Cleckheaton Local Board. Meetings: 1883 - 1887

8 Jan 1883
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull.
Mr Knowles, in accordance with notice, moved that it was desirable that a Town Hall should be erected in Cleckheaton, and that the Board undertake as speedily as possible the erection of the same. Mr Roberts said he could not see his way clear to the project being carried out yet. The Chairman replied that if they waited till they saw their way clear, they would no doubt have to wait a long time. The matter was further discussed and the proposal carried.
A letter from the Local Government Board was read inquiring what the present position is on the sewage disposal. It was resolved to reply that the Board were consulting with an engineer as to the best mode of disposal and taking all necessary steps to the subject.
The illuminating power of the gas, tested by the photometer, was shown to be 17 3/4 candles.

22 Jan 1883
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull.
With reference to the resolution passed at the last meeting that the Board undertake the erection of a Town Hall, The Chairman reported that three firms of architects had written asking to be taken into consideration when the Board decided to commence the structure. A few influential gentlemen expressed the opinion it was desirable that such a building should be erected if means could be provided without burdening the ratepayers to a very great extent.  He proposed a sub-committee be appointed to take preliminary action in the matter. Members of the committee: The Chairman, Messrs. Goldthorp, Knowles, Isherwood, Hartley, Hirst, Hodgson and Wilson.
Mr Benjamin Roberts wrote, stating he would be willing to accept £40 payment for the work done in connection with his contract at Netherfield, but must be without prejudice to any future claim he may have against the Board. It was resolved to pay the £40 but the latter part of his letter was ignored.
Dr. Steele, medical officer reported 18 deaths in Cleckheaton and 6 in Scholes. None from preventable causes. There had been 36 births.
Mr Holdroyd wrote asking the Board to accept his resignation as a member on account of ill health. Mr Holdroyd was requested to allow his resignation to remain in abeyance.
It was resolved to to reduce the price of water for the Oakenshaw Ward by 15 per cent during the ensuing year.
The Board decided to support the East and West Yorkshire Union Railways Bill, which is to be brought forward in an amended form next session.

5 Feb 1883
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull.
It was resolved that the scavenging of Oakenshaw be undertaken by the Board.
The Clerk reported that Mr Widdup had made arrangements for the repair of Iron Street.
The General Works Committee reported that the inspector had submitted his report of a further test of the leakage from the water mains on Bradford Road. The result was less satisfactory than the last.
It was agreed that the main in Tofts Road be connected with that in Westgate.
The Gas Committee reported that the recent high winds had caused damage at the gasworks.
Mr J Stead attended and presented a document which stated that Messrs. James Stead, Thomas Thornton and William Greenwood, whose signatures were attached, objected to Cross Crown Street becoming a public highway. The Chairman said in the face of this, the Board would not declare it a highway. Mr Stead said that being the case, the owners would be under the necessity of closing it against traffic.

19 Feb 1883
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull.
A satisfactory finance report was presented. Some remarks were made by the Chairman concerning the very satisfactory results which had attended the gas revenue during the month, by reason of the Board's recent decision to allow a discount of 10 per cent to all consumers whose accounts were paid within a month from the delivery of the demand notes.
The Chairman was appointed returning officer for the forthcoming election of new members.
The Clerk was given instruction to communicate with the railway company regarding the dangerous position of some boundary stones placed in Tofts Road.

5 Mar 1883
Meeting.
Plans for a currier's shop and warehouse by Messrs. S Law & Sons, were approved. As was the plans for a model room by Messrs. P & C Garnett.
The Medical Officer presented his annual report stating there had been 334 births. Something had been done towards getting the district into a more satisfactory state, especially in the matter of disconnecting house drains, but this ought to proceed much more rapidly. In January there were 8 deaths in Cleckheaton and 2 in Scholes.
The Chairman and other members strongly expressed disapproval of the statement as to the failure of the Board to support their medical officer, and stated that the terms used were not in accordance with facts.
Mr Holdroyd's resignation was accepted.
The Scholes members were empowered to deal with an application from the National Telephone Company, Dewsbury, to erect posts in Scholes.

12 Mar 1883
Election for new members.
Retiring members: Messrs. Goldthorp, Hirst and Knowles for Cleckheaton and Mr Thornton for Oakenshaw.
In addition to these vacancies, there are two others caused by the resignation of Mr Boon, who left the town some months ago to join the Salvation Army and by the resignation of Mr Holdroyd owing to failing health.
A contest is very probable, and if there be any question on which it will be fought, it is the question of the scale of water charges, respecting which in certain quarters considerable dissatisfaction prevails, and on account of which Messrs. Cockill and Blackburn resigned.
The 24th inst. is the last day for nominations to be made and voting papers will be delivered on the Saturday following. Mr Bull, the Chairman is returning officer.

19 Mar 1883
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull. Others: Messrs. Goldthorp, Hartley, Isherwood, Knowles, Wood, Hirst, Hodgson & Armitage (Clerk)
The General Purpose Committee recommended the approval of several plans.
It was resolved that in the event of the scavenging contractors failing to empty ashpits within three days of the inspector's notice, arrangements should be made to have the work done by someone else at the expense of the contractor.
The Clerk was instructed to write to persons who had disregarded notices served on them by the nuisance inspector, and say that if not begun of in fourteen days, the Board would do the work and charge them with the costs.
The medical officer reported 13 deaths in February. Six persons had succumbed to disease of the respiratory organs. There had been 23 births. The medical officer stated that he must express his surprise at the exceedingly offensive manner in which his yearly report had been criticised by the Board and he added that if the Board considered he had neglected his duty he was ready to resign at once. Mr Isherwood stated the medical officer's report was very offensive. The Clerk stated that his reappointment would come up in a few months and the subject was dropped.
It was decided to hold a special meeting with a deputation from Gomersal Board with regard to the scheme to be adopted in the construction of a proposed new road from Water Lane to Brooke Houses.
A communication was read from Mr Curry, clerk to the Liversedge School Board, asking this Board to state definitely what course they intended to pursue with regard to the disposal of the sewage of their district. The matter was deferred for consideration in committee.
Mr Sykes, secretary to the Chamber of Commerce, communicated with the Board, enclosing a resolution passed asking the Board to provide a public weighing machine in the town. The application was referred to the Clerk and the Board's solicitors.
Instructions had been given to the Lancashire and Yorkshire Company to set back the boundary fence in Tofts Road.

24 Mar 1883
Nominations for forthcoming election
Six new members have to be elected and the nominations are: For the Cleckheaton Ward - Mr B H Goldthorp, flannel manufacturer; Mr John Hirst, contractor; Mr J H Knowles, clerk; Mr Wm Armytage, manufacturing chemist; Mr John Porritt, cabinet maker; Mr H C Sykes, indigo merchant; Mr Israel Umpleby, boiler maker and Mr John Thornton, machine maker. The first three named are retiring members. For the Oakenshaw Ward: Messrs. Dan Naylor, Jonas Field and Robinson Driver.

2 Apr 1883
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull.
The water inspector reported a serious leakage on the Whitehall Road and recommended a method of testing. It was resolved that that the whole of the district be tested without delay, and reports submitted to the General Purpose Committee.
An offer from the Employers Liability Assurance Corporation to insure the men employed by the board at their Gasworks, waterworks and on the roads had been accepted by the committee and was now approved by the Board.
The Clerk to the Government Local Board wrote regarding to the proposal to make a new road from Water Lane to Egypt, Gomersal, stating that from previous communication, it was observed that his Board would be prepared to appoint a deputation to confer with one from Cleckheaton when the latter had come to a decision. The Chairman stated Gomersal seemed to ignore the responsibility of taking any share in the cost of constructing the road, but Cleckheaton was to formulate a plan, submit it for the approval of Gomersal and then carry out the work and bear the expense. He thought, however, seeing that Gomersal would be benefited quite as much as, if not more than Cleckheaton, the Cleckheaton Board would not be justified in incurring any expense until they had some agreement with the Gomersal people as to the amount they would subscribe. The subject was then dropped.
The Chairman and Mr Goldthorp had met with the agent of Sir Matthew Wilson respecting a drain dispute at Oakenshaw, which was reported to be in a fair way for a satisfactory arrangement.
A letter was read from Superintendent Ellis of the fire brigade, communicating a resolution passed by the brigade thanking the Fire Brigade Committee for their kindness in advancing the salaries of the men.

16 Apr 1883
First meeting of the "new" year.
Mr Hirst was proposed as the new Chairman, however he declined and Mr Bull was re-elected.
The appointment of various committees took place.
The medical officer reported 18 deaths in Cleckheaton and 2 in Scholes. There had been 37 births.

30 Apr 1883
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull.
The tender of Messrs. George and Thomas Holdsworth, Gildersome, for setting retorts at the gasworks was unanimously accepted.
It was decided to support the petition of the Middleton and Tonge Commissioners against the bill of the Harewood Corporation, the object of which is to make up any deficiencies which may occur in the Corporation's water undertaking by increasing the charges for supply to outside districts. It was stated that Cleckheaton was in exactly a similar position to the petitioners, and that a dangerous and highly objectionable principle was involved in the proposed action of the Corporation.
The waterworks manager submitted a report showing a decrease of leakage in water since his previous report.
The gas accounts for the previous year were presented. The quantity of gas manufacture was 40,743,000 cubic feet, an increase of 2,585,000 over the previous year

11 May 1883
Meeting.
The question of erecting a Town Hall was again brought forward, a proposal having been made and a scheme formulated some time ago. It was stated by the Chairman that there were several sites in view, and after some discussion, it was resolved that the whole Board constitute a committee to further consider the question.
The water inspector reported that leakages had recently been discovered and remedied in the water mains, which would make a total difference in the consumption of 100,000 gallons per week.
Messrs. Hird, Dawson and Hardy, of Low Moor, wrote agreeing to give a quantity of land for the widening of a road at Scholes.

28 May 1883
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull.
The Clerk, Mr Armitage, submitted estimates of the expenditure incurred and to be incurred for the following year. It was resolved to lay the general rate for Cleckheaton at 2s on buildings and 6d on land. For Scholes, 2s on buildings and 6d on land and for Oakenshaw 1s 6d on buildings and 4.5d on land.
The medical officer reported 17 deaths and 26 births. None of the deaths were attributed to infectious diseases.
The question was raised as to the apparently tardy action which is being taken by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company with regard to the improved facilities in the goods department at the station, in connection with which an agreement had been entered into by the company with the Board in April 1882. It was stated that a great many people in the town had latterly experienced considerable difficulty in getting goods away from the station. The agreement was produced and it was shown that the apparent dilatoriness on the part of the company was unavoidable, in consequence of certain statutory requirements having to be complied with before the works could be definitely entered upon.

11 Jun 1883
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Knowles.
A request to the Chairman to convene a meeting of ratepayers to discuss the advisability of adopting the Markets and Fairs Clauses Act had been open for signatures but only one signature had been entered. Mr Umpleby suggested the memorial be taken round for signatures but the Board took no further action.
A suggestion that an 8in gas main be laid in Westgate from Peaseland Road to South Parade was approved.

9 Jul 1883
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull. Others: Messrs. Goldthorp, Wilson, Driver, Isherwood, Knowles, Thornton, Hartley, Umpleby, Hodgson, Wood, Hirst and Roberts.
Mr Driver presented a list containing signatures of ratepayers and occupiers who were opposed to the Board asking the scavenging of the Oakenshaw district into their own hands. After a lengthy discussion it was resolved that the decision would stand.
The Chairman reported that the Commissioners for the Wibsey Slack Enclosure said they would sell the Board the land on which the Low Moor meter house stands at 4s a yard. They also offered two small plots adjoining at 2s 6d a yard. The total for all three plots would be £48. It was resolved to purchase these three plots at the prices named.
Mr Isherwood drew attention to the deficiency of £819 on the water account, and it was asked whether this arose from the operation of the new scale of water charges. The Clerk said the new scale having been in force only three quarters, inquiry into its effect would be better left over till the end of the year.
Letters were read from Mr J D Butler, Huddersfield and Mr Wavell, Halifax, relative to the proposed new road from Cleckheaton to Scholes. After discussion the Chairman said he had received a plan of the new road as explained by Mr Wavell at the last meeting, and he would lay it before the General Purpose Committee next meeting.
Mr Bowers, secretary of the Oakenshaw Mill Company, wrote calling attention to the dangerous state of a footbridge across the beck near the company's mill and leading from Oakenshaw to North Bierley, and asked that the bridge might be put in a proper state of repair.
A deputation was appointed to confer with the Gildersome and Leeds Local Boards supplied by the Bradford Corporation with water, to try to get the price reduced.
Mr Redman of Bradford, wrote complaining of the insulting conduct to him several times of late of the cabmen who stood for hire at the station subway. The Chairman said it was a matter for the police. Mr Isherwood proposed that no cabmen be allowed to stand within ten feet on either side of the steps, so as to leave the road opposite the steps clear, and that in the event of any future complaints the cabmen be not allowed to stand under the subway at all. The proposal was passed.

23 Jul 1883
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull.
A report upon the water leakages in Bradford Road was read and it was resolved that a valve be fixed midway between the Low Moor meter house and the first existing valves.
Mr Jesse Sugden, having offered to sell the property at the bend of the road in Westgate, opposite Dr, Sutherland's for £690, it was agreed to give £675.
It was moved and resolved, that the promoters of the road to Scholes be informed that the Board have decided that in the event of such road being constructed to their satisfaction by the parties who are more particularly interested therein, the Board would doubtless be willing to undertake the maintenance thereof.
It was resolved that the scavenging of Oakenshaw be let by tender.
The medical officer reported 13 deaths in Cleckheaton during June, 3 in Scholes and 1 in Oakenshaw.
Messrs. Firth & Blackburn, Spen Corn Mill, wrote drawing attention to the large quantity of sewage which was flowing from the town's drain into Spen Beck, through their property, and causing an intolerable nuisance. They gave the Board notice that if means were not taken to at once abate the nuisance they would be compelled to take proceedings. It was carried that the Clerk reply stating the Board were negotiations with regard to the disposal of sewage and to point out that if the Board were forced in this matter, it might be very injurious to the interests of the town.
Mr Thornton gave notice that at the next meeting he would introduce a motion with respect to the agreement which the Board had entered into with Mr Castle, architect, for the preparation of a plan of the district. He contended that the agreements with Mr Castle were not legal. The same view was shared by other ratepayers, who were going to take counsel's opinion. It was resolved to pay Mr Castle the amount of his contract without reference to the agreement respecting the copyright of the plan.

