Huddersfield Chronicle (29/Jul/1871) - Huddersfield Board of Guardians, Yesterday
HUDDERSFIELD BOARD OF GUARDIANS, YESTERDAY.
The fortnightly meeting of the Board of Guardians was held yesterday afternoon in the Boardroom, John Street, J. Wrigley, Esq., in the chair.
THE OPENING OF THE CONVALESCENT HOME.
The Chairman said they were all conversant with the fact that on Thursday next the Convalescent Home, at Meltham, would he opened by Mr. Charles Brook himself. He had seen by large placards, in various portions of the town of Huddersfield, that the Guardians were specially mentioned as taking part in the procession. He presumed that all Guardians who could conveniently attend would do so on that important occasion. The tickets, he believed, would have to be obtained almost immediately if they wished to have the privilege of dining, and therefore he would merely suggest to the Guardians that if they could conveniently attend they would do so, and special arrangements would be made at Meltham, where they were to meet as on a former occasion, when the foundation stone was laid. He had no need to ask as to who would attend, because they all took a deep interest in the matter. The Infirmary and the Convalescent Home were a sort of trio, working to secure the comfort of those who were placed in their hands.
In reply to a question, the Chairman said the Guardians could obtain information respecting the arrangements in the public papers.
Mr. Kilburn said it appeared to him that a special train was arranged to leave Huddersfield station at twelve o'clock for Meltham, and when they arrived at Meltham the procession would be marshalled at the railway station.
Mr. Kate asked the chairman whether any provision would be made for Guardians attending the ceremony.
The Chairman replied that the chairman was no doubt able in some cases to make provision, but in this capacity he could not do it.
Mr. Kate said he supposed Guardians would have to look out for themselves.
Mr. Glendinning said, as far as he was concerned as a Guardian, this was the first time he had heard of this matter. They were announced to take part in a public procession as a corporate body, but he should like to know whether they were going in a corporate capacity or as individuals.
Mr. Kilburn said it was announced that they would go and take part in the procession as the Board of Guardians, therefore he apprehended it would be in their corporate capacity ; but it did seem singular that the announcement should be made without the Guardians having any notice of it, or being asked as to how many would go.
The Chairman observed that he believed it would be simply a spontaneous act on the part of every board and every body. The trustees had nothing to do with the arrangements ; the Freemasons, perhaps, more especially had taken part in the matter.
Mr. Johnson — Simply as gentlemen ; not as Freemasons.
In reply to a question from Mr. Langley, the Chairman said that if the Guardians went to Meltham by the twelve o'clock train, they would find out when they got there whether there would be a procession and how matters would be managed.
Mr. Kate thought the chairman of the Board and the clerk should have the management of the Guardians.
Mr. Eastwood considered it was a rather badly managed affair altogether.
The Chairman reminded Mr. Eastwood that the Guardians could not help that. Every gentleman knew very well that, if they went to Meltham by the special train, arrangements would be made about the procession.
Mr. Langley — That is everyone who goes will be responsible for himself.
The Chairman — Just so, if you pay 5s. for a ticket you will be all right. (Laughter).
Mr. Broadhead moved that it was desirable the Guardians should say whether they would attend or not. That was the course the Board adopted when the foundation stone was about to be laid, and he thought there was just as much reason for their attending now as then.
Mr. Eastwood seconded the motion.
Ultimately it was understood, although no resolution was passed, that the Guardians would attend the opening ceremony.