Salvation Army
To enable the local corps to hear the Salvation Army Service, which was broadcast from the London Studio on Sunday evening, when an excellent address was given bty General Booth, Mr H. Clarke kindly placed his wireless set in the S.A. Hall, and the service was very much enjoyed by those present.
The officers are extremely grateful to Mr Clarke for his kindess, as it gave many local Salvationists the opportunity for listening for the first time to their leader.
Appointment of Registrar
After having been in Mr Macklin's family for nearly 100 years the office of Registrar of the Buntingford sub-district has changed hands, Mr B.E. Thody, the newly appointed Registrar having taken over the duties this week.
The office was held by Mr Macklin, by his father and also by his grandfather.
The appointment of a Relieving Officer has not year been completed, and the duties are still being carried out by Mr Macklin.
Buntingford Petty Sessions
Friday last, before Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis, C.B.E. (in the chair), Capt. H.H. Williams, Claud Fraser, William Steel, and G.W. Pepper, Esqs.
NEIGHBOURS DISAGREE
Ernest Newman, of 15, Council Cottages, Cottered, brought a charge of common assault against his neighbour, Jack Gravestock. Gravestock pleaded "not guilty."
The plaintiff said that on Saturday, 7th January, he returned to his home shortly after 9 p.m. After he had been indoors some minutes he heard someone at the front door. He went to the door and the defendant took hold of him and tried to pull him out. Some men were standing at the front gate, and the plaintiff went down the path to enquire what was the matter. Jack Gravestock then took hold of him and pushed him on the village green, and dumped him in the mud two or three times. He afterwards reported the matter to the police.
Edith Newman, wife of the complainant, said she was having a few words with her husband on the night in question when the defendant came to the front door and tried to pull her husband outside. Later her husband went outside and was pushed in some mud by defendant.
Cross-examined, witness stated that her husband was not drunk that night.
The defendant, in giving evidence, said that at about 10.20 p.m. on the Saturday night in question he was indoors with his parents when he heard screams of "murder" and "help." He went to the front door, where he saw Mrs Newman, who asked him to hit her husband.
Newman then came out of the house and witness said to him "I want to see you; come on to the green." Newman walked over to the green and slipped down in the mud, where he laid for some minutes.
Mrs Hearne, of 14, Council Cottages, said that at 10.30 p.m. on the day in question she heard someone screaming. She ran outside, and saw Mrs Newman lying in the path. When Newman came out of the house she asked him to go to his wife's assistance, and he replied "She is only putting it on."
Harry Gravestock, the defendant's father, gave evidence, and said that when he went outside Mrs Newman was shouting "murder" and asking for protection. When Newman came out into the road he walked on to the green, and slipped and fell in the mud.
Harry Hearn and Joseph Pepper said they stood in the road and saw Newman fall down in the mud. The defendant did not push him down.
Mrs Gravestock, the defendant's mother, said there was an awful row outside, and when she went out Mrs Newman told her that Newman would kill her son. The witness went out on to the green where she saw her son (the defendant) standing with another man. She went up to the man, and, thinking he was Newman, smacked his face. She then discovered it was Mr Pepper she had struck. (Laughter). The witness added she helped Newman up and pushed him indoors.
The Chairman said the Bench were of the opinion that the assault had not been proved. The case would be dismissed.
ALLEGED CRUELTY TO A CHILD
Mrs K. Goss, a married woman, of Buntingford, was summoned by John E. Gibbs, of Buntingford, for alleged cruelty to his child, Frederick Gibbs, aged three years.
The plaintiff, in a lengthy statement to the Bench, said that while his wife was in hospital his three children were placed in the care of Mrs Goss. He paid her £1 per week for their maintenance.
On Tuesday, 20th December, Mr Goss brought the boy, Frederick, home, stating that the child had misbehaved himself. The complainant found that the child complained, and on examining him it appeared as though the child had been struck. He took the child to the Police Station, where he was examined by Police Officers. He also saw Mrs Goss, who denied thrashing the boy.
