Corporation of Lancaster
Council Meeting Minutes
During the First World War Lancaster Corporation
had to discuss and agree many matters relating to the First World War
and it's impact on the Borough. These are extracts of relevant
information from the Corporation's Minute Books.
Extracts from Minutes November 1916 - October 1917
Council Meeting - 9th November 1916
New Gas Main – National Projectile Factory
Alderman Sir Norval W Helme reported that the Munitions Department,
through Captain Leveson, had requested that the Corporation should at
once put in a new main for the supply of gas, for the making of shells,
to prevent the Munition Works being stopped.
As a mater of urgency the Corporation allowed the matter to be
discussed, and it was moved by Alderman Sir Norval Helme, seconded by Mr
Councillor Huntington, and
Resolved – That the Corporation, at the request of the Munitions
Department, lay a new gas main for the making of shells forthwith at an
estimated cost of £4000 the question of the payment of the cost thereof
to be arranged between the necessary Government Departments and the
Corporation, and that the Gas Committee be authorised to lay the
necessary main forthwith, and that the Finance Committee be requested to
consider the question of the payment thereof, both with full power to
act, and that the Mayor be authorised to affix the Corporate Seal to any
necessary documents in connection with this matter.
Watch Committee - 7th November 1916
War Charities Act, 1916
Applications were submitted from the following for exemption from
registration under the above Act.
Mrs Wigley – Bazaar in aid of the VAD
Mr Parker – Bowling match in aid of the Red Cross Society
The Mayor’s Fund – For all purposes of the War
The Mayoress’ Fund – For Comforts for Soldiers.
Resolved – That the exemptions be granted.
Watch Committee - 17th November 1916
Application for registration were submitted from the following:-
Lancaster Association Boy Scouts – Waste Paper Collections
The Rev Father Bilsborrow – Flag Day on 19th November for erection of
Soldiers’ Huts for Chapel and Club Rooms.
Mr Joseph Hartley – Russia Flag Day on 9th December.
Resolved – That the above applications be granted.
Electricity Committee - 15th November 1916
Electricity Supply to National Projectile Factory
Read letter from the Minister of Munitions acknowledging receipt of
invoices of current supplied to the National Projectile Factory and of
work done in connection therewith, and as to the course they were taking
in the matter, and expressing their entire satisfaction with the manner
in which this work has been carried out.
New Enlistments and Allowances to Dependents Committee
18th November 1916
The following were reported as having been called up for Military
Service:-
Mr J W Barton, Registrar
Mr Joseph Edmondson, Labourer
Mr Joseph Thompson, Town Hall Assistant
Mr Arthur Wildman, Weigh Clerk
Mr Daniel Atkinson, Meter Inspector
Mr Charles Grime, Pavior
Mr John W Wales, Labourer
Mr William Winder, Labourer
Resolved – That Messrs. Barton, Edmondson, Thompson and Wildman be
granted an allowance of three eighths of their wages, as at the time of
enlistment, during their respective period of absence on Military
Service.
Further resolved – That the consideration of allowances to Messrs.
Atkinson and Grime be deferred for further information to be obtained.
Further resolved – That the Sub-Committee regret that they are unable to
recommend that any allowance be granted to respect of Messrs. Wales and
Winder.
Watch Committee - 8th December 1916
War Charities Act, 1916
Application for registration were submitted from the following:
Committee for Care of Prisoners of War of the King’s Own Royal Lancaster
Regiment.
Resolved – That the application be granted.
Sub-Committee Re New Gas Main, National Projectile Factory - 1st
December 1916
The Gas Engineer produced tenders for a 24 inch cast iron clip, 8
inch valve, and drilling apparatus.
Resolved – That the tender of E Pass & Co, Ltd at the price of £15 6s 0d
be accepted.
Produced tenders for the supply of two 10,000 cubic feet per hour high
pressure meters, including connection, cradles, bye-passes and erection.
Resolved – That the tender of Messrs. Parkinson & Cowan, at the price of
£453 10s 0d be accepted.
Produced tenders for high pressure steel main.
