5th August 1927 - Congregational Church Garden Fete

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Buntingford

Congregational Church

Garden Fete

To those who are more immediately concerned in organising it, a garden fete is always a very anxious affair - until it is over!

The one held on Wednesday, the 27th inst., in connection with the Buntingford Congregational Church, was no exception to the rule, for the very intermittent downpours which continued throughout the day constituted and additional cause for apprehension.

But although contingent arrangements had been made for holding in the Schoolroom as many of the attractions as possible in the event of decidedly unfavourable weather, it was decided to carry on as previously intended. It is gratifying to know that both numerically (more particularly as the day wore on) and financially the event was a success.

The fete was held in the beautiful grounds of Layston Cottage, Buntingford (by the kind permissions of Mrs H.S. Ashford), and was opened at 3 p.m. by Mrs Greg, of Coles, Buntingford. Prayer was first offered by the minister, who introduced both Mrs Greg and the Rev. A.G. King, Rector of Westmill.

Mrs Greg's was a gracious and happily worded little speech, and both the opener of the fete and her supporter acknowledged the welcome extended to them. Little Nora Piggott presented Mrs Greg with a bouquet of very sweet flowers, and an expression of cordial thanks to the visitors was very heartily endorsed by those assembled for the opening.

It is practically impossible to give a complete list of all those who assist on such an occasion, by the following is as accurate a list as possible of the various helpers at the stalls, to which the friends now dispersed:

Stalls - Ladies' stall, Miss Dodd, Miss E. Dodd, Mrs Benstead, Mrs Cornwell, Mrs Scott; L.M.S. stall, Miss Edith Careless, assisted by Sunday School girl scholars; pound stall, Mrs Blaxill, Miss Doris Camp; fruit and vegetable stall, Miss Chrissie Norris, Miss Eileen Cutts; sweets stall, Mrs Halls, Miss Bolton, Mr and Mrs L. Smith; jumble stall, Mrs Baker, Mrs Ward.

Side attractions - Clock golf, Mr R.F. Dellow; weighing machine, Mr Scrivener; spinning arrow, Mr Scrivener, Mr C.L. Tutty, Mr Henry Clark; bran tub, Miss Winnie Ward.

During the afternoon, tea were very daintily served, those responsible for the catering, &c., being: Mrs C.L. Tutty, Miss Blanche Langham, Miss Edith Careless, Miss Mabel Cornwell, Miss Marjorie Cornwell, Miss Dolly Street, Mrs Hills, Miss Georgina Hills, Miss Nellie Howard, Miss Kathleen Smith, Miss Kitty Reed, and Sunday School girl scholars.

Miss Emily Benstead and Miss Dolly Street did duty at the lemonade stand. Ices, too, made a very welcome appearance, Miss Nora Ashford meeting the needs of customers.

There was again quite a number of competitions, &c., and the following is the list together with the names of those in charge (the names of the donors of the prizes are inserted in parentheses):

Stop-watch, Mr Henry Clark; cake-guessing (Mrs Mead), Miss Dorothy Saunders and S.S. scholars; duck guessing (Mr A. Dray), Leonard Saunders and Eric Halfhide; doll guessing (Mrs Squires), Miss Nora Piggott; steak and kidney pie (Mrs Peacock), Cyril Saunders; game of skill, Mr J. Cutts; jelly-eating, Miss Langham; pins guessing (Miss K. Minns), Miss Minnie Ashton and other S.S. girl scholars.

For the musical part of the proceedings, Mr A. Dray kindly lent his gramophone during the afternoon, the charge of which was undertaken by Harold Starr and Sidney Saunders; whilst in the evening the Standon Orchestra, under Mr A. Hedges, was in attendance from 6.30 p.m. and played for the dancing, which latter took place very soon after on the lower lawn, Mr Leslie Smith acting as M.C.

Mr Newson rendered great help in exacting toll at the gate, and was relieved by Mr W.H. Smith.

Just before 10 p.m., the minister announced the results of the various competitions, and the list of winners is appended:

Of lady's wrist watch, Mr Leslie Smith; of the clock golf prize, Mr S. Daniels; of the cake, the minister; of the duck, Nurse Davies; of the doll, Mrs Woods; of the pie, Miss Helen Fraser; and of the needlework box, Miss Minnie Ashton.

