Norland Parish Council came into existence in 1894 and was responsible for village matters until 1937 when Norland was absorbed into Sowerby Bridge Urban District Council. This in its turn became part of Calderdale MBC in 1974. The original Parish Council minute book is held by the West Yorkshire Archive Service in the Central Library in Halifax. The following is a summary of the minute book.
NORLAND PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES
17th December 1894: The first meeting of Norland Parish Councillors was held in the Mission Room, Scar Head, Norland on Monday 17th Dec. 1894. The following Councillors were present:-
George Bilton WOOD (elected Chairman)
John BARRACLOUGH
Samuel PARKINSON
Solomon BROADBENT
William KERSHAW
Henry LIVESEY (elected as Clerk)
Jabez WHITAKER (elected as Vice-Chairman)
Tom Andrew TYSON
Joseph MALLINSON (elected as Treasurer)
Topics discussed: the state of various roads and pathways; whether to unite with Parish of Skircoat to form a separate Urban District Council (matter deferred).
2nd January 1895: A Special Meeting of the PC held with representatives from Skircoat present decided to pursue the proposed union and form an Urban District Council. A Joint Committee was set up.
11th March 1895: “It was resolved that Messrs. Mallinson & Whitaker should wait on George Wilson, farmer, Norland, (Note: lived at Lane Ends) and make enquiries as to what he is going to do about his drains.”
It was also resolved that the Council meetings should be held in the Norland National School as soon as the alterations make it convenient to do so. (Note: St Luke's School was being extended at this time)
9th April 1895: A Special Meeting attended by Mr Lewis Whittaker, District Councillor for Norland. It was resolved that the Council was to use its best endeavours to further the progress of the proposed Combination Scheme (ie with Skircoat).
Lengthy discussions took place regarding repairing Hollas Lane, Long Causeway (Long Lane?), Goose Pond Lane, and Triangle Lane. Matter deferred.
19th April 1895: 1st Annual meeting of PC held in the Mission Room, Scar Head.
George B. WOOD elected as Chairman
G.B.WOOD and Joseph MALLINSON elected as Overseers of the Poor of the Parish
30th September 1895: Meeting held in St Luke’s School. Lewis WHITTAKER replaced Henry LIVESEY on the PC.
The attention of the District Council to be drawn to the almost impassable state of Triangle Lane. Mr Atkinson to repare (sic) the footpath from the bottom of Goose Nest Lane to the top of Old House Wood. A sub-committee set up to carry out the Goose Pond Lane improvement.
18th November 1895: it was resolved that expenses incurred in building the footbridge over the Norland Clough be paid.
9th December 1895: Meeting held in Norland National School.
It was resolved “that after careful consideration of the report presented to the District Council by the surveyor Mr Dyson requiring a sum of eleven hundred forty-eight pounds nineteen shillings to be expended on the parish highways of Norland to bring them up to the average state of repare (sic) required by the District Council that it is the unanimous opinion of the meeting that the estimate is outrageously excessive and that our representative Mr Counciler (sic) Whittaker be requested to oppose the same unless the reductions be exepted (accepted) which are marked on the report.”
13th January 1896: Resolved to confer with the PC of Skircoat as to the best means of meeting the expenses incurred in the recent County Council inquirey (sic).
The County Council was to be written to informing them of the bad state of the footpath leading from Scarhead to Harper Royd Lane.
3rd March 1896: It was resolved “that it having come to the knowledge of the PC that the joint Hospital Bord (sic) which holds its meetings in Brighouse propose erecting a Hospital on land adjoining Norland Moor that this Council hereby enters its most imphatic (sic) protest against such a proposal and pledges itself to adopt every possable (sic) means to prevent its accomplishment seeing that the sight (sic) which has been proposed is at the head (of) the water supply of that part of the Parish and also closely adjoining two public footpaths and the Highway”.
It was resolved to inform Greetland PC regarding the threat to the water supply.
A copy of the resolution to be sent to Mr Richard Binns (Pickwood House?) and another copy to the Clerk to the Joint Hospital Bord (sic).
22nd April 1896: 2nd Annual Meeting held in St Luke’s School
George B. WOOD elected as Chairman
G.B.WOOD and Jebez WHITAKER elected as Overseers.
