A HISTORY OF FEATHERSTONE
1903
MR DURNFORD SAYS GOODBYE
Hubert St John Durnford was the eighth son of the Lower Master of Eton where he received his education and his uncle was Bishop of Chichester. It seems an unlikely beginning for an Ackton Hall Colliery manager but he progressed there
via a number of collieries in the Barnsley and Rotherham area. He came
to Featherstone in 1894 and lived at Ackton Lodge until he left to join a
firm of mining consultants.
When in February it became know he was leaving he was presented with a silver mounted Malacca cane by the members of the miners' Accident Fund, but the main presentation took place four weeks later in Regent Street School.
About 250 miners and officials were gathered and the presents were on view for the contributors to see. James Wroe, ex-undermanager, acted as chairman and he opened the proceedings by saying during Mr Durnford's nine years he had worked in harmony with the men, and by his fairness, uprightness, and gentlemanly bearing had earned their respect. He had also done all he could to raise the moral tone of the place, and to whatever object he had lent his aid, either in the cause of charity, or anything else, success was assured. Mrs Durnford had ably seconded him in all his works and had thus endeared herself to her neighbours.
Alfred Holiday, Lord Masham's agent, explained in promoting the testimonial the higher officials had taken no part and made no suggestions, so everyone must feel the workmen had acted spontaneously. Mr Holiday said there had not been one jarring word between them in the nine years and he made it clear he did not wish Mr Durnford to leave, but he hoped in his new undertaking he would be blessed with abundant success.
When in February it became know he was leaving he was presented with a silver mounted Malacca cane by the members of the miners' Accident Fund, but the main presentation took place four weeks later in Regent Street School.
About 250 miners and officials were gathered and the presents were on view for the contributors to see. James Wroe, ex-undermanager, acted as chairman and he opened the proceedings by saying during Mr Durnford's nine years he had worked in harmony with the men, and by his fairness, uprightness, and gentlemanly bearing had earned their respect. He had also done all he could to raise the moral tone of the place, and to whatever object he had lent his aid, either in the cause of charity, or anything else, success was assured. Mrs Durnford had ably seconded him in all his works and had thus endeared herself to her neighbours.
Alfred Holiday, Lord Masham's agent, explained in promoting the testimonial the higher officials had taken no part and made no suggestions, so everyone must feel the workmen had acted spontaneously. Mr Holiday said there had not been one jarring word between them in the nine years and he made it clear he did not wish Mr Durnford to leave, but he hoped in his new undertaking he would be blessed with abundant success.
He then presented Mr Durnford with an inscribed gold chronometer and
said there was also a surveyor's dial but it had not yet been received
from the makers. Mrs Durnford was given a necklace made of 177 pearls
and three diamonds.
Mr Durnford feelingly acknowledged the gifts and spoke of the great
harmony in which he and Mr Holiday had worked. He said the colliery was
not one of the most successful as there were physical difficulties which
could not be overcome, and he asked them all to give their support to
Mr Barraclough, the new manager, and Mr Holiday in this big undertaking.
Mrs Durnford said she had made many friends in Featherstone and had been very happy there. She had not expected to be thought of in connection with her husband but she thanked the donors very much for her handsome present.
John Murphy, for the workmen, said there was always a risk about a change of management, but if the new proved as good as the old the miners would be highly satisfied.
There was a presentation from the colliery fire brigade of a large framed photograph, and the cricket club gave a set of ivory drawing scales. The cricket club also presented Mrs Durnford with an umbrella in recognition of the great interest she had always taken in the club.
The final item was an illuminated address from the 1,000 or so who had subscribed to the main presents, expressing regret at his leaving and giving good wishes for the future.
Mrs Durnford said she had made many friends in Featherstone and had been very happy there. She had not expected to be thought of in connection with her husband but she thanked the donors very much for her handsome present.
John Murphy, for the workmen, said there was always a risk about a change of management, but if the new proved as good as the old the miners would be highly satisfied.
There was a presentation from the colliery fire brigade of a large framed photograph, and the cricket club gave a set of ivory drawing scales. The cricket club also presented Mrs Durnford with an umbrella in recognition of the great interest she had always taken in the club.
The final item was an illuminated address from the 1,000 or so who had subscribed to the main presents, expressing regret at his leaving and giving good wishes for the future.
Mr
Barraclough was then introduced to the company. He said he had known Mr
Durnford for 20 years and owed much of his success to him. He had spent
five of his happiest years in Featherstone and he would do his duty
fairly and honestly. He hoped he would be received with good feeling on
the part of the men. He came there simply to earn his bread in an
honourable way.
The Express commented: It is a rare thing to find that a man who has occupied the responsible and oft-times difficult post that Mr Hubert St John Durnford JP of Featherstone has filled for the last nine years at Lord Masham's colliery, vacating his position with such hearty goodwill forcibly demonstrated as the gathering in the Regent Street Board School on Saturday last clearly evidences. We know not whether Mr and Mrs Durnford will carry away with them from Featherstone any unpleasant memories, but we feel confident of this, that they will long cherish grateful recollections of the gathering referred to and of the most hearty God-speed given to them on the occasion.
The Express commented: It is a rare thing to find that a man who has occupied the responsible and oft-times difficult post that Mr Hubert St John Durnford JP of Featherstone has filled for the last nine years at Lord Masham's colliery, vacating his position with such hearty goodwill forcibly demonstrated as the gathering in the Regent Street Board School on Saturday last clearly evidences. We know not whether Mr and Mrs Durnford will carry away with them from Featherstone any unpleasant memories, but we feel confident of this, that they will long cherish grateful recollections of the gathering referred to and of the most hearty God-speed given to them on the occasion.
MR BARRACLOUGH MAKES HIS MARK
The good wishes from Mr Durnford and the hopes from Mr Barraclough
lasted just four weeks. It was all about bord or end working. A coal
seam has a grain similar to wood. If a collier worked with the grain
across him (on bord) it was easier to pull lumps off with his pick. If
he worked with the grain facing him (on end) it was more difficult. The
buyers of coal for steam engines preferred coal got on end because it
produced squarer lumps whereas bord coal tended to be slabs.
It
all harked back to the row in 1897 about bord or end working when the
men had to give way after a long strike. They had to agree to a six
months trial of end working. No firm agreement was made at the end of
the six months but the management considered the experiment would
continue. However, Mr Durnford wasn't against turning a blind eye on
occasions to bord working and when it became known he was leaving more
and more colliers changed their working method. It couldn't last, and
when Mr Barraclough took over he insisted the men return to end working.
The men held a mass meeting and decided to ignore the instruction. The
manager said he would allow them to clean up any coal obtained by the
bord method but they must then return to end working. The colliers
refused to change and they brought their tools out of the pit and were
effectively on strike.
In a short time 140 of them were refusing to work, but there was no
right to strike without notice. If a workman wanted to leave he had to
give 14 days notice or be liable to his employer for damages. Ackton
Hall Colliery decided to bring matters to a head by suing every striking
miner for 5s damages with the result 114 of them turned up at
Pontefract Court on the same Saturday together with a lot more
supporters.
It was decided to take just four cases in the hope they would fix
liability if any for the others. The unlucky four were Eli Marsden,
Sidney Luckman, Alfred Haigh and Albert Haigh. At first it was attempted
to limit the number of persons in court but there was such a commotion
it was decided to leave the courtroom doors open. The courtroom was
crowded as were the rest of the court and the street outside.
