STEAM ENGINES AND WATERWHEELS

Post by **Stanley** » 05 Sep 2017, 05:36

The Calf Hall Shed Company has survived the war. Because of the complicated circumstances of requisition they have been introduced to new management mechanisms. Now they have to contend with the peace and the complications of de-requisitioning. Let's see how they ran the business after the war.
DE-REQUISITIONING AND BETTERMENT

The easiest way to clarify what happened after the war is to deal with the process of returning the company's three mills back to full CHSC control before we follow what the company did with them. The first thing that had to happen was de-requisitioning when the government relinquished interest in all three mills. Remember that when the war started, Butts and Calf Hall were weaving sheds with no mains electricity for power, old flagged floors and subdivided for weaving tenancy. During the course of the war all of Calf Hall and most of Butts has been modernised, new roads built, services installed and in some cases new buildings erected. Wellhouse had not been fully requisitioned and modernised so the position there was slightly different. The various government functions that had used Wellhouse did so on repairing leases and so all that had to be addressed after de-requisitioning were any adjustments needed to ensure that the space was handed back in at least as good condition as it had been before the war.
In the case of Butts and Calf Hall the government attitude was that 'betterment', the investment in modernisation, had to be paid for. Let's have a look at what this entailed. One final word of explanation, in 1945 Grove Engineering were working in Butts Mill as tenants of the MAP and a woollen firm called Blin and Blin have agreed to become tenants of the whole of Calf Hall Shed.
September 20th 1945. A report was read as to the present position re the negotiations for de-requisitioning and re-letting of Butts Mill and Calf Hall Shed. [These mills had been totally modernised to the standards necessary for aero engine maintenance and repair. Good floors, decorated and new mains services including electrical wiring. They were in far better condition than they had been when taken over. Remember also that all the shafting had been taken out, the Musgrave engine at Butts has gone but the old Roberts engine at Calf Hall is still in situ, these were now modern factories.]
Butts Mill: Mr Wood reported that negotiations were proceeding with Grove Engineering Co Ltd. He said that, subject to the confirmation of the directors it had been agreed that the portion of Butts Mill at present requisitioned by the government should be let to the Grove Engineering Co Ltd for a term of ten years at £1,450 per annum. The lease to undertake full maintenance of the premises and be responsible for the rates, insurance and all other outgoings with the exception of Schedule 'A' Income Tax. It had already been agreed that in case a supply of steam is not available for heating from Calf Hall Shed, CHSC would put in a boiler at Butts and make a nominal charge for interest and depreciation not exceeding £50 per annum. The agreement was subject to the proviso that the government agreed to a reasonable settlement of the question of reparations (if any) which CHSC would have to pay. [Grove Engineering was a spin-off from the Rover Co's operations at Grove Mill in Earby. Grove Mill was taken over after the war by Armoride's, a firm that made plastic seat covering for the motor industry. A successor firm, Wardle Storey is still in business there in 2011. Grove Engineering must have seen the space in Butts as a cheaper option then staying where they were. CHSC must have been contemplating putting a steam main in to Butts from Calf Hall Shed, they had evidently decided that at least one element of the Room and Power system would remain under their control.]
Calf Hall Shed: It was reported that following the last meeting of directors further negotiations had taken place regarding the proposed agreement with Blin and Blin Textile Fabrics Ltd of Huddersfield and that company had been asked to confirm in writing the provisional agreement reached. A letter had been received from Messrs Marshall, Shaw and Lister, solicitors, stating that Blin and Blin would make a firm offer to lease the property for a term of forty years (determinable at the option of the tenants after twenty years) at an annual rent of £2,000 without any liability on their part to make any contribution towards the sum, if any, to be paid to the government for improvements to the property.
Res. That a reply should be sent stating that CHSC confirmed the secretary's provisional agreement with Mr Fletcher of Blin and Blin for an annual rent of £2,000 for a period of 15 years, Blin and Blin to maintain the property, pay rates and all other outgoings except Schedule 'A' Income Tax but also to pay an additional 5% per annum on the sum payable to the government by CHSC for improvements made to the property. It was also suggested that should Blin and Blin care to extend the period of the lease beyond 15 years the directors might be persuaded to reduce the rate of interest payable from 5% to 4%. Res. That Mr Singleton, valuer, of Blackburn, and Smith, Smith, solicitors of Burnley, be retained to carry out the necessary valuations and legal work involved in the negotiations.
November 15th 1945. Re the de-requisition and re-letting of Calf Hall Shed and Butts Mill it was reported that no further progress had been made since the last meeting except that Mr Blin and Mr Fletcher had called to see Mr Wood to enquire into the position and some general conversation had ensued. It was also reported that a letter had been received from the MAP stating that the Chief Valuer had been instructed to commence negotiations re the adaptations carried out by the Ministry at Calf Hall Shed.
January 17th 1946. It was reported that the tenants at Wellhouse Mill had received notice that the premises requisitioned from them for the storage of tobacco [The Mersey Bond] would be de-requisitioned on January 31st 1946. (Pencil note in margin dated February 21st 1946 'Not de-requisitioned yet. Per Mr Horsfield'.)
March 21st 1946. It was reported that a letter had been received from the Admiralty Lands Office dated March 20th accepting responsibility for repairs to the roof at Wellhouse Mill which have been carried out by CHSC on the requisitioned portion of the premises and suggesting that the cost of these repairs be included in the claim for reinstatement which would arise on release. Res. That this should be agreed to.
It was reported that Tom Marshall [The engineer at Wellhouse up to the engine being stopped.] was ceasing to be employed as boilerman by the Mersey Tobacco Bond on March 23rd and from that date his full services could be given to CHSC. Res. That he be paid the engine man's union rate for a normal week, £6-4-0 per week until such time the engine restarts when the matter will be revised. [There would be much rejoicing at Brown and Pickles and I have little doubt that Johnny Pickles and Tom Marshall got their heads together to plan what needed to be done prior to the restart.]
It was reported that Mr Singleton had met the District Valuer who said that the amounts payable by CHSC to the government in connection with money expended on Calf Hall Shed and Butts Mill during the period of requisition would be £33,000 for Calf Hall and £15,000 for Butts Mill, the latter including the brick building erected on land adjoining Butts Mill and not the property of the company. [On the land owned by the Conservative Club and used pre-war as a bowling green.] Mr Singleton had not yet received the schedule of the improvement from the District Valuer and was therefore not yet in a position to go into the details. [I knew George Singleton and he was a very upright and honest man. He was also skilled in negotiation and there is little doubt that he would do the best he could for his clients strictly within the rules.] It was also reported that a figure of £33,000 had been given in confidence to Mr Fletcher of Blin and Blin's who had said in reply that the maximum amount that Blin and Blin were prepared to go was an annual rent of £2,000 together with 4% on a maximum of £25,000, the lease to be for twenty years and possibly to be reviewed at the end of ten or fifteen years. It was unanimously resolved that negotiations with the District Valuer should be continued with a view to an agreement on the lowest possible figure for CHSC and that Blin and Blin would be in order in assuming that the tenancy would be arranged. It was considered that the matter of Butts Mill could be left over for future consideration as Grove Engineering were already in the premises as tenants of the Ministry. [Who were paying rent direct to the CHSC.]

Post by **Stanley** » 06 Sep 2017, 05:44

May 16th 1946. It was reported that schedules and plans of the Government's Betterment Claim on Calf Hall Shed and Butts Mill had been received by Mr Singleton from the District Valuer and that Mr Singleton had an interview with him on May 14th. He was preparing a report on the position which would be submitted to the directors. It was reported that Mr Singleton had advised that CHSC would be in order signing the indemnity required by the government to facilitate the entry of Blin and Blin into Calf Hall Shed and this would not prejudice the company's position. Res. That in view of Mr Singleton's advice the indemnity should be signed. It was reported also that Mr Singleton had advised that the company would be in order disposing of the engines at Calf Hall Shed and that this would not compromise their position. In view of the urgent request of Blin and Blin for this to be done it was resolved that the engine be disposed of at the best possible price. [Sentimental I know but very sad to see an old servant of the company going like this. Remember the overload it shouldered for over fifty years.]
Reading between the lines, this was a difficult period for the board. Rover have moved out of Calf Hall and Butts but neither is as yet de-requisitioned, this couldn't happen until betterment has been agreed and paid. Despite this, the board has to lay out money at Calf Hall preparing the shed for the Blin and Blin tenancy. There are no certainties and I suspect that the advice of George Singleton, who, being deeply immersed in this process in other parts of Lancashire, could give reassurance as to the probable outcome, was a valued asset.
June 6th 1946. Mr Hedges read a letter from Mr Singleton dated June 4th stating that the District Valuer would not accept an offer lower than £26,000 for Calf Hall Shed and £15,000 for Butts including the building on the site owned by the Conservative Club [This was a new brick building erected on land belonging to the Conservative Club next to, and run during the war as part of, Butts Mill. Theoretically it belonged to them but I suspect they were quite happy to let the board conduct the negotiations and eventually take over the building as part of Butts after buying the land off them.] but excluding the land itself. Mr Smith said that if agreement were not reached, the alternative was that the government would invoke compulsory powers to take the premises at 1939 prices which Mr Singleton had put at £7,000 for Calf Hall Shed and £1,638 for Butts. [Hard ball!] Res. That Mr Singleton be empowered to make the best settlement possible, Calf Hall £26,000 and Butts £15,000 subject to CHSC being able to acquire the land from the Conservative Club at a reasonable price and the District Valuer giving assistance to do this. [There is a note in ink next to this entry: 'See Mr Singleton's letter June 15th 1946. Agreed: CH £24,000 and Butts £13,000.']
Reported that a letter had been received from the Board of Trade to the effect that they understood that the Admiralty did not intend to retain Wellhouse Mill permanently but that the date of de-requisition had not yet been fixed.
All this is bad news but the board now know the size of the problem. They coped with it by running an overdraft of up to £35,000 with their bank. Jumping forward to October 20th 1955; 'it was reported that £17,728 had been received from the insurance companies re the fire at Butts Mill and that £13,000 had been placed on deposit with the bank on September 12th at 2½% interest and subject to one week's notice of withdrawal'. [For the first time since the war the CHSC had a credit balance at the bank and £13,000 on deposit. Ten years of crippling interest charges came to an end.]
November 14th 1946. Reported that the government has given up possession of Wellhouse Mill and that the CHSC could repossess the premises. Also reported that a settlement had been reached with the Admiralty for the payment of £2,145-3-5 in connection with the dilapidations on the portion of the premises requisitioned by them.
April 17th 1947. It was reported that Butts Mill had been de-requisitioned on April 14th 1947 and that payment of £13,000 betterment had been made.
November 20th 1947. It was reported that Wellhouse Mill had commenced running on November 3rd. [There would be lot of happy faces that morning, not least in the shop at Brown and Pickles, they were still working on other engines but Wellhouse had always been their particular baby. I'll bet a pound they were all down there to watch it start! Newton told me that the ting he remembered clearly was the smell from the stagnant water in the air pumps when he and Tom Marshall first turned the engine over. We had the same experience 40 years later at Ellenroad!]
As we've already noted, the company came out of the war with an overdraft of up to £35,000 and uncertain trading conditions. All of Calf Hall and a large part of Butts is let. Wellhouse is weaving again but short of tenants. The positive side of all this is that Butts and Calf Hall are now modern premises. This was true of all the de-requisitioned factories in the area and was to be a great advantage during the post war years. Many of these mills are still being used for industry as I write this in 2011.
Let's look at the final phase, the end of weaving and the rise of the new industries. Don't worry, the board are all able men, they are going to survive!

Post by **Stanley** » 07 Sep 2017, 04:21

BACK TO NORMAL TRADING. 1945 TO 1960

The one thing that is certain about the two World Wars is that when the fog of battle cleared the landscape was different. Not just physically, technology and society had changed also. In 1945 the steam mills were almost a thing of the past, only five engines were left running in Barlick. New industries had come into the town with the Shadow Factories and the incomers taking up modernised space after the war. The old wage structures were shattered and in the heady days immediately after the war, with a Labour administration revising Council Housing, building the National Health Service and instituting the Welfare State it was a completely new world. This was the ethos the CHSC directors and the remaining manufacturers had to accommodate. There is much evidence in the LTP about managers who were determined to go back to the pre-war ethos and 'bring the workers to heel'. They were in for a surprise, this was unknown territory and like the CHSC they had to adapt to survive. The evidence of the minutes seems to be that the CHSC board understood this and soon saw the advantages of new repairing leases and none-weaving tenancies.
Just to remind you, Calf Hall Shed is let to Blin and Blin on a long repairing lease for £2,000 per annum plus 4% of the betterment. I shall report changes in that situation as they arise.
Let's follow Butts which in 1945 has one major tenant, Grove Engineering. They have the modernised section of the mill used by the Rover Company during the war for aero engine repairs. They were to take a ten year repairing lease at £1,450 per annum. There are some smaller tenancies as well, Butts was being managed as what we would now call unit space development and this model was emulated in many of the old mills.
October 18th 1945. It was reported that following the letter to the Grove Engineering Co setting out the terms agreed on at the last meeting of the directors, Grove Engineering had been in communication with the various government departments and that the MAP had agreed to accept them as provisional tenants at Butts Mill at a nominal rent from Monday October 22nd and that financial negotiations were to be put in hand with CHSC immediately. Mr Hedges gave a report of the various points raised at a meeting at the Board of Trade offices in Leeds on Tuesday last [The minutes say October 18th but I think this should be the 11th.] which he attended with Mr Karam of Grove Engineering. [I get the impression that the MAP are doing all they can to assist Grove Engineering to make a new start at Butts. Unlike the aftermath of WW1 when the 'Geddes Axe' terminated all government contracts and caused much damage to manufacturing industry political decisions had been made to try to effect a smooth transition to a peace time economy. It may be that this included some continuation of war time contracts and this may have been what Grove were engaged in. For an interesting first hand account of the effects of the Geddes Axe on industry after WW1 seek out the privately published autobiography of John Howlett, OBE, 'The Guv'nor', the story of the Wellworthy piston ring company.]
Information was also given to the directors as to the negotiations with the Ministry re Sough Bridge Mill at Kelbrook. [Remember that Proctor and Proctor were acting for many mills in the area so they would have direct knowledge of this matter. Sough Bridge Mill had been a Rover Company shadow factory during the war and immediately after the war ended it was taken over by Bristol Tractors, a branch of the Jowett Motor Co at Bradford. Grove Mill in Earby eventually became Armoride. There was a huge demand for industrial premises and more importantly, for a skilled labour force nurtured by the high tech aero engine industry. Barnoldswick and Earby were very attractive locations for these reasons. Commercial information like the circumstances at Sough Bridge was gold dust to the directors as they negotiated their way through these novel circumstances, they own a mill and get rent for it from a government department who have sub-let it to Grove Engineering but will not relinquish it until the betterment claims have been settled. Nothing in the director's experience prepared them for this. The betterment claim for Butts was settled at £13,000 on April 17th 1947 and the mill de-requisitioned.]
March 18th 1948. It was reported that the draft lease to the Grove Engineering Co Ltd of the portion of Butts Mill occupied by them had been received from the solicitors and would be sent to Grove Engineering as soon as the schedule of landlord's fixtures and fittings had been agreed. [CHSC were now the landlords to Grove Engineering.]
September 23rd 1948. It was reported that a Receiver had been appointed in Grove Engineering Co Ltd. It was understood that the appointment was made by the Debenture Holders. A letter was read from the Receiver of Grove Engineering re the recent flooding. Mr Duxbury stated that he had inspected the goit which appeared to be structurally in order and that there seemed to be no obstruction. He stated that when the flooding occurred the volume of water appeared to be more than the goit could take. It was agreed that the occurrence was of an extremely unusual character and appeared to be an Act of God. [The Receiver is managing Grove Engineering and they are still trading.]
May 19th 1949. It was reported that at an informal meeting with the creditors of Grove Engineering held on April 29th an offer to pay 2/6 in the £ to unsecured creditors had been made and accepted by the majority present. Nothing further however was yet known as to whether the company would carry on.
January 19th 1950. It was reported that a notice had been received from Mr Woolley, manager and Receiver for Grove Engineering that he had ceased to carry on the business and was selling the plant and machinery by auction. He gave notice to terminate the tenancy on April 14th 1950. Res. That the attention of Mr Woolley be drawn to the list of fixtures and fittings and schedule of conditions of the tenancy so that the whole of the fixtures and fittings should be delivered up to CHSC and the premises also delivered up in a state of good and tenantable repair. [That tenancy didn't go too well did it. However there are other fish to fry.]

