MOTOR LORRY FATALITY

While returning from his work at the Saltaire Mills on Tuesday evening (26 January) George Henry Mitchell (15), son of Mrs. Alice Sarah Mitchell, 16 Valley Road, Shipley, was knocked down and seriously injured about the legs, head and shoulders.

He was at once conveyed to the Saltaire Hospital, where it was found that it was necessary to amputate both legs. The youth, however, died later in the evening.

It is stated that shortly after 5 p.m. Mitchell was near the junction of Westgate and Saltaire Road, Shipley, when a motor lorry owned by the London Midland and Scottish Railway, was approaching. The deceased attempted to cross the road, but appeared to hesitate, and was caught by the near side of the lorry, sustaining the injuries mentioned.

A SALTAIRE PRESENTATION

The Victoria Hall, Saltaire, presented a brilliant scene last evening (6 January) on the occasion of the Saltaire Conversazione. The guests, numbering about 260, were received by the President (Sir Henry Whitehead) and Lady Whitehead. Mr. R. W. Hornshaw was M.C., and Rowland H. Powell’s Manhattan Band, of Leeds, supplied delightful dance music. During the evening a presentation of a silver fruit dish was made by Sir Henry Whitehead to Mr. E. Clifford Fry on behalf of the Saltaire Institute and Dramatic Society.

EDITORIAL

I understand that the Saltaire Conversazione in aid of charities has proved a huge success, and that the committee are optimistic regarding the finances.

The innovation to hold the Conversazione, and to make an effort to help local charities was indeed a commendable one, and the organisers have every reason to congratulate themselves on the success achieved.

The children’s party in the Victoria Hall on Saturday evening (9 January) was a very happy gathering, and both children and adults spent a most pleasant time in dancing and games.

The pupils of Miss Revel Yorke gave a graceful exhibition of dancing, and the hearty applause they received must have been highly gratifying to Miss Yorke and her youthful pupils.

The President (Sir Henry Whitehead) also expressed his pleasure as well as that of Lady Whitehead in a letter, read by Mr. C. H. Ingham (Chairman of the Committee) that after all it had been possible to arrange a children’s evening.

Now that the success of the Saltaire Conversazione in the future is assured, I have every reason to believe that the enterprising committee will see to it that next year Victoria Hall and the other rooms that are utilised will be engaged for four nights.

For more information on the Saltaire Conversazione follow this link > PDF document

SALTS’ MALE VOICE CHOIR

There was a good attendance at the “Beef Night” held by the Saltaire Mills Male Voice Choir on Friday (1 January) at the Prince of Wales Hotel.

The choir, conducted by Mr. H. Holmes, in the absence of Mr. F. Bradshaw, gave an excellent rendering of glees. Messrs. A. W. Fyffe, H. Holmes, C. Kneeshaw, P. Dickenson, and W. E. Doyle contributed towards an excellent programme.

The chair was occupied by Mr. C. Hainsworth. Mr. J. Douglas Smith (president) moved a vote of thanks to Messrs. A. Brown, G. Brown, and V. Whittam for the able manner in which they had served the refreshments. Mr. H. Holmes seconded, and the company showed due appreciation. Altogether the evening’s entertainment proved a great success.

A concert arranged by Mr. S. Artus (the secretary) was given by the Saltaire Mills Male Voice Choir at the Prince of Wales Hotel, Saltaire, on Friday night (29 January). Mr. H. Sutcliffe presided. Several glees were rendered by the choir, under the conductorship of Mr. Harry Holmes, and Messrs. A. Robertshaw, A. Ingham, P. Dickinson, H. Holmes, and P. Horsfall contributed toward an excellent programme. Mr. H. Briggs was the accompanist.

JUNIOR IMPERIAL LEAGUE DANCE

The Victoria Hall, Saltaire, presented another charming scene on Tuesday evening (12 January) on the occasion of the fifth annual dance of the Junior Imperial League (Shipley branch). The popularity of this youthful political organisation was reflected in the large gathering that attended the function, upwards of 170 people being present.