Resolved – That the tender of Messrs. Stewart & Lloyd Ltd, at 2s 6d per
foot, be accepted.
Produced tenders for the necessary compressing plant, etc.
Resolved – That the tender of the Bryan Donkin Co. Ltd, at the price of
£820 be accepted.
6th December 1916
Produced tenders for the supply of Receiver, Connections and Bye-pass.
Resolved – That the tender of Bryan Donkin & Co. Ltd, be accepted at the
price detailed therein.
Produced tenders for cutting Trench for 4 inch Main to National
Projectile Factory.
Resolved – That the tender of Mr Joe Johnson be accepted at the price
detailed therein.
Produced tender for supply of Cast Iron Pipes and Specials.
Resolved – That the tender of the Clay Cross Co. be accepted should the
date for delivery prove satisfactory, otherwise instruction were given
to the Engineer thereon.
Produced tenders for the Welding and Testing of the Main.
Resolved – That the tender of Messrs. Stewart & Lloyd be accepted.
Tramways committee - 12th December 1916
Motor Bus – Routes
Resolved – That a Motor Bus be run from Denmark Street, to the National
Projectile Factory at times to be arranged by the Chairman.
Properties Committee - 13th December 1916
Old Town Hall – Heating
An application was submitted by the Recruiting Officer for improvement
in the heating at the Old Town Hall, and the Borough Surveyor was
requested to go into the matter and report thereon.
Storey Institute Committee - 13th December 1916
Librarian’s Assistant – Military Service
The Librarian reported that his Chief Assistant had been called up for
Military Service on the 22nd November, and the question of appointing a
girl assistant was left in the hands of the Chairman.
Special Meeting of the Council - 10th January 1917
Mayor’s Communications
Machine Gun Corps
A letter was read from Lord Mayor of London, calling attention to the
newly created Machine Gun Corps, and asking for donations in order that
the interests of the Men and their dependents may be properly looked
after; the Mayor intimated that he would be pleased to receive
subscriptions for the purpose.
Watch Committee - 19th January 1917
Police Guard – Munition Works
A letter was read from the War Office as to the substitution of Police
Guards for Military Guards at Munition Works.
Resolved – That the Chief Constable be authorised to make inquiry as to
the course taken by other Police Authorities in respect thereto, and
report at the next meeting.
Baths and Recreation Grounds Committee - 22nd January 1917
Consider application on behalf of the girls at the National
Projectile Factory for use of the Giant Axe Field for hockey.
Resolved – That the matter be referred to the Recreation Grounds
Sub-Committee with power to deal.
Town Hall Committee - 22nd January 1917
Ashton Hall Lettings
The Committee considered the following applications for the use of the
Ashton Hall:-
a) The National Projectile Factory Male Voice Choir, Concert on 10th
February, one-third of proceeds to be given to the King’s Own Prisoners
of War Fund.
b) The Band of Hope Temperance Union, Annual Demonstration, on 2nd
April.
c) The London & North Western Railway Company, Social on 18th April, in
aid of the War Seal Foundation.
Resolved – That the use of the Ashton Hall be granted to the above-named
Choir and Temperance Union, on the dates named, at the usual terms.
Further Resolved – That the use of the Ashton Hall and three Committee
Rooms be granted to the Railway Company, on the date named, at the same
charge as for the Social held on the 10th instant.
Gas Committee - 22nd January 1917
New Gas Main
National Projectile Factory
The Chairman reported that, after considering tenders for the building
of the Compressor House and consulting the members of the Sub-Committee
thereon, the tender of Messrs. S Waterworth & Sons, amounting to £232
had been accepted; the action taken being confirmed by the Committee.
The Engineer reported that it was necessary for the main to pass through
private property and arising thereout, the Town Clerk was authorised to
take all such steps as may be necessary, by notice or otherwise, to
enable this to be done.
Motor Buses etc Sub-Committee - 22nd December 1916
Motor Buses to Projectile Factory
The Sub-Committee met and considered a suggestion by the Lancaster and
District Tramways Company to augment the Motor Bus Service to the
National Projectile Factory. The Secretary and Mr Dawson, a Director of
the Company, and Mr Fahy, attended and discussed the matter with the
Sub-Committee, and the Town Clerk was instructed to communicate with the
Clerk to the County Council thereon.
