1918

Rothwell Courier and Times, 1918.

WOODLESFORD. STEALING CIGARETTES. 5 January.

John Joseph Heptonstall, motor driver, Leeds, and Joseph McGuire, labourer, of Leeds, were charged at the Leeds West Riding Court on Tuesday with stealing cigarettes, the property of Mary Langstaff, confectioner, Woodlesford. The complainant said that at 9.15 on 21st December she saw the cigarettes in her shop, and at 10.30 the same morning the two prisoners came to the shop with a motor-van, and delivered a quantity of sweets. She went upstairs for some empty bottles, and after the two men had gone she missed the cigarettes. P.C. Abbott stated that he had since recovered the cigarettes, about 100 altogether, which had been about equally divided by the two prisoners. Heptonstall said he was very sorry, but had been led into it, but McGuire made no reply to the charge. Mr A. Willey represented McGuire a discharged soldier who had previously borne an excellent character, and Mr Maude was solicitor for Heptonstall, another discharged soldier, who also had a good record.

Each man was ordered to pay 10s., and the Chairman said they had done their duty for King and country, but had spoilt a good record. He hoped they would turn over a new leaf and be as honest as they appeared to have been previously.

OULTON. ST. JOHN’S A.F.C. 5 January.

A successful long dance was promoted by the above club on New Year’s Eve from 7.30 to 12, when about 120 attended. Mr J. Birdsall and Mr H. Wilson acted as M.C.s, Miss E. Dacre as pianist, T.W. Nettleton, secretary.

A BOWERS ALLERTON SOLDIER POET. 12 January.

Lance-Corporal Alf Fudge, of Hollinghurst, serving on H.M. Hospital Ship “Llandovery Castle,” has recently proved marked ability as a poet. His poem on the sinking of H.M.H.S. “Asturias” has been printed, and has sold briskly. The following poem enclosed in his letter to his wife may be taken as an example: 

The Censor. I want to write a letter home,

But Oh! I’m puzzled quite;

For though I’ve lots I’d like to say

There’s little I may write.

I must not tell what I have seen, Nor speak what I have heard;

In fact, of what I really know I must not write a word.

I scarcely dare tell who I am, I daren’t tell where I be;

Whether I am now on land Or whether still at sea.

For a man called Mr Censor

Is thirsting for my blood,

And should he get but half a chance

He’d do the worst he could.

I’d have to face the C.O., who, Before I’d time to think

Of how to make a good excuse Would have me shoved in “Clink.”

Perhaps he’d give me fourteen days, Perhaps a month or more;

Perhaps I’d get my pay stopped For the duration of the war.

So if I don’t send any news, You’ll understand, I hope,

That nothing is allowed except An empty envelope.

HUNSLET RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. DR. BUCK’S ACCIDENT. 12 January.

A monthly meeting of the above Council was held on Wednesday afternoon, at the offices, Hunslet, there being present Mr T. Thomas (Chairman), J.P., presiding. There were also in attendance Mr P.S. Marsden, Mr D.W. Hargreaves, and Mr Verity, with the Acting Clerk (Mr Schofield), inspector (Mr Whitehead), and surveyor (Mr Nuttall).

A letter was read from Dr. Buck informing the Council that he had been incapacitated from work by an accident to his left eye.

From his monthly report it appears that during the month there has been notified 5 deaths (4 in Oulton and Woodlesford and 1 in Templenewsam), and 4 births (all in Oulton and Woodlesford). Two of the deaths did not belong to the district. The health of the district continued very satisfactory.

The Council expressed their regret on hearing of Dr. Buck’s accident, and instructed the Clerk to convey the Council’s hope of a speedy recovery.

A circular from the Rural District Councils Association was read, asking for support in a protest against the suggested transference of Council’s powers to the Ministry of Public Health. The Council unanimously decided to support the action of the Association.

The treasurer reported a balance in hand of £1,812 12s. 9d.

WOODLESFORD. THE HIGHEST SACRIFICE. 19 January.

“It is with the deepest regret I have to inform you that your son, Corporal A. Farrer, was killed yesterday afternoon.” Such is the message written by Farrer’s captain to his mother, under the date December 27th last. A coal miner working at Ledston Luck Colliery, the deceased, Arthur Farrer, of Airedale Terrace, Woodlesford, joined up in September, 1916, and has been attached to the 252 Tunnellers’ Co. He was about 35 years of age, single, and had many friends in the district. Continuing his communication referred to above, Farrer’s captain says: “The deceased was struck with a shell and killed instantly while in charge of a party of men in the trenches. Your son has been with me in the company from its formation, and from the outset has been distinguished for his cheerfulness with his men, his reliability in his work, and his bravery and pluck in the most dangerous circumstances. He is missed by all, and the officers, non-commissioned officers and men wish me to convey to you their deepest sympathy with you in this bereavement.” His former local associates will, we are sure, join in this expression to the bereaved family.

OULTON AND DISTRICT EDUCATION COMMITTEE. SCHOOL ATTENDANCES DOWN SLIGHTLY. 19 January.

The monthly meeting of the Oulton and District Education Committee was held on Tuesday, at the YMCA Buildings, Leeds. In the absence of Mr H.E. Catton, who had written explaining his inability to attend, the chair was taken by Mr B. Wood Higgins (Oulton). There were also present Messrs J.H. Tomlinson (Colton), P.S. Marsden (Halton), G.M. Abbey (Oulton and Woodlesford), and the Clerk (Mr T.H. Turner). Accounts amounting to about £19 were sanctioned for payment.

The Clerk read the following percentages of school attendance: Woodlesford, mixed, 89.81, and infants 79.49; Halton, mixed 87.37 (infants school closed through whooping cough); Colton 86.81; Oulton St. John’s, mixed 93.07, and infants 78.63; the National School therefore being at the top of the area. For the whole of the area the percentage of attendance was 86.13.

The Clerk said they had rather fallen from their high estate by comparison with previous attendance records, and in reporting that the special holiday had been duly observed, said it had played some havoc with the averages.

With respect to the application of Mrs Bell, a temporary teacher at the Halton Council School, to be placed on the permanent staff, having expressed her willingness to continue for the duration of the war or for a longer period if desired, the Clerk said that at the last meeting the application had been adjourned, pending inquiry as to how the transfer might affect the applicant financially. The Clerk had now had a reply from the West Riding Authority, at Wakefield, which indicated that she might be in a worse financial position if the application was granted.

Under the circumstances the Chairman said it might be better not to make any recommendation for the present, and the matter was adjourned until next meeting.

With regard to school holidays for 1918-19 the Clerk reported several suggestions from the teachers of the various schools in the area, the recommendations being that the holidays should be practically the same as last year. It was resolved that the question be left over for future settlement.

The Clerk submitted a financial report showing that the income in excess of expenditure had amounted to 18s. 8d. A very brief meeting then terminated.

OULTON. FREE CHURCH. 19 January.

This place of worship was full on Sunday afternoon last, to hear the choir render the cantata “Nativity.” The principals were: Soprano, Mrs Lorriman, Stourton; contralto, Mrs C. Bradley; tenor, Mr R. Free; bass, Mr Walter Ellis, Rothwell, and Mr W. Coldwell; accompanist, Mr T. Myton; conductor, Mr H. Bedford. Collections were taken on behalf of the Trust Funds.   

STOURTON. AN UNLIGHTED ENGINE. 26 January.

On Tuesday, at the Leeds West Riding Court, James Clifford Wilson, chauffeur, of Leeds, was summoned on a charge of driving a traction-engine at Stourton without front lights. P.C. Boyes stated that at 7.30 on the night of the 11th inst., while on duty near Long Bridge, he heard a motor waggon coming along the road, and afterwards noticed that the vehicle was without front or rear lights.

Defendant said he was delivering food stuffs and had intended to be back from his journey by half-past four. He had told a lad to fill up the lamps, but he had failed to do so.

The Chairman (Mr J.W. Morkill): “It is a dangerous thing to drive about the roads without lights. You must thoroughly understand it is a risky game to play.” A fine of 30s. was imposed.

WOODLESFORD. PARISH AFFAIRS. 26 January.

The Vicar, Rev. A.J.E. Irvin, B.A., writing in the current issue of the All Saints’ Parish Magazine, has the following comments: Like every other publication the Parish Magazine seems to have suffered, presumably, from the war, and the delay in this month’s issue is due partly to the debate as to whether it should acknowledge defeat, and retire from the field of parochial action.

It finally determined to carry on once more, in the hope of the cessation of the war during the year, which, while not entirely removing the obstacles, would at least give a fresh impetus to its existence. The position is, however, serious, for there is a debt of about £8 owing to the publishers and printers.

It is proposed to meet this (1) by a grant from the recent jumble sale, (2) by a concert – we won’t say it will be quite a “grand” one, (3) by an increased circulation, which will depend upon the increased exertions of the magazine distributors, and (4) by any other means.

It is hoped the concert may be ready for hearing by the end of the month. We wish all our readers, and non- readers as well, a happy a year as possible under existing conditions. We must all try and hasten the end of the war by our prayers, for a just and righteous peace for all the nations at present engaged in it. Let us hope, that in the future, when this desperate strife is over, wiser counsels may prevail among the nations, and “neither shall they learn war anymore.”

In our last issue it was stated, owing to a misunderstanding, that the coveted distinction of the Military Medal had been awarded to Sergeant Hughes. This was a mistake, which we regret, as the good deeds of the sergeant had not been brought under the immediate notice of those in command and so, like no doubt many more, he has had the honour of serving his country well without (with the exception of his stripes) any special decoration to show for it. The present holders of the distinction are : R. Metcalfe, D.C.M. and M.M.; J. Flockton, D.C.M.; G.W. Franks, D.C.M.; E. Waide, M.M.; Marshall Westmoreland killed in action, M.M.; The Rev. H.M. Irvin, chaplain to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, M.C.

We regret to have to announce the deaths of the brave fellows from the parish who have recently given their lives for their country: Wilfred Dunwell, Walter Dunwell, Marshall Westmoreland, and Arthur Farrer, R.I.P.

The collectors of subscriptions for the dedication funds have done remarkably well, considering the adverse times, as the subjoined list of subscribers will show, and our best thanks are due to them, and also to the subscribers for not making any excuse for discontinuing their subscriptions.

It is to be regretted that the social part of the festival, in the shape of the parish tea, had again to be put in the background, for obvious reasons: Subscribers: Major Calverley and Mrs Calverley, each 10s. 6d.: Mrs Berry, Mr J. Farrer, Mrs Irvin, Capt. Irvin, Mrs Lane, Miss Castle, and Mrs Peters, each 10s.: Mrs Buck, Mrs Craven, Mrs Hamer, Mrs Davenport, Mrs Hopkins, Mrs Hampshire, Mrs Lowther, Mrs Leeson, Mrs Lockwood, Mrs Madeley, Mrs J. Sheldon, Mrs Stringer, Dr. Seville, and “In 

Memoriam,” each 5s.; Mrs Inman, 3s.; Mrs R. Abbey, Mr R. Abbey, Mrs Brown, Mrs S. Brown, Mrs Daft, Mrs Kilminster, Mrs Fowler, “A Friend,” and Mrs R. Rhodes, each 2s. 6d.; Mrs Ripley and Mrs C. Hobkinson, each 2s.; Mrs Clough and Mrs Wilkinson, each 1s. 6d.; Mrs Allott, Mrs Bingham, Mr Ellis, Mrs Hopla, Mrs Hall, Mrs Myers, Mrs J.W. Morley, Miss Smith, Miss Thompson, Mrs R. Taylor, Mrs Walker, Mrs Bartcliffe, Wilson, and Mrs O. Wilkinson, each 1s. Mrs Colley and Mrs Caine, each 6d.

(Note: Mrs. Hopla was the wife of Joseph Hopla, an officer of Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise. They lived at Osborne Villas in Woodlesford.)

ROTHWELL. WAR PENSIONS COMMITTEE. GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATIONS. 2 February.

A meeting of the Rothwell Urban District War Pensions Sub-Committee was held at the Council Offices, Rothwell, on Monday night. Present: Councillor H. Kirkby in the chair, Mrs Walter Wade, Councillor Burke, Messrs Brown, Blackburn, and Keighley, and Mr E.M. Moorhouse, secretary.

Eight applications for assistance had been considered by the committee. In two cases it was decided to make supplementary allowances of 1s. 4d. and 10s. per week respectively. Application had been made to the West Riding Committee for sanction to make an additional supplementary separation allowance of 5s. 6d. per week. An emergency grant of 5s. per week for eight weeks was granted in one case towards the cost of funeral expenses.

In three other cases the applications were refused, and one case was adjourned pending the settlement of Army allotment. The action of the Chairman and secretary in advancing £1 10s. to a discharged disabled soldier to enable him to remove with his family to Leicester to take up an appointment was confirmed.

The secretary reported that he had had correspondence with the various Government Departments in regard to 31 separate soldiers, or their families or dependants. The 31 cases were on account of additional or delayed or insufficient separation allowances, enquiries for missing soldiers, care of motherless children, delayed soldiers’ pensions, applications for increased pensions to soldiers’ widows and children, home medical treatment and hospital treatment of discharged disabled soldiers, training and employment of discharged disabled soldiers, monetary advances on account of delayed allowances or pensions, etc., etc.

Intimation had been received of pensions granted to 4 soldiers’ widows, of pensions or gratuities to the dependants of 6 deceased soldiers, 7 grants by the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Commissioners, and 22 discharged disabled soldiers had been discharged and returned home since last meeting, making a total of 68 discharged disabled soldiers now resident in this district, and a total of 46 soldiers killed from this district.

Lengthy correspondence with the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Committee was read respecting the reduction of grants to soldiers families resident in the Rothwell district, and the secretary was instructed to again write to the Civil Liabilities Committee and to also ask the West Riding Committee to take the matter up.

The consideration of a large number of official circulars form the West Riding Committee concluded the public business.

OULTON. DOG WITHOUT OWNER’S NAME. 2 February.

At the Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, Albert Ripley miner, of Oulton, was charged with allowing his dog to be without name and address on its collar. P.C. Abbott stated that at 2.45 p.m. on the 17th inst., while on duty in Church Street, Woodlesford, he saw defendant’s dog without collar bearing the owner’s name and address. The defendant’s wife stated that the dog had broken loose from the kennel, and immediately they notified the police, as they had not had the chance to put on the proper collar. Supt. Woodcock said that under the circumstances he was prepared to withdraw the case on payment of costs, and this was accordingly done.

WOODLESFORD. A CONTROLLING INTEREST. 2 February.

The announcement was made on Tuesday that the controlling interest in the Allerton Main Collieries, Woodlesford, which are among the oldest collieries in the West Yorkshire coalfield, has been acquired by Messrs Pease and Partners, of Darlington, the well-known firm of engineers and iron-masters, who have acquired all the shares in the concern of Messrs T. and R.W. Bower (Limited).

Allerton Main has long been a pit of considerable output. It is nearly a century old, and has been worked continuously ever since the first shaft was sunk by the late Mr Joshua Bower, grandfather of the present Mr J.R. Bower, the well-known Leeds magistrate.

The original seam, of course, has long since been worked out, but others have been struck, and the one which is now being worked from a comparatively new shaft gives an uncommonly good yield.

Nearly fifty years ago the colliery passed to a company known as the Bowers Allerton Main Colliery Company, and Mr J.R. Bower was the salesman for a while. He, however, retired from the position, and his two brothers, Messrs T. and R.W. Bower, have since carried on the collieries. Exactly a year ago to-day Mr R.W. Bower died, leaving his brother, Mr Thomas Bower, in possession. The surviving partner now lives near Newmarket. Pease and Partners, the new proprietors, have already large interests in the Yorkshire coalfield, chiefly in the Doncaster district.

OULTON. CRUELTY TO GELDING. 9 February.

At Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, Fred Walcot, a discharged soldier, carrier, of Dukinfield, was charged with cruelty to a gelding, and also with being asleep in charge of a horse and waggon. The defendant did not appear, but was represented in court by his brother.

P.C. Hutchinson stated that on the 25th ult., while on duty at Oulton, near the Cross Roads, he saw a horse and dray coming along the Aberford Road, and noticed that the defendant was lying asleep in the waggon. The defendant, on being asked for name and address, gave several false names and various addresses, and only after being detained did he give his real name, when he stated that he had been a fool.

The witness noticed that the horse appeared to be suffering, and on examination, he found under the saddle a wound two and a half inches long, from which there was blood and matter coming. Inspector Stanbridge, of the N.S.P.C.A., also described the nature of the sore, which caused the animal severe pain.

The Chairman, in imposing a fine of £2 in each case, commented severely upon the defendant’s endeavour to deceive the police officer by giving him a false name and address.

WOODLESFORD. GROCERY PROBLEMS. 9 February.

At the West Riding Police Court, at Leeds, on Tuesday, Elsie Hancock, grocer, of Woodlesford, was charged with having imposed a condition on the sale of food. The defendant is a girl of 18 years, who was in charge of a small store in the village on behalf of her father, Cornelius Hancock, who is a grocer in Leeds.

Mrs Wilson, a widow, of Woodlesford, said she asked defendant for half a pound of ham and half a pound of butter. Hancock told her she could not have any ham, but could have a quarter of bacon and a quarter of butter if she bought something else. Witness then bought some flour in order to get the butter.

