YEARS IN FOCUS
KNOTTINGLEY IN 1904
Our Years in Focus articles were researched by Maurice Haigh and are reproduced
with the kind permission of the Pontefract & Castleford Express.
2nd JANUARY 1904
The annual Christmas dinner for the poor children of Knottingley was given
in the National Schoolrooms on Saturday (Boxing Day) when over 300
children were provided with a good substantial meal of roast beef,
vegetables, and plum cake. Twenty one stones of potatoes and about one
hundred pounds of the best British beef were disposed of. The children
were waited on by voluntary helpers, amongst those were the Vicar, the
Reverend F.E. Egerton, Mr. J.W. Kipping, Mrs O. Murgatroyd, Miss
Depledge, Mrs. J. Beevers, Miss Hunt, Miss Hollingworth, and Mr. T.
France. After dinner entertainment was provided. Christmas carols
and popular songs were sung by the children and limelight pictures were
shown by Mr. G. A. Howdle. The lantern was kindly lent by the Reverend
G.E. Simpson, (Pontefract) and the slides by Mr. J. Eyre Poppleton
(Pontefract). A Christmas tree laden with toys and gifts for the
children and lighted with candles, was in the infants room, and as the
children left the school each one was presented with a bag containing an
orange, an apple, nuts, sweets, and biscuits. Needless to say the
youngsters thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
13th FEBRUARY 1904
ST. BOTOLPH'S CHURCH
The annual Choir Supper was given in the parish Rooms last evening week about 37 persons partaking of the excellent repast provided by Mrs. Hargrave. After supper 30 additional friends arrived, and a most enjoyable evening was spent dancing etc. Mr. T. Rush added a pleasing variety to the entertainment by singing.
20th FEBRUARY 1904
WANTED
Knottingley National School (Mixed) Assistant Mistress,
St, V, Sewing
Salary, £50 to £60 per annum, subject to Qualifications
Apply Vicar East Knottingley.
27th FEBRUARY 1904
PROSPERITY AWAITS EVERY WILLING WORKER IN CANADA
Free farms of 160 acres in Western Canada. The most progressive, prosperous Colony. Healthy Climate, Good Crops, Free Schools, Light Taxes, Abundant Water
For maps pamphlets and full particulars gratis, apply to Mr. W.T.R. Preston, Commissioner of Emigration, 11-12 Charing Cross, London SW1
26th MARCH 1904
TO LET
Two good Villas, Racca Green, Knottingley
Bathrooms, W.C.
Rent £19 per annum
26th MARCH 1904
BILLIARD MATCH
On Monday there was quite a crowd at Mr. A.J. Battys, Aire Street Hotel to
witness a match between Mr. G. Nelson and Mr. W. Smith both of Leeds.
The game was 650 up, the latter receiving 200 start. In the end Mr.
Nelson won by 39. After the contest Mr. Nelson delighted the audience
with a fine display of fancy strokes.
16th APRIL 1904
INTERESTING PROCEEDINGS
After initial costs were to be for £1,200 which was deemed to be too
expensive, another proposal of a renovation cost of £400--£500 was
carried, re-opening Knottingley Town Hall.
On Monday a most interesting stage was reached in the history of this
building. For a number of years the Town Hall at Knottingley served a
very useful purpose and witnessed many important gatherings and other
pleasing functions. Financially, however, it was not a success and in
recent years whilst it continued of course to be of some service, it had
but a sort of trailing existence and became -- and we do not use the
term offensively almost a bye-word. Within the last three years
however through the munificence of Mr. J G. Lyon. J.P.-who although he
resides at Pontefract, .has a great interest in Knottingley - the
property came into the possession of the townsfolk, and can therefore be
correctly described as the Town's Hall. But a good deal needed to be
done to the edifice before it could be called presentable and fully
usable, and as the township has enough on their hands without adorning
the property, there has been considerable delay in putting the gift into
good condition. Finally the Urban Council saw their way to embark upon
the necessary alterations and works of beautification and Monday, as
intimated above, witnessed the re-opening.
The contractors are to be congratulated on the result of their work,
especially Mr. R. Jackson, decorator, who has effected a transformation
in the interior, harmoniously blending many beautiful tints which give
the hall a most inviting appearance.
The days proceedings commenced at about 4.15 pm. The members of
the council officials, and representatives of various public bodies met
at the council offices, Chapel Street, and proceeded to the Town Hall.
Prior to entering they were photographed by Mr. Mckenzie. Then Mr.
Bagley (Messr's Tennant and Bagley) the architect, presented to Mr. J.