Tramways Committee - 23rd January 1917
Motor Buses to Projectile Factory
A report was submitted as to interviews with the Assistant Solicitor and
the Surveyor to the Lancashire County Council with respect to the matter
referred to previously.
The Chairman also reported that the third Motor bus would be delivered
shortly, and as to the proposed service to Skerton and the Projectile
Factory.
Storey Institute Committee - 24th January 1917
War Museum
Resolved – That a Museum be formed for the collection of articles of
interest relating to the present war, and the Curator was instructed
thereon.
Finance and Parliamentary Committee - 26th January 1917
13th Lancashire Volunteer Regiment
An application was submitted by Captain Welch for a grant towards the
Funds of the Lancaster Company of the above, and the Town Clerk reported
as to the powers of the Corporation in the matter.
Resolved – That the Council be recommended to make a grant of Twenty
Guineas.
Council Meeting - 31st January 1917
Municipal Census
A report was submitted with respect to the above, from which it appeared
that the total number of persons in the Borough on the 14th January was
43,432, of whom 4,970 were in Institutions.
Recreation Grounds Sub-Committee - 13th February 1917
Applications were submitted by Miss Petrie (Welfare Supervisor,
Storey’s) for a pitch on the Giant Axe Field, or Hockey, etc and for the
use of the Gymnasium; also by Miss Collins, for a hockey pitch for girls
from the National Projectile factory.
Baths and Recreation Grounds Committee - 19th March 1917
Giant Axe Field – Remount Depot
Reported that permission granted to Remount Depot to use track
occasionally, but not to gallop horses over turf, and action taken
confirmed, permission granted on same terms as before.
Properties Committee - 5th March 1917
Old Town Hall
Reported that Military Authorities desired agreement with respect to
their temporary occupation of the above.
Resolved – That the Town Clerk be authorised to enter into agreement,
subject to addition of a Clause providing that an allowance should be
made by the War Department, in lieu of rent, on their vacating premises.
New Enlistments and Allowances to Dependants Committee - 5th April
1917
Deaths on Service
Resolved – That the following cases, the allowances paid by the
Corporation be continued to the Dependents for 13 weeks after the death;
each case to be reconsidered at the expiration of that period:-
1. Charles Lamb (Gas Works). Killed 13th March 1917
2. 2nd Lieutenant Wilfred Brash (Teacher) Killed 9th March 1917.
Storey Institute Committee - 18th April 1917
Recruiting Placard
Curator reported that Military had placed an “Arrow” directing to new
Recruiting Office, on building.
Resolved – That action taken be approved.
Water Committee - 28th March 1917
Supply – Filling Factory
Letter read from Town Clerk, Morecambe, forwarding correspondence with
Ministry of Munitions with respect to above, and consideration thereof
deferred to meeting above mentioned.
Baths and Recreation Grounds Committee - 25th April 1917
A letter was read from the Superintendent of the National Projectile
Factory as to the use of the Giant Axe Field for a “Sports Meeting” on
Whit Monday, and the matter was referred to the Recreation Grounds
Sub-Committee with power to deal therewith.
Recreation Grounds Sub-Committee - 30th April 1917
The Superintendent of the Projectile Factory attended in support of
his application for the use of the Giant Axe Field, for a Sports Meeting
on Whit Monday.
The question as to the outstanding rent due from the Factory’s Football
and Hockey Clubs was discussed, and Mr Wilkinson, Secretary of the
Football Club, attended.
After fully discussing the matters and considering the special
circumstances, it was resolved as follows:
1. To offer the use of the whole Giant Axe Field for Sports on
Whit-Monday (together with the necessary time for erecting and taking
down fixtures, etc.) on payment of a fee amounting to 10 per cent. of
all monies paid for admission.
2. To recommend the Baths and Recreation Grounds Committee to accept the
sum of £5 in full settlement of the outstanding rent due from the
Factory’s Football and Hockey Clubs.
