Liversedge Local Board Meetings: 1875 - 1879

10 Apr 1875
Election of Board Members.
The following 15 men were elected to serve on the first Local Board for Liversedge:
John Mann, Simon Kellett, Adam Cowburn, William Scholes, Joshua Thornton, Joseph Garside, John Cragg, Thomas Henry Parkin, John Kershaw, John Collier, Fairfax Kelley, John Brearley, Squire Naylor, Thomas Denham and Richard Arthur Sheard.
Other nominees who failed to be elected were:
George Sampson, Josiah Wharton, Joseph Rouse, Albert Rhodes, Stephen Musgrave, Richard Hudson, John Whiteley, William Fisher, William Mortimer, John Schofield, John Tetley Sagar, George Hirst, Richard Brook, Henry Liley, Joseph Mortimer, Jeremiah Jackson, William Morrison, Thomas Charlesworth, and Samuel Webster.

19 Apr 1875
First ever meeting held at the National Schoolroom, Hightown. All members except for Mr Thornton were present.
Mr William Scholes was unanimously elected as Chairman for the ensuing year.
Mr Oates, of the Huddersfield Banking Company, Heckmondwike, was appointed Treasurer to the Board.
It was also resolved that the five members, who had received the least amounts of votes, should be the first to retire; and the five members with the highest number of votes do not retire until the third year.

22 Apr 1875
Advert asking for qualified persons to fill the respective offices of Clerk, Medical Officer and Inspector of Nuisances and Surveyor for the district of Liversedge.

3 May 1875
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Kelley. Others: Messrs. Cowburn, Naylor, Mann, Kershaw, Brearley, Collier, Garside, Cragg, Parkin, Denham, Thornton, Sheard and Kellett.
It was carried that the late surveyors of the highways for Liversedge submit forthwith an account stating what moneys have been received and paid by them since their appointment with a view to proper arrangements being made for reimbursing any expenses incurred by them on account of the highways and for the due disposal of any surplus in accordance with the Local Government Act.
Mr Parker produced a number of designs for a seal of the Board, but the matter was adjourned to the next meeting.
Discussion took place on the appointment of the Inspector of Nuisances and Surveyor. It was suggested this post be taken by two individuals rather than just one. The matter was dropped for settling in committee.
The Rev. Fowler had given permission for the Board to use the schoolroom for its meetings until more appropriate rooms are found.
Mr Cragg, one of the highway surveyors, stated their accounts would require auditing and balancing before they handed them over to the Board.
Mr Kellett, along with others, had been appointed to prepare the bye-laws of the Board. Their work was not yet finished and in all probability they would be ready for the next meeting.
The Board then went into committee to discuss the appointment of various offices. There had been 16 applications for post of Clerk, 11 for Surveyor & Inspector of Nuisances and 6 for that of Medical officer.

19 May 1875
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Scholes. Others: Messrs. Kelley, Naylor, Thornton, Kershaw, Garside, Cragg, Kellett, Denham, Brearley and Collier.
The Rev. Fowler attended the meeting with reference to an application made the Local Board to buy the old school and school house. A very lengthy discussion took place over the legalities. Mr Fowler stated the school was provided for as a result of a Will left in 1722 by Mr Farrer who stipulated a school be built within a year and £8 per year would be spent on the education of 14 children and subsequently another Will by Mr Beaumont added a further £6. A number of Trustees were appointed. Mr Fowler was unsure what the actual deeds of the property stated and referred the Board to the solicitor, Mr Wadsworth.
A plan was submitted by the trustees of the Primitive Methodist Chapel for the erection of a Sunday School, and after a discussion, Mr Brearley & Mr Denham were appointed a committee to view the site and examine the proposed plans with power to pass them if they deemed fit.
Mr T B Denham had been appointed surveyor etc., at a salary of 30s per week and was ordered to commence his duties next Monday, as was Dr. Sykes of Heckmondwike, in his role as Medical Officer. Mr Curry, solicitor of Cleckheaton, accepted the office of Clerk at a salary of £55 per annum.

