In accordance with the terms of the takeover agreement, on site production at the Knottingley Brewery was to cease with immediate effect. The Company was to continue as an independently administered subsidiary of Bentleys' Yorkshire Breweries Ltd., having its own board of directors and staff, its function being the administration and maintenance of Carters' licensed houses and allied properties and aspects of the business.

The members of the newly constituted board were drawn from the board of the parent company and consisted of the new chairman, Sir William Alexander Foster Todd, Mr Walter Jackson and Mr Benjamin Day.

Following the conclusion of the takeover meeting on the 3rd June 1935, an immediate meeting of the new board took place, the directors being attended by Mr Parrish a legal advisor from Messrs Day & Yewdall, solicitors to the parent company. (1)

The first priority was the appointment of a secretary who would also serve as manager in a temporary capacity to ensure the smooth conduct of business. To this end a long interview was conducted with Mr Robert Payne who was then offered the position at a salary of £400 p.a. Payne was the most prominent member of the existing staff, having being appointed by T.J. Sides as the company accountant in August 1933 at a wage of £5 per week. (2) Whilst having some knowledge of the financial administration of the Company, Payne's managerial skill was minimal, a fact recognised by the new directors, hence his appointment on a temporary basis.

The temporary nature of Payne's appointment was made clear when the board next turned its attention to the appointment in some capacity of the former managing director, T.J. Sides, in order to secure his knowledge and expertise in the reorganisation of the company. The fact that such an approach was mooted within less than an hour of Sides having relinquished his connection with the former administration is, perhaps, indicative of a pre-planned stratagem to which Sides was party. Regardless of such considerations, Sides was requested to serve the new administration in an advisory capacity on a short term basis at a fee to be negotiated. Alternatively, Sides was offered a seat on the board as an ordinary director, an option for which Sides expressed a preference. It was therefore resolved that Sides be appointed for three months or such further period as mutually agreed, to act in an advisory role at a salary of £200 per annum. In addition, the ownership of a Bentley motor car belonging to the company was transferred to Sides for his use in the execution of his duties. (3)

At a subsequent meeting of the board on the 7th June, steps were taken to transfer the company's bank account from the Sheffield branch of the Midland Bank to the Pontefract branch. The transfer was initiated by Payne but the matter was taken over by Sides who immediately sought to obtain a reduction of interest rates on the company's loan account and on its business commission rates, the subject being adroitly side-stepped by the Sheffield manager as being best dealt with following the imminent transfer. (4)

The continuation of business on a sound financial basis was a prerequisite for the reorganised company. Throughout June correspondence and meetings were undertaken with the manager of the Midland Bank, Pontefract, resulting in an agreement satisfactory to both parties by the start of the following month when the transfer of the company's accounts became effective.

A limit of £40,000 with interest at 1% above the prevailing bank rate was agreed on the loan account and a commission rate of 1s 3d % on business turnover with a minimum charge per annum of £25. The manager suggested the transfer of & £1,861 from the current account to the loan account to reduce the overdraft to a round £40,000, a measure with which the company complied, leaving William Cooper to claim that the arrangements made with the bank would save the company £500 per year in interest payments and bank charges. (5)

Simultaneously, arrangements were made for the transfer of deeds and other legal documents from Messrs Wake, Smith and Fielding, Sheffield, and the Midland Bank, Sheffield, thereby severing a connection established 43 years earlier and maintained by the link with the City based Smith family, now no longer associated with the Knottingley Brewery Co. (6)

The cessation of onsite brewing and the imminent closure of the company's wine & spirit department resulted in revision of the rate assessment and the discontinuance of the annual fee payable to Knottingley Urban District Council for the discharge of effluent from the brewing process into the town's drain. (7)

In consequence of the closure of the Brewery it was proposed by the board that the supply of all goods to Carters' licensed premises be undertaken by B.Y.B. with Company prices being aligned to those of the parent company. As an independent company Carters' Knottingley Brewery Co., Ltd., had freedom to select any supplier of goods but as the takeover had been predicated on the acquisition of additional retail outlets by Bentleys the subsidiary company was left with little real alternative but to choose B.Y.B. as its supplier. (8)