6 Aug 1883
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull.
The Clerk had received communication from Mr Sugden, who was willing to accept the offer of £675 for the purchase of property required to improve Westgate.
A deputation was appointed to meet Heckmondwike, Liversedge and Gomersal Boards on the question of sewage disposal in the valley.
Mr Thornton brought forward his motion with respect to the agreement under which Mr Reuben Castle, architect, had made a survey of the district and prepared a plan. Advertisements were issued in 1881, inviting tenders for the survey etc., and a number of details were given as to the nature of the work to be done, but no mention was made of copyright. Mr Castle awarded the tender at a cost of £190 and a clause was inserted into the agreement stipulating that Mr Castle should have the copyright. This was signed by Mr Castle and sealed by the Board. Mr Thornton moved that the portion of the agreement under which Mr Castle is allowed the copyright be rescinded, on the ground that the contract was illegal. If Mr Castle had any intimation from the Board that he would have the copyright, the Board rendered itself doubly liable. Firstly to the other gentlemen who tendered, and secondly by entering into an agreement which was different from the original specification, and however the Board settled the case there were ratepayers who were going to test it. The Chairman said if this so he did not see the use of the Board wasting its time. Mr Umpleby said he had been told that other architects who tendered would have been happy to have taken the job had the provision of the copyright been entered in the specification. The contract was illegal, as the alterations were not advertised. Mr Isherwood said if anybody wanted a copyright plan, why didn't they make a survey, and draw a plan? There was a fair contract entered into, and it ought to be carried out honourably. Mr Thornton stated it was illegally entered into and does not deserve to be carried out honourably. It was eventually adopted to waive the matter for a fortnight and in the meantime a deputation wait upon Mr Castle to see if he will be willing to relinquish the copyright.

20 Aug 1883
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull.
The medical officer reported there had been 7 deaths in Cleckheaton and 2 in Scholes. None of them were from preventable causes. There had been 30 births. He reported the water supply to some houses at Hartshead Moor was very defective and in some cases the water which he had examined was literally sewage. It was reported that the water in question was not from the town's mains, and ultimately it was decided that an investigation be made to remedy the defect forthwith.
The General Purpose Committee reported that the works which the owner of the Golden Lion Inn had been asked to carry out had not been effected and it was resolved that the surveyor should get it done and charge the cost to Mr Holmes.
The tender of Dan Broskam to light the lamps in Moorend, and that of Thomas Parker to light those in the central district were approved and it was suggested that William Walker be appointed to light Westgate and Hartshead Moor.
It had been agreed to recommend that a 60 candle power lantern be fixed at the garden of the George Hotel.
The tender of Messrs. G W Crosland & Co., Huddersfield for iron required for strengthening the roof of the retort houses had been adopted.
Mr Knowles and other members had waited upon Mr Castle, architect, respecting the copyright of the plan of the township., and that gentleman stated that he flt very sore upon the matter, as he had not been fairly dealt with. He asked Mr Castle to give up the copyright and that gentleman complied in the most courteous manner and the copy of the survey was now the property of the Board. Mr Knowles proposed that the thanks of the Board should be given to Mr Castle, which was passed unanimously.

10 Sep 1883
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull.
A letter was read from the Postmaster General asking the permission of the Board to the erection of the necessary works in connection with the construction of a new telegraphic system between Leeds and Huddersfield through Cleckheaton. The letter stated that in connection with the reduction in the charges for inland telegrams, a very considerable increase in the number of telegrams was expected, which would necessitate the erection of additional services throughout the country and the assistance of the several authorities concerned was solicited with the view of the arrangements being completed with as little delay as possible.
Numerous complaints having been made with respect to the unwholesome condition of the water supplied by the Bradford Corporation to the Scholes Ward, samples of which have been submitted to an analyst and representations having been made by the Board to the Corporation on the subject, without success, the Board's solicitor was instructed to communicate with the Corporation stating that unless measures are adopted to ensure a more satisfactory supply of water, the Board would consider its position and look out elsewhere for a supply.

1 Oct 1883
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull
A letter was read from the Liversedge Local Board. For a considerable time there had been negotiations for a combined scheme of sewage disposal for the two townships. The Liversedge Board have stated that they could not accept the offer made to them by Cleckheaton, neither could they consent to alter their offer, made by them on September 14th. In view of this, Mr Hirst proposed that liberal steps should be taken to acquire for the construction of sewage works of their own and that they engage an engineer. The Chairman stated that notice of this motion should be given, which Mr Hirst gave.
The medical officer stated there were 10 deaths in Cleckheaton for the month of August, 1 in Scholes and 1 in Oakenshaw. Births were recorded at 22.
Mr James Wilson, ex-sergeant of Police, was appointed school attendance officer from 26 applicants.
It was decided to grant half-time certificates to children presenting evidence of fitness to work.
A meeting of ratepayers was called for on the 12th to consider adopting the Markets and Fairs Clauses Act.
Plans were approved for offices and a boardroom in School Street by the the Co-operative Society.

12 Oct 1883
Public meeting held at the Co-operative Hall, Cleckheaton to consider adopting the Market and Fairs Clauses Act. Mr Bull, of the Cleckheaton Local Board, presided. Other members of the Board were also present.
The Chairman explained the advantages of adopting the Act and that hitherto the market, which had been established about 18 years, had been in the hands of a committee of tradesmen, who had striven hard to make it a success. At the present time the committee have about £150 in hand, which they are willing to hand over to the Local Board if the Act was adopted, with the hope that the Local Board would be enabled to make the market more convenient and enhance its prosperity.
It was proposed by Mr Bull, and seconded by Mr S H Stocks: "That the consent of this meeting of the owners and ratepayers be given to the Local Board, authorising them to do the following things or any of them: to provide a market place and construct a market house and other conveniences for the purpose of holding markets; to provide houses and places for weighing carts; make approaches to such market; to provide all such matters and things as may be necessary for the convenient use of such market and to purchase rights in markets and tolls for the foregoing purposes; also to take stallages, rents and tolls in respect of the use by any person of such market."

29 Oct 1883
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull.
Various accounts and finances were reported on.
The medical officer reported 6 deaths in Cleckheaton, 2 in Scholes and none in Oakenshaw. There had been 29 births.
The school attendance officer, Mr James Wilson presented a report in which 90 absentees had been reported by the schoolmasters.
The Clerk presented a report and estimate respecting several street and other improvements throughout the town, which had been prepared by the Board's surveyor, and it was resolved to take the necessary steps to obtain borrowing powers requisite to carry out the improvements and a committee was elected to revise the plans and estimates.
It was resolved to hold a special meeting on the 31st to discuss the sewerage scheme.

26 Nov 1883
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull
Correspondence was read from the Local Government Board in reply to a letter received from a member, stating that there was no authority given under the Public Health Act 1875, which enable Local Boards to erect town halls, though the Board was empowered to provide such offices as were necessary for the transaction of their business.
The Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company wrote regarding an agreement made in April 1882, with the Local Board for the execution of certain improvements at and about the station and stating that the plans for the works were in course of preparation, and no time would be lost in putting the works in hand.

10 Dec 1883
Meeting.
It was reported that 36 applications had been received for the post of engineer and that the following had been selected from the list for further consideration: Messrs. Goodison, Atkinson and Forde, Liverpool; Mr A M Fowler, Manchester, Mr W B Woodhead, Bradford and Mr M Paterson, Bradford.
It had also been resolved that a premium be offered for the best scheme submitted for dealing with the sewage of the district. A premium of £40 be offered for the best scheme submitted ad that premiums of £20, £15 and £10 be offered to other competitors according to the relative value of the schemes submitted.

17 Dec 1883
Special meeting.
The trial period of one year's revenue to the Cleckheaton Local Board from the water consumers in the Cleckheaton Ward having just expired and a deficiency having been declared, a special meeting was held for the purposes of formulating another scale of charges to consumers.
The charges for domestic purposes had been based upon the gross estimated rental of the premises supplied and by meter for trade purposes. The legality of such charges had been strongly disputed by a section of consumers and it had been decided that Board's reviewed scale was to be based upon rateable value.It is considered to be imperative that an enhanced scale will have to be adopted and will be given further consideration of the Board.

20 Dec 1883
Meeting.
The Gas Committee recommended that the gas required for the illumination of the market during the Christmas show on Saturday should be supplied free of charge. Approved.
The medical officer reported 16 deaths in Cleckheaton and 4 in Scholes for November. Births were 26.
A letter was received from Liversedge Local Board renewing their offer, in a modified form, to take into their sewers, and to utilise and dispose of the sewage of Cleckheaton, a cost of £600 annually by half-yearly installments and that the arrangement should exist for a term of thirty years. The cost to be reviewed accordingly every ten years. The letter was referred to the drainage committee.

7 Jan 1884
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull
A communication was read from the Local Government Board regarding a letter they had addressed to several urban sanitary authorities drawing attention to the importance of measures being taken to the water supply, the removal of refuse and the cleansing of dwellings, in particular those dwellings in densely populated areas. The matter was referred to the medical officer who should report as to whether there are any properties in the town which were so conditioned or overcrowded to the detriment of the health of the occupants.
Mr Hirst enquired as to what progress was being made with the alterations at the station goods yard. The Chairman stated that the last report sent by the company was that the plans were in the hands of the engineers and no time would be lost.
Mr Roberts asked what progress was being made with the sewerage scheme. The Clerk replied that the conditions of the prize competition would be submitted at the next meeting of the General Purpose Committee.
It was resolved that notices be served upon the owners and the cemetery trustees to repair Peaseland Road forthwith.
Mr Sugden wrote respecting the property in Westgate provisionally purchased of him for the improvement of that thoroughfare, asking for the matter to be settled. The Clerk was instructed to inform him that it was before the Local Government Board, and would be settled as soon as the Local Board received permission to borrow the necessary funds.

21 Jan 1884
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull
A letter was read from the secretary of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company stating that the plans of the proposed improvements in Tofts Road were in a forward state of preparation and would probably be submitted to the directors at their next meeting. The Board considered this satisfactory.

4 Feb 1884
Meeting.
Dr. Steele, medical officer reported deaths in December were 13 for Cleckheaton, 1 for Scholes and none for Oakenshaw. There had been 28 births in the same period.
The Local Government Board had written to the Board regarding their request to borrow £4000 for street improvements. They would direct a local inquiry to be held on the subject.

18 Feb 1884
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull. Others: Messrs. Roberts, Hirst, Wood, Umpleby, Goldthorp, Hartley, Driver, Knowles, Isherwood, Hodgson and Armitage (Clerk).
The General Purpose Committee reported that Mr Woodcock, of the Low Moor Company and Mr Overend of Dewsbury, had agreed to pay one third each of the cost of laying a water main to Popplewell.
It had been decided that the surveyor should see that the teamsters attend properly to work, and to discharge those who did not do so.
A precept for £50 was ordered to be issued to the overseers of the poor for the school attendance expenses of the forthcoming year. The average attendance of children at school during the past month was 80 per cent of the number upon the register. Complaints having been made to the School Attendance Committee of undue severity being used by some of the principal teachers when chastising the scholars, instructions were issued that the attention of the managers of such schools be directed to the matter, as such treatment prejudicially affected the attendance of the scholars at schools. The Chairman congratulated the Board upon the high average attendance considering the severity of the weather.
The medical officer reported that in January there had been  11 deaths in Cleckheaton and 3 in Scholes. It was considered that the death rate of the town continued to be low.
Mr Bull was elected returning officer for the next election of members. Retiring members for Cleckheaton were: Messrs. W Roberts, I Umpleby and J Thornton. For Scholes: Mr W Wood and for Oakenshaw: Mr Wilson.
Correspondence was produced which had passed between the Bradford Corporation and the Board's solicitor regarding the markets question. Mr Clough, solicitor, expressed the opinion that the Corporation had no powers to prevent the holding of a market in Cleckheaton on Saturdays and at his suggestion the Board decided to take counsel's opinion upon it.

3 Mar 1884
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull
The Cleckheaton Local Board finally decline the amended offer of the Liversedge Local Board in connection with the proposed united sewage scheme. The Board point out that they are proceeding with an independent scheme, the cost of which is far less than that offer submitted by Liversedge.
It was resolved to adopt a new scale of charges upon water. The new scale would be based upon rateable value. For private dwellings up to £8 annual value, there is a slight advance, the old scale remaining in operation where the annual rental is above that figure. The charge for water supplied to persons outside the Board's district will be 20 per cent more than the Cleckheaton scale. For hotels, beerhouses and temperance hotels, there is a reduction equal to about 20 per cent. Water supplied to warehouses, shops and offices not connected to dwellings will be charged for at the rate of 6d in the pound upon the rateable value, with a minimum of 12s 6d per annum. For trade purposes the charge will be 1s 1 172d per 1000 gallons with a minimum of 5s per quarter. Under the old scale, the supply for trade consumption was charged at from 1s to 2s per 1000, with a maximum and minimum quantity of 200,000 and 2000 gallons respectively.

5 Mar 1884
Local Government Board inquiry.
Mr Arnold Taylor, Local Government Board Inspector held an inquiry into the requested loan of £4000 by the Cleckheaton Local Board for the improvement of three sides of the Market Place, Northgate, Westgate, Horncastle Street, Whitcliffe Road and Water Lane. There was no objection offered apart from in the case of Water Lane, which was partially a private thoroughfare and the Board were therefore unable to effect the improvements.