The minister expressed the great thanks of all to Mrs Ashford for throwing open the grounds as she had done, and this was very heartily confirmed. He said how grateful he was to all who had so willingly given any assistance whatsoever towards making the event so successful. There was a final dance, and the National Anthem concluded the proceedings.

As already indicated, it is impossible to enumerate the helpers on an occasion such as this for their name is legion, but in addition to the stall-holders and those mentioned above, all of whom rendered splendid service on the grounds, mention must be made of the help given in removal of furniture, &c., both before and after the day; of the assistance rendered on the grounds by Mr Pledger; of the splendid response to the appeal for provisions and for articles for the stalls; and of the help of Mr S. Daniels (Messrs. Moss & Sons, Ltd.), the motor greatly facilitating the conveyance of furniture, &c. To each and all, as also to the Workmen's Club for hire of tables, and to the Rev. L.W. Wright for materials, grateful thanks are proffered.

As a result of the fete, it is estiamted that the gross receipts will approximate to £43, and the nett proceeds to £33. J.C.

20th August 1926 - Buntingford Board of Guardians

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Buntingford Board of Guardians

Tramps Still On The Increase

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Board Room on Thursday (yesterday).

Present: Mr C. Hummerstone (in the chair), Mr F.B. Cannon (Vice-Chairman), Capt. H. Williams, The Rev. L.W. Wright, Messrs. G. Graves, A.J. Hayes, E. Bygrave, G.C. Wilson and W.J. May, with the Master (Mr F.W. Butler), the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin), and the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke).

Master's Report

The Master reported as follows:

Number of inmates - men 15, women 13, children 3. Total 31.

Number admitted to Casual Ward - men 14, women 1. Corresponding period last year, men 2.

During the month two male inmates have died.

Gifts

The following gifts and invitation has been received by the inmates and much appreciated:

Mrs H. May and Mrs Greg (books), Mr E.G. Thody (invitation to Flower Show).

Mr C. Miles has recently overhauled and cleaned the harmonium free of charge.

The Chairman said the members of the Board were very grateful to the donors of the gifts.

Mr G.C. Wilson said he would like to refer to the work Mr Miles had carried out to the harmonium. He had really made a good job of it and had done it free.

The Clerk was instructed to write a letter of thanks to Mr Miles.

House Committee

The House Committee reported as follows:

"The House Committee visited the wards and found all in good order and the inmates comfortable, and well cared for. The contract work was well in hand for the accommodation of the increased number of tramps, and will shortly be completed."

Relief

Cases under this heading were discussed, and instructions given to the Relieving Office.

Other Business

Mr A.J. Hayes stated that some of the tenants of the cottages at Union Row had complained that the large chestnut trees at the entrance to the Institution robbed their bedrooms of light.

After discussion the Master was instructed to have the trees trimmed.

Rates

The Chairman enquired the position with regard to the Poor Rates, and the Clerk stated that some of the parishes had not paid in the amounts required.

20th August 1926 - Congregational Church Sunday School

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Congregational Church Sunday School

On Wednesday afternoon in last week, the Buntingford Congregational Church Sunday School held their annual outing.

The scholars, accompanied by the teachers and friends, journeyed over to Coles' Park, a field and barn having been placed at their disposal through the kindness of Mrs Greg.

The rain had cleared, and a very enjoyable time was spent.

Tea was served by the teachers in the barn, and during the afternoon and evening the scholars took part enthusiastically in various games, treasure hunt, &c., arranged by Mr Herbert Cutts, assisted by the other teachers, for which prizes were given.

The transport arrangements were undertaken by Mr E.J. Sparkes, of Buntingford.

10th December 1926 - Board of Guardians Monthly Meeting

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Board of Guardians

Monthly Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Board Room yesterday (Thursday).

Present: Mr C. Hummerstone (in the chair), Mrs Dimsdale, Capt. H.H. Williams, Rev. L.W. Wright, Messrs. Claud Fraser, F.B. Cannon, G. Graves, H.C. Marshall, H.E. Dudley, W.J. May, A.J. Hayes and G.C. Wilson, with the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke), the Master (Mr F.W. Butler), and the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin).