Mr Willey, for the defence, submitted that every article the woman got was rationed and under a controlled price. The defendant said the woman’s first request was for flour, and she did not make the sale of butter or bacon conditional on the purchase of the flour.

The Chairman said the Bench were disposed to believe the evidence of the girl, but she had sailed dangerously near the wind. In dismissing the case he added that people must be allowed to get what they wanted without the condition of having to buy something else.

HUNSLET RURAL DISTRICY COUNCIL. SANITARY INSPECTOR’S ANNUAL REPORT. 16 February.

The monthly meeting of the above Council was held on Thursday afternoon last week at the offices, Hunslet, Mr T. Thomas, J.P. (Chairman) presiding. There were also in attendance Mr P.S. Marsden, Mr Flanagan, and Mr Verity, with the Chairman (Mr W.B. Pindar) medical officer (Dr. Buck), wirh the inspector (Mr Whitehead), and surveyor (Mr Nuttall).

It was decided that the Council oppose the Yorkshire Electric Power Bill.

The Clerk said there was a strong objection to the Bill in most of the districts of the West Riding, and combined opposition was expected along the lines suggested by the District Councils’ Association. The Clerk and Chairman were deputed to attend a conference at the County Hall on the matter.

Air raid warnings were ordered to be distributed. The treasurer reported a balance in hand of £2,126.
Mr Whitehead made his yearly report, from which it appears 1,365 inspections had

been made, but no house-to-house inspections had been made. The number of open ashpits was steadily decreasing. In Middleton there were 12, and 2 at Oulton and Woodlesford. They wanted to get rid of these 15 as opportunity occurred.

The Clerk: I can remember the time when there were ten times that number. There were in the district 9,397 closets and 627 privies.

The Chairman said the number of privies had been reduced without much opposition. They had been very well met by the property-owners, and no serious obstacles had been placed in the way of the improvements being carried out. Mr Whitehead had used some deplomacy with pressing cases. Four of the old ashpits were in the process of alteration at the time the report was made out.

Mr Nuttall reported the water supply at Middleton was satisfactory; at Oulton and Woodlesford the supply was also good; two bursts in Fleet Lane had occurred and had been repaired,

The medical officer reported 8 births during the past 4 weeks (6 in Oulton and Woodlesford, 2 in Templenewsam, and none in Middleton). During the same time there had been 14 deaths (3 in Oulton and Woodlesford, 6 in Templenewsam, and 5 in Middleton). There were no cases of infectious disease in the district, with the exception of a few cases of measles, nor had there been any since the new year came in.

SELBY PRISONER OF WAR. TERRIBLE EXPERIENCES. 23 February.

Private Arthur Nettleton, Royal Fusiliers, 6, Ousegate, Selby, secretary at the Selby Vocal Union, has reached home after being a prisoner of war in the hands of the Germans since November, 1916.

When taken prisoner he was suffering from gunshot wounds in the left arm and shoulder and the right breast, and ultimately it was found that the left hand was permanently disabled.

He spent nine months in hospital in Germany, and underwent an operation, but it was too late to be effective. He regarded the disablement as due to a certain amount of neglect. He was in turn in hospital in Cambrai and Berlin, being at length sent to a convalescent camp at Cottbus. After two days he was placed in the camp hospital. The condition of things at the camp was bad. “Some of the prisoners,” said Mr Nettleton in an interview, “died of starvation and exposure in the extreme cold. We had seven months of snow. The extreme cold, with lack of nourishment, caused a number of deaths. Some were frozen in bed. The two blankets provided were not sufficient, and the prisoners slept with their clothes on. Sanitation was bad, and the water supply was not very good. On the slightest provocation the German guards were in the habit of striking the prisoners cruelly, hitting them with the butt ends of their rifles. The Italian prisoners were treated with great harshness. The German guards killed two of the Italians at Christmas on catching them trying to get under the wires to beg bread from the British. Large dogs were kept about the camp at night, the size of an Airedale, but with black coats, and they were set upon any prisoner who attempted to escape. A fugitive on being caught was beaten unmercifully. Work given to the prisoners was in the coal mines, where the conditions were terrible, and where they received 3d. a day of 12 hours. Other work was on farms and railways.”

(Arthur Nettleton was born in 1886 in Oulton and grew up on Quarry Hill. His father, Francis, was a cellarman at Bentley’s brewery. By 1911 Arthur was working as a clerk at the BYB offices in Selby. On Boxing Day 1912 he married Fanny Louisa Dilcock, the daughter of a mill manager.)

ROTHWELL PARLIAMENTARY DIVISION AND ITS PROPOSED CANDIDATE.  2 March.

To the Editor. Sir, The People’s Bill having now become the law of the land, Rothwell, by virtue of such act, has now been converted into a Parliamentary Division, and hads been compelled to sever its connection with the old Parliamentary division of Normanton.

Geographically the old division comprised a large area, but I think the new division comprises a larger area still. Consequently, a lot of work awaits those gentlemen becoming its first candidates.

We are made aware of the fact through the Press that already a prospective candidate is in the field, such choice falling to the lot of the Yorkshire miners’ union, who have partly, if not wholly, adopted Mr W. Lunn, of Rothwell, as the Labour nominee, without even asking the electorate as to whether such nominee is favourable to their views.

Now, sir, Mr Lunn once contested the Holmfirth division in the Labour interest, as the nominee of the Miners’ Association, but badly failed when the result was made known, he being absolutely at the bottom of the poll. I venture to say that such result came as no great surprise when the result was made known, at that election.

There is a Normanton parliamentary division still in existence, and in all likelihood Mr Fred Hall will contest such division in the miners’ interest, therefore I think the Rothwell electorate will agree with me when I say that the choosing of Mr Lunn as candidate for Rothwell division is a piece of audacity on their part, knowing as they do that Rothwell and Normanton divisions are in close proximity, and even run side by side.

Perchance the election of Mr Lunn means that all other political parties are totally ignored and cast aside as mere nonentities against Labour politics. Normanton division, since its first inception, has been in the hands of a miners’ representative, and as a Liberal I for one feel that it is high time we had a change, and am pleased to note by the way that in all likelihood a Liberal candidate will contest the division. Rothwell division may be purely a Labour constituency, but far from a miners’ constituency, and therefore the old Liberal Party will hail with satisfaction the chance of having a Liberal candidate to fight for. Mr Lunn, speaking in the strictest sense, is not a pure Labour man,

Mr Lunn is more than anything else a Socialist candidate. Moreover than this, Mr Lunn is an out and out Prohibitionist, and would, if he could, debar the workers of their pint of beer. In fact, during last year, 1917, he was chairman at a Prohibitionist meeting, held at Rothwell, and went as far as to say that if he could he would close that particular trade in its entiretity.

As a Free Trader, I claim the right to say that such men as Mr Lunn cannot represent the worker either in the House of Commons or out of it. Extreme Socialism is bigotry, and if I mistake not, out for the destruction of all political institutions of whatever value they may be.

All working men are not Socialists, and they have a right to know why the Liberal Party is the one party these destructive bosses should wish to anticipate. For be it known they have copied from the Liberal programme in times gone by, and many of their victorious items they preach so much about are present day problems already considered by the Liberal Party.

The one and only sin complained of by the I.L.P. and Socialist party, is, that the Liberal party does not travel fast enough, and also that men of wealth belong to the party. These matters no doubt will be explained by Mr Lunn during his election campaign.

It has been said that because Mr Lunn lives in the constituency, and is a miners’ checkweighman, he should be unopposed, and that the two political parties should allow him a walk over. I believe I am right in saying that the electors of the new Rothwell parliamentary division cannot see eye to eye with a suggestion of this kind. When the late Mr Pickard chose Normanton division as the miners’ division of Yorkshire a compact was then entered into that while the miners agreed to a Liberal-Labour representative, the Liberal party would not oppose such understanding, and they have faithfully kept their word, but now things are very much different.

The miners, with such as Mr Lunn as leaders, compelled Mr Fred Hall to break away from the compact, and resolutions were passed debarring Labour M.P.s going on to the Liberal platforms.

Therefore, the Liberal party, being under no obligation to the Yorkshire miners, are at liberty to take whatever course they may decide. Therefore, let it be understood the Liberals of the new Rothwell parliamentary division will contest the division in the coming election. Mr Lunn may try to explain away these truths, but he cannot deny the fact that he is, and always has been, a keen supporter of both I.L.P. and Socialist propaganda, and should he come out as a candidate with purely a Labour ticket, it is simply to hoodwink the workers and gain their support under false pretences. No man can serve two masters, as is easily proved by the deliberations used at the late conference so recently held and reported through the Press. Yours, etc.

A LIBERAL ROTHWELL PARLIAMENTARY DIVISION, ETC. 9 March.

To the Editor, from William Lunn. Sir, – I have no intention whatever in responding to the invitation of your anonymous correspondent by replying to his tirade of personalities, insinuations, and inuendoes.

Twenty years ago I admit I took a delight in giving him a drilling, but, sir, I think you will agree with me that today life is too serious than for anyone to become enveloped in such matters.

The world has changed. In fact, it seems as though it will have to be built anew, and for men and women to apply themselves in an endeavour to make the world better for those who come after to enjoy, will be a much better use of their time and talents than in any one of them trying to flog “Mr Nobody.” 

Before the election I shall no doubt give to everyone opportunities of meeting me face to face, and whoever he or she may be who wishes to know where I stand upon any public question, I shall be only too pleased to explain and amplify the position in a courteous manner.

The place I have occupied for many years in the public life of Rothwell and district has been a unique one, and the reports of the Rothwell Council and the Board of Guardians’ meetings in the same issue of your paper as his letter appears furnishes the best possible answer to my friend, and I hope, sir, the coming months may bind the strands of friendship with far greater numbers of people than it has even been in the past.

I have good reason to believe that will be the case. At any rate, it will be my purpose and object to reach that goal, as I would rather never be elected again to any public position than I should win it through personal and slanderous abuse.

I have many well wishers in all parties. I wish to make more, not enemies. Thanking you in anticipation, I am, yours faithfully, William Lunn, Carlton Lane, Rothwell, Leeds, March 5th, 1918.

OULTON. ABSENTEE FED UP. 9 March.

At Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, Wilfred Holstead, soldier, of Oulton, who was charged with being an absentee from the Army, informed the Chairman (Mr Morkill), that his reason for being absent was that he was fed up.

The Chairman: You know that it is not a sufficient reason. I am afraid that many of your comrades are equally fed up, but they recognise that it is their duty to stick it through.

P.C. Coldwell stated that he arrested the prisoner at his house, when the prisoner admitted that he was an absentee. Remanded for escort.

At the same Court, a Horsforth absentee explained that he had been on his final leave before going to France, and he had meant having a good time first.

The Chairman: I am afraid you will have to pay for it.

Defendant said he was willing to take the consequences, and he, too, was remanded for military escort.

WOODLESFORD. ABSENTEE FROM SCHOOL. 9 March.

At Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, Sarah Cambridge, widow, of Woodlesford, was summoned on a charge of not sending a child to school. The attendance officer stated the defendant’s child was a girl of 13 years of age, who should be regularly attending Woodlesford Council School. Out of 128 possible attendances she had only attended 67 times. She had been kept at home by the mother to help to look after the house. –

The defendant said that the youngest child had had whooping cough, and as she had written to the West Riding Education Authority, and had received no reply, she thought she was all right in keeping the girl at home.

The Chairman: Why did you not give that explanation to the attendance officer? You know that it is your duty to send your child to school. Defendant, who said she had one child working, was fined 5s.

THE WAR MEMORIAL. 9 March.

In the Woodlesford Parish Magazine, the vicar, Rev. A.J.E. Irvin, B.A., has the following reference to the War Memorial: For some time now the subject of the best way of commemorating those who have given their lives for their country in the war has been in our minds. That some fitting and lasting memorial should be set up nearly all are agreed. But there is naturally a divergence of opinion as to the precise form it should take. And this won’t be finally settled before a public meeting has been called to consider the matter.

In the meantime there is one, a suitable memorial of a type, which had already been erected in many places, which has taken the form of a “Calvary.” The names of the heroes who have sacrificed their lives will be inscribed at the conclusion of the war.

It seems to some that there could be no more suitable memorial than this. (1) It is a lifelike representation of the One who made the greatest sacrifice that could ever possibly be made. (2) It was made for the whole world, with the object of freeing the whole world from its greatest enemy – “sin.” (3) It was a purely voluntary sacrifice, entirely unselfish, with the one object of enabling the world to obtain that perfect freedom which, as long as it is bound round with the chains of sin, it can never have. Now our brothers in the Navy and Army, who have lost their lives in the war, have made a sacrifice, and the greatest they could make, to preserve us from the poser of an unscrupulous foe, and from many perils and woes, which an invasion of our country – if it ever happened, and invasions by air are happening frequently – would most assuredly bring with it.

A memorial, if it were a Calvary, would commemorate both sacrifices, the one great one, and the lesser ones, of course, but still great, which our brothers are making on our behalf, and for their king and country. And it would be a perpetual memorial, for the present and future generations, which would be seen by everybody, always a reminder, lest it should be forgotten, of the greatness of the benefits in which we hope to share. If then a Calvary, erected somewhere on the roadside, is the best and most fitting for the object we have in view, it is surely worthy of our earnest consideration at the present time.

Other and lesser memorials, if funds permit, might afterwards be added. Then, there is another aspect of this question to be considered. What kind of memorial to their fallen brothers would the sailors and soldiers on their return most like to see?

They have grown accustomed to the frequent sight of the Crucifixes both in France and Flanders. They have learnt in a stern school what sacrifice means. To commemorate it one would think they would consider a representation of the One Supreme Sacrifice the best of all.

The vicar, referring to the Cricket Club, says: “It is hoped that this valuable asset to life in a village will not be allowed to disappear through lack of interest on the part of either the young men or the old. But there is urgent need for this interest to be shown and to be shown quickly.”

HUNSLET RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. LIGHT RAILWAYS POSTPONED. 16 March.

The monthly meeting of the above Council was held on Thursday afternoon, at the offices, Hunslet, Mr T. Thomas, J.P. (Chairman) presiding. There were also in attendance Mr P.S. Marsden, Mr Verity, Mr D.W. Hargreaves, with the Clerk (Mr W.B. Pindar), medical officer (Dr. Buck), nuisance inspector (Mr Whitehead), and surveyor (Mr Nuttall). The treasurer reported a bank balance of £1,354.

The Clerk reported that a conference of local authorities had been held at Wakefield to consider the Yorkshire Electric Power Bill. The Conference thought the Bill seriously prejudiced the rights of local authorities, and was of the opinion that it should be opposed. The conference decided that the Bill be opposed, and that the costs be borne on the basis of a rateable value.

Mr Hargreaves thought it strange that local authorities generally seemed disposed to oppose this Bill, when the Government some time ago had expressed the desirability of large electric works being established in the country. The Clerk: Yes, but this seems to be an attempt to forestall the Government. It was decided to oppose the Bill on the lines suggested at the conference.

The Council agreed to an extension of two years for the construction of light railways in the Council’s area, by the Wakefield and District Light Railways Co.

The medical officer reported that during the past four weeks there had been 8 births, 4 in Oulton and Woodlesford, 3 in Templenewsam, and 1 in Middleton. There had also been 3 deaths, 2 in Oulton and Woodlesford, none in Templenewsam, and 1 in Middleton. There was an epidemic of measles, mumps, whooping cough, and chicken-pox in the district, there being 18 cases of measles in Oulton and Woodlesford, and 4 in Templenewsam. In Oulton and Woodlesford it seemed to be spreading. It was decided that the infants’ school at Oulton be temporarily closed, and the whole school at Woodlesford.

Mr Whitehead reported 56 defective water closets under observation, orders having been given for repairs.

WOODLESFORD. GAMING WITH CARDS. 16 March.

Five Woodlesford miners were charged at Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, with gaming with cards, their names being Arthur Brummitt, John Henry Brown, Jim Thorpe, Mark Foster, and Harry Horton.

P.C. Gough stated that at 12.15 p.m. on the 24th ult., while on duty in Gamblethorpe footpath, Swillington, he saw the defendants playing with cards, and money changing hands. One of the men slipped the cards through a hole in the wall on seeing him approach.

The charge was met by a blank denial from each of the defendants, who were represented by Mr Arthur Willey, solicitor. Brummitt was also charged with using obscene language on the same occasion, and in this case also the offence was denied, each of the defendants testifying on oath that there had neither been gambling or swearing.

Brummitt was fined 20s. in each case, Thorpe and Horton were each fined 10s., and Foster was fined 7s 6d. Against Brown, who was said to have joined the Army, judgment was suspended.

OULTON & DISTRICT EDUCATION COMMITTEE. THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN. 23 March.

The monthly meeting of the Oulton and District Education Committee was held on Tuesday, in the Y.M.C.A. Buildings, Albion Street, Leeds. The members present were Mr H.E. Catton (Chairman), Mr P.S. Marsden, Mr S.H. Young, Mr J.H. Tomlinson, together with the Clerk (Mr T.H. Turner).

Sympathy In Bereavement. On the motion of the Chairman, the Clerk was instructed to write a letter of condolence with Mr B. Wood Higgins in his recent bereavement by the loss of his son, Ernest, whose death had occurred while serving his country.

School Attendances. The Clerk read the following school attendance returns for the month of February: Woodlesford, mixed, 84.56, and infants, 66.29; Halton Council School, 92.37, and infants, 83.83; Colton, 85.89; St. John’s National, 91.96, and infants 85.00.

