Archived Extracts

  Below are extracts from the Committee minutes presented at the monthly meeting of Huthwaite Urban District Council.
  Gas and Water Committee.- The lighting of Sutton Road was considered, and it was resolved that the public lamp be removed to a suitable position opposite to Beech Avenue.
  Roads and Buildings Committee.- A letter was read from the County Education Committee stating that they had given their approval to the proposal that an application should be made to the Board of Education for sanction to the sale of the School site, Beech Avenue, for the purpose of housing developments, the result of which would be reported to the Council in due course.

  The Architect reported upon the completion and occupation of 32 houses in connection with the Chesterfield Road scheme, and also upon the progress with the remaining eight houses and the street works and sewers.
  A letter was read from the Mansfield Town Council inviting delegates to a conference of local authorities to discuss the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1932, and it was resolved that the Chairman of that Committee (Councillor J. Potter), Councillor E.H. Lowe, the Clerk and the Surveyor be nominated to attend the conference.
  The County Surveyor wrote stating that no further funds were available for carrying out improvements to Sutton Road during the present financial year, but that the matter would not be lost sight of when considering the estimates for next year. He also stated that Blackwell Road had been resurfaced, and enquired as to precisely what were the Council's requirements.
  It was resolved that the Surveyor prepare a plan showing the necessary widening of the road, and the other requirements of the Council, and that the Clerk write the County Surveyor with regard to the matter.

  Cemetery, Pleasure Grounds and Allotments Committee.- It was reported that wilful damage had been done to the fences at the Skegby Road entrance to Huthwaite Park, and the Clerk was instructed to approach the police upon the matter.
  Health and Hospital Committee.- The Medical Officer of Health reported that during the past month five deaths (equivalent to an annual mortality of 11.7 per 1,000) had been notified, the mortality of the previous month and the corresponding month last year being nil. Six births - four males and two females - were registered during the month.
  A letter was read from the Ministry of Health drawing the Council's attention to the fact that the number of houses proposed to be erected in the first instalment of the five year plan was in excess of those necessary to accomodate the dispossessed tenants from the houses proposed to be demolished and that the rents and subsidies would be affected in consequence. The Clerk and Medical Officer having reported upon the matter, the Clerk was instructed to reply to the Ministry on the lines indicated.
  The provision of Section 2 of the Slaughter of Animals Act, 1933, and correspondence with the Sutton Urban District Council were further considered, and the Clerk was instructed to ascertain the intention of the neighbouring authorities in this matter and report at the next meeting.

  The provision of fees payable under the Act was considered and it was resolved the statutory fees of 2s. and 1s. for new licences and renewals respectively be charged.
  The question of subscribing to the funds of the Mansfield and District Orthopaedic Guild for the current year was considered, and it was resolved that a subscription of £5 5s. be again made.
  Finance and General Purpose Committee.- The Clerk reported upon the position with regard to the negotiation of the loan of £4,000 in connection with the Small Dwellings (Acquisition) Acts 1899-1923, and the Sub-Committee was instructed to make an inspection of the properties and report upon the values of these for the purposes of the advances required.
  Public Library Committee.- The Caretaker reported that 1,272 books had been issued during the month as compared with 1,395 issued during the corresponding period last year. He also reported the gift of five fiction books by Mr. Rainsbury, of Main Street, and it was resolved that the hearty thanks of the Council be conveyed to the donor.

  That schoolboy boxing may be a thoroughly healthy and wholesome recreation was amply prove at the Huthwaite New Street Council Schools on Friday night, when the members of the school Boxing Club gave a capital display. In this respect Huthwaite New Street is one of the first schools in the county to follow the lead of the Nottingham City elementary schools, and the venture was attended with great success, and, incidentally, realised a useful sum for the school Christmas treat.