Following the minutes, the House Committee's Report as follows, was submitted:

The House Committee visited the House today and found everything in good order, and the inmates very comfortable and happy.

The gas-pipe leading to the Isolation Ward became blocked, but has been put right again.

Master's Report

The Master reported as follows:

Number of inmates - men 21, women 18, children 2. Total 41.

Casuals relieved during the month 72. Corresponding period last year 8.

Gifts

The following gifts have been received and much appreciated -

Anonymous Lady - chocolates.

Capt. Salvation Army - books.

Mrs Coleman - books.

Mrs Laing - books.

Mrs Greg - books.

Mrs Veasey - books.

Tenders

The following tenders for the supply of goods to the Institution were accepted.

Milk - Mr C. Smith (1/4 per gall.)

Groceries - Mr W.B. Moss & Son.

Meat - Mr H.W. Piggott.

Bread - Mr C.S. Coates.

Coal - Mr E.J. Sparkes (hard cobbles £2 4s. 6d., Portland hards £2 9s. 6d.)

Coffins - Mr G. Saggers.

Boots - Messrs. Wilkins.

Clothing - Messrs. Hurst and Kettewell.

Three tenders were received for renewing the kitchen floor. The amounts were as follows:

C.H. Poulton - £20 9s. 0d.

J. Aylott - £20 15s. 0d.

C.E. Harradence - £21 0s. 0d.

On the proposition of Mr Claud Fraser it was agreed to accept Mr Poulton's tender.

Relief

Several cases of relief were dealt with by the Board, and instructions given to the Relieving Officer. It was decided to allow the extra 1/- per week for coals for the period of another month.

The remaining business was of a formal nature.

11th February 1927 - Annual Vestry Meeting and Parochial Church Council

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Westmill

Annual Vestry Meeting

The Annual Vestry Meeting, postponed from January 17th, was held at the Village Hall on Monday evening last. There was a scarce attendance owing to the prevalence of influenza.

The chair was taken by the Rector, the Rev. A.G. King, who proposed a vote of thanks to both the Churchwardens for their work during the past year. This was seconded by Mr F. Harvey.

Mr Laird was re-elected People's Warden, on the proposition of Mrs Coutts-Deacon, seconded by Mr Harvey. The Rectory nominated Mrs Greg as Rector's Warden.

Parochial Church Council

The first meeting of the newly elected Council was held on Monday evening last, the Rector, the Rev. A.G. King presiding. Mr Harvey was unanimously elected Vice-Chairman.

Mrs Coutts-Deacon's resignation as Hon. Secretary was received with regret, and after expressions of thanks to her, Mrs Bright was unanimously elected in her stead.

Mr J. Laird was elected Hon. Treasurer and Mrs Coutts-Deacon, Mr Harvey and Mr Laird as representatives to the Ruri-Decanal Conference.

This concluded the business of the meeting.

22nd April 1927 - Football - Greg Cup Competition

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Football

Greg Cup Competition

Buntingford v. Hitchin Imps

A good deal of talk about Thorogood's form during recent matches has been exploded by the excellent game he put up on Easter Monday, when the Town met Hitchin Imps in the final of the Greg Cup competition, at Royston.

The weather conditions were ideal, and there was a gate of over 700, some 200 supporters of the Fords' journeying from Buntingford by charabanc, motor car, motor cycle and cycle.

It is perhaps not generally known that the handsome silver cup for this competition was given by the late Mr T.T. Greg, of Coles, in 1910.

The ground conditions were fairly good, and there was no advantage from winning the toss as there was no wind. On the run of the play Buntingford should have won, but it happened that Thorogood and R. Moule saved the game at a time when the supporters of the Imps were mustering round the platform, from which the cup was to be presented. 

The last five minutes was more thrilling than the remainder of the match. Through the ineffectiveness of Hatchett, who it must be admitted, is nothing like his former self on the field, the Imps were leading by two clear goals when Thorogood ran through to score a splendid goal.

Although the spectators were heartened by this turn of events, there appeared little hope of any further goals, and the Buntingford players and supporters consoled themselves on the fact that it was better to lose 4-3 than 4-2. With the players waiting for the final whistle, the ball when out to E. Moule, who should really have been receiving attention off the field - so badly did he get kicked. He took the ball up the right wing, and running in, smashed it into the far corner of the net.

