YEARS IN FOCUS

KNOTTINGLEY IN 1904

REPRODUCED COURTESY OF THE

2nd JANUARY
The annual Christmas dinner for the poor children of Knottingley was given in the National Schoolrooms on Saturday (Boxing Day) when over 300 children were provided with a good substantial meal of roast beef, vegetables, and plum cake. Twenty one stones of potatoes and about one hundred pounds of the best British beef were disposed of. The children were waited on by voluntary helpers, amongst those were the Vicar, the Reverend F.E. Egerton, Mr. J.W. Kipping, Mrs O. Murgatroyd, Miss Depledge, Mrs. J. Beevers, Miss Hunt, Miss Hollingworth, and Mr. T. France. After dinner entertainment was provided.  Christmas carols and popular songs were sung by the children and limelight pictures were shown by Mr. G. A. Howdle. The lantern was kindly lent by the Reverend G.E. Simpson, (Pontefract) and the slides by Mr. J. Eyre Poppleton (Pontefract). A Christmas tree laden with toys and gifts for the children and lighted with candles, was in the infants room, and as the children left the school each one was presented with a bag containing an orange, an apple, nuts, sweets, and biscuits. Needless to say the youngsters thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

13th FEBRUARY - St. Botolph's Church
The annual Choir Supper was given in the parish Rooms last evening week about 37 persons partaking of the excellent repast provided by Mrs. Hargrave. After supper 30 additional friends arrived, and a most enjoyable evening was spent dancing etc. Mr. T. Rush added a pleasing variety to the entertainment by singing.

Knottingley National School (Mixed) Assistant Mistress, St, V, Sewing

Salary, £50 to £60 per annum, subject to Qualifications

Apply Vicar East Knottingley.

27th FEBRUARY
Prosperity Awaits every willing worker in Canada.

Free farms of 160 acres in Western Canada

The most progressive, prosperous Colony
Healthy Climate, Good Crops, Free Schools, Light Taxes, Abundant Water

For maps pamphlets and full particulars gratis, apply to
Mr. W.T.R. Preston, Commissioner of Emigration, 11-12 Charing Cross, London SW1

26th MARCH

TO LET

Two good Villas

Racca Green, Knottingley

Bathrooms, W.C.

Rent £19 per annum

26th MARCH - Billiard Match
On Monday there was quite a crowd at Mr. A.J. Battys, Aire Street Hotel to witness a match between Mr. G. Nelson and Mr. W. Smith both of Leeds.

The game was 650 up, the latter receiving 200 start. In the end Mr. Nelson won by 39. After the contest Mr. Nelson delighted the audience with a fine display of fancy strokes.

16th APRIL - Interesting Proceedings
After initial costs were to be for £1,200 which was deemed to be too expensive, another proposal of a renovation cost of £400--£500 was carried, re-opening Knottingley Town Hall.

On Monday a most interesting stage was reached in the history of this building. For a number of years the Town Hall at Knottingley served a very useful purpose and witnessed many important gatherings and other pleasing functions. Financially, however, it was not a success and in recent years whilst it continued of course to be of some service, it had but a sort of trailing existence and became -- and we do not use the term offensively almost a bye-word.  Within the last three years however through the munificence of Mr. J G. Lyon. J.P.-who although he resides at Pontefract, .has a great interest in Knottingley - the property came into the possession of the townsfolk, and can therefore be correctly described as the Town's Hall. But a good deal needed to be done to the edifice before it could be called presentable and fully usable, and as the township has enough on their hands without adorning the property, there has been considerable delay in putting the gift into good condition. Finally the Urban Council saw their way to embark upon the necessary alterations and works of beautification and Monday, as intimated above, witnessed the re-opening.

The contractors are to be congratulated on the result of their work, especially Mr. R. Jackson, decorator, who has effected a transformation in the interior, harmoniously blending many beautiful tints which give the hall a most inviting appearance.