14 Jun 1875
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Scholes. Others: Messrs. Kershaw, Kellett, Kelley, Cowburn, Cragg, Denham, Parkin, Collier, Garside, Mann, Brearley, Sheard and George Curry (Clerk)
The meeting was held in the new board-room next to the College Buildings. The room was not quite ready for occupation and required papering and painting which caused some discussion.
The Clerk reported having written to Mr Samuel Hirst of Bully Trees Farm, respecting the dangerous state of his bridge, and in reply, Mr Hirst had stated he did not intend doing anything more to the footbridge at present. Mr Kershaw stated that Mr Hirst had done all to the bridge that was required. The Clerk stated it was entirely a question as to whether Mr Hirst had done sufficient to make it safe or not. If not, then he should be summoned. It was resolved that Mr Stott view the bridge and report to the Board at their next meeting.
The Clerk had written to Mr Wadsworth, requesting to see documentation relating to the Old School and in response, it was stated that Mr Fowler was currently away and when he returned, Mr Wadsworth would approach him.
The Clerk had applied to the Dewsbury Board of Guardians for them to deliver up all books and papers that were in their possession relating to the Liversedge Parochial Committee. Mr Peace, Clerk to the Guardians had stated they were quite willing to do so, but they must expect payment of £63 14s 2d due to them when the Parochial Committee ceased. There was some discussion as to where this money should come from. It was a legal debt but it should not be paid by the Local Board. It was resolved that they payment be declined.
Mr Kellett reported that the General Purpose Committee had net at the Conservative News Room but there were table or chairs so adjourned to the Old School. Plans were submitted for the erection of a building at Littletown by Mr Middleton, but showed no drain. Mr Garside viewed the location and two gentlemen on site explained how the drain would work. An amended plan was later submitted to the Board and approval.
The Highway Committee had agreed to advertise for the leading of 1800 tons of dross. Tenders had been received from three parties for the widening of the causeway at Flush and they recommended to the Board to accept that of Messrs. Jowett & Illingworth at 2s 4d per yard. Mr Collier expressed concern that the Board would be doing wrong in widening the causeway at Flush as the road was already very narrow. It was carried that the recommendations be carried out.
Dr. Sykes, the medical officer, wrote to the Board asking they supply him with the return of deaths in the district. They would have to get them from Mr Robinson, the Registrar, who also supplied the Heckmondwike Board at 2d each. The Board thought that 2d for each case was a very heavy charge and appointed Mt Cowburn to wait upon the registrar to make the best bargain possible.
Ben Rothery, the late nuisance inspector had requested the sum of £4, being his salary from March to May. It was agreed that the request be forwarded to the late Sanitary Authority.
Mr Kellett drew attention to the state of a footpath at New Street, Rawfolds and the inspector was ordered to view the same.
A plan sent for the erection of two cottages at Flush were ordered to be submitted to the General Purpose Committee.
The Inspector had made enquiries as to the cost of a road scraper and found that the price of one was £3.
It was carried that the Inspector be empowered to serve notices upon persons permitting nuisances without consulting the Board.
The Inspector called attention to the drains at Littletown in the turnpike road and wished to know whether it was the duty of the township to cleanse them, or the surveyors of the turnpike. Mr Cowburn stated that the trustees, according to their Act of Parliament, were compelled to keep the drains in repair. The Clerk promised to look into the Act and inform the Board as to whose duty it was to clean the drains.
Mr Parkin moved that they give notice to Mrs Mary Crossley of Lumb Lane, to abate a nuisance at the rear of her house caused by sewage.
Mr Kellett gave notice that at the next meeting the Board should consider the necessity of carrying out a general system of drainage for the township and that plans prepared by Mr Lumley, for the Parochial Committee, be ready for their inspection.
The Clerk was instructed to give notice to Mr Nehemiah Stocks of Lumb Lane, to produce the plans of the cottages he is at present building.