The Clerk said that the area was now seventh in the whole of the West Riding, which had an average of 85.24, while for the divisional area the average was 86.02.

The opinion was expressed that the return showed a great improvement on recent averages.

The Clerk stated that the whole of Woodlesford School had been closed since March 1st on account of epidemic.

Accounts. On the motion of the Chairman accounts were passed on the total of £17 odd.

Repairs and Renovations. In regard to the request that estimates should be prepared of repairs or renovations necessary during the year, the Clerk reported that he knew of nothing in that direction with the exception of Colton School, where repairs were needed to a wood block floor, and sundry other repairs. Mr Tomlinson roughly estimated that the cost of such repairs would be £10, and it was resolved that the work be done. It was decided to defer any painting until another year.

Air Raid Precautions. The Clerk intimated that the West Riding Authority had decided to leave any arrangements in the case of air raids during school hours to the divisional committees, and had withdrawn their original recommendation that the children should remain in the schools during an air raid.

MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES. 30 March.

Capt. S. Davenport, R.F.C., who has been mentioned in despatches for work in connection with the war, is the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Davenport, The Elms, Oulton, Leeds. It will be remembered that his younger brother was badly wounded and captured by the Turks at the landing of Suvla Bay in 1915, and is now at Afion Kara Hisser, Turkey in Asia.

OULTON. CANTATA. 30 March.

The choir of the Oulton United Methodist Church, assisted by friends from other churches, gave a very creditable rendering of the Easter Cantata, “The King of Kings,” in the Harold Hall, on Sunday evening last. There was a large company present. The principals were: Soprano, Mrs Lorriman, Stourton; contralto Mrs C. Bradley, Oulton; tenor, Mr E. Knee, Outwood; bass, Mr W. Ellis, Rothwell; conductor, Mr H. Bedford; accompanist, Mr T. Hameson; chairman, Mr R. Naylor. A collection for trust expenses was taken.

WEDDING AT OULTON. 6 April.

A wedding which aroused considerable interest in the village took place on Tuesday, April 2nd, at St. John’s Church, Oulton, the contracting parties being Clarice E.A. Fowler, only daughter of Mr and Mrs M. Fowler, The Mount, Woodlesford, and Harry Hankinson, elder son of Mr and Mrs W. Hankinson, of the Two Pointers, Woodlesford.

The church looked very pretty, the Easter decorations being kept up for the occasion. The service was conducted by the Rev. W.R. Capel-Cure, vicar of the parish.

The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a dress of ivory duchesse charmeuse, under georgette and silver, with a belt of white heather, and her veil was of white net embroidered, caught up with bunches of orange blossom (lent by her aunt), and carried a sheaf of Madonna lilies and white heather. She was attended by 5 bridesmaids: Miss G.G. Barrett (cousin of the bride), Miss M. Turton (cousin of the bridegroom), and the Misses M. Pugh, K. Abbishaw, and B.M. Harriman (friends of the bride). They were attired in dresses of pale blue crepe elite and caps of pale blue ninon under silver tissue. Each carried ivory prayer books, the gift of the bridegroom. She was also attended by three children: Eileen and F. Owen, and Kathleen Mary Entwistle. Their frocks were of apricot charmeuse and net caps. They carried baskets of forget-me-nots and wore strings of coral, also the gifts of the bridegroom. Master J.E. Coghill, in a suit of pale blue charmeuse, his gift from the bridegroom was a gold pin. Mr B. Hankinson, brother of the bridegroom, acted as best man.    

Mr J.W. Morley officiated at the organ. The bridegroom’s present to the bride was an aquamarine pendant and brooch, and the bride’s present to the bridegroom was an aquamarine ring. The presents were numerous, including cheques from the parents of the bride and bridegroom, also a trinket set from teachers and the superintendent of the Oulton St. John’s Sunday School (Girls’ Department).

A reception was held at the Two Pointers, Woodlesford, and later they left for Bournemouth, where the honeymoon is being spent.

HUNSLET RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. EPIDEMIC OF MEASLES. 13 April.

The monthly meeting of the above Council was held on Thursday afternoon last week, at the offices, Hunslet, Mr T. Thomas, J.P., presiding. There were also in attendance Mr P.S. Marsden, Mr D.W. Hargreaves, Mr Verity, and Mr G. Armitage, with the Acting Clerk (Mr Schofield), inspector (Mr Whitehead), and surveyor (Mr Nuttall).

The Council expressed sympathy with their Clerk, Mr Pindar, who was absent through illness, and with Dr. Buck, their medical officer, who was visiting his son in London, who had recently been wounded in the head and was at present in a London Hospital.

The medical officer reported that during the past month there had been notified 6 births and 5 deaths in Oulton and Woodlesford, 3 births and 2 deaths in Templenewsam, and 2 births and 1 death in Middleton. Twenty-seven cases of measles had been notified, 26 in Oulton and Woodlesford and 1 in Templenewsam. The medical officer submitted a special report on the outbreak of measles, etc., in the district.

Chicken-pox, whooping cough, mumps, and measles made their appearance about the middle of January in Woodlesford, the two latter assuming epidemic form late in February, mumps being almost entirely confined to the children attending the Woodlesford schools, and measles to those attending the Oulton Schools.

Owing to the epidemic form of the mumps and the prevalence of the other diseases, it was deemed advisable to close both departments of the Woodlesford Schools until after the Easter holidays, as the attendance in both schools bad (55 per cent. infants and 75 per cent. approximately in mixed).

In Oulton the epidemic of measles has been confined chiefly to Oulton, and to such children in Woodlesford who attend the Oulton Schools. The first case was notified on the 7th February, and up to date 45 notifications hae been received, i.e., the first case in every infected house.

As the disease was obviously only affecting the Infants’ Department of the Oulton Schools, the attendance rapidly diminishing in the first week in March, this department was closed by the Council from the 11th March.

The following facts are worthy of notice: (1)The district is only participating in an epidemic which has been raging all around it. (2) It has been mostly confined to children between the age of 2 and 7, i.e., to children at the most susceptible age. (3) All cases with one exception have been notified by medical men, showing the futility of any dependence on notification by parents. (4) Every house has been visited by the sanitary inspector or myself, handbills (with precautions) given, and any sanitary defects noted. (5) Health visitors are under the jurisdiction of the County Council in this district, but there has not come to my knowledge any necessity for nursing assistance. (6) Two deaths have been notified. (7) The outbreak is abating.

Mr A. Schofield, of Halton, and Mr T. Holt, of Woodlesford, were elected on the local Pensions Committee. The treasurer reported a balance of £1,200. 

The Chairman was appointed on a representative committee to consider the filling of the vacancy on the West Riding County Council for the Alverthorpe Division.

WOODLESFORD. GAMING WITH COINS. 20 April.

At Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, Joseph Jacques, miner, of Swillington, and the following Woodlesford miners, William Cockerham, Robert Emmott and Harry Horton, were charged with gaming with coins in Church Street, Woodlesford, on the 30th inst., the cases being proved by P.C. Abbott.

The case against Horton was withdrawn, on the ground that he had been combed out of the pit for the Army. Emmott was fined 40s., Cockerham 20s., and Jacques 10s.

UNLICENSED DOG. 20 April.

At Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, Joseph Wild, labourer, Woodlesford, was summoned for keeping a dog without licence. P.C. Abbott proved the case, and defendant was fined 15s.

PRIVATE BORMAN’S DEATH. 20 April.

In the list of killed or died of wounds is the name of Private J.G. Borman, K.O.Y.L.I. His wife and children reside at 9, Eshald Place, Woodlesford, Leeds.

TRIBUNAL AT ROTHWELL INTERESTING CASES. 20 April.

A meeting of the Rothwell Tribunal was held at the Council Offices, on Thursday afternoon last. The members present were: Councillors McCullough, J.P. (Chairman), J. Hirst, J.P., H. Kirkby, W. Wade, and T.P. Wade, with the Clerk (Mr W, Dodgson), and military representative (Mr J.C. Howarth).

Mr Eli Milner appealed on behalf of an assistant, aged 18, grade 3, employed at the Rothwell Co-operative butchering department. The case was adjourned for further particulars as to classification in grade 3.

A colliery lampman, 40, married, formerly employed by Messrs J. and J. Charlesworth failed to appear. His present address not being known, exemption was withdrawn, and the case left in the hands of the military.

Mr Norman Elliott, solicitor, appeared on behalf of an assistant in the furnishing business, 18, grade 3. The military representative did not press the case, exemeption being granted on medical grounds.

The case of a pit pony driver, 18, single, coming under the comb out at the pits, was dismissed.

Five cases of men being employed at the collieries since 1914 took up a lot of time. The Tribunal wished to definitely settle the position of similar cases, and thus enable them to deal with future comb-out appeals. The cases were: (1) A married man, 37, B2, living at Carlton, with 8 children; he had worked in the pit since September 5th, 1914, and was formerly a painter and paperhanger. (2) A married man, 40, B2, 4 in family, on having served three years in the Army, and another a member of the Volunteers, and formerly a gardener at Royds Green. (3) In this case Mr Kingswell appealed on behalf of a grade 3 man, 31, single, on medical grounds; he was formerly a quarryman at Rothwell Haigh, and has been recently employed as a coal-cutter and at the coke ovens. (4) A married man, 32, of Lofthouse, formerly an insurance agent, now a coal miner, asked for exemption on account of his wife’s health. (5) A married man, 39, grade 1, coal miner, of Robin Hood, and secretary of a Friendly Society; his plea was for exemption on account of rheumatism. The verdict of the Tribunal was: No.1 case to find work of national importance (not to include mining or coke works); in all other cases exemptions were withdrawn. Notices of appeal were given.

A colliery banksman, 40, married, of Rothwell, made application for withdrawal of certificate of exemption. Withdrawal allowed.

A doctor’s chauffeur, C3, single, of Rothwell, who had been called up and sent back three or four times, was allowed a month to make necessary repairs.

A women appeared on behalf of her son, 18, a fish fryer at Stourton. Her eldest son had already served, and was seriously wounded, and another son had been combed out at the pit. The case was adjourned until next meeting.

A married man, 39, A2, grocer, of Rothwell, with 3 children, who kept 4 milk cows, pigs, and poultry, applied for exemption. The appeal was granted on food supply conditions. An Innkeeper and farmer, 41, married, of Rothwell, was again exempted as a farmer. Mr Sowry appealed on behalf of his manager at a branch shop at Rothwell. The man was 37, B1, employed as a tailor’s cutter, on Government contract work. The military appeal for exemption certificate to be withdrawn was granted, not to be called up before April 30th. The military appeal was allowed in the cases of a brickdrawer, 41, married, of Leeds, and a moulder, C1, 31, married, of Rothwell. The case of a manager of a furnishing business, C1, 20, single, was adjourned for 2 months. A scythe-stone maker, 24, A2, (grade 1), Robin Hood, again appealed on domestic grounds. Exemption withdrawn; not to be called up before April 30th.

The Clerk stated that a coal dealer, at Stourton, who had made a higher appeal, had been granted exemption to July 31st; two persons had made application for withdrawal of exemption from drill with the Volunteers. No action was taken. Next meeting to be held on April 23rd.

WOODLESFORD. GENERAL SCALLON’S VISIT. 27 April.

General Sir Robert Scallon, who is to give an address in All Saint’s Church, Woodlesford, on Sunday, at 3 p.m., is one of our most distinguishes Indian Army Generals, and has seen much active service. At the commencement of the war he was a Lieutenant General, and in command of the Northern Armies of India. In 1917 he was promoted to full General, and was made Grand Commander of the Bath, at the beginning of the year. Other awards he has received are the K.C.B., K.C.I.E., C.I.E., etc. He was appointed last years to be A.D.C. General to the King.

OULTON. PRIVATE WATSON’S DEATH. 27 April.

In this week’s list of killed or died of wounds is the name of Private Joseph Watson (39), K.O.Y.L.I., who formerly worked for Messrs Hall, quarry-owners, Oulton. His parents live at 15, Quarry Hill, Oulton.

A PRISONER OF WAR. 4 May.

In the list of prisoners of war appears the name of Private John W. Butterworth (37), R.F.A., 20, Milk Street, Saxton Lane, Leeds, who was employed at Bower’s Pit, Woodlesford.    

RIFLEMAN WARKE MISSING. 4 May.

Rifleman Sam Warke (22), King’s Liverpools, son of Mr and Mrs M. Warke, Astley, Old Engine, Woodlesford.

OULTON. DEATH OF MR J.H. JACKSON. 4 May.

Mr J.H. Jackson, formerly of Oulton, and at one time a member of the Pontefract Town Council, and secretary to the Pontefract Borough Conservative Association, died on Sunday evening, in his 60th year.

STONE THROWING. 4 May.

At Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, three Oulton youths, pony-drivers, aged about 18 years, were summoned on a charge of throwing stones to the danger of the public.

P.C. Coldwell stated that on the 21st April, while on duty in Aberford Road, Oulton, he saw defendants standing on a footpath near the highway and throwing stones to the danger of people in the highway. When he remonstrated with the defendants one of them replied, “We shall soon be soldiers.” The Chairman asked if there was any intention of appealing for exemption when the boys were ultimately called up, and received an affirmative reply on the ground that each boy had brothers in the Army. Each defendant was fined 10s.

DEATH OF LANCE-CORPORAL HIGGINS. 4 May.

Official news has been received of the death in action, on March 25th, of Lance Corporal Rowland Higgins, Royal Fusiliers, 6th son of Mr and Mrs B. Wood Higgins, of Oulton. He was educated at the Leeds Boys’ Modern School, afterwards entering the London City and Midland Bank.

He was one of seven brothers who joined the forces, and his elder brother, Private Ernest A. Higgins, was accidentally killed on March 1st, while on active service. General sympathy is felt with the parents and family in their second bereavement, it being only at the recent meeting of the Oulton and District Education Committee that sympathetic reference was made to the death of the eldest son.

HUNSLET RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. HALF-YEARLY ESTIMATES. 11 May.

The Monthly meeting of the above Council was held on Thursday afternoon, at the offices, Hunslet, Mr T. Thomas (Chairman) presiding. There were also in attendance Mr D.W. Hargreaves, Mr Flannagan, Mr Verity, with the Clerk (Mr W.B. Pindar), medical officer (D. Buck), inspector (Mr Whitehead), and surveyor (Mr Nuttall).

On the motion of Mr Hargreaves, seconded by Mr Verity, and supported by Mr Flanagan, Mr Thomas was thanked for his services during the past year as Chairman of the Council, and was again re-elected to the position.

In accepting that position Mr Thomas said: Not much has been done during the war. But plans can be prepared so that everything is in readiness to proceed with important work when peace is declared.

Temple Newsam Town Planning Scheme is in its final stages. Oulton with Woodlesford Scheme is in course of preparation. In connection with both these schemes the Council propose to provide a considerable number of cottages. Sites have been inspected and negotiations are in progress.

This leaves only Middleton which has not yet been dealt with, and I hope the Council will now proceed with a scheme for that parish. The roads have been well kept up and repaired all along, and now when it is impossible to obtain stone for repairs in the quantities needed the Council are reaping the benefit of their past action in keeping all roads up to the highest standard for the traffic passing over them. The sanitary condition of the district is as good as ever it has been, and the vital statistics for the past year show that the health of the inhabitants is in every respect satisfactory.

There have been no serious epidemics of fever or other infectious diseases, and the infant death rate continues remarkably low.

Mr Verity was also re-elected to the vice-chair, and all the standing committees and representatives were re-apponted. The medical officer reported that during the last four weeks there had been 7 births (4 in Oulton and Woodlesford, 1 in Temple Newsam, and 2 in Middleton), and 5 deaths (3 in Oulton and Woodlesford, 2 in Temple Newsam, and 0 in Middleton).

The epidemic of measles was now dying down. He had nearly completed his annual report, the chief feature of which was the reduced birth-rate, which was down to 17.7 per thousand.

The estimate of expenses for the half-year up to September 30th, 1918, was accepted, the figures including, under the estimate of general expenses, £500 in salaries, £730 highway expenses, and £360 for hospitals and infectious diseases, the full total being £1,880 which, by the deduction of £160 on the credit side, left a net estimated expenditure of £1,720.

The proposed calls were: Middleton £480, Oulton-cum-Woodlesford £780, Temple Newsam £460, and Thorp Stapleton £6, making a total of £1,726, as compared with calls of £1,626 at Michaelmas, 1916, £1,560 at Lady Day 1917, £1,500 at Michaelmas 1917, and £1,548 at Lady Day, 1918. The assessable value of Middleton is £17,928, of Oulton-cum- Woodlesford £29,066, and of Templenewsam £16,800. The treasurer reported a balance in hand of £35.

GAME TRESPASS. 11 May.

At Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, Henry Hammond, miner, of Barnsley, was summoned for trespassing in pursuit of game, and also for having a dog without owner’s name on collar. Evidence was given by an under-gamekeeper to the effect that on April 28th while on duty in Royd’s Lane, Oulton, he saw the defendant loitering, in an adjoining field, in which he set his dog at a couple of hares.

On accosting the defendant the witness noticed that the dog’s collar bore no name or address, and he took the defendant to the head keeper, Mr James Phillips, who reported the case to P.C. Coldwell.