The days proceedings commenced at about 4.15 pm.  The members of the council officials, and representatives of various public bodies met at the council offices, Chapel Street, and proceeded to the Town Hall. Prior to entering they were photographed by Mr. Mckenzie. Then Mr. Bagley (Messr's Tennant and Bagley) the architect, presented to Mr. J. G. Lyon, on behalf of his firm and the contractors, a gold and silver key, and with this the donor opened the doors amidst applause from the onlookers, of whom there was some 200. Proceeding upstairs, the many who saw the change for the first time were amazed at the improvement made, and it must have been pleasing for the council and the contractors to hear the favourable criticism passed in regard to the hall and to realise their efforts were much appreciated. The platform had been most artistically decorated with plants lent by Mr. E. L. Robinson.  The proceedings throughout were enthusiastic, and by another most generous act of Mr. Lyon the townspeople became further indebted to him by declaring the hall open.

The Reverend F.E. Egerton then proposed that Mr. Lyon be cordially thanked for his generous gifts. The speaker said Mr. Lyon had not covered the whole of the cost of the renovation because he thought it was not well to relieve the inhabitants altogether of their share in public work. He (the Speaker) was sure that the ratepayers would be delighted to defray the small cost remaining. Everything had not been done like the council would have liked to do, but the hall would be perfectly useful and serviceable for all ordinary purposes. He believed in reasonable recreation and profitable amusements, and for those purposes the hall would meet every requirement and that the council would only allow entertainment of a profitable kind. But personally opposed the holding of Sunday concerts for profit. On behalf of the council he once again proposed that hearty thanks be given to Mr. Lyon for his gifts.

Mr. Worfolk, in seconding, said that the hall was built 40 years ago for the purpose of providing accommodation for the teaching of poor children and persons whose education had been neglected. The promoters also had the idea that Knottingley would grow into something more than an overgrown village, and would require a suitable place where officials would have their home.  Provision was then made for towns offices, and it was a great pleasure for him to know that the idea had it's own accomplishment through the generosity and forethought of a gentleman who was greatly respected in the town. Some persons made presentations to enhance their positions; but that could not be said of Mr. Lyon. All they could do was show him their gratitud, .to hold him in the highest esteem, and to regard him as one of the greatest benefactors Knottingley had ever had. He had great pleasure in seconding the vote of thanks.

Mr. Lyon sincerely thanked the speakers for their kind remarks and assured them that his only idea in making the gifts was that having worked and prospered among the people of Knottingley for 27 years he would like the town to share in his prosperity. Some persons had insinuated that he had an ulterior object, but he assured them he had not the slightest ambition for any public office, and would not like to be forced into any position of a public nature.

23rd APRIL - Late Private R. Morrell's Memorial
The monument erected in the Knottingley cemetery to the memory of Private R. Morrell will be unveiled on Saturday April 23rd at 2 o'clock prompt, by Col. G. Bying, Commander of the 51st/65 Regimental District, supported by Ald. W. Bagley and other local gentlemen, and public institutes attended.

30th APRIL
Quite a large number of Knottingley people with others assembled in the cemetery at that place on Saturday to do honour to the memory of a local hero. The quiet little ceremony took place at the unveiling by Col. Bying C.O., and  will linger long in the memory of those present.  Private Morrell, a man humble in life, did his duty manfully, and the people of his native place do well to cherish his memory, and to erect a memorial to which records the acts of a brave man, may inspire others to a worthy performance on their part.

18th JUNE - Rescued from Drowning

At about 7.30pm last eve week, the 7year old son of Mr.and Mrs. Radcliffe, Low Green, Knottingley, would have drowned in the canal at Shepherds Bridge, but for the timely aid afforded. The child was trying to reach a stick from the water and fell in. A woman neighbour saw the little fellow and raised the alarm, and upon this a Mr. Kellet ran to the boys rescue whilst a man named Tranmere made to the spot on the water and the former had the satisfaction of handing the little chap into the boat.  Subsequently the boy was taken home and the same night was able to tell his parents what happened. Better still he was on Monday able to go to school as usual.  His parents of course are exceedingly grateful to those who saved the little fellow from sudden death.

12th JULY - Tradesman Outing
A party of tradespeople and friends to the number of about 40, had a very enjoyable half-day on Thursday leaving Knottingley at 2.0.pm. They drove by wagonette to Womersley, Smeaton and Wentbridge, and afterwards had tea, picnic fashion, in the pretty 'Broc o Dale Woods', The journey was resumed after a rest and inspection of the surrounding country. Carleton, Pontefract was also visited.

The outing was the inaugural item of a movement to bring the towns tradespeople into closer touch with each other.