Mrs Goss, in giving evidence, said that when she took the children into her care they had chicken-pox. In consequence they had marks on their bodies.
On the morning of December 20th she attended to the boy, Frederick, as usual. When she went to dress him at 7.30 a.m. she found he had misbehaved himself, so she gave him a smacking. She did not smack his head, and the child seemed all right at breakfast. She had three children of her own, and would have treated any of them just the same.
Mr G.H. Maughan, of Messrs Chalmers Hunt & Co., defended, and pointed out that a person who has charge of a child is legally entitled to administer such punishment as is necessary. There were times when corporal punishment was necessary, and this occasion had been one of them.
The complainant then called his daughter (Barbara) to give evidence and further evidence for the defendant was given by her husband and daughter.
The Chairman, in addressing the complainant, said that the Bench had listened with great patience to all the evidence. They were impressed by the fact that the complainant had called no medical evidence to support his case.
They further noted, from the evidence, that although an officer of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children had his attention called to the matter, there was some significance in the fact that he did not intervene in the case.
The Bench were of the unanimous opinion that the case must be dismissed.
POSSESSION CASE
The case in which Mrs Page applied for the possession of a cottage in the occupation of Jonah Brown, and which, as reported in our issue of 10th February, was adjourned for the Magistrates to inspect the alternative accommodation offered the tenant, again came before the Bench.
In dismissing the application for possession, the Chairman said that the alternative accommodation offered the tenant was, in the opinion of the Bench, unsuitable.
Girl Guide Movement
In connection with the Girl Guide Movement, a troop of which will shortly be formed in Buntingford, there was a social gathering at the Congregational Schoolroom last Wednesday afternoon.
Mrs Martin was the speaker, and Mrs Fraser, Miss Gibbs, and Miss Elliott were also present. There was an attendance of about thirty.
In the course of a very interesting address on the aims and objects of the Guide Movement, Mrs Martin said the principal object was that of impressing upon the girls the necessity of teaching themselves, in order to make them practical and useful wives when they had homes of their own.
One other object was the teaching of common sense, which seemed to be omitted from the education given at school. The speaker said she thought that a girl who had received such instruction as home and sick nursing, ambulance, first aid and such like, would make a far better housewife than one who had only been taught such subjects as writing, arithmetic, &c.
Mrs Martin gave several illustrations of the courage displayed by guides, and said she hoped the Buntingford troop would be quite a successful one.
Refreshments were served to the company present, and the meeting then closed.
Death
At the early age of 24 years, the death occurred early on Monday morning last of Mr Arthur Robert Franklin, fifth son of Mr and Mrs Franklin of High Street.
Mr Franklin had been ill for about six weeks, and had been a patient in Royston Hospital for one week. He was quite cheerful when he was visited by friends on Sunday, but passed away the following morning as already mentioned.
He had suffered from heart disease for some time, and a fall when quite young caused him to be lame for life.
The funeral will take place on Saturday afternoon.
----
Football Club
On Tuesday evening a whist drive and dance, in aid of the funds of the Town Football Club, was held at the Benson Hall, when in spite of a very foggy evening, several persons from the district were present. The event was quite successful.
Twenty-four tables were in use, and Mr H. Clarke carried out the duties of M.C. The voucher prizes were won by the following players: Ladies - 1 Mrs Nash 9188), 2 Mrs S. Smith (183), 3 Mrs Piggott (173). Gents - 1 Mr T. Pledger (173), 2 Mr R Fisher (172), 3 Mr M. Corp (171). A special prize for the highest score at the first half was given by Mr Daniels, and this was won by Mr E. Hatchett.
At the conclusion of the whist, dancing took place until midnight.
Mr C.H. Tottman officiated as M.C. and the music was supplied by the "Mavis" Dance Band.