28 Jun 1875
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Cowburn. Others: Messrs. Kershaw, Cragg, Kellett, Collier, Mann, Denham, Naylor, Parkin, Curry (Clerk) and Denham (Surveyor).
It was agreed to allow Mr Beaumont the sum of 14s as compensation for non-occupancy of his room, the same having been engaged for Board purposes.
The question of repairing the bridge, property of Mr Samuel Hirst, Bully Trees Farm, was adjourned for a month.
It was decided to pay Mr Robinson, registrar, 1s 6d per quarter for supplying the medical officer a list of the births, and 2d for each death.
Plans for the erection of two cottages by William Hanson; six houses by Mr Stocks and several dwellings by Mr Senior were passed, as well as an alteration to a mechanic's shop at Moor Bottom by Mr S. Kellett.
The Highways Committee recommended that the crossing adjacent to the Flush Independent Chapel should be removed to a place more convenient to the congregation; that dross breakers be paid 1s 3d per ton; that a drain at Roberttown, about 100 yards, should be opened for the purpose of draining adjoining kitchens.
The surveyor reported that a dross leader in the employ of Batley Corporation had left several tons of dross on the public highway and the Clerk was ordered to write to the Corporation.
The Clerk had received several lengthy letters from Messrs. Wadsworth & Sons, solicitors, relative to the deeds of the Old School and they have strongly advised the Rev. Fowler to refuse any person to inspect them. It was thought that there was something to hide regarding the school and the Board needed to satisfy themselves as to who owned it and if there wasn't anything to hide, why should they refuse to show the deeds. A copy of the Will could be obtained. It was decided that the Clerk examine the registry at Wakefield and endeavour to trace the title to the Old School.
Mr Kellett raised his motion of the Board carrying out a system of drainage for the township. The Chairman stated that the plans were not there but could be obtained. Mr Kellett said the motion might be deemed rather premature, as the Board was yet in its infancy, but having had experience in dealing with difficult cases of nuisances that had cropped up when he was in the late Parochial Committee, he didn't think it was. The Board would have plans of all new buildings that would be erected and all new drains that would be laid out and that plans in future should not be passed in the absence of these labels. If it was the duty of the Board to compel the removal of nuisances that were dangerous to health, it was also the duty of the Board to carry out a system of drainage. The matter was to be discussed further in a private meeting on 30th June.

12 Jul 1875
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Scholes. Others: Messrs. Kellett, Brearley, Parkin, Thornton, Cowburn, Sheard, Cragg, Collier, Garside, Naylor and Curry (Clerk).
The Clerk reported having been to Wakefield to research the registry respecting the title of the Old School. He should be able to report the result of his investigation at the next meeting of the Board.
The Clerk had written to the Cleckheaton and Heckmondwike Local Boards asking whether or not they were willing to co-operate with them in a system of drainage but no so far received no reply.
A Mr Ibberson had written to the Board on behalf of the the trustee and executors of the late James Ainley, respecting the trespass which the Board were committing on premises belonging to them at Flush. He asked that the flags and stones already pulled up by the Board, be replaced as they originally were or they will be compelled to take such proceedings as council will advise for compelling the Board to do so. Plans of the said causeway were produced and a discussion took place and there was little doubt that it was public property. It was agreed to appoint a committee to meet the parties concerned at the location and to settle the matter.
Mr Robinson, the registrar, had requested printed forms to supply the medical officer with the necessary information on births and deaths. The current forms were from another township. The clerk was ordered to procure the necessary forms.
Dr. Sykes, medical officer reported there had been 20 deaths during the last month and 49 births. Three of the deaths were from scarlatina, one from measles and 1 from diphtheria. Of the 20 deaths, six were under the age of one year and five were aged between one and five years. He reported that scarlatina still haunts the neighbourhood but not nearly as bad as it did some months ago. He regretted the difficulty to treat this disease from a sanitary point of view, owing to the great difficulty in securing the isolation of the patients. Along with the surveyor, he had inspected a quarter of the district and had found drainage very deficient in some places. A large number of nuisances in the shape of swill and old wash-tubs and several cases of persons keeping pigeons and hens in their houses had been met with and they had been ordered to discontinue such filthy and unhealthy practices. The beck still continued to be more or less a source of disease to those living in its vicinity.

