10th June 1927 - Whit-Monday Fete

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Whit-Monday Fete

Opening Ceremony by Lady Salisbury

In favourable weather, a garden fete was held in the grounds of Layston Court (by kind permission of Miss E.M.A. Woods), on Whit-Monday. The fete was in aid of the Buntingford and District Nursing Association and the Buntingford Women's Institute.

The fete was opened at 3 p.m. by Lady Salisbury, who was introduced by Dr R.W. Fell.

Lady Salisbury, in a delightful speech, expressed the pleasure it gave her to be present in such charming surroundings. The object of the fete was an excellent one. The Buntingford Nursing Association did an excellent service to the community and was a boon to the villages. The Women's Institute was also deserving of assistance, for it did an enormous amount of good. (Applause).

Lady Salisbury was then presented with a bouquet by Anne Veasey, a pretty girl of four years.

The stall-holders were soon busy. There were five stalls replete with articles, while adjoining were numerous side-shows and attractions. A tennis tournament drew several entries. Teas were served under a large tree, the committee being assisted by a number of helpers.

Mrs Dixon proposed a vote of thanks to Lady Salisbury for so kindly opening the fete and this was seconded by Mrs H.C. Marshall, and carried with applause.

A programme of dances, with music supplied by the Band, concluded a very successful day.

There were so many helpers both before the day itself that we withhold the lengthy list, but mention should be made of the services of the fete Hon. Sec. Mr G.H. Maughan, who had been preparing for the event for some weeks.

10th June 1927 - 2nd Annual Sports Day

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Buntingford and District School Sports Association

2nd Annual Sports Day

The 2nd Annual Sports Day in connection with the above Association took place at the Buntingford Town Football Ground (by kind permission of the Football Club) on Wednesday, June 1st.

Teams came from the following schools - Anstey, Ardeley, Barkway, Braughing, Brent Pelham, Buntingford, Cottered, Great Hormead, Meesden, Great Munden, Puckeridge C. of E., Furneaux Pelham, Reed, Sandon, Standon, Walkern and Westmill.

The competitors numbered 250.

Teachers and children showed great enthusiasm, and some really good material was discovered.

At the conclusion of the sports, Miss G. Cotton-Browne, of Walkern, kindly presented the three shields and prizes.

Mr E.E. Dennis (hon. sec. and treasurer) thanked Miss Cotton-Browne for the very great interest she takes in the work of the association and also for so kindly coming to present the trophies. He called for hearty cheers, which were enthusiastically given.

Miss Cotton-Browne, replying, said she was only too pleased to be able to come. She was sure the Sports Assocation was doing sound work. She was proud of the boys from Walkern, who had once again won the boys' shield. She also wished to thank Mr Dennis for the amount of work he had put in to make the association and sports day a success.

This was enthusiastically received.

Mr Dennis, replying, thanked Miss Cotton-Browne for the kind things said, and stated that the results obtained fully compensated him for the work put in. He wished to thank once again the teachers and children for their hearty co-operation, also those who had again sent subscriptions.

He was sorry that Sir Charles (the President) and Lady Heaton-Ellis were unable to be present. They wished the association every success. He felt sure this year that Buntingford and district would be able to provide a good team to compete at the County Sports, to be held at Letchworth on June 15th. 

He congratulated Walkern, Braughing and Great Hormead on winning the shields, and thanked the Band for once again helping.

The children and assembly then sang the National Anthem.

The hon. sec. and treasurer thanks the following for their ready help:

Materials - Buntingford Football Club (ground), Congregational S.S., Letchworth Boys' Club, British Legion Club, Brent and Furneaux Pelham Scouts, Walkern C.C. School, Capt. J. Denny, Father Morgan, Messrs G. Handy, J. Holmes, E.G. Thody, F. Rand, H. May, P. Hamilton, W.H. Smith, - Burrows, J. Ireland, G. Aylott and G. Maughan.