Congregational Social
A very enjoyable evening was spent on Thursday, September 16th, in the Buntingford Congregational Schoolroom, the occasion being a church social.
A good number of friends gathered in the schoolroom, which had been very attractively decorated during the afternoon by Mr H. Cutts, assisted by Miss Norris, the members of Miss Careless's sewing class also having been busy to the same end.
The Rev. Tom Warren, Congregational Minister of Cheshunt, was present, and he retained the interest of his hearers for fully an hour in lecturing, in his own racy manner, on "People I have met in the Workhouse."
The Minister, in thanking Mr Warren for his kindness in coming and in lecturing, asked him to convey the greetings of the Buntingford Church to that at Cheshunt, and this suggestion was warmly endorsed in the usual manner.
During an interval refreshments were served, these having been donated by the friends in the usual very generous manner, the ladies of the Church again carrying through the necessary arrangements for the dispensing of the same.
The followed a programme of entertainment, consisting of songs, pianforte items, readings and recitations, competitions, &c., the latter causing very much merriment, prizes being awarded to the successful competitors.
The financial proceeds of the social were on behalf of Church funds, and the best thanks are due to all who in so many ways, refreshments, assistance preparatory to and during the social, &c., rendered possible such a pleasant evening.
Layston Annual Church Meeting
The Annual Church Meeting of the electors of Layston was held at the Women's Institute Hall on Tuesday evening, when there was a good attendance.
Following prayer and the reading of the collect for Ash Wednesday by the Vicar (Rev A. Howard), who was in the chair, the minutes of the previous meeting were read by the hon. secretary and treasurer of the Parochial Church Council, and these were duly signed.
Mr Maughan, in presenting the report of the Church Council for the past year, mentioned that an active Church Councillor had been lost by the death of Mrs H. Coleman. The receipts for last year amounted to £75 4s. 0 3/4d., and the expenditure totalled £73 8s. 2 1/2d., which left a larger balance in hand than the previous year. The sum paid to special societies during the past year amounted to £49 4s. 9d.
Mr Fraser moved the adoption of the accounts, and Mrs M. Corp seconded Mr Fraser's proposal.
The Electoral Roll was presented, showing that 16 names had been erased due to death and removals, and 29 had been added, and the number now on the Roll was 252.
It was reported that Mrs Howard had been able to send the full quota (£35) to the Diocesan Board of Finance, this amount being chiefly comprised of contributions received in connection with the Free-Will-Offering-Scheme.
The Parochial Church Council, viz., Mrs J. Smith, Mrs Howard, Mrs Dixon, Mrs Butler, Mrs Macklin, Mrs Corp, Miss Boniwell, Miss Davies, and Messrs. Freeman, Miles and Pateman, were re-elected en bloc on the proposition of Capt. Tollemache, seconded by Mrs H. Clarke. Miss Woods was appointed to fill the vacancy on the Council.
Another representative, in addition to Mr Fraser, was required for the Diocesan Conference, and Mrs Howard was appointed, she having expressed her willingness to serve.
Mesdames Butler, Macklin, Dixon and Howard were elected representatives on the Ruri-decanal Conference.
Regarding the repair of the organ at St Peter's, the vicar expressed his thankfulness that what he considered to be a "stumbling stone" had been rolled away, and after paying nearly £50 to Messrs. Corps there was a small balance left over, and this he had placed to the magazine account, because he was continually paying money from his own pocket to meet expenses which the magazine entailed.
The new heating apparatus has involved a further expenses, and the vicar mentioned that after paying £50 to Messrs. Grundy a sum of £29 was still needed, and he appealed to all to help raise this amount.
The vicar also mentioned that the initial expenses in connection with the new Churchyard were being borne by Mr Fraser, and the Bishop would consecrate the ground in the spring. The Bishop would also conduct a Confirmation Service at St Peter's on June 22nd.
Warm thanks were expressed by the vicar to all the officers for their past services, also to Mr Fraser (the host of the evening) and all helpers, and this concluded the business meeting.