Difficulty arose with regard to the synchronisation of prices when it was realised that in some instances the company had already charged tenants prices for the supply of goods which did not accord with the those of B.Y.B. and it took eight months of negotiation before a final settlement satisfactory to both companies was reached. In the interim Bentleys supplied goods at the Yorkshire Brewers' Association prices and an adjustment was made following the settlement. (9) In general, the supply of beer and other commodities was reported as satisfactory within a month of the transitional phase

"immediate appreciable difference and increased trade"

as shown by the figures for June 1935 which revealed a nett increase of ×686-3-10 even though Bentleys beers had only been sold in Carters' outlets from the 15th of the month. The extent to which the betterment of trade was due to a rising economy or any superiority in Bentleys beers is speculative but every effort was made to promote the new brand, with regular Company advertising material in the local press being replaced by a public notice stating

"Carters' Knottingley Brewery Co., Ltd., beg to announce that in future all beers supplied to their houses are manufactured by Bentleys' Breweries Ltd. (10)

A further indication of change concerned inn signs. Following visits by Cooper and Sides to various company houses in July, the board was recommended to approve the repainting of existing inn signs to show the name of the house and its tenant and the legend

"Bentleys' Yorkshire Ales"

Such a step, Cooper contended, would best serve the interests of the company. The repainting programme was left in Sides' hands and by the middle of the following month repainting had commenced, a uniform format being adopted with the name of the inn at the top of the sign and B.Y.B. in the centre. Sides, presumably, considering the frequent changes of tenancy made the inclusion of the landlord's name impractical, had dropped the suggestion. (11)

Twice during June discussions had taken place concerning staff made redundant by the closure of the brewery. Inevitably, it was decided to dispense with the services of surplus staff and left to Sides to terminate employment, sugaring the pill by by payment of two week's wages instead of one in lieu of notice. Following the dismissals Payne was asked to submit to the board a list of savings effected, together with a list of the remaining staff and the nature of their work. Amongst those retained pro tem were painters and joiners and an engineer, needed for the maintenance purposes, together with office staff. (12)

The presentation of the secretary's list the following month resulted in further reduction of the workforce through the termination of the employment of the cooper and the general labourers, thereby saving a further £6 per week. The engineer was retained in order to keep the brewing plant in good condition and to show prospective buyers round the brewery site. Likewise, the retention of the painters and joiners was confirmed temporarily. Mr Thompson, the Bradford district traveller, was given one month's notice, Bentleys', presumably, having their own representative covering the same area. (13)

Following the closure of the brewery reduced the amount of clerical work, prompting the board to ask Payne to present a list of office staff and wages. The list presented on the 12th July revealed a wages bill totalling ×61-8-8 following which Payne was further requested to present a report on the reorganisation of the office staff for the following meeting. (14) It emerged shortly thereafter that Payne had created much uneasiness amongst the clerical staff by giving the impression that no one was essential and that their employment would soon be terminated. On the strength of this analysis an invoice clerk had already given one week's notice and to allay fears it was decreed that Sides should assure the staff that there would be no job losses. (15)

In the event it was the secretary himself who departed. At a board meeting on the 1st August, during a discussion concerning the reorganisation of the office staff, Payne was asked to leave the room. William Cooper then stated that Sides had drawn his attention to a series of irregularities by the secretary extending over a considerable period of time. In checking the company's accounts for the current and the previous year, the auditors had listed the irregularities and Payne had been unable to provide an explanation concerning the same. The auditors, Mr Thomas and his assistant, Mr Naylor, had been asked to attend the meeting and confirmed their dissatisfaction with the accounts. Payne was then readmitted to the room and when asked to give an explanation replied that he would prefer not to do so. Again being asked to retire, it was decided to seek an explanation which if not forthcoming would result in Payne's instant dismissal. Explanation being refused, the chairman informed Payne he was discharged and a cheque for outstanding salary would be drawn immediately. Cooper sent for one of his firm's staff, William Thompson, to replace Payne as company secretary pro tem and work with the accountants concerning the reorganisation of the clerical staff. (16)

Payne went unprosecuted for his misdemeanour, a failure which may have been due to the fact that he had refused to confess, thereby placing the burden of proof on the company which, in the early stages of its reorganisation, presumably did not desire a long drawn out court case with its attendant embarrassment and bad publicity.

