17th September 1926 - Death of Mr Edward Pigg

Original image on Facebook

Buckland

Death of Mr Edward Pigg

It is with much regret that we record the death of Mr Edward Pigg, of Buckland, Buntingford, a well-known Alderman of the County of Hertford, and a man admired by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mr Pigg had been in failing health for nearly a year, and recently he had been seriously ill. He passed away on Monday morning last at his residence at Buckland.

Mr Pigg, who was born at Barkway, belonged to an old agricultural family. He farmed Chipping Hall Farm for many years, and was one of the best known breeders of Shire Horses in the County, his collection of silver cups, &c., being very fine.

He was appointed a Justice of the Peace for Herts in 1902. A staunch Conservative, he was a generous supporter of the cause, and took a particular interest in the Buntingford Branch of the Hitchin Conservative Association.

He was elected a Guardian of the Buntingford Union, and a member of the Buntingford Rural District Council in 1890, and held the chairmanship for some time. He was also chairman of the Ashwell Board of Guardians and a member of the Ashwell Rural District Council.

Besides County matters, he took a deep interest in all affairs connected with his village. He was a particularly good farmer and his men had great affection for him; his own quiet enthusiasm working wonders among them.

His wife, three daughters, and three sons survive him, and much sympathy is felt for them and other relatives in their great loss.

The funeral will take place at Barkway Church today (Friday), a report of which will appear in our next issue.

---

Transcribers note: A copy of the following weeks paper does not appear to have been saved.

14th January 1927 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

Original image on Facebook

Buntingford Petty Sessions

Friday last, before Mr J. Howard-Carter (in the chair), Capt. H.H. Williams and Mr Claud Fraser.

Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman

The Chairman proposed and Mr Claud Fraser seconded that Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis, C.B.E., be re-elected Chairman for the ensuing year.

Mr Claud Frader proposed and Capt. H.H. Williams seconded that The Hon. Baron Dimsdale be re-elected Vice-Chairman.

Probation Officer's Report

Mr H. Andrews submitted his annual report.

During the year five persons had been placed on probation by the Buntingford Justices. Two had finished their probation leaving three.

At the 15 courts attended by the Probation Officer, 111 persons had been placed under probation during the year. Of this number 105 had been good during 1926.

The chairman complimented Mr Andrews on his excellent report.

No Light

Arthur F. Coventry, of 27, Park Avenue, Timperley, Cheshire, was summoned for riding a motor cycle without a front light.

P.C. Gillett proved the case, and the defendant, who did not appear, was fined 40/- including costs.

Motor Case

Frederick C. Shadbolt, of Rye Park, Hoddeson, was charged with driving a motor car without a front light. There was a second charge of driving a car without have the rear index plate illuminated.

P.C. Williams, who proved the case, stated that he was on duty near the new railway bridge when he saw a car coming from the direction of Buntingford. There was no rear light, and no off-side extreme light. The head lamps were alight.

The defendant said his lamps had fused and that owing to his bright headlights he did not notice that the extreme off-side light was not working. His rear lamp was alight when he left Royston.

The Chairman said the magistrates had decided to take a lenient view of the matter. There would be a fine of 15/- including costs.

A Sunday Morning Episode

Cyril Robinson (23), a plasterer, and William Manning (60), a labourer, both of Norfolk Road, Buntingford, were summoned for trespassing in search of conies at Throcking on Sunday, 5th December last.

P.C. Hill, of Chipping, said he was patrolling the Buntingford - Throcking Road, when he saw the men in a field with a dog. Manning was carrying a gun. He called out to the defendants and Manning ran away.

Mr B. Nicholls, of Little Court, said the shooting on the land in question was hired by Captain Denny, and no permission to shoot on the land had been given to defendants.

In defence, Manning told the Bench that he went to Throcking to keep the rooks off of Mr Poulton's corn - he merely walked up the side of the hedge of the field where the trespass was said to have been committed. He did not run away when the Constable called.

Robinson, who pleaded not guilty, said he had nothing to say.

The Chairman said the Bench found both men guilty. Manning would be fined 10/- and Robinson 5/-.

A Cartage Contractor in Trouble

Magnus K. Smith, a cartage contractor, of Buntingford, was charged with failing to pay weekly contributions under the National Health and the Unemployment Insurance Acts. There were seven charges in respect of three employees - A.A. Smith, F.G. Howard and E. Gatward.