Hammond denied that he had set the dog at the hares, but admitted the second offence, saying that he had only had the dog a few weeks, and he had since had his name and address placed on the collar. The defendant was fined 10s. in each case.

OULTON. THROWING STONES. 11 May.

At Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, four Methley pony drivers, Henry Perkins (16), Walter Hebden (16), Harold Parkin (15), and Charles Ryder (17), were summoned on the charge of throwing stones to the danger of the public.

P.C. Hutchinson stated that defendants were seen throwing stones at a lamp-post in Fleet Lane, Oulton, on April 21st. Each defendant was fined 10s.

THE INSTITUTE. 11 May.

The annual meeting of the Oulton and Woodlesford Institute was held last weekend. The report presented and adopted says: “Standing out prominently in a review of the year’s work is the influx of members during the last quarter of the year from 44 to 92, the success of special efforts which totalled £32 15s. 11d., and the great increase in billiard receipts from £100 15s. 3d. to £143 15s. 9d., justifying the addition of a fourth table in December last. Owing to this increased support the billiard loan of 1912 – £30 with interest – has been wiped off, and £15 put to a reserve fund towards renovating the buildings after the war.

The increase from lettings, too, has increased from £11 13s. 6d. to £19 5s., and the free use for war purposes has continued. The total income reached £236 10s. 5d., as against £165 10s. 6d. last year. Expenditure, even with the greatest economy, has increased. Fire and Light, and rates and taxes, about £73 7s. 8d., or nearly two and threequarter times the total membership fees. Tradesmen’s accounts have risen from £26 12s. 4d. to £42 6s. 1d., chiefly owing to the erection of the new billiard table, at a cost of £65 13s. 8d., towards this sum a five per cent. loan of £49 was obtained from 14 members, the remaining sum being charged to current account.

Owing to the extra cost of newspapers and periodicals several have been discontinued. Messrs J.H. Armitage and O. Wilkinson represent the Institute on the British Council War Memorial Committee. The members have contributed £6 13s. to the Leeds Wounded Warriors Fund, and £8 19s. to the Institute Cigarette Fund for the Forces home on leave, and 2,000 cigarettes have been distributed.

To the members of the United Methodist Church, to the promoters of the Institute Dancing Class, to Mr Farrer, for the use of his beautiful grounds for the Garden Fete, to the donors of the Xmas handicap prizes, to the special constables and all who assisted to raise extra funds, the committee’s thanks are due and tendered.

With the passing of the New Man-Power Bill further strain will be put upon resources, and the Committee appeal to the remaining members to support liberally any effort to enable the Institute to carry on.

WOODLESFORD. SERGEANT JOPLING’S DEATH. 18 May.

In the officially reported list of killed or died from wounds is the name of Sergeant Joseph Jopling (38), A.I.F., second son of Mr and Mrs William Jopling, Eshald House, Woodlesford.

SUDDEN DEATH. 18 May.

An inquest was held on Friday morning last, at the Mechanics’ Institute, Rothwell, before Mr P.P. Maitland, coroner, on view of the body of Alfred Bowes, 42 years of age, 60, Commercial Street, a crane driver at Water Haigh Colliery, who died suddenly in Oulton Lane, Rothwell, the previous day.

From the evidence of the widow, Rachel Bowes, it appears the deceased had been in the Army, but was discharged about two years ago on account of heart trouble. Since then he had worked at Water Haigh, but had had to “play” for ill-health. He seemed poorly when he went to work on the morning of his death, and did not seem fit to work, but he would go. He was brought home dead the same night.

Stephen Purdy Abbishaw, of Rothwell, colliery fitter, at Water Haigh, gave evidence of finding the body about a quarter to six, lying in the gutter with his cycle by his side. The man was alive when he found him but he was unconscious. There were a few drops of blood about, in his cap.

To the witness, it appeared the man had been getting to the side of the road, when he had collapsed. The man died about two minutes after he got to him. He had seen him resting both mornings and nights as he had been going to his work.

Dr. Hugh Stevenson gave evidence of having attended the deceased for heart disease, from which he had suffered for some time. Witness thought the deceased had died from sudden heart failure. The jury returned a verdict of death from syncope from over exertion due to valvular heart disease.

WOODLESFORD. KILLED AND WOUNDED SOLDIERS. 18 May.

In the current issue of the Parish Magazine of All Saints’, Woodlesford, is the following reference to local military casualties: We much regret to have to record that the war is responsible for the deaths of two well-known residents in our village. John Borman, who had only been in France a short time, has been killed in action. Robert Metcalf, who had been in the lines nearly all the time, has died from wounds in a base hospital in France. He had greatly distinguished himself and won the M.M. and other distinction, and been promoted to the rank of sergeant. They, along with all others who have died in defence of our country, win our lasting gratitude, and their relatives and friends have our sincerest sympathy. We also regret to state that William Dunwell has been severely wounded in one of the late engagements in France, and is in hospital in Aberdeen.

ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH. 18 May.

In the All Saints’ Parish Magazine, Woodlesford, the Rev. A.J.E. Irvin, B.A., and Rural Dean, gives the following information: The annual vestry meeting was held in the Parish Room. The Vicar in the chair. The accounts were presented by Mr W.P. Peters. There was a balance in hand to begin the year of 18s. 8d. The offertories for church expenses were £61 9s. The special offertories for Church Missions, at home and abroad, were £30 19s. 9d. Special subscriptions and donations, £32 5s. 11d. Dedication Festival subscriptions boxes for church expenses (£2 13s. 2d.), box for sanctuary fund (£3 5s. 7d.), etc., £30 2s. 6d., making a total of £156 2s. 6d. Expenses, etc. Salaries of organist, choirmaster, organ blower, verger, and church cleaner, £51 2s.; lighting and heating, £12 10s. 10d.; renewals, repairs, surplices washing, etc., £24 11s. 7d.; Sunday school rent, choir trip, and other items, £23 14s. 6d., leaving a balance in hand of £4 1s. 8d.

The usual votes of thanks were passed to the churchwardens, sidesmen, and servers. The Easter offering of £12 12s. 3d. was presented to the vicar. The vicar re-appointed Mr W.P. Peters as his churchwarden , and Mr J. Sheldon was re-elected by the parishioners, for the ensuing year. The following gentlemen were appointed as sidesmen: Messrs B. Walker, C.B. Lane, W. Walker, and W. Wade, nominated by the Vicar, and Messrs O. Wilkinson, J. Madeley, J. Ellis, and S. Greaves by the parishioners.

An interesting ceremony took place at the close of the meeting, when a presentation of a cheque for £16 was made to Mr R. Abbey, the verger, along with a printed address, which ran as follows: All Saints’ Church, Woodlesford. To Mr R. Abbey, verger. On behalf of the following past and present members of the congregation we have pleasure in presenting you with a cheque for £16 on the occasion of your completing 25 years’ service in the church in the capacity of verger, as a token of the reverent and diligent way in which you have invariably discharged your duties. Easter, A.D.1918. W.P. Peters and J. Sheldon, churchwardens; A.J.E. Irvin, vicar.

WOODLESFORD. PRIVATE POOL MISSING. 25 May.

In the list of missing is Private George Pool (19), Northumberland Fusiliers, whose parents reside at Swillington Bridge, Woodlesford, Leeds.

OULTON. OULTON ST. JOHN’S A.F.C. 25 May.

The Oulton St. John’s Football Club has sent a donation of £5 10s., proceeds from dance, to the Leeds General Infirmary, this making the second donation this year, total £9 5s. Thos. Wm. Nettleton, hon. Sec., 11, Airedale Terrace, Woodlesford, near Leeds.    

GAMING WITH COINS. 25 May.

At Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, Albert Holstead, Leeds, William Holstead, miner, Oulton, and John Flaherty, miner, Woodlesford, were summoned on a charge of gaming with coins.

P.C. Hutchinson stated that on Sunday, May 19th, he and another police constable were on duty near the Methley boundary at Oulton, when they saw the three defendants playing a game described as heads and tails. On seeing the police officers the defendants ran away, but were afterwards traced and told they would be reported. Defendants pleaded guilty. Albert Holstead, discharged from the army after being wounded was fined 15s. William Holstead was fined 20s., and Flaherty was fined 25s., the two last-named heving been previously convicted.

HUNSLET RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. WASTE FOOD AND PIG KEEPING. 8 June.

The monthly meeting of the above Council was held on Thursday afternoon of last week, at the offices, Hunslet, there being present Mr T. Thomas, J.P. (chairman) presiding, Mr Verity, and Mr Flanagan, with the Clerk (Mr W.B. Pindar), medical officer (Dr. Buck), surveyor (Mr Nuttall), and inspector (Mr Whitehead). The Treasurer’s balance was reported at £769 3s. 8d.

The Medical Officer reported that during the past four weeks there had been registered 13 births, 9 in Oulton and Woodlesford, 2 in Templenewsam, and 2 in Middleton. There had also been registered 5 deaths, 2 in Oulton and Woodlesford, 2 in Templenewsam, and 1 in Middleton. There had been one case of scarlet fever and 1 case of measles, at Templenewsam. Also a case of pulmonary tuberculosis at Temple Newsam. With these exceptions the district was free of infectious disease.

The Medical Officer also presented his annual report, which was generally satisfactory. The birth rate showed 17.5 per thousand of the population, the lowest on record. It should the Clerk remarked, be more like 29 or 30, but the cause was well known. The death rate was very satisfactory, being 12.9, that for England and Wales being 14.4. The infant mortality was particularly satisfactory, being 58 per thousand births registered. For several years the rate had been extremely low. The zymotic death rate was 1.1, rather higher than usual, but still within the margin. The number of cases of infectious disease notified, excepting tuberculosis and measles, was 16, the least notified for some time. There had been an irregular supply of water at Middleton, and something should be done as soon as opportunity occurs.

A circular had been received from the Local Government Board re the keeping of pigs, and urging the Council to facilitate arrangements with the inhabitants in order to increase the food supply in this respect. Restrictive regulations could be, for the time being, held in abeyance, and piggeries could be erected by the Council if thought desirable. The Board hoped the Council would do all they could so that the utmost success might attend the efforts that were being made to increase this kind of livestock. A system of collecting waste food stuffs was also recommended.

The Chairman said he did not think there would be much waste food stuffs in the district to collect; the real trouble was to get the food stuffs for pigs.

It was decided that a town planning scheme be provided for Middleton. A recommendation was made by the Oulton and Woodlesford parish meeting that public urinals be erected in the district.

The Council acknowledge the need for these conveniences and decided that further consideration be given the matter when times are nearer normal. A quotation of £31 for installing electric light in the offices was accepted. 

The price of water by meter in Oulton and Woodlesford was increased to 1s 2d per thousand gallons.

OULTON. ABUSIVE LANGUAGE. 15 June.

At the Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, Hannah Hall, married, Oulton, was summoned for using abusive language at Aberford Road, Oulton. P.C. Caldwell proved the case. Mr Willey, solicitor for the defendant, urged that she had met with great provocation from the fact that after she had put out a blanket to dry, a neighbour had started shaking dirty rugs. Defendant was fined 10s.

WOODLESFORD. DEFACING A WALL. 15 June.

At a Leeds Children’s Court, on Tuesday, a Hunslet boy of 13, employed as a screener, was charged with defacing a wall by writing thereon. Sergt. Woodcock said that the practice was common throughout the division, and was very difficult to detect.

P.C. Abbott stated that on the 1st inst. he caught defendant in the act of writing on the wall, at Woodlesford. The Chairman commented that the practice was a most objectionable one, but as the boy probably did not realise what he was doing, he should be bound over to be of good conduct for six months.

PRESENTATION OF WAR HONOURS. 22 June.

On Sunday last, under the auspices of the Oulton and Woodlesford War Honours and Memorial Fund Committee, a procession, consisting of the 11th West Riding Volunteers, Special Constables, Boy Scouts, and Local Organisations, paraded the principal streets of the two villages, headed by the local band, to a field at the top of Quarry Hill, where a large open-air meeting was held.

The weather was fine, and a large attendance evinced keen interest in the proceedings. The chairman, Mr B.W. Higgins, explained the objects of the gathering, which were to help raise funds for a local War Memorial, and to do honour to the representatives of the twin villages who had won distinction in the war.

Stirring addresses were also given by the Rev. A.J.E. Irvin, the Rev. H.T. Pattinson, Mr T.H. Myton, and others. The hymns “O God our help I ages past,” “Fight the good fight,” and “Onward, Christian Soldiers,” were sung during the proceedings.

The principal attraction of the afternoon was the presentation of a gold watch, chain and pendant to each of the following: Sergeant G.W. Franks, D.C.M.; Sergeant J. Flockton, D.C.M.; and Sergeant E.H. Waide, M.M., the local winners of war honours to date. The presents were very acceptable tokens of the inhabitants’ good wishes and appreciation of distinctive service, and will no doubt become treasured heir looms in the respective families. The proceedings throughout were eminently successful, the weather being ideal and the addresses enthusiastic and enheartening. Along the route of the procession a collection was taken for the War Honours and Memorial Fund.

WOODLESFORD. PRIVATE HUDDLESTONE WOUNDED. 22 June.

In the list of wounded is Private Walter Huddlestone (24), Lancashire Fusiliers, whose relatives live at Eshald Villas, Woodlesford.

OULTON. BOY SCOUTS. 22 June.

On Saturday last a grand display and gala was held in the Oulton Hall and grounds by the South-East Leeds Boy Scouts. The weather was fine and there was a large attendance. Sports were decided and exhibitions given of bridge building, washing day in camp, Indian camp life, pioneering and gymnastics. There was an up-to-date fair ground which did a good trade in the interests of the funds. The net receipts amounted to over £12.

A POACHING OFFENCE. 22 June.

At the Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, Edward Poole, miner, Leeds, was summoned for entering land in pursuit of game, and also with unlawfully killing a pheasant. James Phillips, gamekeeper, Oulton, stated that on the 25th ult. he saw defendant, while coming down the lane from work, pull out a rifle and shoot at the pheasants, as the result of which a dead pheasant was afterwards found. On asking the defendant if he had a gun licence he found that he had one, and the defendant also urged that other people besides himself were shooting the pheasants. The defendant pleaded that he had made a mistake, and that he thought he was shooting a “land-drake” and not a pheasant. The chairman: I am afraid that is a poor story. Defendant was fined 20s. in each case.

A YOUNG CHAUFFEUR. 22 June.

At the Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, John Richard Snow, chauffeur, Morley, was summoned on a charge of driving a motor car to the danger of the public, Mr Maude, solicitor, appearing for the defence. James Sloan, colliery deputy, Woodlesford, stated that on April 29th, at about half-past eleven in the morning, he and his wife were returning from Rothwell, when he saw a motor lorry, driven by the defendant, going in the direction of Castleford at a tremendous speed, which he estimated at 30 miles an hour.

He did not hear the driver sound his horn. When he reached the lodge gates at Oulton, at the junction with Calverley Lane, he noticed that the motor lorry had been in a collision, and he told the driver that he was not surprised, seeing what a speed he had been going at.

Ethel Abbey, of Oulton, said that at 11.30 on the date named she was cycling along Calverley Lane when she was passed by a motor cyclist, and on reaching the end of the lane she found there had been a collision between the motor-cycle and the defendant’s vehicle. There was a thick hedge on one side of the lane and she had neither seen the motor lorry not heard any warning of its approach.

Walter Shearman, general dealer, Commercial Street, Rothwell, who appeared in Court on a pair of crutches, stated that when he emerged from the end of Calverley Lane on his motor-cycle he was only going at the rate of four or five miles an hour. He heard no warning of the approach of the motor vehicle, but he saw it coming when about forty yards away, and when close to him the defendant turned the vehicle across the road on to the wrong side and ran into the fore-wheel of the motor-cycle, throwing him off the machine. He thought that the driver must have lost his head or that on account of his speed he was unable to apply the brake. He judged the motor lorry to be travelling at over 20 miles an hour.

The defendant, who said he was 17 years of age, and had been employed at a garage for two or three years, denied that he was travelling at more than fifteen miles an hour, and stated that Shearman was travelling at the same rate, and that he had turned on to the wrong side of the road in order to avoid running into Shearman.

P.C. Caldwell stated that he had examined the wheel marks, which showed that the defendant’s vehicle was on the wrong side of the road.

Evidence was given by the defendant’s employer to the effect that he was “absolutely the limit” as a skilful driver, and that he was thoroughly experienced.

The Chairman said that having regard to the defendant’s youth the Bench did not wish to punish him too severely, but he would have to pay a fine of 40s.   

UNLAWFUL USE OF PETROL. 29 June.

At the Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, Selwyn Rayner, munition worker, of Woodlesford, was charged with unlawfully using petrol, and his father, Edward Arthur Burley Rayner, munition worker, Woodlesford, was charged with allowing petrol to be used unlawfully.

P.C. Coldwell stated that he saw the junior defendant riding a motor cycle on a journey that might have been accomplished on foot, the distance from his home being only one and a half miles. The defendant had explained that he was posting a letter for his father concerning a business matter.

Mr Pullan, solicitor for the defence, submitted that though there may have been a technical breech of the law, the younger defendant was engaged on a purely business errand, while as for the alternative of going where he wanted by train, he would have needed to take a journey of 16 miles.

The Chairman: Why not walk the mile and a half? Mr Pullan urged that the most direct walking distance was much more than a mile and a half. He submitted there was every reason that the Bench should treat the case leniently. The son was dismissed on the ground of his youth, and the father was fined 20s.

