Cottered
Gardening Lectures
The second of a series of four fortnightly gardening lectures was given in the School on the 21st ult., by Mr R.W.B. Keene, of the Herts. Institute of Agriculture.
Mr A. Beadle presided, and in spite of the heavy fall of snow there was a fairly good attendance.
The subject of the lecture was "Seasonable Work in the Vegetable Garden," and at its close there were questions and discussion, in which Messrs. Edwards, Hearn, Hull, Kingsley, and Sanders took part.
Chess Match
A chess match between the Cottered Chess Club and a Buntingford team, arranged by Mr B.E. Thody, took place on Monday evening.
There were some good games, and the result was a win for Buntingford by four games to two.
The scores were as follows:
Buntingford - Cottered
Father Morgan - 1 - R.M. Hull - 0
E. Brett - 1 - E.E. Empringham - 0
B.E. Thody - 0 - R. Shepherd - 1
J. Lawrence - 1 - R. Barry - 0
H.M. Blakiston - 1 - T. Perry - 0
A.N. Other - 0 - B.A. Edwards - 1
Total - 4 - 2
At the close, the Rev. E.E. Empringham, of Cottered, thanked Father Morgan for placing his study at the disposal of the teams and for so kindly entertaining them.
Cottered
Cricket Club Concert
A very successful concert was held in the school on Friday evening, in aid of the funds of the Cottered Cricket Club.
Miss Bates acted as pianist, there were numerous encores, and the whole programme was thoroughly enjoyed.
In the interval, the Rector (Rev. E.E. Empringham), announced that a letter had been received from the Club President (Mr H. Goode) regretting inability to be present, and enclosing a cheque for £5 for the club funds.
The Rector also proposed a vote of thanks to the pianist, the performers, and all who had helped, but especially to the chief organiser, Mr Edwards, the Hon. Secretary of the Club.
Mr Edwards briefly responded, appealing for the support and goodwill of the whole community for the Cricket Club.
Fatal Holiday Accident
Motor-Cyclist Collides with Cart
Whilst motor cycling for [from?] Chatham, where he was stationed, to West Riding, on Friday last, Flagman Ernest A. Shoobridge collided with a farm cart at a dangerous corner in Cottered and was killed instantly.
There is a sign post on the corner and it is thought that the deceased, who had lost his correct route, looked up at the sign post and failed to notice the approach of a farm cart.
The district coroner, Mr H.F. J. Banham, conducted the inquest, which was held at the Cottered Rectory on Saturday evening last, when the following were sworn on the jury: Messrs. W.N. Sanders (foreman), J. Smith, J. Darton, W. Hills, C. Smith, W. Deards, W. Hummerstone, B.A. Edwards, T. Kingsley, J. Warner, H. Sheppard, G. Fenner, and F. Hummerstone.
Eric Sellers, a leading seaman in the Royal Navy, who was accompanying the deceased on another motor-cycle, said "We left Chatham on Friday morning at 6.30 for Nessborough, Yorks. The deceased was riding a 3 and a half h.p. Norton motorcycle. I was riding in front of my friend, and as I passed the corner I noticed a cart on the right side of the road, but I had no difficulty in getting by.
I happened to glance round and saw the deceased looking at the sign post; he turned his head back, and as he did so I saw a surprised look on his face as though he had noticed the cart and did not know what to do. I then heard a crash, and on going back found my friend lying across the road. He appeared to be dead. His speed at the time of the accident would be about 12-15 miles per hour."
Sidney Andrews, a carter, of Moor Green, Ardeley, said "On Friday, 3rd June, I was in charge of a horse and cart on the road from Cottered to Buntingford. As the horse approached the corner a motor-cycle passed, and immediately afterwards came another in the same direction. The second cyclist crashed into the hose, which was only moving at walking pace.
Part of the horse's harness was broken, and when I went to deceased he was lying in the road by the wheel. When the accident occurred I was about one yard from the near side of the road."
James Fuller, a roadman employed by the H.C.C., said "I was working near the corner in question on Friday, June 3rd, when I noticed two motor-cycles coming from the direction of Buntingford. The first one passed me all right, but the second one, which came on about 15-20 yards behind, took a big sweep; the rider shut off the engine and put out his right foot as if to save himself.
The cycle swayed, and I saw the rider strike the horse and then fall into the road. I went round the cart, but the deceased appeared to be dead."
Frederick James Savage, of High Street, Walkern, a labourer, also working on the corner, gave similar evidence.