The necessity to dispose of the machinery, motors, plant and stock following the closure of the brewery, resulted in the placement of advertisements in the Brewers' Journal and the Yorkshire Post. offering the materials wholesale or piecemeal, all items being fully maintained pending sale. (17)

A professional valuation of such items was undertaken of the plant and an assessment made concerning the value of miscellaneous items such as casks, malt, hops and other materials. (18) In connection with the valuation of the barrels, it is noteworthy that upon submission of a bill for £5 by Messrs Waide & Son representations were made by Sides, resulting in its reduction to £2. (19)

Company hopes of being able to sell both barrels and commodities to B.Y.B. were dashed when a written offer by B.Y.B. of 38s per quarter for malt and 3s and 1s 6d each for 18 and 9 gallon casks, together with 3d each for corks, was rejected on the advice of Sides as inadequate. Sides assessed the value of the malt, both English and Californian, at 43s and 47s per quarter respectively and hops at £10 per hundredweight, while the barrels were recommended for public sale. The board agreed and the chairman said he would approach the general manager of B.Y.B. in an attempt to negotiate an enhanced offer. (20) At a meeting on the 18th July Sides reported the sale of a number of barrels. All six gallon casks had been sold at 4s each, together with a number of 9 gallon casks at 9s each. Based upon the valuation of Waide & Son, a price list was drawn up for presentation to B.Y.B. viz:-

In addition, bottles of all kinds were to be offered by the company but jars to be sold separately and independently. If the offer was rejected by B.Y.B., Sides was to sell at the best available prices.

The closure of the company's wine & spirits department prompted a similar response concerning the disposal of stocks of whisky, port, brandy, gin, rum and other proprietary goods. In some instances Sides had secured the return of goods to the suppliers whilst the remaining stock was offered to B.Y.B. (21)

On the 4th August it was reported that an agreement had been reached with Mr Rowley, manager of Bentleys' wine & spirit department, concerning prices for the above listed stock. It appears, however, that some stock remained unpurchased for an offer of 573 for 5 hogsheads of Cromac whisky was accepted at that time. An offer of 4s per gallon for 5 pucheons (70-80 gallons capacity each) and a quarter cask of Cromac whisky made by G. Lingard & Son, Halifax, was also sold on the instruction of the chairman, despite Sides opinion that the price was too low. remaining stock was left for Sides to sell in the light of several reported offers. (22)

Likewise, B.Y.B.s acceptance of bottles, cases and casks at the company's estimate still left an element for disposal by public sale as revealed by the list presented by Sides to the board in October and one month later all but 22 of the casks had been sold. (23)

Early in August the chairman had reported that Bentleys' preferred not to take the company's stock of malt, etc., if an alternative purchaser could be found and Sides was left to negotiate with prospective buyers. (24) In late October Sides stated that Messrs Carter, Milner & Bird of Sheffield had made an offer of 32s per quarter with the possibility of a little extra for the Californian malt. The sale was concluded a little later at 32s and 38s per quarter respectively. (25)

Sides was equally vigorous in pursuit of customers for the brewery plant, offering to sell at knock down prices if necessary. A labelling machine was offered to Hartley's Brewery, Cowick, for £30 in mid July but Sides was prepared to accept £20 if necessary. Similarly, the sale prices of £75 for a copper fermenting vessel and £55 for a mash tun were modified in order to obtain customers. In addition, a chilling plant was sold to Thatchers' Bristol Brewery for £250 subject to payment prior to removal. (26) On 1st August Sides reported that the negotiations for the disposal of plant were ongoing but that no satisfactory offers had been received and he was afraid that the company might have to accept scrap prices. (27) Later that month Sides revealed that the best offer received was from Hubert Jones Ltd., Bury, Lancs, who had offered £565 (later increased to £575) which he had accepted subject to payment in full prior to removal.

The purchasing company was to undertake the dismantling of the plant and machinery, transportation of the same and make good any structural damage occurring from the removal work.

A letter of confirmation sent by Sides to the Bury firm serves a dual purpose by providing an inventory of the sale and an insight into the layout of the Brewery building.