Mr Bairstow, for the company, explained the workers must obey the instructions of the managers, and must give 14 days notice before leaving their employment. Practically all the cases before the court were over the refusal to work coal as required by the managers.
William Barker, undermanager, gave evidence the four men refused to work on end and had left their working place. He said under the bord system the men could get the same amount of coal in half the time but it was of less value to the company. The coal got by bord working had to be sold for 2s 6d a ton whereas that got on end fetched 8s a ton. The men earned about 10s a day which he thought was a good day's wage. He admitted the new manager had been a little different to the previous one.
James Poulter, a deputy, confirmed the men had refused an instruction to work on end, but he admitted when he was a collier he had worked the bord method when he could get away with it.
Mr Bairstow, for the company, explained the workers must obey the instructions of the managers, and must give 14 days notice before leaving their employment. Practically all the cases before the court were over the refusal to work coal as required by the managers.
William Barker, undermanager, gave evidence the four men refused to work on end and had left their working place. He said under the bord system the men could get the same amount of coal in half the time but it was of less value to the company. The coal got by bord working had to be sold for 2s 6d a ton whereas that got on end fetched 8s a ton. The men earned about 10s a day which he thought was a good day's wage. He admitted the new manager had been a little different to the previous one.
James Poulter, a deputy, confirmed the men had refused an instruction to work on end, but he admitted when he was a collier he had worked the bord method when he could get away with it.
Another deputy, Harry Ellam, said in his district
the men worked on end, and Charles Pashley, a cost clerk, said in that
district the men earned 10s 8d a day which was more than the average.
The loss to the company by the men's absence was 5s 6d each day.
Alfred Holiday, the agent, gave details of the 1897 agreement and said
the men had no right to say where there should be bord places, and they
could earn as much money on end but the work was harder. The men had
abused the privilege granted them by Mr Durnford so outrageously the
management wouldn't have it.
Hubert St John Durnford had been subpoenaed (forced) to appear for the defence. He said he was a party to the 1897 agreement and it had lapsed after six months. The men would have to work harder on end work and there had been a constant struggle about bord work. No man living could produce half as much under the new system as compared with the old.
Robert Corfield, a collier, said the agreement had never been carried out and he had never worked any other way then the way complained of. Working by the method required would reduce his wages by half. Thirteen other miners gave similar evidence after which there was a discussion about calling further witnesses because Mr Willey said he was going to call all 114 defendants.
Hubert St John Durnford had been subpoenaed (forced) to appear for the defence. He said he was a party to the 1897 agreement and it had lapsed after six months. The men would have to work harder on end work and there had been a constant struggle about bord work. No man living could produce half as much under the new system as compared with the old.
Robert Corfield, a collier, said the agreement had never been carried out and he had never worked any other way then the way complained of. Working by the method required would reduce his wages by half. Thirteen other miners gave similar evidence after which there was a discussion about calling further witnesses because Mr Willey said he was going to call all 114 defendants.
However, he was prevailed upon to leave it there and the Bench retired to consider their verdict. They returned at 8.35pm and said they had come to the conclusion all four defendants had
broken their contract and an order would be made for payment of the 5s plus costs. The remaining cases would be adjourned. If in the
meantime the parties could sort it out without the intervention of the
court the justices would be very glad.
But they couldn't agree and two weeks later they were all back in court. Mr Holiday
said it was only after Mr Durnford left Ackton Hall Colliery he had
investigated as to why the coal was getting so desperately bad and
losing its character in the market. Even so, after the court case he had
offered to let the men work without signing an agreement if they would pay 2s 6d each, the cost of the summons. But they had refused, considering it would be an acknowledgement they were in the wrong.
The chairman said even now, at the eleventh hour, some amicable arrangements should be made. Mr Willey pointed out the men bowed to the court's decision a fortnight ago and went back to work. They were prepared even to bury the hatchet now if they were not required to pay the 2s 6d.
The chairman said even now, at the eleventh hour, some amicable arrangements should be made. Mr Willey pointed out the men bowed to the court's decision a fortnight ago and went back to work. They were prepared even to bury the hatchet now if they were not required to pay the 2s 6d.
Mr Baistow said the company were originally prepared to take a test
case in which only one man would absent himself from work. The present
appeal to the generosity of the company was not fitting seeing the
men had brought about the difficulty by stopping work as a body. He had
conceded 5s a day for the 14 days except for one day and if he now
settled the matter without some acknowledgement the men would consider it their victory and the moral effect of the previous court hearing would have been lost.
Mr Willey contended the men had made nearly all the concessions not the employers. The question was not who would
win, but there was a real substantial dispute. He contended the 1897
agreement was for six months only and when the time had lapsed the
agreement had expired. If the owners required an alteration they should
have given the men notice of it, instead of requiring the men to give
them notice. Therefore the order to work on end was not a lawful command. Furthermore the men did not absence themselves from work until ordered to do so by the colliery officials. Concluding, he said he would accept the case of John Garrity as a test case for all the others.
So the whole case was gone through again with the same result. The men were guilty of breaking their contracts and would have to pay damages plus 7s 6d costs.
A few days later Mr Holiday issued a statement. "Though they (the miners) have only themselves and their mistaken councillors to blame for this position, it would none the less be a matter of great regret to me that they should have to bear so heavy a burden, particularly after the loss in wages which they have sustained through absenting themselves from work.
"I have, therefore, instructed the magistrates' clerk that I do not wish the five shillings damages, which belong to the company, or the two shillings and sixpence for the summons which the company have already paid, to be recovered from the men. The remaining five shillings is for the cost of the hearing and over this I have no control.
"The management are only requiring now that the coal shall be got in the manner agreed upon, after full experience of the seam by the men, and upon which the getting price and other conditions are based.
"The management desire to act fairly and reasonably, and look forward with confidence to their being met by the men in a similar spirit. I trust that the action I have taken with regard to the costs will show there was no foundation for things that were said in court in the heat of the argument, and that nothing but good feeling and a general determination to act harmoniously for the common good will now prevail."
"I have, therefore, instructed the magistrates' clerk that I do not wish the five shillings damages, which belong to the company, or the two shillings and sixpence for the summons which the company have already paid, to be recovered from the men. The remaining five shillings is for the cost of the hearing and over this I have no control.
"The management are only requiring now that the coal shall be got in the manner agreed upon, after full experience of the seam by the men, and upon which the getting price and other conditions are based.
"The management desire to act fairly and reasonably, and look forward with confidence to their being met by the men in a similar spirit. I trust that the action I have taken with regard to the costs will show there was no foundation for things that were said in court in the heat of the argument, and that nothing but good feeling and a general determination to act harmoniously for the common good will now prevail."
In reply the men issued the following. "The
strange feature about it all is we begged for the summons to be
withdrawn but could not succeed, and the Bench also asked for a
settlement to be arrived at while the case was on for hearing last
Saturday but without success. Now, after getting a conviction against
the men,
and refusing all our appeals for the whole matter to be dropped, the
company wish to show themselves off as being generous. For upwards of
seven years we have had a pleasant time with the late manager, and we should have liked for it to have continued."
