Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 11 May 1934
The School Children
Appeal for Canteen Powers
Education Committee Move
At the monthly meeting of the Conisborough Education Sub-Committee yesterday, Mr. H. Gomersall presiding, Mr. J. T. E. Collins raised the question of the provision of school meals for the children of men involved in the Cadeby Colliery dispute.
Mr. Collins said all that was coming in for the families of those affected was public assistance at the rate of 10s. for a wife, 5s. for the first child, 3s. for the second, and 2s. for each additional child. The husband was not entitled to any relief, but naturally had some share in what the family received.
If possible, something should be done, apart from the provision of milk and biscuits for the children, towards feeding them at dinner time. The sub-committee ought to use whatever powers they had to ensure that the children could benefit from the education provided.
He moved that enquiries be made to see whether the feeding of these children could be put into operation as soon as possible.
The Chairman said that if anything could be done it ought to be done.
The Clerk (Mr. W. H. Jones): “I think we ought to get to know how many children at each school are affected. If these families are drawing public assistance there will be a deduction when school feeding is started.”
Mr. Collins: “That does not follow. I feel the local Guardians’ Committee can insist on the full amount of public assistance, and that the fact that children are having meals at school should not be taken into account.”
The Clerk: “The Act also states that when the necessity ceases, liability for payment remains. If you meet the deserving cases you will be on the right lines.”
The Rev. W. J. T. Pascoe seconded Mr. Collins’s resolution, saying they had to look at the matter carefully without taking sides. The majority of the men concerned had no reserves. Young married folk who had not paid for their furniture and had their rent and other calls to meet were in a ghastly position. “There are a lot of decent fellows, and one cannot but feel sorry for them.”
Mr. Collins’s resolution was carried.
Bread and Cheese
Meals for Single Men
About 600 single men are to be fed on Saturday at the Station Hotel with bread and cheese. It is hoped next week to give these men four meals.