The defendant pleaded Not Guilty to all except two charges for failing to to affix unemployment stamps in respect of F. Howard and A. Smith.

Mr Robert Watson appeared for the prosecution and in outlining the case, said that all the defendant's employees were subject to both Unemployment and Health Insurance. There was no excuse for not stamping the cards, as if the employees failed to present their cards the employer should have obtained emergency cards from the Post Office and the local Labour Exchange.

The defendant was visited by a Government Inspector on 26th March, who found that the Books and Cards were not stamped.

On the Inspector's second visit on 13th October, he found that the books and cards were still unstamped, and he asked for the books to be handed over. This the defendant refused to do.

The three employees then gave evidence.

Mr Edwin E. Elwell an Inspector of the Ministry of Health Insurance, in giving evidence, said he interviewed the defendant on 26th March at the Buntingford Railway Station in the presence of his employees. He next saw him at Buntingford on 13th October, and again on 20th October, when he asked him whether the cards were stamped and whether he had obtained unemployment books from his employees. The defendant told him that he had not.

Mr Harry Clarke, Branch Manager at the Ministry of Labour, said that defendant had been reported to him on two or three occasions owing to the trouble of getting unemployment books.

The defendant told the Bench that he had paid Health Insurance since the Act came into force. He had never deducted any money for Insurance from his men's wages. When he employed Smith he asked about his cards and he told him that he had never had any. He (the defendant) went to the Prudential Agent and obtained a card for Smith and stamped it up. He had also been to the Labour Exchange for Howard's Unemployment Book but was told that the Inspector had taken it away.

Defendant to Mr Watson - "Why are half-yearly stamps used."

Mr Watson - "You can use them if you pay your men half-yearly, but do you know that persons using them must stamp the cards at the beginning of the half-year."

The defendant - "But they never do." (Laughter).

The defendant then handed over stamped cards and books in respect of two of his employees.

The Bench retired, and on returning the Chairman said they had carefully considered the case. They were of opinion that the greatest patience and consideration had been shown by the Inspectors, and the case was aggravated by the practical ignoring of the many warnings that defendant had been given.

Under the circumstances the Bench could see their way to impose no smaller fine than £2 on each summons.  To this would be added the Courts Fees £1 15s. 6d. and the Prosecutions Fee £2 2s. 0d. There would also be an order for payment of the arrears now outstanding (£2 5s.) making the total amount payable £20 2s. 6d.

The defendant asked for time to pay, and was allowed one month.

18th February 1927 - Car v. Bullock

Original image on Facebook

Car v. Bullock

On Monday afternoon, during a thick fog, an Essex Six Motor Car, being driven in the direction of Buntingford by Mr Routh, of East Hoathley, Sussex, collided with a bullock between Chipping and Buckland.

The bullock was one of four being driven to Mr E. Mildren's farm, and the car hit it with such force that the animal was carried along on the bonnet; it received very bad injuries and had to be destroyed.

The driver of the car was unhurt, but the lamps and front of the car were badly smashed.

---

Read the Petty Sessions report about this accident.

11th February 1927 - Cars Collide

Original image on Facebook

Cars Collide

A two-seater Morris Cowley car, driven by Miss Lushington, of Buntingford, collided with another two-seater Morris Cowley, at Chipping on Tuesday afternoon last.

A tradesman's motor van was standing on the left of the road, and in passing this Miss Lushington failed to notice the on-coming car, with the result that the cars collided.

Considerable damage was done to both cars, but fortunately neither Miss Lushington or her passenger, or the driver of the other car were injured.

11th March 1927 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

Original image on Facebook

Buntingford Petty Sessions

Friday last, before Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis (in the Chair), Captain H.H. Williams and Claud Fraser, Esq.

Sequal to a Fog Mishap [original article]

Eric Lancelot Routh, of East Hoathley, Sussex, was summoned by the Police for driving a motor car in a manner dangerous to the public, at Buckland on 14th February, 1927.

The defendant, who pleaded not guilty, was defended by Mr Walter Frampton, jun., instructed by Messrs. Lloyd and Armstrong, of London, W.C.

Edward Ellis Mildren, of Buckland House, Buckland, said on 14th February he took four bullocks to Buntingford Market, he drove them back to Buckland during the afternoon, leaving Buntingford at 2.45 p.m.