26 Jul 1875
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Scholes.
The Highway Committee reported that Captain Dymond had offered to give to the Board a piece of land situate at Roberttown in Workhouse Lane. The offer was accepted, the Board agreeing to wall off the said piece of land.
The surveyor reported the dangerous condition of the footpath belonging to the Cleckheaton Brick and Tile Company, and the Clerk was instructed to write to the company requesting them to fence off the footpath.
The Clerk was instructed to communicate with the Charity Commissioners, to obtain information from them as to the Old School, which the Board are desirous of possessing for public offices.

9 Aug 1875
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Cragg. Others: Messrs. Naylor, Denham, Kershaw, Kellett, Parkin, Sheard, Curry (Clerk) and Denham (Surveyor).
The Clerk reported he should be in London at the end of the month to meet the Charity Commissioners about the Old School.
The General Purpose Committee refused plans for 3 houses at Norristhorpe by Mr James Ealand and 2 houses at Huddersfield Road, Millbridge. The plan submitted by the Primitive Methodists of Hightown for the erection of a school was passed. Plans for 2 houses in Old Forge Lane by Mr James Fisher were adjourned. A number of ashpits were approved of.
The Highway Committee reported that all the drains on the Leeds and Whitehall turnpike road had been examined by the surveyors of the highways and that the turnpike trust had not made any drains, but had drained their road into the drains made by the surveyors. 25 of the 62 drains were stopped up. It was resolved to close up the grates and refuse to allow the turnpike trustees to drain their road into the drain unless they undertake to clean out out grates. Mr Ibberson, solicitor of Dewsbury, wrote to the Board on behalf of Mr Jno. Taylor, coal proprietor of Norristhorpe, who complained of the Board to making a drain in a field which flooded his work and doing considerable damage. The Clerk was instructed to reply, denying that any damage done was caused by the surveyor or Mr Brearley.
The Clerk stated that the Local Government Board had returned the bye-laws altered to a considerable extent. Every bye-law seemed to have been altered and many of them struck out. Some of them were of considerable importance. He suggested that they be referred back to the Bye-laws Committees, as it would save time.
A conference respecting the drainage scheme should take place on Thursday. Messrs. Scholes, Thornton, Cowburn, Garside, Kellett and Cragg had been selected to attend but Mr Thornton would be in Scotland, so Mr Sheard was selected to attend in his place.
Mr Cowburn stated that the Board ought to set to work and light the township as soon as convenient. It would be expensive, but would have to be done. It was agreed that Mr Cowburn bring the subject up at the next meeting.
The medical officer, Dr. W. J. Sykes, gave his report and also asked for power to burn bedding of those who has suffered from infectious diseases. This was granted. There had been 20 deaths in the district and 49 births. Ten of the deaths by infectious disease, 6 from scarlatina, 1 from typhus fever, 2 from enteric and 1 from continued fever. He continues to inspect the whole township and draws attention to the unsatisfactory state of property on the east side of the bottom of Listen Lane and also that on the north side of Littletown between Listen Lane and the Star Inn.

23 Aug 1875
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Scholes. Others: Messrs. Cowburn, Parkin, Kershaw, Cragg, Kellett, Garside, Naylor, Denham, Brearley, Mann, Collier & Curry (clerk)
There had been no response from the Leeds & Whitehall trust, but the Clerk reported speaking to Mr Butler who had intimated that the trustees would allow the Board an annual sum if they would undertake to keep the road in repair. Messrs. Garside & Cowburn, along with the Highway committee were appointed to meet with the trustees.
The General Purpose Committee approved plans by Mr Tattersall for the erection of conveniences at Knowler Hill and also for three cottages provided that drainage pipes be substituted for larger ones.
Plans by Mr Michael for the erection of two cottages at Millbridge were deferred until the next meeting. Various other aspects were discussed and the Chairman told the surveyor that in future he was not to bring and plan before the Board until he had viewed the site, so that he was able to answer any questions asked.
Complaints were received by the Highway Committee about grates in New Road, Rawfolds being stopped and a portion of causeway was not laid in front of William Blackburn's property. The Clerk was instructed to write to Messrs. Harrison, J Hirst, J B Etty and W Blackburn requesting them to open and cleanse the grates and to request Mr Blackburn to complete the causeway.
An overflow in Hare Park Lane was caused by Mr Parkin and he was taking steps to make a new drain.
A discussion took place on the subject of the removal of night soil and it was agreed that the district be divided into four areas for this purpose: Hightown, Rawfolds & Littletown, Millbridge and Norristhorpe & Roberttown. A further question was raised as to whether the Board should defray the cost of the removal. The matter was deferred.
The question of lighting the district was brought up. The district had 11 miles of roads and if one lamp was placed every 70 yards, 275 lamps would be needed. A suggestion was that one part of the district should be completed at a time over a period of three years. The matter was eventually dropped.
A committee had revised the bye-laws and had returned them to the Local Government Board for their approval.