Refreshments, which had been kindly provided by Mr Fraser, were then served, and musical programme followed. Miss M. Macklin, who presided at the piano throughout the evening, gave two delightful pianoforte solos, and Mrs Armstrong sang "The Second Minuet" with fine expression.
Mrs Corp's song "My ain folk" was also very much enjoyed. Mr E.E. Dennis then conducted community singing, such well-known songs as "Billy Boy," "Bobby Shaftoe" and "Loch Lomod" being popular with all; closing with the well-known hymn, "Jesus, Lover of my Soul," to the beautiful Welsh tune, Aberystwyth.
Braughing
An Interesting Will Case
The hearing of the Probate action in the matter of the estate of Ezekiel Walter Martin, late of North View, Braughing, Near Ware, retired farmer, who died on February 17, 1927, came on for hearing before Mr Justice Hill in the Probate Court on Tuesday, the 7th inst., and it related to the question as to whether the last will of the deceased, date September 23, 1924, was duly executed.
The will referred to, of Ezekiel Walter Martin, was made by him on a printed will form.
Mr W.O. Willis, K.C., and Mr Noel Middleton (instructed by Messrs. Hare and Son, of Much Hadham) were the council for the plaintiffs, the children of the late Ezekiel Walter Martin, who claimed that the Court should pronounce against the will and that the deceased died intestate; and Mr Cotes-Preedy, K.C., and Mr T. Bucknill (instructed by Messrs. S.J. and S.T. Miller, of Cambridge) were the counsel for the defendants, three of the grandchildren of the deceased, Walter, Arthur and Neva (children of Mr Harry Martin), who benefited [sic] under the will of the deceased.
The gross value of the estate of the deceased was stated to be £12,426 7s. 3.d
Mr Justice Hill said: This is a case very near the line, and of some difficulty. The document which was executed as a will bears date September 23, 1924. On the face of it, it is unimpeachable, and, indeed, if both witnesses were dead it would be impossible to impeach it. It is on a printed form. The writing throughout is that of the testator, with a number of paragraphs. There is no signature at the end of the last paragraph, but a little further down appears, in print, the formal attestation clause, with a bracket against it and against that bracket, on the first two lines, appear the signature and description of the testator, on the next two lines the first witness, and below that the second witness. It looks like a properly executed will. The presumption in law therefore arises, and is strong, that this was the duly executed will of the testator.
But, on the other hand, the two witnesses are alive, and they have both been called. To the recollection of the first witness, Miss Ashdown, I do not attach much importance, because she was evidently an elderly lady; she was extremely nervous in giving her evidence, and it is not so clear as it otherwise would be; and her recollection is, I think, not entirely to be relied upon.
So far as it goes, she said this: That the will was folded, leaving only the lower half of the second page upwards as the will lay on the table, and nearly all the space above the printed attestation clause was covered over with a bit of paper; and she says that when she put her name to that bit of paper, as she did, the name of the testator was not upon it. I have pointed out that in those circumstances it is odd that she should have begun to write her signature as a witness, not on the first line abreast the bracket of the attestation clause, but on the third line; and as it now appears the first line is occupied by "Ezekiel Walter Martin, retired farmer," and the second line by the village where he lived. Still, that is her definitive statement, that there was no signature.
Mr Simpson, the other witness, is much younger, and he is quite positive upon it that there was no other writing when he signed: "There was no other writing that I saw." He again says that the bit of paper was put across the will, bringing it down to about the fold of the document as it then stood, that is to say, an inch or two above the attestation clause, and that when he signed there was no writing upon what was opened to him, except what Miss Ashdown had written.
He said his memory was quite clear. He is giving evidence now at the beginning of 1928 with reference to something that happened in September, 1924, but he had in an affidavit sworn in April, 1927, said the same thing; so that his recollection is the same throughout - it is not so very long ago.