Post by **Bodger** » 07 Sep 2017, 07:28

With out wanting to interrupt your dialogue i came across this in another forum and thought it may interest some readers,
http://www.steamesteem.com/index.html?b ... oiler.html

Post by **Stanley** » 09 Sep 2017, 05:45

December 15th 1949. Res. That the top portion of Butts Mill now occupied by Mrs Whipp should be let to Clarke's Mattresses of Skipton from January 1st 1950 at £150 per annum, tenant responsible for rates, internal repairs, heating and lighting and that the landlord construct two lavatories and wash basins and entrance, fire escape and carry out external repairs. Res. That in consequence of this letting Mrs Whipp's rent be reduced to £110 per annum, the tenant to be responsible etc. [An important entry. This was the start of Tom Clarke's association with CHSC which culminated in him eventually buying Wellhouse Mill in 1978. He also became the owner of Moss Shed, Salterforth Shed and Clough Mill. His firm became Silentnight, reputed to be the biggest bedding company in the world and still active in Barlick in 2011. During the transcription word has been received that Silentnight are in serious financial trouble. At the date of writing, a venture capital company has taken over the business.]
February 16th 1950. A report was given of a meeting on February 14th 1950 between Messrs Jacques, Duxbury and A V Hedges representing CHSC and the directors of John C Carlson Ltd at which it was agreed that portions of Butts Mill now occupied by Grove Engineering and being vacated by them on February 14th should be leased to Carlson's from April 15th 1950 for a term of 15 years with an option for the lessee to break on the 5th or 10th year at a yearly rent of £1,600, the tenant being responsible for maintenance and insurance of the building and to have first option on any other part of Butts Mill becoming vacant. Res. That the agreement be confirmed and that Smith Smith be instructed to draw up a lease. [John C Carlson Ltd became Carlson Ford and later Carlson Filtration, they eventually bought Butts Mill and are still there in 2011 producing high quality filtration media.]
November 16th 1950. Res. That the CHSC common seal be affixed to the lease to John C Carlson Ltd of a portion of Butts Mill, the terms of which were set out at the meeting on February 16th 1950.
May 17th 1951. 'Mr Duxbury stated that Clarke's Mattresses were interested in the tenancy of the engine house at Butts Mill. It had been pointed out however that under the terms of the lease this must first be offered to John C Carlson and it was agreed that Mr Duxbury should see Tom Clarke, explain the position to him and then consult with Carlson's. It was thought that a rent of £100 per annum should be asked subject to a year's grace, the tenant to make good the floor and do all necessary alterations'.
I shan't detail all the small increments in either Carlson's or Tom Clarke's tenancies as they gradually expanded. They were both good tenants on repairing leases and had excellent relations with the directors, I have found no instance of any disagreement. There were other small tenancies and adjustments at Butts Mill over the years, I shall return when there is something significant to report. One small point to note is that in 1947 Edward Aldersley, is weaving with possibly 290 looms in Monkroyd Shed, a small weaving shed at the back of Butts Mill. He had no registered looms during the war and so I assume they stayed in the shed unused under a storage agreement and after the end of the Cotton Control Board regulations in late 1947 he restarted them using individual electric motors. Edward Aldersley had more than one iron in the fire at Butts, he was associated with other lettings. The only clue I can offer is this entry from March 20th 1947. 'A letter from Edward Aldersley Ltd was read dated March 17th in which he accepted the CHSC offer to rent the building adjoining the premises already occupied by him [Monkroyd Shed?], the ground floor of which was occupied by Mr Dixon. The rent to be £45 per annum for the top floor from April 1st 1947 and £55 per annum for the ground floor from July 1st 1947, he to pay his own rates'. My feeling is that this is Aldersley arranging for warehouse space to go with the shed. The date is right, the Cotton Controls are being relaxed. Note that this is not the old Room and Power tenancy agreement but a lease of space to accommodate looms with individual electric motors. [I apologise for not having a complete picture for Aldersley, it's confusing. The name Ellison is associated with him and this firm had a small number of licensed looms during the war. It may be that Aldersley was running about 60 of his looms under the licence granted to Ellison. That's as near as I can get. If this is correct, a small number of looms ran in Butts right through the war.]
We need to look at Wellhouse Mill. We left it as the engine restarted under the old engineer on November 3rd 1947. It is very difficult to identify the firms who were still weaving, the trade directories are works of fiction during the war years and the immediate aftermath. I suspect that names to watch out for at Wellhouse are the Ellerbank Manufacturing Co, Horsfield (Bankfield) Ltd, WE&D Nutter, Ellison, Midgely and possibly Widdups. This will become clearer as we search the minutes. The crucial fact for our narrative is that this is the rump of the CHSC's pre-war business. Calf Hall and Butts are being operated on simple industrial tenancies and repairing leases. We shall see how this model also comes to be used at Wellhouse as weaving declines further and other opportunities arise. From here on I shall report mainly on Wellhouse but insert developments with the other mills as they arise in the chronological order.
August 15th 1946. Res. That tenders be obtained from James Proctor of Burnley for two new stokers for boilers 2 & 3 at Wellhouse Mill. [They have been out of use and deteriorated during the war years I suspect. Cheaper to renew the stokers than repair them. Remember that one boiler had been in use for heating and was probably in better condition.]
April 17th 1947. It was reported that J&D Ellison had applied for space and Mr Duxbury had promised to see them with a view to letting a portion of the space at Wellhouse Mill partially occupied by Messrs Eli Johnson and Sons. That Messrs Johnson's rent be reduced from 20/- to 15/- per week as from April 1st 1947. That Briggs and Duxbury be authorised to carry out the repairs to the shed walls at Wellhouse Mill abutting on Mr Midgley's portion of the shed.
May 15th 1947. A report was given re tenancies at Wellhouse Mill and correspondence from WD&E Nutter was read. Tentative applications for space from Williamson and Son, Lancaster and Mr Aldersley [Trading as Ellison?] were discussed. It was also reported that Messrs Midgely had applied for slightly increased space. It was reported that an application had been received from Rolls Royce Ltd for a tenancy of the portion of the yard at Coates Wharf which had been requisitioned by the Ministry from R O'Neill. [A tenant of CHSC? They were still owners of the wharf. This must be a sub-let.] It was agreed that this portion should be let to Rolls Royce as from March 17th 1947 at a rent of £10 per annum, the other portion to be let to R O'Neill at £10 per annum also to date from March 17th 1947. [Coates Wharf was used by Rolls for many years for their stockpile of coal for Bankfield Shed across the road. Bear in mind that while Rover had relinquished their tenancies in the shadow factories after the war, Rolls Royce had stayed on at Bankfield and their new factory at Gill Brow. I think it possible that Bankfield was still owned by British Celanese and rented by the MAP but after the war a de-requisitioning exercise similar to the one that CHSC went through would have taken place and at that point Rolls Royce bought Bankfield. This is conjecture but I think it's most likely correct. They are still there in 2011. The last mention of Coates Wharf in the minutes is in November 1955 when Rolls Royce are offered 'the remainder of the land' for £125. I assume that they bought it and owned the whole site.]

Post by **Stanley** » 10 Sep 2017, 04:05

June 19th 1947. It was reported that following an enquiry from Messrs Midgley and Co and a letter from the Cotton Control Board it was hoped to start running on September 1st at Wellhouse Mill with the following number of looms:
Horsfield (Bankfield) Ltd 200 looms
E Midgley and Co 200 looms
WD&E Nutter Ltd 250 looms
[Start date was November 3rd 1947. Henry Brown Sons and Pickles were given the task of re-starting the engine at Wellhouse. Newton told me about it, he went down and together with Tom Marshall they started the engine and ran it while they checked the lubrication of the shafting and the valve settings. The engine had a lot of load on when it stopped and was starting with a light load so a lot had to be done. This would include checking the new generator and electric lighting. History repeated itself forty years later when Newton played out with me when I restarted the 3,000hp engine at Ellenroad after it had been stopped for over ten years. I can tell you it's exciting stuff and very dangerous, you never forget it!]
An application was received from Messrs Widdup for a temporary tenancy of the spare land at Wellhouse Mill to be used for the storage and breaking up of looms. Res. That this should be agreed to and that Harold Duxbury should negotiate a suitable rent. [Loom-breaking became a common occurrence once the ultimate decline of the industry was accepted. Many of these looms would have been in storage during WW2 in the hope that happy days would be here again but reality had set in. There is nothing more depressing to anyone who has worked in the industry than seeing good machinery being scrapped.]
July 28th 1947. It was reported that conversations were taking place with James Slater Ltd re the possibility of them taking a tenancy at Wellhouse Mill. It was reported that provisional arrangements with Widdup for temporary occupation of land at Wellhouse Mill for storage and breaking up of looms as reported at the last meeting had fallen through. [Most likely the looms were taken direct to the foundry for breaking up.]
That the offer of Electrification Ltd for the provision of a Control Panel for the electrical installation at Wellhouse Mill of £365 be accepted. [Wellhouse has to be prepared for restarting. A large alternator had been installed driven by the engine to supply mains voltage power to electrically driven looms.]
September 25th 1947. A report was given of negotiations with James Slater Ltd regarding the tenancy of part of Wellhouse Mill formerly occupied by Horsfield (Bankfield) Ltd. Res That the terms set out in a letter of September 5th 1947 to James Slater Ltd be confirmed. Res. That the letting of part of Wellhouse Mill formerly occupied by M Horsfield and Sons Ltd to Messrs Joshua Dunkerley and Son Ltd be confirmed. The tenancy to be a monthly one and the rent to be £52-10-10 per month. The premises to be used for temporary storage of looms. [The tenancies specified above would be all looms stored, not running. This item gives an idea of the rent the manufacturers had been paying for loom storage. It looks like £600 per annum for 200 looms. This is what it cost the firms with unregistered looms to hang on hoping for better days.]
October 23rd 1947. The question of the basis of rent charges for the starting-up of looms at Wellhouse Mill was considered. Res. That for the first three months rent should be paid on looms running where this exceeded the standing rent now being paid. Res. That from the date the engine starts running at Wellhouse Mill now arranged for November 3rd the wage of Tom Marshall, engine man, be increased to £8-5-0 per week.
November 20th 1947. It was reported that Wellhouse Mill had commenced running on November 3rd. A report was given of provisional negotiations with Alexandra Mill Co Ltd for the occupation by them of the shed space at Wellhouse Mill formerly occupied by M Horsfield and Sons Ltd, their intention being to use it for stocking knitting. It had been suggested that CHSC would be prepared to let it to them for £100 per annum exclusive of power, heating and lighting. CHSC to be liable for rates and insurance of the building and the tenants for all repairs, maintenance, alterations, installations and air-conditioning required. CHSC to be responsible for asphalting the floor. No further development had taken place and it was resolved that negotiations should continue on the same basis. [This tenancy never materialised but worth noting that after the war Stephen Pickles at Long Ing Shed went over from weaving to knitting.] It was also reported that an enquiry for space for 50 to 100 Jacquard looms had been received from Darlington Fabrics Ltd and for space for approximately 50 looms from Mr E Holden of Rook Street Barnoldswick. The question of the letting of the warehouse space at Wellhouse formerly occupied by M Horsfield and Sons Ltd was also discussed and it was stated that Brown and Pickles had offered to pay £78 per annum for a portion of the first and second floors and Mr Duxbury stated that he was in touch with a possible tenant for the top storey at a rent of possibly £150 per annum provided a separate entrance from Wellhouse Road was made. [The Brown and Pickles tenancy at Wellhouse Mill continued through the war and outlived the CHSC. When Silentnight bought Wellhouse in 1978 Brown and Pickles carried on until demolition in 1982.]
December 18th 1947. A report was given as to an enquiry made by G S Sidebottom and Co Ltd re vacant space at Wellhouse Mill previously occupied by M Horsfield and Sons Ltd. It was also reported that the Alexandra Mill Co Ltd who had previously been in negotiation for this space had now made arrangements at their own premises in Macclesfield and were therefore not now interested in the tenancy.
January 15th 1948. A report on the position at Wellhouse Mill was given, particulars of negotiations with Nutter Brothers Ltd for the tenancy of the space formerly occupied by M Horsfield and Sons Ltd and with Messrs Sidebottom and Co Ltd for the tenancy of space at present occupied by John Widdup and Sons Ltd which they had given notice to terminate on March 31st 1948. Letters dated January 5th to both of these firms setting out the suggested terms of tenancy were read and approved. Nutter Brothers tenancy to commence May 1st 1948 and a provisional date for Sidebottom of April 1st subject to adjustment if necessary. Reference was made to the date on which the normal basis of rent shall come into force. Res. That this be further discussed at the next meeting.
February 19th 1948. A report was given on Wellhouse Mill. Nothing had been heard from G S Sidebottom as to whether they had received a licence from the Cotton Control Board. [It looks as though new start-ups were still being controlled.] James Slater Ltd had stated that a number of flags in the weaving shed were loose and the loom feet would have to be set in concrete. It was agreed that this was the landlord's responsibility. [It was generally accepted that it was a bad thing for a Lancashire loom to be fastened down rigidly, the tacklers liked to see them 'breathe' a bit while they were running. At Bancroft we re-set our own looms and used to sit the feet on thick pads of felt impregnated with a sticky bitumen which worked well but our flags were firm.]
A letter containing an estimate from Metropolitan Vickers Ltd of £78-2-6 for replacement of the automatic voltage regulator at Wellhouse Mill was read and it was agreed that the work should be done. Res. That the rents at Wellhouse Mill be continued to be charged on looms running for the time being until the position became more settled. [I'm not sure if the following is the case but I have the evidence of Walter Fisher of Brown and Pickles that the installation of the new alternator at WH was done by Ellison's and due to a mistake in routing the bus bars carrying current from the alternator, when first started there was a very serious dead short to earth. Walter said it was the only time he had ever seen the ropes on an engine flywheel slip, the overload was so great. It may be that this has resulted in the destruction of the original regulator and that this item is the replacement. Both Walter and Newton Pickles suspected that this sudden overload on the engine may have been the start, or at least, a contributory cause, of the fracture of the engine fly-shaft which occurred on May 22nd 1951.]
March 18th 1948. It was reported that G S Sidebottom and Co Ltd had signed a tenancy agreement for the space at Wellhouse Mill to be vacated by J Widdup and Sons by March 31st 1948 and that they had asked for the space to be cleared and the necessary repairs put in hand as soon as possible. A letter from James Slater dated March 11th was read in which they asked that the asphalting of their alleys should be put in hand as soon as possible. [The alley was the space between looms and blocks of looms. The former was the weaver's alley and the latter the broad alley. I suspect this is the broad alleys.] Res. That for the time being Mr Duxbury should arrange for the worst places to be made good. Mr Wood reported an interview with Mr Fletcher of Blin and Blin re the chimney at Calf Hall Shed which was in a dangerous condition. Res. That CHSC should contribute a third of the cost of approximately £582, that is £194. [The boiler at Calf Hall Shed was still in use for process and heating steam. I suspect that the work referred to is the removal of the head of the chimney and stabilising the shaft by re-pointing. This was its condition when I knew it from 1960 onwards.]
Mr Wood reported he had received a letter from Martins Bank re the overdraft and together with Mr Hedges had called to see Mr Whitaker the branch manager. It had been pointed out that rather higher expenditure than had been originally anticipated was being undertaken including the provision of generators, installation of electric light and the provision of new lavatories etc. Although the whole of Wellhouse Mill was now let it would be some time before full production could be obtained and there would not be a considerable increase in income for some time. It was possible that the overdraft might increase a little further. [I insert this item to remind us that CHSC was running an overdraft of over £30,000 at this time caused by the betterment payments to the government as part of de-requisition of Butts and Calf Hall.]
It was reported that additional warehouse space at Wellhouse of approximately 90 square yards had been transferred from the premises formerly occupied by Widdup's to E Midgley's tenancy. It was considered that a reasonable rent for this was £20 per annum. A report was given re the looms still on the premises belonging to Messrs Haighton and Messrs Goggins. Res. That every endeavour be made to get these removed at the earliest possible date. [These firms were never weaving tenants of the CHSC, this is war time loom storage, most likely stacked two high.]