William SHAW replaced Tom A. TYSON on the PC.
It was resolved that “the assistant overseer Mr SMITH be appointed Clerk to the PC for one year at a salery (sic) of five pounds.”
Also resolved that the expenses of recent PC election be payed – 17 shillings
20th July 1896: It was noted that “Triangle Lane is totally impassable for all kinds of vehicles.”
12th October 1896: The Clerk was instructed to write to Sowerby Bridge UDC “calling their attention to the unsatisfactory and dangerous state of the Hollin Well footpath and urging the necessity for immediate repairs as the dark days are coming on and passengers will be liable to mishap in their journeying to and from their work. Also to remind them that many old inhabitants are prepared to give ample evidence that the said footpath was a public one previous to 1835.”
The Clerk was instructed to write to Upper Greetland PC with regard to “the condition of North Dean Field Footbridge (Note: aka the donkey bridge) and Footpath pointing out the very bad state of repair in which they are found and thereby endangering the limbs of those persons who are obliged to travel that way to and from their work. The approach to the footbridge across the Norland stream and the footpath along North Dean Field are both in a dangerous condition and needing immediate attention so as to prevent any accident during the coming winter.”
18th March 1897: Meeting chaired by Mr Jas. Jos. ARES
Parish Councillors:-
John BARRACLOUGH– New Longley
Joseph MALLINSON– West View
Solomon NORMANTON– New Longley
Alfred PLATT – Clough Head
William SHAW – Harper Royd
Bates Broadbent SOUTHWELL – New Longley
Samuel TURNER – Calderdale
Jabez WHITAKER – Thorny Bank
Lewis WHITTAKER – Bethel Terrace
A vote of thanks was passed to Mr G B WOOD for the very valuable services rendered to the PC in the past and “regret that he could not see his way to continue his services as heretofore.”
“There were about 30 electors present and there being no opposition, the meeting passed off very pleasantly.”
15th April 1897: 3rd Annual Meeting
Jabez WHITAKER elected as Chairman, John BARRACLOUGH and Joseph MALLINSON elected as Overseers.
19th July 1897: A letter from Sowerby Bridge UDC was read out regarding gas mains and public lamps for Norland. “After a long discussion it was resolved not to entertain the question of public gas lamps at present. With regard to gas mains and probable consumers the Council resolved to canvass the neighbourhood and ascertain how many would be likely to have the gas if the Sowerby Bridge Council should think fit to provide the mains.”
8th November 1897: The clerk was instructed to write to SBUDC informing them of probable number of consumers of gas who are likely to take it provided the landlords will supply the necessary fittings etc. The number of premises east of Sowerby Croft lane was 50 and 44 west of same (not including present consumers in Norland District).
The state of various paths was also discussed.
21st February 1898: Hollin Well footpath was in a very unsatisfactory and dangerous state.
A rate of 3d in the £ was to be levied for PC expenses.
14th March 1898 Elected as Parish Councillors:
John BARRACLOUGH- New Longley
James HOLT - Scarr Head
Joseph MALLINSON– West View
John ROBINSON - Moor Bottom
William SHAW- Lower Harper Royd
Elijah WADSWORTH - East Longley
Lewis WHITTAKER - BethelTerrace
Jabez WHITAKER - Thorny Bank
George WILSON - Lane Head
18th April 1898 4th Annual Meeting
Jabez WHITAKER – Chairman
John BARRACLOUGH & Joseph MALLINSON – overseers
22nd August 1898 – very unsatisfactory state of the Hollin Well footpath
12th December 1898 - resolved “that the Rural District Council of Halifax be requested to oppose by every means within their power the application made to the Local Government Board by the Halifax Corporation for power to include the township of Skircoat within the Borough of Halifax.”
20th February 1899 – resolved “ that this meeting requests the Post Office authorities to place a letter-box at West Bottom and also at the top of Fall Lane.”