Helpers and Officials - Revs. A.G. Langdon, W.L. Shepherd, F. Holmes, Major M.E. Barclay, Miss L.M. Baker, Messrs J. Russell, H. Richardson, A. Lake, H. Mannox, J. Bishop, H. Cutts, S. Daniels, A. Clark, H. Clark, F. Fraser, R. Graves, B.E. Thody, E.H. Roberson, E.J. Totman, A.E. Mayes, H.E. Stickland, W.E. Cooper, A.G. Jenkins, F. Harvey, J. Thorp, J. Sherlock, E.C. Clarke, W.G. Bonness, B. Nichols, C. Miles, F.W. Butler, S and L. Dowler.

Ladies' Committee - Mesdames A.E.P. Baker, W.R. Corp, A.E. Pateman, E.H. Roberson, H. Feasey, H. Clarke, A.E. Mayes, Ambrose, Coxall, Warren, Geaves, Starr, Butler, Misses L.M. Davies, Anthony, B. Langham, K. Smith, D. Howard, and W. Walsingham.

Results

Championship Events

Boys

100 yds - 1 S. Savage (Walkern), 2 L. Burr (Standon), 3 C. Dowler (Buntingford), 4 G. Hamilton (Braughing).

220 yds - 1 S. Savage (Walkern), 2 J. Clarke (Walkern), 3 G. Hamilton (Braughing), 4 E. Dear (Ardeley).

440 yds - 1 C. Scrivener (Buntingford), 2 G. Warner (Buntingford), 3 J. Clarke (Braughing), 4 R. Scripps (Hormead).

880 yds - 1 C. Scrivener (Buntingford), 2 G. Field (Walkern), 3 R. Baldock (Walkern), 4 A. Camp (Ardeley).

Hurdles - 1 G. Savage (Walkern), 2 S. Savage (Walkern), 3 W. Warner (Buntingford), 4 L. George (Meesden).

High Jump - 1 G. Savage (Walkern), 2 F. Gilbert (Walkern), 3 C. Dowler (Buntingford), 4 W. Warner (Buntingford).

Long Jump - 1 L. Burr (Standon), 2 W. Warner (Buntingford), 3 A. Springham (Braughing), 4 C Dowler (Buntingford).

Team Race - 1 Walkern, 2 Buntingford, 3 Standon, 4 Braughing.

Winners of Buntingford Shield - Walkern C.C. (34 points); Runners up - Buntingford C of E. (25 points).

Girls

100 yds - 1 M. Barker (Braughing), 2 E. Wilson (Great Hormead), 3 G. Young (Walkern), 4 E. Prior (Braughing).

150 yds - 1 M. Barker (Braughing), 2 E. Prior (Braughing), 3 M. Coxall (Buntingford), 4 E. Knight (Brent Pelham).

Long Jump - 1 M. Barker (Braughing), 2 V. Carter (Walkern), 3 E. Prior (Braughing), 4 E. Miles (Walkern).

High Jump - 1 E. Ruskin (Gt. Hormead), 2 E. Miles (Walkern), 3 O. Martin (Buntingford), 4 M. Clark (Braughing).

Hurdles - 1 M. Brand (Gt Hormead), 2 H. Baldock (Walkern), 3 J. McLeod (Meesden), 4 M. Baker (Westmill).

Team Race - 1 Braughing, 2 Walkern, 3 Gt. Hormead, 4 Standon.

Winners of Walkern Shield - Braughing C.C. (23 points); Runners up - Walkern C.C. (15 points).

Winners for Cottered Shield (for schools less than 100 on books) - Great Hormead C of E. (14 points); Runners up - Standon (10 points).

Other events

Boys

Throwing cricket ball - 1 S. Savage (Walkern), 2 G. Hamilton (Braughing).

Obstacle race - 1 G. Warner (Buntingford), 2 J. Clarke (Braughing).

Sack Race - 1 C. Prior (Braughing), 2 A. Ambrose (Buntingford).

Driving race - 1, boy,  H. Darton, girl, M. Coxall (Buntingford), 2, F. Milton, N. Clements (Walkern).

Girls

Skipping Race - 1 L. Stacey (Braughing), 2 M. Barker (Braughing).

