Huddersfield Chronicle (06/Oct/1866) – Landslip on the Meltham Railway

Landslip on the Meltham Railway.

On Monday evening an extensive landslip occurred in Dungeon Wood, on the branch line of railway in course of construction from Huddersfield to Meltham. Within a short distance from the junction of the new line, with the line to Penistone commences a deep and heavy cutting through Dungeon Wood to the entrance of Butter Nab Tunnel. The deepest part of this cutting is almost immediately in the rear of Woodfield House, the residence of Bentley Shaw, Esq., whose stables, coach-house, and other outbuildings are situate at the foot of the slope on the lower side of the cutting. Between these and the top of the lower edge of the cutting, which is about eight yards high from the level of the line, are two strong burr walls, one belonging to the railway company and the other forming a fence of the private road to Mr. Shaw’s residence. Between these walls are a number of traes and poles. The cutting is a very heavy one, the upper side being between 30 and 40 yards in height, the top portion formed of heavy block stone, while the lower bed is composed of “scale” or loose shale. The sides of this cutting were left nearly perpendicular, but no danger was apprehended of any fall till very recently, little or nothing having been done at the Lock wood end of the cutting for nearly twelve months. On Monday morning, the men went to work, and the “gauger” or overlooker, Mr. Brook, observing indications of the slackening of the shale on the upper side of the cutting, was on the look-out all day. In the meantime he caused all the metals, sleepers, and other working plant to be removed from the place, and towards the middle of the afternoon noticed the servants of Mr. Shaw to remove their stock, &c. from the outbuildings for fear of mischief. At a quarter to eight o’clock the misgivings of the overlooker were verified. A loud crashing, crumbling noise was heard, together with the bounding of huge masses of stone and rock immediately behind Woodfield House. On examination it was found that the upper side of the cutting had given way for about forty yards in length, the rock, shale, &c., completely filling up the cutting, and heaping masses of stone higher than the lower side of it. Many massive stones, some of them yards in length, were rolled down the lower slope towards the stables of Mr. Shaw, but their force being broken by the company’s retaining wall — which was knocked down for fifty yards in length — and intercepted by the trees, no damage was done. The cutting for thirty or forty yards is entirely blocked up with immense masses of rock and stone. The weight of the debris is immense, and will take some time to remove it. The removal, however, will not be attempted until the entire cutting is completed, as the mass of stone and rubbish will have to be removed to the Netherton side, there being no place to deposit it on the Lockwood side of Butter Nab Tunnel, which is about 500 yards from the scene of the slip. The cause of the disaster is attributed to the late continuous rains having penetrated through the ground to the lower bed of shale, which it loosened, and rendered unable to bear the superincumbent weight of rock above it. Beyond the time required for its removal, no loss will be sustained by the contractors, Messrs. Barnes and Beckett.

Huddersfield Chronicle (15/Sep/1866) – Netherton: The Railway

NETHERTON.

The Railway.

Many parties have expressed their conviction that the new line of railway between Huddersfield and Meltham would be opened during the present year. This is found to be impossible, as the numerous unforeseen difficulties met with by the contractors render it almost certain that the undertaking cannot be completed till far into the spring of next year. The contractors are pushing forward the works with all possible speed; night and day men have for some time past been employed in both the Netherton and Butternab tunnels, and the works are progressing satisfactorily. The masonry in the latter tunnel is nearly completed, the men being now engaged on the last, or entrance “heading” of the tunnel. The former (Netherton) tunnel will be some time ere it is driven through, there being between thirty and forty yards of rock to pierce before the headings are completed, The permanent way from Meltham to Netherton tunnel is laid, the warehouses erected, and the building of the stations are being proceeded with. It seems — and it has been matter of remark — a great oversight has been made in planning the Netherton station. If built on its present site it will necessitate the confinement of a number of the carriages in the tunnel when the train comes to a stand. This could easily be avoided : there being ample room to erect a station and prevent the annoyance.