In face of that evidence I feel bound to say that the presumption is rebutted, and it has been proved that this signature of Mr Martin's was not on the document at the time when the two witnesses signed, but has been put upon it at some later time. In coming to this conclusion, I am not ignoring the fact that Mr Martin had made wills before and that on a later occasion when he witnessed a will it was all done in proper order; but I cannot - I wish I could but I cannot; my sympathies are the other way - do other than find that this will was not properly executed.
I think it is the greatest possible misfortune, because it seems that so far as most of the members of this family are concerned, the thing has been driven to this legal decision. The costs will come out of the estate.
Mr Willis: Your Lordship, for the moment will pronounce against the testamentary papers of September 23, 1924?
Mr Justice Hill: Yes.
Mr Bucknill. I do not know whether your Lordship would say in this case that the costs should come out of the estate as between solicitor and client?
Mr Justice Hill: Certainly.
Mr Bucknill: It is a case where the matter has had to come to the Court.
Mr Jusitce Hill: I think so. I think that is fair.
Mr Willis: If your Lordship pleases.
Accident
While cycling down from the Causeway on Sunday morning, John Bradford, of Newtown, was heavily thrown from his machine, and the injuries which he sustained thereby are somewhat serious.
He was attended directly after the accident by Dr Dixon and Nurse Davies, and is now suffering from concussion.
We understand that his condition has slightly improved.
Aspenden
Fire
There was a blaze in the village last evening, when two straw stacks, the property of Mr Crouch, were completely destroyed by fire.
The outbreak occured at about 8 o'clock, and the reflection of thethe flames attracted many persons from neighbouring villages to a field opposite the Sports Ground, where the fire occurred.
The cause of the outbreak is unknown.
School Attendance
A meeting of the Buntingford Education Sub-Committee was held at the Board Room on Tuesday morning, Mr C. Hummerstone presiding. Other members present were Mrs Alex Dixon, the Rev. F.R. Williams, the Rev. John Cole, Captain H.H. Williams, and Messrs. E.E. Dennis, W.J. May and G.C. Wilson, with the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke) and the School Attendance Officer (Mr B.E. Thody).
Five cases of irregular attendance were dealt with and warnings issued. The Attendance Officer reported that there were 690 children on the registers and that the attendance for the past week was 92.7.
The Committee fixed the holidays for the current year and also passed accounts relating to the Technical Institute.
Buntingford Rural District Council
Monthly Meeting
The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Rural District Council was held at the Board Room on Thursday in last week, when there were present: Capt. H.H. Williams (in the chair), Mrs Dimsdale, Messrs. C. Hummerstone, F.B. Cannon, H.C. Marshall, C. Fraser, H.S. Ward, A.W. Page, T.J. Stick, A.J. Hayes, G.C. Wilson, and W.J. May, with the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke) and the Surveyor (Mr E.G. Thody).
The Surveyor presented his monthly report. During the month the water consumption had been 1,060,000 gallons. The water level at the Waterworks had risen a further six feet, being six feet higher than at February last. Owing to this it was considered advisable to overhaul and re-leather the pumps.
Isolation Hospital
No cases had been reported during the month and the hospital was closed. Certain repairs were necessary to the building.
The Hospital Committee agreed to inspect the Hospital at an early date and submit a statement of what repairs were necessary.
Mr W. Houlden, of Buntingford, made application for assistance under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, and the necessary forms to be completed were issued.
The Clerk read a letter from Mr W.J. May tendering his resignation from the Board of Guardians and Rural District Council, as he was shortly leaving the district.
The Chairman said how much they all regretted Mr May's departure. They were all deeply conscious of the fact that he had been a very valuable member, and the Council would wish him the best of luck.
Mr Hummerstone, the Chairman of the Board of Guardians, associated himself with the Chairman's remarks, to which Mr May suitably replied.
The remainder of the business was of a formal nature.
