Farmers settle row over pint (of milk)
HERE in this regular feature we take a look back at items in the Rochdale Observer from 100 years ago
●●FARMERS’ STRIKE
Last night, the strike of farmers at Heywood was settled and tomorrow, the deliveries of milk will be recommenced.
The dispute arose because the farmers demanded 8 ½ d per quart and the Food Control Committee fixed the price at 8d.
Last night, the farmers asked the committee to receive a deputation and this was agreed to.
After some conversation, the representatives of the farmers then agreed to deliver milk at 8d per quart until April 30, with the understanding that if circumstances alter they will be able to again lay their position before the committee.
●●MAY HAVE NO RATION BOOKS
It is extraordinary that large numbers of persons have failed to return their ration book reference leaves to the Food Control Office. There it was reported yesterday that unless the leaves are promptly sent in, postage paid and properly filled up, the dilatory consumers may in a few weeks find themselves without books with which to obtain food.
●●TRAMWAY FARES
Councillor Howarth called attention to the proposal to increase tramway fares throughout the Rochdale area and complained that the ride from Norden to Rochdale is now a very dear one.
He thought that the fact should be taken into consideration when the proposed increases were being considered, the clerk, explained that application had been made to the Board of Trade for power to increase the fares in the Rochdale area and no doubt it would be advertised in a few days.
The clerk remarked that the matter had been discussed and would be further considered on Monday night.
It was likely that the fare from Norden to Rochdale would be increased to 4d with a 3d fare from the Woodyard.
After some discussion, the chairman, councillors Ashworth, Taylor, Howarth, Briggs and Stoney were appointed as a subcommittee to deal with the matter.
●●WAR CASUALTIES
Sergeant John Butterworth, 34, Lancashire Fusiliers, previously reported missing on November 20 last year, is now presumed to be dead.
His home was at 188 Bury Road, Rochdale.
Rifleman George William Beswick, King’s Royal Rifles, who formerly resided with his uncle, Mr. H F Greenwood, 195 Centre Vale, Todmorden Road, Littleborough, has been killed by a sniper.
Rifleman Beswick, who was 35 years of age, was the son of Mr and Mrs Joe Beswick of Doullens, Somme, France.
Formerly he attended the Littleborough Central School.
●●PRISONERS OF WAR FUND
The chairman stated that Norden’s share of the Lancashire Fusiliers Prisoners of War Fund was now £670, an increase of more than 50 per cent.
One local firm had contributed £9 to the Rochdale Fund and he wondered whether that could be transferred to the Norden account.
Councillor Howarth said he saw that lists of subscriptions in other districts were advertised.
The chairman thought it would be decided to publish the list once a month.