Baths and Recreation Grounds Committee - 14th May 1917
Soldiers at Baths
Resolved – That, for the duration of the War, any soldier “on leave” on
making application and producing his “permit” be admitted to the Baths
at half price.
Storey Institute Committee - 16th May 1917
War Museum
Resolved – That application be made to the Trophies Committee, to the
Colonels of the various Battalions of the Lancaster Regiment, and to the
Public generally, for the provision of exhibits for the Museum.
Council Meeting - 23rd May 1917
Royal Visit to Munition Works
The Mayor fully reported as to the visit of Their Majesties The King and
Queen, to works in the district, on Wednesday, last the 16th may; the
Mayor, the Mayoress, and Town Clerk, having attended at the Castle
Station and been presented to Their Majesties.
A letter had since been received from the King’s Secretary stating with
what pleasure The King and Queen had visited Lancaster, and offering
congratulations upon the successful manner in which all the arrangements
were carried out, the hearty welcome given by the Inhabitants to the
King and Queen as they passed through the streets being much
appreciated; the letter also stated that the Visit to Lancaster would
ever be remembered by Their Majesties.
The Mayor expressed his thanks to all how assisted in the arrangements,
especially the Police Force (including Special Constables), and also to
the Public for their loyal reception.
Maternity and Child Welfare Sub-Committee - 14th June 1917
Crèches
Miss Leach, Welfare Supervisor (Ministry of Munitions), attended and
stated the proposals of the Ministry with respect to establishing
Crèches for the Children of Munitions workers, as follows:-
1. The Ministry would make a grant of 75 per cent of the initial cost if
the scheme is approved beforehand, and guarantee 75 per cent. of the
rent of any premises taken for the purpose – the remaining 25 per cent,
in each case to be raised either out of rates or by voluntary
subscription.
2. The Ministry estimated the cost per head for twelve hours at 1s 6d;
7d of which they would provide, 8d to be paid by the parent of the
child, leaving 3d per head to be provided from other sources. The full
payment by the Ministry will only be made where the premises are used
wholly for children of munition workers, and will abate proportionately
if other children are admitted to the Crèches.
Miss Leach suggested that a Crèche should be limited to 20 children, and
stated that large Crèches are not recommended.
The Sub-committee agreed to mention the matter to the Sanitary Committee
– tomorrow and go further into the proposals.
Watch Committee - 15th June 1917
War Charities Act, 1916
Resolved – That an application for a “Silent Tribute Day” on the 7th
July, with a view to obtaining further working Capital for the Lord
Roberts Memorial Workshops for Disabled Sailors and Soldiers, be
referred to the Charities Collection Committee, and that, if arranged,
the Chief Constable be authorises to register same under the above Act.
Marsh, Park and Cemeteries Committee - 19th June 1917
Land – Caton Road
Letters were read from the Food Production Department, etc, with respect
to the cultivation of part of the land taken for recreation purposes,
opposite the Projectile Factory, and instructions given thereon.
Water Committee - 20th June 1917
Referring to an earlier minute the Town Clerk submitted
correspondence with the Town Clerk of Morecambe, from which it appeared
that the only suggestion which had been forwarded by the latter was that
relating to the supply to the Filling Factory at White Lund, and the
consideration of this was deferred pending the receipt of information
with respect to the other proposals of the Morecambe Corporation.
Meeting of the Council in Committee - 9th July 1917
Communications were submitted from the Central Committee for National
Patriotic Organisations, suggesting that a Public Meeting should be held
on 4th August, in commemoration of the Anniversary of the Great War, and
with a view to passing the following resolution:-
“That on this, the third anniversary of the declaration of a righteous
war, this Meeting of the Corporation and Inhabitants of Lancaster
records its inflexible determination to continue to a victorious end the
struggle in maintenance of those ideals of Liberty and Justice which are
the common and sacred cause of the Allies.”
The Mayor was requested to call a Public Meeting on the 4th August, at
2.30 p.m. to be held on the steps of the New Town hall if fine, and if
wet, in the Ashton Hall; authority being given to advertise the meeting
in the local newspapers.