7 Sep 1875
Meeting. Chairmn: Mr Scholes. Others: Messrs. Cowburn, Cragg, Denham, Kellett, Parkin, Kershaw, Sheard, Collier, Kelley, Mann, Brearley & Curry (clerk)
It was decided to ask the commissioners of the Leeds and Whitehall turnpike road, for the sum of £165 for the repairing of the said road.
The General Purpose Committee passed plans for the erection of two privies at Millbridge by Mrs Sarah Ann Coates. Plans by Mr Sidney Beaumont for two privies and two pig styes at Lumb Lane, Roberttown were also passed. Three houses at Norristhorpe by Mr James Elam were passed. Plans also approved for two houses at Norristhorpe by Mr Abraham Berry as were for five houses at Roberttown Lane by Mr John Flint, on condition of the drainage pipes being 8in instead of 6in as shown on plan. It was agreed that Mr Ogden should be given notice ordering him to erect his premises according to plans submitted and approved of by the Board.
The Highway Committee reported that the Low Moor Company were supplying very bad dross and the contractors were ordered to stop loading any more at present.
The surveyor was instructed to order twenty loads of rubble stone, seventy yards of flags and six grates for the new causeway in Liversedge Hall Lane.
The Finance Committee recommended to the Board to make and lay a general district rate of 7d in the pound. The matter was discussed in committee.
Dr. Sykes, medical officer, stated there had been 38 births in the district during the last month and 19 deaths. 2 deaths from scarlatina and 1 from hydrophobia are mentioned. 9 of the deaths occurred in infancy.
The Clerk reported he had called at the office of Charity Commissioners in London and was told that all they needed to know about the Old School would be found in a report by the Charity Commission made to the House of Commons in January 1827. The matter was then discussed in committee.
Whilst at London, the Clerk called into the Local Government Offices and spoke to the gentleman who had "ornamented" the Board's bye-laws and discussed some of them with him. The Local Government Board intended to take it out of the hands of Local Boards to make such bye-laws, but also learned that the Local Boards could please themselves whether or not they enforced them.

20 Sep 1875
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Scholes.
A resolution was passed giving the Liversedge School Board, the use of the Local Board's offices two days per week.
The Spen Valley Drainage scheme was discussed. Oakenshaw had decided to join and Gomersal had sent a deputation, but since they had not attended the previous meeting, they were just there to listen. The scheme would be postponed until a report was presented to Parliament. It was agreed that a drainage committee be formed and Messrs. Thornton, Cowburn, Garside, Cragg, Mann and Sheard were elected.
A nuisance in Workhouse Lane was discussed whereby Mr Birkby had had built a wall on the top of the drain. It was stated that it would be cheaper to make a drain across the road instead of pulling down the wall. Because the drain was within 100 feet of the town's drain, the owner could be compelled to drain into it.
A deed transferring a piece of land from Mrs Caroline Scott and her daughter, for the widening of Lumb Lane, was signed and sealed. Thanks of the Board were accorded to lady and her family for gifting the land to effect public improvement.
It was moved that one or more horses and carts should be purchased, in order that the Board might have night soil removed more quickly and efficiently. The matter was deferred.

