,000 was a tall proposition for such a small body of people.

Laura Highway who lived in Leeds Terrace charged her husband Thomas with persistent cruelty. They were married in 1914 and had three children with a fourth expected. She said all her married life had been unhappy because he did not give her money and ill-treated her, and the children had never been properly fed or clothed. Last Sunday night he seized her by the throat and told her to take her hook. She was now living with a neighbour with her baby and the other children were with her mother.
The husband denied everything and said he told her if she was not satisfied she could go somewhere else. The case was adjourned and he was told to give his wife 25s a week out of his average earnings of £4. At the resumed hearing it was said they were reconciled and living together so the case was dropped.

APRIL Featherstone Main Colliery Athletic Club applied for an ejectment order against Joseph Wood the former steward. The house was wanted for Wood's successor and he had been given three months to find another home. The Bench declined to give an order but the report did not give a reason.

Dennis Hill, a Purston miner, was charged with failing to set props properly as required by the Coal Mines Act. John Wells McTrusty, manager of Ackton Hall Colliery, said he was going round with an inspector of mines and found Hill had set sprags not properly in position and not offering any support at all. He said most accidents were due to negligence, and it was the habit of the men to slip sprags in when they heard officials about. The Bench imposed a fine of 40s.
At another hearing George Clarke of North Featherstone was fined 40s for a similar offence.

The council fixed a rate of 2s 1d and Cr Maxwell said it was particularly satisfactory they could keep it the same when almost every council in the West Riding were putting up the rates. The council also had a reserve of £4,000 to meet the cost of works held up by the war.

The Council election results were:
Purston Ward - Thomas Ryan (Labour) 278, John Norton 127
South Ward - George Johnson (Independent Labour) 353, Ben Dakin (Labour) 131. Thomas Leadbeater 206.
The other wards were unopposed.
At the council meeting after the elections Cr Maxwell proposed Cr Holiday for chairman and said in view of the fact he had been chairman throughout the war there should be no other proposition. Cr Poppleton seconded adding it was only right Cr Holiday should be chairman in what would be the peace year.
Cr Evans proposed Cr Murphy. He agreed with all that had been said about Cr Holiday but he did not believe in monopolies and he thought Labour had a right to be in the chair. There was no seconder so Cr Holiday continued as chairman.
Cr Holiday expressed his appreciation of the honour and said it would be his 11th year as chairman. He said there was no monopoly because the council had the matter in their own hands. There had been remarkable harmony in the past and no signs of any party feeling. They had a very important year in front of them and he appealed for their united support.

An inquest was held in the Gospel Hall on Cecil Senior of Hall Street, Purston, who was killed at Ackton Hall Colliery by a fall of roof. The verdict was death by misadventure and the Express commented the deceased was of a studious turn and was studying for examinations with a view of qualifying for a responsible post in mining.

MAY There was an outbreak of smallpox in Pontefract and Featherstone and three Featherstone people were taken to hospital at Glass Houghton. Dr Finch and Mr J Sagar, sanitary inspector, were doing everything possible to contain the outbreak under the supervision of Dr Arnold. The council later gave thanks to nurses Hutchinson and Endra for exceptional services in connection with the outbreak.

The Featherstone food control committee gave notice that the divisional food commissioner had fixed the maximum retail price of milk at 7d per quart for the month of May on the understanding two deliveries were given daily.

Twenty houses in Featherstone, the property of the Mayor of Pontefract, were offered for sale at the Featherstone Hotel. There was no bid for 14 houses in Chapel Street and only one low bid for six in Market Street so they were withdrawn.

JUNE An inquest was held at Pontefract on Samuel Bearns aged two of Moor Road. His mother Emily said she left him in his cot asleep and went to Dr Finch's for medicine. She returned 20 minutes later she found his shirt and singlet on fire. By reaching out of his cot he got a box of matches and struck one and set his clothing on fire. He was taken to Pontefract Dispensary and died the next day. The verdict was death by misadventure.

Another inquest was held at the Gospel Hall on Albert Edward Barker aged 14, a pony driver at Ackton Hall Colliery who lived in Station Lane. He was in charge of a pony pulling eight tubs and he was found underneath the first tub which was derailed. He was got out unconscious and died shortly later. It was assumed he had fallen in front of the first tub and the coroner said it was death by misadventure.

   The council was considering sites for a recreation ground and the clerk was instructed to ask the price of the Featherstone Main Colliery cricket ground and adjoining land.
The council criticised the county council for not providing enough sanatorium places for tuberculosis patients and said there were thousands of huts the Army wanted to dispose of which could provide temporary accommodation.