Before May was out the men decided they had had enough of the management's
method of working and voted for a strike by 1,030 votes to 187. The
management said the men had worked the end system ever since the court
case and if they were industrious they could earn as much as they had
done before. The men denied this and it was now up to the Yorkshire Miners'
Association to call a strike. However there was no strike so there must
have been a settlement, but it wasn't made public.
FOUR SACKED - SO ALL OUT
The Ackton Hall Colliery miners were out on strike again in November. When the management had no market
for the coal they called a play day when the men had to stop at home
without pay. It was a rule of the Miners' Association no man would work
on a play day, but on this occasion the management ordered four men to
come to work to do maintenance
work. They refused and were sacked. Their fellow workers held a mass
meeting and when the management refused to re-instate the four the others came out on strike without giving notice, and without consulting the union at Barnsley.
A few men refused to strike, but being subject to abuse from the strikers they became fewer. Two men
who continued working were followed down Station Lane at the end of
their shift by a mob. One man turned into Arundel Street to go to
Nostell View. He was hit on the head by a stone and was attacked by the
mob, having some teeth knocked out before he escaped when his colleague
showed himself to draw the crowd away. Some more working miners
attempted to reach home over the muckstacks but they were attacked as
well.
The Featherstone tradesmen
were persuaded by the striking miners to send a petition to Lord Masham
asking him to intervene in the dispute. Lord Masham replied he had sent the petition to his son the Hon J C Lister who had for some time now been in sole charge of the colliery.
Mr Lister replied to the tradesmen "Strikes are not profitable to anyone and we are as anxious as anyone to avert one as yourselves. There are, however, one or two points on which it is impossible to yield, and if the men's leaders insist on them, the whole thing must take its course, however disastrous to the whole community". More mass meetings were held, but the men stayed out. Some were willing to go to work but were too scared.
The management published some figures which showed the majority of colliers in the Silkstone Seam earned over 16s a shift, and only five earned less than 7s 6d. The men argued the Silkstone Seam was the best paying seam and there was a great difference in the working places.
The Express commented "What will eventually happen is difficult to predict, but it seems inevitable one sequel to the dispute will be heard in the police court. As to the ill-treatment, police proceedings may also result". The management said they were considering summonsing about 1,000 miners for breach of contract, and Inspector Sykes was visiting Featherstone daily in charge of 20 constables but everything was quiet.
One week later Joseph Jones was in court accused of assaulting Thomas White, and Jesse Noble, Mary Ann Morton and Margaret Fearnley were accused of assaulting Charles Parker.
Charles Parker said he was one of the men who continued working. He was returning home when he was met by about 200 demonstrators. He said Jesse Noble was the first to hit him and he fell to the ground. He was then attacked by others and he had two teeth knocked out. Another tooth was broken and he was otherwise injured. If he had not been able to get into a house he would have undoubtedly have been murdered. He said Jesse Noble was the worst of those who assaulted him and the only other person he could recognise was Mary Morton.
Dr Finch confirmed the injuries and Ruth Garbutt said she saw Jesse Noble hit Parker with a stone and then strike Parker with his fist. Thomas Holford, a boy of 12, said he saw Mary Morton throw a stone which hit Parker.
Thomas White said he was leaving work and going through Arundel Street when a man struck him in the mouth and Joseph Jones kicked him twice. He was also hit on the head with a bottle by a woman who he didn't know.
Jesse Noble claimed he went down as far as the Gospel Hall with Fred Dawson and then he went home for his dinner. He was at home when the assault took place. Fred Dawson said he was with Noble and although they followed the working miners down the Lane they went home for their dinner. He said he and Noble were two of the miners who had been sacked for refusing to work on a play day.
Rose Ann Jones and Ada White both said it was a man called Fishy Westwood who struck Parker and not Noble. Margaret Fearnley said she was with Ann Morton and she did not assault anyone. The only person to do anything to Parker was Fishy Westwood.
Mary Ann Morton was described by the Express as quite voluble, and her evidence was "Some neighbours round about said they were going to fetch t'blacksheep home, an I'd never seen a riot, so I said I'd go, an I went an took my baby in my arms as far as confectioner's shop as down come a crowd an some colliers, an they met an some colliers pulled em about, but I never saw Parker, some went down Station Lane, but I never got no further nor war awn street, an they shouted it's Gospel Hall men, give it em. I never saw him until he were scrambling into t'house, I never insulted him in no description. I had a baby nine months old all t'time."
Joseph Jones said the crowd had gone past his house when he saw them. He did not go with the crowd but remained with Noble and Dawson. None of them touched Parker or threw stones at him or White. George Storey and Jeremiah Johnson confirmed Jones's evidence.
The Bench retired to consider the verdicts. On their return the chairman said "We have no doubt these assaults were committed. As to Noble and Jones - it is no good repeating it perhaps, but we are determined to keep order in these cases of disputes and trouble, and we are also determined that where a man exercises the right that every man had to work when he has a mind we shall give him what protection is necessary. It is impossible to drive this home to certain people, all we can do is attempt to drive it home. Noble and Jones will be committed for one calendar month, with hard labour, and Noble will have £1 13s costs to pay, or 14 days further, and Jones 17s 6d costs, or seven days further. In the case of Mrs Morton - we don't like to send a woman to prison, otherwise we think the women were worse then the men, and it is not the first time I have heard that said in trade trouble at Featherstone. However - we don't wish to send a woman to prison - a woman with a family - so she will be fined 40s and costs, or one month.
The witness against Margaret Fearnley failed to turn up and her case had already been adjourned for a week. But then Mr Clayton-Smith said he had just heard the men were to return to work unconditionally on Monday and he was prepared to withdraw the charge against her. The Bench agreed and the summons was withdrawn.
Mr Lister replied to the tradesmen "Strikes are not profitable to anyone and we are as anxious as anyone to avert one as yourselves. There are, however, one or two points on which it is impossible to yield, and if the men's leaders insist on them, the whole thing must take its course, however disastrous to the whole community". More mass meetings were held, but the men stayed out. Some were willing to go to work but were too scared.
The management published some figures which showed the majority of colliers in the Silkstone Seam earned over 16s a shift, and only five earned less than 7s 6d. The men argued the Silkstone Seam was the best paying seam and there was a great difference in the working places.
The Express commented "What will eventually happen is difficult to predict, but it seems inevitable one sequel to the dispute will be heard in the police court. As to the ill-treatment, police proceedings may also result". The management said they were considering summonsing about 1,000 miners for breach of contract, and Inspector Sykes was visiting Featherstone daily in charge of 20 constables but everything was quiet.
One week later Joseph Jones was in court accused of assaulting Thomas White, and Jesse Noble, Mary Ann Morton and Margaret Fearnley were accused of assaulting Charles Parker.
Charles Parker said he was one of the men who continued working. He was returning home when he was met by about 200 demonstrators. He said Jesse Noble was the first to hit him and he fell to the ground. He was then attacked by others and he had two teeth knocked out. Another tooth was broken and he was otherwise injured. If he had not been able to get into a house he would have undoubtedly have been murdered. He said Jesse Noble was the worst of those who assaulted him and the only other person he could recognise was Mary Morton.
Dr Finch confirmed the injuries and Ruth Garbutt said she saw Jesse Noble hit Parker with a stone and then strike Parker with his fist. Thomas Holford, a boy of 12, said he saw Mary Morton throw a stone which hit Parker.