6th March 1899 – elected as Parish Councillors
Ezekiel BINNS – Oaken Royd
Servetius (?) BOOTH- Hill Top
Eli BROADBENT – Upper Wat Ing
Abraham LUMB – Follingworth Hall
Nathaniel WADSWORTH – Ivy Cottage
Joseph WADSWORTH – Shaw Farm
Lewis WHITTAKER – Bethel Terrace
George WILSON – Lane Head
Not elected: Richard LONGBOTTOM – Harper Royd Lane and William SHAW – Lower Harper Royd
Various matters discussed: health, drainage of Pickwood Scar, main drain by church, water supply to Turner’s Grease Works (Calder Dale), repair of road from Fall Lane to Hollin Well (eg London Road).
6th April 1899 – the meeting was attended by a deputation from Sowerby Bridge Urban District Council. (Sowerby Bridge Extension Scheme)
“Mr LODGE (SBUDC) stated that it was desirable for Norland to join Sowerby Bridge because of the natural boundary line and for drainage, waterworks and other purposes. Mr LODGE also said that Norland would be made (along with Upper Greetland) a separate ward and would be represented by 3 members on a council of 15. Mr BARRACLOUGH (SBUDC) gave a statement as to the position of Sowerby Bridge and by figures and by comparison shewed that they were in good condition financially”
It was unanimously resolved to support the scheme …to endeavour to secure Skircoat along with Norland and part of Upper Greetland in the Sowerby Bridge area.”
Messrs. SHAW & BARRACLOUGH along with the Chairman and Clerk were appointed to attend at the signing to be held at Sowerby Bridge on Monday 10th April at 11.30am.
It was also decided to petition the ratepayers and Messrs. SHAW and WILSON engaged to get signatures and present the petition at the signing.
17th April 1899 – Samuel TURNER elected Chairman, Joseph MALLINSON and Joseph WADSWORTH elected overseers.
It was resolved “that this council form themselves into the Parochial Committee.”
Mr William SMITH re-appointed Clerk at the usual salary (£5). Samuel TURNER elected Treasurer.
Rate – 3d in £
19th June 1899 – resolved “that the Clough Moor Bridge be repaired.” Samuel Barker to do the work. Deputation to meet with Upper Greetland Parish Council with reference to their share of the work & expenses.
A report was brought to the meeting that Mr F(rank) Stansfield of Pickwood Scarr had erected a pigcote without submitting plans for same. The Clerk to write to Mr Rowe and call his attention to the matter.
Resolved that a Banking account be opened at the Halifax Joint Stock Banking Company Ltd., Sowerby Bridge.
Clerk to write to Mr Gordon with regard to the state of Berry Moor Road.
Long discussion about the Hollin Well Sewage Tank, matter left with the Parochial Committee.
24th July 1899 (minuted as being held “at the Council Rooms”). Letter from Mr B B Southwell of New Longley complaining of the bad state of the footpath leading from Hob Lane to East Longley.
Resolved “that we….are opposed to the present water scheme being carried forward as the cost is too great and also the scheme when finished is not safely bound to be a success, as water in the present reservoir is not sufficient to meet the present requirement of those now using such water in dry seasons and would be still less if tanks are only made larger and house supply doubled, unless a proper reservoir is made to catch and reserve the winter torrent: of which cost of such the ratepayers could not assuredly pay back. Also that at some likely time there is a probability of Norland becoming amalgamated to Sowerby Bridge, thence water supply could be obtained from there as their mains are laid in the district in which the Rural District of Halifax now intent to convey water.”
Clerk to write to Sowerby Bridge Urban District Council about the bad state of road between Bethel Chapel and Fall Lane.
16th August 1899 - A petition to be drawn up and forwarded to the Local Government Board with regard to the Sowerby Croft Sewage Scheme.
13th November 1899 – Mr Binns of Pickwood House (in place of Chairman Mr Samuel Turner, absent ill) be requested to give information with regard to Sowerby Croft Drainage scheme. “Several drains had been made in which the property owners themselves had to bear the expense, and as the Sowerby Croft scheme was being laid upon the Ratepayers, legal advice should be taken.”
Another letter received from Mr B B Southwell – “..first part of footpath from Hob Lane to East Longley in a dangerous state and asking that attention may be given to it before the dark weather sets in.”
Enquiry to be made as to the duty of Parish Councils with regards to footpaths.