Fred Hatfield of Pontefract and William Dyas of Featherstone were in court accused of throwing a lamp about in Ackton Hall Colliery. It was said they were in the underground stables and there was a hole in the wall between two horse stalls and a driver called Charney placed his lamp in the hole while he was waiting.
Dyas picked up some loose chop (horse feed) and threw it at Hatfield, who picked up the lamp and threw it at Dyas. Dyas picked it up and would have thrown it back but he was restrained. It was said there could have been serious consequences, and they were fined 20s each including costs.

Eight Featherstone boys were charged with damaging growing grass. Thomas Braithwaite, a farm bailiff, estimated the damage at 3d each. They were all fined 10s. Two more were fined 7s 6d for damaging grass belonging to Featherstone Main Colliery estimated at 6d each.

The three men involved in the rescue of a buried miner last year received money and a certificate from the Carnegie Hero Trust Fund. Fred Holdway (deputy) received £20, and George Laver (undermanager) and Thomas Harper (miner) received £15 each.

From a large number of applicants for the post of headmaster at George Street Boys' School Mr J P Watson was chosen. He was a teacher at North Featherstone Lane Senior Mixed School. The vacancy was because of the retirement of Tinley Simpson.

Frank Longmore of Featherstone was charged with stealing a bicycle valued at £3 10s the property of William Longbottom of Freeman's Buildings, his step-brother. Longbottom said when he returned home from work he was told Longmore had borrowed his bicycle. He did not see him again for three weeks and he was told by Longmore he had sold the bicycle. Longbottom said he had previously offered to sell it to Longmore for £3.
William Wood of Cutsyke said he was offered the bicycle for £2 2s and he paid 38s for it. It was recovered by PC Laver. Supt Aykroyd said Longmore had a job at Featherstone Main Colliery but had not been seen in Featherstone from 24 May to 14 June. On promising to reform and work regularly Longmore was fined £5.

Miss Ethel Maxwell, a member of the local Voluntary Aid Detachment was awarded the highest honour a VAD nurse could obtain, the Royal Red Cross. She was a member of the VAD before the war and enlisted for foreign service in September 1915. She served in Egypt, Gaza and Palestine and obtained two efficiency stripes and honours for proficiency.

JULY Bullock and Sons began overnight trips to the seaside.

Bullock's charabanc trip to Scarborough. A photo from the John Lambert Collection.

Arthur Wynn of Halton Street was charged with stealing a bicycle valued at £4 the property of Ernest Taylor of Stanley Street. Mr Taylor said he left the bicycle outside the North Featherstone Working Men's Club while he went inside. When he returned it was gone. PS Munn said he saw Mr Wynn who gave evasive answers and denials but eventually produced the bicycle. It had been taken to pieces and hidden all over the house. Mr Wynn told him he was drunk when he took it and was too frightened to take it back.

Mr Wynn told the court he knew nothing about taking the bicycle until next morning and he was too ashamed to return it. Supt Aykroyd commented he was not too ashamed to take it to pieces to prevent identification. A fine of £3 was imposed.

After the peace treaty with Germany was signed all the churches and chapels held thanksgiving services. The council and over 100 member of the Discharged Sailors' and Soldiers' Association attended at Purston Church. The vicar, Revd H S Rogers, said the nations warmest thanks were due to the Premier who had discharged magnificently one of the most difficult duties entrusted to a statesman. It was customary to give honours to generals after victory, and if ever a man deserved this recognition it was Mr Lloyd George.
He then moved on to soldiers pensions and said they were a disgrace to the country. There was a man in church who had lost both legs in the war and he was only given 27s a week and he had to pay 21s for his board and lodgings.

The council and headteachers decided the peace celebrations would include a tea for all the schoolchildren and they would all receive a medal and there would be sports and dancing at Warren House Farm. On another occasion the discharged soldiers, widows and dependents of the fallen and old age pensioners would be entertained.

Marian Taylor of Purston was charged with assaulting a little boy, Frances Wilkes, by throwing a shovelful of sludge over him. His mother, Annie Wilkes, said she went to Mrs Taylor and asked why she did it but she slammed the door in her face. An eleven year old boy called Bell said he saw the sludge thrown and it spoiled the little boy's best suit.
Mrs Taylor said it was a complete accident. Some boys had slopped sods with water and put them on her doorstep and as she was clearing them away with a shovel the little boy ran round the corner and some of it struck him on the hand and shoulder. The charge was dismissed.

