South Yorkshire Times March 15, 1947
Faith in Fuel Minister
Conisbrough Vote of Confidence
When Conisbrough Urban Council on Wednesday decided to transmit to the Prime Minister a message expressing their confidence in Mr Shinwell in his capacity as Minister of fuel and power nearly all the members present paid their tribute to the Minister’s work. Rounding off the discussion, the chairman, Coun. D. Sheldon, J. P., declared that the fact that the miners had just passed their targets was an answer to all the Minister’s critics.
The resolution was submitted by Coun. J. T. E. Collins, secretary of the Denaby Main branch of the National Union of Mineworkers, who explained that it was the view of those who were most affected in the industry that the Minister had been doing his best during a very trying period.
County Coun. B. Roberts, J. P., seconded and others paid tribute to the Minister.
Coun. I. Houghton declared that not one of his critics could improve upon Mr Shinwell in his task as Minister, and Coun. Shepherd said Mr Shinwell had pinned his faith in the miners, and the miners were backing him. Men had walked from Swinton and Conanby to Denaby pit in the slush and snow and there was great credit due to the men who were doing that.
“Apprentice” Houses.
Coun. Shepherd, chairman of the housing committee, reported that the ministry of Works had authorised commencement of the erection of 12 houses under the apprenticeship scheme.
In connection with the erection of a further 54 houses and Conanby No. 1 site the Council were given authority in January to invite tenders; in February authority was withdrawn, but after making further representation they had been successful in securing permission.
The council confirmed a recommendation to the housing committee that the surveyor (Mr A. W. R. Taylor) be instructed to submit a tender for carrying out the work by direct labour.
Sanction had also been received, Coun. Shepherd said, for advertising for tender for 14 Airey type houses, and the construction of road and sewer works by direct labour.
Coun. Roberts said unfortunately they had had a snow fatality in the district, and the highways committee had recommended the best possible steps to avoid such accidents.
The council contained a committee recommendation that in the event of future snow falls the surveyor should arrange for the immediate clearance of all danger spots in the area.