10th December 1899 - Deputation consisting of Messrs. Turner, Wilson, Broadbent & Booth to go round the Parish and inspect the various footpaths and report to the next meeting.
Legal advice to be sought regarding Sowerby Croft Sewage Scheme.
8th February 1900 – Moved “that Mr Evans, Solicitor, be authorised to protest against the Sowerby Croft Sewage Scheme being proceded with and that should the scheme be carried out by the Rural District Council, objection be taken to the item of expenditure before the auditor on account of the work being done on private property.”
5th March 1900 – Clerk to write to the Rural District Council requesting that body to keep strictly to the main road with the Sowerby Croft Sewer.
22nd March 1900 – Moved “that a hearty vote of thanks be given to the Chairman for his generosity in not charging anything for stamps during the past year.”
29th March 1900 – Annual Parish Meeting – Council plus 50 ratepayers present. The Chairman made a statement with regard to the benefits to be derived from joining Sowerby Bridge Urban District Council which was freely discussed and generally approved as is evident by 32 members of the meeting voting in its favour and 1 against.
Sub-committee to be formed to proceed with the details of the union.
14th May 1900 - Clerk to write to County Council asking them to invest the Norland Parish Council with the powers of the Open Spaces Acts 1877 to 1890 in accordance with the Commons Act 1899.
11th June 1900 – Resolved “that application be made to the Post Master at Sowerby Bridge for additional letter boxes and a 2nd delivery throughout the whole of the Parish and that we ask for boxes at East Longley, West Bottom and top of Fall Lane,”
A letter having been received from the County Council, Wakefield, asking for reasons why we wish for powers under the Open Spaces Acts, it was resolved to send the following reasons in reply: viz
The Parish Council of Norland are anxious to have proper control of the said common land.
9th July 1900 - Clerk to write to the trustees of the Norland National School for permission to erect a cupboard in the school for the use of the Parish Council.
21st July 1900 - Proposal to get estimates for the repair of the footpaths from near West Bottom Tavern to New Longley, Bailey Wood footpath, the footpath from Sowerby Croft to Harper Royd, and steps at Hollin Well, Greenhead and Lower Wat Ing.
16th August 1900 - Tenders for repair by Mr T A Broadbent
The Council to find ashes and tip as near as possible.
10th Sept. 1900 – Clerk to write to Miss Smith and Mr Samuel Robinson asking them to grant permission to make the footpath in Longfield four feet wide.
8th October 1900 – A letter from Miss Smith was read in which was stated that she declined to entertain the idea of repairing Longfield footpath to make it four feet wide as requested. Matter allowed to drop.
A letter from the Postmaster at Southport stating that additional letter boxes and a second delivery could not be granted at present. The Clerk to write to the Postmaster-General with regard to the extension of a second delivery.
Repairs to be carried out on Hobfield footpath by day work (6d and 5d per hour). Said footpath to be covered with bowlder and ashes.
Resolved to purchase The Commons Act of 1899 and The Inclosure Act of 1845.
30th October 1900 – A letter received from the Postmaster-General with regard to better postal arrangements for the district of Norland and promising that the matter should receive attention.
The following letter (from a firm of Solicitors) was read:
Town Hall Chambers, Halifax, 18th Oct. 1900
Dear Sir,
Miss Smith of Roe End, Sowerby, has handed us your letter of the 11th Sept. last asking for her permission for your Council to make a four ft. footpath in Longfield at Sun Longley Farm. She informs us she wrote in reply declining to give such permission, her tenant having a decided objection to it. Notwithstanding this, your Council have proceded to widen the existing footpath and cover it with ashes. Our instructions are to require your Council to forthwith desist from further trespassing on our client’s property and to restore it to its former condition, failing which legal proceedings will be adopted against your Council.
Yours Truly
England & Co.
10th December 1900 – A letter received from Upper Greetland Parish Council stating that their Council would pay their portion according to rate towards the cost of painting Clough Bridge. This was considered unsatisfactory – the Clerk to write to inform them that we are prepared to do half and half as originally agreed.