HUNSLET RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. THE NEW “FLU.” 6 July.

The monthly meeting of the above Council was held on Thursday afternoon, at the offices, Hunslet, there being present Mr T. Thomas, J.P. (chairman, presiding), Mr P.S. Marsden, and Mr Verity, with the clerk (Mr W.B. Pindar), medical officer (Dr. Buck), ans surveyor (Mr Nuttall).

The Council’s building scheme for Oulton and Woodlesford was again further considered, the Chairman being eventually deputed to see Mr Farrer with regard to the price of land decided upon. A similar decision was also come to with regard to the Temple Newsam scheme. In accordance with arrangements made at the last meeting the surveyor had prepared plans with a view to the town planning of Middleton. A resolution was passed to go forward with the scheme.

The medical officer reported that during the past four weeks there had been 13 births (10 in Oulton and Woodlesford, 1 in Temple Newsam, and 2 in Middleton). During the same period there had only been 2 deaths, both in Temple Newsam. There had been notified 2 cases of scarlet fever in Oulton and Woodlesford.

During the past seven days there had been an outbreak of the new form of influenza. The working classes were mostly affected; it was infectious, and if one case occurred in a house others frequently followed. There was high temperature, headache, great prostration, and pains in the limbs. Those who sought to fight the ailment without taking to bed suffered worse. If early precautions were taken recovery soon followed.

WOODLESFORD. DOG WITHOUT LICENSE. 6 July.

At the Leeds West Riding, on Tuesday, John Thomas Emmett, miner, Woodlesford, was summoned for keeping a dog without a license. P.C. Abbott stated that on the 24th he called at the defendant’s house, when he found a fox terrier dog for which no license had been obtained. The defendant’s wife explained that the dog belonged to her son who was a soldier, and said that the dog was only seven months old, but she would at once take out a license. She had since obtained a license. Defendant was fined 15s.   

INQUEST. 13 July.

At the Midland Hotel, Woodlesford, on Thursday, the 4th inst. Mr P.P. Maitland held an inquest on the body of William Hines, of Kitchener Street, Woodlesford, 25 years of age, who died on the previous Tuesday. Evidence was given as to an accident he sustained in the Water Haigh Colliery some years ago, while following light employment in the same colliery. The verdict returned was that death had resulted from tuberculosis brought into activity by an injury to his spine by an accidental fall of roof in Water Haigh Colliery in 1911, hastened by spinal inflammation probably due to a recent injury.

OULTON. UNATTENDED MOTOR VAN. 20 July.

At the Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, George Ronald Veales, chauffeur, of Wakefield, was summoned for leaving a motor van unattended. P.C. Coldwell stated that on the afternoon of the 28th ult. while on duty in Oulton, he saw defendant leave the motor van, on which he had left the engine running, and go on an errand which occupied two or three minutes, during which time the van was completely unattended. The defendant, a youth, stated that he was delivering groceries, and that as it took him an hour to re-start his engine, he did not think it worth while to shut it off for the sake of a few minutes. A fine of 10s. was imposed.

OULTON AND WOODLESFORD. DEATH OF MR. WHITEHEAD. 20 July.

A familiar figure has been removed from the twin villages of Oulton and Woodlesford by the death of Mr. William Whitehead, sanitary inspector to the Hunslet Rural District Council.

Mr. Whitehead was appointed inspector under the Council in February, 1873, and has thus served the Council for a long stretch of years, equalled in very few instances in the West Riding. For many years also he was Registrar of Births and Deaths for the Oulton and Woodlesford and Whitkirk districts, being appointed to that office in 1876, and acting until 1907, when he retired from that office and re-arrangement of the sub-districts.

Mr. Whitehead was highly respected by his co-officials and by the great number of those in the district with whom his work brought him into close association. He was in harness almost up to the last, dying on the 6th July after only a few days illness. The funeral took place on Tuesday week, many paying a last tribute to one who had so faithfully served his day and generation.

OULTON HALL AS OFFICERS’ HOSPITAL. MAJOR CALVERLEY’S GENEROSITY. 22 July.

Col. C.W.E. Dunscombe, C.B.E., of the Territorial Headquarters, 9, St. Leonard’s, York, affords, through the press, the following interesting information: For some months past the Northern Command has been endeavouring to find a large country house suitable for a hospital for officers suffering from neurasthenia and shell shock, which would be entirely devoted to the treatment of such cases.

An ideal building has now been provided, through the generosity of Major H. Calverley, who has placed Oulton Hall at the disposal of the military authorities, rent free. Certain necessary alterations and repairs have been effected by the Government, at a cost of over £2,000, with the result that a splendid hospital is about to be opened, capable of accommodating 70 patients.

Captain Fazan, late of the Abram Peel Hospital, Bradford, has been appointed Commandant and Medical Officer-in-charge, and Miss Gwendolen Money, late of Field House Hospital, Bradford, has been selected for the post of matron.    

Furniture and equipment have also been provided by the Government, but there are certain articles not appearing on their schedules which are very urgently needed. These include an ambulance for conveying patients and their baggage to and from Woodlesford Station, a piano, and a full-size billiard table. A modern car of about 20 h.p., not in use owing to the shortage of petrol, would be gratefully accepted. If the body were not suitable, a new one would be provided out of Red Cross funds. All correspondence relating to the hospital or answers to this appeal should be addressed to the County Director, Colonel C.W.E. Dunscombe, C.B.E., Territorial Headquarters.

LOCAL BOWLING. LEEDS AND DISTRICT INDIVIDUAL MERIT COMPETITION AN OULTON WINNER. 3 August.

The concluding rounds of the 22nd tournament for the Individual Championship of the Leeds and District Amateur Association were contested at the Bramley Liberal green on Saturday. There was a large crowd of spectators, and a collection made by Mr. F.W. Baines (hon. Treasurer of the Association) on behalf of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children realised a capital sum. Thirty-two clubs were represented in the record entry of 299 competitors, and of the 16 players, who entered the fifth stage and participated in the substantial prize list, four are making a first appearance in the competition.

The green ran well, and true, and play was of a high standard. W. Scholey (Gipton), a previous prize winner, was early dismissed by a single cast, and the sixth stage saw the defeat of all the new-comers, and also of J. Graham (Kirkstall), who was the unsuccessful finalist two years ago. T. Brown (Oulton), who was runner-up in the 1912 competition, and shared in the prizes last season, won his way to the final in fine style, quickly gaining the mastery over J. Ellis (Bramley W.M.), having 13 points in hand. The other semi-final, between R. Jackson (Woodside) and M.A. Cockrem (Garforth Conservatives), was also decided by a double-figure margin. The former’s score included seven doubles, and he won easily by that number of points.

In the final, Brown, a most consistent exponent, trundled with fine precision. He scored five, Jackson responding with two singles.

The Oulton player next chalked five doubles and four singles, whilst his opponent only added three points. With the formidable lead of 19-5 Brown looked an easy winner, but Jackson got possession at the twentieth end and “firing,” and, playing his favourite corner game, made a fine rally, registering three doubles, and four singles off the reel (15-9). Brown, however, got his points with a couple of excellent woods at the 27th end, thus winning the championship by a margin of 6 points.

HUNSLET RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. LEEDS AND PROPOSED GARDEN VILLAGE ST MIDDLETON. ATTITUDE OF THE LOCAL AUTHORITY. 3 August.

The monthly meeting of the above Council was held at the offices, Hunslet, on Thursday of last week, there being in attendance Councillors T. Thomas, J.P. (chairman, presiding), P.S. Marsden, and Mr. Verity, with the acting-clerk (Mr. Schofield), surveyor (Mr. Nuttall), and medical officer (Dr. Buck). The Treasurer reported a bank balance of £1,029 18s. 4d.

The Chairman referred in suitable terms to the death of their late inspector, Mr. Whitehead, who was present at the last meeting, but had since died, after a brief illness. A straighter man, he said, he never met. He was at work every day, and did his work conscientiously. After a term of service extending over forty-five years their inspector died in harness. He, the Chairman, had been proud to have had anything to do with such an officer. He proposed that a vote of condolence be passed with the bereaved family. Mr Marsden seconded the motion, and Dr. Buck, as representing the officers, also associated himself with the Chairman’s remarks, the motion being then formally carried.

The Medical Officer reported that during the past month there had been 9 births, 5 in Oulton and , Woodlesford, 3 in Temple Newsam, and 1 in Middleton, and 7 deaths, 4 in Oulton and Woodlesford, 1 in Templenewsam and 2 in Middleton. There had been notified 2 cases of diphtheria at Middleton.

The Medical Officer drew the Council’s attention to a paragraph which had appeared in one of the evening papers which, he thought, reflected seriously on the Council and their officials. The paragraph referred to housing accommodation at Middleton, and the members strongly resented the statements, which the Medical Officer and members stated were not true to fact, and were misleading to the public. It was agreed that the Medical Officer write to the paper concerned giving the true facts of the case.

With regard to the vacancy caused by the death of Mr Whitehead it was agreed that as a temporary measure, Mr Nuttall, the surveyor, be asked to take up the work, and that he be paid an additional £1 per week.

The housing schemes at Oulton and Woodlesford were again considered, and the Chairman’s action in negotiating the price of purchase of land was confirmed: 17 acres at Oulton and Woodlesford, at £220 per acre, and 14 acres at Temple Newsam at £200 per acre. A letter was read from the Leeds Corporation with regard to their proposed housing scheme at Middleton, stating that they proposed to purchase 425 acres of land from the Middleton Estate and Colliery Co., at £140 per acre. The proposal, however, was to take the area within the city boundary. The Council unanimously decided to reply stating that the Council would not object to their building of the houses as proposed, but that they very strongly objected to the proposal to incorporate the area in question within the city boundary.

A letter was also read from the West Riding County Council on this matter, stating that the Leeds proposal was to be considered by their Law and Parliamentary Committee, and asking for the Council’s observations on the matter.

Arrangements had been fixed for a local inquiry to be held on the 30th August, with regard to the Oulton and Woodlesford Town Planning Scheme.

The surveyor reported a plague of crickets at Woodlesford. They were infesting the houses, and were in all probability coming from the rubbish tip close by. A similar nuisance, in this case from rats, was reported at Temple Newsam. Power was given the Surveyor to deal with these two nuisances, and to purchase the necessary materials.

GARDEN PARTY AT OULTON. A SUCCESSFUL WAR EFFORT. 10 August.

The residents of Oulton and Woodlesford, and especially those who have been associated with the organisations for the raising of money for purposes connected with the war, have reason to feel proud of their achievements. The measure of success in these undertakings is usually the gauge indicating the enthusiasm and thoroughness put into the efforts, and these qualities have been fully exercised in all the Oulton and Woodlesford efforts on behalf of those who in so many ways have sacrificed themselves in the nation’s cause. Under the auspices of the British Red Cross Society, The Oulton and Woodlesford Fund, and the Oulton and Woodlesford War Honours Fund, a very attractive three days’ garden fete had been arranged for the holidays, and was opened on Monday afternoon at the Woodlands, Oulton, by the kindness of Mr. J. Farrer, J.P., and proved to be the holiday attraction of the district.

The weather was not all that could be desired, but there was nevertheless a large attendance at the opening ceremony.

Mr B.W. Higgins, vice-president of the fete committee, in the absence of Mr. J.E. Davenport, the president, presided, and called upon Mr. A. Sharpe, the organising secretary for the fete and treasurer to the war fund committee to explain the objects of the effort.

Mr. Sharpe stated that their’s was a threefold object; the net proceeds were to be divided equally between the British Red Cross, the Oulton and Woodlesford War Fund, and the Oulton and Woodlesford War Honours and Memorial Fund. The Oulton and Woodlesford fund had voted over £400 to national objects, including the Red Cross, the Y.M.C.A., St. Dunstan’s, the Sand Bag Fund, Beckett’s Park Hospital, the West Riding and District and Belgian Relief Fund. It had also distributed supplementary relief to dependants of local soldiers and sailors, and sent out over £400 worth of Christmas presents to the local lads serving their country in this time of need. It had bought material for the ladies connected with the committee made 3,000 garments – shirts and socks – for the soldiers. The success of their efforts had depended in a large measure on the splendid weekly systematic contributions of the employees of the Water Haigh Colliery. The War Honours and memorial Fund, which had originated during the present year, had a dual object. Its primary object was to promote, erect, and it was hoped, maintain some suitable and lasting memorial to those who had died in their country’s cause. It also set out with the object of suitably rewarding those of thie district who had gained honours in the fighting. That there are over 200 organising workers, who have all subscribed for the honour of being invited to work, spoke well for the three-fold objects the fete promoters had in view.

Mr. Higgins then called upon Mr. Farrer to open the fete. Mr. Farrer, who is ever ready to liberally help in every way possible local efforts with good objects in view, briefly spoke of the splendid work the local people had taken up, and noticed that their holiday effort might be made what it deserved to be made, one of the best in local history.

Mr. T. Myton, representing the War Honours Fund, proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Farrer for his ever willing help, Mr Ellis seconding the motion which was enthusiastically carried.

The Oulton Band was in attendance and played the National Anthem, following later with other patriotic music. The grounds and gardens were much admired, the blaze of rose blooms being a picture not often seen.

The fair ground did not belie its description as “better than ever,” much credit being ue to Mr. A. Sharpe, the head of this department, who had developed this business to a fine art. His numerous assistants had a busy time, as the receipts prove. Whist drives were also an attraction to many, while on the first day Mr. Sam Thackeray’s alfresco concerts afforded delightful entertainment. On the second day Mr. Griffiths Moss and Miss Mabel Hanks were at the head of the concert party, and on Wednesday a cricket match, ladies v. gentlemen, was a special feature of the afternoon’s programme.

There was a big band of willing workers, who rendered excellent service in their respective departments. The hon. general secretary was Miss Laverack; hon. organising secretary Mr A. Sharpe; and hon. treasurer Mr. W.P. Peters.

REGISTRATION FOR COAL. PROBLEMS FOR HOUSEHOLDERS. 17 August.

The long-delayed registration forms and official instructions in connection with the Household Fuel and Lighting Order are now being received by the various local authorities.

The “notice to customers” gives the quantitiy of coal, gas, and electricity allowed for fuel and lighting. When both gas and electricity are used for lighting the consumer may take part of his lighting allowance in gas and part in electricity, 750 cubic feet of gas being taken as 12 B.T. units of electricity.

The following shall not count as rooms; sculleries not used as kitchens, bathrooms, halls not used as sitting-rooms, dressing-rooms not used as bedrooms, pantries, not containing fireplaces or stoves, box-rooms, cellars, storerooms, greenhouses attached to houses, and outbuildings.

The Order came into effect on July 1st, and – although it is obvious there will have to be some relaxing of the Order in this respect – it is directed that after last Monday fuel and lighting can only be supplied if the customer has made an application upon the proper form, and had complied with the procedure laid down.

These forms which are soon to be in the hands of the householders, require from each applicant for coal and lighting the name of the coal merchant or dealer from whom supplies are to be obtained, the name of the undertaking supplying gas or electricity; particulars as to the uses to which gas and electricity are put – lighting, heating, cooking, etc.; and particulars as to the rooms and as to the number of persons habitually resident.

After filling up the form himself, the householder must present it to the registered coal merchant or licensed coal dealer with whom he intends to deal for acceptance for both coal and coke. The consumer should continue with his previous regular merchant or dealer by preference, so as to avoid any dislocation of coal distribution.
If the merchant or dealer refuses to accept the application, the consumer must forward it to the Local Fuel Overseer, who will secure a merchant or dealer to accept it.

Upon receipt of an application, the Local Fuel Overseer will, within seven days, issue a requisition upon which the consumer will be advised of his previous consumption of gas and electricity. Upon this requisition the consumer must show in what manner he wishes to take his fuel and lighting allowance, and return it completed to the Local Fuel Overseer within 14 days. The Local Fuel Overseer, if satisfied as to the correctness of the particulars on the application and requisition, will then issue certificates to the merchants or dealers and to gas or electricity companies or undertakings authorising the necessary supplies.

BAD LANGUAGE. 17 August.

At Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, Howard Riley Kempson, banksman, and Percy Neal, pony-driver, both of Castleford, were summoned on a charge of making use of obscene language. P.C. Coldwell stated that the offence was committed on the 29th ult., in Leeds Road, Oulton, just as children were passing on their way from the picture-house. The defendants were riding on bicycles, and when told they would be reported one of them said he was very sorry, and the other replied that he did not know he had done anything wrong. Supt. Woodcock stated that the language frequently used by cyclists coming from the direction of Castleford was becoming a nuisance. Neither of the defendants appeared in Court, and each was ordered to pay a fine of 30s.

OULTON AND WOODLESFORD EDUCATION COMMITTEE. FUEL SAVING AND EARLY CLOSING. 24 August.

The monthly meeting of the Oulton and Woodlesford Education Committee was held on Tuesday, in the Y.M.C.A. Buildings, Albion Street, Leeds, when there were present; M.r B. Wood Higgins (chairman), Mr. S.H. Young, Mr. Abbey, Mr. J.H. Tomlinson, Mr. T.H. Mytton, together with Mr. Gibbs (acting clerk in the temporary absence of Mr. Turner).