17 Mar 1884
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull. Others: Messrs. Goldthorp, Umpleby, Hirst, Roberts, Hodgson, Wood, Isherwood, Wilson, Knowles, Thornton, Hartley and Armitage (Clerk).
The General Purpose Committee recommended approval of plans by Mr Henry Ellison of Flatt Lane; Messrs Brear and Brown at the Punchbowl Inn and Messrs W Atkinson and SOns at St. John's Place.
Mr W T Haley, plumber of Scholes, was to be requested to attend before the Board to answer a charge of having damaged and neglected to repair a sluice valve, thereby putting the water consumers to great inconvenience.
A deputation was appointed consisting of Messrs. Goldthorp, Thornton, Knowles, Ishwerwood and Wilson, to confer with representatives of the Liversedge and Heckmondwike Local Boards relative to the proposal as to the amalgamation of the townships of Cleckheaton, Liversedge and Heckmondwike for municipal and Parliamentary purposes. Messrs Isherwood and Knowles considered that the proposal was a very proper one, but more particularly with regard to Parliamentary representation; they did not favour the proposed amalgamation for municipal purposes.
The financial report was discussed and Mt Bull stated that the Board were in a better position than he had ever known.
The medical officer reported 13 deaths in Cleckheaton and 19 births. There were two cases of typhoid fever at Scholes, one of which was contracted at Bradford.The Clerk reported that the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company had written in response to the question as to what the current situation is with regard to their improvements. Once again they stated that the plans were being pressed forward but to the amusement of the Board members.

5 Apr 1884
Election of new members.
Retiring officers: for Cleckheaton were: Messrs. W Roberts, I Umpleby and J Thornton. For Scholes: Mr H Wood and for Oakenshaw: Mr Wilson.
Nominations: Cleckheaton; William Brown, Edgar Barker, John Roberts, I Umpleby, John Thornton and J L Hirst. Scholes: Samuel Taylor and Henry Wood. Oakenshaw: Mr R Driver and J Field.
New members: John Thornton, I Umpleby and John Roberts for Cleckheaton. Mr Samuel Taylor for Scholes and Mr Driver for Oakenshaw.

21 Apr 1884
First meeting of the "new" year.
Mr Goldthorp was elected Chairman for the ensuing year. Mr T F Oates was re-appointed treasurer with Mr Bull as sub-treasurer.
Various committees were formed:
General Purpose - Messrs. Hodgson, Hirst, Knowles, Isherwood, Hartley, Thornton, Roberts, Driver and Bull.
Gas - Messrs Hirst, Isherwood, Bull, Umpleby, Thornton and Hartley.
Finance and School Attendance: Messrs. Bull, Naylor, Taylor, Knowles, Hartley, Thornton and Roberts.

28 Apr 1884
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Goldthorp
The annual financial report from the Gas Works was presented. The volume of gas produced was 44,109,000 cubic feet, an increase of over 3,000,000 from the previous year. The Gas Committee had decided that the price of gas should be reduced from 3s 6d to 3s 4d per 1000 cubic feet. The Chairman expressed the hope of the Gas Committee to supply a better quality of gas then they been enabled to do hitherto, notwithstanding the reduction they had made in the price.
An exhibition of appliances for heating, cooking etc., by means of gas is shortly to be held under the auspices of the Board.

12 May 1884
Meeting.
The Board instructed the Clerk to write to the Gildersome Local Board stating that the Cleckheaton Board would join the other local authorities in attempting to secure a reduction of the water charges, the Bradford Corporation having refused to lower them.
A committee was also appointed to act with the committees of other local boards, with the view of accruing the direct Parliamentary representation of the Spen Valley.

26 May 1884
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Goldthorp
A letter from the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company was read respecting improvements at the goods yard and stating that the plans were in hand.

9 Jun 1884
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Goldthorp
A letter was read from the North Bierley Union giving details of a resolution passed at a meeting of representatives from Poor-law Unions in the West Riding regarding the Waterworks Rating Bill and asking that the Board take a joint action in watching the Bill. It was agreed that the Clerk obtain a copy of the Bill and bring it before the next meeting.
It had been once remarked that the Board should provide playgrounds for the children of the town, instead of having to play in the streets. It was resolved to advertise for offers to let to the Board fields in various parts of the town to be used as recreation grounds. The subject received the warmest support of the members.
Notice was given of the Board's intention to levy general district rates: Cleckheaton and Scholes 1s 10d in the pound and Oakenshaw 1s 6d.
A number of plans for new erections were approved.
The medical officer and nuisance inspector were appointed.

23 Jun 1884
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Goldthorp
A notice was received from the Spen Valley and District Tramway Company of an intended application for extension time for the commencement and completion of works.
It was decided to defer the laying of the new district rates pending the adoption of a supplemental valuation list by the Union Assessment Committee.
A complaint was made by Messrs. Firth and Blackburn, Spen Corn Mills, regarding the pollution of the River Spen by the drainage of the Board's district. The Clerk was instructed to reply that the Board intend as soon as possible to complete the Nook and Netherfield sewers.
The tender of Mr Henry Ellison of Cleckheaton, for the purchase of the Board's tar and ammoniacal liquor produced at the gasworks was accepted.

7 Jul 1884
Meeting.
It was decided conditionally to rent a field in Westgate for a public recreation ground and that overtures be made with the Low Moor Iron Company for the renting of a field in Whitcliffe for a similar purpose.
The new general rates were laid at 1s 10d for Cleckheaton and Scholes and for 1s 6d for Oakenshaw.
The medical officer reported 24 deaths for the whole district with 41 births. There were no deaths from preventable causes.
A complaint was made by the Local Government Board for not receiving the annual report of the medical officer which was due December last and expressed its strong displeasure at the neglect of the medical officer.

21 Jul 1884
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Goldthorp
The water inspector had made a report respecting the insufficient supply of water to the high level district. The Clerk had written to the Bradford Corporation on the subject and they have responded stating that the unprecedented drought was creating considerable difficulty in supplying the high level districts with water.
The Local Government Board has appointed Mr Arnold Taylor to hold an inquiry into the proposed altering of water charges.
A letter was received from Messrs. Castle and Bull declining to let the Board their field in Westgate for use as a public recreation ground for less than £5 a year. A deputation was appointed to wait upon Messrs Hird, Dawson and Hardy of Low Moor, to ascertain if they are willing to let the Board the field known as the "America Field" for the use as a recreation ground, and if so, upon what terms.

4 Aug 1884
Meeting.
With regard to the subject of Parliamentary representation for the Spen Valley, Mr Knowles thought it desirable that there should be a public requisition from the ratepayers before a public meeting was held to ascertain the feeling of the inhabitants. The Liversedge and Heckmondwike Boards were of the opinion that the Boards of the Spen Valley should move at once and lay their claim before the Privy Council. It was approved that the Clerk draw up a memorial to the Privy Council and place it before the ratepayers for signature.
The medical officer gave his annual report to the end of last year. Deaths amounted to 168, against 189 in 1882. Births were at 347 against 334 in the previous year. His report also stated that pig keeping was becoming a common nuisance and pointing out that the Board had approved plans for the building of pigcotes close to inhabited dwellings. Mr Isherwood proposed that the Clerk should write to the medical officer and ask for a case in point, as he believed it to be a very untruthful remark.
A letter was read from Messrs. Hird, Dawson & Hardy, who stated that they were willing to let the Board, at an annual tenancy, the "America Field" for £14, no compensation to be paid to the outgoing tenant. The General Purpose Committee were appointed to negotiate with the tenant for the transfer of the field, and also to draw up a code of regulations for the guidance of the officers in the management of the ground.

18 Aug 1884
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Goldthorp
A letter was read from the Local Government Board sanctioning a loan of £4,200 for street improvement, upon certain conditions affecting the repayment of existing loans, which the Board agreed to. The improvements proposed to be effected include several of importance, among others the paving of the main thoroughfares on three sides of the Market Place; the widening of portions of Westgate and Northgate; and the improvement of Whitcliffe Road and Horncastle Street.
Mr H F Cockill, leather manufacturer, complained of the inefficient water supply stating that the water had been off for 8 hours out of 10 during the day for the few months. The Chairman stated that steps would have to be taken before next year to have a better supply to that portion of the district which is in a very elevated position. The pressure of the low level service would not reach that point. It was decided to temporarily erect a tank in the vicinity, which will be supplied by the mains at night time and afford the required supply in the day time.

8 Sep 1884
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Goldthorp. Others: Messrs. Bull, Hirst, Isherwood, Hartley, Umpleby, Thornton, Naylor, Taylor, Roberts and Hodgson.
After inspecting the competitive schemes for the disposal of the sewage of Cleckheaton, it was decided that the 1st award of £40 go to Messrs Goodison, Atkinson and Forde of Liverpool. £20 and £15 be divided equally between Mr Malcolm Paterson and Mr W B Woodhead of Bradford and £10 to Mr A M Fowler of Manchester.
A letter was read from Mr Jonas Briggs of Wyke, in which he agreed to give land for the widening of Westfield Lane to the extent of 33 feet, and for that part of the adjoining Leeds and Whitehall Road, and to erect the fence wall on the condition that the Board contribute £50 towards the expense. The offer was accepted.
The medical officer reported there were 12 deaths in Cleckheaton, 2 in Oakenshaw and 4 in Scholes. 2 deaths were caused by diarrhea and 1 by fever. There had been 33 births. There were several cases of measles in School Street. He also reported that a slaughter house was in a very defective condition and a seven day notice was ordered to be served, or the premises would be closed.

9 Sep 1884
Public Meeting.
Regarding the Parliamentary representation question was held at the Co-operative Hall, but was so poorly attended it was adjourned.

29 Sep 1884
Meeting. Chairman: Mr B H Goldthorp
A letter was read from the Local Government Board regarding the recent inquiry on the subject of water charges and sanctioning a new scale of charges to be based on rateable value for domestic purposes. The Board were not empowered to make an order for the supply of water for domestic purposes by meter, but they could obtain such a supply by agreement of the consumers.
A lengthy discussion took place respecting the very defective water supply by the Bradford Corporation to the high level portion of the Board's district (Scholes) and strong complaints were made against the Corporation for manifesting indifference to the wants of the out-townships, whilst one member of the Board charged the Corporation with having deluded the out-townships with promises for fifteen years. Instances were quoted showing the inconvenience in the high level district (Scholes) was most severe among the householders. In one case there had been no supply for six weeks and trade had to be suspended. A fire at the Post Office a fortnight ago, there was no water in the mains to extinguish the flames. Liversedge, also supplied by the Corporation were suffering in a similar manner and were now negotiating for an independent supply from Halifax. I was resolved that efforts be made to co-operate with Liversedge on this subject and in the meantime the residents of Scholes be relieved forthwith by means of the Board's water carts.
It was decided to take measures for procuring suitable sites for sewerage outfall works for Cleckheaton and Scholes.

13 Oct 1884
Meeting. Chairman: Mr B H Goldthorp
The question was raised as to the effect of the recent arrangement made by the Board for supplying the Scholes district with water by means of the Board's water barrels, this district having suffered most severely from the scarcity of water. The Scholes members reported that in one portion of the district there had been complaints that the supply was not satisfactory, whilst at the Lane End portion, the scheme had worked very well. There had been a supply of water from the mains during that day and the day before, so if it continued, there would be no need for barrels to be continued. The Clerk was instructed to record in the minute book the determination of the Board to charge the Bradford Corporation with the whole of the cost of distributing water by means of the barrels.
A letter was read from the Local Government Board pointing out that Dr. Steele's medical report for 1883 showed that pig keeping had become a common source of nuisance and that by-laws did not prohibit the keeping of pigs within a certain distance of dwellings and recommending that a clause should be adopted. Mr Isherwood said the Board had to thank their medical officer for the letter, he having made a statement respecting the passing of pigcote plans totally contrary to fact. The Board had not passed any plans for pig styes for several years, and the medical officer could not substantiate the charge he had made. The Chairman said the officer had made a statement contrary to fact, and it had misled the Local Government Board. Mr Isherwood said it was too bad when they did their best to remove all objectionable things, as well as to give their careful consideration to all plans, that one of their officers should say something which was not true, and then try to shuffle out by referring to plans that the Board were not responsible for. Mr Umpleby said he believed it was twenty years since the plans of the place of which the medical officer had complained were approved. It was resolved that the Clerk reply to the Local Government Board, stating the facts above.
The medical officers report showed 15 deaths in Cleckheaton and 1 each for Scholes and Oakenshaw. The number of births was at 26. Diarrhea had caused 9 deaths.
The Board decided to obtain 200 yards of hose piping for the fire brigade.

16 Oct 1884
Special meeting.
Mr Goldthorp (the Chairman), Mr Hodgson and Mr W H Clough (the Board's solicitor) met earlier in the day with the Waterworks Committee of the Bradford Corporation and that they had offered to augment the supply to Cleckheaton and Scholes district by connecting their mains with those of the Halifax Corporation at Bailiffe Bridge subject to the sanction of the Halifax authority, which is believed to have been given. By using pipes belonging to the North Bierley Local Board, it was stated that a connection could be made in four hours which would serve Scholes. It was decided to accept such offer and it is expected that within the course of a few days, there will be an abundant supply for both Scholes and Cleckheaton. This arrangement, however, is only to meet temporary requirements, and was without prejudice to the existing relationships between the Board and the Bradford Corporation.

27 Oct 1884
Meeting. Chairman: Mr B H Goldthorp
The General Purpose Committee recommended that the surveyor should be instructed not to use the town's water for watering the highways in times of long continued drought.
Complaints had been made against the scavengers for not finishing their work satisfactorily and it was decided that upon any similar failure in the future, the Board would complete the work and charge the defaulters with the cost.
The Clerk submitted a draft of the bye-laws for regulating the market and after the partial consideration of them, further discussion was adjourned.
The medical officer reported 22 deaths in the district and 31 births. There were no cases of preventable disease.
The Clerk read a letter from Messrs. Carr & Cadman, solicitors on behalf of Mr T Burnup, with reference to the repair of Peaseland Road. The Board had invited tenders for works of reparation, but Mr Burnup gave notice that if the Board did any work, or in any manner whatever interfered with the portion of the thoroughfare belonging to him, he would apply to the High Court of Justice for an injunction to restrain them from so doing.
It was shown that the power of the gas tested by the photometer was equal to 17.75 candles, which was 3.75 above the regulation standard.