Post by **Stanley** » 11 Sep 2017, 04:17

May 20th 1948. A report was given on the water supply at Wellhouse Mill. Mr Duxbury said that his men were engaged in cleaning out the well and he would endeavour to trace the suspected leakage from the dam. It was reported that a meeting of Room and Power owners in the district from Burnley to Barnoldswick had been held at which it was decided to form a Room and Power Owners Association and that at this meeting it was decided that owing to the increase in costs generally, the basic rate should be increased from £6-17-4 to £7 per loom per annum and that there should be no allowances for stopped looms, both alterations to come in from July 1st 1948. Res. That CHSC should join the association and that the amended terms be adopted. WH Rents. In view of the present position it was resolved that the matter be held over until the new rates come into force on July 1st 1948.
July 15th 1948. It was reported that arrangements were being made between James Slater Ltd and Horsfield's (Bankfield) for the running of looms in the portion of space at Wellhouse Mill not yet completely filled up by Horsfield's (Bankfield). Res. In connection with this, that the looms belonging to CHSC stored at Wellhouse Mill should be sold, five of these being purchased by Messrs Horsfield. Res. That the open store shed opposite the engine house at Wellhouse Mill should be let to Brown and Pickles at £20 per annum from July 1st 1948.
December 16th 1948. It was reported that James Slater Ltd had asked for approval for the installation of between 30 and 40 additional looms in the portion of Wellhouse Mill now occupied as a warehouse. Res. That this be agreed. Slaters also enquired whether the directors would agree to lease them for a period of say five years, the portion of Wellhouse Mill now occupied by them. It was considered that no objection would be taken to a proposed lease. [This is significant as it signals a consolidation of the changes in the relationship between CHSC and a weaving tenant. Instead of the usual tenancy agreement it becomes a lease with more security for both parties. The period of frenetic shuffling from one shed to another to chase grace periods is over.]
February 17th 1949. That in view of the valuable services and extra work rendered by Tom Marshall the engine man at Wellhouse Mill he be given a bonus of £50 after payment of tax.
June 16th 1949. A letter from James Slater Ltd re expenditure incurred by them at Wellhouse Mill was considered, the items consisting of a charge for additional shafting etc of £477-10-3 and expenditure on the office, canteen and warehouse etc £275-4-10. It was considered that this expenditure had been incurred by James Slater for their own benefit but that CHSC would offer £100 towards the additional shafting. [Note the mention of the canteen. The provision of canteen facilities by a weaving firm would have been unheard of before the war. After the war, when 'Britain's Bread hung on Lancashire's Thread' and labour was scarce the manufacturers had to provide incentives to get weavers into the shed. Canteens and subsidised transport to and from work at rural mills became common.]
April 20th 1950. Consideration was given to a request for an extension at Wellhouse Mill to provide further accommodation for G Sidebottom and Co Ltd and E Midgley and Co Ltd. It was considered that in view of the extensive repairs necessary to the present structure and the proposed increase in loom-space for Sidebottom's the proposition was feasible if the two tenants would agree to make a reasonable contribution. It was pointed out that it was not known whether the (current building) licence for £3,934-12-6 applied for by Mr Duxbury would be approved but it was thought the cost might considerably exceed this in view of the request for more space. It was considered reasonable to ask the tenants to contribute £500 each towards the capital cost. In the case of Sidebottom's this not to fall below the additional rent for 40 loom spaces and in the case of Midgley's £150 per annum. Also that they should be asked to pay a year's rent in advance, this to remain in operation for three years. [With the general demise of the room and power system in Barlick and the desire by CHSC to maximise the return on their investment in restarting Wellhouse Mill, the agreements with tenants are being tailored to individual circumstances. The CHSC don't need to look over their shoulders to see what other shed companies are doing.]
May 18th 1950. Mr Hedges reported that he had seen Mr Midgley re the possible extension of Wellhouse Mill to provide more accommodation for them and Sidebottom's. Mr Midgley has stated that in view of the conditions suggested by CHSC the two companies had decided not to proceed with their request for an extension. Mr Midgley also pointed out that the roof over his entrance would have to be repaired and suggested that while this was being done arrangements should be made to include a gantry to be installed at the same time and that the floor should be covered with asphalt. He said he would be willing to pay rent in advance to cover this. It was agreed that Mr Duxbury should go into the matter and the probable cost with a view to further consideration being given to the matter at the next meeting.
August 31st 1950. A further complaint from E Midgley and Co re the state of the roof on the entrance to their portion at Wellhouse Mill was considered. Mr Duxbury stated that the roof was in very bad condition and repairs were urgently needed, it was impossible to defer this until next year. The cost of repairing the roof would be approximately £750 but an alternative would be to put in a flat roof to increase the height so that loading could be done under cover. This would cost approximately £1,500. It was agreed that Mr Duxbury should see both Midgley and Sidebottom and see if they would make a contribution of £200 each and pay 5% on the balance of the cost.
September 21st 1950. H Duxbury said he had seen Midgley's about the roof over their entrance and that they would be prepared to pay £250 towards the cost but did not feel that rent should be increased. He had also seen Sidebottom's who had not yet come to any decision on the matter. Mr Duxbury thought that they wanted considerably more warehouse space. Res. That Midgley's offer be accepted and that Mr Duxbury should put the work in hand, approximate cost £750.
October 19th 1950. Mr Hedges stated that at the request of Mr Whitaker of Martins Bank he had called to see him and Mr Whitaker had said that the maximum amount on the overdraft should now be £25,000 and be reduced at £2,500 during the next six months. Mr Hedges had pointed out that there would be approximately £2,000 Schedule 'A' Tax to pay on January 1st 1951 and that there were future commitments for four new electric hoists at Wellhouse Mill, one in Butts Mill and extensive repairs to Midgley's roof. Mr Whitaker said he thought the bank would be agreeable to providing extra accommodation for exceptional items. [The overdraft is falling slowly but it's still a major factor in the director's thinking.]
November 16th 1950. It was reported that Nutter Brothers had been enquiring about erecting a garage at Wellhouse Mill saying that they would be prepared for this to become the property of CHSC after 10 years providing that if they left before then they should receive some recompense for it. It was arranged that Mr Duxbury should see Nutter Brothers with a view to getting more definite particulars.

Post by **Stanley** » 12 Sep 2017, 04:16

Meanwhile Wellhouse engine decided to make a protest after years of running on overload. On May 22nd 1951 the flywheel shaft broke. Brown and Pickles made a new shaft and installed it. See 'Brown and Pickles' by SCG for the full story.
June 21st 1951. It was reported that following an engine breakdown at Wellhouse Mill on May 22nd running recommenced on June 11th. Mr Duxbury stated that the repair of the water tank at Wellhouse Mill was in hand.
July 19th 1951. That the engine at WH be insured against engine breakdown with the Vulcan Boiler and General Insurance Co for £5000 and that cover for £20,000 be taken in respect of damage to adjoining property and Third Party Risks. [Shutting the stable door after the horse had gone? Note that this doesn't indicate any doubt in the board's mind about continuing to run the engine. Many mill owners didn't insure against breakdown but invested each year in a contingency fund. See Newton Pickles in the LTP for an example of this at Bishop's House Mill in Burnley.]
September 20th 1951. A tender received from James Proctor and Co from Burnley of £270 for the installation of a new shovel stoker on No 3 boiler at Wellhouse Mill subject to 16 weeks delivery was considered. Res. That further consideration be given to this at the next meeting especially taking into account the fact it could not be installed before winter. [This was the boiler that had run throughout the war for heating and hadn't had a new stoker fitted when the other two were refurbished in 1946.]
February 21st 1952. Particulars were given of the collapse a portion of the outside wall at Wellhouse Mill overlooking the lavatories occupied by E Midgley and Co Ltd and it was reported that the outside shed wall of the portion occupied by G S Sidebottom and Co Ltd was bulging outwards. The only possible course was to rebuild the wall when there was suitable weather during the summer. In the meantime it was agreed that Mr Duxbury should put up whatever support he considered necessary to prevent any possibility of collapse of the girders holding the roof, shafting etc. [The old Wellhouse problem of subsidence. The problem rumbled on over the next winter but was eventually repaired the following year.]
March 20th 1952. 'It was reported that G S Sidebottom had expressed a desire to increase the size of their tenancy at Wellhouse Mill and that there might be a possibility of them taking over some loom space now occupied by WD&E Nutter. Mr Duxbury and Mr Hedges had met Messrs G S Sidebottom and they had looked at the space and considered what could be done. The matter now awaited the further decision of the two firms.
Butts Mill. It was reported that following a letter from Carlson's, Mr Jacques, Mr Duxbury and Mr Hedges had met Mr Osgood the managing director who had emphasised the heavy expense Carlson's had been put to by the bad condition of the roof at Butts Mill. Mr Osgood had suggested that CHSC should make some contribution to the cost. During the discussion it was pointed out that under the terms of the lease the tenant was liable for all repairs and maintenance and that the condition of their building and fixtures had been agreed at the commencement of the lease by both parties. Also that when Carlson's had taken the premises there had been no increase in rent, in fact there had been a slight reduction compared with the rent previously paid by the Grove Engineering Co. Furthermore, since the date of the commencement of the lease there had been a general increase in rents except in the case of leased properties. Taking all this into consideration and the financial position of CHSC: Res. That a letter should be sent to Carlson's explaining the position and regretting that CHSC felt themselves unable to help in the matter'.
April 17th 1952. 'It was reported that a letter had been received from HMFI re the main shed wall adjoining G S Sidebottom's premises and also the wall supporting the water tank. A reply had been sent that these matters will be dealt with. It was reported that six months notice had been received from James Slater Ltd to terminate their tenancy at Wellhouse Mill. Mr Duxbury stated that GS Sidebottom and Co had said that they would be prepared to take two bays of the space occupied by WD&E Nutter for storage at storage rent. It was pointed out that WD&E Nutter were paying full loom rent for the space and it was agreed that it would not be in the interests of the CHSC to accept this proposition'.
July 10th 1952. It was reported that discussions had been taking place between the Room and Power Owners Association Committee and the Tenant's committee and that it was probable that the allowance of 9d per loom per week where a tenant was completely stopped would be extended to cases where they have more than 10% of looms stopped for more than a full week and that the allowance for tape stoppages would be increased from half to three quarters rent. The extension of the allowances for stopped looms would apply from July 1st 1952 to September 30th 1952 when the matter would be reviewed. [The cotton trade was suffering from foreign competition and the last phase of the decline had started in the old textile districts.]
August 21st 1952. It was reported that James Slater and Son had written to say they could not agree to the terms suggested at the last board meeting. However, as they wished to leave the looms intact they would agree to pay £20 per month for the warehousing of the looms subject to two or three months notice. It was agreed that it was desirable they remain on the premises in the hope that trade would improve and they could restart their looms. Res. That the secretary should again contact Slater's with a view to their remaining at Wellhouse Mill (say for three months) at the best terms possible.
April 16th 1953. It was reported that the soft water tank at Wellhouse Mill was leaking badly and that temporary repairs had been effected but a new tank would eventually be required at a cost of £500/600. Res. That consideration be given to the possibility of installing a pump so that water could be pumped directly from the dam to fill the boilers prior to starting the engine on Monday morning which would enable the level of water in the tank to be reduced by about 18” thus reducing the pressure in the tank. [Puzzling. I can only assume that they are still emptying the boilers each weekend to wash them out. If this is so it is very wasteful and one wonders why they don't get the water treatment right. The technology has improved by now and it should be possible to run the boilers from one flueing to another without emptying them. That is four times a year.]
June 11th 1953. Res. That the necessary repairs should be done, Mr Duxbury said he would attend to it. Re the water tank at Wellhouse Mill Brown and Pickles had estimated that a new pump would cost about £800 and the total cost including fitting would probably be over £1,000. They could however get a second-hand pump which they had in view and the cost of this including overhauling it and fitting would should not exceed £400. The pump would do all that was required. Res. That B&P be instructed to obtain the second-hand pump and fit it. Mr Duxbury said he hoped to be able to commence the rebuilding of the wall at WH adjoining Sidebottom's very soon.
November 19th 1953. A tender from Tidswell and Saunders Ltd for an additional armoured cable from the engine house at Wellhouse Mill to E Midgley and Co's space at £165 was considered. Res. That this work should be put in hand but that enquiry should first be made as to the cost of a cable capable of carrying additional voltage[?]. [Current? I think that the directors are doing some forward thinking to when all-electric running would come in and making sure that the new cable was heavy enough to carry more load.]
February 18th 1954. Mr Duxbury reported that the tank at Wellhouse Mill was in a very bad condition. It was not being used for storage of water after installation of the pump but the bottom acted as the roof for the part of the building it covered and to remove the 60 feet by 30 feet tank and re-roof would cost about £1,000. Res. That temporary repairs be carried out and that consideration be given to what should be done to make a permanent job. Mr Duxbury also reported that Brown and Pickles wanted to enlarge the entrance door into the old laundry. [First mention that they had taken it during the war.] They were prepared to carry out the work at their own expense providing CHSC agreed. Res. That the company gives this agreement.