"On the floor of the Brewery, the hot liquor tank with all the piping leading to the mash tun. The mash tun. The motor and shafting which drives the Steel's Masher, all piping leading from the mash tun including the under let and sparge to the copper, the brewing copper, the sugar dissolving vessel adjoining with all piping, the malt dresser adjoining the mash tun together with the elevators leading from the Porteus Mill to the Grist Case. The Porteus Mill. The Maize mixer adjoining, all shafting in connection therewith. The 30 horse power Slip ring Motor which drives the malt mill, the tanks adjoining the copper, and all piping leading to boiler including the boiler, and piping from the boiler, and steam trap. The barrel washing plant complete with cask measure. The hoist with shafting and motor which drives the same, the small motor and air compressor adjoining the hoist motor. Inside the brewery the hop back, and structural work which carries the same. All inside the refrigerator room, and wort receiver, the hot liquor copper and pipes to the boiler, inside the square room the 4 copper rounds, and 2 copper squares with the copper piping through which the wort runs from the refrigerator to the vessels. You to replace this piping with 3" cast piping made firm, all girders on which the copper vessels now stand. In the racking room the Mortons Racking Plant, yeast press, and the suction Worthington Pump which works the press, with all the piping leading from the boiler to the pump, and from the pump to the yeast press. The steam jacketed pan together with the refrigerator in the cellar, and copper collecting vessel and piping leading to it. The 2 Worthington pumps, the one in the engine room downstairs and the other in the pumping house. You to make good any joints which are necessary to blank off the suction and delivery pipes so that the Tangye Pump can function. The Tangye to remain, together with the cold water tank on top of the Brewery, all to remain in connection with the Barley Drying Plant including the Petter Diesel Engine, everything to remain in the Maltings together with the motors which works the Malting Machinery, water piping from the Artesian Well in connection with the lifting of the water to the tank on top of the Brewery, and such pipes from the tank which carries water into the maltings and to the offices to be left intact." (28)

Subsequently, H. Jones Ltd., sought modification of the terms of payment, suggesting 10% down payment, 50% one month later and the balance before final clearance of the site. Sides reminded the firm of the verbal agreement made by telephone and in late October a compromise was reached whereby a deposit of ×300 was followed by the balance of £300 within a month. The balance was paid early in November. (29)

Initially, the on site maltings had featured in the proposed sale but were eventually disregarded. In November the company were approached by Messrs C.E. Seed Ltd., of Clayton, who enquired about the renting of the maltings for a season. A proposal was made whereby in the event of any purchase being made the maltings would be vacated by the tenant company. However, the following month Sides reported that Seeds had decided against renting the maltings and the board decided to sell the premises. (30)

Sides' 'hands on' approach to his advisory role impressed the board members and on the 26th September 1935 he was formally appointed manager of the company at an annual salary of £350, made retrospective from the start of his appointment as a director on the 3rd July. At the same time William Thompson was confirmed as the company secretary effective from the 1st September, at the same salary as Sides received. (31)

One notable omission from the disposals following the close down of the Brewery was the profitable Mineral Water Works at Burton Salmon. Sides suggested that the Company might consider improvements to the works at an estimated cost of 200 but the board whilst feeling that the works could be developed advantageously, felt that relocation of the plant to the B.Y.B. brewery at Woodlesford might be more practical. Such a move would be financially favourable to the company whilst obviating duplication of deliveries. Foster Todd suggested that samples of water from both sites to be analysed as a preliminary measure. (32) It appears that transference of the plant was impractical, however, for early in July Sides presented details of the proposed additions to the machinery of the mineral water factory and the board approved a tentative estimate of £100 quoted by D.C. Binnington Ltd., Hull, subject to Sides' scrutiny and approval of the machinery before the order was placed. (33) By October the extension to the works was completed and Sides recommended the installation of electricity at the factory. (34)

By the mid 1930s the company had long replaced horses and drays by motor lorries. The servicing of the company's houses by Bentleys' made necessary the disposal of the bulk of Knottingley Brewery's fleet. Unfortunately, there is no indication of the number of vehicles involved but it was decided to dispose of all but two of the fleet at the best obtainable price. The remaining two were to be kept in good condition and used to transport goods and materials to and from the mineral water works. (35) One other vehicle left unsold was the Leyland borrowed by Bentleys' to transport stock from Knottingley Brewery and Woodlesford but in August the vehicle developed gear box problems and was returned to the Company, Bentleys' ultimately paying £10 for the period on loan plus a further £10 for the repair of the lorry. (36)