10 Nov 1884
Meeting. Chairman: Mr B H Goldthorp
Mr Rimmington, of Bradford, was appointed analyst to the Board.
A report of the water supply was read showing that in the previous four weeks the water consumed in the Cleckheaton Ward was 2,706,000 gallons. A decrease in 118,000 on the previous year. In Scholes the amount consumed was 178,00 gallons which was 124,00 less than the previous year. In view of the Scholes figures, it was decided to allow a discount of 33 per cent for some customers and 10 per cent to others whose charges were based on the annual value basis.
It was decided to allow the Liversedge Local Board leave to convey into this Board's sewer in New Lane, the sewage from property at Heights in Liversedge.
Mr Clough, the Board's solicitor, gave his written opinion as to the Board's position with reference to the water supply, and it was decided to suggest to the Gildersome Local Board the desirability of another meeting to consider whether or not some united action should be taken in view of the pending application to Parliament by the Bradford Corporation with reference to their waterworks.
A claim for £35 was made by Thomas Humphries, of Flush, for injuries sustained through falling over a low fence wall near the top of New Lane. The matter was referred to the Board's solicitor.

24 Nov 1884
Meeting.
A letter was read from the Gildersome Local Board stating that as Cleckheaton were a larger consumer of water than themselves, Cleckheaton should convene the meeting of representatives of the out districts to consider their relations with the Bradford Corporation. It was decided to hold a conference on Dec. 11th at the Victoria Hotel, Bradford.

8 Dec 1884
Meeting.
In consequence of two letters of complaint received respecting a nuisance at Marsh, alleged to arise from the gasworks, the surveyor was instructed to investigate and report.
It was resolved, after the estimate of the surveyor had been considered, to call upon the owners of property abutting upon Prospect Street to kerb and channel the thoroughfare on both sides within 28 days.
A letter from the Local Government Board was received setting out the scale of water charges for the Cleckheaton district. MR Thornton & Umpleby objected to the Oakenshaw Ward being charged at a cheaper rate than Cleckheaton. Mr Hirst stated the reason was their water pipes were paid for and had no debt. The price could be reduced in Cleckheaton when the plant was paid for. It was resolved that the new scale be introduced at the end of present quarter, namely 24th Dec.
A letter from the Bradford Corporation was read, stating that the end of December, the water on the low level service would be turned off from 6pm to 6am until further notice.

22 Dec 1884
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Goldthorp
It was carried that a new causeway be laid down in Whitcliffe Road, which was part of the works of street improvements which the Board had obtained borrowing for.
A letter was read from Mr Jesse Sugden of Oakenshaw, who demanded rent for the houses in Westgate which the Board bought of him some time ago for the purpose of widening the street. The Chairman stated the claim should not be entertained, seeing that it was not the fault of the Board that the purchase had not been completed, but of the vendor, who had not produced a proper title to the property.
The Clerk had not heard anything from the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company with reference to the alterations at the station, so it was resolved that he write to them to ascertain the dates of commencement and completion.

5 Jan 1885
Meeting. Chairman: Mr B H Goldthorp
The subject of the naming of the electoral division, in which the Spen Valley and Birstall are to be included, was raised. After a lengthy discussion it was unanimously agreed that the name of the district should be the Spen Valley District. The Chairman and Mr Knowles were appointed a deputation to present a memorial, and if necessary to advocate its claims before the Commissioners. The Clerk was instructed to write to the Local Boards of Liversedge, Heckmondwike and Gomersal, asking for support in the action they decided to take.

19 Jan 1885
Meeting. Chairman: Mr B H Goldthorp. Others: Messrs. Hirst, Isherwood, Taylor, Thornton, Naylor, Driver, Hartley, Bull, Roberts, Umpleby, Hodgson and Knowles.
It was resolved to rescind the resolution adopted at the previous meeting regarding the naming of the Spen Valley District. This was as a result of Commissioners recently announcing that they proposed to call the district the Cleckheaton District and that Liversedge and Heckmondwike had resolved to petition that their respective townships should be the centre of the district.
An estimate was ordered to be furnished of the cost of laying down a new water main to Brookhouses and of continuing the supply to "Egypt."
The Gas Committee had resolved that the various works of repair to the engine and engine house at the gasworks necessitated by the explosion on Tuesday last week, should be effected by local firms. Four safety lamps were ordered to be placed in the engine house and the place adjoining. A number of further safety measures at the gas works were discussed.
The School Attendance Committee reported that Samuel Shackleton of Iron Street had been cautioned respecting the irregular attendance of his daughter.
A deputation was appointed to wait upon Mr Thomas Burnup at ask him to repair the remaining portion of Cemetery Road.

2 Feb 1885
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull
Messrs. Hirst and Roberts had attended a meeting of a committee of the Gomersal Local Board with a plan showing improved means of communication from Cleckheaton to Gomersal by way of Water Lane. The Gomersal gentlemen seemed glad that Cleckheaton was taking the matter up again, and said they would lay the plan before the general meeting of the Board.
Mr Knowles said he had received complaints as to the lamps being turned out in the Moorside district before half past six in the morning. It was resolved that the lamplighters should be asked to adhere to the Board's instructions to put out the lights not later than half past seven.
It was agreed that a committee view King Street and Moorend, and recommend where lamps should be placed.

3 Feb 1885
Local Government Inquiry
Mr Arnold Taylor, inspector for the Local Government Board, held an inquiry at Cleckheaton with reference to the Board's application for powers to put into force the Land Clauses Consolidation Acts for lands required as to the site of the projected sewage disposal works. Mr West, instructed by Mr Clough, represented the Cleckheaton Local Board; Mr Heaton Cadman, instructed by Mt Curry, represented Messrs William Atkinson & Sons, owners of some of the land proposed to be taken and also Mr Dewhirst, owner of adjacent property, on whose behalf he had been instructed by Messrs. Laycock, Dyson & Laycock of Huddersfield; Mr Curry represented Mr Joshua Thornton, owner of part of the property required, and Messrs Thornton Brothers, owners of property adjoining.
Mr West opened the case for the Local Board, stated that it was really an application by the Local Board to obtain powers to acquire land for the construction of drainage works, in short he wanted to get compulsory power of buying land for the purpose of the precipitation and filtration of the Cleckheaton sewage. At present that sewage went unpurified and undealt with in any way into the Spen beck. It had been thought desirable to purify the sewage would be the desirable thing to do. It was intended there should be four tanks, and that by lime applied to the sewage the real sewage matter should be precipitated in the ordinary chemical way. Sludge was the precipitant, effluent water being left. Having got that effluent water it was proposed to treat it by filtration over what was considered a sufficient area, sufficiently drained and of a sufficient depth, and it would then pass into the Spen.
The whole burden of debt now upon Cleckheaton, excepting the gasworks, was about £10,000. At present the manufacturers on the Spen used the water from the stream and it must be a benefit to anybody down the stream if they got a purer supply of water.
After referring to the objections raised by Messrs, Dewhirst, Atkinson and Thornton, Mr West said he could not understand how the Liversedge Board had a "locus standi" at present. They had, for purposes of their own, constructed at considerable expense, outfall sewage works and he understood that the Liversedge deputation wanted the Cleckheaton people to allow them to deal with the sewage for them at a certain price per annum, or for a certain lump sum. They had insisted that Cleckheaton should pay them £750 per annum, together with part of their litigation costs, but Cleckheaton did not want to be wedded with Liversedge. He stated that including capital expenditure and including their necessary annual outlay, they could, within 30 years, pay off the whole of Cleckheaton's debt and become the fee simple owners without encumbrance of the Cleckheaton system of drainage, at a price less than £400 per annum.
Witnesses for the Cleckheaton Local Board were heard and the meeting then adjourned.

4 Feb 1885
Adjourned Local Government Inquiry
This inquiry resumed with Mr Heaton Cadman, for Messrs Atkinson & Sons, whose property nearly surrounds the proposed sewage works. He dwelt upon the inconsistency of the Cleckheaton Board, who had previously favoured a combined scheme with Liversedge and that his clients were fully determined to resist the carrying out of the proposed works to the bitter end. He contended that the works were not necessary or desirable. He also contended that the proposed works would be utterly inadequate for dealing with the sewage at Cleckheaton even at the present time, whilst no provision whatsoever had been made for any increase of population. Evidence in support of this statement was given and a vote of thanks was accorded to the Inspector at the close.

16 Feb 1885
Meeting. Chairman: Mr B H Goldthorp
A letter was read from the Board's engineers for the sewage scheme regarding the recent Local Government Board inquiry. They advised that the complete plans of the proposed outfall works etc, should be forwarded to the Local Government Board with the engineer's description or report, as they were completely misunderstood at the inquiry and great nonsense talked about them. They recommended experiments with the view of showing that the land proposed to be taken by the Board is sufficient for filtration purposes. The Board reserved consideration of the letter in committee, along with a letter from the Liversedge Local Board renewing their offer to take and deal with the Cleckheaton sewage for an annual payment of £600, free from all condition. The letter contained several alternative offers.
It was resolved to insure the gasworks, where a serious explosion recently occurred, to the amount of £5,000.
The Chairman, Mr Goldthorp was appointed returning officer for the coming election of members. Retiring members are: Messrs. Bull, Isherwood, Hartley and Taylor.

2 Mar 1885
Meeting. Chairman: Mr B H Goldthorp
The Chairman stated he had received a numerously signed requisition that evening asking him to call a township meeting to consider the question of title for the new Parliamentary constituency. Mr Knowles observed that a telegram had been received from London stating that the petition now being promoted in favour of the Spen Valley Division, to be of any avail, must be posted on Wednesday evening. It was resolved to hold a public meeting in the Market Place tomorrow evening.
The medical officer, Dr Steele, reported there had been 11 deaths in Cleckheaton, one in Oakenshaw and five in Scholes.
The Board, having rented a plot of land at Whitcliffe belonging to the Low Moor Company, for a recreation ground, a resolution was passed authorising the erection of a fence wall, the erection of seats, conveniences, etc., and the planting of forest trees.
The Clerk read a communication from the Association of Municipal Corporations relative to the proposed Bill being promoted by the several railway companies for increased powers as to railway rates and charges. The Board resolved to petition Parliament opposing the passing of the Bill.

16 Mar 1885
Meeting. Chairman: Mr B H Goldthorp. Others: Messrs. Isherwood, Driver, Naylor, Hodgson, Taylor, Umpleby, Knowles and Hirst.
The General Purpose Committee reported that a deputation had been received from the Gomersal Board to discuss improvements in Water Lane and it has been agreed that a joint deputation be sent to interview the owners of the property to ascertain what assistance they would be prepared to give towards carrying out the scheme.
The Chairman stated that many would be aware that in the North Bierley Union, there was considerable inequality in the assessment value of property for rating purposes. He believed the Guardians had had very reasonable offers on the part of professional valuers to do the work, and he therefore proposed that the Board should petition the Guardians to appoint a professional gentleman to re-value the whole of the Union. It was carried unanimously.

30 Mar 1885
Meeting. Chairman: Mr B H Goldthorp. Others: Messrs. Bull, Naylor, Driver, Isherwood,Roberts, Taylor, Hirst, Hodgson, Knowles, Umpleby and Hartley.
The medical officer reported 8 deaths in Cleckheaton during February. Oakenshaw had 1 death and Scholes 3. Births were 29. A fatal case of diphtheria had occurred in Scott Lane and on examination of the premises, the officer found an untrapped sink pipe and a defective cellar drain untrapped. Two further cases of scarlet fever had come to notice and probably more in the district and would be glad to receive the co-operation of the schoolmasters in this matter, as a general outbreak would occur if children were sent to school too early. It was carried that extracts form the report be forwarded to schoolmasters and also to parents of children where it was known the disease existed.
It was resolved that the draft agreement between the Board and the Bradford Corporation for the supply of water to the Board's district for the next three years should be approved.

1 Apr 1885
Election of new members.
The retiring members for the Cleckheaton Ward were Messrs. George T Bull, grocer; George Hartley, retired tradesman and William Isherwood, joiner. There were no other nominations, so have all been re-elected unopposed.
For Scholes, the retiring member Mr Hodgson did not seek re-election. Nominations were for Thomas Butterfield, wire drawer; John Law, farmer and Henry Wood, gentleman. The latter two have since withdrawn, so Mr Butterfield is elected.

13 Apr 1885
Meeting. Chairman: Mr B H Goldthorp.
A letter was read from the Gomersal Local Board stating that it had been resolved to postpone further consideration of the Water Lane improvements until a more definite scheme for the improvement of the proposed new road had been submitted to them. Several members expressed surprise that the Gomersal Board had not taken up the subject more heartily. The Chairman stated the Cleckheaton Board had done all they possibly could to bring the negotiations to a successful issue. Seeing as the Gomersal people did not seem to be very enthusiastic about the matter, it should be allowed to stand over.

20 Apr 1885
Meeting. Chairman: Mr B H Goldthorp. Others: Messrs. Bull, Naylor, Driver, Knowles, Roberts, Taylor, Isherwood, Hartley, Umpleby, Hirst, Thornton and Butterfield.
Mr Goldthorp was re-elected as Chairman and the election of the various committees took place.
The Board decided to raise the price of coke from 5s to 6s 8d per ton, on the plea that they were now using the best class of coal, and thereby making the highest quality of coke.
It was decided that the new recreation ground be formally opened a fortnight next Saturday and that the arrangements be carried out by the General Purpose Committee.

11 May 1885
It was reported that the defaulters in respect of the general district rate were more numerous than in the previous year, and the Clerk was instructed to prepare a list and submit the same to the next meeting of the Board.
The Board unanimously passed a vote of thanks to the Cleckheaton Brass Band for their gratuitous services at the opening of the new park on Saturday.
A representative of Messrs. Mousley, contractors for the execution of the improvements in connection with the station at Cleckheaton, attended to ask the Board for permission to pull down the stone bridge leading to the Whitcliffe before the building of the proposed new bridge. It was resolved to not entertain the application.
Five lads aged between 9 and 12 years, were brought before the Board by the gas manager, who said they had frequently been guilty of misconduct at the gasworks. The delinquents expressed contrition for what they had done and were cautioned not to offend in like manner again or they would be proceeded against. One of the youngsters thanked the Board for their confidence.

