21st February 1941
MOTHER'S THANKS FOR HELP IN EVACUATION

A copy of a letter from an evacuee mother staying in Brotherton, sent by the Ministry of Health, was read during a meeting of the Osgoldcross Rural District Council at Pontefract, on Saturday, by the clerk and District Billeting Officer, Mr. G.W. Hobman. It read: - "Just a few lines to let you know how thankful I am to be evacuated here. I think the Government treated us excellent on our journey, and also when we arrived. We all left King's Cross at 11.30am and we were given a grand lunch, three-course, and tea and milk for the children, all free. And when we arrived we were taken to a hospital in Wakefield and given a fine bed. We stayed at this hospital for three days, free of cost, with plenty of good food and clean beds for all of us; and then we were found a billet. I cannot understand mothers staying behind in London when they all have a chance of coming away free of charge, and such a grand reception. I am so thankful that I had to write to someone so I would like this letter passed on to the Evacuation Office. I am pleased to be away from London with my two babies. Yours faithfully, Mrs E. Call, P.S. I would like this to be put in the press.

The chairman of the Council, Councillor J. Leach, said "We appreciate such a letter because we have heard nothing but the other side ever since the evacuees have been coming. Evidently this women appreciates the treatment she received. She is not a grouser and I think she is to be commended."

The Billeting Officer reported that 45 people were accommodated under the original scheme; 44 children and one teacher; and under the Evacuation Scheme from London 158 children and 96 adults.

The fuel overseer, Mr. J. Bland, reported the receipt of the Fuel and Lighting Order, 1941, introduced to enable the rationing of coal at short notice.

1941 INDEX