Post by **Stanley** » 13 Sep 2017, 03:47

July 22nd 1954. A letter was read from Rolls Royce enquiring about the possibility of renting storage space at Wellhouse Mill. Res. That the shed portion (about 10,800 square feet) now occupied by James Slater for storage of looms be offered to them at £600 per annum to include heating and rates providing James Slater were not prepared to pay that amount. [A no-brainer I think! This was the start of major tenancies at Wellhouse Mill by Rolls Royce. They were paying market rates that the existing tenants couldn't match. The easy way to get the tenants to move was to put the rent up to equal the RR offer. There is no record of any protest from any of the tenants affected by this ploy. They were hanging on by the skin of their teeth and one gets the impression that they were quite relieved to have their hands forced and the decision made for them. Remember that many of these families had been weaving for almost 100 years and it was a hard decision.]
November 18th 1954. Mr Duxbury said that Clarke's Mattresses were interested in the space at Wellhouse Mill occupied by James Slater and he thought they would pay £1,000 rent per annum including heating. He had seen Rolls re their interest in the space but they said they weren't in a position to take the space immediately and had no objection to Clarke's taking it. It was agreed that Mr Duxbury see Clarke's and suggest they put an offer in writing of £1,000 per annum and if this was received it would be accepted providing they pay the rates and that arrangements could be made with James Slater for early termination of their tenancy. Mr Hedges read a letter received from WD&E Nutter dated November 8th 1954 regarding what they described as the shocking state of repair of their warehouse floor and the main alleys in the shed. It was reported that the floors needed attention. Res. That Mr Duxbury put the necessary work in hand.
December 16th 1954. A letter was read from Clarke's Mattresses Ltd dated November 30th 1954 in which it was stated that they were prepared to take the Slater space at Wellhouse at a rent of £1,000 to include heating from March 31st 1955. Mr Hedges said that he had arranged for Tom Clarke to meet James Slater at WH and he understood that James Slater Ltd had agreed to give vacant possession by March 31st 1955. Res. That formal notice be sent to James Slater Ltd and that confirmation be sent to Mr Clarke of acceptance of their offer with the suggestion that they should also pay the rates and make a reasonable contribution to any increase in insurance premiums if the fire risk is increased by their tenancy. A letter from G S Sidebottom dated December 10th was read re the erection of a garage on the spare land adjacent to their entrance at Wellhouse Mill. Mr Duxbury said he had called to see them and was arranging for the re-siting of the garage. It was agreed that confirmation of this should be sent to them and asking them to say what they had in mind for the erection of a structure for storage.
March 17th 1955. Mr Duxbury reported on the position re proposals for an extension at Wellhouse Mill of the portion occupied by G S Sidebottom and Co. He said that they had produced plans which he thought would involve a cost of about £1,200 and they had given him the impression that they would be willing to pay half the cost. It was pointed out that the roof of the present lean-to was in bad condition and that if the extension was not proceeded with the repairs necessary to it would cost between £300 to £400. It was agreed that Mr Duxbury should see them, the feeling of the board being that they would be agreeable to their suggestion being carried out subject to agreement on details. Mr Duxbury said that it had been suggested that the means of access used by the engineer past the North side of Wellhouse Mill from the engine house round to the lodge was a public footpath. Res. That it be put on record that this was not so and it was pointed out that it had previously been prevented by a gate and also that access had been completely stopped for a fortnight during December last to enforce the CHSC right, no protest having been received. [A bit like the old days, the directors defending an attempt to erode their land rights.]
April 21st 1955. It was reported that Clarke's had taken up the WH tenancy from April 1st 1955 at £1,054 per annum including rates and that they also retained their tenancy at Butts Mill at £652 per annum excluding rates making a total of £1,706 per annum. Mr Duxbury stated that he had seen G S Sidebottom re the proposed extension at Wellhouse Mill. In view of the present recession in the cotton trade they wished to leave the matter over for the time being but had said they definitely wanted to proceed with the matter when trade improved. [Hope still sprang eternal of better days to come but with hindsight the Barlick weaving trade was dying on its feet. By 1979 only a few looms were still running, Bendem, the modern incarnation of B&EM Holden had a small weaving shed in Wellhouse Mill running on individual electric motors, like Brown and Pickles they were tenants of the new owners, Silentnight. Pickles were still running at Long Ing but had converted to knitting.]
The question of electricity provided for power purposes to E Midgley and Co at Wellhouse Mill was further discussed. Mr Duxbury said that they had promised to let him have the invoice for electricity provided by the Yorkshire Electricity Board (lighting) as soon as it was received for the current quarter. Mr Duxbury would then forward the invoice to Mr Hedges for further consideration. [This shed had been electrified by fitting electric motors to drive the cross-shafts after the lineshaft between them and the the engine had been removed to clear the space in a portion rented by Rolls Royce. The power was still coming from the engine via the alternator.]
June 30th 1955. A report was given of the fire at Butts Mill which occurred on June 28th 1955 and completely destroyed part of the portion occupied by Clarke's Mattresses consisting of the two spaces taken over by them from Mrs Whipp and the engine house. The portions still usable by Clarke's consisted of the portion previously used by Electrification Ltd and the offices recently let to them. Mr Duxbury said he had seen Mr Tom Clarke who was anxious to continue his tenancy at Butts Mill but had stated that the two portions left could not be workable without further accommodation at Butts and had asked what the intentions of CHSC were re re-building. He was now working two shifts at Wellhouse Mill but this was not sufficient. Mr Hedges said that Aspden and Johnson the insurance assessors acting for CHSC had reported that they considered CHSC was covered for the damage done and there should be no difficulty in obtaining a satisfactory settlement. They were in touch with the assessors acting for the insurance company and hoped to be able to give some definite information within ten days. Mr Duxbury said that Carlson's would definitely be interested as he thought they would like to have the opportunity of having a good entrance at this end of the mill. Mr Carlson was at present abroad on holiday but Mr Duxbury said he would contact him on his return. In the meantime he did not think the walls were in a dangerous state and said he would take the necessary steps to prevent unauthorised access to the damaged portion. Considerable discussion ensued and after an examination of the damaged premises had been made: Res. That further consideration be deferred pending a settlement with the insurance company.
October 20th 1955. It was reported that £17,728 had been received from the insurance companies re the fire at Butts Mill and that £13,000 had been placed on deposit with the bank on September 12th at 2½% interest and subject to one week's notice of withdrawal. [The insurance payment cleared what remained of the overdraft at Martin's Bank.]

Post by **Stanley** » 14 Sep 2017, 04:11

November 17th 1955. It was reported that six months notice had been received from Nutter Brothers of their intention to vacate their portion at Wellhouse Mill on April 30th 1956. Res. That as Rolls Royce were interested in a tenancy at Wellhouse Messrs Duxbury and Hedges be empowered to meet representatives of RR with a view to arranging a tenancy. It was suggested that a reasonable figure would be £1,500 to include heating as at present, the tenants to be responsible for repairs and paying the rates. Alternatively £1,250 per annum without heating with steam to be supplied at an agreed rate through a meter, a suggested term to be a seven years lease with an option of another seven years the tenant to have a six months break clause in the second seven year term. It was also agreed that CHSC would be willing to contribute £500 towards putting the premises in a suitable condition.
January 19th 1956. Further correspondence read with RR re the proposed tenancy. A draft lease on the basis approved at the previous meeting, yearly rent of £1,550 and an allowance for the first year of £1,000 had been prepared by Smith Smith. This was read and approved and was to be forwarded to RR for their comments. Mr Duxbury said he had further enquiries from RR for space at Wellhouse Mill for 10,000 to 30,000 square feet. It was agreed that if this request should materialise, Mr Hedges should write to WD&E Nutter re their letter of November 30th asking if it would be of any help to give up some of the space occupied by them as this might be suitable for Rolls Royce. Mr Duxbury said that Mr Osgood of Carlson's had seen him and stated that they were not interested in the portion of Butts Mill now occupied by Clarke's Mattresses nor the portion damaged by fire. Mr Duxbury said that he was arranging for the completion of the removal of the fire debris after which it would be necessary to consider what was to be done with the property.
February 16th 1956. 'It was reported that a draft lease of the former Nutter Brothers space had been forwarded to RR who had acknowledged receipt of it and said that any further communication would be sent to Smith and Smith. Mr Duxbury reported quotations he had received for the shafting to be removed from the former Nutter Brothers' premises at Wellhouse. Res. That this be sold to George Rushworth of Colne. The shafting to be removed and delivered at Colne by Brown and Pickles'. [It's obvious that CHSC has seen the future and removal of the shafting is a tacit acknowledgement that the old industry is finished. Firms like RR and Clarke's Mattresses are working in the modern economy at realistic profit margins. The weaving industry is contracting and battling against a flood of cheap imports from countries who formerly were their customers.]
'Wellhouse Mill water supply. Mr Duxbury suggested that it might be an advantage to CHSC to acquire land adjoining Wellhouse Mill through which the Bowker Drain ran if the owners would sell at a reasonable price'.
The Bowker Drain is a mystery enfolded in an enigma. It was the main supply of water for the dams at Wellhouse Mill from 1853 onwards, had been the subject of court cases and was the supply of water to the well in Eastwood Bottoms in land owned by the Roundell Estate to whom CHSC are still paying an annual rent. I had many verbal evidences that use of the water in the drain was always seen as vaguely illegal, certainly everybody clammed up when I got on the subject. Harold knew more than most about the drain and as contractor for Rolls Royce he re-piped much of it with 9” concrete pipes. RR did this because they used water from it for foul water supplies at Bankfield Shed. You'll get some idea of the clandestine nature of any enquiry if I tell you that one evening a roll of plans was popped through my front room window in King Street in the 1980s and I never knew who was responsible. However, these plans of the Bowker Drain show how well it was surveyed and what concerns us here is that one of the drawings is dated January 1955 and I suspect that by February 1956 Harold Duxbury was involved in contracting for improvements to the drain for RR. This may be what is at the root of his advice above. Ironic that a final resolution of the security of the water supply at Wellhouse Mill is gained shortly before the need for condensing water ceases.
March 22nd 1956. 'A lease was submitted by which CHSC leased to Rolls Royce a portion of Wellhouse Mill for seven years from March 1st 1956 at a rent of £550 for the first year and £1,550 per annum thereafter with the option of a further term of seven years, such terms to be determinable by the tenant giving six months notice from any Quarter Day. Res. That the CHSC seal be affixed and witnessed by two directors and the secretary. It was reported that following the accident to his foot, Tom Marshall the engineer at WH had suggested that he should ease off a little and that £1 of his wage should be transferred to Ernest Marshall his son. The feeling of the meeting was that Tom Marshall should not suffer financially and that Harold Duxbury have an informal talk with him on the matter'.
May 17th 1956. 'Mr Duxbury reported that as suggested at the last meeting he had had a word with Tom Marshall and arranged that he should take things easier but that he should suffer no reduction in wage. He had also arranged that Tom's son Ernest be given a bonus of £1 per week'. [A nice touch.]
June 4th 1956. Mr Hedges explained that the meeting had been called following an enquiry from Rolls Royce to Mr Duxbury as to whether CHSC was prepared to let to RR the portion of Wellhouse Mill now occupied by WD&E Nutter Ltd. Mr Duxbury had received the enquiry on Saturday and had been asked to give a reply today. Mr Duxbury reported that he was continually pressed by WD&E Nutter for reductions in rent and understood that they were incurring heavy losses. Their associated company in Burnley had already given six months notice to terminate their tenancy there. It was agreed that in view of the bad state of the cotton trade it would be in the best interests of CHSC to secure RR as a permanent tenant. Also, it was borne in mind that if any further part of WH became vacant RR would very likely be interested in that. Res. That Mr Duxbury be authorised to tell RR that CHSC were prepared to negotiate a tenancy with them of WD&E Nutter's portion on a similar basis to the present lease, bearing in mind it would be necessary for CHSC to give six months notice to Nutter'. [The first time I think that CHSC had given notice to a tenant paying rent instead of negotiating an exit. A good indication of the relative financial strength of the new industries compared to the cotton trade. It is instructive to note that this same mechanism had been at work since the war in wage levels inside the two sectors. Many weavers had opted for better pay and conditions in the new factories. It was common knowledge that a sweeper at Rolls Royce commanded better pay then a skilled weaver.]
Mr Duxbury also mentioned an enquiry by RR as to provision of space for parking cars and also whether CHSC would allow RR to have use of one of the boilers so that they could provide their own steam. It was agreed that he should tell them that something could be arranged on both points. Mr Hedges read a letter he had received from RR dated May 17th re the charges for supply of steam and on Mr Duxbury's suggestion it was resolved that a reply be deferred pending the present negotiations.
June 11th 1956. Mr Hedges read a letter dated June 6th 1956 received from Mr Russell of Rolls Royce Ltd at Derby enquiring for about 30,000 square feet of space at Wellhouse Mill adjacent to that already let to them. Following this letter Mr Hedges and Mr Duxbury had seen Mr Smith at RR Barnoldswick and had been informed by him that RR were definitely interested in the shed portion and ground floor warehouse occupied by WD&E Nutter which altogether was about 37,000 square feet. They were not however interested in the first and second floors of the warehouse. A figure of 10/- per square yard was mentioned this being similar to the rent paid by them for the space at Wellhouse they already had. Following the discussion Mr Hedges had written to Mr Russell at Derby on June 8th giving a summary of the discussion and pointing out that the space is currently occupied by WD&E Nutter who, however, were only running a small number of looms. To obtain possession CHSC would have to give the firm six months notice although earlier possession might be arranged by mutual consent. Before taking any decision about giving Nutters notice it was felt that RR should confirm that they would take the space when it became available. Res. That the views stated in the letter be confirmed and that Mr Hedges write accordingly to Mr Russell saying that on receipt of his letter a meeting of the directors of CHSC would be called. Mr Duxbury said that RR had informed him on Tuesday June 5th that no more steam would be needed until September. Res. That the three boilermen employed on three shift working should work normal mill hours and be employed for the time being on painting and other necessary repair work. [Evidently this had been the CHSC response to Rolls wanting 24 hour heating.]
June 21st 1956. A letter from Rolls Royce dated June 18th 1956 was read in which they stated that they were anxious to take 37,122 square feet of ground floor space at Wellhouse Mill adjoining the space they already occupied on terms similar to the present lease and thought they would be able to offer £500 per annum for the first and second floors of the warehouse although they were not really interested in that space. [I seem to remember that eventually they located their apprentice school in this space.] Mr Hedges also read a letter dated June 19th which he had written to RR saying that subject to confirmation by his directors CHSC would be prepared to let the 37,122 square feet on the ground floor at £2,060 per annum and the 17,080 square feet on the first and second floors for £500 but pointed out that a definite acceptance of this offer would be necessary before notice could be given to Nutters. The letter also suggested that when RR wished to bring that space into use the rent would be increased. Res. That this letter be approved and that on acceptance by RR, six month's notice should be given to Nutters to vacate the tenancy of the portion of Wellhouse Mill occupied by them.
October 18th 1956. It was reported that Mr Russell of Rolls Royce had written to Smith Smith suggesting there should be a clause in the lease to RR of the portion of Wellhouse Mill to the effect that CHSC would be willing to pay compensation for improvements carried out by RR. It was confirmed that this could not be agreed to. Mr Duxbury reported that he had had informal talks with local representatives of Rolls Royce who suggested that CHSC should make a contribution of £1,000 towards the expense being incurred by Rolls Royce Ltd in line with the allowance agreed and included in the lease to them of the Nutter Brothers space. Res. That this was a reasonable suggestion and should be agreed to.

Post by **Stanley** » 14 Sep 2017, 04:14

From the number of confirmed page views it would appear that a lot of people are as interested in this subject as I am. Remember that you can find the full Minute Books on the site, just put 'minute' in the site search box at the top of the page. Any comments are welcome also. Easy to register and post on the topic. Remember also that 'The Calf Hall Shed Company' is available on LULU.com!