Thomas White said he was leaving work and going through Arundel Street when a man struck him in the mouth and Joseph Jones kicked him twice. He was also hit on the head with a bottle by a woman who he didn't know.
Jesse Noble claimed he went down as far as the Gospel Hall with Fred Dawson and then he went home for his dinner. He was at home when the assault took place. Fred Dawson said he was with Noble and although they followed the working miners down the Lane they went home for their dinner. He said he and Noble were two of the miners who had been sacked for refusing to work on a play day.
Rose Ann Jones and Ada White both said it was a man called Fishy Westwood who struck Parker and not Noble. Margaret Fearnley said she was with Ann Morton and she did not assault anyone. The only person to do anything to Parker was Fishy Westwood.
Mary Ann Morton was described by the Express as quite voluble, and her evidence was "Some neighbours round about said they were going to fetch t'blacksheep home, an I'd never seen a riot, so I said I'd go, an I went an took my baby in my arms as far as confectioner's shop as down come a crowd an some colliers, an they met an some colliers pulled em about, but I never saw Parker, some went down Station Lane, but I never got no further nor war awn street, an they shouted it's Gospel Hall men, give it em. I never saw him until he were scrambling into t'house, I never insulted him in no description. I had a baby nine months old all t'time."
Joseph Jones said the crowd had gone past his house when he saw them. He did not go with the crowd but remained with Noble and Dawson. None of them touched Parker or threw stones at him or White. George Storey and Jeremiah Johnson confirmed Jones's evidence.
The Bench retired to consider the verdicts. On their return the chairman said "We have no doubt these assaults were committed. As to Noble and Jones - it is no good repeating it perhaps, but we are determined to keep order in these cases of disputes and trouble, and we are also determined that where a man exercises the right that every man had to work when he has a mind we shall give him what protection is necessary. It is impossible to drive this home to certain people, all we can do is attempt to drive it home. Noble and Jones will be committed for one calendar month, with hard labour, and Noble will have £1 13s costs to pay, or 14 days further, and Jones 17s 6d costs, or seven days further. In the case of Mrs Morton - we don't like to send a woman to prison, otherwise we think the women were worse then the men, and it is not the first time I have heard that said in trade trouble at Featherstone. However - we don't wish to send a woman to prison - a woman with a family - so she will be fined 40s and costs, or one month.
The witness against Margaret Fearnley failed to turn up and her case had already been adjourned for a week. But then Mr Clayton-Smith said he had just heard the men were to return to work unconditionally on Monday and he was prepared to withdraw the charge against her. The Bench agreed and the summons was withdrawn.
The
Gospel Hall where it was alleged you had to join if you wanted a good
job at Ackton Hall Colliery. A photo from the Featherstone Library
Collection.
On December 5 there were 800 summonses issued by Ackton Hall Colliery at Pontefract Court. Mr Bairstow, for the company, said £3 damages was claimed from each workman for absenting himself from work without giving two weeks notice.
Mr Lowden, for the men, suggested the chairman of the Bench (Mr W F Tempest) could act as arbitrator. The men had so much confidence in him they would cheerfully submit to his decision. Mr Tempest said he would accept this onerous duty if it would prevent further disputes, but everything in dispute must be put very plainly from both sides. Mr Bairstow did not turn this idea down but said there was nothing in dispute but what the chairman and the Bench could settle in their judiciary capacity.
A further suggestion was to take a claim of 6s as being one man's case for one day, but Mr Lowden said he would have to examine the books in respect of each defendant to prove this. He asked if the company were willing to reduce this excessive demand of £3 a man to 6s. He hoped so because they had asked for eight days damages but had only summonsed for one day's absence.
On December 5 there were 800 summonses issued by Ackton Hall Colliery at Pontefract Court. Mr Bairstow, for the company, said £3 damages was claimed from each workman for absenting himself from work without giving two weeks notice.
Mr Lowden, for the men, suggested the chairman of the Bench (Mr W F Tempest) could act as arbitrator. The men had so much confidence in him they would cheerfully submit to his decision. Mr Tempest said he would accept this onerous duty if it would prevent further disputes, but everything in dispute must be put very plainly from both sides. Mr Bairstow did not turn this idea down but said there was nothing in dispute but what the chairman and the Bench could settle in their judiciary capacity.
A further suggestion was to take a claim of 6s as being one man's case for one day, but Mr Lowden said he would have to examine the books in respect of each defendant to prove this. He asked if the company were willing to reduce this excessive demand of £3 a man to 6s. He hoped so because they had asked for eight days damages but had only summonsed for one day's absence.
Mr
Bairstow agreed so Mr Lowden asked for time to consult with his
clients. He returned to say he was prepared to go on with the case
against Tom Dixon as a test case for all 800. The men were prepared to
accept a verdict for 6s if the chairman would act as arbitrator for all
other matters in dispute. The court then decided all 800, apart from a few shown to be incapable of work should pay 6s damages.
Mr Holiday, the agent, issued a long statement of which the following are the main parts. "As I am sure the great majority of the men working at this colliery would not have taken part in the late unfortunate strike if they had not been led astray by a few who make it their business to ferment disputes,
I am wishful to put the whole facts before the men, so they may be able
to form a correct judgement regarding them. After the strike last May I
met a succession of deputations to consider various alleged grievances.
I had given my word that men should not be asked to go down on play days, unless in case of necessity, and this was accepted as satisfactory. Nothing more was heard on the subject, and from that day to this not a single complaint was made to the manager that anyone had been asked to work on play day without necessity.
"Under those circumstances nothing could have been more wanton and
lawless than the conduct of the men. Four men who had left their work
without making their place safe after a shot had been fired, promised
their deputy to come the following day for that purpose. That day and
the one after were play days and the men did not come, the consequences being that their bank (working place) fell in and the ventilation was completely blocked. The two
following days were working days and the four men were occupied
clearing their place. They were specially ordered to come again the
following day which was a play day once more. This they point blank
refused to do and their checks were stopped. It was to support these men
in their lawless conduct that the local mischief makers called all the
men out without notice."
Mr Holiday also pointed out he could not possibly accept the chairman
of the Bench as an arbitrator as he was obliged to submit all disputes
to a joint committee representing the West Yorkshire Coal Owners' Association and the Yorkshire Miners' Association.
At another court hearing in December to deal with some outstanding charges, Mr Lowden asked in the interests of the company as well as the men, prosecutors should not distress for the 6s damages until after Christmas. The miners, owing to the colliery working badly, had very little money. Mr Barker, for the company, said they had not the least intention of being harsh, and would accept the payment in three installments.
A FEATHERSTONE MYSTERY
At
about 6am on the morning of April 29 John Webb, a 48 years old
Featherstone miner, turned up at Thomas Harrison's farm near East
Hardwick and asked to be driven to Pontefract. He was bleeding profusely
from one hand and one arm. On the way to Pontefract he explained he had
been knocked down by a railway engine near the farm.
He was taken to the infirmary but for some reason was not admitted. PC Marshall was in the street and he took them to the house of Dr Osmond, medical officer for the workhouse. He told them to go to the workhouse infirmary and he would follow on.
There he found John Webb had one forearm badly crushed, similar injuries to the other hand, and serious scalp wounds. When the injured man's clothing was searched a bottle of Teasdale's chlorodyne and eight yards of clothes line were found. He was put to bed suffering from shock and loss of blood but unable to say what had happened to him.
