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.