Spectators ran onto the field and congratulated him, and the crowd on all sides were full of enthusiasm and excitement - four goals all, and two minutes to play!

It has been claimed that if the forwards scored a goal away from home, they could not be blamed for losing the game; the onus was then upon the defence. Similarly however, it should be claimed for the defence that if they keep out the visiting forwards the onus for success rests with the forwards.

They had, however, no reason for urging their claim on Monday, for on the whole the Imps' forwards mastered the two defence, their right wing putting in some excellent work. Reed, in the town goal, played his usual game, and it was through no fault of his that four goals were scored against his side; two of the goals were from the penalty spot, one Hatchett inadvertently kicked through his own goal in a desperate attempt to clear, and the other was headed through by Pledger when he jumped to a high ball.

In the half-back line, Howlett played well, but he was too well covered to be very effective. Birkett shone at times, but Rayment who came into his brother's position seemed rather nervous, owing perhaps to the fact that he had an excellent man against him. It could not be said that that the line as a whole were masters of midfield.

Of the forwards E. Moule was easily the best. He was too speedy for the opposition and showed really fine control. Much of his success was due to Thorogood who supplied him with some good passes. Little fault could be found with the rest of the forwards - W. and H. May and Pledger - they often had the Imps goal in danger and a little more luck with some of their shots would have won their side the honours of the game.

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Other Football Results

Good Friday - Buntingford 5 v. North Road 1.

Saturday - Buntingford 3 v. Walsworth 3.

Easter Monday - Buntingford 2 v. Wellington Athletic 7.

8th April 1927 - Buntingford Board of Guardians

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Buntingford Board of Guardians

Monthly Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Board Room on Thursday in last week.

Present - Mr C. Hummerstone (Chairman), Mr F.B. Cannon (Vice-Chairman), Mrs Dimsdale, Rev. L.W. Wright, Captain H.H. Williams, Meesrs. H.C. Marshall, G. Graves, E. Bygrave, H.E. Dudley, W.J. May, G.C. Wilson, A.J. Hayes, with the Master (Mr F.W. Butler), the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin), and the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke).

Master's Report

The Master reported that the number of inmates was 36, compared with 33 for corresponding period last year. During the month one inmate had died, 5 had been admitted and 8 discharged. The number of casuals admitted during the month was 188 against 55 for the same period last year.

The Hertford Visiting Committee visited the Institution on 16th March.

Gifts of books had been received from Mrs Greg, Mr C. Hummerstone, and Mrs Ashford, and cake from Miss Lushington. During the year the amount received from the disposal of firewood was £26 4s.

The Clerk reported that the average weekly cost of inamtes for the past year was 11/-, against 10/1 and three quarters last year. The Chairman reviewed the prices of fuel, clothing, &c., and said that the figure given by the Clerk compared very favourably with other unions.

Mr G.C. Wilson said the question of the Chairmanship would come before the next meeting. About four years ago it was decided to elect a new Chairman each year, and he (Mr Wilson) wondered whether the time had come when they should review the position and considered whether it would not be wise to re-elect the Chairman for at least four years.

Mr F.B. Cannon (Vice-Chairman) spoke in support of Mr Wilson, "There was," he said, "a great deal to be said for the re-appointment of a Chairman, especially when they had such an efficient Chairman of both the Council and the Guardians."

Mr H.C. Marshall, who was Chairman of the Council for a period of seven years running, said he thought seven years was too long to be Chairman, after three years someone else should have the honour and the responsibility.

Captain H.H. Williams, the Chairman of the Council, said he had got through his year of office well, and he thought it would be better to fade away at the end of his term. There was, however, something to be said in favour of a longer period, as when one got into the workings it was time to re-elect a fresh Chairman.

Tenders

The following tenders were accepted:

Bread and flour - C.S. Coates.

Meat - H.W. Piggott.

Coal and coke - E.J. Sparkes.

Milk - C.H. Poulton.

Groceries - Messrs. Forrest Stores.

Haircutting - C. Miles.

Coffins - G. Saggers.