From inquiries made later it was found John Webb, who lived with his daughter and son-in-law at 6 Toy Street, had suffered for some years from chronic dyspepsia (hence the chlorodyne) and had been unable to work for about the last six months. He spent a short time in a convalescent home which did him good, but lately he had been very depressed.
He got up that morning at 3am and when asked by his son-in-law where he was going he replied only into the backyard. From that time nothing was heard of him until the police called at 9am.
It was presumed he had gone through Purston, across Ackworth Park and Castlesyke Hill, and down the lane towards East Hardwick. On reaching the bridge over the railway it was supposed he had climbed the parapet and either jumped or fell onto the railway lines. There were boot marks on the parapet and a pool of blood on the lines.
If he did go over the parapet he would have fallen a distance of about 30 feet, but his injuries indicated he had been hit by a train. He then managed to walk hundreds of yards to the home of Mr Harrison.
The next day John Webb's right arm and part of his left hand were amputated and the Express reported he was as cheerful as could be expected in the circumstances.
He was taken to the infirmary but for some reason was not admitted. PC Marshall was in the street and he took them to the house of Dr Osmond, medical officer for the workhouse. He told them to go to the workhouse infirmary and he would follow on.
There he found John Webb had one forearm badly crushed, similar injuries to the other hand, and serious scalp wounds. When the injured man's clothing was searched a bottle of Teasdale's chlorodyne and eight yards of clothes line were found. He was put to bed suffering from shock and loss of blood but unable to say what had happened to him.
From inquiries made later it was found John Webb, who lived with his daughter and son-in-law at 6 Toy Street, had suffered for some years from chronic dyspepsia (hence the chlorodyne) and had been unable to work for about the last six months. He spent a short time in a convalescent home which did him good, but lately he had been very depressed.
He got up that morning at 3am and when asked by his son-in-law where he was going he replied only into the backyard. From that time nothing was heard of him until the police called at 9am.
It was presumed he had gone through Purston, across Ackworth Park and Castlesyke Hill, and down the lane towards East Hardwick. On reaching the bridge over the railway it was supposed he had climbed the parapet and either jumped or fell onto the railway lines. There were boot marks on the parapet and a pool of blood on the lines.
If he did go over the parapet he would have fallen a distance of about 30 feet, but his injuries indicated he had been hit by a train. He then managed to walk hundreds of yards to the home of Mr Harrison.
The next day John Webb's right arm and part of his left hand were amputated and the Express reported he was as cheerful as could be expected in the circumstances.
GIRNHILL (GAS HOUSE) LANE
Girnhill
Lane was originally just a cart track through the fields which, like
all cart tracks, turned to mud in rainy weather. This didn't matter when
only the farmers used it, but when the gas works and houses were put up
the people who used the lane complained to the council. Eventually the council had to do something but the first effort was just a footpath
because of the cost involved in making a road.
The Private Street Works Act of 1892 gave the council the power to have the road made up and charged to the owners of the property it served, and then to be taken over by the council. In January 1901 the council decided it was the turn of Girnhill Lane. Two months later the highways committee recommended making a road, removing obstructions and fixing a building line. It was nearly two years before anything positive was done, and in March the council passed plans for a 30 feet wide road with two causways.
In May the highways committee said there were difficulties with some landowners over making a uniform 30 feet road, so they decided to rescind all previous minutes and start again.
At the next council meeting the council decided to make Girnhill Lane as wide as possible without buying any more land. Notices were sent to the landowners involved and the amended plans were passed in July.
The Private Street Works Act of 1892 gave the council the power to have the road made up and charged to the owners of the property it served, and then to be taken over by the council. In January 1901 the council decided it was the turn of Girnhill Lane. Two months later the highways committee recommended making a road, removing obstructions and fixing a building line. It was nearly two years before anything positive was done, and in March the council passed plans for a 30 feet wide road with two causways.
In May the highways committee said there were difficulties with some landowners over making a uniform 30 feet road, so they decided to rescind all previous minutes and start again.
At the next council meeting the council decided to make Girnhill Lane as wide as possible without buying any more land. Notices were sent to the landowners involved and the amended plans were passed in July.
THE HALFPENNY LANE LEVEL CROSSING
What to do about the railway crossing in Halfpenny Lane cropped up yet again. The Express included the following in its editorial of March 14.
The suggestion that a bridge should be erected over the railway in
Halfpenny Lane for the convenience of foot passengers and vehicular
traffic between Pontefract and Featherstone, is we respectfully submit, a
mistake, and we trust that before anything is done the project will be
fully and most earnestly considered. Let those who favour a bridge
inspect the two subways in the centre of Castleford town and then
estimate, if possible, what expense - in horseflesh alone - what
inconvenience, and what an eyesore Castlefordians have been saved by the
making of subways as compared with bridges.
A few years hence Pontefract and Featherstone will be connected by continuous, or almost continuous, lines of property by way of Halfpenny Lane. A lofty bridge, even if not unsightly, would then be a nuisance and an objectionable thing in many respects, whereas a substantially constructed subway would provide easy gradients, obviate much unpleasantness from passing trains and also leave an unobstructed view.
A few years hence Pontefract and Featherstone will be connected by continuous, or almost continuous, lines of property by way of Halfpenny Lane. A lofty bridge, even if not unsightly, would then be a nuisance and an objectionable thing in many respects, whereas a substantially constructed subway would provide easy gradients, obviate much unpleasantness from passing trains and also leave an unobstructed view.
EDUCATION IN 1903
Mrs Mellor attended the March meeting of the
School Board on behalf of her daughter Edith age eleven who was totally
deaf. The clerk read letters from several institutions giving
particulars of charges. Mr Stebbing asked
if there had been a similar case before. The chairman said there had
been a blind boy, Wilfred Fox, and in that case the parents had
contributed 1s 6d a week towards the cost. Mrs Mellor said she thought
her husband could contribute that amount although he had to support his
parents. The Board decided to ask Leeds School Board if they had a
place for the girl (the charge was £30 a year) the parents to contribute
1s 6d a week. At the next meeting it was announced the Leeds Board would accept her.
A tender of £87 17s 6d from Milsom Dixon was accepted for two glass
partitions in Regent Street School. The resignation of the attendance
officer, Mr F Wood, because of illness was accepted with regret.
Four pupil teachers passed their exams and Mr Stebbing asked what they
were going to do with them because they would be overstaffed. It was
agreed to follow the previous policy of employing them as teachers from
the date of the exam.
The new Education Act meant the work of the School Board would be taken over by the West Riding County Council, although there would be a local sub-committee. A letter was received from the Education Department respecting how to wind up the Board's finances.
In the meantime the Board appointed Mr Boffey as attendance officer,
and allowed teacher Mr F Peck leave of absence for up to six weeks so he
could take a sea voyage for his health.
At the May meeting a uniform for the attendance officer was discussed.
Mr Mason said it was too late in the day. He said the county council
would see to it when they got in, but he was the only one to vote against and it was passed to buy Mr Boffey a suit.