Marsh, Park and Cemeteries Committee - 27th June 1917
Band in Park
It was reported that Colonel Thorne had offered that the Barracks Band
should play in the Park on Saturday afternoons.
Resolved – That the offer be accepted, with the best thanks of the
Committee therefore.
Watch Committee - 17th July 1917
Band Performances – Park
The Chief Constable was requested to obtain the voluntary services of
Special Constables for attendance at the Park during the above.
Council Meeting - 1st August 1917
Mayor’s Communications
Anniversary of War
The Mayor reported that that he had received an Invitation from the
Vicar of Lancaster, for the Mayor and Corporation to attend in State at
an Intercession Service, in connection with the anniversary of the war,
to be held at the Parish Church on Sunday morning next, at 10 30, and
further that he had received an invitation from Colonel Thorne to attend
a similar Service on the Cricket Ground at the Barracks, on Sunday
evening next; the Mayor requested the Members of the Council, etc, to
accompany him to both services.
Council Meeting - 15th August 1917
Death of Captain Willard Roper
The Mayor announced the death in action of Captain Willard Roper, son of
the later Mr W O Roper, for many years an Official of the Borough.
Town Hall Committee - 30th August 1917
Letting – Ashton Hall
In connection with the Lancaster and District YMCA Hut Week, an
application was submitted for the use of the Ashton Hall for a Concert
in the evening of the 22nd September by the National Projectile Factory
Lancaster Operative and Dramatic Society.
Resolved – That the Hall be let free, provided the gross proceeds are
handed over to the Charity.
Properties Committee - 14th August 1917
Collection of Birds
Correspondence was submitted which had passed between Mr H W Robinson,
the Town Clerk, and the Military Authorities at the Old Town hall, with
respect to damage caused to the above collection, which had been
recently removed from the Old Own Hall to Kendal.
After considering the matter, the Town Clerk was instructed to write to
Mr Robinson, suggesting that he should make a claim against the Military
Authorities for the damage sustained.
Storey Institute Committee - 19th September 1917
War Museum
Letters were submitted from Officers of various Battalions of the King’s
Own Royal Lancaster Regiment stating that a Howitzer Gun and a Flag,
damaged by shrapnel, were being sent for the Museum, and an offer of
Quartz and other specimens by Mr Leonard H Barrow of Rhodesia was
reported.
Resolved – That the offers be accepted with thanks.
Allied War Photographs – Exhibitions
Resolved – That the Exhibition be open from the 6th to the 31st October,
in the Art Gallery, the expenses, beyond those met by the Government, to
be paid by this Committee; the public to be admitted upon payment of 2d
each, school children at 1d each, if about 50 in number in charge of a
Teacher.
Further resolved – That the proceeds be divided amongst War Charities.
Town Hall Committee - 22nd October 1917
Ashton Hall – Lettings
The Committee considered an application for the use of the Ashton Hall:-
National Projectile Male Voice Choir, Concert 1st December.
Resolved – That the use of the Ashton Hall be granted.
Electricity Committee - 23rd October 1917
Military Cross
Resolved – That the Town Clerk tender to Major Milnes the hearty
congratulations of this Committee on his distinction in receiving the
Military Cross.
Marsh, Park and Cemeteries Committee - 23rd October 1917
Band in Park
Resolved – That the best thanks of this Committee be tendered to Colonel
Thorne and the Barracks Band for the services rendered by them in the
Park during this Summer; such services having been heartily appreciated
by the Public.
Lighting Committee - 15th October 1917
Lighting – Caton Road
A report was submitted as to an offer by the National Projectile Factory
to light Caton Road with electric light (the power to be supplied from
the Factory) from the entrance to the works to Skerton Bridge.
Resolved – That the offer be accepted, subject to the work being carried
out to the satisfaction of the Corporation; permission to be obtained
from the Caton Engineering Company to affix brackets to the wall of
their premises in Caton Road; the whole arrangement to be for the
duration of the War and a short period afterwards.
Storey Institute Committee - 24th October 1917
Allied War Photographs – Exhibition
The Curator reported with respect to the progress of the Exhibition,
shewing that an amount of £21 13s 5d had been received up to date.
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