Relief

Several cases were dealt with by the Board and instructions given to the Relieving Officer.

23rd July 1926 - Board of Guardians

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Buntingford

Board of Guardians

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Board Room on Tuesday (yesterday).

Present: Mr C. Hummerstone (in the chair), Mrs Dimsdale, Captain H.H. Williams, Captain E.T. Morris, Messrs F.B. Cannon, H.C. Marshall, G. Graves, C. Fraser, H.E. Dudley, W.H Kittow, A.J. Hayes, W.J. May and G.C. Wilson, with the Master (Mr F.W. Butler), the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin), and the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke).

Master's Report

The Master reported as follows:

Number of inmates - men 15, women 13, children 2. Total 30. Corresponding period last year - 35.

Casuals 65. Corresponding period last year 5.

Gifts

The following gifts have been received and much appreciated:

Fancy cakes and strawberries, Mrs Greg; books, Mrs Tapper.

Tenders

Tenders were received for work on the casual wards at the Institution.

Only two tenders were received, these being as follows: Messrs J. Hamilton & Co., £82 15s. 6d.; Mr C.H. Poulton, £99 5s.

Messrs Hamilton's tender was accepted.

2nd July 1926 - Westmill Whist Drive and Dance

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Westmill

Whist Drive and Dance

A successful whist drive and dance was held on Wednesday evening, in aid of the Hertford and Royston Hospitals, and, by the kind permission of Mr Bright, on his lawn.

Commencing at 7.30, the whist drive continued until 9.15, the results of which were: Ladies- 1, Miss V. Miller; 2, Mrs Taylor; 3, Miss Hardey. Gentlemen - 1, Mr Warner; 2, Mr Marvell; 3, Mr Lee. Lucky chair - Mrs Hummerstone.

After the refreshments had been served by several ladies, dancing was carried on till 11, to the strains of the Buntingford Town Band under the able conductorship of Mr Smith. This much increased the enjoyment and success of the evening.

The gardens and laws were now illuminated by many fairy lights which Mr Bright had previously arranged, and which gave a charming and striking effect.

All the prizes had been most generously provided by the following kind donors: Mrs Greg, Mrs Guiness, Lady Furniss, Mrs Howard, Mrs Laird, Mr Deacon, Mr Coates and Mr Russell.

A very happy evening was terminated with the National Anthem by the band.

2nd July 1926 - Westmill Women's Institute

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Westmill

Women's Institute

The June meeting was held at Coles on Wednesday, June 23rd, by kind invitation of Mrs Greg. There was a record attendance of Institute member [sic], 33 being present out of a membership of 40.

As it was an open meeting, there were many guests, also a number of visitors invited privately by Mrs Greg, totalling 64.

Unfortunately a heavy rain-storm interfered with tea out of doors, but was partaken of in the dining room after the business meeting, at which the President took the chair, assisted by Mrs Laird.

Then a play, "My man John," undertaken by nine members, was presented in the garden to a most appreciative audience. Mrs Pratt most ably took the part of a farmer's widow, and was the mother of William (Mrs Deacon) a Bucolic man who cared only for flowers and quietness, and knew nothing of the ways of courting.

John, the faithful servant, was admirably portrayed by Mrs H. Pegram; Julia, an heiress (Mrs Guy Miller) and Laura, her friend (Mrs Lee) were very good. Mrs Gardiner's maid (Susan) was well enacted by Mrs Bright. The parts of three gypsies were well carried through by Mrs J. Rayment as Nat, Miss R. Skipp as Tansie, and Miss H. Read as Chris.

A most enjoyable evening was brought to a close by a vote of thanks to Mrs Greg for her kind hospitality, provided by the President, and cordially responded to by all, also Mrs Hummerstone proposed a vote of thanks to the actors.

It is hoped to act the play at the end of July in aid of Institute funds.

25th June 1926 - Buntingford Board of Guardians

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Buntingford Board of Guardians

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Board Room yesterday (Thursday).

Present: Mr C. Hummerstone (in the chair), Mr F.B. Cannon (Vice Chairman), the Rev. L.W. Wright, Captain H.H. Williams, Messrs. A.W. Page, T.J. Stick, W.J. May, A.J. Hayes, W.H. Kittow, H.C. Marshall, C. Fraser, G.C. Wilson and H.E. Dudley, with the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke), the Master (Mr F.W. Butler), and the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin).

