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 1918 - October 1919
Council Meeting - 9th November 1918
Mayor’s Communications
Old Town Hall
The Mayor reported that an application had been received from the Local
Manager of the Labour Exchange for a tenancy of the Old Town Hall, for
purpose in connection with Demobilisation at the close of the War.
Resolved – that the matter be left in the hands of the Mayor and
Councillor Wright, with power to deal therewith.
Streets Committee - 18th November 1918
Tip – Caton Road
The Acting Surveyor reported that the land which had been used for a tip
jointly with the National Projectile Factory had now been filled in and
levelled, and an account for £13 for disturbance had been received from
the Midland Railway Company in connection therewith.
Resolved – That the Borough Treasurer be authorised to pay the sum of £6
10s as the Corporation’s proportion in respect of such disturbance.
Meeting of the Members of the Council in Committee - 19th November
1918
War Memorial
Resolved – That the Mayor be asked to call a Special Meeting of the
Council in Committee, to consider the question as to a Memorial to
Lancaster men fallen in the War.
Properties Committee - 20th November 1918
Old Town Hall – Tenancy
An application was submitted from the Manager of the Local Labour
Exchange, asking the terms upon which the Committee would be prepared to
allow the use of the whole of the premises at the Old Town Hall, for
purposes in connection with the demobilisation of the Army.
Resolved – That a tenancy of the whole of the premises be offered at a
rental of £200 per annum, the first portion of the premises to be taken
namely:- the Old Court Room, Magistrates’ Room, etc., to be paid for at
£80 per annum, the full rent of £200 to come into operation immediately
a tenancy of the whole premises is taken over.
Meeting of the Members of the Council in Committee - 26th November
1918
Lancaster War Memorial
The Council considered in Committee at much length the provision of a
War Memorial.
Resolved – That the Lancaster Corporation be recommended to inaugurate a
movement for a Lancaster Town’s Memorial to commemorate those men born
in or connected with the County Town who have fallen in the War, and
that the Mayor be asked to call a Public Meeting for this purpose.
Celebration of Peace
Resolved – That a Sub Committee, consisting of the Mayor, Alderman
Turney, Councillors Nuttall, Jemminson, Riley, Parr, Gooch, and Procter,
to be appointed to report to the Council in Committee as to what form
the town’s celebrations for the declaration of peace should take.
Town Hall Committee - 9th December 1918
Ashton Hall – Lettings
Resolved – That the following lettings of the Ashton Hall be granted,
upon payment of the usual fees:-
16th December – National Projectile Factory, for a Whist Drive and
Dance, at a fee of £12 12s.
Further Resolved – That the use of the Ashton Hall be granted to the
following, free of charge:-
27th December – His Worship the Mayor, for a Smoking Concert, for the
Prisoners of War.
15th January – Mr J W Aldous, for a Concert (all proceeds to be given to
the “Lancaster Memorial”)
Clock – Town Hall
Resolved – That this Committee revert to the pre-war practice of the
striking and chiming of the clock.
Council Meeting - 3rd January 1919
Mayor’s Communications
11th Service Battalion, King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment
A Communication was read from the Adjutant General, the War Office,
setting out the service rendered during the present hostilities by the
above Battalion of the King’s Own, which had since been disbanded.
Watch Committee - 3rd January 1919
Registration – War Charities Act, 1916
Resolved – That the application of the War Memorial Village, Westfield,
Lancaster, for registration under the War Charities Act, 1916, be
approved so far as this Committee is concerned.
Meeting of the Council - 29th January 1919
Mayor’s Communications
German Submarine
The Council considered a communication suggesting that efforts should be
made to secure the visit to the Port of Lancaster of a German submarine.
Resolved – that the matter be left in the hands of the Finance Committee
to make the necessary arrangements if found practicable.
Meeting of the Members of the Council in Committee - 12th February
1919
King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment Chapel. War Memorial Fund.
A Communication was read from Lieutenant Colonel Thorne, Honorary
Secretary of the above Fund, stating that it was proposed to erect a
stained galls window in the King’s Own Memorial Chapel, with a suitable
tablet, in memory of the Officers and Men of the Regiment who had fallen
in the War.
