Mexborough and Swinton Times October 16, 1936

Conisborough Urban Council
Protest against Uniforms

Conisborough urban Council on Wednesday approved a resolution protest against the “parading of uniformed political bodies”. Mr RH Shepard, mover of the resolution, said it was a case of two armies in one country, and no one was going to stand for that. Your other local authorities would join in protesting.

Mr D Sheldon chairman of the finance committee reported that the Minister of Health had not sanctioned their proposed grant to the children Christmas Treat fund.

Mr RH Shepard said it was regrettable that their children should be without this extra at Christmas. Money was provided for the Jubilee and they expected they would again be enabled to raise similar funds for the Coronation.

The clerk (Mr Spencer Baker) reported that sanction had not been received for their proposed grant to the Jarrow marchers. The communication from the Minister of health intimated that the legality of expenditure by Council was a matter for the District Auditor and he (the Minister) was not aware of any statutory authority for such contribution from the rates.

A letter was received from the Mayor of Jarrow expressing gratitude to the Council for its sympathetic attitude towards the march.

Mr B Roberts moved that the Council again pressed for the abolition of the Means Test, and adequate allowance in respect of coal, boots and household utensils as agreed under the “Pots and Pans” Clause.

Mr JT Colin said at their last meeting they passed a similar resolution. Was it necessary to do so again?

Mr J Leatherland wished Parsons and schoolchildren would go on strike as a protest against the Means Test.

Mr Roberts said he wished the resolution to be passed again and this was agreed.