Sack Race - 1 M. Barker (Braughing), 2 E. Oakley (Standon).

Egg and Spoon Race - 1 J. McLeod (Meesden), 2 P. Tott (Braughing).

Flower Pot Race - 1 M Barker (Braughing), 2 D. Woodley (Standon).

10th June 1927 - For Sale

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For Sale

Several hay forks and rakes, hand-drag and two maure forks. No further use. W.H. Smith, Furnisher, Buntingford.

10th June 1927 - Education Committee

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Education Committee

School Attendance

Fewer Exemptions from School to be granted

A meeting of the Buntingford Education Committee was held at the Board Room on Tuesday morning. Mr C. Hummerstone occupied the chair and others present being The Rev. F.R. Williams, the Rev. John Cole and Mr E.E. Dennis, with the clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke).

The most important business down for discussion related to exemptions from school in respect of children attaining the age of 14 years. In ordinary cases a child attaining the age of 14 years has to remain at school until the end of the term, but the Committee have power to grant exemptions to such scholars for the remainder of the term where cases of suitable employment has been offered the child.

The County Council have now issued instructions that in cases where exemption is granted the name of the scholar must remain on the register until the end of the term, a procedure which seriously affects the attendance average.

In view of this the Committee at their meeting on Tuesday decided that in future applications for exemption in respect of scholars attaining the age of 14 years during the currency of a term will, in future, only be granted in exceptional cases.

The Committee also decided that where applications for exemption have been made the scholars must continue to attend school until notice has been received to the effect that the applications have been granted.

The meeting expressed thanks to Mr E.E. Dennis for the way in which the evening classes had been conducted during the past session, and the chairman said they viewed with satisfaction the report of the success attained by two students in the shorthand classes, and it was decided to proceed with the arrangements for the classes to be held during the 1927-28 session, which would consist of Junior and Senior Woodwork, Shorthand and Office Routine, Book-keeping and English and Cookery.

10th June 1927 - Organ Recital

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Organ Recital

Last Sunday evening and organ recital was given in the Buntingford Congregational Church by Mr W.S. Dellow, of Roydon.

Mr Dellow played a number of selections, and the recital, which lasted for half-an-hour, was very much enjoyed.

The Minister expressed the thanks and appreciation of the Church, and an offering was taken for organ expenses.

10th June 1927 - Labour Meeting

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Labour Meeting

A public meeting, addressed by Mr Dick Gifford, the prospective Parliamentary Labour Candidate for the Hitchen Division, was held at the "Angel" meadow on Saturday evening last.

Mr Gifford dealt with the Trades' Union Bill and other matters now before Parliament. There was, however, a small attendance.

10th June 1927 - "Cheynes" Open To The Public

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Cottered

"Cheynes" Open To The Public

On Sunday last, Mr H. Goode, of Cheynes, kindly threw open his lovely Japanese Gardens to the public, and quite a large number of residents from Cottered and the surrounding district took advantage of the afternoon to view them.

On entering, one found two ladies ready to take anyone on the lake in the two paddle boats, and scores of children and adults must have thoroughly enjoyed their trip on the water, whilst others wandered liesurely about over bridges, pathways, and not to mention the mountain, which quite amused young and old alike when they saw a life-like bear in the cave half-way up; on top of the mountain one got a beautiful effect of the garden below.

Mr and Mrs Goode entertained some of their visitors to gramophone selections while they sat on the seats on the lawn, and when five o'clock came everyone must have been sorry to leave such delightful surroundings.

Many thanks are due to Mr and Mrs Goode for placing their garden open to the public, and for the kindness they showed to all during the afternoon.

10th June 1927 - Ruri-Decanal Conference at Buntingford

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Ruri-Decanal Conference at Buntingford

Prayer Book Revision

The Ruri-Decanal Conference for Buntingford Deanery was held on Saturday, June 5th, at 3 p.m. in the new Women's Institute Hall, presided over by the Rual Dean (Rev. W. McKerr, Rector of Meesden).