22 Jun 1885
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Bull
The Clerk submitted a statement of the highway expenditure for the year just ended which showed a considerable increase on that of the previous year.
It was resolved that in future, the practice of supplying water for cattle in fields should not be allowed unless the water was taken through meter.
Messrs. Firth & Blackburn had written in respect of pollution in the Spen Beck. A suitable response was resolved to be acknowledged.
The medical officer reported 12 deaths in Cleckheaton during May, 6 in Scholes and none in Oakenshaw. Births were 34.
It was resolved that the surveyor should give instructions for the pulling down of the houses in Westgate, which are to be removed to allow the improvements of that thoroughfare.

23 Jun 1885
Private meeting.
The chairman of the Cleckheaton Local Board presided at a private meeting of gentleman, held for the purpose of considering the question of the erection of a Town Hall for the town. A committee was appointed to select a site.

6 Jul 1885
Meeting.
It was decided to clean out the Spen Beck from the Nook to a point below St. Peg Mill.
The medical officer presented his annual report which showed a total of 199 deaths and 347 births, compared with 168 and 347 the previous year. There had been an increase in preventable disease. There had been 203 disconnections of house drains, but he was afraid the work had been imperfectly done, in some cases no gully trap being placed between the drain and the house.

20 Jul 1885
Meeting.
A deputation from the football club had offered to contribute two fifths of the cost of a fence wall 7ft high to separate the park from the football field. The proportion of the club's cost was not to exceed £16 and the committee recommended that the Board accept the offer, which was adopted.
The Gas Committee decided not to entertain the claim of Mrs Halliday, Heaton Street, for £50 compensation for alleged damage to stock, trade and utensils from loss of custom owing to an escape of gas from the Board's mains. This was also approved.
The medical officer reported 13 deaths in Cleckheaton during June and 2 in Scholes. There were 25 births. No deaths were from infectious disease.

3 Aug 1885
Meeting.
A letter was read from the Liversedge Local Board referring to cases of scarlet fever having broken out in Liversedge, which the Board believed had arisen from the filth contained in the Spen Beck, and stating that as the Liversedge Board had nearly finished their outfall works, they hoped that the Cleckheaton Board would take steps to prevent further fouling of the Spen Beck. Mr Umpleby considered that the Liversedge Board were equally to blame by allowing the beck at Moorbottom to remain in its present condition. Mr Thornton considered the Liversedge Local Board were endeavouring to make the case look as black as they could against Cleckheaton, whereas as great a fault lay at their own doors. The subject was then deferred to committee.
The Board decided to appeal against the decision in the case "Cleckheaton Board v. Burnup" at the Court of Quarter Sessions.

28 Sep 1885
Meeting. Present: Messrs. Knowles, Driver, Bull, Naylor, Isherwood, Butterfield, Taylor, Roberts & Armitage (Clerk).
The medical officer reported 14 deaths in Cleckheaton during August and 4 in Scholes. One was from diphtheria and another from typhoid fever. There were 29 births.
A letter from the Liversedge Local Board was read concerning the disposal of Cleckheaton sewage and again submitting terms previously offered. As the Cleckheaton Board had made arrangements to view the sewage disposal works, the matter was deferred until such visit had been made.

20 Oct 1885
Court Case
The Cleckheaton Local Board appealed against a decision of the West Riding magistrates at Bradford, who had refused to make an order upon Mr Thomas Burnup, residing at Peaseland Road, Cleckheaton, to pay his apportionment of certain costs incurred by the Local Board in repairing the road. The point in dispute was whether the road was public or private. The case occupied the court for a considerable time and the eventually the case was dismissed.

26 Oct 1885
Meeting. Chairman: Mr B H Goldthorp.
The medical officer reported 13 deaths in Cleckheaton during September, one in Scholes and two in Oakenshaw. There were 33 births.
In response to a letter written offering a price per acre for a field at Scholes, proposed to be acquired by the Board for sewage purpose, the owner, Mr Crosland, has stated he would not sell on the terms offered. The matter was left in the hands of the Scholes members.
A memorial was read from a number of Hartshead Moor ratepayers protesting indignantly against the action of a certain property owner named George Gomersal, who had given the name Struggle Street to the new street in which the memorialists reside. They complained that the name would excite derision and they asked the advice and assistance of the Board. They preferred the name New Street or High Street. The Board recommended the petitioners to agree upon a suitable name and put it up on the opposite side of the street.

23 Nov 1885
Meeting. Chairman: Mr B H Goldthorp. Others: Messrs. Knowles, Hirst. Taylor, Isherwood, Naylor, Driver, Hartley, Butterfield and Roberts.
A letter was read from Mt Henry Cadman, deputy returning officer for the Parliamentary election, who stated he had decided the count should take place at the British School.
The Clerk read a letter from Messrs. Hird, Dawson and Hardy respecting the further widening of Whitechapel Lane, stating that, as they considered the proposed extension was not necessary nor be advantageous to them, they were not prepared to give the land required. The Board were of the opinion that the work ought to be carried out and it was decided to leave the matter with the Scholes members who were empowered to purchase such land as they might deem requisite.

21 Dec 1885
Meeting.
Plans were approved for the widening of Market Street and Bradford Road (on two sides of the Market Place), and the Clerk was directed to communicate with the property owners with a view to the purchase of the land required.
It was decided that the county surveyor, Mr J Vickers Edwards, should be asked to receive a deputation to discuss a proposal for the widening of Hunsworth Bridge, which complaints have recently been made.
An offer from Messrs. Hird, Dawson and Hardy of a seven year lease of the land at West End, recently laid out by the Board as a recreation ground, was unanimously accepted.

4 Jan 1886
Meeting.
Arrangements had been made regarding the widening of Hunsworth Bridge and the interview with the surveyor will take on site on Thursday afternoon.
A letter was read from the Low Moor Company declining to complete the proposed ten years' lease of West End Park, unless the Board would undertake to construct and fence off an additional footpath through a field tenanted by Samuel Roberts, and respecting which there had been repeated complaints of trespass. The company also stipulated that the Board should pay for the footpath an acknowledgment of £1 per year and compensate Mr Roberts for damage sustained. The Board's solicitor, Mr W H Clough, advised that the Board could not undertake to give an indemnity against damage and it was decided that the other conditions be accepted.
A letter was considered relative to objections made by insurance companies affected by the recent fire. The complaint was that the charges made for the firemen's services, the rate being considered too high and further with respect to the time devoted by the brigade in extinguishing the fire. The amount charged by the Board was £7 13s 6d. The Chairman and other members adversely criticised the objections raised and hoped the effective services rendered by the brigade would not be overlooked. The matter was referred to the Superintendent of the Fire Brigade to deal further with the subject.

18 Jan 1886
Meeting. Chairman: Mr B H Goldthorp.
Mr Isherwood reported that Mr Roberts, tenant of the field adjoining the recreation ground, would be willing to for the Board to make a footpath across the field and when that had been done, he would not require compensation. The Board expressed satisfaction with Mr Robert's declaration.
A letter was received from the Liversedge Local Board, inviting this Board to an inspection of their sewage works on the 25th inst., but as this date was not convenient, the Board asked for it to be delayed.
The General Purpose Committee, having heard the statements of Mr Ellis, superintendent of the fire brigade, recommended that the charges made by the Board for putting out the fire at Mr Hirst's leather works in Westgate, should not be reduced, the committee deeming them to be reasonable. The assessor of fire losses, on behalf of the insurance companies, having heard the decision of the committee decided to leave the matter for the companies to deal with as they thought proper.
It was agreed that 2000 tons of broken slag be ordered from the West Yorkshire Iron and Coal Company and that the tender of Messrs. Birkby for 400 tons of dross from Bierley Iron works be accepted.
The Lancashire and Yorkshire railway company should be written to and requested to make an entrance to the new goods yard from Tofts Street.
It was agreed that all persons owing rates, water and gas rents should be summoned unless the amounts owing be paid before the 30th inst.
Mr Arnold Taylor, inspector for the Local Government Board, will hold an inquiry on the 27th inst. as to the Board's application to acquire land for the disposal of the sewage at Scholes.
The medical officer, Dr. Steele, reported 14 deaths in Cleckheaton during December, 2 in Oakenshaw and i in Scholes. Births were recorded at 27. The death rate, for this time of year was favourable but scarlet fever was prevalent at Moorbottom.

27 Jan 1886
Local Government Board inquiry.
Mr Arnold Taylor held an inquiry relative to an application made by the Cleckheaton Local Board for the issue of a Provisional Order granting powers to purchase lands in Scholes for the purpose of carrying out a sewerage scheme at a cost of £2000. The proposal was opposed by two large property owners and the Inspector will report to Headquarters.

1 Feb 1886
Public meeting.
A meeting of owners and ratepayers was held and a resolution was passed authorising the Cleckheaton Local Board to provide a market place and construct a market house and other conveniences for the holding of markets; to make convenient approaches to such market; to purchase or take on lease land and public or private rights in markets and tolls, and to take stallages, rents and tolls in respect to the use thereof.
The existing market, which has been in the hands of a committee of tradesmen on behalf of the inhabitants, has been formally transferred to the Local Board, together with the accumulated fund in the hands of the committee, the Board having adopted the Markets and Fairs Clauses Acts. The deed of assignment was signed and sealed.

1 Feb 1886
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Goldthorp. Others: Messrs. Isherwood, Roberts, Hirst, Hartley, Butterfield and Knowles.
The General Purpose Committee recommended that the West End Park should be drained and some ornamental work carried out.
It was also decided that the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company should, in accordance with a provision of the Public Health Act, be served with a notice to flag, kerb and pave that portion of Tofts Road in which work had not already been done, within three months of the date of the notice.

15 Feb 1886
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Goldthorp.
A deputation reported having had an interview with Mr Lipscombe, agent for the Savile Estates, with reference to the widening of Hunsworth Bridge. Mr Lipscombe promised to do all he could in support of the proposal, yet he didn't hold out much hoop that the county authorities would contribute anything towards the cost, as the bridge was not upon a road towards the maintenance of which the county contributed, and believed the county would just ask Cleckheaton and Hunsworth Boards to carry out the work and then take over it's maintenance afterwards. A meeting of the Local Boards, Mr Lipscombe and the county surveyor was arranged for Thursday.
Mr R F Crosland of Oldfield Nook, wrote asking the Board to remove certain property from the Old School premises as he required to use the building for the purpose of inducing the young men of Scholes to discontinue their drinking and gambling habits. He stated there were far too many young men addicted to these evils. The matter was deferred for future consideration.
An offer was made by Mrs Alderson of the George Hotel, to sell the Board portions of the George Inn Estate for street improvement purposes. This was also deferred for future consideration.

1 Mar 1886
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Goldthorp.
Mr Isherwood was appointed returning officer to conduct the forthcoming election of new members.
Retiring members are Messrs. Goldthorp, Knowles, Hirst and Driver.

15 Mar 1886
Meeting.
A letter had been received from the Lancashire and Yorkshire Company stating they had agreed to the Board's suggestion as to the improvement at the junction of Tofts Road, as diverted at Whitcliffe Road and the works would be carried out accordingly.
The School Attendance Committee returns showed there were 3394 children on the books, including 636 half-timers, and the average attendance during the last four weeks was almost 74 per cent.
A letter was read from Mr Lipscombe, agent for the Savile Estate, asking the Board to state, for the information of the county surveyor, what they would be prepared to contribute to the widening of Hunsworth Bridge. The Board agreed that they would be willing to pay a quarter, provided that their share did not exceed £100.

29 Mar 1886
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Goldthorp. Others: Messrs. Bull, Knowles, Thornton, Isherwood, Butterfield, Taylor, Roberts, Hirst and Armitage (Clerk)
A deputation had paid a visit of inspection to the sewage works at Liversedge. The works seemed to be thoroughly efficient and the effluent which came from them was, considering the class of sewage dealt with, better than any that had been seen before. There was an opinion that the works would be equal to dealing with the sewage of the whole of the Spen Valley, but that was a matter which experts were perhaps best able to decide.
The General Purpose Committee showed a communication from the West Riding solicitor's office showing that the justices had made a grant of £120 towards the £350 estimated cost of widening Hunsworth Bridge. This would necessitate the contribution of £115 each by the Cleckheaton and Hunsworth Boards.
The medical officer reported 14 deaths during February and 30 births.

2 Apr 1886
Election of new members
Nominations: Samuel Jackson, worsted spinner; Edgar Barker, printer: B H Goldthorp, manufacturer, J H Knowles, clerk, John Hirst, Contractor. The last three being retiring members.
Mr Barker will take the place of Mr Hirst who has declined to stand. There were no nominations for the Oakenshaw ward and the Board will therefore supply it.

12 Apr 1886
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Goldthorp.
Application was made on behalf of the National Telephone Company for permission to erect telephone posts between the Marsh Hotel and the the Board's offices, and it was intimated that it was the intention of the company to open a telephone exchange in the town when the permission had been obtained. The application was granted.
A resolution was passed to purchase two fields, a little over four acres and situate near the railway embankment opposite the chemical works of Mr Ellison in Flatt Lane, as a site for the new gasworks which it is proposed to erect. There is no available room for extending the works at Marsh. It will probably be some time before any definite step is taken toward the erection of the new works.
The cordial thanks of the Board were given to Mr John Hirst, who retires from the Board after nine years' service.
A similar compliment was accorded to the Chairman for his courteous conduct in the chair during the year, and congratulatory references were made to the amicable way in which the town's business had been managed.

19 Apr 1886
First meeting of the "new" year. Present: Messrs. Goldthorp, Isherwood, Bull, Knowles, Naylor, Taylor, Barker, Butterfield, Hartley.
It was unanimously agreed that Mr Isherwood be Chairman for the ensuing year.
Mr R Driver was elected to the vacant seat for the Oakenshaw Ward.
Various committees were appointed along with several minor plans passed.