Peace Celebrations
The minutes of the proceedings of the Peace Celebrations Committee, at a
meeting held on the 7th January, were submitted.
Resolved – That the following programme of celebrations in connection
with the conclusion of Peace, be approved:-
Morning.
Bell Ringing
Mass Meeting of Children in Dalton Square
Thanksgiving Service on the Town Hall steps.
Procession (for the form of which shall be left to the Committee for
Consideration and report to a later meeting of the Council in Chamber.)
Afternoon.
Children’s Fete on the Giant Axe Field
Display of Flying (if possible)
Evening
Dancing on the Giant Axe Field.
Further Resolved – That the following matters be referred to the Special
Committee re Peace Celebrations for further consideration and report:-
1. Refreshment for school children during the day.
2. Some form of commemorative present for the children.
3. Badges for Committee
4. Arrangements for provision of refreshments for Committee and Workers
during the day.
Watch Committee - 13th February 1919
Resignation of Inspector
The Committee considered a letter from Inspector Wearing stating that he
had now served 26 years in the Borough Police Force and asking the
Committee to grant him a pension under the Police Act, 1890.
Electricity Committee - 18th February 1919
Electrical Engineer – Return from Military Service
The Chairman (Alderman Heald) reported the result of an interview which
he had had with the Electrical Engineer as to the time of his return
from the War.
Marsh, Park and Cemeteries Committee - 18th February 1919
Tree Planting
The Committee considered a suggestion that a “Memorial Tree” should be
planted in the Park in connection with the conclusion of Peace.
Resolved – That the suggestion be approved so far as this Committee is
concerned.
Storey Institute Committee - 19th February 1919
Library Assistant
It was reported that the War Office had now intimated that Mr Charles
Wilkins, formerly Library Assistant, should be considered as killed; the
Committee received this information with extreme regret.
[Private Charles Wilkins, number 50930, 2nd/7th Battalion, Lancashire
Fusiliers, died 21st March 1918, age 21, son of Ernest Walter and Sarah
Wilkins of 50 Wingate Saul Road, Lancaster. Commemorated on the Pozieres
Memorial. Originally reported as missing, and it is understood that his
death was reported by the German authorities.]
New Industries Committee - 7th February 1919
National Factories
A letter was submitted from Sir Archibald Hunter MP, with respect to
possible steps to be taken by the Corporation with a view to the
retention of such factories in the Borough.
Resolved – That the Town Clerk be instructed to communicate with the
Ministry of Munitions, asking whether any decision had been arrived at
with respect to the utilisation of the Projectile Factory, and to ask
Sir Archibald Hunter to call upon the Ministry of Munitions with respect
thereto.
20th February 1919
National Factories
The Town Clerk submitted correspondence with Vickers Ltd. and the
Ministry of Munitions, with respect to the future of the National
Projectile Factory.
Finance and Parliamentary Committee - 7th February 1919
Royal Society of St. George
The Committee considered a circular from the above Society, with respect
to the celebration of the 23rd April next as “Peace Day”.
Resolved – That the Mayor be requested to arrange for the schools to be
closed half-day on such date, and for the National Flag to be flown on
all public buildings.
Watch Committee - 14th March 1919
Registration – War Charities Act, 1916
Resolved - That the application of the Centenary Pleasant Sunday
Afternoon Brotherhood, Lancaster, for the registration of the P.S.A.
Soldiers’ Gift Fund under the War Charities Act, 1916, be approved so
far as this Committee in concerned.
Baths and Recreation Grounds Committee - 17th March 1919
Peace Celebrations
Resolved – That the use of Giant Axe Field be granted free of charge to
the Peace Celebrations Committee for any purposes for which they may
require the same in connection with such celebrations.
Electricity Committee - 18th March 1919
Electrical Engineer
Referring to an earlier minute, correspondence was submitted with Mr.
Milnes, as to his return from Military Service, from which it appeared
that Mr Milnes had used every endeavour to secure his release, but so
far without avail, and further that he desired to cease drawing the
allowance granted by the Corporation to Employees on Military Service.