Alfred James Ives, a police constable, stationed at Cottered, said "On Friday, 3rd June, about 10.15 a.m., I received a report that a motor-cycle accident had occurred on the Buntingford road. I went to the scene of the accident and saw a Norton motor-cycle lying close to the wheel of a cart which was standing on the north side of the road and facing north-east.
I found that the rider of the motor-cycle was lying with his right leg over his machine. His skull was crushed, and he was quite dead. The machine was slightly damaged. The width of the road at the particular point was 18ft. 6ins. There was 9ft. 6 ins. between the offside wheel of the cart and the other side of the road."
Dr R.W. Fell, of Buntingford, said "On arriving at the scene of the accident I saw the deceased lying on his back across the road. There was a lot of blood in the road and the deceased was dead. On examining the body I came to the conclusion that he must have struck his head on the shaft of the cart, and have died instantly."
The jury returned a verdict of "accidental death," the foreman requested the coroner to repot on the dangerous corner to the Herts. County Council.
Meeting of Grocers at Buntingford
A meeting of grocers of the Buntingford district was held at Buntingford on Monday evening, May 10th, 1926.
Present: Messrs. G.C. Wilson (Hormead), J.Smith, S. Daniels, C. Tottman, and E. Bayman (Buntingford), T. Barklem (Anstey), S. Lyon (Rushden), J. Carter (Buckland), A. Crowe (Puckeridge), B.A. Edwards (Cottered), E. Bedford (Harestreet), M. Hammond (Great Hormead), E. Taylor (Westmill), G. Ashton and E. Law, of Buntingford.
Mr G.C. Wilson was appointed Chairman.
The Chairman read a letter from the Buntingford Rural District Council, and outlined the scheme for transport of foodstuffs in the district. He then asked for particulars as to what stock were held for traders.
Mr E. Bayman (Messrs. Forrest Stores) said he had seen most of the grocers in the district on Sunday, and the general position was that there appeared to be enough supplies in the district for the next 14 days.
The Chairman asked whether the traders would like to form a small committee in order that any orders could be dealt with by that body. Mr S. Daniels moved, and Mr E. Bayman seconded that the whole of the traders for the committee. This was carried unanimously.
Mr B.A. Edwards (Cottered and Buntingford), said it appeared to him that while the traders might have sufficient stocks for the next 10 or 14 days, there would be a certain amount of difficulty in replenishing stocks should the strike continue. He thought that it would be wise to secure further stocks as early as possible. The matter was fully discussed, and several traders reported that they had received notification from their wholesale dealers that normal supplies would be delivered this week.
One of the traders stated that he was short of a certain commodity, whereupon another trader promised to let him have a supply. The Chairman said this was the spirit that was required, and he felt sure that co-operation such as this would help them to overcome difficulties.
The Chairman said the Buntingford Rural District Council were meeting on Tuesday morning, and he thought it would be wise to let Mr Scarborough Taylor know before the Council met, the exact position of the grocers.
The following resolution was then carried unanimously:
"In view of the fact that several wholesalers have promised delivery of supplies this week, this meeting of traders, while appreciating the action of the Buntingford Rural District Council, feel that for the present their stocks are sufficient to meet the demands of the public.
The traders wish to state that they are keeping a close view of the situation from day to day, and should the necessity of transport arise they will appeal to the Buntingford Rural District Council for such help as is considered necessary to ensure the replenishment of their stocks."
A further resolution was passed to the effect that the daily returns called for by the Council should be supplemented for weekly returns. It was also agreed that should any trader run short of supplies he would get into touch with Mr Scarborough Taylor.
The possibility of forming a Grocers' Association was discussed, and it was decided to leave the matter over until the present crisis was over.
The next meeting of the traders was arranged for Monday evening, May 17th.
Buntingford Petty Sessions
Friday last, before J. Howard-Carter, Esq. (in the chair), Claud Fraser, William Steel, G.C. Coutts Deacon and G.W. Pepper, Esqs.
GENERAL ANNUAL LICENSING MEETING
The superintendent presented his annual report, as follows:
Gentlemen, I am directed by the chief constable to report that the number of licensed houses within the Buntingford Petty Sessional Division is 33 fully licensed, 7 beer (one), 4 beer (off), 1 grocer's and 2 registered clubs; total 47.
Four houses have changed hands during the year, being the same number as last year. One licensee has been proceeded against during the year. No person has been proceeded again for drunkenness during the year, this being a decrease of one compared with last year.
The permitted hours in the Buntingford Petty Sessional Division are week-days, 10.30 a.m to 2.30 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sundays 12 noon to 2 p.m., and 7 to 10 p.m.