John William Ingram, a Featherstone butcher, was charged with recklessly driving a motor-cycle. Lieut. Butler and Sergeant-Major Girder of Pontefract Barracks said a party of soldiers were returning to the barracks when Ingram ran into one of the bandsmen and injured him. The lieutenant said Ingram was travelling at about 25 mph and should not have attempted to pass the troops because there were children about.
John Ingram said he was in second gear and would not be going more than eight mph. He was sounding his horn all the way but the band was playing. A child stepped off the footpath and in swerving to miss him he ran into a bandsman. The Bench fined him £2.

Able-Seaman Hirst of Ivy Street was in Estonia and went for a picnic with his shipmates. He decided to go for a swim but got into difficulties. They tried to get him out but in his struggles he threw them off and sank. The men dived and got him out and tried artificial respiration for four hours before they gave up. The ship's company held a memorial service and sang Lead Kindly Light and Abide With Me, and the next day he was buried.

AUGUST Edmund Williams of Featherstone was charged with stealing clothing from Pontefract Barracks. Sergeant Ernest Poole said he saw Williams inside the barracks wearing a greatcoat and carrying a pair of riding breeches in a parcel.
Williams said he was given the clothing when he went to enlist but he changed his mind. he said he had previously enlisted when he was 16 and was in France before he was 17. He had served four years and had a good character.
The chairman said but for his army service the penalty would have been severe. As it was he would have to pay 26s.

Miss Lee, the health visitor, went to Rotherham on the train taking her dog with her. When it was time to return the dog was missing and she had to leave without it. Two days later it turned up having walked home. A chauffeur saw in hobbling when it was nearly home, and recognising it, stopped to put it in the car but it refused and carried on its journey.

An inquest was held at the Gospel Hall into the death of Amy Dutton aged three of Dickinson Terrace who was killed at the Church Fields level crossing. Thomas McDonald of Arundel Street said he saw her hit by the train and carried a short distance and then dropped. He ran to the girl and found her dead. There were two other children with her who she was following and one of them beckoned to her but whether the signal was to come on or go back he could not say.
James Rhodes of Normanton, the engine driver, said he saw the three children and sounded his whistle. He was travelling at about 30 mph. The jury decided it was death by misadventure and requested the foreman to bring it to the attention of the council and ask them to press for a subway.

Mr A Alexander, a member of the much esteemed Featherstone family, was appointed headmaster of Purston National School to replace Mr H Cooper who had died.

A train guard noticed a body near the lines close to the Halfpenny Lane crossing. It turned out to be Nicholas Snell aged 48 of London but formerly of Featherstone. Linda Jane Snell, his widow, said he left home to find work. He was in good health and cheerful when he left home.
Dr Steven said the man had been dead for about six hours when found and his most serious injury was a broken neck. He did not think he had been hit by a train and in his opinion he had jumped from a goods train The jury decided the fractured neck was the cause of death and there was no evidence as to how it was caused.

SEPTEMBER Mary Hardstaff charged Polly Johnson (mother) and Polly Johnson (daughter) with assault. She said they were arguing and they both set about her. The mother blacked her eye and the daughter knocked her down and kicked her. Conflicting evidence was given by four witnesses and the Bench dismissed the charge against the daughter and fined the mother 21s.

After the recent death at the Church Fields level crossing the council were unanimously in favour of a subway but thought they would get little satisfaction from the company. It was agreed to ask the Board of Trade to receive a deputation and ask Fred Hall MP to accompany them.
Cr Garritty was in favour of holding a demonstration at the crossing and holding up the trains. Cr Darlington said it was a very dangerous thing to do. The engine driver after sounding his whistle would be entitled to keep going.

Pheobe Jones summonsed her husband for maintenance arrears. He had been ordered to pay her £1 a week and he owed £12. He said he wasn't going to pay anything; he was going down. His wife said you won't tire me; I will come again. The Bench sent him to prison for two months.

At the annual meeting of the gas company it was said because of the increase in the price of coal the price of their gas would have to be increased from 5s to 5s 6d per 1,000 cubic feet from next quarter. The pre-war price was 3s 6d.

There was a nine days national rail strike. The Express commented the first train came to Featherstone after five days. The gates were operated by the stationmaster and a policeman. The train was only the engine and guard's van and there was a soldier on the footplate.
Coal was being stacked at Featherstone Main Colliery, and at Ackton Hall Colliery the Warren House Seam was working normally, but the Silkstone and Haigh Moor Seams were working alternate days.

