Mexborough and Swinton Times, May 13th, 1932
Thurnscoe U.D.C.
In Comic Opera Vein
Psyche and Her Puff
That Thurnscoe Urban Council had been “made to look like a Fred Karno Troupe,” was alleged by members at the monthly meeting on Friday.
The Highways Committee minutes stated that Mr. Dyson of Shepherd Lane, had attended the meeting and submitted complaints regarding fencing erected by the Council in front of his house. The Committee recommended “that the concrete posts remain as at present, and that hardwood rails be substituted reaching from post to post in lieu of the present rails.”
Mr. A. Bramham said the Council had altered its decisions time and time again while the matter had been under consideration.
The Chairman (Mr. Garwood) said at the committee meeting some defective work was pointed out by Mr. Dyson. The principle of their previous decision was not altered by the committee’s recommendation.
Mr. W. M. Starkey: This Council has been made to look like a comic opera by this job.
Mr. Bramhan: You mean like a Fred Karno’s troupe.
Mr. Starkey asked the Surveyor if he could give an estimate of the amount already expended by the Council, and this Surveyor replied that he would give it at the next meeting.
Mr. Starkey said he was going to move the reference back to the recommendation
The Chairman: Mr. Dyson.
Mr. Starkey: So we have to comply with Mr. Dyson’s idea of hardwood and not our own. A lot of ratepayers’ money has been wasted on this.
Mr. E. F. Heal pointed out that in the agreement between Mr, Dyson and the Council, it was stated that a hardwood fence was to be erected at the Council’s cost. “The present fence we have erected can be snapped between two fingers.”
Mr. Bramham: The wood is as soft as barm. This is like s Westminster Abbey job. It never finishes.
On the motion of Mr Bramham, the recommendation was accepted.
BATHS ARANGEMENTS
A report by the Baths Sub-Committee was submitted by Mr. Starkey. Provision has been made of swimming facilities for children attending Houghton School and for evening classes subject to the consent of the County Council; for a ladies’ class, and for both ladies’ and men’s life-saving classes. The latter were to be held after the normal closing time. The sub-committee also recommended that the baths be opened at 8 a.m. and not 7 as previously, and that mixed bathing be permitted every morning between 8 and 9. They had instructed the Surveyor to install a spring diving-board. Mr. Starkey added that the time-tables would be revised shortly.
The Chairman said the baths caretaker would be remunerated by the County Council for extra hours.
POWDER AND PAINT
Mr Starkey: The ladies complain there are no facilities for them to powder and paint. I think we should provide two looking glasses.
The Chairman: Some disinfectant company should provide them
Mr. Bramham pointed out there would be no alterations to the present Saturday time-table.
LIBERTY HALL
The Chairman: Have they to have partners for this mixed bathing?
Mr. Starkey: No, this is free gratis. Bring anybody or come by yourself. (Laughter).
Mr. Heal said the recommendations, in his opinion, meant too late opening in the morning and too late closing at night
Answering Mr. Turner, Mr. Starkey said the Swimming Club were being given the same facilities as last season.
Mr. Heal: It looks as though the public will not be able to go to the baths unless they belong to some organisation.
Mr. Starkey: The public have the use of the baths as last year.
The recommendations were accepted.
‘BUS SPEED
Mr. G. Hardwick raised the question of the speed of Yorkshire Traction Company buses in Thurnscoe.
The Chairman agreed that the ‘buses travelled very quickly.
Mr. Starkey said the police had power to take action if the speed was excessive.
Mr. Bramham: Speed cops are on the North Road where there are no children. We cannot get them here. They wait until some poor beggar is killed.
The Clerk was instructed to write to the Yorkshire Traction Company.
POSTAGE STAMPS
After correspondence from the Rotherham Postmaster, it was decided to press further for the provision of stamp-vending machines.
Mr. Parker said the Post office was open after 7 o’clock in the evening but would not issue stamps although the last despatch was at 7.55.
LOSS OF GRANT
The Clerk reported that the block grant from the Government had been reduced from £1140 to £983.
Mr. Parker: It means a 4d. rate to this district each half-year. It is a very serious matter. The Clerk was instructed to take the matter up.