Mexborough and Swinton times, May 13th, 1932
Young Official’s Notable Achievement
Young Life Without A Chance
Means Test Protest
A happy ceremony took place during the monthly meeting of Bolton Urban Council on Tuesday, when the Chairman, Mr. Fouchard, C.C., had the pleasing duty of representing Mr. Arthur Moody with the certificate, silver medal, and prize of £3. 3s. obtained by him in the intermediate examination of the Institute of Municipal treasurers and Accountants. Mr. Moody, who is employed in the Council’s Finance Department, headed the list of awards throughout the country.
Making the presentation, the Chairman spoke highly of Mr. Moody’s abilities. “Mr. Moody’s success reflects great credit on the efforts put forward in the elementary school.” Mr. Fouchard also referred to the sacrifices made by Mr. Moody’s parents. His father was injured in the mine and since had been able only to work at the pithead. “I know what personal financial sacrifice it must have meant to keep this boy at school.”
Mr. Fouchard concluded by paying a tribute to the Council’s staff who had given Mr. Moody every opportunity for preparing for the examination.
Ald. G. Probert endorsed the Chairman’s remarks. Ay talent they discovered in the district should be watched keenly and, if possible, encouraged. He wished Mr. Moody further success.
Mr. J. R. Horne said he was pleased to think that it was possible in this country for children of poor people to win such success
Mr. T. H. Barker: This is a testimonial to the younger generation.
Messrs. G. R. Edward, T. Vaughan, D. Griffiths, C. Padley, P. Phillipson and J. Petty and Mrs. smith also spoke on Mr. Moody’s success.
The Clerk (Mr. J. Ledger Hawksworth) added his congratulations. “I have watched Mr. Moody from the elementary school to the secondary school. The headmaster of the latter, Mr. Ireland, has already congratulated Mr. Moody and I know nothing would have pleased him better than to have been here to-night. The examination was the stiffest for years and only 19 er cent of the candidates passed. Mr. Moody topped the list. Such success has not come previously to this district and I am doubtful whether it has come previously to Yorkshire. Mr. Moody has not received favours in our office. He has done his work while studying. It has been very hard year for him but he had triumphed. On behalf of the staff, I sincerely congratulate him. His parents must be very proud of him. We are, in this office. I am sure Mr. Moody is destined for a very great future.” (Applause).
Mr. Moody briefly thanked everyone and added appreciation of the help given him by his colleagues.
Rate Reduced
A rate of 17s. 2d. in the £ for the year ending March 31st, 1933, was sealed.
Pointing out that this was a reduction of fourpence on that of the previous year, the Chairman said, “I know there is a feeling that the County rate reduction should be passed on to the public of this district.” But the block grant under the Derating Act had been reduced. The Council had carefully revised all estimates and cut their services down to a minimum. “It is utterly impossible to reduce further without detriment to the district. Health must come first.”
The Means Test
A protest against the means test was voiced by Mr. Padley who spoke of the unrest that is growing in the country. I feel that it is the duty of every public body to take a serious view on this question. There are young people now on the streets who have never had a chance to work since they left school.” Mr. Padley urged the Council to lodge a protest with the Urban district Councils’ Association and the local Member of Parliament. “We are breeding animals by our present system, we are going from bad to worse,”
The Chairman pointed out that a protest had already been lodged. He added that the local Guardians’ Committee was not administering public assistance on the Order in Council basis because it was an insult to the people. “If we send another protest, it will be thrown into the fire. They will simply laugh at us.”
Mr. Griffiths said the Don Valley Guardians’ Committee had protested through every available channel. He agreed that the Order in Council had not been complied with in the Don Valley and the County Public Assistance Committee had set up a Revision Committee to make drastic changes. “The people will squeal in the near future when reductions are made. We maintain that it is best to deal with this atter in a humane manner but I am afraid pressure will be brought on us shortly by Wakefield.” Mr. Barker said the state of society was to blame for allowing extreme wealth on the one hand and dire poverty on the other.
Hint To Allotment Holders
Mr. Petty drew the Council’s attention to a brief recommendation from the Allotments Committee “that the question of compensation, Furlong Road North Allotments, be left with the Chairman and Clerk.” Mr. Petty said a new road had been made to the allotments and fencing provided. The holders had received every consideration from the Council and they should now repay the authority. “They should get together, cut out all friction and concentrate on getting the best possible results from the allotments.”
Council Sunday
The Chairman thanked the members and officials for accompanying him to the Bolton Wesleyan Methodist Church last Sunday. He added that there were three other places of worship in the district, and expressed the hope that during the year they would attend services there
War Memorial Fund
The question as to what had been done with the War Memorial Fund was raised by Mr. Phillipson. The secretary of the local British Legion branch had informed him that Mr. Hawksworth had promised to arrange a council deputation to meet the branch on the matter
Ald. Probert: That money has gone long since,
Mr. Hawksworth said he had made no such promise.
It was decided to discuss the matter further in committee.
CONFERENCES
Messrs. G. Probert and A. Fouchard and the Clerk are to attend the U.D.C. Associations’ conference at Skegness; Mr. D. Griffiths and the Surveyor, the Municipal and County Engineers’ conference in Glasgow; and Mr. Fouchard and the Sanitary Inspector the Royal Sanitary Institute conference at Brighton.