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 1914 - October 1915
Urban and Port Sanitary Committee - 13th November 1914
Military Authorities – Sanitary Services
It was reported that the War Department had declined to pay for certain
sanitary services rendered at the Bowerham Barracks, and the question
was referred to the Town Clerk to report thereon.
Gas Committee - 16th November 1914
Free Gas Supply
The Chairman reported that the had arranged for a supply of gas free of
charge to the following prices:-
a) to the new stables in Dallas Road for the War Department.
b) to houses occupied exclusively by Belgian refugees under the care of
the Local Refugee Committee.
Resolved – That the action of the Chairman be approved and adopted.
Tramways Committee - 17th November 1914
Recruiting Notices on Cars
A communication was submitted from the Parliamentary Recruiting
Committee, asking whether recruiting notices could be exhibited on the
cars, the Town Clerk was instructed to obtain a supply of cards of the
kind submitted for hanging in the tram cards.
Storey Institute Committee - 18th November 1914
Recruiting Posters
An application was submitted from the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee
to exhibit Recruiting posters on the notice boards of the Storey
Institute.
Resolved – That such application be granted.
Watch Committee - 15th January 1915
War Office – Enlistment of Mounted Constables
Read a letter from the War Office, asking whether the Committee would
assist in the recruiting for the Military Mounted Police, by allowing
members of the force who were so desirous, to enlist in this branch for
service during the war.
The Chief Constable reported that PC’s W Lea and T Bird were desirous of
enlisting in accordance with the terms of the circular.
Baths and Recreation Grounds Committee - 6th January 1915
A letter was read from the Officer Commanding the 22nd Service
Battalion, Manchester Regiment, at Morecambe, asking for the use of the
Swimming Baths for the men stationed at Morecambe. The Committee fully
considered the question as to granting facilities for any of the troops
which may come to Morecambe, and those in the Borough.
Resolved – That the whole matter be left in the hands of the Chairman
and Mayor, with a view to their meeting representatives of the military
authorities and making any necessary arrangements. Authority was also
given, if the Committee desire, to arrange for the closing of the
gymnasium and the opening of the large swimming bath.
Troops at Baths
Referring to the early minute, the Committee, again considered the
question as to the admission of troops to the Baths, and it was
Resolved – That the troops be admitted to the Baths on payment of a fee
of 2d each, such charge to include the use of slipper, shower and plunge
baths, together with soap and towels.
Storey Institute Committee - 20th January 1915
Library Assistant – Enlistment
It was reported that Mr W Peel, at present Assistant in the Library, had
notified his intention of enlisting, and the Chairman was authorised to
take the necessary steps for filling the vacancy.
Hospitals Sub- Committee - 11th February 1915
Hospital Accommodation for Interned Aliens
Referring to an earlier minute the Sub Committee considered
correspondence from the Medical Officer at the Wagon Works with respect
to the provision of Hospital accommodation for infectious diseases
amongst the prisoners, and after going carefully into the whole question
it was
Resolved – (1) That the War Department be informed that the Committee is
willing to undertake the erection of temporary hospital accommodation
and furnishing thereof at the cost of the War Department, such temporary
hospital accommodation and furniture to be removed by the War Department
when not required by them, (2) that the treatment of patients in such
hospital be undertaken by the Committee at a charge to the War
Department of 4/- per day per patient, (3) the War Department to be
responsible for guarding the prisoners, and for the safety of the other
inmates of, and persons legitimately visiting the hospital.
Watch Committee - 12th February 1915
Enlistment of Constable
The Chief Constable reported that PC Leadbetter, who was loaned to the
War Office as a drill instructor, now desired to enlist, and that the
War Office had stated that the provision of the Police Reservists
(Allowances) Act, 1914, and would apply in such case.
Resolved – That PC Leadbetter be granted permission to enlist, and that
his wife be granted an allowance in accordance with the above mentioned
Act.
Baths and Recreation Grounds Committee - 22nd March 1915
Giant Axe Field – Applications
Read letter from the Officer Commanding, Depot, Phoenix Street, asking
for permission to use the Giant Axe Field for drilling troops from such
depot.