Post by **Stanley** » 15 Sep 2017, 04:25

December 20th 1956. A letter from Silentnight Ltd (formerly Clarke's Mattresses) to Mr Duxbury dated November 28th 1956 was read. They said they had purchased Clough Mill and at some future date would be vacating Butts Mill and Butts Offices and also gave the impression they would like to sub-let the portion of Wellhouse they occupied. Mr Duxbury thought they had in mind a firm from Skipton as sub-tenants. He had however approached Rolls Royce who said they were interested in this part of Wellhouse Mill but had not had any definite word from them. As regards Butts Mill, it was suggested that Mr Duxbury approach John C Carlson Ltd to see if they were interested in this part of the premises. A letter from Blin and Blin dated November 19th was read in which they asked if CHSC had meant to convey that they were not prepared to agree to an extension of the lease for a further ten years if Blin and Blin did not re-glaze the portion of the roof referred to in their previous letter. Res. That a reply be sent to them pointing out that the condition of Calf Hall Shed at the end of the present lease should be at least as good to that when they took possession and that the re-glazing would be a help towards this position. It did not follow that re-glazing would be insisted on as a pre-condition to extending the lease. It was reported that the roof of the portion of Wellhouse Mill vacated by WD&E Nutter had been made good by removing the tape trunks and re-slating. An account for the cost of this work had been sent to WD&E Nutter who felt very strongly that this was not their responsibility. It was agreed that while this was their responsibility, under the circumstances the matter should not be pressed.
January 17th 1957. Mr Duxbury said he had had an enquiry for space at Wellhouse for weaving. Rolls Royce were also interested but had not made a definite offer.
November 21st 1957. [Blin and Blin have decided to buy Calf Hall Shed and are in negotiations with the CHSC.] Mr Hedges said he had had an interview with Mr Fletcher and Mr Zimmerman of Blin and Blin and he had been unable to get them to increase their suggestion of ten annual capital payments of £2,500 for the purchase of Calf Hall Shed, they to continue paying rent of £2,960 per annum. They had in fact suggested that they were not sure whether it would be in their interest to continue as tenants only. During the discussions various difficulties had been raised about the legal ownership of the mill during the period of capital payments and Mr Fletcher had suggested that if a sale was agreed it would probably be better if ownership was vested in Blin and Blin immediately with a mortgage to CHSC. Res. That the directors would agree to sell Calf Hall Shed on the above basis for the amount suggested by Blin and Blin Ltd and that Mr Hedges should inform them to this effect first however having consulted the solicitors and being satisfied on the legal position. Mr Hedges reported that following the meeting on November 21st he had written to Mr Fletcher of Blin and Blin accepting their offer to purchase Calf Hall Shed for £25,000 payable in ten yearly instalments of £2,500 together with an annual payment of interest of £2,960 payable for each of the ten years, the mill to become the property of Blin and Blin immediately the necessary documents are completed and at the same time a mortgage to be executed to CHSC covering the 10 annual capital payments of £2,500 and the ten annual interest payments of £2,960. Mr Fletcher had telephoned his agreement subject to the final agreement of his directors and the approval of the Capital Issues Committee which would be necessary in respect of the mortgage. Mr Hedges said he had tried to contact Mr Fletcher just before the meeting but had been informed that he was in Canada with other directors of Blin and Blin. [This is a major step, the sale of the original shed built in 1889 which was the foundation of the CHSC.]
March 20th 1958. Mr Hedges reported that he had heard from the solicitors that Blin and Blin had approved the contract for the transfer of Calf Hall Shed and that it was hoped to complete the conveyance by April 1st or shortly afterwards.
April 17th 1958. It was reported that a letter had been received from Silentnight dated March 27th 1958 giving notice to terminate their tenancy at Butts Mill and that a reply had been sent stating that the tenancy would expire on September 30th 1958.
June 19th 1958. A letter was read from James Halstead Ltd dated June 3rd stating that they had decided to discontinue the business of Ed Aldersley Ltd and would not renew the tenancy at Butts Mill. They stated that whilst they anticipated weaving out before the end of December they might need a further period to dispose of their plant and machinery. Res that the letter be acknowledged stating that there would be no difficulty in arranging a short extension of the tenancy. [Another significant moment, the end of weaving at Butts Mill after 55 years of CHSC ownership and 112 years since the mill was built by Bracewell.]
It was reported that considerable stocks of coal remained at Wellhouse Mill and it was agreed that deliveries be suspended for the time being. [Burning the coal stocks is a precursor to stopping the engine.]
August 28th 1958. It was reported that Tom Marshall, engine man at Wellhouse Mill died on August 1st and that a message of condolence had been sent to his widow. Res. That an appreciation of his services be placed on record. Res. That his son Ernest Marshall be appointed engineer at WH in his place. [I have a suspicion that Tom's death made it easier for the board to come to a decision about stopping the engine.]
March 19th 1959. It was reported that Carlson's had made a tentative enquiry whether CHSC would entertain the idea of selling Butts Mill. Res. That Mr Duxbury should inform them unofficially that CHSC might be interested in an offer around £25,000.
April 16th 1959. It was reported that Aldersley's had vacated Butts as from March 31st 1959 and had agreed to pay £250 in respect of repairs that were necessary. Mr Duxbury reported that he had provisionally arranged with Silentnight that they should take tenancy of the large shed and main warehouse vacated by Aldersley, about 2,608 square yards at a rental of 5/- per yard for a period of six months from April 1st 1959. They to be responsible for rates and any extra insurance. The rent for six months would be £236. Res. That this be confirmed.
August 27th 1959. It was stated that it was understood that E Midgley and Co [Wellhouse weaving] would be closing down under the Cotton Board Reorganisation Scheme, information to this effect having been given to their weavers. No notice had been received by CHSC. [This was a government scheme to compensate firms for closure in order to reduce weaving capacity in the industry.]
September 24th 1959. It was reported that six months notice had been received from Midgley's to terminate their tenancy on February 28th 1960. It was reported that G S Sidebottom and Co Ltd were asking for 2,850 square feet of additional space (95ft x 30ft) It was agreed that this should be arranged if possible and that they should be asked to pay for this on the basis of 70 square feet per loom making an additional charge for 40 looms of 40” reed-space it being understood that it was their intention to put in additional looms. [One of the strange things that nobody properly understood was that fact that whilst the reduction of the capacity of the trade was reduced and there was an undoubted demand for cloth, this seldom resulted in extra work for the firms left weaving. Many years afterwards when I was engineer at Bancroft Shed I asked Sidney Nutter, the office manager, if he had any explanation. He told me he was as baffled as I was and had never been able to understand it.]
A general discussion took place on the WH tenancies. [The directors could see the end of weaving coming.]

Post by **Stanley** » 16 Sep 2017, 03:49

October 15th 1959. As regards WH tenants, Mr Duxbury said that neither Widdups or Rolls Royce were interested in more space at WH. Sidebottom's had originally accepted the offer of additional space but had later asked whether arrangements could be made for them to move to the space to be vacated by Midgley's. Mr Duxbury said that Blackburn Holden wanted to run about 80 looms of 39” reed-space in WH but that the whole position was still very uncertain. The possibility of having to stop the engine and run the looms remaining by electricity was discussed.
November 19th 1959. It was reported that Blackburn Holden had been pressing for confirmation that space would be available for him at Wellhouse Mill. Res. That a letter be sent to him confirming the verbal arrangements that space would be available for him for about 80 looms. The question of the removal of Sidebottom's to the space presently occupied by Midgley's was considered. Res. That particulars be obtained of the respective areas involved.
December 17th 1959. Correspondence from G Sidebottom was read re the suggestion they should move to the space presently occupied by Midgley's when this became vacant, the rent to be charged on the equivalent 313 looms of 40” reed-space. Res. That this be agreed and that they should have a fixed term of three years after which the tenancy should be subject to six months notice on either side.
At the same meeting Mr Jacques reported the death of Edward Wood who had been chairman for many years. Resolved that an expression of sympathy be extended to his family, his very great service recorded and the members stand in silence.
February 25th 1960. It was reported that negotiations had been entered into with Rolls Royce to lease to them the portion of Wellhouse Mill being vacated by Horsfield's (Bankfield) Ltd at a yearly rent of £1,500 per annum with an allowance of £500 off the first years rent, CHSC to pay for a new roadway to Vicarage Road from a new doorway in the NE side, the doorway to be constructed by Rolls Royce Ltd. The lease to be to February 28th 1963 and to contain similar options to the two other leases. Res. That these terms be approved. Mr Duxbury said that Sidebottom's wished to retain three bays of their present premises in addition to moving into Midgley's space. This would give them 2,612 square feet extra (less a passage from Blackburn Holden's to the toilets) which would accommodate further looms equivalent to 40 of 40” reed-space making a total of 353 looms at 40”. (See minutes of December 17th 1959) It was reported that Silentnight (Craven Pad Co Ltd) had not given notice to vacate the portion of Wellhouse Mill occupied by them but it was thought they would do in the near future. Mr Duxbury reported on preliminary conversations he had had with Blackburn Holden re space for 80 to 90 looms to be let to him at Wellhouse Mill. It was agreed that as part of the space to be occupied by Sidebottom's was already motorised it would be uneconomic to run the engine for the remaining looms. Res. That arrangements be made to install motors to drive the necessary cross shafts and to shut down the engine. [I'm glad that Teddy Wood was dead. He loved the engines and it would have been hard on him.]
March 17th 1960. It was reported that Rolls Royce had now suggested that the proposed lease to them of Horsfield's portion of Wellhouse Mill should be a ten year lease with a break clause on February 29th 1963 and that the landlords, on written request from the tenants, made not less that six months before the expiration of the lease would grant a seven year extension at the same rent. With the provision that the option to determine such further term by not less than six months written notice to the landlord expiring on any of the days appointed for payment of rent. Res. That this be agreed. Mr Duxbury said that E Midgley and Co had not yet vacated their portion of Wellhouse Mill and that until they had done so Sidebottom's were not able to fix on a suggested lay-out of their looms. This was holding up motorising that part of the premises. In the meantime six new 20hp electric motors and one 10hp for one shaft had been purchased, (Pencil note that an extra 20hp motor had been ordered since this minute.) Mr Hedges reported he had received a letter from Sidebottom's dated March 8th 1960 in which they conformed that they now definitely agreed that they would take the additional space set out in Mr Hedges' letter of February 26th. [Followed by reiteration of the terms agreed.]
April 21st 1960. Reported that the lease for Horsfield's portion of Wellhouse Mill to RR was in the hands of the solicitors for completion. Also reported that Midgley's portion of Wellhouse Mill was not yet ready for occupation by Sidebottom's but that every endeavour was being made to push forward the preparations.
June 16th 1960. It was reported that the agreement with YEB for the supply of electricity to Wellhouse Mill for power to run Sidebottom's and Holden's had been signed. Reported that the move by Sidebottom's to the Midgley space at Wellhouse was still not completed but that Blackburn Holden [Later Bendem Ltd] were installing looms in the part vacated by Sidebottom's. [We don't have a definite date for the stopping of the engine at Wellhouse but it must have been very shortly after these entries.]
This the end of volume nine of the CHSC minute books, the last I copied in the series as when I did it the CHSC was still in existence and volume ten was current and in use. In the absence of the later minutes and just to give you some clues. John C Carlson eventually bought Butts Mill and are still in business there as Carlson's Filtration. RR later gave up the tenancy of in Wellhouse Mill and Tom Clarke bought it in 1978, it is still used by what was originally a Silentnight subsidiary which makes the spring interiors for their mattresses. Silentnight are still in Moss Shed of course but in the course of writing this account have got into financial trouble and been baled out by an equity trader, time will tell whether this is a good thing. I think that the sale of Wellhouse was the trigger for winding CHSC up and Harold once told me that it was a stroke of luck, he said that at that time CHSC would have paid for someone to take it off their hands. Bendem survived in Wellhouse Mill as one of the last weaving firms in Barlick running about 80 looms, some of the Bancroft weavers went there after Bancroft closed in December 1978. Henry Brown Sons and Pickles were bought by Gissing and Lonsdale when Silentnight demolished the last remnants of Wellhouse in 1982 and still survive in name only on Wellhouse Road. For more background information seek out my books on Lulu.com, lots more in there.

Post by **Stanley** » 17 Sep 2017, 04:39

COAL AND THE CHSC

One of the advantages of the minutes is that we have specific figures for costs and income. The problem I have is knowing when to stop giving examples. Anyone who has looked at the original minutes will quickly identify one expense that dwarfed all others, energy. From the earliest days of steam power the cost of coal governed the cost of running a mill more than any other factor. This effect was exacerbated by the volatility of the price. This isn't the place to go into the history of the mining industry but with hindsight, the laissez faire ethos in which the mine owners operated and the fragmented nature of the industry meant that it was dominated by conflict between the profit motive and the demands of the miners for a living wage. We can see the consequences of this clearly in the minutes and the effect it had not only on the CHSC's profitability but indirectly on the cotton manufacturers.
Let's look at what the minutes can reveal. The first thing that strikes me is that in the early days the board was in unknown territory when it came to sourcing large quantities of coal. Look out for changes in strategy as they gained experience and become more competent.
One word of explanation about grades. Coal was usually screened at the pithead into different grades based on size. Slack was dust to about half an inch, singles was up to two inch, doubles was up to four inch and cobbles up to about six inch. Larger coal than this was usually called household and could contain a mixture from four inch to large lumps (every coal house had a coal hammer!) and just to complicate things, unscreened was just what it said, often called 'run of the mine', it was coal as it came out of the pit. Singles and doubles were often washed and this was a superior grade. In later days these sizes were standardised but this is my approximate explanation. Sophisticated grading by quality based on calorific value and ash content didn't come in until the modern industry, the board and their sources of advice made their own assessments based on experience, usually the engine man and the firebeater, some seams were better than others. As if this wasn't complicated enough, coal quality could vary with position in a seam so what had been good quality coal could suddenly deteriorate but have the same description at the mine.
On November 30th 1889 the Calf Hall engine starts.
February 12th 1890. That the secretary write George Andrews respecting his non-delivery of coal according to contract and inform him that he is six wagons in arrears and owing to him being so far in arrears it has caused our directors great inconvenience and expense and they think that he ought to pay the difference it has cost them having had to pay 14/6 and 16/2 per ton. [A shaky start. George Andrews was station master at Earby at the time and also operated as a coal merchant and carriage proprietor. He may have supplied the Bracewell mills in Earby and domestic coal. At this point Calf Hall would be burning about 25 tons a week, approximately two 13 ton railway wagon loads, it was winter and the heating load was on.]
February 19th 1890. That one wagon per week of coals “Park Hill Stock” at 10/6 per ton be ordered from Simon Parks and Co. [I know nothing of Simon Parks and he does not appear again in the minutes.]
March 26th 1890. That H&J Widdup’s offer of three wagons per week of Roundwood Coal at 12/- per ton to be delivered at Barnoldswick station, Pit Weight, be accepted. [Most likely to be Roundwood Colliery at Wakefield. The Widdup family were established coal merchants in Barlick operating out of the station yard. In the early days they proved to be a reliable source of supply. I consulted with a friend of mine who is an old railwayman and a trusted adviser. He says that until post-WW2 the capacity of a standard truck was 13 tons and after that was slightly larger at 16 tons.]
April 9th 1890. That an arrangement be made with the Midland Railway co-respecting the unloading and demurrage of coal wagons at the station. [Demurrage was the technical term for penalty payments for delay in unloading railway wagons in the station sidings, also common in connection with the shipping trade. Intended to ensure quick turn-round of trucks, an essential for efficient operations. Often a bone of contention, I was having problems with demurrage in my days of tramp driving in the 1960s.] That H&J Widdup cart the coal from the station to the shed at the rate of -/6d per ton for six months. [The coal was carried in two wheel tipping carts which held about 25/30cwt of coal. So round trip price of say 9d. There is no general rule we can apply to who carted the coal from the station yard (and later from the canal wharf) to the mills. As we shall see, sometimes the merchant did the carting and quoted delivery direct to the mill, later when more than one mill was supplied the merchant still did the carting but specified different charges for each mill based on the length of the journey. We shall also come across specialised carters engaged directly by the board to deliver their coal. One thing to bear in mind is that until well after WW1 all the transport was horse-drawn. The sight of a horse drawing a two wheeled tipping wagon holding about 25cwts of coal must have been common.]
Cotton Factory Times, 17/04/1891. Report describes the engine christening at Wellhouse which took place on Sat 11th April. Mrs. W. P. Brooks christened the engine 'Progress'. Made by Burnley Ironworks, this was the left hand side of a pair of double tandem engines and it was hoped that they would soon be asked to provide the other half of the engine. [No mention in the minutes. However, in our context the CHSC have another mill to supply with coal.]
April 1st 1891. That a boat load of coal [Leeds and Liverpool Canal 'short boat', approx. 45 tons] be ordered from Altham, 11/3 per ton, and got at once to Calf Hall Shed and a boat load of Townley Best Slack at 9/4 per ton be got in a week hence, both from Holgate Marsden. [Holgate Marsden lived in Salterforth and was a coal and stone merchant operating from Salterforth Wharf. In 1900 he is mentioned as the owner of a boat-building yard at Salterforth and was later a partner in the new Coates Shed. No mention here of where the coal was to be unloaded but almost certainly at Coates Wharf as this avoided carting the coal over the hill into Barlick from Salterforth, in the days of horse transport this was a serious consideration. Coal was always described by mine, seam and grade, bear in mind that different mines worked the same seams. We shall see Altham and the Arley Seam mentioned a lot in the minutes, these collieries produced high grade coal and were at Burnley. They are closely linked with the major mineral rights owners in the town, the Exors of Colonel Hargreaves. Later on this body seems to be acting as sales and distribution agents for the Altham collieries and were the owners of Coates Wharf. Perhaps it is worth mentioning that Long Ing had their own wharf. Victor Hedge's first job after leaving school was to go down the mines and measure up coal extracted for the Exors so they had a basis for charging what was due under the mineral rights.]
May 6th 1891. That two wagons of coals be ordered with Mr Widdup of Salterforth of unscreened mixed coal delivered at Barnoldswick station at 10/3 per ton.
May 27th 1891. That a boatload of Altham coal at 10/8 per ton delivered at Coates Wharf be ordered with Holgate Marsden.
June 10th 1891. That a boatload of coal be ordered with Crabtree Brothers at 9/6 per ton delivered at Coates Wharf, wharfage free for Wellhouse Mill. [Crabtree Brothers were also coal merchants at Salterforth.] That a boatload of coal be ordered with Holgate Marsden for Calf Hall Shed at 10/3 per ton delivered at Coates Wharf.
July 1st 1891. That a boatload of coals be ordered with with Holgate Marsden for Calf Hall Shed at 10/3 per ton.
Res. 8th. That a reply be sent to Delaney informing him that his price offered for Roundwood coal cannot be accepted at 11/2 per ton. [John Delaney was a Quaker who lived in Settle in 1891, he was a quarry owner and coal merchant. He seems to have acted as agent for many Yorkshire collieries. He became a major supplier to the CHSC and died December 25th 1921.]

