This March 1937 letter to Hubert Tunney is from William Snaith of Wheatley Hill. A prominent Methodist, Snaith was the Superintendent of the Patton Street Methodist Church in Wheatley Hill for over 50 years. He was also a Justice of the Peace from 1926. A contemporary of Peter Lee on the first Wingate Parish Council, he served on Wheatley Hill council for 22 years and on the Easington Rurual District Council for 15.
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On January 1st 1947, on Vesting Day, aged 77 and still employed by the pit as a pick sharpener, he was the oldest employee at Wheatley Hill Colliery and had the honour of raising the NCB flag to celebrate the nationalisation of the mine. This event is recorded on page 4 of the Wheatley Hill History Club book
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The National Coal Board, Owners of Thornley Ludworth and Wheatley Hill 1947-55.
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The book also reprints his local newspaper obituary on page 219: he died, aged 82, in 1951
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23 Wolmerhausen St
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Wheatley Hill
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March 24th 1937
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Dear Hubert,
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I have watched very closely the recent elections with disgust. I feel very much for you after years of loyal service for humanity, you have been subject to such foolish abuse. One thing that to me stands out in your life is your unblemished character which in the future will be your strong rock. I have admired your stand for right, ever since we became acquainted you seemed to me to stand out above your fellows in administration of all local government work and I trust that you will not be downhearted. I know you are bound to feel the position. You and Walker
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[an Easington RDC Councillor for Easington who also lost his seat in the 1937 elections and who was a colleague of Tunney on the Crimdon Dene project]
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will be missed very much at Easington and more so in your local activities. The experience you are passing through very many have travelled it before, so be of good cheer. Mrs Tunney and family will be sharing this trouble with you and I am sure you all have our sympathy and love.
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Yours faithfully,
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Mr and Mrs Snaith.
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NEXT: a letter of commiseration regarding the 1937 local elections from B Mathers, Manage of Deaf Hill Colliery.
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Hubert Tunney Index Page
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