10 May 1886
Meeting. Chairman: Mr W Isherwood. Others: Messrs. Goldthorp, Knowles, Hartley, Taylor, Butterfield, Roberts, Barker, Bull, Thornton and Armitage (Clerk)
On the recommendation of the General Purpose Committee, that special attention should be paid to the disinfection of the public drains and sewers during the summer, and that Messrs J Collins and J Walker be proceeded against for neglecting to effect certain improvements in their property.
The Gas Committee showed a communication from Messrs Goodison, Atkinson & Forde of Liverpool offering to prepare plans for the proposed new gasworks, but the Clerk was directed to reply that the Board would not require any assistance for some time to come, if at all.
On selection of the Gas Committee, the Board approved J D Wilson of Crossgates, to the post of pipe layer in connection with the works.
The Clerk read a letter from the Local Government Board with reference to the Board's application for power to purchase compulsorily certain land at Scholes for the disposal of the sewage of that hamlet. It appeared to the Local Board that it would be much more satisfactory if a scheme could be carried out for Scholes jointly with Cleckheaton, but in deference to the wish of the Local Board, they would not refuse to issue the proposed provisional order.
It was unanimously resolved that a cheque be drawn for £1264 for the purchase of two parcels of land in Flatt Lane, as the site of the proposed new gasworks for Cleckheaton.
A letter was read from Mr George Curry, asking what the Board had done or intended to do to enforce the abatement of the smoke nuisance at Prospect Mill, which he complained some months ago. The nuisance was still as bad as ever and he must certainly take other steps if the Board were not prepared to put in force their statutory powers for its abatement. It appeared that a committee had been appointed to deal the matter and the Clerk was instructed to reply that it would be attended to.
The medical officer reported 17 deaths in Cleckheaton during March, there were none in Oakenshaw and 4 at Scholes. The births numbered 33. His annual report for 1885 was also read. There had been 339 births in the year. There had been a total of 151 deaths in Cleckheaton, 10 in Oakenshaw and 41 in Scholes. There were 21 deaths from preventable causes. The great source of nuisance which he still found in the district was the condition of the ashpits and the connection of houses with the street drains.
Complaints had been made respecting the beck at Greenside. It was agreed that state of the beck called for some action and it was resolved to appoint a deputation to confer with Liversedge Board to devise the means of remedying the nuisance.
Mr Thornton gave notice that at the next meeting he would draw attention to the action of the Legal Committee with reference to the alleged illegal arrangement made by the Board with Messrs. Firth & Blackburn, who had threatened proceedings against the Board for polluting the beck.

24 May 1886
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood
The Board adopted recommendations of the General Purpose Committee to carry out several improvements at the park, such as the covering and seating of the band stand, the erection of a mound and planting of the same at the south east corner and the fixture of a drinking fountain in the north wall at the Whitcliffe entrance.
A communication from the Local Government Board enclosed copies of the provisional order which they have issued to enable the Board to acquire compulsorily land situates at Scholes for the construction of works for dealing with sewage of that part of the district and requested that the Board would notify the statutory publication of the orders,
Mr Umpleby stated that the committee appointed to inquire into the smoke nuisance from Prospect Mills, stated there was no good to be done by inspecting the premises and there was doubt as to whether the nuisance could be easily remedied.
The Clerk submitted his estimate of the new district rate of 1s 10d for Cleckheaton; 2s for Scholes and 1s for Oakenshaw, to be adopted at the next meeting. 

7 Jun 1886
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood
The Chairman stated that the Board were in favour of cleansing the beck from the railway to New Road as a means of temporarily abating the nuisance which had been complained of. He was sorry that the Liversedge Board had refused to take their share of the work. The motion was carried. It was also resolved to take the opinion of the Board's solicitor as to who would be responsible in the event of any accident occurring in consequence of the beck being unprotected.
District rates of 1s 10d in the pound for Cleckheaton were laid. Also 2s for Scholes and 1s 6d for Oakenshaw.
Plans for the proposed Conservative Club were approved subject to it being shown that satisfactory means of egress from the public room would be provided.
The Finance Committee had resolved to advertise for a collector, in place of Mr John Walker who had sent in his resignation, the salary being £110 for the first year. Mr George Siddall, who had made a verbal application to the committee was appointed to collect the new district rate and arrears of the old rate at a remuneration of £35.

 9 Jun 1886
Scholes Sewerage Scheme
The Provisional Order applied for by the Cleckheaton Local Board to enable them to acquire land at Scholes for the construction of works for the disposal of sewage works, was confirmed by bill in the House of Commons.

21 Jun 1886
Meeting.
The medical officer presented his May report. There were 14 deaths in Cleckheaton, 1 in Oakenshaw and 3 in Scholes. There were 27 births.
The Chairman referred to a letter from Mr Alfred Law, which had appeared in the Press, respecting the costs incurred in the recent trial, The Board v. Burnup. He severely criticised the letter. The letter claimed the costs of the cases was £800 when in reality it would be £230. The Chairman stated had the letter been written by some ignoramus, then it would have been passed by without criticism, but when it came from Mr Law, who had been a member of the Board for several years and who ought to know better than to make such a gross mis-statement. The matter was eventually dropped.
There had been 37 applications for the appointment of collector. Four candidates were selected to be finally voted upon later.

28 Jun 1886
Special meeting.
The appointment of the collector at a salary of £110 per annum was announced as Mr John Wilson.

5 Jul 1886
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood. Others: Messrs. Goldthorp, Bull, Barker, Umpleby, Roberts, Butterfield, Hartley and Knowles.
Mr Rimmington reported upon four samples of milk submitted to him by the Board's inspector. The milk, it was stated, was all genuine and very good.
The Gas Committee recommended the tender of Mr H Ellison for the purchase of the tar and ammoniacal liquor made at the gasworks during the next 12 months be accepted.
The case of The Board v. Burnup was again brought up and a letter in the local press which insinuated that a member of the Board had knowingly withheld from his colleagues the fact of the existence of a certain important document in connection with the case. The document in question had been given to the solicitors for both parties of the case and it was deemed that it did not effect the case on trial. The matter was then dropped.
Plans for the enlargement of St. John's church were approved.

19 Jul 1886
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood. Others: Messrs. Barker, Knowles, Bull, Thornton, Butterfield, Taylor, Roberts, Goldthorp, Hartley and Armitage (Clerk)
A committee was appointed to look into complaints about the delay of the street improvements in Northgate. Mr Roberts stated that the contractors had been unable to deliver the paving setts in consequence of a general strike at the Brighouse quarries. The strike had now ended and there was abetter prospect of the stone being delivered as required. Arrangements had also been made with quarry owners at Hipperholme.
A letter was read from Snowden & Meredith, solicitors at Leeds, in reference to a communication from the Board some time ago respecting the purchase of a small strip of land from the representatives of the late Mr W Booth, which was required to enable the Board to widen the thoroughfare between Howard House and Pyenot Hall Lane end. The price which was now asked for was £1 per yard, and the Board would have to pay legal costs. Several members advised this offer should not be entertained. Land in the centre of the town was only 10s per yard. The Clerk was instructed to reply to solicitors with a similar offer.
It was also agreed that the offer of Mr C Atkinson to dispose of a piece of ground opposite his house, and a portion at the top of the market for 10s a yard be accepted.
It was carried that the Board show their admiration of the courteous manner in which the retiring rate collector, Mr Walker, had discharged his duties.

2 Aug 1886
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood
The medical officer reported 9 deaths in Cleckheaton, none in Oakenshaw and 1 in Scholes. Births were 29. He also reported 10 cases of scarlet fever, mainly at Moorend and called attention to the fact that children from infected houses were attending school and feared the disease would spread.
It was resolved that the Clerk should write to the North Bierley Gas Company to ask them to lay down mains in Whitechapel Lane, in order that the Board might light the thoroughfare.

16 Aug 1886
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood
A letter was read from the Liversedge Local Board stating that they would be prepared to carry out the drainage of Moorbottom, which is partly within the district of each Board, in conjunction with the Cleckheaton Board on the grounds that the two boards join in the construction of the sewer, the cost and maintenances thereof, to be borne by each board pro rata according to the rateable value of the property in each respective part of their townships. The Clerk was instructed to forward details of the rateable value for the Cleckheaton portion and to ask the price to be charged by the Liversedge Board for the disposal of the sewage into their outfall works.
A claim for compensation to the amount of £50 was read from Messrs. Robinson, Gordon & Co., solicitors on behalf of Mrs Holliday, for alleged damage to stock, etc., caused by the escape of gas. The matter was referred to the Board's solicitor and gas manager for further report.
The Chairman reported that arrangements had been made for the supply of 4,000 tons of coal from Messrs. Milnes, Stansfield & Co., and Messrs. Pope & Pearson of Leeds.

13 Sep 1886
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood. Others: Messrs. Naylor, Driver, Umpleby, Barker, Knowles, Butterfield, Roberts, Goldthorp, Hartley, Bull and Armitage (Clerk.)
The North Bierley Gas Company having agreed to provide all the pipes required for the lighting of Whitechapel Lane and to bear the cost of the labour, it was resolved that the lane be lighted and a committee was appointed to decide upon the number of lamps to be provided.
The medical officer, Dr. Steele, gave a favourable report of the health of the district, but stated complaints had been made of a nuisance from refuse deposited from the slaughterhouse near the George Hotel. It was stated that instructions had been given to the inspector to deal with the evil complained of.
A number of inhabitants in the Clifton district, having applied to be supplied with water by the Cleckheaton Board, it was agreed that the Clifton authorities be written to and asked if they would be willing to contribute anything towards the cost of laying the mains to convey the supply.
It was resolved to erect a meter at Scholes Lane end, in accordance with a letter from the Liversedge Board, and it appeared from the minutes of the General Purpose Committee that the Clerk had been instructed to ascertain the rateable value of property in the Moorbottom district to be drained into the proposed joint sewer to be constructed in that district by the Liversedge and Cleckheaton Boards, but he was first first required to submit his particulars to the committee, and then the request of Liversedge would be dealt with.

27 Sep 1886
Meeting.
The Gas Committee had before them an application from the Liversedge Board for a reduction in the price of the gas supplied by Cleckheaton for the lighting of the public lamps in certain parts of the Liversedge district, and it had been unanimously recommended that in view of the very serious fall in the price of gas residuals, no reduction could be made this season.
In the last month, the collector had collected almost £1000 on various accounts.
The medical officer, Dr. Steele, reported 14 deaths in Cleckheaton and none in Oakenshaw. There had been 5 deaths in Scholes and overall there were 23 births. Measles and diarrhea had caused two of the deaths. He complained of a nuisance arising out of pigs kept in Roberts Street by S. Schofield and J. Crewe, and the Board appointed a committee to inquire into the complaint.
A letter was read from Mr WM. Grant in reference to the repair of Tofts Road. The Clerk said he had given three months' notice to owners of property in the street to repair the same, but he had only received a reply from Mr Grant. That gentleman stated that the road belonged to the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company and he hoped the Board would refrain from doing anything at his expense. The Board resolved to refer the question of liability to repair the road to its solicitor.
The collector was empowered to summarily proceed against all persons in arrears with their water rents and district rates after the 11th October.
Mr Barker read a memorial on the subject of a complaint of a nuisance arising from the discharge of gas liquor from the truck tanks of the railway company in Tofts Street, and it was resolved to write to the company with a view of a fresh place being provided.

11 Oct 1886
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood
Mr. Clough, the Board's solicitor had reported with respect to the liability of the owners of property abutting Tofts Road to flag and pave the thoroughfare. Having regard to the the decision of the recent case of the Board v. Burnup, he was not prepared to advise the Board to do the work in the street and afterwards proceed to recover the outlay. The committee therefore recommended that the matter be allowed to drop.
The Scholes members were appointed to meet Mr R F Crosland, with a view of purchasing a parcel of land in a field known as Lower Broad Ings, for the purpose of purifying the sewage of the Scholes district.
It was decided to hold a special meeting of the Board on Friday evening to consider a scheme for the reconstruction of the Cleckheaton market place.

25 Oct 1886
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood. Others: Bull, Knowles, Goldthorp, Umpleby, Butterfield, Taylor, Hartley, Roberts and Armitage (Clerk).
The Clerk reported that the contractors for the improvements at Hunsworth Bridge had completed their work and it was resolved to draw cheques in payment of their accounts. He had written to the county surveyor asking that a contribution of £120 by the county might be forwarded.
The Local Government Board had communicated with the Board stating that the powers hitherto vested in the police, with regard to the registration and inspection of dairies and other matters connected with the vending of milk, had been transferred to the Local Board, and the Chairman said that the inspector would procure the necessary forms and lay them before the General Purpose Committee, at their next meeting, in order that they might take steps to give effect to the regulations.
A letter from Joseph Roberts, respecting the straightening of the road in front of his house in Whitechapel Lane, was read. He said that if the Board would arrange to continue the road from Whitechapel Lane to Whitcliffe, in front of his house, he would claim no compensation, but if the road were not continued he would require compensation. The Clerk read an earlier letter from the same gentleman showing he would require £50 as compensation. The Chairman stated he was one of the committee who waited upon Mr Roberts and from the way they were received he founded the hope that they would get the improvement effected by an exchange of land. They were willing to give as much land to Mr Roberts as they took from him, and put the fence and other things in as good order as they were at present. He was sorry Mr Roberts adhered to his former letter in claiming so much compensation, as the work would be a public improvement and would also improve his property. Other improvements remained in abeyance because the Board thought people were asking considerably more for the land than it was worth and it was a great pity that property owners stood in the way of public improvements in this way.
The medical officer reported 14 deaths in the whole of the district last month and births were at 20. Diarrhea had caused 2 deaths. He also reported on his inspection of the district several nuisances, chiefly ashpits, which some of them he had reported, but nothing had been done. A number of houses also needed disconnecting from house drains and he trusted the Board would take them into their serious consideration. The Chairman said he thought the medical officer ought to specify the cases. If nothing had been done, the Board had been engaged in a lot of work with very little result.
A communication was received from the North Bierley Local Board. The Chairman and Mr Goldthorp were deputed to examine the plans with reference to the works of sewage disposal which that Board are contemplating making in this Board's ward of Oakenshaw.