4 Oct 1875
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Scholes.
The resolution passed at the last meeting allowing the School Board to use the Board's offices was rescinded due to the Local Board requiring the accommodation.
The Board having offered to accept a certain sum from the trustees of the Leeds and Whitehall turnpike roads for the repair of their roads through Liversedge, the Clerk stated that at a meeting of the trustees, it was shown that they were unable to give an answer to the application of the Board, as under the Turnpike Extension Act, the trustees were restricted from spending more than £1200 on their roads and that this sum was insufficient.
Plans were passed for the erection of a Sunday School at Littletown as were those for the erection of two furnaces and a chimney by Mr Dymond of the Liversedge Coal Company, on condition that the latter be built sixty yards high from the base. Plans were also passed for a new street in Roberttown, to be called Fountain Street.
The Board decided to purchase a horse and two carts for scavenging purposes.

18 Oct 1875
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Kelley. Others: Messrs. Cowburn, Naylor, Kershaw, Brearley, Mann, Denham, Parkin, Kellett & Cragg.
The medical officer reported 45 births and 19 deaths for the previous month.
There had been seventeen applications for the position of rate collector. The Board selected Mr George Illingworth of Littletown. According to the scale shown, the cost of collection of the present general district rate of 8d in the pound, would be about £28 10s.
Mr Bone, civil engineer to the Batley Corporation, had requested the Board to repair the damage done by the Corporation to the roads in Liversedge in laying the water mains, and to send the account of its costs to the Waterworks Committee of the Corporation. This was agreed to be complied with.
The subject of lighting the township with lamps was deferred to a full meeting of the Board.
Plans submitted by Mr Ralph Kelley for the erection of three privies and ashpits were passed, as were those by Mr James Fisher for a drayhouse at Norristhorpe.
It had been recommended that Saddler's Well, near the Cross Keys, Hightown, be closed up and the Clerk was instructed to take necessary steps to obtain an order from the magistrates to carry this out.
The nuisance inspector reported that the following persons owned property without proper privy accommodation and notices were to be served upon them: Mr T F Firth, Heckmondwike, Messrs. J Whitworth Bros., Heckmondwike, Mr Thomas Lang, Littletown and Mr Samuel Jowett, Brighouse.
Further notices was to be served on Mr Benjamin Kilburn, Milton Row, to remove within three days, an accumulation of night soil, ashes, etc., on his property and it was decided that if such notice was neglected then legal proceedings would follow.

15 Nov 1875
Meeting: Chairman: Mr Scholes. Others: Messrs. Kershaw, Kelley, Cowburn, Naylor, Cragg, Collier, Kellett, Denham, Thornton, Parkin, Sheard, Brearley & Curry (clerk)
The medical officer reported there had been 45 births and 29 deaths in the previous month. He blamed the high mortality rate by the advent of cold weather. He also complained of the contents of a large number of swill and urine tubs being allowed to accumulate for long periods. The Chairman stated that the Board would deal with the matter later in the evening.
It was decided that the Clerk should arrange a meeting with other Local Boards with Mr Butler from the Leeds and Whitehall Turnpike trust.
Communication had been received regarding burst pipes in Little Green. Mr Cowburn explained that before the town's water was introduced, two reservoirs were made by the then owner of Healds Hall, to supply that place with water, just outside the old coach road, and on his own private property, and that since that time the road had been widened, taking the reservoirs into it. The pipes had been disconnected and it was from these the springs burst forth. It was agreed that the matter be referred to the Highways Committee.
Plans by Mr James Fisher for the erection of three houses and privies in Forge Lane, Norristhorpe, were approved.
The Highways Committee reported that they purchased a horse for £77 and that they recommend the purchase of a new and improved watering cart be purchased for £28. Mr. Benjamin Rogerson was selected as the Board's teamer at 22s per week.
The nuisance inspector reported several properties without proper privy accommodation and notices were to be served on the following: William Scott, Heckmondwike (agent for Messrs. Holliday's executors); John Farrar, Mirfield; John Keighley, Keighley; Ben Hirst, Norristhorpe; Samuel Hirst, Bully Trees and Matthew Fearnley, Cleckheaton.
Mr Kershaw proposed the lighting of the whole of the township of Liversedge, commencing at Flush and carrying ten lamps towards Littletown, ten towards Hightown and ten towards Roberttown and carrying out the lighting as soon as possible. Mr Cowburn stated that 11 miles or so of roads would require 275 lamps at 70 yards apart, although it wouldn't be necessary to light all roads. It was moved that no steps be yet taken until proper plans are prepared showing the number of lamps required and an estimate of the expense.
The Chairman then introduced the subject raised by the medical officer regarding swill and urine tubs. The matter was left in the hands of the medical officer and surveyor.