There was a large attendance of clergy and lay representatives, including Revs. L. Wright, W. Jobson, A. Howard, A.G. Langdon, F. Williams, W. Shepherd, Dr Eck, H.F. Webb-Bowen, F. Phillips, J.L. Dutton and A.G. King.

After prayer by Rev. A. Howard, the Deanery Committees for (1) Board of Missions, (2) Finance, (3) Social service, and (4) Education, were re-appointed.

The Rural Dean, in introducing the Hon. and Ven. Kenneth Gibbs, Archdeaon of St Albans, expressed his thankfulness that the Conference was to hear such an able exponent of the proposed new Prayer Book as the Archdeacon, who, as Prolocutor of the Lower House of Convocation, had been close touch with the events leading to the final revision.

The Archdeacon, who was warmly received, insisted on the necessity for Prayer Book Revision, which had been recommended by the Royal Commission in 1906. The clergy had made their own revisions and probably not one of those present could claim that he carried out all the rules of the old Book.

The changes had been made with the aim, not of compromise, but of comprehension, and he agreed with the Archbishops and Bishops, who maintained that no change of doctrine was intended. He believed that if the deposited Book became law, those who at present were exceeding in their practices what it allowed would, by the strength of public opinion, be inducted to keep loyally within its bounds.

He knew the Book could not please all (he himself could have wished some things otherwise), but he believed that it would be for the good of the Church, and in the interests of peace and order that it should be accepted by the Church and Parliament.

Mr Claud Fraser moved a resolution expressing the Conference's approval of the new Book. He did not speak, he said, as a theologian, but after the clear explanation they had heard from the Archdeacon, and knowing that it was the result of the long and careful labours of many years on the part of the Bishops, he felt it was their duty to accept the Book.

The resolution was seconded by Rev. F. Williams, late Rural Dean.

Rev. A. Howard, Vicar of Layston, deeply regretted having to differ from Archdeacon, for whom he had the greatest respect and admiration, but his convictions obliged him to dissent from the resolution.

He welcomed much in the new Book, but with many others, was deeply grieved by the proposed alternative Canon of the Holy Communion and by the introduction of Reservation and prayers for the dead, which he felt to be a step backward. He quoted from the report of the Convocation Debate the adverse opinions expressed at the Convocation of 1915 by the then Bishops of Exeter, Ely, St Albans, Bath, Wells, and others, against any change in the Communion Service. He could not agree that there was no change in doctrine, and far from restoring peace and order his opinion was that to legalise a book which manifestly spoke with two voices could only bring strife and confusion.

Mr Ball stated his belief that from his own experience of churches where extreme practices were carried on public opinion would be of little use. He could not agree that the introduction of Reservation and prayers for the dead implied no change of doctrine.

Rev. L. Wright said he should vote for the Book although he did not entirely agree with it.

In reply to a question, the Archdeacon stated that although the 39 aritcles are not bound up in the deposited Book, clergy would still be required to assent to them on institution to a living. He said he had been prepared for a difference of opinion, which, however, would not prevent the mutual friendliness of those who differed.

The resolution was put to the Conference and was carried by a large majority.

Mr Claud Fraser kindly entertained the members to tea at the Red House.

10th June 1927 - Death of Leonard Chappell

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Death

Sympathy is expressed to Mr and Mrs Chappell, of Newtown, Buntingford, on the death on Friday last of their five months' old baby, Leonard.

The child developed acute bronchitis, and although it received every care and attention it passed away as stated.

10th June 1927 - Cricket - Aspenden v. Clapton

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Cricket

Aspenden v. Clapton

The above teams met at Aspenden on Whit-Monday, and a very pleasant and close game resulted.

Aspenden batted first, and made 57. Jackson (22) and Stoten (14) were the principal scorers.

Clapton made 6 more than their opponents, thus winning the match. Gardener and Prince were the only batsmen to reach double figures.