4th March 1901 – Parish Meeting. 30 ratepayers present including 7 Parish Councillors. The following were elected:
Ezekiel Binns Oaken Royd
George Binns Pickwood Scar
Eli Broadbent Upper Wat Ing
Abraham Lumb Follingworth Hall
Bates Broadbent Southwell New Longley
Samuel Turner Calder Dale
George Wilson Lanehead
Joseph Wadsworth Moorland Villa
Nathaniel Wadsworth Ivy Cottage
Resolved “that £1.1s.0d be paid to the school trustees for the past year in consideration of the extra expense incurred on account of so many meetings being held in that period.”
11th March 1901 – Amendment carried to previous week’s resolution “that the usual 10s be allowed.” (payment to school trustees).
15th April 1901 - George Binns elected Chairman for the ensuing year. Clerk to be paid on usual terms viz £5 per annum.
Joseph Wadsworth and J(ohn) Barraclough appointed overseers.
George Binns appointed treasurer.
Wainhouse Charity – Ezekiel Binns appointed trustee for next four years.
Rate – 3d in £.
Footpath Committees – three sections as before, East, Central and West. Representatives from the various sections to survey and report as the case demands. George Binns to preside over each committee.
Moved “that 11s be paid to the Trustees of the school for the use of the room and expenses incurred at last Parish Meeting.”
Joseph Wadsworth made a statement that damage was being done to the moor by some person or persons setting fire to the heather. It was resolved that the Clerk communicate with Mr Lipscombe of Savile Offices, Wakefield, as to what can be done on the matter.
17th June 1901 – Wainhouse Trustees Meeting. Resolved “that the Trustees withdraw from the bank the sum of £27.10s.0d for whatever may be required at the distribution.” Dole to be distributed on Friday 21st June 1901. Mrs Sykes of Pickwood Scar to make the tea and the tea to be held in the Church schools. 2s to be subscribed to the Church schools for their use on the day.
21st June 1901 –Advertisement to be placed in the Halifax Guardian & Courier asking for tenders with regard to footpath repairs.
8th July 1901 – Agreed that lowest tenders were to be accepted.
A tender from Mr F A Broadbent of Upper Wat Ing for £48.12s.6d (inc. the three districts) accepted. Clerk to write to owners and tenants where footpaths are to be repaired asking them if they have any objection to the said work being done.
Clerk to write to Sowerby Bridge Urban District Council asking for a definitive answer to the enquiry of March 7th 1900 viz the joining of Norland with SBUDC.
12th August 1901 – Footpath repairs (not specified) to go ahead. Moved “that the subject of Public Scavenging be referred to the Parochial Committee” Amendment moved “that the matter be not entertained”. Amendment carried 5 for 4 against.
Resolved “that the Clerk write the L & Y Railway Company asking them to make a new footpath from the up platform at Triangle Station to the Norland footpath under Butterworth Farm.
9th September 1901 - Clerk to write to the Halifax Rural District Council asking them to close Old Lane, Longley and to take over New Lane, Longley and make it a main road – which New Lane is now an occupation road belonging to the owners on each side viz Messrs Rawson and Haigh. That the District Council get the said owners to put in repair and if the owners are unwilling to do this, then the District Council to do it themselves.
Moved “that the Rural District Council be requested to make a new road leading from Oaken Royd to Lane Bottom and to close Dark Lane and the bottom end of Doldrum Lane - the length of new road about 300 yards.”
Moved “that the Clerk write to Mr Frank Stansfield of Pickwood Scar asking him if he is willing to allow the parish Council to open the drain running under footpath – now undergoing repair – and to inform him that if he does not consent to this that he will be held responsible for all accidents on such lane.”
A letter was read from the county Council with regard to the preservation of Ancient Monuments and the Clerk was authorised to fill up and return the form enclosed for that purpose. The monuments in the parish are the stocks at the Blue Ball Inn and Ladstone on Norland Moor from time immemorial.
(Note: the PC did not consider the mediaeval vaccary wall to be an ancient monument).
11th November 1901 A long list of letters was read (no details).
A letter read from Mr J Wadsworth – it was resolved “that the Clerk write the Halifax Rural DC asking the reason of their objection to the house in question being occupied by a tenant.”