6th AUGUST
Mr. T. W. Hussey. M.P. was an interested spectator at the Cricket Club Sports on Wednesday.

3rd SEPTEMBER
The Knottingley Silver Prize Band won second prize in the band contest at Dewsbury on Saturday. Eight bands competed.  Mr. J.W. Stamp was the professional conductor.

24th SEPTEMBER - Old Folks Treat
On Wednesday afternoon over 100 old folk were entertained to tea in the Town Hall, out of funds realised by a ''Benefit'' given by Mr. A. Vickers a week or so ago. During teatime the band from the theatre played selections. After a short dance, the guests were taken to the theatre to see 'Our Baby' and there finished an enjoyable and locally unique afternoon.

1st OCTOBER

ONE DAY ONLY

BUFFALO BILL'S WILD WEST SHOW

AND

Congress of Rough Riders of The World

Headed and Personally Introduced by

COL. W. F. CODY

BUFFALO BILL

Now Making Positively it's Final Tour of Great Britain
Will Never Return. See it Now or Never

Three Special Trains, 800 people, 500 Horses

The one Exhibition in all the world that has no counterpart.
Exclusively it's own creation Not the institution of fancy, but the stupendously realism of fact
All London pronounced it supremely original and great

BATTLE OF THE LITTLE BIG HORN
CUSTER'S LAST STAND AND HEROIC FALL
THE WORLD WILL NEVER SEE IT'S LIKE AGAIN
INDIAN WAR DANCES AND BATTLES.

Cowboy Fun, Lassoing Wild Horses, Riding Bucking Bronco's
The Chase, Capture, and Punishment of a Horse Thief

BUFFALO BILL, the MASTER EXPONENT
of Horseback Marksmanship in his wonderful exhibition of shooting while riding a galloping horse

100 NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS
From the Sioux, Ogallalla, Brue, Uncapappa, Cheyenne, and Arapahoe tribes.
Genuine 'Blanket Red-Men' Chiefs, Warriors, Bucks, Squaws, and Papoosesd in Indian Sport and War Dances

AN INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE WORLDS ROUGH RIDERS

Great Cohorts of Daring and Dexterous Horsemen.
Representative Native Equestrians of every Clime, including.

COSSACKS OF THE CAUCASUS
The Gaucho of Argentina
Vaqueros of Old Mexico
Riflemen and Bedouin.
ARABS FROM THE SAHARA

Cubans from the Antilles, Scouts, Cowboys, and Indians from America Prairies unquestionably the

EQUESTRIAN SENSATION OF MODERN TIMES

Both Press and Public of the Metropolis united in according a hearty welcome to the

WORLD'S MIGHTY WARRIORS

Who in martial array, teach living object lessons which Nations most admire. A veritable Mirror of Heroic Manhood where men depict the deeds which made them famous in warfare and humanitarian acts. An aggregation of strong men trained and habituated to daring deeds

The Veteran Cavalry of Many Flags in military Evolutions and Exercises

A CORPS FROM THE UNITED STATES LIFE SAVERS
exemplifying the methods employed with the Breeches Buoy in life saving by
THE GUARDIANS OF NEPTUNE'S STORMY COASTS

IMPERIAL JAPANESE TROUPE In Ancient and Modern War Drill

CARTER, THE COWBOY CYCLIST In his wonderful Bicycle Leap through space

ROYAL ENGLISH LANCERS
UNITED STATES CAVALRY AND ARTILLERY

Twice Daily, Rain or Shine 
Afternoon 2.0pm Evening 8.pm, Doors Open 1pm and 7pm

One ticket admits to all advertised attractions

1/-, 2/-, 3/-, 4/-. Box seats 5/- and 7s.6d. 
Children under 10 half price to all except 1/- seats

Tickets on sale Alfred Wilson, Carleton Street, Castleford.

Will exhibit Barnsley October 13th Huddersfield October 14th.

3rd DECEMBER - Australia
On Tuesday evening in the National Schools, the Reverend W.A. Dark, The District Secretary of the Colonial and Continental Church Society, formerly resident in Australia, gave an address on Australia.  The lecture which was illustrated by views, gave an interesting description of City and Bush life and of it's customs and manners of the people. There was a very good meeting.

As reported in the Pontefract and Castleford Express 1904

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