Score:

Aspenden

J. Holmes, c Slatter, b Dean - 5

F. Barker, c Dean, b Head - 0

F. Hurry, c Head, b Gardener - 5

W. Neale, run out - 0

A. Shepherd, b Head - 0

F. Stoten, c Gardener, b Head - 14

R. Whitby, b Head - 0

H. Parker, stumped Prince, b Head - 7

W. Jackson, b Ashbolt - 22

S. Oakley, b Ashbolt - 0

R. Poulton, not out - 0

Extras - 4

Total - 57

Clapton

S. Gardner, c Oakley, b Shepherd - 8

W. Ashbolt, c Poulton, b Neale - 2

D. Davies, c Neale, b Shepherd - 6

W. Slatter, c Holmes, b Shepherd - 1

H. Prince, b Jackson - 11

T. Gardener, b Jackson - 17

H. Dean, c Hurry, b Shepherd - 3

M. Head, c Hurry, b Shepherd - 1

R. Slatter, c and b Shepherd - 0

L. Stevens, run out - 4

R. Jarrett, not out - 7

Extras - 3

Total - 63

10th June 1927 - Cricket - Buckland v. Wyddiall

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Cricket

Buckland v. Wyddiall

A match between the above teams was played on Saturday last, Wyddiall winning by 20 runs on the first innings. Score:

Buckland

W. Jackson, c S, b H. Pledger - 6

C. Jackson, b S. Pledger - 0

A. Shepherd, b S. Pledger - 0

F. Hurry, run out - 10

F. Stoten, c and b S. Pledger - 4

F. Barker, c H. Hatchett, b Bonfield - 11

W. Shepherd, c Bonfield, b H. Pledger - 7

R. Whitby, b H. Pledger - 0

S. Whitby, b S. Pledger - 0

R. Jackson, b S. Pledger - 4

F. Hurry, no out - 0

Extras - 5

Total - 47.

Wyddiall

R. Reed, c Hurry, b A. Shepherd - 24

H. Hatchett, c Barker, b A. Shepherd - 0

E. Bonfield, c Hurry, b A. Shepherd - 5

T. Pledger, b A. Shepherd - 6

H. Pledger, b A. Shepherd - 13

C. Hatchett, c Barker - 0

S. Pledger, b A. Shepherd - 0

H. May, c Hurry, b W. Jackson - 1

F. Hatchett, c R. Whitby, b A. Shepherd - 2

E. May, not out - 4

J. Martin, c and b W. Jackson - 2

Extras - 10

Total - 67

----

H. Pledger's XI. v. Wyddiall Church Choir

This match resulted in an easy win for the Choir by 36 runs, due mainly to the good score of 43 set by R. Reed.

10th June 1927 - Fatal Holiday Accident

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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.

3rd June 1927 - Westmill Women's Institute

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Westmill

Women's Institute

On Wednesday, May 25th, the Westmill Women's Institute spent a very interesting evening.

Miss Latham gave an address on "Servia." She was out in that country with several other helpers at the beginning of the war and again at the end of it.

She told how splendidly thrifty and hard working the Servian women were, and how well they kept their homes, though in most country places they were so far removed from any town they could not buy what they wanted, but had to make everything themselves. They spun the material for their clothes and dyed it, and then made it up, and most of their garments were beautifully embroidered.

She described a woman walking to the nearest market (about 12 miles away), and showed the things she would wear and wake with her. All these things were made so as to be of the greatest use, and some magnificent work was put into them. "All lovely things are also necessary."

By the end of the war most of the homes were destroyed, and the refugees, returning, could hardly recognise the villages in which they had lived. Deep gratitude seems to have been shown to those who came to help build up the homesteads.

Being reminded of some of the sadness of the war, the meeting might have ended on rather a sad note, but Miss Tiddeman gave a most amusing recitation; anyone passing through Westmill might have wondered at the peals of laughter coming from the Village Hall!

At the end of the evening, all jointed in a very jolly game until it was time for God Save the King.

3rd June 1927 - St Peter's Organ Recital

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St Peter's

An organ recital on the organ, which has been put in excellent repair by Messrs. Corps & Son, will be given on Thursday, June 9th, at 7.30 p.m., by Mr E.E. Dennis.

