Thornhill Lees Conservative Club

Although the photograph shows the club building and some of its members, very little information has been found about the Thornhill Conservative Club. An entry in the 192 Kelly’s Directory shows the club’s address as Lees Hall Road, Thornhills Lees, Dewsbury and the club secretary as George Dawson.  There are just two accounts of meetings in the early twentieth century held at the club. 

In 1902 Mr Haley, the Conservative candidate for Dewsbury was welcomed at a meeting held in the National School, Thornhill Lees. After his and others had addressed the crowd, Haley was given a vote of confidence which was carried unanimously. 

(See Leeds Mercury 9 January 1902)

J. W. W. Shuttleworth, the prospective Conservative candidate for the Dewsbury area addressed a meeting at the club in November 1928 regarding safeguarding industry in the area. He regarded the Socialist programme as impracticable along with the Liberal attitude towards free trade. He went on to state -

“Conservatives frankly contended that legislation alone could not solve the unemployment problem. It could be solved only by economic developments. But development could be helped forward by protecting labour at home through the safeguarding of industry. In the 17 industries to which it had been applied, safeguarding had been most beneficial in providing more employment, and in no single instance had involved increased cost on the article to the consumer. Statistics showed that if Safeguarding were to be applied to the heavy woollen industry of that valley, there would be employment for every loom in Dewsbury and Batley without adding a farthing the cost of the goods produced.” 

Leeds Mercury 7 November 1928

Morton House Club and Institute.

It would appear to have become Morton House Club & Institute in more recent years. This club having the same location as the Conservative Club and being identifiable by its frontage. 

Morton House Club & Institute bowling green.