There were also contingents from the Menston and Bingley branches of the Junior Imperial League, and the company also included Mr. and Mrs. F. Fearnley Rhodes, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Waddilove, Mr. Briggs Robinson, Miss Hodgson, Mr. A. E. Horne, Mr. Sam Rhodes, Major Albert Rhodes, Mr. R. C. Ackernley, Mr. A. T. Clough and Mr. S. H. Servent (agent Shipley Division Unionist Association).

Several pretty dresses were worn by the ladies, and the attractiveness of the scene was enhanced by the beautiful lighting effects and the tasteful decorations of evergreens which were utilised for the decorative scheme of the hall for the recent Saltaire Conversazione.

A programme comprising six fox trots, two waltzes, and Tango, gave considerable pleasure to the dancers, the music being supplied by the Brooklyn Dance Orchestra. Mr. M. S. Jowett was a capable M.C., and he was assisted by the following stewards: Messrs. B. T Bateson, H. D. Bradley, E. C. Burnell and Newhill.

During an interval supper was served in the York Room.

TENNIS CLUB DANCE

At the York Room of the Victoria Institute, Saltaire an enjoyable dance, organised by the Wycliffe Tennis Club, was held on Tuesday evening (19 January).

Mr. F. Clarkson was M.C., and the Glenroyal Dance Band supplied the music.

SALTAIRE MILLS DRAMATIC SOCIETY

Mr. A. Hollins, managing director of Salt’s (Saltaire) Limited, and family will be present at the performance of the “Thirteenth Chair” in the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, to-morrow (23 January).

Sir Henry Whitehead has given his support to the effort by the purchase of several tickets. Members of the Saltaire Dramatic Society will also support the production by their presence.

Miss Lena Ashwell has written expressing her regret that she is unable to attend and wishing the production success.

The audience will include students and staff from the Bingley Training College and Bradford Grammar School, and amongst those who have given their personal support are Mr. W. H. Suddards and family, Dr. Margaret Sharpe, and other well-known local people.

URBAN COUNCIL OFFICIALS’ SOCIAL

An interesting social function took place at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Friday evening (15 January) on the occasion of the annual whist drive and dance of the officials of Shipley Urban Council.

The company, numbering 186, included officials of the National Association of Local Government Officers from Bradford, Keighley and Bingley.

Mr. F. Fearnley Rhodes (in the unavoidable absence of Mr. A. E. Horne) controlled 35 tables at the whist drive.

Mrs. E. Cowgill (wife of the Chairman of Shipley Urban Council) presented the whist prizes as follows:

Ladies: 1, Miss B. B. Briggs; 2, Mrs. J. A. Cliffe; 3, Miss M. Whitaker; sealed prize, Miss L. Wilkinson.

Gentlemen: 1, Mr. J. Dibb; 2, Mr. F. R. Murgatroyd; 3, Mr. H. Dawson; sealed prize, Mr. Albert Smith.

Supper was served in the York Room

Mr. E. Cowgill (Chairman of Shipley Council), in extending a hearty welcome to the visitors, complimented the Shipley Council officials on the splendid arrangements made for the function.

Afterwards a pleasant time was spent dancing to the music of Mr. Alec Thornton’s Broadway orchestra. Mr. H. H. Clark was M.C., and Mr. J. A. Wilkinson and Mr. A. E. Pringle acted as stewards.

The secretarial arrangements were satisfactorily carried out by Miss L. Paynter.

SALTAIRE CHARITY CONCERT

The Shipley Vocal Union gave unalloyed pleasure to a large gathering at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Wednesday evening (20 January), when they gave a concert in aid of Sir Titus Salt’s Hospital, Saltaire.

The Hospital Demonstration Committee had sold no fewer than 500 tickets, and the success of the concert both musically and financially was assured. It is hoped that the effort will yield £20.

Mr. Walker Cryer (chairman of the Governors), who presided, said they were indebted to the Shipley Urban Council for only charging half the customary price for the hall as the concert was for charitable purposes. They at Shipley felt that consequent upon the munificence of the founder of Saltaire, the late Sir Titus Salt, Bart., they had a security in the Victoria Hall.