  The Club is run by Mr. V. Crompton (assistant master) who is well known as captain of Huthwaite Peacock Football Club, and Mr. F. Allsop (student teacher) who gained distinction as a boxer at Mansfield Grammar School. On Friday Mr. Allsop officiated as referee and Mr. Crompton as timekeeper, and assistance was also rendered by Mr. Brooks, of Sutton, the latest heavyweight champion of the Grammar School. There was a large and expectant audience, and there were present also Mr. H.A. Simpson (headmaster), several members of the staff, and Councillor J. Davies, C.C. (School Manager).
  There were ten contests, each consisting of three two-minute rounds, but the exchanges were, in some cases, so even that a deciding round had to be fought. All the bouts were won on points, but in most instances with very narrow margins, and the spectators were very appreciative of the skill and quickness of the contestants. There was naturally a good deal of energy displayed (the first couple broke the ropes), but the fighting was clean and good-tempered throughout.
  The bouts took place in the central hall of the School, and the results were as follows:- M. Sevens beat J. Chapman; H. Hollingsworth beat H. Gregory; H. Clarke beat H. Radford; D. Flowers beat J. Flowers; S. Hallam beat J. Parkin; J. Vardy beat J. Stainwright; L. Hallam beat C. Barsby; H. Keeling beat D. Hague; C. Hold beat J. Hardwick (Mansfield Grammar School); J. Bingham beat R. Marriott.

  One of the best contests was between Gregory and Hollingsworth, who were the smallest pair but showed remarkable skill and stamina. The Hallam brothers were quick and thrustful fighters, Stanley gaining a meritorious victory over a bigger opponent. The last pair were also the biggest and although Bingham showed good footwork and had some ringcraft, Marriot put up a sturdy resistance and there was little to choose between them.
  At the end of the programme the Headmaster said how delighted he was to see so many there. He could see that boxing was a very healthy sport. The lads had to be quick and sharp, and that was all to their good. It was very pleasing to see so many "grown-ups" come and take an interest in the lads, and the lads themselves like it too. On their behalf he wanted to thank Mr. Crompton and Mr. Allsop, who trained the boys two nights a week, and the trainers ought to be complimented on the work they had done.
  Mr. Davis, who presented the certificates to the contestants, spoke in high terms of boxing in connection with elementary schools. He advised the lads to go on with it so long as it was kept to its proper uses.

  The Huthwaite Unemployment Committee are endeavouring to supply 175 parcels of groceries to the unemployed for Christmas, and up to Monday there were sufficient funds for 136 parcels. Towards providing the remainder a whist drive was held in the Library on Monday evening, and was well attendedd, a large percentage of the patrons being from Sutton. The M.C.'s were Messrs. T. Bradley and T. Pratt, and the winners were mr. G. Beastall; Mrs. Winfield; Mr. H. Turner; and Mr. H. Tarby, (after cutting with Mr. G. Reeves). Mr. Bradley thanked the gathering for their attendance.

  This week the new motor ambulance which has been purchased by the Sutton Urban Council was handed over to the local authority, and all who have seen it have been loud in their praise of the excellent vehicle which has been secured. It is up-to-date in every detail, and will be put into commission as from next week.
  Built to specifications prepared in the office of the Surveyor, Mr. W. Burn, the new ambulance has a striking appearance, and for comfort and convenience would be difficult to improve upon. The interior of the vehicle is splendidly fitted up, and is provided with a hot water heating system, whilst a wash basin has also been installed.
  There is accommodation for two stretchers, a pneumatic mattress being provided with one of the stretchers, and the special shock absorbers which have been fitted to the vehicle ensure easy riding. There are also arrangements for first-aid equipment and a locker stretcher, whilst the ventilation had been given special attention.
  The name of the Council figures prominently on the ambulance, together with the rest of the town, and the word ambulance, which can be illuminated at night, will give adequate indication of the work which is being done. Built upon an Austin chassis, the engine is one of 27 h.p., and the vehicle is fitted with hydraulic packs to enable easy wheel changing. There is a powerful electric alarm bell on the running board, whilst a reversing light, a fog light and traffic indicators have been fitted. It has been supplied by Caunt's garage, and will be driven by Mr. H. Lilley, who is an officer in the St. John Ambulance Brigade. On Wednesday the Chairman of the Council (Mr. A. Thompson) and other councillors took the opportunity of inspecting the ambulance, and were much impressed with what they saw.

  How many people know that forty years ago an order was made that no cemetery should be provided in the ecclesiastical district of Sutton-in-Ashfield (which includes Hucknall Huthwaite) without the consent of the Secretary of State for the Home Department? The Local Board of each place has provided a cemetery since then, Hucknall some years ago, but it was only this year that the Home Office became aware of the fact, and called attention to the old order, desiring an explanation. It is hardly likely that either cemetery will be closed because an order of which nobody knew anything was infringed.