Huddersfield Chronicle (12/May/1866) – Netherton: Singular Escape, Two Men Shot in a Tunnel

NETHERTON.

Singular Escapade. Two Men Shot in a Tunnel.

At half past two o’clock on Saturday morning Police Constable Yates, when on duty in the village of Netherton, met on the highway James Sheard, formerly game watcher for Geo. Armitage, Esq., of Milnsbridge, but who bad latterly been working as a labourer in one of the tunnels on the Huddersfield and Meltham branch railway, at Netherton. Observing something bulky under Sheards coat, the officer enquired “Where are you going so late Jim?” After a little hesitancy, Sheard replied “I may as well tell you the truth at once, I’m going to have a shot.” Yates rejoined, “No, you’re notf so give me the gun.” Sheard scampered off with the officer at his heels, in the direction of Delph wood. Finding the officer gained ground, and was within a few yards of him, Sheard suddenly turned and ran into the Delph end of Netherton tunnel where a number of men were working by candle light. On reaching the men, Sheard cried out to James Hey, a mason, “Here take this gun,” it was a double barrelled gun and doubtless it was his intention to conceal it. The gun was in two parts, and unfortunately the nipples struck against a stone and both barrels went off. The constable imagined at first that the shot had been levelled at him, but bearing a deep groan he went to the spot and found Sheard laid on his back bleeding from wounds about the face and head. Part of the contents of the gun had lodged in the head, and the flesh from the hand of Hey was completely shot away. Mr. Calvert, a medical practitioner at Netherton was sent for, and by his advice the officer moved Sheard in a cart to his residence at Swires Lane, Crosland Moor, where he still lies in a very feeble state. On Saturday Hey, who was in a very weak state was taken to the “Oldfield Lane doctor,” at Manchester, where his lacerated hand was examined and dressed. Sheard is now under the care of Mr. Roberts, surgeon.

Huddersfield Chronicle (13/May/1865) – Lockwood Local Board Meeting

Lockwood Local Board Meeting.

This Board held its monthly meeting on Monday evening, at the Red Lion Inn, Lockwood. Mr. R. Roberts, the chairman, presided ; Messrs. J. Shaw, J. Crosland, Haigh, Ashton, Whiteley, W. Shaw, A. Crowther, E. Greenwood, and J.T. Rhodes were present.

Stopping of the Road through Dungeon Wood.

Mr. Ashton, referring to the stoppage of the bridle way through Dungeon Wood by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company, who are constructing a new line to Meltham, stated that the chairman, the clerk, and himself had been through the wood, and Mr. Watts (the clerk) had said pretty confidently that it was a public road. But what he (Mr. Ashton) had to complain of was that, whilst they were parleying, the road was still stopped. It was the duty of the Board to open the road, and keep it open, until some arrangements nad been come to. He moved that the Highway Committee be empowered to move all obstructions in the footway. A wall had been erected, and a board had been put up, notifying that trespassers would be prosecuted, and concluding with “by order.” It had turned out that Mr. Brown, inspector, had caused that notice to be put up ; but until the railway company had proved they were in the right parties coming from the mills ought not to be prevented from travelling that way.

The Chairman remarked that by what they could gather from Mr. Watts, the deputation from the railway company, they would be able to establish their claims to the rights of the road; but he (Mr. Watts) thought the Board had better not take any harsh measures until he had communicated to his superiors. He believed Mr. Penin had ordered the wall to be built, and for him to order it to be pulled down, would be to clash with his superiors. He (the Chairman) was inclined to let the matter stand in abeyance for a short time, to enable Mr. Watts to correspond with Mr. Perrin, of London.

Mr. Crosland observed that there had scarcely been sufficient time for Mr. Watts, the engineer, to receive a reply from London.

Mr. Brown, the resident engineer, had denied that the notice had been put up ; but when the committee went through the road, Mr. Watts pointed it out to him.