Resolved – That the application be granted, subject to the other
lettings of the field not being interfered with.
Properties Committee - 24th February 1915
Report re Use of Old Town Hall
The Chairman reported that he had granted permission for the use of the
Court Room and the adjoining room in the Old Town Hall by a Committee of
Ladies who were forming a club for soldiers wives, such committee having
undertaken to pay the cost of light used and a proportionate charge for
heating the premises.
Resolved – That the action of the Chairman be approved and that
permission be granted to the Ladies’ Committee to use the rooms above
referred to during such time as they are not required for any other
purposes.
Storey Institute Committee - 24th March 1915
Application for Books – Soldiers’ Libraries
The Committee considered an application on behalf of the Australian
Expeditionary Force at present in Egypt, for any suitable books for the
establishment of Soldiers’ Libraries, and the Librarian was instructed
with respect thereto.
Town Council Meeting - 31st March 1915
Education Committee
Lancastrian – Victoria Cross
Resolved – That the Town Clerk be instructed to convey to Lieutenant
James Edgar Leach (an old scholar of the Bowerham Council School), the
congratulations of the Council on the honour that has been conferred
upon him by the award of the Victoria Cross, and to state that the
Council at the same time appreciate the honour which has been brought to
the town by a Lancaster born man.
Town Hall Committee - 16th April 1915
Proscenium – Ashton Hall
It was reported that in connection with the recent concert organised by
the Mayoress for “comforts” for the 5th K.O.R.L.R. it had been necessary
to erect a proscenium, and it was suggested that this should be taken
over by the Town Hall Committee, together with the curtains for same.
Resolved – That the suggestion be approved and adopted and that the
proscenium and curtains be paid for by this Committee and kept in store
to be let, if required, with the Ashton Hall.
Storey Institute Committee - 21st April 1915
Books – Soldiers’ Libraries
Referring to an early minute, the Librarian reported that the had been
able to collect and forward about 360 books for the establishment of
Soldiers’ Libraries, and a letter of thanks on behalf of the Australian
Expeditionary Force in Egypt was read.
Chairmen of Committees Meeting - 26th April1915
War Munitions – Municipal Employees
A circular letter was submitted from the Local Government Board, making
enquiries as to the probable number of men who could be spared by the
Corporation for work in connection with the manufacture of war
munitions; and stating that a Conference will be held at the County
Offices, Preston, on Tuesday, the 27th April, and inviting the
Corporation to send three delegates to such Conference.
Resolved – That the Mayor, the Town Clerk, and the Borough Surveyor be
appointed to attend on such date.
The Committee subsequently considered a list of the Employees in the
various departments of the Corporation and agreed, subject to the
approval of the Council, to release certain men for the work
above-mentioned.
4th May 1915
Recruiting
A letter was submitted from Lord Derby, asking whether the Corporation
would be prepared to assist in the Recruiting Campaign which he proposed
to commence in the West Lancashire Territorial Division.
The Committee carefully considered the whole question in relation to the
Borough, after which it was
Resolved – That in view of the special circumstances, and the number of
men already enlisted from the two leading works in the town (Lord
Ashton’s and Messrs. Storey Brothers), this Council is of opinion that
the Government should be asked to grant exemption to these two works
from further enlisting, and that pressure should be used to increase the
scale of enlistment in the country districts, and amongst a large class
of young men in the town who have not yet volunteered.
Work on War Munitions
Referring to the earlier minute, a report was read as to the Conference
held at the County Officers, Preston on the 30th April at which the Town
Clerk and the Borough Surveyor attended, and at which the question of
the releasing of suitable Employees by Local Authorities for Government
Work on War Munitions was discussed. The Committee then considered lists
prepared by the various Heads of Departments as to the Employees under
their control, and after carefully considering the same, it was
Resolved – To recommend the Council to release 80 Employees now agreed
upon, for the work on War Munitions, if required by the Government.