ATTENDANCE RETURNS. The Clerk read the following returns of attendance: Woodlesford Council School, 75.54 and infants 65.85; Halton Council School, 83.09 and infants, 78.89; Colton, 70.33; Oulton St. John’s National School, 77.16 and infants, 72.17. During a portion of the month of July some of the schools had been closed on account of influenza. The total average attendance was 76.2.

CARETAKER’S RESIGNATION. The Clerk read a letter from the caretaker of the Woodlesford School, resigning that position, and the Chairman, together with Messrs Mytton and Abbey, were appointed a sub-committee to deal with the position.

AN ALLOTMENT SHOW.  An application was read from Mr. Vernon Greaves, on behalf of the Temple Newsam Allotment Association, asking for the use of the Halton Council School, on the occasion of the show to be held on the 31st inst., for which prizes had been offered by Major the Hon. Edward Wood, M.P., of Temple Newsam. On the motion of Mr. Tomlinson, seconded by Mr. Abbey, it was resolved that the use of the large room be allowed subject to the payment of the nominal fee of 12s. 6d.

MID-DAY INTERVAL. The Clerk raised the question of the mid-day interval which last winter had been shortened in order that the afternoon term could close earlier, with a view to saving fuel and light. There was some discussion as to arrangements for the coming winter, and it was pointed out that while the Leeds Education Authority allowed certain latitude in cases where scholars had to cover long distances, the West Riding Authority had stipulated that there should be some curtailment of the dinner hour in each case. The Chairman said that the schools under their jurisdiction differed from Leeds in that they were in a country area, where the long distances made it all the harder for the children in the case of a shortened dinner hour. On the motion of Mr. Mytton, seconded by Mr. Tomlinson, and supported by Mr. Young, it was resolved that the West Riding Education Authority be recommended to allow the scholars to have the full dinner hour at the various schools of the district, and that the afternoon school should close half an hour earlier during the period of short daylight.

WOODLESFORD OFFICER IN IRELAND. CAPTAIN IRVIN’S APPEAL FOR RECRUITS. 24 August.  

At a recent formal opening by the Mayor of Belfast (Ald. Sir James Johnston), of a Belfast reception depot in connection with the Royal Air Force, the first of its kind to be established in Ulster, the Commanding Officer for the province of Ulster, Captain A.E. Irwin, R.A.F., of Woodlesford, who in 1915 and 1916 did effective work in the Barnsley and Wombwell district, explained that the idea of the air force coming to Ireland originated from the fact that the authorities were absolutely convinced that Irish sentiment would be specially responsive to the principles of the corps., and that the young men of the country would readily fall into line to make this separate arm of the service a complete success. (Applause.)

Personally he felt quite convinced that they would do extraordinary well in Ireland generally. What they wanted was the help of North, South, East, and West in the struggle. It was no time for indulging in contrasts. It was a time for individual and collective duty. The worst enemy to recruiting would be comparisons between the North and South. No young man could justifiably cover up his holding back by the excuse “Until the South has done as well as the North I will not join up.”

They were all proud of the men who contributed their quota to the Army of the Empire no matter what part of the country they came from. “Leave out comparisons altogether,” pleaded Capt. Irvin. “Let such men act from a sense of duty and carry that duty out, irrespective of what other people or other provinces may have done; let each man who can volunteer for service to help his comrades in the field, and let him say, “In the winning of this war I am prepared to fulfil any requirements the Government may call upon me to fulfil.”

In conclusion the speaker said that though he came to Belfast a stranger he had been welcomed by Sir James Johnston and those connected with him in that warm-hearted spirit shared by Irish people whether they sprung from the North or from the South.

The Lord Mayor, in opening the depot said it was a great pleasure for him to be present and to associate himself with the recruiting campaign now being initiated in Ulster by Capt. Irvin. Commanding the Royal Air Force, Captain Irvin had devoted a great deal of time and energy to that branch of the service, and he well merited the success which he so sanguinely anticipated. It was their duty to cooperate in every way with the authorities, who were anxious that voluntary effort should be the medium of securing recruits rather than that conscription should be enforced. (Applause.)

Therefore, he hoped sincerely that as many as possible would go to the help of the Royal Air Service. The captain, whom he had pleasure in introducing, would explain the mode of procedure to be followed by prospective volunteers. “If I were a young man,” declared Sir James, “I would join up without a moment’s delay.” (Applause.) “I am sure the Air Ministry will not appeal to Belfast citizens in vain. We would be remiss if we did not help them in the part they are playing in this great war for humanity.”

OULTON. ALLEGED ABUSIVE LANGUAGE. 24 August.

At the Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, Thomas Richard Hall, miner, Oulton, was summoned on a charge of using abusive language. P.C. Coldwell stated that at 7.35 on the evening of Sunday, the 18th inst., he was on duty at the police station when he heard the defendant’s wife brawling and shouting in the street. When he threatened to report her she called her husband, who on learning that the witness was going to report her for the offence commenced to use abusive language, saying that the witness must be hard up for a case, and finally challenging the witness to fight in order to show who was the better man.

Mr Willey, who defended, urged that his client was secretary of the local Miners’ Association, and was a most respectable man of unblemished character. He was instructed that what had really happened was that while the defendant’s wife was admonishing her children, as she had every right to do, and especially at such an early part of the evening, the police officer interfered in a most unwarrantable manner and threatened to report her for the language she had used.

When she called her husband the latter, as the police officer had admitted, told him he thought he was hard up for a case. At the same time the wife of the police-officer was looking through the bedroom window, from which she made an offensive gesture, whereupon his client told her that she had been at variance with neighbours ever since she came there. She then shouted out; “You’re a liar,” whereupon his client replied; “Then you’re a liar.”

The police-officer then said he would not allow his wife to be called a liar, and said he would report him for abusive language. His client then challenged the officer to come and fight it out and see who was the better man.

Evidence was given for the prosecution by James Birdsall, carter, Aberford Road, Oulton, who said he had heard the defendant use abusive language, and he had also heard the police-constable’s wife call out that he was a liar.

Ruth Garland, a married woman, of Aberford Road, Oulton, also gave evidence for the prosecution, and denied that the officer’s wife had called the defendant a liar.

Mr. Willey urged that his client had been given provocation and that there had been friction between his wife and the wife of the constable. Ultimately the Bench decided to dismiss the case.

ROTHWELL TRIBUNAL. INTERESTING CASES. 7 September.

A meeting of the Rothwell Tribunal was held at the Council Offices, on Wednesday afternoon last. The members present were Messrs R. McCullough, J.P. (chairman), H. Kirkby, W. Wade, T.P. Wade, and J. Hirst, J.P., with the clerk (Mr. W. Dodgson), and military representative (Mr. E.J. Haworth).

A fruiterer and poultry dealer, of Lofthouse Gate, who suffered from paralysis, grade 3, was ordered by the military authority, on July 9th, to sell his horses, carts, and poultry within 14 days and obtain work of national importance. On applying at the Labour Exchange no work could be found, and he had recommenced business. The military representative promised to look into the case and told the applicant to continue with his business until further notice.

The adjourned case of a furniture dealer, aged 39, married, of Rothwell, who had been suffering from an accident, was granted six months’ exemption.

A National Health Insurance agent, of Thorpe, 48 years of age, married, B2, who was also a poultry farmer and gardener, and formerly employed at the Middleton Colliery, was granted conditional exemption on finding work of national importance within 14 days.

In the case of a munition worker, 45, married, grade 2, of Rothwell Haigh, previously a butcher, exemption was granted for six months whilst he followed work of national importance.

A fruit dealer, 50, married, of Carlton, has had one son in the army for three years. The applicant was now working under the Food Control Committee for distribution of jam in the Rothwell Council’s area. Exempted for six months.

Mr. Twybell appeared for Messrs G. Armitage and Sons, quarry owners, on behalf of a brickyard and quarry foreman, 46, married, grade 2, who was granted six months exemption. 

Mr. John Hirst appeared on behalf of the head gardener at Oulton Hall, 50, single, who was also granted six months’ exemption on condition that he followed his employment as a gardener.

A Rothwell plumber appealed for his son, 18, single, as he was the only help he had to carry on the business. The appeal failed.

WOODLESFORD. INQUEST.  7 September.

An adjourned inquest was held at the Midland Hotel, Woodlesford, by Mr. P.P. Maitland, into the circumstances leading to the death of Joseph Thorpe, a pony-driver, 15 years of age, who lived at 6, Kitchener Street, Woodlesford. The youth met his death while following his employment at the Water Haigh Colliery on Wednesday the 28th ult. Dr. Seville had made a post mortem examination and detailed the injuries which were principally to the head. The jury found that death had resulted from fracture of the skull, whether by boys pushing tubs against him or tubs being breasted upon him by the pony was not known.

OULTON. BICYCLE WITHOUT REAR LIGHT. 21 September.

At the Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, Walter Appleyard, miner, Castleford, was summoned on a charge of riding a bicycle without rear light. P.C. Coldwell stated that on Saturday, the 31st ult., while on duty, along with P.C. Hutchinson, in Leeds Road, Oulton, he saw defendant cycling without a rear light. The defendant, who did not appear in Court, was fined 12s. 6d.

At the same Court, Alfred Wilson, miner, Castleford, was summoned on a similar charge, and Frank Newbould and James Arthur Walsh, also Castleford miners, were summoned for riding bicycles without front lights. P.C. Hutchinson stated that the offence was committed at 12.30 a.m., on the 23rd ult., in Leeds Road, Oulton. Wilson was fined 12s. 6d., and the other two defendants were fines 15s. each.

SUDDEN DEATH OF MR. BOOTHROYD. 21 September.

The death took place, on Tuesday morning last, with tragic suddenness, of Mr. Ernest Boothroyd, headmaster of the Oulton National Schools. Just before morning school he was taken suddenly ill, and Mrs Boothroyd summoned medical aid. Dr. Seville was soon in attendance, but on examination could only pronounce life to be extinct. Mr. Boothroyd, as an old resident said on hearing of his death, has been first and foremost in every good work in the village for the past forty years, and his sudden removal has caused widespread regret.

An ideal head of the local elementary school, he has exerted a particularly wholesome influence on the children who during his long term of service have come under his training; it has been most pleasing at times to listen to the testimony of many now grown up, who are ever ready to speak of their late master’s wise counsel and sound advice, given them during their latter days at school and on leaving to commence their away from school career.

“Keep straight,” was one of the last admonitions which he was overheard to give to some of his former pupils, and these and such other words of caution will live long in the memory of the many scholars who had learned to love him so well. To his last day he was an enthusiast, with an optimistic view of life; he was also a keen reader of human nature. The deceased was the pioneer of school entertainments in the district, and much of the success of the widely known Christmas entertainments by the children of his school, which in latter years have become known by the name of the Oulton Pantomime, was due to his initiation, personal instruction, and    

supervision. The deceased gentleman with regard to the course of the present war was ever full of confidence that the country, of which he was such a patriotic subject, would succeed in its aims and impose a peace that would be worth fighting for.

He followed the fortunes of his ‘old boys’ in the struggle with no small interest, and on their leaves did more than can be placed on paper to make their stay in the home-land one of happy memory.

His death to many of our old readers will call up memories of forty years ago or so, when principally to his leadership the soccer game of football was re-introduced or resuscitated in the district, and has ever since had a large following in the neighbourhood. At that time Mr. Boothroyd and football were almost synonymous terms. He was a true sport, and whether in football or cricket, or in all the other forms of recreation with which he closely identified himself, he was ever one to ‘play the game’ and seek to secure the higher influence of sport on life and character.

It was in a very great measure due to his influence and energy that the scheme for providing the two villages with an institute that the Oulton Institute and Harold Hall were erected, with the result that at the present time few villages in the West Riding can boast of more commodious or better appointed premises.

As hon. secretary of this institution he has an unbroken record of 24 years’ service; in the many-sided successes of this enterprise he took a modest pride. At the time of his death Mr Boothroyd was treasurer to the Rothwell and Stanley Teachers’ Branch of the N.U.T., and was held in very high esteem by his associates in the teaching profession. A staunch churchman and a capable organiser and worker in the many local undertakings for the welfare of the village, Mr. Boothroyd will long be missed. The deceased leaves a widow and one daughter, the latter having taken up the same profession as her father, and has therein succeeded well. The funeral took place on Thursday at Oulton Church.

OULTON AND WOODLESFORD EDUCATION COMMITTEE. HEADMASTER’S SUDDEN DEATH. 21 September.

The monthly meeting of the Education Committee was held on Tuesday, at the Y.M.C.A. Buildings, Albion Street, Leeds, when the members present were Mr. B. Wood Higgins, chairman; Mr. S.H. Young, vice-chairman; Mr. H.E. Catton, Mr. J.H. Tomlinson, Mr. T.H. Myton, and Mr. Abbey, together with the acting clerk (Mr. Gibbs).

Headmaster’s Sad Death. The Chairman said it was his painful duty to acquaint his colleagues with a very sad occurrence at Oulton that morning, and that was the death of their esteemed friend Mr. Ernest Boothroyd, headmaster of Oulton St’ John’s School, whose sudden death had been a terrible blow. Mr Boothroyd had complained of a pain in his chest before going to the school that morning, and his wife advised him to lie down while she fetched the doctor. Before medical assistance could be obtained, however, Mr Boothroyd had breathed his last, and under such circumstances he thought the least they could do would be to pass a vote of condolence with the widow and family.

Mr. Myton, as one of Mr. Boothroyd’s old scholars, said it was with deep regret that he moved a vote of condolence. Mr. Catton seconded the motion, which was sympathetically and respectfully adopted.

It was announced that the schools at Woodlesford and Oulton would be closed on the occasion of the funeral, on Thursday.

An Old Servant’s Resignation. The Clerk read a letter from Mrs. Dobson, caretaker and cleaner of the Halton Council School, stating that by reason of failing 

health she desired to resign her position. They might be interested to know that her mother and herself had held the position for 44 years, of which she (Mrs Dobson), had held it for the past 15 years.

Mr. Catton said that Mrs. Dobson had lost her husband about a year ago, and she would certainly have felt the handicap of having to do the whole of the work by herself. It might be that Mrs Dobson would be able to manage if she was given some assistance. The matter was adjourned for a month with a view to ascertaining if alternative arrangements could be made.

A Special Holiday. The Clerk read a communication from the West Riding Education Authority stating that in celebration of the raising of a quarter of a million in War Savings in the West Riding Schools, they proposed that a special extra day’s holiday should be given.

A Night School Wanted. The Chairman said he had been approached by a Mr. Williams, of Aberford Road, asking if it would be possible to start a night school at Oulton or Woodlesford, but such would be very difficult owing to the fact that the schools had lost their assistants, while at Oulton they had now lost the headmaster.

The Clerk said that such arrangements should have been made not later than June, and that it was now too late for this year. It was resolved that the application should be remembered with a view to making arrangements for another year.

FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR. E. BOOTHROYD. AN IMPRESSIVE TRIBUTE. 28 September.

The funeral of the late Mr. Ernest Boothroyd, headmaster of the Oulton National School, who died suddenly on the 17th inst, took place on Thursday, the 19th inst, at Oulton St. John’s Church, amid widespread manifestations of sorrow.

A feature of the service in the church was that three former vicars of the parish, the Bishop of Whalley (the Right Rev. A.G. Rawstorne), the Rev. A.E. Green Price, and the Rev. E.H. Dykes, took part, along with the present vicar, the Rev. W.R. Capel Cure, the curate (the Rev. T.H. Pattinson), and the Vicar of Woodlesford and Rural Dean, the Rev. A.J.E. Irvin.

Others present were Major Calverley, Mr. and Mrs. Davenport, Miss Laverack, Mrs. Badeley, Mr. P.S. Marsden, Mrs. Mackay, Mr. J.W. Hampshire, Mrs. Capel Cure, Mr. Murtland, Dr. Seville, Dr. Buck, Dr. Stevenson, Dr. Taylor, the head teachers of the schools in the district, all the teaching staff at the Oulton and Woodlesford schools, representatives of the Oulton Institute and other local organisations with which the deceased had been associated.

The service was choral, the choir leading the singing of the hymns “Through all the changing scenes of life,” “There is a land of pure delight,” and to the grave-side “Now the labourer’s task is o’er,” and Nunc Dimittis.

Mr. J. W. Morby presided at the organ and played “O, rest in the Lord,” and the “Dead March.” The grave had been lined with flowers by Mr. William Poole and Mr. George Moore and the schoolchildren, who lined the pathways, carried flowers which were left at the grave. There were also many other beautiful floral tributes.

Memorial services were conducted on Sunday last, when affectionate references were made to the deceased’s faithful work and good influence.

ERNEST BOOTHROYD. AN APPRECIATION. 28 September.

To the Editor of the “Times and Courier.” Sir, I feel very keenly the great responsibility of attempting to place on record an appreciation of that great saintly character who has this week been called to his rest, but if only for the sake of so many of the “old boys” who are serving in all parts of the world (myself being fortunate enough to be now at home), it will be some little comfort to them to know that an appreciation, however incomplete, was made for them. So, for this reason, sir, I crave your indulgence.

The late Mr. Boothroyd will not only be remembered as schoolmaster of the Oulton Schools, but rather as the “hub of the wheel” of our village life, on which all that was good, and upright, and true revolved. It has seldom been the privilege of one man to have influenced the lives of so many other lives and whether at church or school, or at the institute, or on the cricket field, those who were fortunate enough to come under the influence of his great personality have been the better for his having lived. The sensation caused by his sudden passing away, will vibrate to distant lands of the earth, because he has “ministered” so many to God, and not any earthly testimony will suffice, because there is raised a monument to his greatness in Eternity.