Master's Report

The Master reported as follows:

Number of inmates - men 15, women 13, children 2. Total 31. Corresponding period last year - 35.

During the month one inmate has died and one has been discharged.

The number of tramps admitted during the month is 94, against 13 for the corresponding period last year.

Gifts

The following gifts have been received and were much appreciated: Miss E. Porter, books; Mrs T. Law, books; Mrs Greg, rhubard; Miss Lushingtons, balls for children and cake for tea on Thursday evening.

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The Chairman said the Board was very grateful to the donors of the gifts.

The Board discussed the matter regarding the increase in tramps. It was stated that the Surveyor had a scheme for finding more accommodation, and it was resolved that the matter be left to the House Committee for action.

The Chairman stated that in view of the large increase he thought the matter of additional accommodation was of an urgent nature.

Tenders

The following tenders were received by the Board, and accepted:

Shaving - C. Miles

Groceries and Oilmen's Goods - Forrest Stores.

Milk (1/- gallon) - C. Smith.

Coffins - G. Saggers.

Meat - Clark (Ware).

Bread and flour - C.S. Coates.

Assessment Committee

The following were appointed to serve on the Assessment Committee under the new Rating and Valuation Act: Captain H.H. Williams and Mr F.B. Cannon.

Audit

The Clerk reported that the annual audit would be held on July 4th.

County Rate

The Clerk stated that the precept for the County Rate amounted to £2942 3s. 1d.

4th June 1926 - Buntingford Board of Guardians

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Buntingford Board of Guardians

The Tramp Question

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Poor Law Institution on Thursday in last week.

Present: Mr C. Hummerstone (in the chair), Mr F.B. Cannon (Vice-Chairman), Mrs Dimsdale, Captain H.H. Williams, Messrs. C. Fraser, G. Graves, E. Bygrave, W.J. May, A.J. Hayes, G.C. Wilson and H.E. Dudley, with the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke), and the Master (Mr F.W. Butler).

Master's Report

The Master reported as follows:

Number of inmates - men 16, women 16, children 2. Total 33.

Corresponding period last year - 36.

During the past month 67 tramps have been relieved, against 1- for the corresponding period of last year.

The Master stated that he viewed the position in the coming winter with alarm, having 25 tramps a week now in the middle of the summer, and with scanty accommodation.

Gifts

Gifts have been received from the following and were greatly appreciated: Mrs Greg, rhubarb and books; Miss Bower, Mrs Camp, Mrs H. May, Rev. L.W. Wright, books.

The Chairman said the Guardians were very grateful to the donors of the gifts.

The question of the large increase in the number of tramps was fully discussed, and it was resolved to invite tenders for more hammocks in the tramp wards. The following resolution, proposed by Mrs Dimsdale, was also passed:

"That this Board views with alarm the continued increase in the number of vagrants seeking admission to the casual wards, and are of opinion that such increase is attributable to the action of the Minister of Health in abolishing the task of oakum picking, and the inability of various Boards of Guardians to prescribe an alternative task, where, in consequence of abnormal numbers and inadequate accommodation, the tasks set out in the Fourth Schedule to the Casual Poor (Relief Order) 1925 cannot in all cases be imposed.

"That representation has been made to the Minister of Health with a view to his authorising the task of oakum picking, in certain cases, more especially in cases of habitual tramps.

"That copies of this resolution be forwarded to the Minister of Health and all Boards of Guradians in the county."

Amongst the correspondence was a letter from the Gaumont Company asking whether they could quote the Board for a cinema installation. The matter was left over.

19th Nov 1926 - Board of Guardians and Rural District Council

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Board of Guardians and Rural District Council

Monthly Meeting

Mr C. Hummerstone presided at the monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians held on November 11th.

The Master of the Institution (Mr F.W. Butler), reported that the number of inmates was 38. During the month 80 casuals had been admitted.

Gifts had been received from the following: Mrs Greg (books), Mrs H. May (books), Mrs Scarborough Taylor (books), Mrs A. Dixon (cakes), Great Hormead - pre Rev. W.L. Shepherd (vegetables, jam and eggs).