Post by **Stanley** » 18 Sep 2017, 04:33

September 2nd 1891. That Holgate Marsden supply Calf Hall Shed with coal at 11/1 per ton delivered at Calf Hall Shed and Richard Crabtree supply Wellhouse Mill with coal at 10/2 per ton delivered at Wellhouse Mill. [Wellhouse Mill was nearer to Coates Wharf than Calf Hall and this could account for part of the difference in price. Note the use of two suppliers, one Lancashire coal and the other Yorkshire. This is insurance against non-delivery by one of them and encouraged price competition, the board are getting the hang of it!]
October 14th 1891. That 2 wagons of coal be ordered with H&J Widdup of Newland Pea Nuts at 10/- per ton. [Newland Colliery, Normanton, West Yorkshire.]
October 21st 1891. That Delaney’s quotation for Roundwood [Leeds] coal for Calf Hall Shed be accepted at 11/2 per ton.
April 27th 1892. That John Delaney’s tender for coal for Calf Hall Shed be accepted at 10/9 per ton delivered at Barnoldswick station subject to the quantity and quality being satisfactory. [Worth noting when comparing prices that many factors were involved. Individual suppliers had their own arrangements with specific collieries and there were small but important variations in quality between seams. This explains why contracts were made by CHSC at varying prices in one market.]
June 8th 1892. That Delaney be written to stop sending any more Roundwood coals until further instructions and send Double Screened Monk Bretton [Wakefield] in place of them at 12/3 per ton. [This plus Roberts being called to the engine at this time and firebars in the boiler furnaces burning out suggests to me that the plant at Calf Hall Shed is hard-pressed and using better coal is one way of attacking the problems.]
August 31st 1892. That there be two wagons at 8/7 per ton and two at 7/7 of Featherstone coal be ordered to arrive here Monday or Tuesday next at the latest. That Delaney be ordered to stop the Kilnhurst coal [Barnsley] after sending 6 wagons.
October 5th 1892. That 6 wagons of Newland slack [Normanton, West Yorkshire] be ordered with H&J Widdup at 10/2 per ton pit weight delivered Calf Hall Shed. ['Pit weight' denotes that the weight quoted at the pit head will be taken as the amount to be paid for.]
October 12th 1892. That a boatload of coal be ordered with R Crabtree, half Best Slack and half Thin Mine [name of seam] at 10/- and 10/10 respectively. That a contract be entered into with John Delaney for Monk Bretton coal for six or twelve months at 10/9 per ton. [I think this is the first mention of a contract for a specified period with one merchant. There was trouble brewing in the mining industry and this may be the board's strategy to achieve some security of supply.]
December 7th 1892. That George Andrews account for coal be paid £1-19-7. [Can’t help wondering if this is best household coal for the office fire!]
July 19th 1893. That Mr John Widdup of Barnoldswick be engaged as carter to cart the coal from the station to Calf Hall Shed at 7d per ton and 1/- per ton for coal carted from Coates Wharf, the contract be for one year from the 1st day of August next. [Further from the wharf than the station.]
September 27th 1893. That we get 100 tons of coal. [There was serious disruption in coal supplies caused by the mine-owner’s lock-out of the miners during wage disputes in 1893. The Yorkshire coal fields were badly affected. This could be the reason for this entry.]
December 6th 1893. That a boat load of coal be ordered from H Marsden at 9/9 per ton delivered at Coates. [Almost certainly Altham coal.] That a boat load of thin seam coal be ordered from R Crabtree, 10/2 per ton delivered at Wellhouse.
April 4th 1894. That four trucks be ordered with John Widdup of Pope and Pearson [Colliery owners at Normanton.] delivered at CH at 10/10 per ton also four trucks of Exors of Colonel Hargreaves’ at 10/2 per ton.
November 14th 1894. That the secretary order two truckloads of St John’s [Normanton.] best slack at 7/2 per ton at Barlick Station for Wellhouse Mill. The secretary read the monthly statement of receipts and payments and reported that the weight of coal carted to Calf Hall Shed (as per weigh tickets) for the three weeks ending November 10th 1894 was 35tons 4cwt per week. [This is cold weather so there is the heating load. As a guide, at Bancroft I burned about 13 tons a week in summer and 35 in winter.]
February 20th 1895. Mr Richard Crabtree attended before the directors with regard to the price of coal. Viz. 9/4 per ton, Thin Mine, at Wellhouse Mill.
May 1st 1895. That the secretary be instructed to obtain tenders for the supply of coal to the company.
December 3rd 1895. Mr J Sneath, the engineer at Wellhouse attended before the meeting with regard to his conduct in striking the carter with his shovel and seriously injuring him. That in future he be requested to follow the instructions of the company viz. To assist the carter to unload and to assist in shovelling up the coal to his requirements. To see to the office being ready for the meeting of Directors as usual and as nearly as possible to run his engines to time. He was also informed that the directors could not pass over another occurrence of this description. [Not strictly coal costs but I love this entry! The engineer was master of all he surveyed and shovelling coal into the bunker wouldn’t go down well. We aren’t sure if he has a replacement for Pickover the firebeater at this time. As regards time he might have an excuse, Post Office Time ran about four minutes later than Railway Time and since he almost certainly got time checks for the engine house clock from the Manchester Man (representative on the Cotton Exchange) who used Railway Time it’s quite easy to see how he could be accused of starting the engine early because as far as the weavers were concerned, they set their watches by the public clock at the Post Office, he was running four minutes fast. This was a serious matter because at this time the tacklers, whose wage depended on output from their sets of looms, had authority to set on a tramp weaver from the group stood waiting for work in the warehouse on any looms where the weaver wasn't waiting for the engine start. The late weaver lost either a half or a full day's wage.]

Post by **BillHowcroft** » 18 Sep 2017, 07:13

Coal seems cheap, especially in the days before lorries & JCBs when they would have to cart it from the railway or canal.
Can you give us a comparison of the average labourer wages, or similar measure like the price of bread/beer, against the price of coal in the early 1890s and the more recent NCB equivalents.

Post by **chinatyke** » 19 Sep 2017, 03:02

Stanley wrote: ↑18 Sep 2017, 04:33
December 3rd 1895. Mr J Sneath, the engineer at Wellhouse attended before the meeting with regard to his conduct in striking the carter with his shovel and seriously injuring him. That in future he be requested to follow the instructions of the company viz. To assist the carter to unload and to assist in shovelling up the coal to his requirements. To see to the office being ready for the meeting of Directors as usual and as nearly as possible to run his engines to time. He was also informed that the directors could not pass over another occurrence of this description. [Not strictly coal costs but I love this entry!

Sounds like he didn't get "the office ready for the meeting of Directors as usual" so it looks like he was belligerent or expecting to get the sack!

Stanley wrote: ↑18 Sep 2017, 04:33 striking the carter with his shovel and seriously injuring him.

The good old days!

Post by **Stanley** » 19 Sep 2017, 04:30

Not the place for that analysis here Bill but broad brush, reckon on a wage averaging 20 to 30 shillings a week.
China, like many employees, Sneath had shares in the CHSC and was fairly secure in his job.

September 1st 1897. The secretary read the quotations for coal for Wellhouse Mill, delivered at the mill. R Crabtree, Best Slack 8/3 per ton. John Widdup, Acton Hall washed beans 9/7. Exors of Colonel Hargreaves, Arley slack 9/6. H Marsden Altham Nuts 8/11. [Notice how dear Arley Slack seems to be. The Arley Seam was very high quality coal and could have been the best buy. See the next entry.]
October 20th 1897. The report of the Burnley Ironworks Co on the engine and boilers at Calf Hall Shed was read in which it was stated that the total power was 306hp and the friction load [Energy lost in shafting etc.] 80hp. Coal consumption for all purposes (Arley Slack at 9/7 per ton delivered at shed) 402lbs per hp/hr. This consumption was considered to be very excessive. [Valuable information here because BI had wide experience of other plants and had no inhibitions about telling the truth because it wasn’t one of their installations.]
December 22nd 1897. That Best Slack coal per J Widdup be supplied to Calf Hall Shed. Mr Edmondson intimated that the price would be 7/3 per ton at the station.
February 9th 1898. George Proctor, the secretary, stated that the price of best slack delivered at one of the Nelson mills was 6/8 per ton and the rent of looms 38/- per annum (average in Nelson for a modern shed). Best slack delivered at Barlick Railway station is 7/3 per ton and at the shed 7/10, a difference of 1/2 per ton. This additional cost of coal amounts to 2/- per loom per annum so that from the company’s standpoint the rent at Barlick is 39/- minus 2/- which is 37/- per loom as against 38/- per loom in Nelson. As to tapes, the average in Nelson is £85. Taking 3 tons of coal per tape per week at 1/2 per ton increased cost of coal the additional cost would be £9-2-0 per annum so that the company is only charging, as compared with coal cost at Nelson, £80-18-0 per tape. [This is a repetition but lovely evidence. George is intimately connected with the trade in both towns and can give authoritative figures for relative costs. Note how heavy coal usage is per tape, from my experience at Bancroft I'd say this was a conservative estimate.]
September 21st 1898. Mr Edmondson reported that he had ordered one wagon of coals from Waterloo Oil [Brooks Pickup’s, a Colne merchant who later supplied Viaduct Shed.] each at 7/8, 8/5, 9/11 per ton average of 8/8 for three wagons. [I checked this entry and it is a correct transcription. I think the entry should have read 'one wagon each of coals...'] That one boat of Altham coal be ordered at 8/11 per ton and that the supply of Altham coal be continued until further orders.
January 1899. That Great Harwood coal be tried for one week. [Coal from pits varied with conditions in seams and word of these variations rapidly spread through the district. Good reports of a particular seam were followed up, as in this case, by a trial load.]
March 8th 1899. That one boat of Altham coal be tested and one boat of Thin Mine Screened at 9/9 per ton and that Messrs. Brooks and Dent take the time run by each. [We get a glimpse of how the director’s assess the quality of coal, how long a boatload of a certain quality lasts against another. Rule of thumb.]
March 29th 1899. The deputation appointed with regard to the testing of Altham Coal and Thin Mine reported as follows:
46 tons [a boatload] Altham at 9/4 per ton, £21-9-4.
46 tons Thin Mine at 9/9, £22-8-6.
Altham ran the premises for 48 hours, Thin Mine for 50 hours.
The cost per 56 hour week was: Altham £25-0-10. Thin Mine £25-2-4.
Thin Mine however steamed [heated] the shed, old portion and Windle’s for 14 hours longer and Moorhouse and Widdup 4 hours longer.
[Lovely information, everything from coal costs and amounts burned to hours worked in the mills per week. Even confirmation of the capacity of a Leeds and Liverpool Canal ‘Short boat’.]
October 25th 1899. That the three trucks of Arley coal be stored at Wellhouse Mill.
November 1st 1899. That the secretary be instructed to purchase 100 tons of coal for Wellhouse Mill from Pope and Pearson, Normanton or failing them, any other pit where the quantity can be obtained.
November 29th 1899. That 50 tons of each of the following quality of coals be ordered from Holgate Marsden: Rough slack at 9/3 per ton. Bower’s best slack at 9/6. Rothwell Haigh at 9/3. That the chairman and secretary form a deputation to wait on the colliery company mentioned by the chairman.
December 20th 1899. The secretary reported the consumption of coal at Calf Hall Shed for November to be 33 tons 14cwt and 3quarters per week. [28lbs under 33.75 tons]
January 26th 1900. The secretary reported that all the pit owners in Wigan were sold forward and could not therefore supply the company. [Disruption of coal supplies caused by industrial action, this is why they are looking as far afield as Wigan.] That the chairman and secretary form a deputation to the Exors of Colonel Hargreaves and to Acton Hall re the supply of coal. That the manufacturers be asked to meet the directors with a view to an advance of rents consequent on the high price of coal, 16/- at Calf Hall. [This is a massive increase from approx 10/- per ton a few weeks previously and a good indication of the serious effects of industrial action in the coal fields causing a shortage.]
February 28th 1900. The secretary read the communications with the Altham Colliery Company with regard to continuing the supply of coal to Wellhouse Mill in which they informed the directors that they could do nothing at present but would give us a supply immediately their output improved.
March 28th 1900. That we write to Messrs Garratt and Co, Moorgate Street [Manchester?] for particulars of a colliery they have for disposal. [The coal situation must be critical if the CHSC is considering buying a pit.]
April 11th 1900. That one wagon of coal at 12/9 per ton be purchased as a sample by Mr Brooks.
April 19th 1900. That four trucks of coal at 12/9 per ton be ordered from John W Widdup. The secretary reported having written to eight collieries in Yorkshire and that replies have been received that they were fully sold. [Demand for coal is exceeding supply and this is what is driving the price up by approximately 3/- per ton on purchases six months ago.]
May 16th 1900. That the secretary be instructed to ascertain if Messrs Pope Pearson are willing to grant a contract for the supply of coal and on what terms. [The CHSC are looking for ways of ensuring continuity of supply.]
July 11th 1900. That the director’s action in offering the whole of our consumption of coal to the Altham Colliery Co for five years providing the price be as to the Long Ing Shed Co and subject to the same variation in price both as to amount and time as the Exors of Colonel Hargreaves’ Arley slack be approved. [Smart move, they have ensured a supply and at the same price as their major competitor for provision of space in Barlick. This lifts the threat of competition based on coal prices.]
July 27th 1900. No mention of lack of dividend in the minutes but in the half yearly report they break the news that profits this half year are £37-7-0 compared with £580-9-0 the previous half year. The amount paid for coal is £743-10-11 in excess of the corresponding half year in 1899.