Resolved – That the Town Clerk be instructed to communicate with Mr
Milnes stating that his position will be kept open, and that the
allowance in question will cease, at his own request, as and from 31st
March.
Further Resolved – That the Town Clerk be instructed to make further
application to the Authorities concerned for the early release of Mr
Milnes.
Marsh, Park and Cemeteries Committee - 18th March 1919
Band in Park
The Committee considered an application from the Bandmaster of the 2nd
Battalion Seaforth Highlanders with respect to a Concert in the Park
during the Summer months.
Resolved – That the Town Clerk be instructed to enquire as to the terms
and dates upon which such band would be available.
Storey Institute Committee - 19th March 1919
Westfield War Memorial
The Committee considered an application from the Council of the above
Memorial for permission to be granted to the Librarian to insert book
marks, advertising such memorial, in books issued from the library.
Resolved – That the necessary permission be granted.
Watch Committee - 9th April 1919
Services of Special Constables
The Committee considered the question as to the recognition of the
services by Special Constables during the War.
Resolved – That this Committee is of opinion that such services should
be recognised by the presentation of some permanent memento, and that
the following be appointed a Sub-Committee to consider and report with
respect thereto:- The Chairman, the Mayor, Alderman Turney, Councillors
Bell and Wilkinson.
War Charities Act, 1916
Prisoners of War Care Committee
A communication was submitted from the Honorary Treasurer of the King’s
own Prisoners of War Care Committee, with respect to the disposal of the
balance of the funds in hand, stating that at a Public Meeting of
Subscribers, etc., it had been decided to allocate such balance as
follows:-
£250 to the King’s Own Memorial Chapel Fund
£250 to the Lord Robert’s Memorial Workshop Fund
£1000 to endow a “King’s Own” bed in the Royal Lancaster Infirmary
£2,500 to build five Cottages for King’s Own men in connection with the
Westfield Memorial Village.
Resolved – That the allocation of the balance, as set out above, be
approved so far as this Committee is concerned.
Streets Committee - 14th April 1919
Westfield War Memorial
Referring to an earlier minute, the Borough Surveyor submitted plan and
estimate as to the cost of the proposed new road through the Westfield
War Memorial at an estimated cost of £6000 to £8000.
Resolved – That consideration of the matter be deferred.
Baths and Recreation Grounds Committee - 31st March 1919
Giant Axe Field – Cadet Corps
Resolved – That the use of the Giant Axe Field be granted to the 1st
Cadet Battalion, King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, on Tuesday and
Friday evenings, during the Summer months on the same terms as last
year, subject to such letting not interfering with any other lettings of
the field.
Storey Institute Committee - 14th April 1919
War Museums Trophies
A communication was read from the Secretary of the War Trophies
Committee offering to present to the Storey Institute certain captured
German trophies.
Resolved – That this offer of such trophies be accepted with the best
thanks of this Committee therefore.
War Museum
Resolved – That the Town Clerk communicate with the Management of the
National Projectile Factory and the Caton Engineering Company asking
whether they are in a position to present the Corporation, for the
purpose of a War Museum Collection, any specimens of work carried out at
such Factories during the War.
Finance and Parliamentary Committee - 25th April 1919
Barracks Pavilion – Account
The Committee Considered an outstanding account in respect of certain
repairs to a Concert Pavilion at the Bowerham Barracks which was erected
by the Corporation in the early days of the War.
Resolved – 1. That the account as submitted be paid.
2. That the Borough Treasurer be authorised to “write off” the account
standing against the War Department for the erection of this Pavilion.
Council Meeting - 30th April 1919
Mayor’s Communication
National War Savings Association
A Communication was submitted from the National War Savings Association,
addressed to the Honorary Secretary of the Local Centre Committee,
offering to present to Lancaster a Tank to commemorate the achievements
of the Burgesses of the Borough in financing the War.
Resolved – That the offer be accepted, and that the Storey Institute
Committee be asked to make the necessary arrangements with respect to
the provision of a site for the exhibition of the Tank.
Storey Institute Committee - 21st May 1919
War Trophies
A letter was submitted from the Caton Engineering Co. stating that they
were unable to grant an Exhibit of their work for the War Museum.