Retention of vehicles to service the mineral water works appears to have been temporary, however, for in November Sides recommended the purchase of a new 30 cwt lorry for use at the factory and in January 1936 a Commer was supplied by a Bradford dealer at a cost of £235, an allowance of £35 being made on the Karrier and Vulcan lorries. The new vehicle was painted in the livery of Carters' Knottingley Brewery Co., Ltd., and the refund of licence and insurance on the vehicles traded in part exchange was met by the dealership. (37)

In addition to the heavy draught vehicles the company also provided cars for use by some members of staff. Mention has been made of the transfer of ownership of a Bentley car to Sides. Less grandly, a Morris Minor was provided for the Company traveller. When, in August 1935 the car broke down completely Sides informed the board that he had

"a small Wolseley which would be in every way suitable"

for use by the traveller, for which he was willing to accept £30. Sides also indicated that he had received an offer of £5 for the worn out Morris. Both recommendations of acceptance met the approval of the directors. (38)

The uncertain fate of Lime Grove was the subject of further consideration following the reorganisation of the company. The cessation of onsite brewing rendered obsolete the provision of laboratory facilities housed in the former Carter residence and in December a decision was taken to sell all the lab' apparatus which quickly found customers. (39)

In September 1935 Sides suggested that as the company paid £15 per month for the supply of electricity it would be financially expedient to replace the coal fires in the portion of Lime Grove used as offices by electric radiators and the proposal was accepted. (40) The adoption of the measure is somewhat puzzling for steps were already being taken to sell the property to the local council. In October it was reported that Sides, Jackson and Cooper had met members of the K.U.D.C. Housing Committee to inspect Lime Grove and the Brewery premises, following which the company was asked to fix a sale price. The board suggested £13,000 but the council considered the price to be too high. (41) One may only assume that the installation of electric heating was regarded as an enhancement of the valuation in addition to its financial expediency. Following the council's rejection of the property Sides requested a letter containing the sum which the council considered to meet the valuation of the site, a step which Sides freely admitted to the board was a ploy to keep the subject open for further discussion. In mid December it was reported that the council was undecided on the best course of action but at the end of that month it was stated that the council had withdrawn its interest but hoped to reconsider the position at a later date. (42) The K.U.D.C. decision clearly indicates that financial considerations dictated events. Whatever the reason, the matter was left in abeyance.

An aspect of reorganisation of a more human nature which received consideration by the directors concerned the paternalistic attitude of the company with regard to its employees and to the communities which provided its customers.

In common with other local firms, Carters' Knottingley Brewery Co., Ltd., was aware of the desirability of fostering and maintaining a favourable public image, particularly within the immediate community. In the case of the Brewery Company, the practice of making small donations and Company representation at local functions had developed from the benevolence of G.W. Carter, especially in connection with St Botolph's Church and parochial activities. The establishment of the public limited company in 1892 had resulted in the continuation of the trend but in a wider societal context, one to which T.J. Sides with his wide social connections had subscribed upon joining the Company. (43) It is unsurprising, therefore, that following his renewed association with the reorganised Company, Sides should draw the attention of the board to the tradition and secure approval for its continuation. (44) The benevolence of the company was quickly exercised when a short time later a donation of £10 was made to the South Kirkby Colliery Disaster Appeal. Almost simultaneously, Sides reported that a former loyal, long-serving tenant of the company, resident at Reedness, was in "poor circumstances" and gained the approval of the board for the cancellation of rent arrears on his company owned cottage as a gesture of compassionate goodwill. (45)

Paternalistic concern was also extended to the company workforce as seen in the provision of an extra week's wages to employees made redundant by the reorganisation of the company. The importance of the welfare of the existing employees to morale and the efficiency of the workforce was also recognised. To this end Sides was requested to deal as previously with staff Christmas presents. (46) The provision of a sports and social club ensured company participation in local sporting events and allied functions such as dances and company sponsored excursions. (47) A brief digression reveals the esprit de corps and paternal supervision associated with the latter. In 1934 a trip to Blackpool was undertaken by the company's employees. Starting out at 8.00 a.m., the trippers enjoyed the delights of the resort, setting out on the return journey at 7.00 p.m. Owing to delay en route the coach party did not reach home until 3.00 a.m. the following morning, making a total of 13 hours travel for 6 hours of seaside pleasure. The trip being organised under the aegis of the company, the secretary, T.A.S. Whitehead, made the journey by car in order to keep a paternal eye on the revellers. (48)