“O happy saints for ever blest
In that calm haven of your rest.”

Yours, etc.,
ONE OF THE “OLD BOYS” 
Prospect Farm, Braithwaite, Keighley. Sept. 19th, 1918.

WATER HAIGH. GAME TRESPASS. 5 October.

At the Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, George William Thompson and James Robinson Warrilow, both miners, of Methley, were charged with trespassing in pursuit of game. P.C. Hutchinson stated that on the 18th ult, at 11.50 a.m., he was on duty near Water Haigh Colliery, when he saw the defendants throw a dog over into a wheat field and the dog went in pursuit of a hare. The witness went towards defendants, who on recognising him ran away, but he followed them on a bicycle and on overtaking them they were exceedingly cheeky. They were aged about 19 and 20 respectively. Each of the defendants was fined 20s. and costs.

WOODLESFORD. WESLEYAN CHURCH. 5 October.

The harvest festival services were held on Sunday and Monday evening last. The morning and evening sermons were preached by the Rev. W.J. Page, of Normanton (the new minister), who held the well-attended audience spell-bound with his well-worded sermons. There was an excellent show of flowers, fruit, vegetable, etc., which had been tastefully displayed by Miss Hutchinson, Mrs Parker, and Mrs Hutton, assisted by Mrs Baxter, of Newsam Green, who supplied most of the wheat, oats, etc. On Monday evening, in continuance of the festival services, a public tea was successfully provided, after which a public meeting was held, when the Rev. W.T. Page and Mr. William Stephenson, of Rothwell, addressed a most appreciative audience. Mrs Stanley Pickersgill and Mr. W. Ellis, of Rothwell, rendered some very pleasing solos. The chair was occupied by Mr. J.T. Lygo, of Woodlesford. After the meeting the fruit, flowers, vegetables, etc., were sold. All the collections were for the Chapel Trust Fund. This was one of the most successful harvest festival celebrations held in connection with the church.

HUNSLET RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. ANNUAL MEDICAL REPORT. 12 October.

The 43rd annual report of the Medical Officer of Health for the Hunslet Rural District Council is as follows: The Annual Report for 1917, as in 1916, is again considerably modified, and the  statistics have been arranged according to the plan laid down by the Registrar General with a view to efficiency and economy. Table C of the West Riding County Council is again appended, as is also the Report of the Sanitary Inspector.

POPULATION. The Registrar General’s estimate of the civilian population in this district for 1917 is 6,957 for the death-rate, and that for the birth-rate is 7,755, the latter being based on the assumption that the ratio between total and civilian population is the same in this district as in England and Wales as a whole.

BIRTHS. There have been registered in the district 136 births – 63 males and 73 females, against 194 in 1916. Taking the estimated population at 7,755, this gives a Birth rate of 17.5 per 1,000 inhabitants, against 22.7 for 1906. The very considerable reduction in the Birth rate coincides with that for the country as a whole, the birth-rate for England and Wales in 1917 being 17.8. Although many factors may contribute somewhat to this marked reduction in the number of births, the absence of a large percentage of the male population stands out as the predominate cause, and the indulgence in abstract theories is left for more normal times. Of the 136 births, two only are registered as illegitimate.

DEATHS. During the year there have been attributed to the district 90 deaths – 47 males and 43 females, the figures including deaths in persons said to belong to the district, but dying in Institutions and localities outside, and excluding deaths not belonging to the district. The Death rate, which is calculated on the Registrar General’s estimate of the civilian population viz., 14.4. The death rate for the quinquennium was 13.1. Causes of Death: Enteric Fever, 2; Diphtheria and Croup, 4; Whooping Cough, 1; Influenza, 1; Tuberculosis (Pulmonary), 3; Tuberculosis (Other), 1; Cancer, 6; Meningitis, 1; Organic Heart Disease, 14; Bronchitis, 9; Pneumonia, 8; Diarrhoea (under 2 years), 1; Nephritis and Bright’s Disease, 2; Violence, 1; Suicide, 2; Parturition, 1; Congenital Debility, 2: Other Defined Diseases, 29; total, 90.

INFANT MORTALITY. There were registered 8 deaths in children under 1 year of age, being at the rate of 58 per 1,000 births registered, that of 1916 being 41, and for England and Wales in 1917, 97. The Council is again to be congratulated on the low Infantile Death rate, especially as the efficient sanitary administration of a district can be to a great extent, gauged by its Infant mortality. The ideal of sanitarians in the past was to reduce the Infant Death rate to below 100 per 1,000 births; although this has now been achieved for the country as a whole, yet there is still much room for improvement. Given more normal times, judicious housing schemes in working class areas, and the combined efforts of the various child welfare agencies, there is no reason why still better results should not be achieved.

ZYMOTIC DISEASES. There were 8 deaths registered from the principal epidemic diseases – Enteric Fever, 2; Whooping Cough, 1; Diphtheria, 4; Diarrhoea, 1. The Zymotic Death-rate is 1.1 per 1,000 of the population, that of 1916 being 0.25. The rate, although higher than that of 1916, which established a record, is well within the average.

NOTIFICATION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES. The number of cases notified (exclusive of Tuberculosis and Measles, which was in epidemic form) is the lowest for many years, viz., 16. On the diseases removable to hospital, viz., Diphtheria, Scarlet Fever, and Enteric, little comment is necessary, the cases being very few in number and scattered throughout the district.

MEASLES AND WHOOPING COUGH. Measles of the German type was prevalent in the spring of the year, 34 cases having been notified from Temple Newsam, 7 from Oulton-cum-Woodlesford, and 5 from Middleton. There were no deaths registered. Whooping Cough was epidemic in Temple Newsam in the autumn, and 1 death was registered. A special report was presented, and the Infant School was closed from November 26th until after Xmas holidays.

TUBERCULOSIS. There were 10 cases notified – 9 of the Pulmonary type and 1 other. Of these, 5 occurred in Oulton-cum-Woodlesford and 5 in Templenewsam. Of the 10 cases, 3 were imported into the district and 2 were notified from the West Riding Asylum in Wakefield. There were 5 deaths registered from Pulmonary Tuberculosis and 1 from another form. All cases were followed up, records kept, and, where practicable, put in touch with the West Riding Tuberculosis Dispensary at Wakefield. The death-rate from Pulmonary Tuberculosis is 7 per 1,000, the same as in 1916.

DIARRHOEA. There was very little Diarrhoea in the district during the year, and death only having been registered from this cause. The comparative absence of this disease from the district may again be taken as an index of its satisfactory sanitary condition.

DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 17 deaths were registered.

ROTHWELL. SAD NEWS FROM THE FRONT. 12 October.

Members of the Varley family, of Rothwell, have, during the past week or so received sad news from the front, two members of the family having been wounded and another killed. Private Wesley Varley, of the Cheshire Regt., was seriously wounded on the 23rd July, and is now in a Liverpool Hospital. Young Varley first went out to Palestine. He was torpedoed on the voyage, and was rescued after being in the water several hours. He saw much activity with General Allenby’s army, and was amongst the first British soldiers to enter Jerusalem. Afterwards he was drafted to France, but was only there for a few days before being wounded. Corpl. Nelson Varley, Mr. Varley’s fifth son, with the heavy artillery of the Royal Engineers, has been severely wounded. Well known as a local cyclist, he went out as a dispatch rider, and first saw service in Egypt. For some time past he has been in France, and met with his injuries as a result of a collision on the road. News has also been received this week of the death of Albert Varley, 19 years of age, of the Lancashire Fusiliers, the eldest son of Mr. Joe Varley, of Westbury Mount, Hunslet, and grandson of the late Joseph Varley, of Rothwell. Deceased was a Lewis gunner, and went out to France last March, after a year’s training. He was wounded in the chest and foot on the 28th September, and died the next day. He was, before joining up, employed under his father at the New Wortley Gas Works, in the fitting shop.

OULTON AND WOODLESFORD EDUCATION COMMITTEE. SCHOLARS AND DINNER HOUR. 19 October.  

The monthly meeting of theOulton and Wodslesford Education Committee was held on Tuesday, at the Y.M.C.A. Buildings, Albion Street, Leeds. In the absence through indisposition of the chairman, Mr B. Wood Higgins, Mr. S.H. Young, the vice-chairman, presided, and there were also present Mr. H.E. Catton, Mr. P.S. Marsden, Mr. T.H. Myton, and Mr. Abbey, together with the acting clerk (Mr. Gibbs).

The school attendance returns were the following: – Woodlesford Council School, 91.41, and infants 88.15. Halton Council School 90.11, and infants 86.91. Colton Council School 88.17, Oulton St. John’s National School 92.34, and infants 87.38.

A resolution of sympathy with the chairman in his indisposition, coupled with the hope of speedy recovery, was adopted.

The Clerk read an acknowledgement from Mrs and Miss Boothroyd of the letter of condolence sent by the Committee on the occasion of their recent bereavement, the letter stating that in their deep trouble they had been sustained by the numerous tributes to Mr. Boothroyd’s life’s work, and his great services to education

Mr Catton reported that in an interview with Mrs Dobson, caretaker of Halton Council School, she had informed him that her health was much better, and that she would endeavour to continue her work.

It was resolved that Mrs Dobson be allowed to withdraw her notice to cease work, and that the Clerk inform her of the fact that under the arrangements of the West Riding Authority with respect to the salaries of caretakers she would now have an increased remuneration to the extent of £18 per year.

Letters were received from some of the head-teachers suggesting that they did not think much was gained by the curtailment of the dinner hour, and the reassembling of the scholars at one o’clock, seeing that several of the children who resided a long way from the school were late in returning from dinner.

The Chairman said he had mentioned the previous suggestion of the committee on this point to County Councillor I.J.Dewhirst, J.P., who was their local representative on the County Educational Committee, and though the suggestion was rather in the nature of a surprise, and he was unable at the time to express a definite opinion, he would doubtless be of service to them on that or any other matter in which they were specially concerned.

Mr. Myton said he was entirely opposed to the curtailment of the mid-day interval and suggested that it was worth while to ask the West Riding Committee if it was not possible to allow the usual dinner time, and at the same time to close the afternoon session in accordance with the desire to economise fuel and light.

Mr. Marsden expressed the opinion that the teachers were best able to judge the local conditions, and it was understood that the arrangements be left to their individual requirements.

OULTON. PURSUIT OF GAME. 19 October.

At the Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, Stanley Woodcock, pattern-maker, Wakefield, was charged with trespass in pursuit of game, and also with having two dogs without name on collar. A keeper on the Oulton Park estate said that on the 29th ult. he kept the defendant under observation, and saw him setting his two dogs after a hare in the field. P.C. Coldwell gave evidence with regard to the second offence, and the defendant pleaded guilty in both cases, and asked for leniency on the ground that the family had trouble in the house through the death of his brother at the front, while another brother had been gassed and was seriously ill. The Chairman said the Bench would take the most lenient view under such circumstances and defendant would be fined 10s. in each case.

WOODLESFORD. A VIOLENT TEMPER. 19 October.

A fine of 40s., with 15s. costs, was imposed at Leeds West Riding Court on Tuesday, on George Garnham, labourer, of Leeds, who was summoned at the instance of the R.S.P.C.A. for cruelty to a horse at Messrs Bentley’s Brewery, at Woodlesford. Witnesses stated that Garnham, when backing his horse into the brewery yard, lost his temper and struck the horse on the back about a dozen times with a broad shovel. When remonstrated with he said; “I’ll learn the …. to bite me,” but the horse had not been seen to attempt to bite. A broom shaft was produced, which, it was stated, the defendant had broken by hitting the horse with it. Garnham had been dismissed from his employment. The horse-keeper for the firm stated that the animal was free from vice of any kind, and that a schoolboy would be perfectly safe in taking charge of it.

HUNSLET RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. FOOD COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION. 26 October.

A monthly meeting of the above Council was held on Thursday afternoon of last week, at the offices, Hunslet, there being in attendance Mr. T. Thomas, J.P. (chairman), presiding, Mr. P.S. Marsden, Mr. D.W. Hargreaves, and Mr. Verity, with the clerk (Mr. W.B. Pindar), medical officer (Dr. Buck), and surveyor (Mr Nuttall). The treasurer reported a balance in hand of £395.

The following estimates of expenses for the ensuing half year were submitted and approved: Salaries, £550; Establishment Expenses, £130; Hospital and Infectious Diseases, £360; Loans and Interest, £60; Miscellaneous £200; Highway Expenses, as per Surveyors estimate, £800; total £2,100; Credit: Bank Interest, £10; Local Taxation, £50; Agricultural Rates Grant, £60; Miscellaneous, £30; total, £150; net total, £1,950. The apportionment of the above is as follows: Agricultural Land, £5,122; Other Hereditaments, £65,294; total, £70,416; Apportionment, £1,950; Proposed Call, £1,958; Previous Calls were: – Lady Day, 1918, £1,548; Michaelmas, 1918, £1,726.

With regard to the proposed incorporation of Middleton in the City of Leeds the Clerk said the Council had already passed a resolution opposing the proposal, and at the present time there was nothing further to report.

Application was to be made for an extension of time re the carrying out of the Leeds Corporation Act 1907, which had regard to the carrying out of the sewage works at Knostrop. The Council offered no objection.

A letter was read from the Food Controller pointing out that the time had about arrived for the re-appointment of the Food Committees. Very warm appreciation was expressed of the important work carried out during the past months by the local committees, whose cooperation had helped to meet critical situations and had made the food queues almost a thing of the past. The following were appointed the Committee for the ensuing twelve months: Messrs. Thomas, Marsden, Hargreaves, Verity Merrivale, Killingbeck, Holt, Cooper, Miss Laverack, Mrs Crossthwaite, and a representative from the Parish Council, to be appointed by that body.

The Medical Officer reported that during the past four weeks there had been notified 14 births (6 in Oulton and Woodlesford and 8 in Temple Newsam), and 7 deaths (4 in Oulton and Woodlesford, 2 in Temple Newsam, and 1 in Middleton). There had also been notified 1 case of typhoid fever in Oulton and Woodlesford, an imported case. With that exception and numerous cases of influenza, principally amongst children, the district’s health might be considered satisfactory.

A WOODLESFORD OFFICER’S RECRUITING EXPERIENCE. CAPTAIN IRVIN ON LEINSTER OUTRAGE. 2 November.

The following extracts, taken from the “Cork Examiner,” of the 21st, show the attitude of some of the Sinn Feiners at the present time in spite of the torpedoing of the Leinster, as expressed on the occasion of a recruiting meeting addressed by Captain Irvin, son of the Rev. A.J.E. Irvin, vicar of Woodlesford:

There were some angry scenes at a recruiting meeting on the Grand Parade yesterday. There was a crowd of some thousands present, but continued interruptions prevented the speakers getting a hearing, and after one or two more or less ineffectual attempts to address the crowd the speakers desisted, and the proceedings terminated in a baton charge by the police.

Previous to the meeting aeroplanes flew over the city, and dropped literature in connection with the sinking of the Leinster. Military bands also promenaded the principal streets. Mr. Maher Loughman, B.L., who was given a quiet hearing, said he presided in the absence of Mr. Harold Barry, the County High Sheriff. He considered it not only a pleasure but a duty to address them, for he was sure every man in that assemblage knew that the Recruiting Council came there for the purpose of saving Ireland from Conscription.

They were there for no Imperial motive whatsoever. Captain Irvin, on coming forward, was greeted with groans and hisses. For some time this continued from a section of some hundreds right in the centre of the crowd. In front of the waggonette and on the footpath immediately behind it there were women and men. These immediately raised counter cheers. After a while there was a lull, and Captian Irvin said: I have great pleasure in addressing you today, but before I speak to the subject proper I want to tell you of my little experience in the South. I came from the North, and there the South has a reputation of breaking up meetings. That Sinn Fein – (Here there were loud cheers and groans). Above the din Captain Irvin said Sinn Fein – Again there was considerable shouting, jeering, and cheering, and men in the front of the crowd shaking their fists towards the speaker shouted: “Oh ye Sassenach,” and “Go down man.” Captain Irvin continued: I am perfectly sure of this, that the men of Cork (the noise now grew in intensity) and Captain Irvin shouted: Now you have had your cheer, I am going to have my say. You can have yours afterwards. No one objects to your having that, and I expect that you, as Irishmen, are sportsmen (Shouts of “Yes,” and groans). I don’t believe any Irishmen will prevent a speaker.

The men then began to sing the “Soldiers’ Song.” The chairman rose to appeal for order, and asked them “to give the gentleman a chance.” The singing continued, and voices shouted “You will get no recruits here,” and “You are like a statue up there.” “We will give you no chance,” and counter chants of “Up the khaki,” to which voices answered “Up the rebels every time.”

Captain Irvin was imperturable, but unable to proceed, resumed his seat. 