Post by **chinatyke** » 19 Sep 2017, 04:50

Stanley wrote: ↑19 Sep 2017, 04:30 The report of the Burnley Ironworks Co on the engine and boilers at Calf Hall Shed was read in which it was stated that the total power was 306hp and the friction load [Energy lost in shafting etc.] 80hp. Coal consumption for all purposes (Arley Slack at 9/7 per ton delivered at shed) 402lbs per hp/hr. This consumption was considered to be very excessive. [Valuable information here because BI had wide experience of other plants and had no inhibitions about telling the truth because it wasn’t one of their installations.]

402lbs of coal per hp/hr. At 306hp that's 123,012 lbs of coal per hour. Even on a 10 hour day that would be over 549 tons of coal. Clearly something wrong with their figures!

Further down this report it gives coal consumption as 75572 lbs per week (33tons 14 cwts 3 qtrs) which is 450 lbs per hour based on 168 hours.

Post by **Stanley** » 20 Sep 2017, 04:39

Well spotted. They weren't infallible but you can get a good idea of actual consumption, just as you did.

August 8th 1900. That Mr John Widdup be asked to contract for supply of coal at 15/5 per ton for 50 tons a week until June 30th 1901.
August 15th 1900. That the contract with John Widdup for the supply of 50 tons per week of Pope Pearson coals at 15/8 delivered at Calf Hall Shed or Wellhouse Mill to the 31st of December subject to strike clauses etc. be signed by T Dent, W Perry and the secretary. [First mention of strike clauses to protect the coal merchant. More evidence of insecurity and unrest in the mining industry.]
October 17th 1900. The secretary reported that he had entered into a provisional contract, subject to ratification by the meeting, with the Altham Colliery Co for the supply of coal for Wellhouse Mill for a period of five years. The price to be 12/4 per ton until the end of March next with a rise or fall per ton during this period as made by the Exors of Colonel Hargreaves for the best Arley Slack at Burnley. It was also arranged that should the Altham Colliery Co renew their contract with the Long Ing Shed Co at the end of March next year the coal supplied to the CHSC should be at the same rate. The Altham Colliery Co not to be compelled to deliver more than four boats a month [About 185 tons] until the 31st of March next, after that date 60 tons per week. [About 6 boats a month.] That the foregoing arrangement be ratified and a contract embodying the same to be entered into with the Altham Colliery Co.
January 7th 1903. The secretary reported that the coal consumption during the half year [At Calf Hall and Wellhouse, the CHSC didn't buy Butts until April and Viaduct Shed at Colne in 1905.] was 2,238 tons or 89½ tons per week which was the equivalent of 39.2 looms per ton per week.
January 14th 1903. That from the 1st of January coal delivered at Calf Hall Shed be calculated at 26cwt a load. [These were two wheeled horse-drawn tipping carts.]
[In April 1903 the CHSC buys Butts Mill.] June 24th 1903. The secretary read the correspondence with ref to the Craven Manufacturing Co's tenancy at Butts Mill and gave particulars of the coal consumption at Calf Hall Shed, Wellhouse Mill and Butts Mill. In the case of Butts Mill, for the four months ending May 31st the cost was 15/2 per loom per annum with Monk Bretton coal at 11/6 per ton with 6d for carriage. [They must be using coal figures provided by the Butts Mill Company.] In the case of running Wellhouse Mill and Calf Hall Shed together the cost was 13/1 per loom per annum with Altham coal at an average price of 11/1 per ton delivered in the boiler houses. Res. That Altham coal be used at Butts Mill and that the secretary obtain information from Holgate Marsden about carting. [These figures bear out what Johnny and Newton Pickles always contended about the Musgrave engine at Butts. It was a big, heavily built, slow running wastrel and a mistake.]
July 1st 1903. The secretary reported that Holgate Marsden's prices for carting coal from Coates Wharf were as follows: Wellhouse Mill 5d per ton. Butts Mill 8d per ton. Calf Hall Shed 9d per ton. [About 1 ton 6cwt per load so per load: WH 6½d. Butts 10½d. CH 1/-.]
October 7th 1903. That H Marsden's coal carts be drawn over the scale occasionally without notice. [Checking weights. There was a lot of trust involved in assessing the weight of coal deliveries.]
March 16th 1904. The secretary reported that the price of Altham coal would be reduced 3d per ton from April 1st bringing the price to 10/3 at Coates Wharf.
May 11th 1904. The results of the test of coal consumption at Butts Mill was as follows: 45 tons 9cwts per week at 10/11 per ton delivered (Altham Nuts) for 1926 looms (all weight being on the engine) giving 42 looms per ton per week. [There will probably be some heating load.]
August 23rd 1905. That a letter be sent to Holgate Marsden asking him to send all Altham coal by rail. [Almost certainly due to low water in the canal, another factor that could affect the company.]
November 1st 1905. The secretary reported that the price of coal at the station at Colne as used by Viaduct Shed, best slack, was 8/11 per ton from today. [CHSC had bought Viaduct Shed in Colne. Coal was cheaper at Colne than at Barlick, local disadvantage.]
November 29th 1905. The secretary gave particulars of the working expenses of Coates Shed which is to be sold on December 6th 1905 which showed that the cost was over £700 (including £100 depreciation) and that the shed would hold 360 looms only. [There is a small scrap of paper inserted in the minute book for this date. It shows per annum coal costs of £320, wages £78, extras £5, water extraction fee to L&L Canal Co £12, Oil and grease £12, Rates £40, Insurance £10, repairs £80, depreciation £100. Total £657. Loom rents £720, tape £80, total receipts £800. Profit balance £143. (Roughly 6% I calculate.) Lovely, precise information. The CHSC are having a sniff at another mill! It's not mentioned but the mill was still being driven by the original 1865 beam engine and it may be that this carried some weight with the directors.]
July 30th 1906. That Mr Marsden be asked to reduce the stock of coal at Coates Wharf. [This entry gives us some clues as to how the deliveries of coal were administered. I think we can deduce that Holgate Marsden charges the CHSC for coal delivered and stacked at the wharf where it is the property of CHSC. As there are no discernible charges for rent of space at Coates Wharf to anyone I think it is safe to assume that Marsden is paying the Exors of Colonel Hargreaves, the owners of the wharf, for space to store coal and recovering this in the price of coal as delivered to the sheds. Remember that CHSC weren't necessarily his only customers. In later years under delivery direct to sheds from the pithead by road it was customary for each mill to keep a reserve stock on its own premises. At Bancroft we normally carried 300 tons on stock, about ten week's supply in winter. Coal stocks were an insurance against stoppage of deliveries.]

Post by **Stanley** » 21 Sep 2017, 04:05

August 5th 1908. A letter was read from H Marsden stating that the price of Altham coal will be reduced 5d per ton from August 1st bringing the price to 10/11 per ton at Coates Wharf.
October 20th 1909. That a contract be entered into with the Altham Colliery Company for the supply of coal for one year from Jan 1st next at an increase of the present price from 11/3 to 11/8 per ton. [Worth remembering that in 1908 the Miner's Federation had voted to support the Labour Representation Committee which was the forerunner of the modern Labour Party. Bodies like the CHSC were aware of these developments and it may be that having long term contracts with the colliery owners was seen as some form of insurance against possible shortages of coal caused by industrial unrest.]
January 4th 1911. The secretary reported that the Altham Colliery Co was prepared to continue the supply of coal to the company for the Barnoldswick sheds for a further twelve months at the present price with the understanding that should the Exors price of Arley Slack be increased in price the Altham coal should be increased 5d per ton as a maximum. Res. That the contract for the year be renewed on these terms.
November 1st 1911. That the secretary be requested to instruct Mr Holgate Marsden to get in as large a stock of coal as possible during the next few weeks and that the supply by rail be continued until the stock has been increased to the necessary amount. [A sensible precaution. 1911 had seen violent confrontations in the South Wales coalfields culminating with the use of troops with fixed bayonets against protesting miners at Tonypandy. January 1912 was to see the start of the Minimum Wage strike, by March 1st there would be deadlock with almost the whole of the UK mining industry out on strike for six weeks until government intervention forced the miners back to work in the second week of April 1912.]
February 28th 1912. That Dent, King, Holdsworth and Brooks meet Holgate Marsden with a view to getting a supply of coal. [The miners are on strike and will be out for six weeks.]
March 6th 1912. The secretary gave a full statement of the cost of Yorkshire coal now being used at some of the mills from which it appeared that the average cost had been more than the cost of Altham Nuts:
Altham coal Average of Yorks and Altham used
September 11/8 12/2¼
October 12/1 12/5
November 12/1 12/3½
December 12/1 12/4
January 12/11 12/6½
November 6th 1912. It was reported that the consumption of Altham coal which was now 14/2 per ton was as follows:
Mill/tons Looms Looms/ton Horse power Looms per hp
CH, 51½ 1659 32.2 738 2 ¼
Butts, 53 1930 36.4 700 2 ¾
WH, 70 2330 33.3 970 2 ½
[Despite its bad reputation the Musgrave at Butts is now the most efficient engine. I think the lesson from these figures, all other things being equal, is that the Butts transmission system is the most efficient and the measures taken by the company to improve performance have been effective.]
January 29th 1913. Reported that the test of Dalton Main coal at Calf Hall was not yet complete but the figures were approximately 51 tons as against 57 of Altham, the price of Altham was 15/- delivered and Dalton 17/-. [Altham £42-15-0. Dalton £43-7-0.]
May 7th 1913. That if the 24 trucks of Dalton Main coal can be emptied without siding rent [demurrage on wagons] accruing, if they be delivered at Calf Hall Shed, that this be done. [Approximately 300 tons of coal or 240 cart loads. The Dalton may be slightly dearer but if a plant is hard pressed there may be other advantages beyond raw price comparisons.]
January 7th 1914. That P D Bilsborough [Coal merchant in Station Yard at Barlick. Used to be Billycock Bracewell's engineer, it could be his son that is running the firm.] be asked whether he can supply a sufficient quantity of Sharlston coal and that the company consider using this coal. [Wakefield, a new pit sunk about 1911 finally closed in the 1990s]
January 14th 1914. That Mr Wood be requested to arrange with Holgate Marsden to give the fullest possible supply from the pit [Altham Collieries] and should the pit not be able to supply all the company's mills that he be empowered to buy 50 tons per week of Sharlston coals at 13/6 per ton.
February 11th 1914. It was reported that the consumption of Sharlston coal at Calf Hall Shed costing 15/5 per ton delivered was, for the first week 48 tons 5cwt and the second week 49 tons 15cwt. Last year Dalton 51 tons 4cwt and Altham 55 tons. The old economisers were then in use.
June 10th 1914. That the consumption of Sharlston coal at Calf Hall Shed during May was 45 tons per week at 14/11 per ton delivered.
July 8th 1914. The secretary reported that the cost of coal for the year ended June 30th at the various mills had been as follows:
CH, 23/6 per ton. Butts, 22/6. Wellhouse Mill, 21/6. Viaduct, 14/1.
[The discrepancy between Colne prices and Barlick is usually due to Barlick being an outlier of the industry. There was a recognised reduction of wages in Barlick because of 'Local Disadvantage' based on this fact and transport costs. However, this coal price at Colne looks too low, I have checked my transcription of the original against the minute book and it is correct. I have no explanation.]
July 22nd 1914. That in consideration of Mr P Bilborough reducing the price of Sharlston Nuts coal to 14/8 from September 1st 1914 we extend our present contract with him to June 30th 1915.
March 24th 1915. The secretary reported the coal consumption of the three mills to be as follows:
Calf Hall Shed, (Week ending) March 6th, 45 tons 16cwt and March 13th 47 tons 11cwt, both of Sharlston nuts.
Wellhouse Mill, March 6th 68 tons, March 13th, 68 tons, Altham Coal.
Butts Mill, March 13th, 56 tons 4cwt, Altham Coal.
April 7th 1915. Among accounts be paid: Earby and Thornton Gas and Lighting Co Ltd £38-1-0 [This an odd one. It can't be for gas because this is the Earby system. The most probable explanation is that they had surplus coal and CHSC have bought it from them. It should be noted that George Proctor had interests in Earby including the gas company and he might have been the conduit.]

Post by **Stanley** » 22 Sep 2017, 04:38

May 5th 1915. Mr Wood advised the board that coal was scarcer and that the stock on hand, about one week's supply, ought to be increased. [The increased consumption due to the war effort and shortage of labour in the mines due to volunteers going to war is taking effect. Teddy Wood is correct, one week's stock is nowhere near enough. Ten weeks would be nearer the mark.]
June 16th 1915. Contracts for coal were received from Holgate Marsden for WH and Butts and P D Bilborough for Calf Hall Shed. [Worth remembering that there were severe problem in the mining industry, rising food prices triggered wage demands and strikes for a higher wage and by February 1917 there was to be a national shortfall of 3,000,000 tons per annum. The situation was so bad that the Coalition Government under Lloyd George took over the mines from the owners for the duration of the war, it looked like nationalisation but in the end it was rescinded after the Armistice.]
Superheaters were fitted on the Butts boilers in late 1915 and theoretically this should improve efficiency. Wellhouse didn't get them until 1936.
February 23rd 1916. That Coates Wharf offered for sale by Exors of Colonel J Hargreaves be purchased by Mr Wood at the lowest price possible. [Evidently Holgate Marsden was renting from Exors of Colonel Hargreaves who controlled the mineral rights of the Altham coal.]
March 8th 1916. That Mr Marsden's boatmen be allowed to use the company's coals in their cabin fires not exceeding ½cwt each journey. [Clearly regularising a custom of long-standing and a nice little insight into custom and practice. Remember that Holgate Marsden was a boat-builder as well as a coal and stone merchant.]
June 28th 1916. That H Marsden's tender for coal at 20/8 delivered at Butts and 20/5 delivered at Wellhouse Mill on the terms stated be agreed.
January 10th 1917. That the offer of the Altham Colliery to supply coal for the year 1917 at 20/1 per ton at Coates Wharf with certain extras be accepted.
Res. That carting by Mr Bilborough be increased to 1/- per ton.
April 18th 1917. That Mr Wood be informed that the Wigan Slack coal which is coming to Butts is causing trouble with our men. One firemen has left on account of it and the present fireman won't stop over on Saturday. Res. That Mr Wood informs the Altham Colliery Co that they cannot burn it and request coal of a better quality. [A sign of the times. Bad coal causing more work and fire beaters voting with their feet. Labour shortages were giving them more power, not like the 'old days' at all! Remember that the government has taken over the coal industry and is allocating coal. Altham seem to be acting as distributors for other collieries and this is why the Wigan coal is coming to Barlick.]
May 23rd 1917. A letter was read from P Bilborough stating that the arrangement to supply coal to Calf Hall Shed terminated on June 30th 1917 and asking if he had to continue supplying coal after that date. Res. That he be instructed to supply 50 tons per week and as much more as possible of Sharlston Engine Nut Coal delivered at CH at 21/- per ton.
January 19th 1918. The price of coal was: 24/5 per ton delivered at Wellhouse Mill. 24/8 at Butts Mill. 24/10 at Calf Hall Shed.
March 27th 1918. Notice was received from the Altham Colliery Company that the price of coal, owing to the increased cost of boating, would be advanced 1/- per ton from March 1st. Notice was also received from Holgate Marsden stating that the cost of carting coal to Butts Mill would be increased from 1/2 to 1/6 [per ton] and to Wellhouse Mill from 11d to 1/3. Mr Bilborough also intimated that his price for carting would be increased 6d per ton from March 1st. Mr Baldwin of Colne also intimated an increase of the cost of carting from 8d to 11d. [From Colne Station to Viaduct Shed. Only a short distance.]
July 3rd 1918. Mr Wood reported on the coal consumption at each of the mills: Calf Hall Shed 24 tons per week. Butts Mill 26 tons. Wellhouse Mill 29 tons. Viaduct Shed 10 tons. 40% of looms stopped and mills working 40 hours instead of 55 hours.