Moved by George Binns and Bates Broadbent Southwell “that a Committee be appointed to take into consideration the lighting of the district.” On being put to the meeting only the mover and seconder voted.
Moved “that the Halifax Rural DC be asked to take proceedings with regard to Hollas Lane repairs.” Clerk to write to Mr Jas. Fleming of Binn Royd with regard to obstructing in Binn Royd Lane. Stiles
9th December 1901 Letter of resignation from Mr G.Binns (Chairman) read out (no reasons given). Moved “that the meeting expresses its confidence in Mr Binns and asks him to reconsider the matter and resume his position has (sic) Chairman of the PC”. Mr Binns showed his willingness to do so by taking over the chair and presiding over the meeting.
A deputation had met with Halifax RDC to discuss Longley New Road. With regard to Hollas Lane it was stated to be uncertain as to what can be done at present.
Clerk to write to Halifax Corporation and SBUDC “calling their attention to the dangerous state of the Sterne Mill River Bridge on account of the railings being dilapidated etc.”
Subject of Public lighting was again mooted. Moved “that the matter stand over indefinitely.” An amendment to set up a sub-committee (on lighting) was lost by 3 votes to 4. (Messrs Turner, Southwell and ?? for public lighting, Messrs Wadsworth, Wilson and ??????? against).
27th January 1902 (Special Meeting) Resolved “that no correspondence be made unless authorized by the PC.”
New Road at Oaken Royd – Miss Rawson is willing to do her proportion towards macadamizing the New Road. Oaken Royd and Parish Council are willing to do something after having received an estimate.
Clerk to write to Upper Greetland PC with regard to the wood footbridge (from Calder Dale to Greetland Bank) recently washed away by the late storm and ask them to consider the matter conjointly with Norland. (Note: presumably the small bridge at the bottom of Norland Stream on the path leading up to Lower Tinker Hey)
10th March 1902 Bill for footpath repairs of £69 15s 6d (to Mr T A Broadbent) agreed to be paid.
24th March 1902 Parish Meeting 5 Parish Councillors and 16 ratepayers present. Mr N(athan) Wadsworth in the chair.
15th April 1902 PC Annual Meeting Moved “that Mr George Binns be re-elected Chairman and re-appointed as Treasurer”. A letter of resignation from Mr Sam. Turner was accepted. Moved “that Mr K(elsall) Broadley be appointed Councillor in place of Mr Turner for the ensuing 2 years. Mr Smith re-appointed clerk for another year at usual salary of £5 p.a.
Moved “that the Clerk write Mr Lispcombe, agent of Lord Savile, asking for a grant of about 26 acres of moorland for a recreation ground as a momento of the Coronation of King Edward VII.
12th May 1902 Special Meeting Several members of the Council having viewed the Moor with the object of selecting a suitable site for a Recreation Ground, it was moved (Messrs Wadsworth & Binns) “that Lord Savile be asked for a portion in the centre of the moor called Dog Track. An amendment was moved (Messrs Wilson & Lumb) “that Lord Savile be asked for a portion between Heath Hall and Waterworks Road.” The amendment was carried by 5 votes to 2.
Moved “that Mr T A Broadbent be authorized to repair Greenhead Steps, Sowerby Croft Steps, Goose Pond Lane, and walling at Fields Farm.”
Clerk or Chairman to write to County Council asking them to take over the road from Clough Moor Bridge to corner of St Luke’s Church or some other road.
Clerk to write to General Postmaster sanctioning the removal of the pillar box at Fall Lane to Four Lane Ends and also suggest the lack of facility to obtain postage stamps in Norland Town.
2nd June 1902 Clerk to write to Postmaster General asking for a village Post Office to be established in some suitable place.
Clerk to write to Lord Savile for his sanction of the plot of moorland already appoved of by his agent, Mr Lipscomb.
Moved that the clerk write to the Rural District Council asking them to take over Heath Hall Road and Longley Fold Road and make them into Highway Roads (ed. neither name in use now. Was Heath Hall Rd the main road alongside the moor ie Clough Road, or the connecting lane between Clough Road and Stormer Hill Lane, which is now private?).