In
July the board received a letter from the Education Department saying
the county council would take over next April, and in the meantime the board should not increase expenditure or salaries. That prompted Messrs
Simpson and Cowey to ask for a rise. Mr Higgins said Mr Simpson had
served the board well and was entitled to a small rise. Fifteen years
ago his salary was reduced from £200 to £150 and since then the schools
had been greatly enlarged and his responsibilities increased. It was agreed
to give him an extra £20 a year and Mr Cowey another £10. Three
assistant mistresses were appointed at £52 10s per annum rising by £2 10s a year to £60. So the Education Department's letter was ignored.
The inspector's reports for the Board Schools were generally satisfactory. He suggested the girls at North Featherstone Lane be taught cookery when the new school opened, and also those at Regent Street. He said a piano would be a boon at the Infants' School.
A local education committee would take over from the School Board next April. It was announced at the October council meeting the County Education Authority had approved the composition of that for Featherstone. There would be eight council members, two from the County Education Authority, one lady, one from Pontefract Grammar School and one each from Featherstone, Loscoe and Snydale School Boards.
The School Board decided to spend some more money by inviting tenders for five pianos, and accepting tenders from Featherstone Main Colliery for coal at 10s 6d a ton and wood at 13s per cwt.
Mrs Mountain went to the next board meeting to complain her son had been severely beaten by an assistant teacher. The clerk was instructed to inform the headteacher only she was allowed to use the cane.
Before the School Board was wound up the clerk, Charles Lowden, asked for a grant because of all the extra work he had done. his salary was £65 - £25 less than the clerk at Normanton. Mr Higgins said he had seen a good deal of the extra work Mr Lowden had done, and the board granted him £20. Mr Boffey, the attendance officer, said he had made 7,840 visits in the past 12 months.
The inspector's reports for the Board Schools were generally satisfactory. He suggested the girls at North Featherstone Lane be taught cookery when the new school opened, and also those at Regent Street. He said a piano would be a boon at the Infants' School.
A local education committee would take over from the School Board next April. It was announced at the October council meeting the County Education Authority had approved the composition of that for Featherstone. There would be eight council members, two from the County Education Authority, one lady, one from Pontefract Grammar School and one each from Featherstone, Loscoe and Snydale School Boards.
The School Board decided to spend some more money by inviting tenders for five pianos, and accepting tenders from Featherstone Main Colliery for coal at 10s 6d a ton and wood at 13s per cwt.
Mrs Mountain went to the next board meeting to complain her son had been severely beaten by an assistant teacher. The clerk was instructed to inform the headteacher only she was allowed to use the cane.
Before the School Board was wound up the clerk, Charles Lowden, asked for a grant because of all the extra work he had done. his salary was £65 - £25 less than the clerk at Normanton. Mr Higgins said he had seen a good deal of the extra work Mr Lowden had done, and the board granted him £20. Mr Boffey, the attendance officer, said he had made 7,840 visits in the past 12 months.
A
cropped photo from the Tony Lumb Collection. The extension to North
Featherstone Lane school is on the right with a connection between the
two buildings.
A TEACHER ATTACKED
In July Clarissa Mountain was in court charged with assaulting Gertrude
Bird, assistant mistress at North Featherstone Lane School. It was said
Miss Bird had cause to punish Mrs Mountain's son by giving him a light
tap. He complained to his mother who saw the headmaster and made threats
against Miss Bird. The next day she stopped Miss Bird by taking hold of
her bicycle, pulled her hair, scratched her face and pulled her about.
Walter Fearnley said he saw the assault and he took Miss Bird to
school. Miss Bird said she gave the child a light tap on the head with a
light cane. The mother admitted the assault but said she only pulled
the teacher's hair. When she had seen Robert Cowey about her son he only
laughed at her. The chairman said discipline must be upheld in the
schools and fined her 5s.
The Express
commented "The teacher's task is not by any means pleasant and we
should imagine there are far pleasanter berths than some of those held
in Featherstone. At any rate the usage to which a teacher was subjected
to recently cannot be tolerated. We think the defendant got off fairly
easily. No doubt the Bench intended the punishment as a warning. It is
only right to say, as regards Featherstone, that taking into account the
rough, hard life a large proportion of the population lead, there are
very few cases in which parents are violent and unreasonable, as this
particular defendant was".
THE NEW SEWAGE WORKS
At the February council meeting Cr Keith complained there was still no
progress on the new sewage works scheme even though letters continued to
come from the Rivers Board. It had been put back month after month and
year after year.
The plans were ready for the July meeting. Cr Booth proposed they be referred back and a special meeting convened. He said the engineer for the scheme had been allowed too much band. After much argument Cr Booth won by five votes to three. The cost of the scheme was estimated at £12,622.
At the special meeting the engineer, Mr G Hudson, explained his
proposals and they were accepted by the council who decided to ask the
Local Government Board for a loan to cover the cost.
1903 NEWS ITEMS
JANUARY
The council's plans to build a public lavatory received a setback when
John Barr, John Wood, Joe Fearnley and the Christ Church authorities all
refused permission for it to be sited on their property. The council
was also having trouble with the lamplighters who were to be reprimanded
for either not lighting the lamps or leaving them on after 7.30am.
Robert Gording, Sam Speight and Robert Parker all had to pay 7s 6d court costs after chimney fires. They claimed their flues were connected to that from the adjoining fish shop and that was the cause. Supt Whincup said the constables would find if the flues were connected.
A travelling jeweller called Swyers sued Ed Tilson for £4 12s for goods sold. Tilson said he was out of work and could not pay. He was ordered to pay by small instalments. Fred Reeves was sued for £2 19s for a gold watch bought nearly two years ago. He said he had not worked since Christmas. His Honour said if he was a collier and could indulge in luxuries in jewellery he could well afford to pay 16s a month.
Thomas Beech aged six of Taylor's Row took a lighted candle to fetch an egg from the hen-pen for his mother. He put it under his nightshirt to keep it in and set himself on fire. He was attended by Dr Finch but died three days later.
A fancy dress ball was held in the Assembly Rooms in aid of St Peter's Mission Church. The Assembly Rooms were decorated with flowers, flags and art muslin and the prizes were given by Mr W M Wood of Purston Hall. Miss Wardman as a Chinese girl won the ladies' prize and Mr A Short as a Spanish matador won the men's. The Express described the event as a brilliant success.
FEBRUARY The foundation stone was laid for the Primitive Methodist Chapel and school in North Featherstone Lane to replace the temporary premises of 1901. Mr J Walmsley had given the site and he, along with others who had given money, laid a stone to start the building work off. Many children who had given their pennies laid a brick each.
This photo of the chapel is from the Featherstone Heritage Group.
George Lovell, a grocer of Halton Street, was refused an off-licence. The opponents said there were more clubs in Featherstone than they wanted and they were all doing an extensive trade.
A bachelors' party held at Purston School was a sellout. There must have been ladies present because there was dancing. Mr Hemingway of the Travellers' Rest entertained the company with his large gramophone.
At the council meeting it was announced Masham's Square would have street lighting next winter. Cr Johnson moved the salary of the surveyor (£200 plus house, coal and gas) should be reconsidered. He said both Pontefract and Castleford paid £160 without the extras. Others said the salary was higher to avoid the council the trouble of paying for extra work such as clerk of works for building projects for which Pontefract were paying five guineas a week to a separate person. Only two councillors voted for a review and three against. The others abstained. One proposal passed was John Waller, John Walmsley and Dr Buncle be put forward to be appointed JP's.