8 Nov 1886
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood
The Chairman, in allusion to remarks made at Liversedge Local Board as to the action of Cleckheaton, said that they were not going to be forced into spending the ratepayers' money without adequate thought, as some Boards had done. The Liversedge Board had spent £34,000 in drainage, and were now little better off. Cleckheaton would take time to consider before saddling a heavy debt on the ratepayers.
The Board decided to support a memorial to the Registrar General for the appointment of registrars of births and deaths as the registrars of marriages in their respective districts.
It was agreed to inspect a new system of sewage disposal introduced by Mr Fenton of Batley.
Mr Goldthorpe gave a report of his inspection of a scheme prepared by the North Bierley Local Board for the extension of their sewage disposal works. The site proposed to be acquired exceeds 12 acres in extent and is situate in the Cleckheaton district. The report was considered very satisfactory, Mr Goldthorp stating that the effluent water would, after its precipitation and filtration, be turned into the beck in a pure and colourless state.

22 Nov 1886
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood. Others: Messrs. Bull, Driver, Barker, Knowles, Hartley, Butterfield, Taylor, Roberts and Armitage (Clerk)
The Gas Committee had led meetings recently to consider an offer made by Mr Guy Goldthorp as to the disposal to the Board of the patent rights for the manufacture of the new shale-oil gas. The Board's agreement with Mr Goldthorp would only apply in the event of their experiments with the new gas being perfectly satisfactory within the twelve months.
The Board had visited Batley on Wednesday to inspect Mr Fenton's new scheme for the disposal of sewage.
A letter from the Liversedge Board gave particulars as to the sewer which they proposed to construct at the Moorbottom valley. The cost was estimated at £2,361.
A letter from the His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales respecting the commemoration of Her Majesty's jubilee was read and it was left over to be dealt with on a future occasion.
The medical officer and Mr A Holdroyd, inspector of nuisances, were appointed to give effect to the order relating to dairies and milkshops.

6 Dec 1886
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood. Others: Messrs. Naylor, Barker, Knowles, Hartley, Butterfield, Bull, Roberts and Armitage (Clerk)
The General Purpose Committee, having approved the proposed improvement of Tofts Street, it had been resolved that notices should be served upon the owners of the property abutting to level, pave, flag and kerb their respective portions within one month of the date of the notice. Approved by the Board.
The Gas Committee have instructed the gas manager to prepare a ground plan of the proposed new gasworks and submit the same at the next meeting of the committee.
The medical officer reported a total of 17 for the district, 11 of those being in Cleckheaton. Births were at 30.

20 Dec 1886
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood. Others: Messrs. Goldthorp, Naylor, Knowles, Butterfield, Taylor, Hartley and Armitage (Clerk)
The General Purpose Committee have drawn up a code of bye-laws for the approval of the Local Government Board for the regulation of dairies and milkshops, and was adopted by the Board.
The Gas Committee stated that Mr Guy Goldthorp had informed them that he could not accept the Board's offer to purchase the right to make and sell the Avery shale-oil gas, of which right he is possessed. He would adhere to his original offer. The matter was dealt with in committee.
The gas manager had presented a ground plan of the projected new gas works at Flatt Lane, but consideration of the matter was adjourned.

17 Jan 1887
Meeting. Chairman: W. Isherwood. Others: Messrs. Goldthorp, Bull, Barker, Knowles, Roberts, Taylor, Butterfield and Armitage (Clerk)
The Gas Committee reported that a communication had been received from the Avery Gas Company in London, pointing out the economy of the Avery system of gas production from shale oil and offering to give particulars should the Board deem fit to adopt the system, but no action was taken.
The medical officer, Mr Steele, reported his figures for November. There had been 15 deaths in Cleckheaton, 2 in Oakenshaw and 4 in Scholes. One of deaths was from measles. There were 24 births for the district.
Mr Reuben Stead, a farmer from Pyenot Hall appeared before the Board to complain of what he considered the heavy charges made by the fire brigade for extinguishing the fire at a haystack belonging to him in October. He considered the charge of £8 19s as outrageous. He did not object to pay what was reasonable. The Clerk read a resolution in which opinion was expressed that the charges were excessive, and recording the Board's disapproval of the account. It was ultimately decided to invite Mr Ellis, the superintendent of the brigade to offer explanations at the next meeting.
Mr Butterfield drew attention to the fact that from the 4th to 9th of the present month, the majority of the inhabitants of Scholes were without water. After inquiry, it was found that a pipe had been broken at Bankfoot and subsequently a valve had given way. He blamed the Bradford Corporation for not getting the pipe repaired sooner and thought that some explanation out to be rendered to the Board. It was carried unanimously that the Board ask the Corporation to make a strict inquiry into the matter.

 31 Jan 1887
Meeting. Chairman: Mr. Isherwood
The surveyor was instructed to meet the Scholes members with a view to the improvement of the causeway in Scholes Lane.
The Board declined to form a committee to raise subscriptions for the Imperial Institute, but it was intimated that something would be done locally to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee.

14 Feb 1887
Meeting.
The question of the provision of a town hall for Cleckheaton in commemoration of Her Majesty's Jubilee year was briefly discussed. Mr J H Knowles was pleased to hear that Mr B H Goldthorp, who was then absent, had decided to withdraw his notice of motion relative to the erection of baths and wash-houses for the town. He was gratified because a scheme , which was perhaps of greater importance, was about to be laid before them. He alluded to the proposal to erect a town hall. He was sorry, however, that they seemed to be making very little progress in regard to this matter, but he trusted that those gentleman who had the subject in hand would soon fix upon a site and get to work. Time was going on, and it would be a pity if they allowed the jubilee year to pass without doing something to commemorate it. He thought the proposal to provide a town hall was of more importance to the town than that of providing baths, though he was not at all opposed to public baths being provided. On the other hand, he was in favour of them. He thought, however, that they ought to get the larger scheme carried first and the baths afterwards. The Chairman said he did not know that there was any intention to let the matter drop. The Committee appointed for the purpose had experienced considerable difficulty in getting to know upon what conditions certain sites could be obtained. He believed that the committee would this week have something to act upon, and that very probably a public meeting of townspeople would be held in a short time to consider this question. At this point, Mr Goldthorp entered the room and said that with the Chairman's and Board's permission he should be allowed to postpone the resolution referred to for about two months. He might say that while he had been requested to allow the matter to stand over, he had received so many encouraging communications from ratepayers who favoured the movement that he should certainly proceed with it as soon as the new Board was elected. The subject should not suffer during the interval. He was getting up all the information he possibly could in regard to baths etc. He had arranged for the preparation of plans and the getting out of estimates, so as to lay something like a complete scheme before the Board when the matter came up for discussion. He was also getting information from other towns with regard to the income from and the expenditure upon public baths, and also the proportion of expenditure which fell upon the rates. They would therefore have a pretty clear knowledge of the subject before they proceeded to do anything. He did not think that this question need interfere at all with the question of the town hall. The Chairman, replying to Mr Knowles, said that as soon as the committee were prepared with the sites and the cost of each had been ascertained, a meeting would be called.

10 Mar 1887
Forthcoming election of members.
Retiring members of the Cleckheaton Local Board are: Messrs. J Thornton, I Umpleby and J Roberts for Cleckheaton; Mr S Taylor for Scholes and Dan Naylor for Oakenshaw.
The last day for nominations is the 25th inst., and voting papers will be distributed on the 31st in case of a contest and collected 4th April. Mr Isherwood is the returning officer.

14 Mar 1887
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood.
The Chairman reported that earlier that day he he had attended a meeting at Bradford respecting the proposed acquisition of the Bradford Fever Hospital by the Bradford Corporation. Several other Local Boards were present. At present, "out townships" had a right to send fever patients to the Bradford Fever Hospital at a fee. The managers now propose to sell the hospital to the Bradford Corporation and it is thought that the Corporation would refuse to receive future cases of fever from the out-districts, and that joint action might have to be taken to erect a single hospital for general use or to erect their own. Mr Isherwood was appointed to represent the Board on any subsequent occasion for dealing with this subject.
A letter from the vicar of Whitechapel was read, respecting the proposed new cemetery. The vicar stated he had for sale between 8 and 9 acres of glebe land, situate between Whitcliffe and Whitechapel Lane, but he had not power of himself to fix a price for the land, until the Act, now before the House, should become law and promised to communicate further as soon as possible. The land in question is admirably situated and adapted to the requirements of the district, being about midway from Cleckheaton between the existing cemetery and the Whitechapel burial ground, both of which are being rapidly filled up with graves.
The Board decided that the plans of the proposed new gas holder, together with specifications and estimates of the cost, be submitted to an eminent gas engineer for examination and report.
It was decided to accept an offer of Mr Crosland of Oldfield Nook, of 10 acres of land at Scholes, including a right of road from Scholes to Moorbottom, Cleckheaton, for £1000. The land is required disposal purposes.
A deputation of local greengrocer and fishmongers waited upon the board, complaining that the Board's tolls for hawking on market days were injurious to the local tradesmen and to the advantage of outsiders, inasmuch as the former had to take out a quarterly licence, whereas the latter were only required to pay a toll of 4d per day. The Board decided to take the matter into consideration.
It was also agreed to purchase 140 yards of the Old Foundry estate for the widening of the highway at that point.

28 Mar 1887
Meeting.
The following was resolved in regard to the sewage question: "That this committee are of the opinion that the terms of the Liversedge Board in this matter are inequitable and they cannot be further entertained."
Dr. Steele presented his annual report. There had been 208 deaths in the district, 22 of them were from preventable diseases, He stated that considerable improvements had been made regarding sanitary work.

5 Apr 1887
Election of new members.
Candidates for the new members of the Local Board were: For Cleckheaton - John Hirst, John Roberts (retiring member), Alfred Shaw Roberts, Samuel Clough, J V Curry, John Thornton (retiring member), William Brown and Benjamin Longbottom. The first three being elected. Mr Samuel Taylor is re-elected for Scholes.

6 Apr 1887
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood
It was resolved not to grant day licences to hawkers who were in the habit of selling produce in the town to the detriment of tradesmen who were, according to the Board's regulations, compelled to take out quarterly certificates. 
It was decided to purchase an additional 40 yards of land from Mr Stead, of the Old Foundry estate, for the widening of Town Street.
The Gas Committee recommended the appointment of Mr Swallow, gas engineer of Bradford, to investigate and report upon a scheme for the erection of a new gas holder, and the suggestion was approved. The Gas Manager reported upon his inspection of generating furnaces at Birmingham gasworks and it was decided to advertise for tenders for various improvements at the Board's gas works.
It was decided to allow, for a one year discount of 20 per cent, to the water consumers in the Oakenshaw Ward, on payment of the accounts within one month from demand.

9 May 1887
Meeting. Chairman. Mr Isherwood. Others: Messrs. J Roberts, Taylor, A S Roberts, Butterfield, Goldthorp, Hartley, Hirst, Driver, Knowles, Bull, Baker and Armitage (Clerk)
On recommendation of the General Purpose Committee, plans for a new Co-operative store and four cottages to be erected at Scholes Lane End by the Cleckheaton Co-operative Society, were approved. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr R F Crosland for giving a strip of land for widening the road in that location.
The surveyor reported that the streets recently made by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company, in connection with their station improvements, had been put in a satisfactory state and it was agreed by the Board to issue notices declaring the streets public highways.
Mr J Wilson, the Board's collector, was appointed collector of the general district rate also, at an increase of £20 a year in his salary.
The medical officer reported 20 deaths, none from preventable disease and 30 births in the district.

23 May 1887
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood. Others: Messrs. Goldthorp, Hirst, Driver, Naylor, Bull, Knowles, Barker, Hartley, Taylor, A S Roberts and J Roberts
Following a memorial from shopkeepers in Northgate, requesting the Board to deal with Railway Street, it was decided that the surveyor prepare an estimate of cost for paving the thoroughfare.
The Clerk read a letter from Mr Swallow, gas engineer of Bradford, in reference to the Board's proposed new gasworks. He states the designs of the work appear to be very well arranged for economical working and that the selection of the site is very valuable for the erection of gasworks.
A lengthy discussion took place regarding the new general district rate for the district.
The Gomersal Local Board had requested Cleckheaton to supply gas for the lighting of a portion of their district. It was resolved to reply that the rate of 3s 4d per 1000 cubic feet would be accepted, less the usual discount.
The medical officer reported three cases of scarlet fever in the Market Place and several matters which called for immediate attention. The Board referred the matters to committee.
It was suggested that the Scholes members and Mr Clough (solicitor), should meet Mr Woodhead of Bradford, in reference to the preparation of plans of the proposed sewage disposal works at Scholes, with a view to applying to the Local Government Board for borrowing powers to purchase the land and construct works, a Provisional Order in respect of the land having been obtained.

6 Jun 1887
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood.
It was agreed to appoint a committee to inquire into the cost of construction and working of refuse destroyers.
The new district rate was laid with 1s 9d in the pound for Cleckheaton, 2s for Scholes and 1s for Oakenshaw.
Mr Goldthorp asked when the Board would be likely to apply for further borrowing powers, with regard to the proposed baths. The Chairman stated that he believed the plans for the new gasholder and tank would be submitted at the next meeting of the Gas Committee and then they would have to determine what the extent of their borrowing powers should be.

20 Jun 1887
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood
Dr. Steele, medical officer, reported 16 deaths in May, one being from scarlet fever. He stated there were several cases of typhoid fever in Iron, Lime and other streets. In Westgate there were five cases of fever in two families and in Flatt Lane there were also two other cases. These matters he had previously drawn the attention of the Board to, but nothing had been done. It was resolved that notices should be served upon the owner (Mrs Taylor) to make the required alterations.
A deputation from the Heckmondwike Local Board attended to suggest the desirability of overtures being made to Liversedge for the two townships to participate in the sewerage scheme of the latter for the purpose of dealing with their sewage. The conference was conducted privately.

4 Jul 1887
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood
It was agreed to reduce the price of gas from 3s 4d to 3s 2d per 1000 cubic feet, with a further reduction of 10 per cent for all accounts paid within one month.
An agreement was ratified for the widening of Market Street, which will necessitate the rearrangement of the stalls in the market, a portion of the market site being absorbed in the improvement of the highway.
A petition was considered by the Board for the improvement of the highway between Cleckheaton and Gomersal via Water Lane; and it was shown in correspondence that the onus for the non-execution of this admittedly necessary improvement rested solely with the Gomersal Board.
Other correspondence from the Liversedge and Heckmondwike Local Boards regarding the proposed united sewage disposal was discussed in committee.