29 Nov 1875
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Scholes
The General Purpose Committee reported that an application by James Elam was made for permission to break into the highway at Norristhorpe for the purpose of making a cellar drain. It was granted on condition that he restores the highway to its present state.
Plans submitted by Nehemiah Stocks for the erection of a stable to his property at Norristhorpe was approved.
Following notices served by the nuisance inspector, plans were also passed for two privies and ashpits by Thomas Lang at Littletown; For the erection of three privies and ashpits and two piggeries at property in Norristhorpe by the executors of the late Alfred Freeman and by W. Parker of Southfield for four privies and ashpits to his property in Liversedge Hall Lane.
A complaint had been received by the surveyor that Emanuel Thomson had built a hen roost which projects up to 18 inches into a footpath leading from Heights Hill down the fields to Quaker Lane. The Clerk was instructed to give him notice to remove the same within three days.
The following persons were served notices for not having proper privy accommodation: Benjamin Fletcher, Cleckheaton; Jno Schofield, Littletown; Edwin Firth & Sons, Heckmondwike; Wm Kirk, Killingbeck; Benjamin Heptonstall, Hightown; Jno Binns, Mirfield; Albert Rhodes, Liversedge; Charles Kilpenny, Gildersome; Edwin Jim Stott, Millbridge and Elizabeth Payne, Millbridge.
The following persons were served notices for insufficient or no drainage to their property: E Firth & Sons, Heckmondwike, John Schofield,Littletown, William Holroyd; James Crabtree, Millbridge and Heckmondwike.
The surveyor reported that, in conjunction with the medical officer, had made a survey of part of the township with regard to the swill and urine tubs. They had found over 100 cases of offensive and dangerous nuisances.
The Chairman broached the subject of the Board's offices and it was resolved that a deputation be appointed to wait upon the vicar of Liversedge with regard to the Old School.

13 Dec 1875
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Scholes.
The Chairman reported on the deputation appointed to wait upon Mr Fowler regarding the Old School and stated that gentleman did not seem favourable to sell. He was only a representative of the trustees, which it was stated went against what he had previously told the Board. It was resolved that all correspondence in connection with the Old School be laid before the Board at the next meeting.
The surveyor was instructed to employ Margerison Priestley as a scavenger and to perform any other work required by the surveyor at a salary of 3s 4d per day.
The nuisance inspector reported that Mr Willams of Lee Gap, West Ardsley had failed to remove a nuisance on his property at Littletown as required by the notice served, and recommended that the Board summons him.
The inspector was instructed to purchase a tub of carbolic of lime, to be given away as a disinfectant. He was further instructed to give notice the footpath leading from Norris House farm to Smithies and to Mr John Waterhouse to repair the footpath and footbridge in Coalpits Field, now in his occupation.
An application was made by Messrs. Rothery & Murgatroyd of Lawford Mill, for permission to lay an 8in pot pipe drain for the purpose of conveying "suds" from a back washing machine. The application was granted until 1 Jun 1876.

29 Dec 1875
Meeting. Chairman: Mr Scholes.
Mr Sheard reported that he had crossed Mr Hirst's bridge and it was in a very dangerous condition with only one hand-rail for protection. Mr Kershaw remarked that this was not the only bridge in the district that was dangerous and it was moved that the surveyor inspect all the bridges in the township and report to the Board at the next meeting.
Various plans were passed, one of which was for three piggeries on condition that they were built at least two feet from adjoining cottages. Some members of the Board believed that this distance should be more and that matter was referred to committee.
The Rev. Fowler had requested to attend the next meeting in order to reply to remarks made about him at the last meeting. His request was not allowed.

more to follow in due course...