Gas Committee - 17th May 1915
War Office – Communication
The Committee considered a letter from the High Explosives Department of
the War Office asking that arrangements should be made for the washing
of gas in order to obtain a maximum amount of toloul, and the Engineer
was instructed to carry out the suggested alterations necessary to carry
the same into effect.
Library, Newsroom and Museum Sub-Committee - 11th May 1915
Films – Offer of
The Sub-committee considered a letter from Mr T E Scholey asking whether
the Sub-Committee desired to purchase certain films of public events in
Lancaster, and putting them on offer at a price of Ł10.
Resolved – That the Committee cannot see their way to recommend the
purchase of the films above-mentioned.
[Scholey is known to have filmed the King's Own at Bowerham Barracks
and the 5th Battalion as they mobilised for war in 1914, and the 5th
Reserve Battalion as they trained - may be these were some of the films
offered and refused?]
Watch Committee - 3rd June 1915
Enlistment of Constables
The Committee considered applications from the following Constables for
permission to enlist in the Military Police, or in the alternative, join
some Regular Regiment of the Army, namely:-
PC Harry W Dawson
PC Henry Bowker
PC Joseph Theobald
PC William Richmond
PC James Marshall
PC Fred Bell
PC Jack Robinson
PC George Connor
and asking that the provisions of the Police Constables Naval and
Military Service Act, 1914, as amended by the Police Emergency
Provisions Act, 1915, should be extended to them.
Resolved – That the Act be extended, as suggested, and that the
necessary leave of absence be granted to such constables, and that
allowances be made to the dependants thereof in accordance with the
provisions and conditions specified in the Police Reservists
(Allowances) Act, 1914.
Baths and Recreation Grounds Committee - 21st June 1915
Troops at Baths
The Committee considered application from the Adjutant, Bowerham
Barracks, asking for the troops at the Barracks to be admitted to the
Baths free of charge.
Resolved – That the Committee cannot see their way to allow free
admission, but are prepared to allow the troops to the Baths on payment
of half the usual charges, namely 1˝ d per head.
Finance and Parliamentary Committee - 25th June 1915
War Badges
The Committee Considered a suggestion that suitable badges should be
provided for Corporation employees who could not be released for
military duty and it was
Resolved – That the suggestion be not entertained.
Meeting of the Council - 30th June 1915
Mayor’s Communications
Lancaster Post Office
A letter was read from the Postmaster, Lancaster, stating that on and
after the 5th July next, the hours of business at the General Post
Office, Lancaster, will be from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. instead of 7 a.m. to 9
p.m. the change being necessitated on account of the depletion of the
staff due to the war.
Admission to the Railway Station
Arising out of an earlier minute, the Mayor reported as to an interview
with the District Superintendent of the London and North Western Railway
Company, with respect to the admission to the Castle Station of the
immediate relatives of soldiers departing by train.
Baths and Recreation Grounds Committee - 12th July 1915
Use of Baths by Troops
The Committee considered an application on behalf of the troops at the
Wagon Works, for permission to use the slipper baths upon payment of a
fee of 2d.
Resolved – That such application be granted.
Electricity Committee - 13th July 1915
Use of Lathe – Electricity Works
The Committee considered an application from Mr F W Hartley, of
Lancaster, asking for the loan of the lathe at the Electricity Works, in
order to complete a contract for the supply of shell bases.
Resolved – That the matter be left in the hands of the Chairman, with
power to deal therewith, and, if necessary, to permit the removal of the
lathe from the Electricity Works to Mr Hartley’s workshop.
Properties Committee - 14th July 1915
Old Town Hall – Use of Room
Resolved – That permission be granted to the Local Munitions Committee
to hold their meetings in the large Committee Room at the Old Town Hall,
recently used by the Labour Exchange as a Munitions Bureau.
Council in Committee - 20th July 1915
Recruiting in Lancaster
Referring to an earlier minute, the Town Clerk read a communication from
the War Department stating that they were prepared to grant a
conditional exemption from recruiting to the works of Messrs Jas.
Williamson & Son, and Storey Brothers & Co. Ltd, and that the local
Recruiting Officers had been instructed accordingly.