The Chairman said he thought the whole bench would agree that the report was satisfactory. The renewel of all the licenses would be granted.
OTHER LICENSING BUSINESS
Application was made by Mr George Wickham, of "The Angel" Inn, Buntingford, for the extension of hours from 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays (Buntingford Market Day). The application was granted.
FAILING TO ILLUMINATE IDENTIFICATION PLATES ON MOTOR CARS
There were two charges against car drivers for failing to illuminate their rear identification plates on motor cars. The defendants, who did not appear, were William B. Witts, of Heathfield, Bassingbourn, and Walter C. Salmon, of 4, Rye Road, Rye Park, Hoddesdon, both motor drivers.
Evidence in each case was given by P.C. Gillett, who said that the rear light of one of the cars was alight but did not illuminate the number plate.
Asked by the Chairman if it was because of dirt on the lamp or plate, the constable replied that the lamp was bright enough but threw a light on to the ground instead of on the number plate.
In imposing a fine of 10/- on each defendant, the Chairman said cases of this kind were becoming before the Bench more frequently. If this continued the Bench may feel it their duty to inflict a more severe penalty.
NO DRIVING LICENCE
Sidney Edwards, of 62, Catharine Street, Cambridge, was summoned for driving a motor car without a driving licence at Buntingford.
P.C. Williams said he saw defendant at Buntingford at 2.40 a.m. on 2nd January, and when he asked him for his licence the defendant said he had left it in another coat.
Supt. Wright read a list of former convictions in 1915, 1916, 1917, 1919, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, and 1928, and the Chairman, remarking that the defendant had kept the police force busy, said there would be a fine of 10/- including costs.
GAME TRESPASS AT BRAUGHING
Herbert Petts, of Powel's Green, Braughing, Alfred Hagger, of the same address, and Frank Stacey, of Church End, Braughing, labourers, were chared with game trespass at Braughing. Petts did not appear.
P.C. Barker gave evidence of seeing the defendants in a field with dogs on a Sunay morning. The dogs were hunting the land. When he spoke to them they told him they were after rats.
Mr C.P. Mole, of Braughing, the owner of the sporting rights of the land in question, said he had never given the defendants permission to go on the land.
The bench inflicted a fine of 2/6 towards the costs in each case.
William Prior, of The Street, Braughing, was summoned for a similar offence.
P.C. Barker said he saw the defendant coming from a stack and noticed the legs of two rabbits protruding from the defendant's clothes. He told the defendant he would be reported, to which he replied "There they are; they are worth 1/6 each."
The defendant said that he was returning from work when his dog drove a rabbit into a hole. He got it out, and as luck would have it there was another rabbit in the hole.
The defendant, who had been fined twice previously for similar offences, was fined 10/- including costs.
POSSESSION CASE ADJOURNED
Mr G.H. Maughan of Messrs. Chalmers-Hunt & Co., solicitors, made application on behalf of Mrs Page for possession of a cottage situate at Sandon Lane, Buntingford, owned by her and in the occupation of Jonah Brown. The case came before the bench at a previous sitting, when it was dismissed as a notice had not been read over and explained to the tenant.
Mr Maughan stated that the applicant purchased the cottage in 1926. She was a London school teacher and was retiring on account of ill-health. Brown's rent was 2/- per week, and suitable alternate accommodation had been offered him. The alternate accommodation was at Buckland, and the cottage was larger than the one he was now residing in.
Mr B.E. Thody proved service of the statutory notice to the defendent to the effect that the owner was making application for possession at that Court.
Mrs Page and Mr Page both gave evidence, after which the defendant entered the witness box. He said that the cottage offered him was not suitable. It was three miles further away from his work, and his pony could not pull a cart up the road to the cottage. He objected to taking it.
The Bench discussed the case, after which the Chairman said it would be adjourned for 14 days to give the magistrates an opportunity of inspecting the property. [Transcriber note - Read about the next session here]
PROBATION OFFICER'S REPORT
The Probation Office, Mr H.J. Andrews, presented his report to the Bench. Of the seven cases placed in his hands by the Bench, six had proved successful and one had proved a failure. Mr Andrews then gave particulars of the number of cases - 91 - which had passed through his hands during the year, and said that there were only two failures. This meant that 89 persons had been helped to better things.
The Chairman congratulated Mr Andrews on his report, and said that the magistrates recognised in the Probation of Offenders' Act opportunity for the improvement of many people.
Mr Claud Fraser, a member of the Probation Committee for the county, said he was pleased to have recently made a satisfactory report on Mr Andrew's work.