A funeral here came along the Parade and Captain Irvin, rising, directed attention to the fact. His voice did not carry beyond the immediate area of the waggonette, and it was not until he stood to attention and saluted the corpse that the crowd became aware of the passing cortege. There was then respectful silence for a moment, and Captain Irvin said: Men of Cork, I am here to-day to ask you to avenge the Leinster. The hissing and booing now broke out afresh, and Captain Irvin asked: “Do you cheer those men who sank the Leinster? Do you cheer the men who committed every outrage imaginable in this war?” The singing now was taken up, and there was much hissing and jeering, and some counter-cheering. To this, Captain Irvin said: Men must be absolutely misguided who cannot listen to sound argument, men who cheer an abominable outrage like the sinking of the Leinster. I am perfectly certain there are thousands of men in this assemblage who hate and detest every outrage that the German has committed, and I think it a great pity that a few men in the crowd should try to stop a man telling that which he believes to be true, and give honest reasons why men should, at the present moment, instead of cheering the Germans should help the Allied cause. (The singing all the time continued, and some replies made by persons in the crowd were not heard). It is not sportsmanlike, said the speaker, or playing fair with the fair name of Ireland, which had a reputation for sportsmanship, and he believed at bottom the vast majority of Irishmen were sportsmen, and it seemed a great pity that only a few should try to sully her fair name. If you wish to be represented at the Peace Conference as a nation, how can you expect it if you are not going to give the Allied cause, the winning cause, the fair play it deserves?

From this on, the interruptions continued to be very angry, and Captain Irvin resumed his seat amid cheers and groans, while another portion of the audience sang, “Boys in Khaki, Boys in Blue.” The rival parties were now shouting at each other, and neither conduced to the speakers having the slightest chance of a hearing. Lieut. O’Riordan was here introduced, and his reception was also mixed, the singing and groaning also preventing his voice from being heard any more than Captain Irvin’s beyond the wagonnette, in which they were heard with difficulty. Lieut. O’Riordan said that freedom, nationality, and liberty was the cause he espoused, and he believed that to that sacred cause the young men of Cork were prepared to listen. As an Irishman, he shouted above the din, I ask the men of Cork to follow in the footsteps of those glorious sons of Cork, The Munster Fusiliers. That local regiment shed undying lustre on Cork, and their memory would live as Irishmen who had fought for the glory of their country. Throughout his speech the noise was incessant, and the meeting looked angry, efforts being made by rival parties to get into handigrips. The crowd swayed towards the waggonette, and here J.R. Connelly, late prisoner of war in Germany faced the meeting and also attempted to address it, but with no better success. Throughout the crowd kept singing and groaning, while women near the waggonette also indulged in their songs. The scene was an angry-looking one, and as the speakers proceeded to leave there was surge towards them. They walked towards the City Club, followed by a few hundred persons shouting and booing. They were pressing in on the speakers, and the police drew their batons. There was a general stampede, and in the rush some persons got baton strokes, while others fell and narrowly escaped being trampled on. The baton charge, which lasted for a few minutes, was indiscriminate, but as far as could be ascertained no one was injured. After some time the place cleared, and no further untoward incidents took place.

(Captain Irvin was born in Woodlesford. He was the son of the vicar, A.J.E. Irvin, and grandson of the second Henry Bentley. For many years after the war he was a director of Bentley’s Yorkshire Breweries.)

HUNSLET RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. PETITION FOR MORE LIGHT. 23 November.

A monthly meeting of the above Council was held at the Council Chamber, Leek Street, Hunslet, on Thursday afternoon of last week. The members present were: Messrs. T. Thomas (chairman), P.S. Marsden (vice-chairman), and J.W. Verity, with the acting clerk (Mr. Schofield), medical officer (Dr. Buck), and surveyor (Mr. Nuttall).

A petition was read, signed by 112 householders from Oulton and Woodlesford, asking for more lamps to be lit in the district. The acting Clerk said he had interviewed the Rothwell Gas Manager, who reported a great difficulty in supplying gas, and the maximum number of lamps which could be supplied would be only six.

The Chairman proposed that six lamps be lit, and the places be arranged by Mr. Nuttall. Mr. Marsden having seconded, it was carried.

Mr. Verity drew the Council’s attention to the lighting of the Temple Newsam district. He had made enquiries and found that sufficient lamps were in good condition as to enable every other lamp being lit, and it was time some improvement was made in lighting that district. The Chairman said they should take into account the rationing of light.

Mr. Verity proposed that the Clerk make application as to how many lamps could be lit, and to arrange for the same. The Treasurer reported a balance in the bank of £382 10s. 2d.

The Medical Officer read the following report: “After prevalence in July, influenza in a virulent form again made its appearance early in October. As regards the incidence of the disease Temple Newsam and Middleton parishes have been most affected, although it has been prevalent in Oulton-cum-Woodlesford, and both sexes, with an age distribution ranging from infancy to old age, have been alike susceptible. Owing to the attendance dropping rapidly, Middleton school was closed on the 10th October until 11th November, and Halton and Colton schools from the 1st November to 18th. There had been no necessity up-to-date to close the Oulton and Woodlesford schools, the attendance being fairly good. There had been 7 deaths registered, all in Temple Newsam (3 males and 4 females). 5 of the deaths being between the ages of 20 and 40, and 2 upwards of 70. The disease, although still very prevalent, shows distinct evidence of abatement.”

The Medical Officer reported that during the last 4 weeks there had been 14 births (6 in Oulton and Woodlesford, 7 in Temple Newsam, and 1 in Middleton) and 13 deaths (3 in Oulton and Woodlesford, 9 in Temple Newsam, and 1 in Middleton). One case of typhoid had occurred in Temple Newsam, and 1 case of measles at Oulton and Woodlesford. The typhoid case had been removed to hospital. With the exception of influenza, the district was practically free from infectious disease.

The Tempe Newsam Parish Council reported that they had nominated Mr. William Baker, of Halton, to represent them on the Food Committee.

The Surveyor reported a complaint of throwing ashes about for dogs and children to play in at Belle Isle. The Inspector was instructed to order a remedy, and if any further complaints, to take proceedings.

A complaint was made against the colliery company at Temple Newsam by G. Barber, against contaminating the beck on his land by tar effluent, making the water not fit to drink either by horses or cows. It was decided to call the colliery company’s attention to the matter.

The Chairman said he was sorry to report that Mr. Pindar was seriously ill, but was now improving, and they ought to send a letter of sympathy. He proposed also that a resolution of thanks be given to the acting Clerk, the Medical Officer, Surveyor, and all those who had assisted in carrying out the duties connected with the Council during the past trying four years.

Mr. Marsden seconded and Mr. Verity supported. Dr. Buck, in responding on behalf of the officers, said he hoped they would soon now get into a more happy state.

It was decided to increase the salary of Mr. R. Nicholson, an assistant clerk from £50 to £60 per annum, and the caretaker’s wage was increased to 15s. per week.

WOODLESFORD. LOCAL SOLDIER’S DEATH. 23 November.

On November 9th, 1918, Pte. C. Wilson (late postman), aged 32, of Bridge House, Swillington, Woodlesford, died in France from pneumonia. General sympathy has been expressed with his sorrowing wife and child.

ROTHWELL DIVISION. A THREE-CORNERED CONTEST. 30 November.

A meeting of prominent Unionists in the Rothwell Parliamentary Division was held at the Wakefield Conservative Club, under the chairmanship of Mr. C. Lister-Kaye, when Lieutenant-Colonel H.C.B. Wilson, of Crofton, near Wakefield, was unanimously adopted as a Coalition candidate at the forthcoming election. Colonel Wilson, who stated that he was in full sympathy with the manifesto recently issued by the Premier and Mr. Bonar Law, is the son of Mr. H.S.L. Wilson, of Crofton Hall, near Wakefield, who successfully stood as a Liberal candidate for Wakefield in July, 1895, when Viscount Milton (L.U.) was returned.

Mr. J.A. Yonge was, on Saturday, unanimously adopted by the Rothwell Division Liberal Association as their candidate. In his address he stated that he was fully prepared to give his wholehearted support to the policy of the Coalition Government as at present outlined.

Mr. William Lunn, vice-chairman of the Hunslet Board of Guardians, and a member of the Rothwell Urban District Council, as previously announced, is the nominee of the Labour Party.

At a meeting of the Methley branch of the National Union of Railwaymen the following resolution was adopted: “That this meeting of members of the Methley branch N.U.R. resident in the Rothwell Parliamentary Division applaud the action of the Labour Party in braking away from the Coalition, and resolve to accord Mr. William Lunn, the Labour candidate, their full support, and to call upon all trades unionists and working men and women in the Division to do all in their power to secure his return to Parliament.”

OULTON. A BEASTLY OFFENCE. 30 November.

At the Leeds West Riding Court, on Tuesday, Henry Greenwood, miner, of Castleford, was summoned on a charge of indecent exposure in the gateway of Oulton School, evidence being given by a couple of young children, who stated that the offence was committed just as the scholars were assembled in the school-yard. P.C. Coldwell stated that on information given to him by a school teacher, and corroborated by several children, he mounted his bicycle and went in the direction said to have been taken by the prisoner. He overtook prisoner at Methley about two miles away from the school.

Prisoner at first denied any knowledge of the offence but after being taken in custody he admitted he was the man the witness was in search of, and stated that he forgot himself at times, and did not really know what had occurred.

Prisoner pleaded guilty, and asked for leniency for the sake of his wife. Supt. Woodcock pointed out that prisoner had had several previous convictions for similar offences. The Chairman said that prisoner was apparently not fit to be out, and that he was worse than a beast. He was sorry they had not the power to give him three years’ imprisonment, but he would have to go to prison for three months with hard labour.

WOODLESFORD. A WOUNDED OFFICER. 30 November.

The Rev. H.M. Irvin, M.C., wounded, is a son of the Rev. A.J.E. Irvin, Vicar of Woodlesford, and Rural Dean of Whitkirk, Leeds.

LOCAL ELECTION NEWS ROTHWELL DIVISION. 7 December.

The little mining town of Rothwell, which gives its name to the Division, was at the outset – outwardly, at any rate – undisturbed at the prospect of an election. One must go to Wakefield to find the headquarters of parties, and to Horbury to detect any signs of activity. Wakefield, indeed, is the most convenient centre, for Rothwell’s straggling constituency lies all around the city, while the town of Rothwell itself has no diect communication anywhere, excepting by tramway to Leeds.

This is one of the new Parliamentary Divisions, and it has been carved mainly out of the old Normanton Division, with parts of Barkstone Ash and Morley added. Thus it extends from Temple Newsam and Stourton, on the Leeds boundary, in the north, to Flockton beyond Wakefield, in the south; from Horbury and West Ardsley on the west, to Sharlston on the east. The polling districts number 25; the electorate number 38,343 (more than double that of the old Normanton Division), including 13,295 women voters and 4,444 absent voters. It is to the credit of the mining population that many early joined up to play their part in the war. But besides the important mining interests, there is, around Horbury, the largest town, a considerable population of textile workers and waggon workers, and at Ardlsey iron workers also.

Lieutenant Colonel Wilson, who is one of the best-known men in the Wakefield district, is no stranger to a great part of the Division, having appeared on the political platform in the Unionist interest in the old days. He is the son of Mr. H.C.L. Wilson, of Crofton Hall, who, as a Liberal, contested Wakefield at the general election of 1895.

Colonel Wilson was one of the first, as a volunteer, to go out with the fighting forces, and in 1915 he was severely wounded at Aix-la-Chapelle. Since then, he has been in charge of reserves of the York and Lancaster Regiment. He is a wholehearted supporter of the Coalition leaders’ policy, and is all in favour of the sinking of old party differences in order to secure a just peace settlement and reform at home.

He has already addressed meetings of workers, under the chairmanship of Mr. Cecil Lister-Kaye, and from their enthusiasm and promise of help has drawn marked encouragement for his candidature. Especially is this the case at Horbury, as well as at Crofton, his home. Last week he opened his campaign at Stanley Lane East, afterwards speaking at Outwood; and these meetings will be followed by a series, the biggest of which will be held at Horbury a day or two before the polling takes place. He is a fluent and convincing speaker, able to bring to bear on the consideration of present problems not only his war experience, but a sympathetic understanding of public affairs at home; while, personally his affability, good-heartedness, and approachableness commend him to every one. He has appointed Mr. A. Schofield, of Pontefract, his election agent, whose offices are at the side of Wakefield Corn Exchange.

Mr. J.A. Yonge, who represents Liberal party principles, is the former head master of Silcoates School, which position he has resigned to devote himself to politics. He, too, is addressing largely attended and encouraging meetings throughout the Division, while he is enhancing his reputation as an able and cogent speaker.

Mr Lunn, the Labour man, on the other hand, has fought an election before, and been badly beaten. He contested the Liberal Holmfirth Division at the by-election of 1912, against a Liberal and a Unionist candidate, and came out at the bottom of the poll. In Rothwell, however, he is on familiar and congenial ground, and he is certain to poll a considerable mining vote. His local services as District Councillor and as a Guardian are well known and appreciated.

ELECTION NEWS. ROTHWELL DIVISION. THE COALITION CANDIDATE. 14 December.

Lieutenant Colonel Wilson, the Coalition candidate for the Rothwell Division, addressed two meetings last weekend at Thorpe and Middleton. At the first place he explained that the spirit of compromise was the basis of the Coalition party, and on the most acute question of Home Rule it had been agreed that the six counties of Ulster should not be coerced. Demobilisation and reconstruction must be dealt with concurrently, as one would necessarily be the outcome of the other. Colonial Preference was bound up with Imperial unity. A department should be set up to deal with the ex-soldier, and assist him to make good till he found the niche which suited him. This department should be controlled by ex-soldiers who could lend a sympathetic hand to their disabled comrades.

HUNSLET RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. THE HOUSING SCHEMES. 14 December.

The monthly meeting of the above Council was held on Wednesday afternoon last, at the offices, Hunslet, there being in attendance Mr. T. Thomas, J.P. (presiding), Mr. P.S. Marsden, and Mr. Verity, together with the clerk (Mr. W.B. Pindar), medical officer (Dr. Buck), and surveyor (Mr. Nuttall). The Treasurer reported a balance in hand of £1,314.

The Medical Officer reported that during the last four weeks there had been reported 10 births in the district (6 in Oulton and Woodlesford, 2 in Temple Newsam, and 2 in Middleton). There had also been registered 4 deaths (2 in Temple Newsam, 1 in Thorpe Stapleton, and 1 in Middleton). One case of scarlet fever had been notified from Temple Newsam and 1 from Middleton; also one case of erysipelas (a skin disease) from Oulton and Woodlesford. The epidemic of influenza in the district was now rapidly abating.

The Chairman: I am very glad to hear it.

The Clerk reported that the Leeds Corporation had made application to Parliament for an Act which would enable them, amongst other things, to incorporate the whole of the township of Middleton within the city of Leeds. They were also seeking power to construct a tramway in the parish of Middleton. Another part of the Bill will enable them to lay a water main in the parish of Middleton, from the reservoir in Dewsbury Road to the reservoir in Town Street, Middleton. The Leeds Corporation had not consulted the Council to say what attitude it would take up.

The Clerk pointed out that such a scheme would take away from the Hunslet Council about one-third of their rateable value, and would very seriously break up their area.

It was decided to oppose the proposals, and to ask the West Riding County Council to support the District Council in their opposition.

A letter from the Local Government Board was read re the housing of the working classes, stating that it was extremely urgent to submit any schemes in hand at the earliest possible date.

The seal of the Council was ordered to be affixed to the contracts for the purchase of 11 acres of land at Woodlesford for £2,524, and for 17 acres of land at Templenewsam for £4,141 10s., for housing schemes.

LEEDS & INFLENZA SCOURGE. MORE THAN A THOUSAND DEATHS. 14 December.

So severe has been the epidemic known as influenza in Leeds, that when it was at its height during the first week in November, there were no fewer than 256 deaths in the city, and altogether, up to the end of that month, there had been 1,065 deaths, of which 440 were males, and 625 females. During the present month, however, the virulence of the disease has abated very considerably, and last week but one the total number of deaths fell to 32.

In Leeds, the epidemic first made its appearance during June and July. The visitation was short and sharp, the attack rate being fairly high, but the mortality comparatively low. During the period June 23rd to July 27th (five weeks), the total number of deaths was 156. August. September and the first half of October, were comparatively free, but during the second half of the latter month, the disease appeared again in epidemic form, after London, Liverpool, Glasgow, and other large towns had been in the throes for some weeks.

The first indication that the malady had reached Leeds was at the end of the week commencing October 13th, when the report that 41 persons had died reached the Public Health Officers. From that time onward until November 9th, when the high-water mark was reached, the mortality continued to increase. Since then it has been steadily on the decline.

The mortality figures for these seven weeks are: 

Week ended October 19 ………………… 41

Week ended October 26 ………………… 101

Week ended November 2 ………………. 200

Week ended November 9 ………………. 256

Week ended November 16 ………………180

Week ended November 23 ………………159

Week ended November 30 ………………119

The deaths were fairly equally distributed over the city but the worst records were in the East, North East, and North Wards. The age groups mostly affected were in the following order: 25 to 35, 15 to 25, 45 to 60, and 2 to 5.

During the height of the outbreak the shortage of men for making coffins and digging graves interfered seriously with rapid interment, and cases were known of as many as three bodies lying for ten days in one little crowded home. To meet the need, one of the public mortuaries was opened for the reception of bodies, but as people showed a reluctance to send their dead there, the clergy and ministers were approached to provide accommodation.

They exhibited the utmost willingness to help, and three mission chapels were placed at the disposal of the Health Authority. These were closed for service and opened as public mortuaries in the middle of November, and undoubtedly helped to relieve the situation. Grateful acknowledgement is due for timely assistance in this respect.