Soloist - Mr S. Daniels.

Collection for organ fund.

3rd June 1927 - School Sports

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School Sports

The annual school sports in connection with the Buntingford School Sports Assocation was held on the Town Football Ground on Wednesday last.

There was an excellent attendance of competitors and spectators, and everything passed off satisfactorily.

The three challenge shields were won by Walkern, Hormead, and Brauging Schools. A full list of prizewinners will appear in our next issue.

3rd June 1927 - Buntingford Rural District Council

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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.

Present: Capt. H.H. Williams (in the chair), Messrs. C. Hummerstone, F.B. Cannon, H.C. Marshall, Claud Fraser, H.E. Dudley, E. Bygrave, F. Prime, A.W. Page, G. Graves, A.J. Hayes, G.C. Wilson, T.J. Stick and W.J. May, with the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke), the Medical Officer of Health (Dr R.A. Dunn), and the Surveyor (Mr E.G. Thody).

Surveyor's Report

The Surveyor reported that the Isolation Hospital remained closed.

The consumption of water for the past month has been 1,075,000 gallons.

The Surveyor also reported that Mr C. Reed, of Cottered, had submitted plans for a proposed bungalow to be erected by him at Cottered. The plans were in order.

There was also a report on the water supply at Wakeley cottages, the Surveyor reporting that they reservoir needed repairing and adequate means taken to ensure protection of the water from pollution.

Cottered Drainage

The Surveyor reported that he had again inspected the site adjoining the Cottered cesspool, and he suggested that a small Sub-Committee be appointed to view it.

The Chairman, Mr H.E. Dudley and Mr T.J. Stick arranged to meet on the site on Saturday.

The Clerk stated that the Anstey Parish Meeting had submitted the name of Mr Herbert S. Ward, of Bandons, Anstey, as a candidate to fill the vacancy on the Board caused through the death of Mr James C. Pigg.

Bye-Laws

Copies of the proposed Bye-laws which had been drafted by a Sub-Committee of the Council were submitted to the members.

The Chairman said that two of the members of that Sub-Committee were strongly in favour of the adoption of bye-laws, but one wished to reserve his judgment. If, however, the Council decided to adopt hte bue-laws, that member was of the opinion that those drafted would be most suitable.

In commenting on the drafts submitted, Captain Williams said the intention of the Council was not to draft anything in the way of interfering laws, but he thought that it was a mark of progress that they should have something that would be a guide to the people.

Mr G.C. Wilson moved a vote of thanks to the Sub-Committee for the way in which they had gone into the matter.

It was decided to adjourn the matter for a period of four months.

A further letter was read from Mr Chapman, of London Road, Buntingford, with reference to his application for a subsidy in respect of the bungalow recently erected by him. The Clerk stated that the letter had been sent to the Council by the Ministry of Health, and he had replied to the Ministry, and furnished them with all particulars of the case. The matter was left over until the Ministry has dealth with the Clerk's letter.

Dr R.A. Dunn submitted his annual report of vital and general statistics, an observation of which appears in another column. In answer to a question by the Chairman, Dr Dunn said that cancer is distinctly a disease of old age.

The Council confirmed the appointment of the 2 rating officers to carry out the work in connection with the Registration of Electors' Lists and the preparationg of the Juror Lists.

Mr F.B. Cannon urged that the Council draw the attention of the County Council to the dangerous corner near the Sandon turning at Chipping Bridge. Several accidents had occurred there, and there had been a smash up on the corner that morning.

It was resolved to write the County Council on the matter.

----

At the meeting of the Guardians, Mr H.C. Marshall suggested that the Board approach the North Metropolitan Electric Light Co. with a view to obtaining an estimate for wiring the Poor Law Institution.

3rd June 1927 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

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Buntingford Petty Sessions

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

No Licence

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

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

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

A Regrettable Case

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

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

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

The case would, therefore, be dismissed.