Joint Parish Council's Meeting
STREET LIGHTING
A joint meeting of the Aspenden and Layston Parish Councils was held at the Board Room, Buntingford, on Wednesday evening, when there were present: Mr H.C. Marshall (in the chair), Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. H.G. Stearn, C.H. Poulton, F. Camp, A.W. Wilson, G. Scarborough Taylor, P. Hamilton, J. Lawrence, H. Clarke, F. Crouch, and the Clerk (Mr J. Boniwell).
The chief business was the discussion of the question of street lighting in Buntingford and to receive a tender from the North Metropolitan Electric Supply Company for lighting the streets by electricity.
The tender submitted by the Company amounted to £131 17s. for twenty-three lights - viz., ten suspended lights, eleven mast lights and two bracket lights. The scheme included the lighting of Newtown.
The Chairman said the present system of gas lighting was costing £100 per year.
The meeting discussed the matter fully, and then decided to ask Mr Dixon-Browne, engineer-in-charge for the Buntingford district of the North Metropolitan Electric Company, to give the meeting further details in connection with the tender submitted.
Mr Scarborough Taylor asked if it would be practicable to reduce the number of suspended lights by increasing the power of the lamps.
Mr Dixon-Browne, replying, said the ten suspension lamps of 100 watts could be reduced to six suspended lamps of 300 watts. This would be cheaper than the scheme submitted.
Asked if the Company would reduce the term of years specified in their tender, from ten years to seven years, Mr Dixon-Browne said he was prepared to make the tender for seven years. He was afraid he could not hold out any hope of a lower tender than for the amount submitted, less the allowance in respect of the reduction in the number of suspended lights, as the price quoted was only just at working cost. The Company was bearing the entire cost of installing the necessary fittings and lamps, and in addition would have to bear all replacements.
Mr Wilson asked whether the lighting of Hare Street Road was included in the tender. Sunny Hill was as important as Newtown, and a lamp was badly needed.
The Chairman said he was afraid that Sunny Hill was not included, as it was not in the lighting area.
Capt. Williams then moved that the tender of the North Metropolitan Electric Supply Co. be accepted, on the understanding that the number of suspended lights be reduced to six, the tender to be for seven years, and that the lights be extinguished at 10.30 p.m. instead of 10 p.m. as mentioned in the tender.
In consequence of the amendments, the tender was reduced to £122 11s.
Mr Scarborough Taylor seconded the proposition, which was carried.
Mr Poulton asked why the parish of Wyddiall was not represented at the meeting. Wyddiall at present had one lamp in the High Street, and if the parishioners chose to keep out of the present scheme they could do so.
Mr Wilson asked what the position would be if the parishioners of Wyddiall refused to come into the scheme they had just adopted. They would be getting their light at the expense of Aspenden and Layston.
The Chairman said he thought the matter would be met if a small sub-committee be appointed to go into the matter with the North Met. with regard to the fixing of the lighting points. He would suggest that one or two of the Wyddiall parishioners who resided in Buntingford be asked to serve on the committee.
This was agreed, the following being appointed: Aspenden, Capt. H.H. Williams and Mr A. Wilson; Layston, Mr G. Scarborough-Taylor and Mr J. Lawrence; Wyddiall, Mr Claud Fraser and Mr Ernest G. Thody.
Mr Clarke raised the question of the apportionment of the cost. He thought Aspenden and Layston should divide their share equally.
It was finally agreed to leave this matter to the sub-committee to report on.
The Chairman thanked Mr Dixon-Browne for attending and for his explanations, and in reply Mr Dixon-Browne said that when they matter was settled and points fixed his Company would start with the work straight away.
Death of Mr H. Prior
We regret to record the death of Mr H. Prior, son of Mr and Mrs George Prior, of Church Street, Buntingford.
The deceased, who had been an invalid for some considerable time, passed away at the age of 23 years on Sunday last. The funeral took place at Layston on Thursday, the service being conducted by the Rev. A. Howard.