G. Lyon, on behalf of his firm and the contractors, a gold and silver
key, and with this the donor opened the doors amidst applause from the
onlookers, of whom there was some 200. Proceeding upstairs, the many who
saw the change for the first time were amazed at the improvement made,
and it must have been pleasing for the council and the contractors to
hear the favourable criticism passed in regard to the hall and to
realise their efforts were much appreciated. The platform had been most
artistically decorated with plants lent by Mr. E. L. Robinson. The
proceedings throughout were enthusiastic, and by another most generous
act of Mr. Lyon the townspeople became further indebted to him by
declaring the hall open.
The Reverend F.E. Egerton then proposed that Mr. Lyon be cordially
thanked for his generous gifts. The speaker said Mr. Lyon had not
covered the whole of the cost of the renovation because he thought it
was not well to relieve the inhabitants altogether of their share in
public work. He (the Speaker) was sure that the ratepayers would be
delighted to defray the small cost remaining. Everything had not been
done like the council would have liked to do, but the hall would be
perfectly useful and serviceable for all ordinary purposes. He believed
in reasonable recreation and profitable amusements, and for those
purposes the hall would meet every requirement and that the council
would only allow entertainment of a profitable kind. But personally
opposed the holding of Sunday concerts for profit. On behalf of the
council he once again proposed that hearty thanks be given to Mr. Lyon
for his gifts.
Mr. Worfolk, in seconding, said that the hall was built 40 years ago
for the purpose of providing accommodation for the teaching of poor
children and persons whose education had been neglected. The promoters
also had the idea that Knottingley would grow into something more than
an overgrown village, and would require a suitable place where officials
would have their home. Provision was then made for towns offices,
and it was a great pleasure for him to know that the idea had it's own
accomplishment through the generosity and forethought of a gentleman who
was greatly respected in the town. Some persons made presentations to
enhance their positions; but that could not be said of Mr. Lyon. All
they could do was show him their gratitud, .to hold him in the highest
esteem, and to regard him as one of the greatest benefactors Knottingley
had ever had. He had great pleasure in seconding the vote of thanks.
Mr. Lyon sincerely thanked the speakers for their kind remarks and
assured them that his only idea in making the gifts was that having
worked and prospered among the people of Knottingley for 27 years he
would like the town to share in his prosperity. Some persons had
insinuated that he had an ulterior object, but he assured them he had
not the slightest ambition for any public office, and would not like to
be forced into any position of a public nature.
23rd APRIL 1904
LATE PRIVATE R. MORRELL'S MEMORIAL
The monument erected in the Knottingley cemetery to the memory of Private R. Morrell will be unveiled on Saturday April 23rd at 2 o'clock prompt, by Col. G. Bying, Commander of the 51st/65 Regimental District, supported by Ald. W. Bagley and other local gentlemen, and public institutes attended.
30th APRIL 1904
PRIVATE MORRELL
Quite a large number of Knottingley people with others assembled in the cemetery at that place on Saturday to do honour to the memory of a local hero. The quiet little ceremony took place at the unveiling by Col. Bying C.O., and will linger long in the memory of those present. Private Morrell, a man humble in life, did his duty manfully, and the people of his native place do well to cherish his memory, and to erect a memorial to which records the acts of a brave man, may inspire others to a worthy performance on their part.
18th JUNE 1904
RESCUED FRON DROWNING
At about 7.30pm last eve week, the 7 year old son of Mr.and Mrs. Radcliffe, Low Green, Knottingley, would have drowned in the canal at Shepherds Bridge, but for the timely aid afforded. The child was trying to reach a stick from the water and fell in. A woman neighbour saw the little fellow and raised the alarm, and upon this a Mr. Kellet ran to the boys rescue whilst a man named Tranmere made to the spot on the water and the former had the satisfaction of handing the little chap into the boat. Subsequently the boy was taken home and the same night was able to tell his parents what happened. Better still he was on Monday able to go to school as usual. His parents of course are exceedingly grateful to those who saved the little fellow from sudden death.
12th JULY 1904
TRADESMEN OUTING
A party of tradespeople and friends to the number of about 40, had a very
enjoyable half-day on Thursday leaving Knottingley at 2.0.pm. They drove
by wagonette to Womersley, Smeaton and Wentbridge, and afterwards had
tea, picnic fashion, in the pretty 'Broc o Dale Woods', The journey was
resumed after a rest and inspection of the surrounding country.
Carleton, Pontefract was also visited.