Post by **Stanley** » 23 Sep 2017, 03:48

September 17th 1919. It was reported that the supply of coal from Altham Colliery was altogether inadequate, the following being the quantities supplied for 20 days August 28th to September 17th: September 3rd 16 tons, 5th 24 tons, 10th 15 tons and 13th 20 tons. Total 75 tons. Res. That Mr Wood be informed of the serious position we are in for coal and that he endeavours to the utmost of his ability to get us a better supply.
New economisers were installed at Butts in 1919.
June 2nd 1920. A letter was read from Mr Bilborough informing the company that the Sharlston Colliery Co had disposed of their colliery and that all supplies to Barnoldswick were to be cut off. As we were receiving 50 tons per week for Calf Hall Shed the matter was considered to be serious and the managing directors were instructed to obtain coal wherever possible.
The coal industry was in a mess. Remember that it was still operating under government control and the Sankey Commission in 1919 had recommended nationalisation of the mines so that the industry could be rationalised. Some of the owners, thinking that this may be on the cards, were bailing out. In point of fact the coalition government led by Lloyd George strung out negotiations and eventually de-controlled the mines in March 1921 returning them to private ownership. By that time the country was in recession, coal exports had dropped owing to the artificially high value of Sterling and the owners immediately cut wages. This resulted in a lock-out until June 1921 and continuous disruption of supplies from then on. Coal is going to be a headache. By October the picture is gloomy and coal strike begins October 16th 1920. By December depression is reported as acute. With hindsight this is the start of the long decline of the textile industry but the board couldn't know this.
October 27th 1920. Mr Wood made a report on the Coal Emergency Order which fixed the maximum consumption of fuel at 50% of the average consumption during the previous four weeks, to commence on October 16th. The order was variable however on application to the local authority, should they in the public interest deem it necessary to increase the percentage. Such an increase had been granted to BUDC through J W Thompson the gas manager who had been appointed the Coal Emergency Officer and he had, by letter of October 26th date fixed the mill hours from 7am to 4:30pm except on Saturdays when usual time has to continue. This means a diminution of 5 hours per week only as against the requirements of the Order for 50% or 24 hours stop out of 48 hours. [The equivalent of the 3 day week we saw in the 1970s.]
October 27th 1920. That two coal wagons be purchased [railway trucks] and that the chairman, Holdsworth and Banks be appointed to inspect the wagons and purchase such of them they thought desirable. [There was a surcharge on coal if railway or colliery trucks were used.]
April 20th 1921. Mr Banks reported that he had sold to the gasworks 100 tons of our stock of coal owing to the coal strike. [See my note for June 1920. The mines had been de-controlled and given back to the owners who had immediately imposed a wage decrease and subsequently locked the miners out, they were influenced also by an artificial rise in the value of Sterling and the reorganisation of the continental mines which effectively halted coal exports. Note also that the directors had remembered the help they got from the gas manager in October 1920 when he supplied them with coal from his stocks to keep them working.] Res. That a further 100 tons be offered with the suggestion that it be used for household purposes. [It wasn't only the gasworks that was short, domestic coal deliveries had almost ceased.]
May 4th 1921. The chairman reported the results of the conference held at the Town Hall between the Emergency committee (Coal Control) and mill owners in the town with a view to arranging the supply of coal to the gasworks and householders in consequence of the coal strike. [The government had moved quickly to put in place administration to organise and regulate coal supplies under the umbrella of the Emergency Powers Act of March 31st. They offered a continuation of the subsidy which had been paid under government war control but this failed to bring a resolution in the dispute between the owners and the miners and the strike call which had been postponed came into effect at 11:59pm on April 15th. This was, in effect, a general strike of transport as well as the mines. Lloyd George called all representatives in for talks and managed to avert the general strike, leaving the miners to fight alone. This was 'Black Friday' seen by the miners as a betrayal and never forgotten. It is the results of the continuing action by the miners which is causing the shortage. The control mechanisms put in place at this time were reactivated in 1926.] The resolution passed at the Town Hall meeting was that the gasworks and householders should be supplied for the next fortnight and that the coal should be obtained from those mills where the supply was the greatest and in proportion to the supplies over and above a fortnight's requirements. It was reported that the CHSC had allowed the gasworks to have 176 tons of coal and that we had 375 tons left.
It was also reported that two or three mills in the town had no supply of coal namely: J Slater and Sons, Clough Mill, the Long Ing Shed Company and J Nutter [Nutter Brothers had started Bancroft Shed in 1920, James Nutter and Sons Ltd were weaving at Bankfield Shed so I think it is Nutter Brothers who are being referred to.] That we allow J Slater and Sons Ltd 25 tons of coal at the same rate as that paid by the Coal Controller. [Remember that there was a relationship between CHSC and Slaters in respect of water from Gillian's Beck. Clough was only a small engine and this would be about three weeks supply for them.]

Post by **Stanley** » 24 Sep 2017, 04:16

May 25th 1921. The chairman reported the result of the meeting of the Coal Emergency Act Committee which was to the effect that with the exception of two firms, the supply of coal to the mills in the town would not last more than ten to fourteen days. In the two cases referred to one firm held at least five to six week's supply and they were apparently unwilling to carry out the arrangement arrived at at the first meeting. It was resolved that no further coal be released until surplus stocks held by other firms in the town had been dealt with.
June 8th 1921. That Mr Wood be instructed to give information and attend at court re the thefts of coal from Butts Mill last week. It was stated that a quantity of coal at Butts Mill had been sold to householders and that there was now no coal at any mills in the town. In addition a strike of cotton operatives on the proposal of the masters to reduce wages 95% on list, reduced afterwards to 70%, took effect from Saturday last.
August 10th 1921. Mr Alfred Marsden attended and agreed that the supply of outside coal should stop on Saturday next and undertook to give a continuous supply of Altham Nuts coal to Wellhouse Mill and Butts Mill from Monday next at 42/2 per ton at Coates Wharf. The carting prices be 3/6 per ton to Butts and 2/5 to Wellhouse Mill. [Note the price!]
August 24th 1921. It was reported that the price of Bentley coal from P D Bilborough had been reduced 3/- as from August 18th bringing it to 42/6 per ton in our own wagons. Cartage extra at 2/3 per ton to Calf Hall.
September 14th 1921. Tenders were received for a supply of coal to WH and Butts Mills in consequence of the very inferior quality of Altham coal, it was necessary to obtain supplies from other sources. Res. That the following tenders be accepted: P Bilborough, Bentley Washed Doubles delivered at Barnoldswick 42/- and Acton Hall 42/- at Barnoldswick. The contact to be for 12 months and at the market price at the pit.
Res. That the supply of Altham coal be stopped on September 30th and that the tender of T E Holdsworth for carting at 1/8 per ton to either WH or Butts Mill be accepted. The other prices for carting were Alfred Marsden 2/3 per ton and P Bilborough 1/10 per ton.
December 7th 1921. Mr Bilborough informed the company that as from December 1st the price of Bentley coal and Acton Hall to CH, Butts and Wellhouse Mills would be 36/6 in our own wagons and 38/6 in colliery wagons, the carting is now 1/8 to Butts and WH but 2/3 to Calf Hall Shed.
July 12th 1922. That 100 tons of Bentley coal at 29/3 and 100 tons of New Monckton coal [At Royston, near Barnsley.] at 29/6 delivered at Coates Wharf be purchased and that New Monckton coal be used at Butts Mill.
October 15th 1924. That a supply of Glass Houghton coal be obtained at 22/5 per ton and tested at Butts Mill for a fortnight and that Mr Bilsborough be requested to cease supply during that period.
November 5th 1924. That the test of Glasshoughton coal at 22/5 per ton be continued for a further two weeks at Butts Mill.
June 8th 1925. A letter was read from P D Bilborough quoting a reduction of 2/9 per ton in the price of coal; the price from July 1st to December 31st being 24/5 for Acton Hall Washed doubles. 25/5 for Bentley Washed Doubles.
[Bear in mind what was happening nationally. The Tory government, in the pursuit of 'sound money' returned to the gold standard in 1925 at what was seen in retrospect as too high a rate. Coal exports plummeted, the mine owners responded by imposing further wage reductions in July 1925 and triggered strikes. The transport workers supported the miner's claims and the government averted this by continuing the subsidy to the owners until May 1st 1926. The withdrawal of this subsidy was to trigger the General Strike. CHSC may be doing well but nationally the country was entering even deeper recession.]
January 6th 1926. Tenders were received for carting coal: J Crabtree and Sons 1/6 per ton for all mills. E Holdsworth 1/6 per ton for WH and Butts and 2/- per ton for CH. As the carting done by Holdsworth had been considered satisfactory it was resolved that the work by him be continued. [It's perhaps a sign of the times that certainty becomes a greater factor than raw cost.]
May 5th 1926 [The General Strike started on May 1st 1926] It was reported that the coal strike commenced on May 3rd and that we had about four weeks stock.
May 20th 1926. Mr Wood reported that the Coal Controller had given permission to run next week providing the mills are stopped on Whit Monday. [The emergency measures first put in place in 1921 for the coal strike had been a useful rehearsal for the General Strike. The government was going to run the country under emergency powers.]

Post by **Stanley** » 25 Sep 2017, 04:13

June 16th 1926. The meeting was called specially to discuss the question of the supply of coal during the strike, the mills having stopped on Saturday noon last week owing to shortage of coal, the stock having been used. Mr Bilborough attended and placed before them an offer he had received by phone of Sicilian [Silesian actually] large round coal over 2” at 42/6 per ton at Hull, railway carriage 10/5 per ton and wagon charges 1/6 per ton. [54/5 per ton] Res. That we order 500 tons and that a cheque be drawn for £400 on account.
July 15th 1926. A full report on the position re coal was given at the meeting to the effect that 500 tons of Silesian coal had been purchased from Mr Bilborough and that it was fairly good fuel. Res. That a further 500 tons be ordered.
August 4th 1926. That the purchase by Mr Banks of 150 extra tons of coal be approved.
August 18th 1926. Reported that we had 314 tons of coal in stock. Res. That we purchase a further 150 tons.
September 15th 1926. That a further 250 tons of coal be purchased and that the 150 tons ordered last week be confirmed.
November 24th 1926. Mr P D Bilborough quoted as follows for the supply of coal: Acton Hall washed doubles 25/- per ton and Bentley washed doubles at 25/8. The above prices being subject to a definite contract being entered into for a period of 12 months. Res. That the purchase of coal under these terms be deferred.
December 8th 1926. That a contract be entered into with Peter Bilborough for the supply of coal for the six months ending June 30th 1927 at the following prices: 25/- per ton for Acton Hall and 25/6 for Bentley. Acton Hall in our own wagons 1/6d per ton less and Bentley 1/2d ditto. Subject to quality being maintained.
June 29th 1927. Several suggestions were made for the supply of 500 to 1000 tons of coal, the matter being left over for the time being.
Notice that from now on coal is bought on long contract, mostly from Bilsborough. The shock of the massive increases during the general Strike has persuaded the directors that certainty of supply is worth more than opportunistic cherry-picking on price.
October 26th 1927. [From a letter to CHSC tenants.] I am pleased to be able to inform you that the directors have been successful in getting a reduction in the price of coal delivered in the boiler house from November 1st of 1/8 per ton which means a reduction in rent of 2/- per loom per annum and £13 per tape per annum. The combined reductions will thus be equivalent to about 7/7 per loom per annum from October 1st and 10/3 per loom from November 1st.”
Tenders were received from P D Bilborough for a contract for coal January 1st to June 30th 1928 as follows: Acton Hall washed nuts 20/6 per ton. Bentley washed doubles 21/6. South Kirby washed small nuts 21/3. Allerton Bywater doubles 21/6. Manvers Main 22/6. All delivered at Barnoldswick station. Res. That we offer 20/- for Acton Hall washed nuts and 21/- for Bentley washed doubles for 8 months from November 1st. [I think this is the first mention of an offer being made for coal at less than the price quoted. Evidently the CHSC wants Bilborough to share the pain.]
November 9th 1927. D Bilborough wrote confirming the settlement and acceptance of the coal contract from November 1st to June 30th 1928 at the following terms. Acton Hall Washed nuts 20/4 per ton delivered at Barlick station. Bentley washed doubles 21/6 ditto subject to the usual clauses. Res. That the settlement be confirmed. [The ploy hasn't worked!]
November 21st 1928. A tender was read from P D Bilborough for undertaking to continue the supply of coal for a further six months January to June 30th 1929 at the same price as before: Acton Hall 20/6 and Bentley washed doubles 21/6.
May 15th 1929. A letter was read from P D Bilborough offering coal at an increase of 6d per ton for 6 or 12 months contract. Res. That settlement of the contract and price be left with Mr Banks.
May 21st 1930. That a contract be entered into with P Bilborough for the continuation of supply of coal for one year from July 1st 1930. Acton Hall washed nuts 21/- per ton. Bentley washed doubles 22/-. Both delivered at Barnoldswick station.
May 25th 1932. It was reported that a quotation from P D Bilborough for the supply of coals similar to the current contract had been received. The prices were: Bentley Washed Doubles 22/3 per ton. Acton Hall Washed Nuts 21/3 delivered at Barnoldswick station (in the CHSC wagons). Res. That the contract be continued until June 30th 1933.
Butts Mill was closed in April 1933.
May 17th 1933. That a contract to June 30th 1934 be arranged with P Bilborough; Bentley washed doubles 21/2 per ton. Bentley washed singles (1” x ½”) 19/10.
May 16th 1934. A quotation from P D Bilborough, coal merchant of Barnoldswick, for supply of coal for the year ending June 30th 1935 was read. Res. That this be accepted subject to the supply being satisfactory and the price reduced if the general level of coal prices falls. The prices quoted were as follows: Bentley washed doubles 21/- per ton. Bentley washed singles 19/10. Airedale singles 20/-. Manvers Main singles 21/-. Glass Houghton Singles 20/4. Acton Hall washed nuts 20/6.
June 19th 1935. A quotation from P D Bilborough for the supply of coal to Wellhouse Mill and Calf Hall Shed was considered: Bentley Washed Doubles 21/-. Ditto singles 19/10. Acton Hall washed nuts 19/10. Airedale washed singles 19/10. All for the period July 1st 1935 to June 30th 1936.
Res. That the quotation be accepted providing quality is satisfactory.
May 27th 1936. Reported that a letter had been received from P D Bilborough offering to supply: Bentley Washed Singles 21/4 per ton. Airedale washed singles 21/4 per ton. Delivered at Barlick station in colliery wagons or 1/2 per ton less in CHSC wagons for the period July 1st 1936 to June 30th 1937. Res. That a price be obtained for Cortonwood Coal.

OneGuyFromBarlick

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