Mr. Shaw : Is it not Mr. Armitage who has put the notice up ?

Mr. Crosland : No ; it’s a new notice.

Mr. Ashton stated that there were notices forbidding persons to pass through the east and west side ; but the public were never prevented from travelling along the bridle footpath. The harshness was on the side of the railway company; and he reiterated that it was the duty of the Highway Committee to remove every obstruction instantly.

Mr. Haigh said the public were beginning to conclude that the Board were dilatory in the matter. The Company, who were getting the thin edge of the wedge, ought to have allowed the road to remain open as hitherto until the question of right had been disposed of.

Mr. Ashton added that Mr. Wrigley, who had enjoyed the use of the road 40 years, had declared that, if the Board did not take action, he would have the road opened himself.

Mr. Crowther would insist upon the road being opened, but would give reasonable time for the receiving of a reply from the superior officers of the Company.

Mr. Crosland suggested an alteration in the motion of Mr. Ashton, who, in reply, urged that five weeks had already elapsed and that there ought to be no further delay.

The Chairman said Mr. Watts was informed that the Board would maintain its rights at any cost.

Mr. Ashton repeated that the “blockade” ought to be “raised,” and said if he could have his own way he should raise it.

It was then moved by Mr. Ashton, seconded by Mr. Haigh, and unanimously resolved, that if no communication be received from the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company by Wednesday on the subject, that the Highway Committee take steps with a view to the removal of the obstructions.

Deposit of Plans.

Mr. Ashton remarked that it was usual for parties about to build to apply to the clerk, who prepared a notice embodying the conditions upon which plans of proposed new buildings were passed by the board. His (Sir. Ashton’s) impression was that there ought to be printed forms, which could be obtained free of charge by persons about to build. He decidedly objected to parties being called upon to pay 2s. 6d. for entering a plan ; and he had received complaints of the custom. Architects had complained that the board went far beyond the Huddersfield Improvement Commissioners who made no charge.

Mr. Crowther saw no hardship in it; and the Chairman had not heard of any complaint.

Mr. Ashton moved that the forms be printed, and that, on being applied for, they be given gratuitously to persons about to deposit plans.

The Clerk said the Board had sanctioned the practice. Most of those who applied for notices absorbed a great deal of time by asking questions and soliciting information.

Mr. Ashton : You must charge them 6s. 8d. (Laughter.) Several members of the Board thought no advantage would be gained by the motion, which was not seconded ; and the subject therefore dropped.

The Water Supply Question.

Mr. Ashton gave notice of his intention to propose the subjoined motion at the next meeting :—

That a committee be appointed from this Board to examine into and report upon the best and most practicable plan for obtaining a good and sufficient supply of water for the township.

It was, he said, high time the question was taken up in some tangible form.

In answer to one of the members of the Board, the Clerk said he had seen Mr. Armitage respecting certain land required in the improvement of the road at Crosland Hill. Mr. G. Armitage was quite willing to meet them, but preferred having the requirements of the Board in writing.

Mr. Crosland said no doubt Mr. Armitage would give the land that was required, but he wished to be furnished with the wants of the Board in writing.

The subject was referred to the Highway Committee.

During the month bills had been paid to the amount of £165 16s. 6½d. ; and accounts amounting to £14 19s. 8½d. were passed.

Huddersfield Chronicle (13/May/1865) – The Footpath and the Railway Company

LOCKWOOD.

The Footpath and the Railway Company.