Mr. Cryer, on behalf of the Governors, also tendered thanks for the valuable help given that evening by the Shipley Vocal Union, and he hoped they would long continue to create new records in their musical career. He mentioned that during the past 12 years over £1,000 had been raised by flag days and concerts in aid of Sir Titus Salt’s Hospital.

Under the conductorship of Mr. W. Raistrick, the Shipley Vocal Union sang most effectively several part-songs, and the ladies’ choir likewise gave great pleasure by the selections they rendered. The principals were Miss Brentley (soprano), Miss N. Walker (contralto), Mr. H. Carroll (tenor), and Mr. Percy Holmes (bass), who each gave of their best and were deservedly encored. Mr. S. E. Allen was an excellent accompanist, and he contributed monologues and recitals with much acceptance.

SALTAIRE LIBRARY
NOTABLE IMPROVEMENTS EFFECTED
READING ROOM RE-OPENED YESTERDAY

Improvements which have been in hand for some time at the Saltaire Library are now nearing completion. The Reading Room was re-opened yesterday (Thursday 21 January), and the changes effected therein are really remarkable.

The room, which has been beautifully decorated by the Shipley Urban Council painting department, is also tastefully furnished, whilst the lighting has been considerably improved by the installation of a series of high power electric lamps.

The Libraries Committee are now considering the addition of a considerable number of newspapers, periodicals, etc., and attention is being given to the stocking of the reference department.

An assistant is to be on duty permanently in the Reading Room and Reference department.

A quick service will thus be assured, as well as a proper supervision of the room, which has not been possible hitherto. In the past complaints were numerous as to the conduct of a particular section frequenting the Reading Room, and we understand that drastic action will be taken against any offenders who make any attempt at a recurrence of the nuisances.

The Libraries Committee—particularly the Chairman (Mr. Fred White) and the Librarian (Mr. C. Snailham)—are to be heartily congratulated on the improvements already effected, and when the scheme is completed, we have every reason to believe the public of Shipley will be proud of the library service provided.

SALTS’ HOSPITAL COMMITTEE

A meeting of the Saltaire Hospital Committee was held on Wednesday evening (27 January), the chairman (Mr. Walker Cryer) presiding. There were also present Mrs. F. Fearnley Rhodes, Miss Dunn, Messrs. D. B. Chadwick, E. Cowgill, T. Kendall, C. E. Learoyd, and F. Lister.

The clerk reported that the number of outpatients during the month was 117 with 600 attendances. There had been 44 massage cases, four dental cases and 22 operations. The number of in-patients in the hospital at the time of the meeting were fifteen. There had been several serious accidents during the month.

The donations during the month amounted to £145 15s. 10d., while £18 10s. had been contributed to the Extension Fund by the Baildon section of the Otley Division of the West Riding Constabulary.

VICTIM OF INSOMNIA

The District Coroner (Mr. E. W. Norris) held an inquest at the Saltaire Institute on Tuesday afternoon (26 January) on the body of Mary Beatrice Busfield (53), wife of Joe Arthur Busfield, dye merchant’s clerk, 20, Mayfield Drive, Shipley, who died on Sunday morning (24 January).

Mr. Arthur Harrison Busfield, the son, said his mother had been an invalid for many years.

On Friday morning his mother told him that she had taken a dose of poison. Witness asked her what the poison was, and she said it was lysol, and witness identified the bottle (now produced) lying on a table by the side of the bed. The bottle was usually in the bedroom.

Mr. Joe Arthur Busfield, the husband, said he saw his wife on Friday morning, and she seemed as usual. Witness was telephoned for about noon, when he saw his wife. He subsequently ascertained that the lysol bottle had been left on the table by the maid at the request of Mrs. Busfield. A note was left by the deceased stating that there was no one else to blame, and she could not sleep.

Dr. Thornton, of Shipley, said deceased had suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for several years, and had been confined to bed for two years. In his opinion death was due to heart failure and collapse as the result of having swallowed lysol.

Replying to the Coroner, the doctor said deceased had suffered from insomnia.

The Coroner returned a verdict that deceased poisoned herself with lysol while suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and insomnia, but that there was not sufficient evidence to show the state of her mind at the time.