Between Chipping and Buckland he heard a car approaching from the direction of Buckland. There was a thick fog at the time, and he was unable to see more than 20 or 30 yards. He put up his hands for the car to stop, and called out to a boy who was ahead of the bullocks to do the same.

The witness then tried to get the bullocks on one side, but as the car did not appear to pull up, he jumped into the hedge; as he did so he heard the car crash into one of the bullocks which was carried down the road about 40 yards.

Witness went down and helped to get the bullock from underneath the car, and after staggering for some yards, the bullock fell down and had to be slaughtered.

In answer to Supt. Wright witness said the weight of the bullock was approximately 12 cwt. It was foggy all the way from Buntingford.

Cross-examined by Mr Frampton: The car was on its right side.

William A. Sell, a lad of 15, in the employ of Mr Mildren, said he was in front of the bullocks when he heard a car approaching. He saw a car through the fog, and the next instant it hit one of the bullocks and knocked it along the ground. It was a very foggy afternoon.

Police Constable Williams said he received a message to the effect that a car had collided with a bullock in Chipping. He went to the scene of the accident where he saw an Essex Six car on the near-side of the road. He measured a skid mark which was 156 feet long. The width of the road at the spot where the car was alleged to have hit the bullock was 20 feet.

Cross-examined: The car too up about 9ft. 9in. of the road, leaving 10ft. 3in. to the good.

P.S. Dean, of Buntingford, said the defendant reported to him that he had hit a bullock on the road near Chipping; the defendant stated at the time that his speed was about 20 m.p.h.

The defendant, an Ex-Army Capt. with the M.C. and bar, said he was returning from Huntingdon on 14th February. As he was nearing Chipping, he ran into a mist which grew thicker.

He saw some cattle ahead, and instantly applied his brakes; he felt the front wheels of the car skid, and he found that it was impossible to avoid hitting one of the beasts which strayed across the road. His speed at the time was between 20 and 30 m.p.h. He paid a man to tow the car off the bullock.

Addressing the Bench, Mr Frampton said it was most difficult to judge the speed of a car coming towards you. There was a bank about 2 ft. high on the near-side of the road, and had Capt. Routh chosen this instead of the bullock, it might have led to more disastrous results. The owner of the bullock had been compensated for its loss.

The magistrates retired, and on returning, the Chairman said in their opinion it was a suitable case for the police to have brought forward; the evidence, however, did not lead them to the conclusion that there was sufficient evidence to convict.

The Bench wished to say that proper precautions were taken by the driver of the bullocks. It was one of those deplorable accidents which were difficult to evade in a thick fog.

School Attendance

Charles Glasscock, of Baldock Road, Buntingford, was summoned for not causing Joseph Wick to attend school regularly.

The attendance officer, Mr B.E. Thody, stated that the child had made 81 out of 96 attendances. The chairman said that an attendance order would be made.

Dog Licenses

Applications for exemption from dog licenses were considered and granted.

A Lady and Justice

The Chairman said that a letter had been received from Mrs Edis to the effect that she wished to speak from the Market Hill on the subject of Justice.

The Chairman said he was afraid it was not a matter for the magistrates to deal with, but perhaps the Police would look into the lady's request.

3rd June 1927 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

Original image on Facebook

Buntingford Petty Sessions

Friday last, before Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis (in the chair), H.C. Marshall, William Steel, G.C. Coutts-Deacon, and G.W. Pepper, Esps. The last three named gentlemen took their seats on the Bench for the first time.

No Licence

Charles Clark, of 20, Balmouth Road, Borough, London, was charged with driving a motor lorry without being duly licensed, at Chipping.

P.C. Hill, who proved the case, said that he stopped the defendant, who was driving a six-wheeled vehicle, at 2.30 a.m. The defendant told him that he had lost his licence since last November.

A fine of £2, including costs, was imposed.

A Regrettable Case

What was described by all parties concerned as a very regrettable case, came before the Bench, when Daisy Hilda Page (aged 17), of Rushden, Buntingford, made application for an affiliation order against John Sydney Lyon (aged 15), also of Rushden.

The case lasted nearly two hours, the complainant being in the witness box for an hour.

After a short adjournment, the Chairman said that the Bench had given the case their very deepest and sincerest consideration, and they were of the opinion that there was inssuficient evidence to make an order.

The case would, therefore, be dismissed.

A Rate Summons

Harry D. Piper, of "Wedlands," Hare Street, Buntingford, did not appear to a summons for non-payment of Poor Rate.