From time immemorial the inhabitants of Lockwood have enjoyed the right and privilege of taking a walk when inclined through that romantic place known as Dungeon Wood, and so much has it been appreciated by the working men that it has gained the appellation of “Lockwood Park.” During the formation of the Huddersfield and Meltham Railway, the contractors have thought proper to wall up the road and render it impassable. The company’s servants were communicated with but to no purpose, and although the wall was knocked down by some of the public, the company built it up again. At the meeting of the Local Board, held five weeks ago, a deputation of the inhabitants waited on the board and complained of their “rights” being thus infringed. A remonstrance was sent to the officials, but no notice was taken of it. The subject was again mooted at the Local Board on Monday evening last, when the Highway Committee was ordered to view it, unless some satisfactory reply from the railway officials was obtained by Wednesday morning last. No communication being received up to that time, the committee met, and Messrs. J. Crosland, J. Ashton, W. Shaw, the chairman (R. Roberts), and the clerk went to view and inspect the place. They were accompanied by their surveyor. After looking at the place where the interruption exists, it was concluded that the footpath was a public highway, and had no right to be interfered with by the company until they had provided another one in its place. The surveyor, therefore, set to work and demolished the obstruction, and little doubt exists but that as often as it is obstructed it will be knocked down again. The road leads from “Upper wood” gate to Woodfield House, thence to Dungeon.

Huddersfield Chronicle (15/Apr/1865) – Meltham: Navvies’ Tea Party

Charles Brook had cut the ceremonial first sod for the Meltham Branch Line almost exactly a year before.


MELTHAM.

“Navvies'” Tea Party.

In the formation of the Huddersfield and Meltham Railway, as in all such like undertakings, large numbers of “navvies” collected from all parts of the country are employed. Generally speaking, this class are of a loose, wild, reckless character, and in many instances quite lawless. The “navvies” engaged on the Meltham line have, however, so far proved a happy exception, they, on the whole, behaving themselves in a quiet, and orderly manner ; so much so, that they have gained the respect of the gentry of the neighbourhood, which was testified on Tuesday last, when upwards of 200 of them were treated to a good substantial tea in the spacious dining hall of Meltham Mills, and to which it is needless to say the bronze-faced navvies did “ample justice.” This treat was got up principally through the liberality of Charles Brook, sen., Charles Brook, jun., J.W. Carlile, and Edward Brook, Esqs., and the Rev. E.C. Ince. In testimony of their appreciation of the character of the “navvy,” the whole of the above gentlemen were present on the occasion with the ladies of their respective families, and addressed some very appropriate remarks to the assembled workmen, who paid great attention to what was said to them. At a later period of the evening J.W. Carlile, Esq., amused and interested the audience by exhibiting his magic lantern, and a very agreeable evening was spent.

Huddersfield Chronicle (15/Apr/1865) – Lockwood: The Local Board

LOCKWOOD.

The Local Board.

Public Footways and the Railway Company.

A deputation, consisting of Messrs. Thos. Etcliells, Allen Crosland, and Benj. Spencer, waited upon the Board, asking for their advice and interference with respect to the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company, who while making the new line to Meltham had entirely stopped up one public bridle way, and another was partially stopped. Great inconvenience and annoyance had been felt by the public. The bridle paths ran through Dungeon Wood, and were alleged by the deputation to be the only places available for the working classes to resort to to obtain fresh air after their labours were completed, and they urged upon the Board the necessity of taking immediate action in the matter. The Board promised to do so. Mr. Ashton intimated that the Highway Committee had already taken it in hand, and that while walking through the wood with Mr. Shaw that very morning he took the liberty to knock the wall down which had been placed in the path, and would do so again.

The deputation thanked the Board and retired.

Huddersfield Chronicle (21/Jan/1865) – Magistrates in Petty Sessions: Assaulting a Policeman

Tuesday.

On the Bench : George Armitage and Joseph Hirst, Esqs.

Assaulting a Policeman.

John Kenny pleaded guilty to the charge of unlawfully assaulting Police Constable Wilson, on Saturday night last, at a quarter past twelve o’clock, in Market Street. Prisoner knocked the officer down twice and kicked him severely, being very drunk at the time. His conduct in the cells was very violent. Defendant said he worked on the railway, at Meltham, and it was the first time he had indulged to excess. The magistrates fined him 10s., and 8s. expenses; in default, one month to Wakefield.