Lingering elements concerning the disposal of stock belonging to the defunct brewery are seen occasionally. The belated sale of the barley drying plant, sold at a knock down price of £100, is recorded in May 1936 while the following month the sale of the drying shed was concluded. (49) In January 1937 Sides reported the sale of elevators for £45 followed by the sale of laboratory apparatus. (50) The sale of several dozens of various wines in January 1936 and again in 1938 are reminders of the remnants of Brewery stock and it was not until April 1938 that the final disposal of vintage wines was effected. (51)

The decision to write off £1,725-19-3 of debt arising from the non-disposal of plant and machinery in October 1937 was an acknowledgement of the need to conclude the transitional phase of reorganisation. The decision stands in contrast to the statement of October the year previous that

"...the Brewery Plant and Machinery is in course of realisation and it is considered that the Book value will be realised."

a somewhat optimistic view given the simultaneous acceptance of losses sustained in the attempted sale of malt, spirits, bottles and casks.

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NOTES: Chapter 12
1. WYW 1415-2 p183
2. ibid p137
3. ibid p184 & p187
4. ibid Items of correspondence dated 7-6-1935 7 18-6-1935 inserted between pp185-86
5. ibid p195 & p198
6. ibid p185 & p189. Also items of correspondence inserted between pp185-89
7. ibid pp189-90 & p194
8. ibid p185
9. For details of commodity prices c.f. statistics pp107-08 & pp242-43 & p249. Ibid.
10. ibid pp196-97. Also, Pontefract & Castleford Express 3-7-1935 & Pontefract Advertiser 4-7-1935 and passim.
11. WYW 1415-2 p204 & p207
12. ibid p189 & p186
13. ibid p197
14. ibid p203
15. ibid p213
16. ibid pp209-11. Ironically, at Payne's suggestion, the sum of £4-6-4 was deducted as money owing for cigarettes. A letter was sent to the Midland Bank, Pontefract and to all the tenants of the Company informing them of Payne's dismissal and stating that cheques would be signed by Sides as secretary, pro tem and that all payments were to be made to Sides or the Company cashier, Mr Grainger.
17. ibid p186
18. ibid p195, p198 & p204
19. ibid p203 & p206
20. ibid pp198-99
21. ibid pp201-02
22. ibid p206, p216 & p220
23. ibid p233, p236 & p240
24. ibid p216 & p229
25. ibid p232 & 236
26. ibid p204, p220 & p223
27. ibid p208
28. ibid p220 also c.f. copy of letter from T.J. Sides to Hubert Jones Ltd., Bury, Lancs, dated 28th August 1935 outlining terms of sale and confirmed by Jones via telegram the following day inserted pp219-20
29. ibid p223, p231 & p236
30. ibid p241 7 p244
31. ibid pp227-28
32. ibid p192
33. ibid p198
34. ibid p234 & p208
35. ibid p197
36. ibid p231 7 p286
37. ibid p241, p244 & p247
38. ibid p220. By September 1937 the Wolesley was reported to be ‘in very bad condition’ and a new car was purchased c.f. ibid p315
39. ibid p244
40. ibid p229
41. ibid p234
42. ibid pp236-37, p244 7 p247
43. Pontefract Advertiser 1-5-1926 p5. Sides' attendance at St Botolph's Church parish rooms to open sale of work re restoration fund. Sides donated 3 guineas. Sides regularly attended the annual Knottingley Infirmary Sunday Demonstration and donated the Sides' Cup to be awarded to the licensed premises in the town which collected the most money throughout the year c.f. Spencer T. 'Fairs, Festivals & Frolics: Knottingley circa 1840-2003', (2003), p53. For other examples of Company donations c.f. WYW 1415-2 p268, p272 & p336. Also WYW 1415-3 p4 & p16
44. WYW1415-2 p220
45. ibid p229 & p232
46. ibid p242
47. Pontefract Advertiser 31-10-1931 p4 & ibid 4-10-1930 p4. All the major local firms had cricket or football teams. For reference s c.f. ibid p5 & 8-11-1930 p3
48. Pontefract & Castleford Express 3-3-1934 p10.

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