Urban and Port Sanitary Committee - 17th September 1915
Latrines – Remount Depot and Bowerham Barracks
The Medical Officer submitted a report as to the erection of Dry Earth
Latrines at the Remount Depot and Bowerham Barracks, and instructions
were given with respect thereto.
Streets Committee - 20th September 1915
Munitions Factory
The Surveyor reported that at the request of the Directors of the new
Munitions Factory he had undertaken for them the survey of the site and
the taking of levels thereof.
Munitions Factory – Drainage etc.
The Committee considered the question as to the possibility of laying a
new sewer in connection with the drainage, etc. from the Munitions
Factory on Caton Road, and the matter was referred to the Plans and
Projections Sub-Committee for consideration and report.
Electricity Committee - 21st September 1915
Service to National Projectile Factory
The Committee considered a report by the Chairman, as to an application
for the temporary supply of electricity for both motive and lighting
purposes to the new Projectile Factory on Caton Road, such supply to be
a maximum of 50 kilowatts per day.
Resolved – That a supply of electricity be offered to the Directors of
the National Projectile Factory, they to pay all charges in connection
with the laying of a cable from Bridge End to the site of the proposed
new works, the current to be supplied to them in accordance with the
present scale of charges plus an extra 10 per cent, in view of the
greatly increased cost of fuel, etc. for the Electricity Works.
Baths and Recreation Grounds Committee - 18th October 1915
Application – Giant Axe Field
The Committee considered an application on behalf of the Band of the
2nd/5th K.O.R.L. for permission to use the Giant Axe Field (Centre
Pitch) for a series of football matches in aid of the “Comforts” Fund of
the 5th K.O.R.L.
Resolved – That such application be granted.
Further Resolved- That any applications for the use of the Giant Axe
Field during the coming winter by left in the hands of the Chairman,
with power to deal therewith.
Gas Committee - 18th October 1915
National Projectile Factory –Gas Supply
The Committee considered a communication from Vickers Ltd., as to the
terms upon which a supply of Gas would be offered to the new Factory on
Caton Road, and the Engineer submitted an estimate as to the cost of
laying the necessary main for such supply amounting to Ł315.
Resolved – That a supply of Gas be offered upon the terms of the present
scale for industrial purposes, and that the question as to arranging
with Vickers Ltd., as to the cost of laying the main be referred to the
a Sub-Committee consisting of the Chairman and Councillor Roberts with
power to deal therewith.
Tramways Extensions Sub-Committee - 18th October 1915
Pursuant of an earlier minute, the Sub-Committee considered the
question as to the Tramway Extensions or the running of Motor Buses
within the Borough, in view of the fact that a large number of men will
probably be working at the new factories which are being built, and
correspondence with the Board of Trade with respect thereto was
submitted from which it appeared that the powers for the running of
motor buses for munition workers might be obtained by way of Provisional
Order.
Resolved – That the Town Clerk be instructed to communicate with the
firms concerned in the erection of the new works, with a view to
ascertaining what demand there is likely to be for motor bus facilities
and if possible to arrange an interview with representatives of the
firms.
Town Hall Committee - 19th October 1915
Ashton Hall – Letting
The committee considered an application on behalf of the Trades and
Labour Council for permission to use the Ashton Hall on Sunday 24th
October at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. for the purpose of holding Recruiting
Meetings in connection with the scheme of the Central Association for
Recruiting, at which meetings it was proposed to utilise the service of
a Regimental Band.
Resolved – That such application be granted, and that the Town Clerk be
instructed to make the necessary application to the Borough Magistrates
for permission to amend the license so as to provide for a band or organ
being used at these or other similar meetings on Sundays.
Council Meeting - 27th October 1915
Presentation of Addresses to VC’s
Resolved – That this Council in Committee recommend that suitable
addresses be presented to Lieutenants James Edgar Leach and William
Thomas Forshaw, the former of whom was born in Lancaster and the latter
being for some time connected with the Schools of the Borough, as a mark
of the appreciation of the honour brought to the town, and that the
Mayor be authorised to make the necessary arrangements for such
presentations and to affix the Common Seal of the Borough to the
Addresses.
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