Robert Gording, Sam Speight and Robert Parker all had to pay 7s 6d court costs after chimney fires. They claimed their flues were connected to that from the adjoining fish shop and that was the cause. Supt Whincup said the constables would find if the flues were connected.
A travelling jeweller called Swyers sued Ed Tilson for £4 12s for goods sold. Tilson said he was out of work and could not pay. He was ordered to pay by small instalments. Fred Reeves was sued for £2 19s for a gold watch bought nearly two years ago. He said he had not worked since Christmas. His Honour said if he was a collier and could indulge in luxuries in jewellery he could well afford to pay 16s a month.
Thomas Beech aged six of Taylor's Row took a lighted candle to fetch an egg from the hen-pen for his mother. He put it under his nightshirt to keep it in and set himself on fire. He was attended by Dr Finch but died three days later.
A fancy dress ball was held in the Assembly Rooms in aid of St Peter's Mission Church. The Assembly Rooms were decorated with flowers, flags and art muslin and the prizes were given by Mr W M Wood of Purston Hall. Miss Wardman as a Chinese girl won the ladies' prize and Mr A Short as a Spanish matador won the men's. The Express described the event as a brilliant success.
FEBRUARY The foundation stone was laid for the Primitive Methodist Chapel and school in North Featherstone Lane to replace the temporary premises of 1901. Mr J Walmsley had given the site and he, along with others who had given money, laid a stone to start the building work off. Many children who had given their pennies laid a brick each.
This photo of the chapel is from the Featherstone Heritage Group.
A bachelors' party held at Purston School was a sellout. There must have been ladies present because there was dancing. Mr Hemingway of the Travellers' Rest entertained the company with his large gramophone.
At the council meeting it was announced Masham's Square would have street lighting next winter. Cr Johnson moved the salary of the surveyor (£200 plus house, coal and gas) should be reconsidered. He said both Pontefract and Castleford paid £160 without the extras. Others said the salary was higher to avoid the council the trouble of paying for extra work such as clerk of works for building projects for which Pontefract were paying five guineas a week to a separate person. Only two councillors voted for a review and three against. The others abstained. One proposal passed was John Waller, John Walmsley and Dr Buncle be put forward to be appointed JP's.
Robert Evans age 15 was fined 29s for stealing a pint of mussels from a bag waiting for collection at the station. He pleaded guilty and complained PC Anderson had boxed his ears. The constable denied it.
Ackton Hall Colliery Cricket Club played on a field at Warren Farm. Part of the field was in a rough condition and it was re-laid at a cost of £60. The colliery paid half the cost but the club still had £25 to clear off; so an "assault at arms" and other entertainments were put on at the Assembly Rooms. The exercises, drills and gymnastics were performed by 20 recruits from Pontefract Barracks. There were contests with bayonets, foils, swords and boxing. The audience was also entertained with songs and recitations.
The Ordnance Survey map shows the cricket ground with the entrance from Commonside Lane.
George Cartwright stole a box of toffees from a wholesaler's dray in
Market Place Terrace. In court he said his father had punished him and
he was bound over for three months in the sum of £5.
MARCH One hundred men working in a seam of shale coal at Ackton Hall Colliery were given notice because the working had not turned out to be satisfactory. They were offered jobs in another seam. An attempt had been made to work the seam in George Bradley's time and that had failed as well.
MARCH One hundred men working in a seam of shale coal at Ackton Hall Colliery were given notice because the working had not turned out to be satisfactory. They were offered jobs in another seam. An attempt had been made to work the seam in George Bradley's time and that had failed as well.
The council were told the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company were suggesting building a footbridge at the Halfpenny Lane crossing which would cost about £400, and said the company, Pontefract Corporation and Featherstone Council should share the cost. No decision was reached, but in any case the council preferred a road bridge.
The Wesleyan United Trustees attended the meeting. They had bought land near the council offices for £270 seven years ago. The council had used it but not paid any rent although they had offered £1 a year which had been refused. The trustees asked for six years at £5. The Council agreed to pay a lump sum of £25 if it could be done legally.
When nominations closed for the council elections James Maxwell, draper, was unopposed for the Purston Ward because Mr Cranswick did not seek re-election. John Walmsley, builder, had no opponent for the North Featherstone Ward, and Joseph Walker was unopposed for the Ackton and Snydale Ward. For South Featherstone John Briscoe, undermanager, and Tommy Sides, publican, were nominated but it was found Tommy Side's nomination paper was invalid, so there was no election anywhere.
APRIL
At the council meeting the medical officer reported three people had
died from typhoid fever, and there were also diphtheria, scarlatina,
hooping cough, German measles, diarrhoea, chicken pox, influenza, and a
sever measles epidemic in Purston.
Solomon Hirst accused PC Beanland of assault by pushing him. His evidence was PC Beanland was in Carleton Street and told some boys who were playing to go away. The constable then asked Solomon what he was laughing at and told him to go away also. Solomon said he had a right to be on the highway, and during the altercation he was pushed about. The constable said he had merely got hold of his sleeve. Five youths and boys were called as witnesses by Solomon Hirst, but Mr Lowden, for the constable, said it was obvious they had banded together to assist on their right to use the public road for any purpose they thought proper.
Posters had been put up by the council about this nuisance, and there were constant complaints from the residents. The chairman said some people seemed to be under the impression they could stand about in the road just as they liked, and the case was dismissed.
An inquest was held on George Asquith, a 48 years old butcher. Frederick Asquith said his father died suddenly. Dr Steven happened to be in the shop but when he got to the bedroom George Asquith was dead. The post mortem showed the heart to be covered in fat and three times the normal size. There was obvious heart disease of long standing, and the jury decided that was the cause of death.
Solomon Hirst accused PC Beanland of assault by pushing him. His evidence was PC Beanland was in Carleton Street and told some boys who were playing to go away. The constable then asked Solomon what he was laughing at and told him to go away also. Solomon said he had a right to be on the highway, and during the altercation he was pushed about. The constable said he had merely got hold of his sleeve. Five youths and boys were called as witnesses by Solomon Hirst, but Mr Lowden, for the constable, said it was obvious they had banded together to assist on their right to use the public road for any purpose they thought proper.
Posters had been put up by the council about this nuisance, and there were constant complaints from the residents. The chairman said some people seemed to be under the impression they could stand about in the road just as they liked, and the case was dismissed.
An inquest was held on George Asquith, a 48 years old butcher. Frederick Asquith said his father died suddenly. Dr Steven happened to be in the shop but when he got to the bedroom George Asquith was dead. The post mortem showed the heart to be covered in fat and three times the normal size. There was obvious heart disease of long standing, and the jury decided that was the cause of death.
MAY A domestic row between Matilda Devine and Martha
Whalley resulted in Matilda throwing a chamber pot, a bucket, a lading
can and a brush through Martha's window and breaking five panes of
glass, four plates and a basin. Matilda was fined for the assault and
the damage, and Martha was fined for using obscene language.
JUNE
Benny Philpot, a bookmaker, and Edward Gill, described as a vocalist,
were in court for street betting the day before the Derby. PC's
Woffenden and Humphries said they were in hiding and saw the two men
take something off different persons and Philpot made entries in a book.