Resolved – That the Chairman and Councillor Procter be asked to
interview them and also the Management of the National Projectile
Factory to see if anything can be done in the matter.
Council Meeting - 25th June 1919
Civic Reception – Ex Sailors and Soldiers
A communication was read from the Local Branch of the Discharged
Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Association with respect to a Civic Reception to
natives of the Borough who had served in His Majesty’s Forces during the
war.
Resolved – That this Council is of opinion that a Public Reception
should be given to the men referred to above and that the Mayor be asked
to open a subscription list for carrying out this object.
Further Resolved – That a Special Committee consisting of the following
members be formed to consider what arrangements can be made for the same
and to confer with the Discharged Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Association
with respect thereto:-
The Mayor; Alderman Preston, Jackson, Huntington, and Turney;
Councillors Nuttall, Jemmison, Curwen, Walker, Parr, Smith Hodkinson and
Procter.
Gas Committee - 14th July 1919
Peace Celebrations – July 19th
Resolved – That the men who will be necessarily at work on the 19th July
be paid at the rate of double time.
Tramways Committee - 15th July 1919
Peace Celebration – July 19th
Resolved – That the Tramway and Bus Service be discontinued on the above
date and that the employees be granted a full day’s holiday with pay.
Crippled Soldiers
Resolved – That Crippled soldiers be allowed to travel on the Cars and
Buses at the same rate as children, provided they first obtain a permit
to do so from the Tramway Office, such permit to be shewn on every
occasion on which they travel on the services.
Salary of Clerk
Resolved - That Mr T Bateson, Clerk in the Tramways Office, be paid a
salary of £120 per annum in accordance with the second increment of the
scale for Second Division Clerks.
Storey Institute Committee - 16th July 1919
Local War Museums Association
Correspondence from the above Association with respect to the
establishment of Local War Museums was submitted.
Council Meeting - 23rd July 1919
Peace Gold Medal – HM King George V
The following letter from the Private Secretary to His Majesty King
George V, with respect to the presentation of a gold replica of the
Peace Celebration Medal was submitted:-
Dear Mr Mayor,
I am commanded to thank you for the replica of the Peace Celebration
Medal that the Corporation and Burgesses of the ancient County Town of
Lancaster are presenting to the School Children of the Borough in
commemoration of peace, and I am also desired to convey to you His
Majesty’s appreciate of the Programme for the Peace Celebrations that
accompanied your letter of 18th July.
Yours faithfully.
Cromer.
Meeting of Members of Council in Committee - 18th July 1919
Civic Reception – Military
Read minutes of the proceedings of the Special Committee re Civic
Reception to Local Sailors and Soldiers, appointed by Council Minute No.
1629.
Resolved – That the same be and they are hear by approved and adopted.
Further Resolved – That the reception be held in the Giant Axe Field on
Saturday 30th August , 1919, and that the Special Committee already
appointed be authorised to carry out the necessary arrangements.
Peace Medal
A gold replica of the Peace Celebration Commemorative Medal was
presented to His Worship the Mayor by Mr Alderman Jackson on behalf of
the Council; the Mayor suitably replied thanking the Council for the
gift.
Storey Institute Committee - 29th July 1919
Exhibition – War Pictures
The Committee considered a communication from the Imperial War Museums
Associations, offering to lend 125 Official Battle Photographs
(coloured) for exhibition purposes in September, and also the terms and
conditions under which such loan would be granted.
Resolved – That the Committee is of opinion that the terms and
conditions imposed by the Association are such as would preclude the
holding of a successful exhibition, and therefore regret that they are
unable to accept the offer of the pictures.
West Lancashire Territorial Force Association
A communication was submitted from the Secretary of the above
Association, offering to present War Trophies to the War Museum.
Resolved – That the matter e left in the hands of the Chairman with
power to deal therewith.
Watch Committee - 13th August 1919
Police Force – Private Searches
The Chief Constable submitted a report as to the cost of the provision
of Police services at:
a) The National Projectile Factory
b) Caton Engineering Works
c) Ryelands, and instructions were given for dealing therewith.
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