2nd April 1926 - County Library Scheme

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County Library Scheme

A FREE LIBRARY FOR BUNTINGFORD

A meeting to discuss the question of forming a Buntingford Branch of the Herts. County Council Free Library Scheme was held at the Parish Room on Saturday evening. Mr Claud Fraser presided and was supported by the Rev. A. Howard. There were about 20 representatives from the parishes of Aspenden, Layston, Wyddiall and Throcking present.

Under the County Library Scheme libraries are formed in the various towns and villages in the County and a supply of books, normally two per member, are sent periodically. There is no charge for membership or books.

The Chairman, after reviewing the scheme, said he thought it a very good one. It involved the Committee and members in no cost and he understood the books were very useful ones. If 150 members could be enrolled, they would be entitled to 300 books.

After a discussion, the Rev. A. Howard moved, and Mr W.J. May seconded that a library be formed. The following were elected to serve on the committee:

Layston - Mrs H.L. Baker and Miss Elliott.

Aspenden - Mr H.C. Marshall and Mrs H.H. Williams.

Wyddiall - The Rev. L.W. Wright and the Rev. A. Howard.

Throcking - The Rev. A.L. Panchaud and Mrs A.W. Page.

Mrs Macklin proposed, and Mrs A. Dixon seconded that Mrs Howard be asked to take on the duties of Hon. Librarian. Mrs Howard, after enquiring what the duties entailed, said she would accept.

The Chairman said they were very grateful to Mrs Howard for her promise of assistance. (Applause).

Mr W.J. May asked whether Sub-Libraries could be formed in the various parishes connected with the scheme, and the Chairman said he thought it would not be practicable at present. If any of the parishes choose to run their own scheme in conjunction with the County Council they could do so.

Mr A.G. Day said the Committee should consider what would be a suitable day and hour for opening the library. He thought the room should be open during the evening as some members would find it difficult to change their books during the afternoon.

Mr E.E. Dennis said he had made enquiries at Hertford, and had learned that gifts of books to the library would become the sole property of the library. The librarian would, however, have to render a return of all books presented. He understood that the next supply of books would be ready for despatch in April, and if members could be enrolled at once Buntingford could get a supply then.

MEMBERSHIP

The Chairman said he hoped as many as possible would take advantage of the scheme. When they had enrolled enough members the librarian could send for a supply of books. All that was necessary was for the public to sign a membership form, and Mr Day had kindly offered to have a supply of these in his shop.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding, and for the interest he had taken to the scheme.

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N.B. - It is important that membership forms be completed as soon as they are available, as after the April supply of books there will be no further supply for some two or three months, and should be membership increase immediately after the first supply, enough books may not be available for some time.

2nd April 1926 - Jumble Sale

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Jumble Sale

The jumble sale, in aid of the Home League Summer Outing Fund, realised £3.

The stall-holders were Mrs Parker, Mrs Howes, Mrs Miles and Mrs Harris.

Mrs Hills, sen., was in charge of the refreshment stall.

2nd April 1926 - The Government and Agriculture

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The Government and Agriculture

Major Kindersley replies to Local Farmers

On Friday last, Major Guy M. Kindersley replied to the questions submitted at a meeting of local farmers, held on March 11th, a report of which appeared in these columns.

The meeting on Friday was held at the Benson Hall and the Chairman (Mr Claud Fraser) said they were pleased Major Kindersley was able to come and speak to them on the important questions raised.

Major Kindersley, who was warmly received, said:

[Transcriber note - There is a very extensive write up of the Major's speech, which is so long the font size had to be reduced by the paper printer. It doesn't name anyone, so I have decided to not transcribe it. You can read the entire thing in the original image.]

Major Kindersley also referred to his own position in regard to the Government Electricity Bill, to which he, together with other members, had submitted a reasoned amendment. He declared as "monstrous" the insinuation in a newspaper that he had done so because he was interested in electricity concerns. He did not possess a single share, and his motives were always in the public interest.

Mr H. May moved a vote of thanks to Major Kindersley for his address. He (Mr May) was one of those who formulated one of the question, and he thought Major Kindersley had answered it well. 

He hoped, however, that something would be done to bring Agriculture on the footing it should be. (Applause).

Mr Macarthur in seconding, said he also was one who raised one or more of the questions put to Major Kindersley. He did not agree entirely with all Major Kindersley had said. With reference to the Widows and Orphans Pensions scheme. What he (Mr Macarthur) objected to was that the charge was borne by the employer of labour. A professional or a retired man paid practically nothing towards the scheme. There were other points he would like to raise but it would be hopeless to enter into any arguments that night. He was very pleased to second Mr May's proposition. (Applause).

Mr W. Manning, who said he represented the farm worker, supported the vote. He said he thought it was not fair for a farm worker to receive 31/- a week when other men were receiving three or four pounds. (Applause).

The Conservative Concert Party gave an excellent programme of songs &c., before and after the speeches, those contributing towards the programme being Messrs. F. Pearce, B. Richmond, A. Upchurch, and W. Allen.

2nd April 1926 - Cottered School Concert

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Cottered School Concert

"Encore" Cottered School Concert, was the demand of those who had seen the entertainment of the 20th ult.

Miss Wilderspin (head teacher) with her very able assistants (Miss Pugh and Miss Anable) most kindly consented to meet the demand they had created by reproducing the charming production that they, by infinite care and hard work, had so successfully achieved.

The youthful actors responded generously by their sweet singing and intelligent rendering of their various characters, representing sword dancers, butterlies, spiders, &c. The elocution of the children was really surprising. Ages ranging from 5 to 14 years. That in its self was a great triumph for both pupils and preceptors.

The very crowded audiences on both occasions, March 20th and 27th, were very enthusiastic, giving cheers for all concerned. Where all excelled individual praise is impossible, so in thanking the head teacher, teachers and scholars, pianist (Miss Pugh, a teacher), and chairman announcer (Mr Beadle), the writer joins in the hearty cheers of the delighted audience.