Mr W.C. Kitchen, the Assistant Overseer, was granted a distress warrant.

18th June 1926 - Another Accident

Original image on Facebook

Another Accident

What appears to have been a rather serious accident occured on Wednesday evening last to Mr Charles Sell, of Sunny Hill, Buntingford.

It seems that when cycling towards Chipping - and following a motor lorry which gradually pulled up on passing another lorry - Mr Sell failed to do likewise, and collided with the oncoming lorry, sustaining severe injuries to the face.

He was at once taken to the Royston Hospital, and up to the time of going to press, we are informed that he is progressing favourably.

30th April 1926 - For Sale

Original image on Facebook

For Sale

Eggs - Black Leghorns, 2/6 per sitting. Apply, Pigg, Chipping.

Motor cycle for sale, cheap; In running order. Bentley, Moorfield House, Hare Street.

12th Oct 1928 - Accidents

Original image on Facebook

Accidents

Whilst driving a Trojan van from Cherry Green to Munden on a bread delivery round, Mr E. Ward, who is employed by Mr G. Pearce, collided with a 5-ton lorry. Fortunately nobody was injured, but the impact resulted in the Trojan being badly damaged. The damage to the lorry, of course, was of a minor character.

Another accident occurred at Chipping on Monday afternoon. From what our representative was told, it seems that a car travelling in the direction of London was overtaking a lorry, and in passing it is presumed that the lorry was struck by the mudguard of the car, so slightly that the driver proceeded on his journey being unaware of the accident, which resulted in the lorry being turned into the ditch.

The greasy state of the road resultant from the heavy rain of Thursday morning was responsible for an accident of an unusual character near Reed Hill. The car, which was a Morris Oxford saloon, skidded and struck the bank, turning completely round in the opposite direction, but the driver, the only occupant, systained no injury, although the car was badly damaged.

It is interesting to note that other accidents of this nature have occurred on the same spot during recent weeks.

12th Feb 1926 - The Floods

Original image on Facebook

The Floods

Buntingford had its full share of Sunday's downpour, which raged from early morning until the evening. Water from the hill towards the waterworks began to descend to the town, flooding the road to a depth of three or four inches.

A barrel drain burst, and the water spouted up like a miniature fountain. Meanwhile the River Rib had began to rise, and inconvenience was caused to householders living in the proximity.

Further along, towards Chipping, there were extensive floods, the road being covered for some distance. An A.A. Patrol warned motorists, and several motor cyclists had to take another route.

Mr S. Pigg, of the Hall Farm, lent valuable assistance by drawing motors through the flooded area with horses. At night red lamps were placed each side of the road. Volumes of water rushed across the road near Aspenden bridge, the road being covered for some 70 yards. Fortunately, the damage done to crops is slight.

5th Feb 1926 - Death of Mr George Pepper

Original photo on Facebook

Chipping

Death of Mr George Pepper

Respected and esteemed by all who knew him, Mr George Pepper, who has resided at Chipping since he retired from farming five years ago, passed away at the advanced age of 86 on the 20th ult [sic].

For over 50 years he was tenant of Southfield Farm, Sandon, and was greatly respected in the village, and regarded as a kind and considerate employer and a generous friend.

The funeral took place at Throcking Churchyard on Saturday afternoon. The remains, encased in an unpolished oak coffin which had brass furniture, were conveyed to the church on a Washington car.

There were two motor-coaches, the immeadiate mourners being Mrs Jones (sister-in-law), Mr Walter Pepper, (nephew), Mr Bedford, Mr Hugh Bedford, Mrs Rowlatt, Mrs Scarf, and Mrs Oakley.

The Rev. A. Howard (Vicar of Layston) officiated, and in his short address referred to the simple Christian faith of the deceased, so abundantly exeplified in his long life.

There was a large number of friends present at the funeral to show their respect to the memory of the deceased. Amonst them were the Rev A.L. Panchaud (Throcking), the Rev. John Cole (Buntingford), Mr and Mrs A.W. Page, Mrs T.J. Stick, Mrs Cordell, Mrs Field, Mr and Mrs Norman Chalmers-Hunt, Mr Rand (of Southfield Farm), Mr Russell Pigg, Mr A.C. Bartlett, Mr James Cooper, Mr and Mrs Tofts, Mrs Turner, Mr Woodman etc.

There was a number of floral tributes.