A Rate Summons

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

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

3rd June 1927 - Extracts from General and Vital Statistics for the Rural District of Buntingford

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Extracts from General and Vital Statistics for the Rural District of Buntingford

A Lower Birth Rate

We have received a copy of the annual report of the Medical Officer of Health for the Buntingford District, showing general and vital statistics for 1926.

The vital statistics do not show much variation from those of the previous year.

The birth rate is a shade lower, but about the average for Rural Districts. So also is the death rate, but in comparing these with many larger districts the age at death should be borne in mind - no less than 39 of the 56 deaths were of persons over 65 years of age.

The infant deaths numbered 4 as compared with 2 in 1925, but this number is not excessive. We note that the death rate from consumption is lower, and satisfactory. The death rate from cancer has risen, and is somewhat high.

The area of the district is shown as over 28 thousand acres, and the population at the last census 4,926.

The rateable value is £35,214, and the represented by a penny rate is as small as £94.

The birth rate last year was 15.0 per 1000 population, and the death rate 11.6 per thousand of population. The total number of births was 72, and deaths 56. 

Of the number of deaths, 39 were persons over 65 years of age and upwards, viz., five between 65 and 70, eighteen between 70 and 80, fifteen between 80 and 90, and one over 90. 

It is a coincidence that of the 56 deaths 28 were men and 28 were women. Of the 9 who died of cancer, 5 were men and 4 women; and of heath disease 9 men and 1 woman.

Pneumonia claimed 2 victims - 1 male and 1 female.

Sanitary Inspection

During the year the Sanitary Inspector inspected 271 dwelling houses and served 58 informal notices. Five houses were erected, and four connected to the town water mains.

Milk Supply

There has been a better supply generally of milk in the district than for some years.

The cowsheds and dairies registered in the district number 53. There are 9 registered slaughter-houses and 6 bake-houses.

Infectious Disease

Except for those of tuberculosis, the only notification received during the year was one case of scarlet fever. This was at a home for children, and the patient was removed to the Isolation Hospital.

Altogether 14 notifications of tuberculosis were received. Of those, 10 were pulmonary (5 males and 5 females) and four were non-pulmonary (3 males and 1 female).

Of the pulmonary cases, 2 died during the year. Three others received sanatorium treatment. Of the non-pulmonary cases one received sanatorium treatment. None died. During the year 2 deaths were certified as due to tuberculosis. These were the two mentioned above.

The report will no doubt give general satisfaction throughout the district.

3rd June 1927 - Fire

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Fire

What might have resulted in a serious outbreak of fire occurred in Norfolk Road about 2.30 on Wednesday afternoon at the house of Mrs W. Clark.

Mrs Clark went to the cupboard under the stairs with a lighted match, and it is thought that the glowing head of the match fell into a basket of brown paper.

Within a few minutes several articles of clothing, &c., were alight, and dense smoke filled the cupboard.

Mrs Clark's son and others who were assisting with the school sports in the football field, which adjoins the house, ran to the house and were successful in getting the burning articles outside. The loss is covered by insurance.

3rd June 1927 - Death of Alfred Street

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Death

We regret to record the death of Alfred Street, of Newtown, Buntingford.

The deceased, who was only 17 years of age, was taken ill early in April. Since leaving school he has been employed by Mr W.H. Smith and by Mr C.E. Harradence, and was a willing and well-behaved lad.

His death took place at Hertford County Hospital on Satruday last, and much sympathy is extended to his widowed mother and his sister in their loss.

The deceased was conveyed home on Monday evening, and the funeral took place at Layston Church on Wednesday afternoon, the service being conducted by the Rev. John Cole.

The immediate mourners were - Mrs E. Street (mother), Mr W. Saunders, Mr E. Saunders, and Mr H.O Cooper (uncles), Mrs J. Saunders and Mrs Cooper (aunts), Miss Street (cousin), Mr A. Street (grandfather), Mrs Walsingham and Mr R. Walsingham. There was a collection of beautiful flowers.

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Mrs Street and Family wish to return thanks for the many kind expressions of sympathy shown in their great bereavement, also for flowers sent.