Mexborough and Swinton Times September 4, 1936

Helping Hand
Council To Make Three Grants
Memorial Service Hitch

Conisborough Urban Council are to make three applications to the Ministry of Health for sanction for grants. At Wednesdays meeting it was decided (subject to such approval) to give £20 to the Wharncliffe Woodmoor disaster fund, £20 to the children’s Christmas treat fund, and £10 for their assistance of the march which is to be organised by the Jarrow Town Council to impress upon the government the industrial plight of the Jarrow district.

Sums ranging from £5 to 50 were suggested as a donation to the Wharncliffe disaster fund. Mr J. Leatherland moved £5 on the ground that Mineworkers had already lost a days wage, and subscribed to the fund. The chairman (Mr G. Oldfield) moved, as an amendment, £20, and this was seconded by J. Humphreys. Mr Ben Roberts suggested applying to the Ministry for permission to give any sum up to £50. The council could not send too much, he said, and he felt that no figure should be mentioned.

Mr J. I. Webster said application for £50 might have its repercussions in wealthy areas and do the fund a considerable amount of good.

Four voted for £50 and eight for £20, and it was thus agreed to make application for the latter amount.

Hardships of Jarrow.

A letter from the Mayor of Jarrow spoke of a nationwide appeal for assistance on account of the distress in the area, and mentioned that a march was to be organised to London to impress upon the government the condition of obtaining in the area. It was pointed out that this was not a hunger march, and any financial assistance towards it would be appreciated.

Mr H, Gomersall said although they in the Conisbrough area had something like 1,000 unemployed, they could not fully realise the hardships of Jarrow. He referred to a newspaper cutting on the annual report of the medical officer of health for that area, indicating the effect of overcrowding on the lives of children and on their infantile mortality rate, and said he felt they should give what assistance they could. It was pointed out that permission would have to be obtained from the Ministry of Health, and following suggestions of donations of five, 10 and £20, it was agreed to ask sanction for a donation of £10.

Late Notice

The Clerk (Mr Spencer Baker) said apparently there had been some dissatisfaction because notices of the memorial service in connection with the Wharncliffe Woodmoor disaster had not reached members of the council in time to allow them to make proper arrangements for attending. Notices were sent by him immediately on notification, and he had taken up the matter with the postal authorities.

Mr Gomersall said he, for one, had an unfortunate experience, finding the men ready to proceed to the service, and expecting that he had come to join them. He had, however, received no intimation at that time, but received his notice at teatime. The councillors were prepared to take their part in the services if they had known of it in time.

It was agreed that in future notices of immediate importance should bear three halfpenny stamps in place of the usual halfpenny.