Mrs. Busfield was the third daughter of the late Mr. William Harrison, who for many years was editor of “The Yorkshire Observer”.

OTLEY POLICE COURT – 26 JANUARY
TWO MONTHS FOR LOITERING

Thomas Harold Kelcher (24), a Shipley labourer, was charged with loitering with intent to commit a felony at Baildon on Friday night (22 January).

Police-constable Fearnside stated that at 20 minutes to 12 at night he was walking along the grass verge on the Coach Road towards Shipley Glen, when he saw the prisoner come out of a gate leading to the Saltaire Tennis Club’s pavilion. He asked him what he was doing, and Kelcher replied that he was only having a walk. Witness asked him to return with him to the pavilion, but he refused. Not being satisfied with the man’s answers to other questions, witness took him to Shipley Police Station and locked him up. In reply to the charge, he said, “I will be even with you later.”

Prisoner: That’s all lies.

Kelcher denied that he had been to the pavilion, or into the field where it stands. He asked the officer to search him as he had no jemmy. “In fact,” added the accused, “I have not had a jemmy since I came out of prison seven months since.”

The Chairman: The inference of that is that you used to have one.

Superintendent Hodgson read out a list of nine previous convictions against the accused, mostly for theft, including six months imprisonment at Otley in 1922 for stealing from a tennis club pavilion. Another conviction was three months at Salford for stealing tennis balls, cigarettes, etc.

In committing the prisoner to two months’ imprisonment, the Chairman said that men with his record should not be wandering about at nearly midnight.

On hearing the sentence, prisoner exclaimed, “It’s not right, sir.” Pointing to the constable, he remarked, “I will wait until I meet this fellow again.”

ALLOTMENT HOLDERS’ SOCIAL

At the Royal Café, Saltaire, on Saturday evening (30 January), the Baildon Green Allotment Holders’ Society promoted a successful social, which was well attended.

A whist drive was controlled by Mr. M. Jennings.

Councillor T. Hewitt presented the whist prizes as follows: —

Ladies—1, Mrs. Biltcliffe; 2, Mrs. Excell; 3, Mrs. Hudson.
Gentlemen—1, Mr. Halliday; 2, Mr. Myers; 3, Mr. Clifton.

Dancing was enjoyed to the strains of the Silver Slipper Band. Mr. N. Abbey was M.C., and Mr. W. Rice, Mr. R. Laycock, and Mr. H. Paley, stewards. The secretarial duties were satisfactorily carried out by Mr. W. Boddy.

BOXING AT SALTAIRE
BAILDON RUGBY CLUB TOURNAMENT

The Baildon Rugby Club’s boxing tournament, which was held on Thursday evening (28 January) at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, was a very successful event, and attracted a large number of spectators.

SHIPLEY LIBERALS
CONVERSAZIONES AT SALTAIRE

The annual conversaziones of the Shipley Division Liberal Association, which were held at the Victoria Hall, Saltaire, on Friday and Saturday evenings (29 & 30 January), were exceptionally well attended, and like their predecessors proved most enjoyable social functions, the children’s party on Saturday being regarded as the most successful yet held under the auspices of the Association.

At Friday’s function Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Rhodes, of Rawdon, acted as host and hostess at the reception.

The Victoria Hall on Saturday evening presented quite an animated scene when the children’s party was held. The youthful guests were received at the reception by Councillor Vincent Hall and Mrs. Hall.

Games and dancing were the source of much enjoyment and the various favours which were kindly given by the host and hostess to the children added much to their merry round of pleasure.

DEATHS

SHACKLETON – John Redmond died 29 January in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA.
ROBERTSHAW – Clara Jane of 14 Lower Green, Baildon, died 12 January.

FOOTBALL

Bradford Combination League
30 January – Saltaire 4 Bowling Athletic 1

HOCKEY

2 January – Idle Congs 1 Saltaire Mills 4
16 – St. Oswalds 4 Saltaire Mills 1
23 – Norwood 0 Saltaire Mills 0
30 – Saltaire Mills 7 Frizinghall 1