The immediate mourners were Mr and Mrs G. Prior (father and mother), Messrs. T. and J. Prior (brothers), Mr F. Dearman (step-brother) and Mrs Miller (cousin). A number of friends were also present, and some beautiful wreaths were sent.
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.
Buntingford Nursing Fund
Annual Whist Drive
The Annual Whist Drive and Dance in aid of the Buntingford Nursing Fund was held at the Benson Hall on Wednesday evening.
The event was again organised by Miss Lushington, who was assisted by many willing workers both before the day and at the drive itself.
As many as twenty-seven tables were occupied for whist, while several persons came in afterwards for the dance. Mr A.C. Bartlett was M.C., and fulfilled his duties in a very efficient manner.
The prize winners were: Ladies - 1 Mrs F. Camp (179), 2 Mrs Green (171), 3 Miss Cornwell (171). Gents - 1 Mr A. Hodge (175), 2 Mr T. Pledger (175), 3 Mr G. Lindsell, jun. (174). The lucky ticket prizes went to Mr L. Poulton and Mr E. Pledger. Lowest scores - Miss M. Cornwell and Mr R. Cawthorne.
Miss Lushinton, in a brief speech, thanked all present, and emphasised the importance of the Buntingford Nursing Association, and referred to the admirable work being carried out by Nurse Davies. She also thanked all those who had contributed to the success of the evening. Miss Lushington then distrbuted the prizes to the successful whist players.
The following contributed to the prize fund or sent donations towards the expenses: Mrs Williams, Mrs Marshall, Mrs Weasey, Mrs Croslegh, Miss Lushington, Mrs Fell, Mrs Nevett, Mrs Fletcher and Mrs Dixon.
Dancing commenced at 10 p.m., and went on merrily until midnight, the Town Band and Mr J. Bishop kindly providing the music.
The event was most successful, and best thanks are due to Miss Lushington for again organising the annual whist drive.
British Legion
While the funeral procession of Earl Haig was taking place in London on Friday, Mr E.C. Clarke, hon. secretary of the Buntingford Branch of the British Legion, placed a wreath of evergreens and Flanders poppies on the Town War Memorial.
The wreath was inscribed: "In memory of our leader and a great soldier; from the members of the Buntingford and district branch of the British Legion." The town bell was tolled at minute intervals from 12.30 to 1 p.m.
On Sunday there was a memorial service to the late Field Marshall at St Peter's, Buntingford. A party of about thirty ex-service men, many wearing the familiar Flanders poppy, attended, and the service was conducted by the Vicar, the Rev A. Howard.
The Communion Table was draped with the Union Jack, and the order of service was similar to that held at Westminster Abbey on the previous Friday. Captain Lionel Tollemache read the Lessons.
Taking for his text the words "After he had served his own generation by the will of God, he fell asleep and was laid with his fathers," the Vicar paid a high tribute to Earl Haig. The British Legion was the outcome of his efforts and is a monument of his affectionate care for his soldiers. His great characteristics were thoroughness and co-operation, and if Earl Haig ranked side by side with Wellington he had many more troubles than Wellington.
The impressive service closed with the Dead March by Saul, played by the organist, Miss Boniwell.
The offertory was devoted to the British Legion Fund.
Death
Harradence - On February 8th, at High Street, Buntingford, Eliza, wife of the late Mr James Harradence, aged 74 years. Funeral at Layston on Monday next.
Death of Mrs Harradence
The death of Mrs E. Harradence has removed yet another of our old inhabitants.
The deceased has been in failing health since her husband's death a year ago. She was 74 years of age, and during her illness received every possible attention and kindness from her daughter, Mrs H. Jackson, with whom she has resided for over twelve months.
He [sic] end came on February 8th. Her large family are now greatly scattered - two sons being in Canada and one at Southend. The funeral takes place at Layston on Monday. The deep sympathy of many friends in Buntingford is extended to the family.