Salvation Army
Capt. Pollock and Lieut. Peacock, of the Buntingford Branch of the Salvation Army, left the town yesterday for new appointments. They succeeded Capt. Sweet and Lieut. Moore 12 months ago.
A special farewell meeting was held in the Salvation Army Hall on Monday evening, when the good wishes of the members was extended to the officers. The Salvation Army Home League also extended good wishes.
The new officers, who take over today (Friday), are Capt. Green and Lieut. Andrews.
Buntingford Petty Sessions
Friday last, before Lieut-Col C.H. Heaton-Ellis, C.B.E., Mrs Dimsdale, and Capt. H.H. Williams.
POOR RATES
Poor rates for the following parishes were presented by the Overseers and signed by the Justices.
It was stated that with the exception of Layston parish there were no arrears: Layston Poor Rate 5/-, lighting 3d.; Aspenden Poor Rate 5/-, lighting 6d.; Wyddiall Poor Rate 5/-; Buckland 4/8; Throcking 6/-; Little Hormead 5/-; Braughing 4/8.
AN ARREARS CASE
Jack Cecil Cook, of Hay Street, was summoned by Mr H.J. Andrews who stated that money due under an affiliation order had not been paid. The defendant did not appear, and the Chairman signed a warrant for his arrest. The police left immediately, and brought defendant to the Court within a few minutes.
P.C. Gillett then gave formal evidence of arrest. He stated that he had just arrested the defendant in Harestreet.
Asked by the Chairman why he had paid no money under the order made in November last, the defendant said his wages were only 25/- per week; his father was ill, and there were two children at home.
The Chairman said the defendant would have to pay or go to prison. He had not attempted to pay anything. Defendant would be committed to prison for one month, but the order would be suspended until Friday, May 7th, to enable the defendant to pay.
CHAIRMAN'S ADVICE TO A YOUNG LAD
A Buntingford lad was summoned by his late employer for stealing a shilling. The defendant's late employer stated that he did not wish to press the case as he had had no previous trouble with the lad.
The Chairman, who said he knew the lad's parents were very respectable, gave the defendant some good advice, and bound him over for two years.
NO LIGHT
Gladys Cook, of Hay Street, Braughing, was summoned for riding a cycle without a light at Westmill, Buntingford.
P.C. Williams said he was on duty at Westmill on 12th April at 8.40 p.m., when he saw a cyclist approach. He signalled to her to stop as he noticed there was no lamp on the machine. He asked her for an explanation and the defendant replied "I have been to the hairdressers; I did not think I should be there so long."
The Chairman read a letter from the defendant, who did not appear.
Supt. Wright stated that the defendant was a sister of the defendant Cook who had been brought up on arrest.
The Chairman, in imposing a fine of 10/-, said the family seemed to have no respect for the Court. He also instructed the superintendant to see that the girl was informed that had she been present the magistrates might have taken a more lenient view of the matter. She had not appeared and would therefore be fined.
Buntingford Petty Sessions
Friday Last, before Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis (in the chair), Captain H.H. Williams and Mr G.W. Pepper.
APPLICATION FOR POSSESSION
Mr Alfred J. Miller, of Braughing, made application for the possession of a cottage owned by him and in the occupation of Mr Robert Allen, of Braughing.
Mr Miller said he became the owner of the property in 1928. The tenant had been in occupation since 1926. The rent was 4/6, but when he (Mr Miller) became the owner he raised it to 5/6. The tenant had refused to pay the incrase, and the arrears now amounted to £13 11s 6d.
The applicant was anxious to get possession as he intended putting the cottage in a better condition.
Mr Allen said he had tried for three cottages, but had been unable to secure one. The cottage he lived in was in a deplorable condition, and he did not feel inclined to pay the increased rent until the owner repaired the place. He was quite willing to pay the back rent as he had the money with him, but he could not pay the extra 1/-.
The Bench discussed the matter, and the Chairman said the case would be adjourned for one month to enable the parties to come to terms.
AFFILIATION CASES
Leonard Ward, of Aspenden, and Sidney Oakley, of Buntingford, were summoned by Mr H.J. Andrews for non-payment of arrears in respect of affiliation orders made by the Buntingford Bench.
After hearing the evidence the Chairman said that unless the cases were settled within seven days both men would be committed to prison, Oakley for three months, and Ward for one month.
The last-named paid before the Court closed.