Several relief cases were dealt with, and the Board decided to grant 1/- per week extra coal to persons, for a period of one month, in certain relief cases where the recipients were living solely by themselves.

The Clerk submitted the basis for County Rates for 1927, which showed an increase of £200 on the assessable value for the current year; this increase, however, compared very favourably in proportion to the increases made in other unions in the County.

COUNCIL MEETING

Capt. H.H. Williams presided at the meeting of the Rural District Council which followed.

The Surveyor reported that the Isolation Hospital remained closed. The consumption of water during the past month was 1,060,000 gallons. The work of leathering the pumps has been completed.

Complaints had been made respecting the condition in which the pavements have been left by the contractors who recently opened up the paths for the purpose of laying a telephone cable.

The Clerk was instructed to write to the County Instructor on the matter.

The other business was of a formal nature.

9th April 1926 - Buntingford Board of Guardians

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Board of Guardians

Monthly Meeting

Big Increase in Tramps

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Board of Guardians was held at the Board Room on Thursday of last week.

Present - Mr W.J. May (in the chair), Capt. H.H. Williams, Capt. E.T. Morris, the Rev. L.W. Wright, Messrs. H.C. Marshall, C. Hummerstone, H.E. Dudley, G. Graves, E. Bygrave, F.B. Cannon, A.J. Hayes and G.C Wilson, with the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke), the Master (Mr F.W. Butler), and the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin).

MASTER'S REPORT

The Master reported as follows:

Number of inmates - men 18, women 14, children 2. Total 34. Corresponding period last year 40.

TRAMPS

During the past month 56 casuals have been received, as against 13 for the corresponding period last year. On some nights we have had 12, although we have only accommodation for 10.

The majority of the tramps are young men under 40 years of age, who find tramping no hardship since the regulations have been altered. They are insolent, and make it known that they will not work two days for one night's lodging, and as each tramps is supplied with a chopper I do not think it safe to enforce the order. It is only those Unions that have proper constructed cells who can keep tramps for two days.

The blankets (24), which has been more than sufficient for our requirements in the past, are not enough now, and tenders for a further supply, also nightshirts, are before the Board today. It is not long ago since the Board were called upon to relieve 3595 tramps a year, which at the present cost of diet would mean a big charge upon the rates. The first year I was appointed we had 43 tramps, and I have been able to keep them somewhere near that number until the recent new regulations came into force.

After 20 years' experience with tramps, it is my opinion that the majority (with few exceptions) do not respond to kindly treatment, but look upon it as weakness on the part of the officers in dealing with them. Would the Board kindly consider the telephone being fixed in my office so that I am in close touch with the police?

GIFTS

Gifts of books have been receiving from the following and have been much appreciated: Mrs Greg, Mr C. Hummerstone, Mrs H. May, Miss Bowers, Mrs Hamilton and Miss Lushington.

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The Chairman said he was sure the members felt that the Master ought to be supported, and it was agreed to install the telephone at once.

TENDERS

The following tenders were accepted for the current half year:

Meat - Messrs. W.G. Clark, Ware.

Bread - Mr C.S. Coates, 8 1/2d. and 9d.

Coal - Mr E.J. Sparkes, £1 15s. and £1 17s. 6d.

Milk - C. Smith, 1/- per gallon.

Haircutting - Mr C. Miles.

Coffins - Mr G. Saggers.

Groceries and Oilman's Goods - Messrs. Forrest Stores.

Clothing - Messrs. Hirst, Kettlewell & Co.

Soaps - Messrs. McDoughall and Robertson.

Boots - Messrs. Wilkins & Denton.

Mr Hayes: I notice that no tenders have been received from Buntingford butchers. Were the tender forms submitted to them?

The Clerk: Yes.

Mr Hayes: I think the meat supplied to the Institution should be inspected from time to time. I saw some recently and it struck me that it was not English.

The Master said Messrs. Clark's contract was satisfactory. It was only during the summer months that the meat was ever discoloured, and on any occasion when it had arrived in that condition Messrs. Clark always changed it.

The Rev. L.W. Wright asked if there were any other tenders for the supply of coals, and the Chairman said there was one from Messrs. Nash, of Royston.