Mr Sharp (the school caretaker) was invited to prepare the Dole Tea for the Wainhouse Charity (ed. which was presumably being held in the school).
14th July 1902 Mr Swindells, the Postmaster of Sowerby Bridge, made a statement with regard to postal arrangements for Norland, and after some discussion it was resolved that Mrs Hannah Broadbent of Norland Town be asked to take on the responsibility of a post office for Norland.
A letter from Mr Lipscombe (Lord Savile's agent) was read out with reference to the recreation ground (ed. no details minuted). Mr Evans, solicitor in Sowerby Bridge, to be contacted with regard to the best ways and means of obtaining the recreation ground, and to employ him to conduct the matter to a successful issue.
Letter read from Upper Greetland Parish Council asking for a deputation to be appointed to meet their deputation with respect to the repair of the bridge near Mr Turner's Grease Works. (ed. bottom of Norland Stream).
4th August 1902 Clerk to write to the Halifax Brewery Company with regard to the removal of wells and mounds at the Blue Ball Inn to a more suitable place, viz - adjoining the new urinal.
3rd November 1902 Clerk to send a copy of the letter from the Halifax Brewery Co. with regard to the well etc at the Blue Ball Inn to the Halifax Rural District Council.
Regarding the repair of the footpath from Fields Farm to Sowerby Croft Lane, permission needed from Mr Jos Holroyd of Elland Hall.
Clerk to write to the Post Master General and Mr Mellor, MP, (ed. John William Mellor, Liberal MP for the Sowerby constituency 1894-1904) urging the re-consideration of the application for a post office for Norland.
1st December 1902 A tender of £2 had been received for repairs to the footbridge on Norland Stream.
Proposed that the letter from the Working Men's Rifle Club be laid on the table (ed. ie ignored. Was this club in Norland?)
The footpath sub-committee was empowered to have the footpaths cleared of snowdrifts at the rate of 5d in wages per hour. (ed.5d / 5 old pennies was the equivalent of about £2.45 today).
Clerk to write to Mrs Empson about the danger from obstruction by skips etc in Old House Lane, also to Messrs Sam Dugdale, the occupiers of Old House Mill. (ed. this may have been on the Sowerby side of the river Ryburn, where there just happens to be a skip hire firm today!)
2nd February 1903 The chairman asked what was to be done with the old correspondence ( ed. re Working Men's Rifle Club) and it was resolved to make it up into a parcel and keep it in the cupboard for future reference.
As regards the recreation ground, it was moved that application be made to Mr Mellor MP, asking him to assist in the matter and if possible get the KIng's prerogative. However, an amendment was carried proposing that the whole matter be handed over to the Rural District Council.
A report on the Post Office was accepted and it was resolved to send a letter to Messrs Richard Longbottom and Luke Hoyle, thanking them for allowing the said Post Office to be in their property at the house of Mr Broadbent of Norland Town (ed. Hannah Broadbent, 63, a widow, who lived with her four adult children in one of three properties in Lower Old Hall, decided not to take on the task).
The Chairman read the correspondence about the proposed Fever Hospital at Milner Royd, and it was resolved to oppose the Milner Royd Farm buildings from being made into a Fever Hospital, and that the Parish Council's position be referred to the Rural District Council.
Tenders for the footbridge to be left over to the next meeting.
2nd March 1903 Footbridge repairs and tenders left over again.
30th March 1903 Parish meeting attended by 7 parish councillors and 14 ratepayers. The minutes and accounts were agreed to be satisfactory. "A free and easy discussion took place with regard to the general matters of the parish."
15th April 1903 G Binns (Chair and treasurer), N Wadsworth, J Wadsworth, E Broadbent, A Lumb, J Whitaker and K Broadley (ed. this is the first appearance of Kelsall Broadley on the parish council. 29 years later he would spearhead the appeal to buy Norland Moor).
The rate was fixed at 3d in the pound.
It was moved that the matter with regard to the recreation ground be dropt (sic) at present.
It was also moved that the parish council give a guarantee to the Post Master General against any loss on the maintenance of the sub-post office for Norland. Tenders for the footbridge repair were left over again.
The clerk's reimbursment was agreed at £5 per annum.
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