18 Jul 1887
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood. Others: Messrs. Goldthorp, Bull, Barker, Hirst, Naylor, Knowles, Butterfield, Taylor, A S Roberts and J Roberts
The General Purpose Committee recommended that a notice should be served upon Messrs. W Hardill and Sons, Horncastle Street, to abate a smoke nuisance at their works within 14 days.
The prosecution of Mr James Berry, the occupier of the Stafford Arms Inn, Scholes, for illegally obtaining water from the Board's mains was also recommended, and proceedings against several persons who had neglected to comply with notices served upon them to abate nuisances were also suggested. These matters were all approved.
The Gas Committee showed that an application had been made by the Hunsworth Local Board for a service of gas to the village and it was decided to inquire as to the probable annual consumption, and whether the General Gas Company would have any objection to this Board supplying the district. It appeared that the company have rights in the district, but they could not supply gas owing to the altitude in certain parts.
Mr Niven, the company's gas manager, had presented specifications of the proposed new gasholder and tank, and it had been resolved to submit then to a gas engineer for approval, together with the plans of the projected new works.
Further matters relative to the recent sewage question were dealt with in committee.
Mr Greenhough, tripe boiler, etc of Liversedge attended before the Board to ask if there would be any objection to his establishing the business of tripe, tallow and size boiling on premises in Westgate, lately belonging to Mr Widdop. It appeared that plans of new premises which he proposed to erect in Heckmondwike had been disapproved and that an objection had been made against him for causing a nuisance at Littletown. The matter caused a good deal of discussion, chiefly of an adverse nature. It was proposed and seconded that the application be not entertained but it was resolved to send a deputation to Mr Greenhough's works when in full operation, so that the Board might judge as to the extent of the nuisance.
It was resolved to write to the Low Moor Company, asking for the terms upon which they would let to the Board, a field at Popplewell, Scholes, for a recreation ground. Also to Mr Lipscomb, agent for the Savile Estate, for two fields at Moorend, Cleckheaton to be rented for the same purpose.

1 Aug 1887
Meeting
The Clerk read a letter from Messrs. Hird, Dawson and Hardy, stating that they would be very glad to let the Board a field at Scholes for £10 per year, to be used as a recreation ground. The matter was referred to the Scholes members.
Mr Hartley, one of the committee appointed to view the beck at Greenside, said he had inspected the place and found the side of the beck very unsafe, but in the absence of any recommendation from the committee, the Board took no action.
The gas engineer had approved of the specifications of the new gas tank and holder, with the exception of puddling, which he thought was unnecessary. It was unanimously resolved that Messrs. Goldthorp, Isherwood, Bull and the Gas Manager should confer with the engineer and obtain information preparatory to the holding of a local inquiry.
Dr. Steele, medical officer, reported 38 births and 16 deaths in the whole of the district. There were 5 new cases of scarlet fever and 3 cases of typhoid all in the Westgate and Moorside districts. The Chairman stated it would be better if the medical officer was more definite in these cases and give the place where the disease actually existed. It was resolved to institute inquiry.
A communication was read from Bradford stating that for some time the supply of water to the borough had been restricted to 13 hours a day, but up to the present time, the Cleckheaton supply had not been curtailed. However the long-continued drought had compelled the Waterworks Committee to treat out-townships equally with customers within the borough and therefore from 1st August, the high level water would be turned on from 7am to 4pm and low level from 5am to 10pm. It was agreed to issue notices cautioning consumers against wasting the water.

15 Aug 1887
Meeting.
A letter was read from Mr N W Wright, Clerk of the North Bierley Union, asking for a deputation to be appointed to attend a meeting to be held at Bradford on Thursday to consider the question of providing a hospital for the townships comprising the North Bierley Union. Messrs Isherwood and Goldthorp were deputed to attend.
Complaints had been made respecting the supply of water to the Scholes ward, where it was stated, the inhabitants had been without water a fortnight. The Clerk was instructed to write to the Bradford Corporation asking for an explanation.

24 Aug 1887
Meeting. Chairman. Mr Isherwood. Others: Messrs. Goldthorp, Hirst, Knowles, Hartley, Taylor, A S Roberts and J Roberts
The Gomersal Gas Company have given permission for the Cleckheaton Local Board to supply the village of Hunsworth with gas.
A letter from Mr Rhodes of Birstall was read, asking for the Chairman to confer with the respective chairmen of the various authorities supplied with water by the Bradford Corporation, to consider a new scheme for supplying such districts.
Upon a communication from the Savile Estate and one from the Hunsworth Local Board, it was decided that the Cleckheaton Local Board should maintain such portion of the new road at Water Lane as is within their district after it shall have been widened and put into repair.
It was resolved to give Mr Armytage notice to discontinue the business of size boiling, which he had established in Flatt Lane without having obtained the Board's permission, in default of which legal proceedings against him would be instituted.
Several notices were also recommended for service upon certain owners of property who had disregarded previous notices requiring improvements.
The clerk had been instructed to attempt to open negotiations with the view of obtaining a piece of land belonging to the executors of the late Mr E Stead, for use for market purposes.
Mr Goldthorp reported on the recent conference held regarding the provision of a fever hospital for the various townships in the North Bierley Union. There was no doubt that one hospital would be more useful and efficient, but the difficulty was that there was no central position in which it could be placed so as to be easy access to the whole of the Union. It was resolved that a further meeting be held next month and that this Board would be favour of one hospital.

12 Sep 1887
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood. Others: Messrs. Goldthorp, Bull, Barker, Hirst, Butterfield, A S Roberts and J Roberts
It was decided that representatives of the Board should attend a conference on Thursday of the various authorities supplied by the Bradford Corporation with water. The Birstal Board had written stating they were taking the initiative in this movement and stated the long continued drought this year, as in previous occasions, placed authorities dependent upon Bradford in a very difficult position and rendered it necessary to consider whether any better provision could be made for the future.
It was also decided that the Board make an application to the Local Government Board for powers to borrow an additional sum of £10,000 for the purposes of the new gasholders and tanks etc.
Mr Lipscomb, agent for the Savile Estate, had written respecting the proposed recreation ground at Moorend, saying that he did not consider the land suitable. He would require £10 per year for a lease of seven years if the Board decided to take it. There was some confusion over which field was referred to and it was decided to postpone the subject.
The Gas Committee recommended that the Board refuse the request of the Liversedge Board for permission to use dry meters on the public lamps, and that unless wet meters be used, no gas be supplied on the meter system.
The medical officer reported 21 births and 17 deaths. One death resulted from typhus fever.
The Board then had a meeting with the engineer to the Swinton Local Board, in order to ascertain more about the method of sewage disposal there.

19 Sep 1887
Special meeting.
For some time the Local Boards of Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike and Liversedge have been involved in negotiations to form a united drainage scheme for the Spen Valley, whereby sewage works at Liversedge would treat the sewerage of the three townships.
The Cleckheaton Board passed a resolution withdrawing from the scheme, believing that they can purify the sewage of Cleckheaton much more economically than if they were to accept the terms proposed by Liversedge.

26 Sep 1887
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood
The Chairman made a statement in justification of the Board's decision to withdraw from the United Drainage Scheme. He stated over £10,000 was needed joint ownership of the works and then followed by proportionate coats based on the capital laid out. He also pointed out that carefully prepared estimates showed that the Board would be able to deal with their own sewage far more cheaply and would also be able to draw income on water purified from the source.
The General Purpose Committee reported that they had considered the offer of Mr Stead's executors to sell or lease land adjoining the George Hotel for market purposes, and before coming to any decision, they had resolved to ascertain whether Messrs. Atkinson & Sons were prepared to let land occupied by them on a 21 years lease.
The Gas Committee decided that application be made to the Local Government Board for a provisional order enabling the Board to construct gasworks on the Flatt Lane site, for further borrowing powers to the extent of £10,000 to carry out such works, and also to amend the Cleckheaton Local Board Act of 1870.

10 Oct 1887
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood
The General Purpose Committee reported that Mr George Crossley had promised to adopt measures to abate the smoke nuisance at Messrs. Hardill's works in Northgate and it had been decided to stay proceedings for the present.
It was also decided to recommend the renting of a field at Scholes, belonging to the Low Moor Company, as a recreation ground at £10 per annum.
Mr Lipscomb, agent for the Savile Estate, had written asking what the Board would contribute to the scheme for widening Water Lane. The Clerk was instructed to reply that while the Board agreed to the straightening of the road on the Hunsworth side of Mr. Gill's mill as an important portion of the proposed improvement, they had no power to spend any money outside their own district.
The medical officer, Dr. Steele reported 33 births and 12 deaths during August. He had investigated 53 cases of diarrhea, many of a severe nature, chiefly in the Heaton and Mount Streets. All the attacked families had derived their milk supply from the one person and on making inquiries of a certain milk dealer, the man admitted having an ill cow and it had died. He was unable to ascertain the cause of the animal's death but had no alternative than to attribute the outbreak to the milk supply.
The collector was authorised to call in all outstanding rates on the 29th October.

24 Oct 1887
Meeting.
The Finance Committee recommended that the Board, having overspent their borrowing powers with respect to sewerage and street improvements account, that application be made to the Local Government Board for sanction to borrow £850 on these accounts.
Mr Goldthorp gave notice of his intention to move at the next meeting, that the Board make application for power to borrow £2,500 for the purpose of erecting public baths at Cleckheaton.
The draft lease of a field at Scholes, intended for a recreation ground, was submitted by the Clerk and approved.
Mr Goldthorp wished to make a recommendation with regard to the fire brigade, and that was that part of the apparatus at the central station should be kept at the residence of one of the Westgate firemen. The Chairman considered this a good suggestion and it was decided to request Mr John Ellis, Captain of the fire brigade, to attend the next meeting of the General Purpose Committee to discuss the matter.

7 Nov 1887
Meeting.
Mr Goldthorp submitted a scheme for the erection of public baths. He showed by plans and estimates taken at a low average, that a suitable building could be erected and fitted for £2,500 and that the charge on the rates would not exceed one penny in the pound. The scheme was warmly approved and a special committee was appointed to obtain further information and verify the details.

21 Nov 1887
Meeting.
A deputation consisting of Mr Arthur Anderton, Mr S Law and Mr Dawson attended the meeting to represent to the Board objections raised by the owners of residential property in the neighbourhoods of Moorend and Whitcliffe, against the proposal of the Board to erect new gasworks near Flatt Lane. Mr Anderton said those of them living within a certain radius had received official notice of the inquiry to be held on Wednesday week regarding the propose new gasworks, and they thought it only right that they should come and state their objections to the Board before they appeared before the Local Government Board's inspections. They felt that the establishment of gasworks in a district which before long would be thickly populated would be contrary to the principles which the Board wished to carry out, namely a good sanitary condition of the town and the promotion of the health of the inhabitants. It was thought that far more eligible sites could be obtained in the direction of Oakenshaw.
In the course of a long discussion which followed, Mr Anderton said they had a petition in course of signatures which they originally intended to present to the Board before the inquiry. So far as they had gone it had been very extensively signed, and he did not know that there had been one refusal. Mr Law said they had nuisances sufficiently serious already, which they sometimes could scarcely bear. If they got these works in addition he thought it would be "past living" in that neighbourhood. Mr Goldthorp said the objections ought to have been raised earlier. The Board had now incurred considerable expense in the preparation of the plans and arranged for an inquiry. The site in question had been the one spoken of as suitable for fifteen years to his knowledge. If those who objected had taken action sooner, the Board could have sold the land and bought more, whereas the objectors had allowed the Board to go to an inquiry. Mr Anderton stated that the inquiry could be stopped but Mr Goldthorp stated it couldn't without considerable loss to the town. Mr Anderton stated they would appear before the inspectors in opposition of the application and the deputation retired.
A letter from the Low Moor Company stated they were willing to give a strip of land at Moorbottom for the widening of the road, on condition that the Board put the fences in proper order.
Messrs. Isherwood, Goldthorp and Taylor were appointed to attend a further meeting in respect of the provision of fever hospitals for out-districts.

5 Dec 1887
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood. Others: Messrs. Goldthorp, Barker, Hirst, Hartley, Knowles, Bull, Butterfield, Taylor, A S Roberts and J Roberts
The General Purpose Committee approved of Mr Woodhead's plans for dealing with the Scholes sewerage scheme, and had resolved that application to the Local Government Board for power to borrow £2,300 to enable the Board to carry it out.
A tender has been accepted for the widening of Market Street.
Messrs. P and C Garnett complained of a nuisance arising from the tallow boiling works of Mr Greenhalgh in Iron Street. A committee was appointed to investigate.
The medical officer reported 32 births and 15 deaths in the whole of the district in October.
It was resolved to write to the local postmaster, calling attention to the inconvenience occasioned to the inhabitants of Westgate by the removal of the pillar letter box at Moorbottom.

19 Dec 1887
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Isherwood. Others: Messrs. Bull, Barker, Hirst, Driver, Hartley, Knowles, Goldthorp, A S Roberts, Butterfield, Taylor and J Roberts.
It was decided to agree to North Bierley, Cleckheaton and Hunsworth townships being formed into a combined district for hospital purposes, leaving it still to be settled whether the townships of Drighlington and Tong, or either of them, should be included in such district.
The General Purpose Committee reported that Mr Wadsworth had agreed to give to the Board a strip of land for the purposes of widening the road in Westgate and the Board decided unanimously that the Clerk should convey their thanks to Mr Wadsworth.
Mr Eddison of Leeds, had objected on behalf of the insurance companies, to the charges made by the fire brigade for attending the fire at Messrs. Aked leather works. It was decided to reduce the charge to 1s per man per hour for cleansing the apparatus.
It was agreed to procure a new hose and reel cart for use of the brigade.
A sub-committee appointed to inquire into the lighting of certain parts of the town recommended the Board carry out several improvements. The Board, however, decided not to light Jowett's Yard at Moor End, which was regarded as private property.
Plans for an addition to the premises which were recently partially destroyed by fire in South Parade, belonging to Messrs. Aked, were approved, as also were those of a new church at Oakenshaw.