Here is this week’s round-up of pieces from the Batley News relating to the parish of St Mary’s. As usual I have put in bold the names of those connected to the parish who served with the military. And, as ever, the spelling and punctuation matches that of the newspaper.
More parishioners were before the magistrates this week – John Finneran (or Fenneran according to the piece), John George Carroll and Nora Gavin.
Batley Court – Monday
For being drunk and riotous in Hume street, on February 10th, John Fenneran, miner, 30, Hume Street, Batley, had to pay 10s. and 2s. 6d. witness’s costs.
John George Carroll, miner, New Street, Batley, wrote pleading guilty to using obscene language in New Street, on February 11th. —Constable Bentley said he found him struggling with a soldier. Fined 10s.
IRREGULAR ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL. —In three cases where parents were summoned for not sending their children regularly to school, Mr. G. R. H. Danby, prosecuted on behalf of the Education Committee. Nora Gavin, of 49, Field Lane. Batley, said her child was weak, and had been poorly for some time. —Fined 10s….
Perhaps John Finneran’s behaviour owed something to this week’s local Roll of Honour of casualties compiled from official War Office lists. Amongst the names was John’s brother, Thomas Finneran:
MISSING
Batley. —Pte. T. Finneran, King’s Liverpool Regiment.
News reached home from Prisoner of War John William Mullins:
Two and Half Years’ Internment in Germany.
A postcard from Sergt. J. W. Mullins, of the K.O.Y.L.I., who was taken prisoner in August, 1914, states that he is “going on all right” but not receiving many letters. As a boy he worked at Soothill Wood Colliery, but it is nearly 20 years since he joined the Army. He was in Dublin when war broke out. His address is now at Staumuhle, Post Sennelager, via Paderborne, Germany. His mother resides at 94, New Street, Batley.
Finally for this week Thomas Foley, John Doyle and Francis Monaghan were mentioned at the annual meeting of the St Mary’s Branch of the National Catholic Benefit and Thrift Society.
BATLEY ST. MARY’S BRANCH of the National Catholic Benefit and Thrift Society’s annual report – prepared by Mr. A. Cox, secretary – shows that 1916 was a busy year in regard to claims for benefit. The working of the people at top pressure owing to the war, and the severe weather during the latter part of the year had their effect on health, with the result of an increased number of claims for benefit. During the year the Branch paid out in sick and disablement benefit £337 10s. 4d., and in maternity benefit £96, which brings to £2,130 the amount paid in benefits since the inception of the Insurance Act. This had been a great help to the members during sickness, and had justified the institution of the Act. Out of the Branch’s 380 members, 135 men had joined the Forces, and 18 of these had made the “great sacrifice.” Three had gained military honours, viz., Pte. Thomas Foley, who died in the act of winning the D.C.M., and Privates John Doyle and Francis Monaghan, who had won the Military Medal. The Branch felt it a great honour to have had such men as members. The Branch was affiliated to the Batley and District Friendly and Approved Societies’ Council and through that body had made arrangements for the services of a Medical Referee, which should prove a great benefit to the members. —The report was adopted at the recent annual meeting under the chairmanship of Mr. John Deasy, P.L.G. All the officers and committee were re-elected.
Past To Present Genealogy 