OCTOBER A meeting was held at the Travellers' Hotel to start a new cricket club to replace the Featherstone Main Colliery Club. Mr Holiday presided and he said he would do all he could to help a club for amateurs, not connected with any colliery, but run as a town's club. and with due regard to the fostering of the game among the younger cricketers. He recognised a colliery company, as large employers of labour, had a duty to their workers in the support of clean sport, and he would be glad to do all he could to make a town's cricket club a success.

Mr Darlington pointed out some of the pitfalls to be avoided, but also express himself heartily in favour of the project. The meeting decided to form a club and if possible secure the old Featherstone Main Colliery ground. Mr Holiday was elected president.

Messrs J Bullock and Sons Ltd were sued by John Chippendale of Guisley for £4 damages to his bicycle. It was said he was turning a blind corner and was run into by a charabanc driven by Abraham Bullock which was on the wrong side of the road. He was not injured but his bicycle was damaged.

Abraham Bullock said he was driving slowly to pass some pigs when one of them ran in front of him and he had to pull to his wrong side to avoid killing it. The cyclist suddenly turned the corner and a collision was inevitable, Joe Hobson, the conductor, said they were only doing four miles an hour and stopped within a yard.

His Honour Judge Turner said the driver had not acted negligently and the cyclist should have been more careful in rounding a blind corner. The claim was dismissed.

NOVEMBER Jack Harris, owner of the Hippodrome was summonsed for a breach of the Cinematography Act. Inspector Bell found an exit door locked. Mr Harris said it was to stop strangers going to the ladies' lavatory, and to keep children out. He said there were seven other exits. The chairman said if a marked exit was locked and there was a fire there might be serious consequences. He was fined 20s.

The 3,800 peace medals to be presented to the school children were now available. Mr Holiday presented a medal made of bronze to the members of the peace committee and officials together with a personal letter of thanks for the help they gave him as chairman of the committee.

Alfred Caley of Featherstone summonsed Fred Sidebottom for assault. He said he went into a Wakefield shop and bought some plums in a returnable basket. When he returned the basket the next week Walter Sidebottom, the manager, refused to give him the 3s saying it was not their basket and Caley was trying to twist him out of 3s. Caley then asked to see the person who sold him the plums but Sidebottom ordered him out of the shop.

Then Fred Sidebottom came in and after an argument struck him in the face blacking his eye. Fred Sidebottom admitted striking Caley but said it was under great provocation and threats. He was fined £1 and £4 9s costs.

A meeting was held in Regent Street School by the newly formed Featherstone and Purston Cricket Club. Mr Holiday reviewed progress and said it was the general feeling the club should not be connected with any colliery but should be a town's club run on amateur lines. It was also hoped to have a bowling green and tennis courts. He was glad to be able to report there was every chance of the old Featherstone Main Colliery Athletic Club's ground being procured, thus they would start with the enormous advantage of having a fine ground.
The initial expense would be great and an approximate sum required to put the club on a good foundation was £300. A whist drive and dance was arranged and Featherstone Rovers had promised to play a benefit match. This was showing the spirit of good sport and if employers and workmen pulled together they ought to make the club go well. A team would be entered into the Wakefield and District League.

Fred Edlington, a screenlad, was charged with stealing coal from the Ackton Hall Colliery dirt tip. PC Cawthorne said the defendant put the coal into a kitbag and when he saw him he ran away. When charged he said "We had no coal, and was forced to get some from somewhere".

Charles Pashley said there were 42lbs in the bag value 6d. The charge was brought in the interest of the defendant himself. The heap was close on 100 feet high, and it was very dangerous for anyone to pick coal on it. Mr Guy Clayton-Smith said the company had spent nearly £100 in fencing to keep people away.
A fine of 23s 6d was imposed including costs. Mr Pashley said he would forego his costs so the fine could be reduced.

DECEMBER There was no longer a need for the pupils of North Featherstone Lane Junior Mixed School to send parcels to the Forces so they decided to collect funds for a memorial to past pupils who died fighting, and if possible collect the names of all past scholars who enlisted. A large and varied collection of items was put together and put on sale in the school on a Saturday afternoon and £42 was raised to start the fund.

The education sub-committee passed a vote of sympathy with Mrs Higgins and family on their sad loss of Mr A Higgins who had been a member of the committee since it was first formed, and also a member of the local School Board which preceded the committee.

Mr and Mrs A E England of Woodland View, Purston, left their house one afternoon and then Mr England returned for his umbrella. When they returned in the evening they found the door unlocked and the house had been burgled. They found the house greatly upset with belongings thrown everywhere. The main items taken were a coat and a purse. Mr England said he couldn't remember locking the door after he returned for his umbrella, but said the thief would get little satisfaction from the purse because it only contained foreign coins he had collected as curios.