They admitted Gill did not have a book. Mr Lowden, for Philpot, asked
for leniency and said he would do no more street betting. Gill denied
the charge and said he was employed by the Railway Hotel as a waiter in
charge of the concert room. He claimed he had nothing to do with Philpot
and had gone into the street for a breath of air. Philpot denied Gill
had assisted him, but both were fined £5. It was said Gill had five
previous convictions for gaming. The Express commented "The
repetition of £5 plus costs at pretty frequent intervals will surely do
something to repress this cursed street betting, which is demoralising
in the extreme".
Mr Booth, who resigned his seat on the council some time ago after a row, accepted the invitation of the council to retake his seat. All said they were glad to see him back and hoped things would go on pleasantly.
Mr Booth, who resigned his seat on the council some time ago after a row, accepted the invitation of the council to retake his seat. All said they were glad to see him back and hoped things would go on pleasantly.
The council decided that
to save money the water for the street water carts would be obtained
from wells and water courses instead of the mains. The surveyor would
erect the necessary storage cistern. Approval was granted for the
conversion of two shops and a house in North Featherstone into a club.
This photo from the Dr Gatecliff Collection shows the Old Featherstone Working Men's Club with the National School in the
background.
JULY
Ben Luckman and Thomas Lomas left their wives and took off with a £50
note belonging to the Ackton Hall Colliery Check Fund. They were
arrested in North Wales and brought back to Pontefract.
The council agreed to light the lamps for three nights during the Purston feast if it was overcast and decided to oppose applications from two companies to supply the area with electricity.
Joseph and George Hames were ordered to pay 1s 6d and 1s a week respectively towards the maintenance of their father who was receiving out relief. The father had a wife and four children depending on him and the elder sons left home as they grew up and contributed nothing.
SEPTEMBER More than 30 men took part in a walking match promoted by Tommy Sides of the Featherstone Hotel. They went from the hotel down the Lane, then to Pontefract and back via North Featherstone. First back was D Kistell in less than one hour. R Atkinson with a four minutes handicap was declared the winner and received £1 and a bottle of spirits. Other walking matches were arranged in the next few weeks.
The Featherstone Association for the Prosecution of Offenders took eight people to court for damaging buildings and outhouses belonging to William Middleton by standing on them to watch sports. The association claimed 3d damages from each person and they were also fined 7s.
The council decided to ask Mr Holiday for permission to lay gas pipes in Masham's Square so street lamps could be provided for the private streets. In the past the council had been overdrawn at the bank. Now it was announced they had £3,000 in hand.
The council agreed to light the lamps for three nights during the Purston feast if it was overcast and decided to oppose applications from two companies to supply the area with electricity.
Joseph and George Hames were ordered to pay 1s 6d and 1s a week respectively towards the maintenance of their father who was receiving out relief. The father had a wife and four children depending on him and the elder sons left home as they grew up and contributed nothing.
SEPTEMBER More than 30 men took part in a walking match promoted by Tommy Sides of the Featherstone Hotel. They went from the hotel down the Lane, then to Pontefract and back via North Featherstone. First back was D Kistell in less than one hour. R Atkinson with a four minutes handicap was declared the winner and received £1 and a bottle of spirits. Other walking matches were arranged in the next few weeks.
The Featherstone Association for the Prosecution of Offenders took eight people to court for damaging buildings and outhouses belonging to William Middleton by standing on them to watch sports. The association claimed 3d damages from each person and they were also fined 7s.
The council decided to ask Mr Holiday for permission to lay gas pipes in Masham's Square so street lamps could be provided for the private streets. In the past the council had been overdrawn at the bank. Now it was announced they had £3,000 in hand.
OCTOBER
John Waller was made a Justice of the Peace. He had "won respect for
his uniform urbanity, his good heartedness generally and his generous
treatment of the poor of Purston and neighbourhood".
Thirty-five boys took part in a four mile race from the Featherstone Hotel down the Lane, round Ackton and back via North Featherstone. A Hill, a 15 year old, was first back in 28 minutes and 25 seconds. J Watt age nine was first on handicap and won a silver albert (watch chain). All who took part were given a penknife and 3d from Tommy Sides.
Walter Marham of Purston worked at Snydale Colliery and he was appointed as a collector of money for men out on strike. On October 3 his book showed he had collected £2 18s but he only handed over 11s 6d and he said he had no more. He was arrested by PC Beanland and in court he said he had given away all the money he had collected. He admitted the subscribers had written their names and the amounts in the book themselves. He was given two months in prison with hard labour. In order for the magistrates to deal with the case and not send it to the Assizes the amount claimed was reduced to £2.
James Henry Harvey got up one morning at 5am. He was out of work and said he was going to look for a job, but he went to the kitchen and cut his throat. His wife found him and sent for Drs Steven and Finch who attended to him and then sent him to Clayton Hospital in the colliery ambulance.
Thirty-five boys took part in a four mile race from the Featherstone Hotel down the Lane, round Ackton and back via North Featherstone. A Hill, a 15 year old, was first back in 28 minutes and 25 seconds. J Watt age nine was first on handicap and won a silver albert (watch chain). All who took part were given a penknife and 3d from Tommy Sides.
Walter Marham of Purston worked at Snydale Colliery and he was appointed as a collector of money for men out on strike. On October 3 his book showed he had collected £2 18s but he only handed over 11s 6d and he said he had no more. He was arrested by PC Beanland and in court he said he had given away all the money he had collected. He admitted the subscribers had written their names and the amounts in the book themselves. He was given two months in prison with hard labour. In order for the magistrates to deal with the case and not send it to the Assizes the amount claimed was reduced to £2.
James Henry Harvey got up one morning at 5am. He was out of work and said he was going to look for a job, but he went to the kitchen and cut his throat. His wife found him and sent for Drs Steven and Finch who attended to him and then sent him to Clayton Hospital in the colliery ambulance.
John William Bell was in court for persistently ill-using his wife Jane
who said he often got drunk and assaulted her. When asked by the
chairman how often he got drunk Bell replied it doesn't run to once a
week. He claimed his wife also got drunk and one week he gave her 16s
and she didn't buy two shillingsworth of snap. The Bench granted a
separation order and he had to pay 4s a week to his wife and three
children.
NOVEMBER Enoch Roper of Purston was sent to prison for one month with hard labour for hitting a pit pony five times with a pick. The chairman called it sheer brutality.
Thomas Shaw, a Featherstone bookmaker, was fined £5 for obstructing Station Lane by betting. He was seen taking money and making entries in a book by PC Humphries.
The RSPCA prosecuted James Dawes. a teamster, and Ambrose Makin, a grocer, for working a horse which was unfit. Inspector Ford said he saw Mr Dawes driving a dray belonging to Mr Makin pulled by a horse which was lame and apparently in pain. Mr Makin said the horse was only suffering from a corn and he had it examined by Pontefract vet William Schofield who gave evidence the horse was fit for light work. The defendants were ordered to pay the costs of the hearing.
The gas company offered 300 £10 shares at an auction in Leeds. They all went in quick time at an average of £11.
DECEMBER
The council decided to ask the county council to fund a footpath from
Nostell View to Purston Lodge. The medical officer reported whooping
cough was prevalent and had caused three deaths. It was agreed the
railway company could supply water to the new cottages on the line side
(the Railway Cottages) from their meter, and meters would be supplied to
the Central Working Men's Club and Mr Lovell's club.