The outing was the inaugural item of a movement to bring the towns
tradespeople into closer touch with each other.
6th AUGUST 1904
Mr. T. W. Hussey. M.P. was an interested spectator at the Cricket Club Sports on Wednesday.
3rd SEPTEMBER 1904
KNOTTINGLEY SILVER PRIZE BAND
The Knottingley Silver Prize Band won second prize in the band contest at Dewsbury on Saturday. Eight bands competed. Mr. J.W. Stamp was the professional conductor.
24th SEPTEMBER 1904
OLD FOLKS TREAT
On Wednesday afternoon over 100 old folk were entertained to tea in the Town Hall, out of funds realised by a ''Benefit'' given by Mr. A. Vickers a week or so ago. During teatime the band from the theatre played selections. After a short dance, the guests were taken to the theatre to see 'Our Baby' and there finished an enjoyable and locally unique afternoon.
1st OCTOBER 1904
ONE DAY ONLY
BUFFALO BILL'S WILD WEST SHOW
AND
Congress of Rough Riders of The World
Headed and Personally Introduced by
COL. W. F. CODY
BUFFALO BILL
Now Making Positively it's Final Tour of Great Britain
Will Never Return. See it Now or Never
Three Special Trains, 800 people, 500 Horses
The one Exhibition in all the world that has no counterpart.
Exclusively it's own creation Not the institution of fancy, but the
stupendously realism of fact
All London pronounced it supremely original and great
BATTLE OF THE LITTLE BIG HORN
CUSTER'S LAST STAND AND HEROIC FALL
THE WORLD WILL NEVER SEE IT'S LIKE AGAIN
INDIAN WAR DANCES AND BATTLES.
Cowboy Fun, Lassoing Wild Horses, Riding Bucking Bronco's
The Chase, Capture, and Punishment of a Horse Thief
BUFFALO BILL, the MASTER EXPONENT
of Horseback Marksmanship in his wonderful exhibition of shooting
while riding a galloping horse
100 NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS
From the Sioux, Ogallalla, Brue, Uncapappa, Cheyenne, and Arapahoe
tribes.
Genuine 'Blanket Red-Men' Chiefs, Warriors, Bucks, Squaws, and Papoosesd
in Indian Sport and War Dances
AN INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE WORLDS ROUGH RIDERS
Great Cohorts of Daring and Dexterous Horsemen.
Representative Native Equestrians of every Clime, including.
COSSACKS OF THE CAUCASUS
The Gaucho of Argentina
Vaqueros of Old Mexico
Riflemen and Bedouin.
ARABS FROM THE SAHARA
Cubans from the Antilles, Scouts, Cowboys, and Indians from America
Prairies unquestionably the
EQUESTRIAN SENSATION OF MODERN TIMES
Both Press and Public of the Metropolis united in according a hearty
welcome to the
WORLD'S MIGHTY WARRIORS
Who in martial array, teach living object lessons which Nations most
admire. A veritable Mirror of Heroic Manhood where men depict the deeds
which made them famous in warfare and humanitarian acts. An aggregation
of strong men trained and habituated to daring deeds
The Veteran Cavalry of Many Flags in military Evolutions and Exercises
A CORPS FROM THE UNITED STATES LIFE SAVERS
exemplifying the methods employed with the Breeches Buoy in life saving by
THE GUARDIANS OF NEPTUNE'S STORMY COASTS
IMPERIAL JAPANESE TROUPE In Ancient and Modern War Drill
CARTER, THE COWBOY CYCLIST In his wonderful Bicycle Leap
through space
ROYAL ENGLISH LANCERS
UNITED STATES CAVALRY AND ARTILLERY
Twice Daily, Rain or Shine
Afternoon 2.0pm Evening 8.pm, Doors Open 1pm and 7pm
One ticket admits to all advertised attractions
1/-, 2/-, 3/-, 4/-. Box seats 5/- and 7s.6d.
Children under 10 half price to all except 1/- seats
Tickets on sale Alfred Wilson, Carleton Street, Castleford.
Will exhibit Barnsley October 13th Huddersfield October 14th.
3rd DECEMBER 1904
AUSTRALIA
On Tuesday evening in the National Schools, the Reverend W.A. Dark, The District Secretary of the Colonial and Continental Church Society, formerly resident in Australia, gave an address on Australia. The lecture which was illustrated by views, gave an interesting description of City and Bush life and of it's customs and manners of the people. There was a very good meeting.
Years in Focus was researched by
Maurice Haigh and is reproduced here
with the permission of the Pontefract & Castleford Express.