21st January 1927 - The Rearing and Fattening of Farm Stock

Original image on Facebook

Buntingford & District Agricultural Debating and Discussion Society

The Rearing and Fattening of Farm Stock

The rearing and fattening of farm stock was the subject of the second of a series of lectures and debates organised by the above Society.

The meeting was held at the Assembly Room, "The George" Hotel, on Tuesday 11th, Capt. E.T. Morris presiding.

The Chairman introduced the principal speaker - Mr J.W. Reid, and Mr H.W. Gardener, both of Oaklands.

Mr Reid gave a very interesting and comprehensive talk on the fattening of beasts, laying great stress on the importance of feeding regularly. Cleanliness of utensils and a dry warm bed, were other points strongly urged. Calves required for dairy work should not be forcibly fed, but kept growing.

The speaker then dealt with the various methods of feeding and fattening, and said that monotony of feeding should, in all cases be avoided. One of the greatest dangers in pig feeding was leaving unconsumed food in the troughs; the food was liable to ferment, and in addition it was very wasteful.

Mr H.W. Gardener then addressed the meeting, and illustrated his remarks by tabulated forms. He specially emphasised that during the early life of a beast the carcass contained mostly water, therefore during this period less expensive foods were needed. He then dealt with the various foodstuffs and their relative values, and supplied the meeting some most interesting data. One of his points was that when a beast reached from 7 to 8 cwt., the water in it decreases and the fat makes a jump.

A discussion followed in which Messrs Kittow, H. May, E. Pigg, W. Morris, S. Pigg and G. Scarborough Taylor took part. Many useful questions were asked and points thrashed out, especially as to the best kind of floor for animals of all kinds. Concrete was urged providing there was sufficient bedding; rammed chalk was also commended.

Before the conclusion of the meeting, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the Chairman and the speakers, and it was announced that the next meeting would be held on 1st February.

The Committee also made arrangements for a debate in March, the subject of which is "The inter-relationship between Producer, Distributor and Consumer."

7th January 1927 - Board of Guardians Monthly Meeting

Original image on Facebook

Board of Guardians

Monthly Meeting

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

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.H. Kittow, W.J. May, A.H. Hayes, A.W. Page, G.C. Wilson, with the Master (Mr F.W. Butler), the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin) and the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke).

House Committee

The House Committee reported as follows:

"The House Committee visited the House today and found everything in a satisfactory condition.

"The inmates expressed their pleasure in having spent a very Happy Christmas.

"The work required to be done in renewing kitchen floor has not been commenced, and we suggest that the contractor should be written to to put this work in hand immediately."

Master's Report

The Master reported as follows:

Number of inmates - men 20, women 15, children 3. Total 38.

Corresponding period last year - 41.

During the month 1 male and 1 female have been admitted.

The Christmas Festivities passed off well and all had a happy time. The inmates wish me to thank the Board for the liberal fare provided.

Through the kindness of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, I do not ask for a collection from the Board, as there is no deficit to meet on the Christmas party. Of the £2 sent by Hertford, I handed 10 of their inmates 2/6 each.

-----

The Chairman expressed the thanks of the Board to all those who had sent gifts, &c., to the Institution.

Mr W.J. May, in associating himself with the Chairman's remarks said that the as there was no necessity for a collection amongst the Guardians towards the Christmas festivities, he would like to say that there was an old lady, an inmate of the Institution, who would attain the age of 93 years next Monday, and he thought that if any of the members chose to give a small donation it would be handed to her for the purpose of holding a birthday party in the Sick Ward.

This was agreed.

Several cases of relief were dealt with, and instructions given to the Relieving Officer.

A letter was received from the Rev. L.W. Wright, stating that he was unable to attend the meeting owing to illness.

The Chairman expressed a hope that the Rev. Wright would soon be better.

important letters regarding the payment of National Health Insurance benefits to persons while inames of a Poor Law Institution were read, and these will appear in our next issue.

The remaining business was of a formal nature.

11th February 1927 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

Original image on Facebook

Buntingford Petty Sessions

Friday last, before Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis, C.B.E., and Claud Fraser, Esq.

Licensing

Inspector Herbert presented the annual report respecting licensed premises in the Division.

There were, he said, 33 fully licensed premises, 8 licensed for consumption "on the premises," four "off" licenses, and one grocer's licence, making a total of 46.

During the year, four licenses had been transferred. No licensee had been proceeded against, and there had only been one male convicted of drunkenness.

The Inspector then stated the times of the licensed hours in force in the Division.

The Chairman said the Bench were very satisfied with the report. It was satisfactory to the Bench, the Police and the Public, and the Bench wished to express their appreciation.

The application for the full transfer of the licence fo "The White Hart" Public House, Buntingford, from Harry Woodley to Mary Jane Woodley was granted.

A Cottered Theft Charge

Victor John Ginn (21), of Broadfield, Buntingford, appeared on a charge of stealing middlings and meal at Cromer, Stevenage, on 24th January, 1927. The defendant pleaded "Guilty."

Mr W.H. Kittow, farmer, of Bancroft, Cottered, said he sent the defendant with six bags of meal and five bags of middlings from Bancroft to Luffenhall Farm.

He was passing through Cromer between 3 and 4 p.m. on the day in question, when he saw the defendant turn his horse and cart into "The Chequers" yard. He (the witness) thought it strange, so he approached the defendant, who told him that he was taking some potatoes for Mr Gray to a Mr Paul. 

The witness then looked in a shed at "The Chequers" and saw four sacks of meal. He opened the bags and found that the meal was quite warm, having just come from the mill.

The defendant, who at first denied leaving the meal there, later admitted that he left one bag. He saw him again later, when he admitted leaving one bag of meal and three of middlings. The defendant, who had been in his employ for some time was receiving 34/6 per week.

P.C. Hill, of Chipping, said on receiving information from Mr Kittow he visited "The Chequers" yard, Cromer, in company with Sergt. Dean.

He later saw the defendant and conveyed him to Buntingford Police Station, where he made a statement to the effect that on 24th January he was ordered to take six bags of meal and five bags of dan to Luffenhall. He left three bags of dan and one of meal at Cromer for Mr M. Gray, who had asked him to bring him some.

Montague Grey, of Cottered, a farmer and dealer, was then charged with receiving the stolen middlings and meal. He pleaded "Not guilty."

Mr W.H. Kittow repeated his former evidence, and added that on the evening of the day of the offence Gray came up to see him.

The defendant Gray told witness that he was very sorry for what had happened, but said that he was not there when the meal was delivered at his building, and that he did not know anything about it. Mr Kittow added that he had known Gray for many years, and if he had known that he was short of meal he would willingly have sent him some.

P.C. Hill said he saw the defendant Gray in company with Mr Kittow on 25th January, when Gray made a statement to the effect that he saw Ginn two or three days previous to the offence and asked him to bring him some meal from Walkern Mill or Kitchener's.

He visited his premises at Cromer on Monday, 24th January, and found four bags of meal in a cart shed. He later saw Mr Kittow and told that the meal was not his (defendant's). He had never bought any stuff off of Ginn in his life, and he did not want other people's stuff in his shed.

In a statement to the Bench, the defendant said that Ginn had previously bought meal for him from Walkern Mill and from Cromer Mill. As the roads were in such a bad state, he could not get out with his own horse, so he asked Ginn to [word erased] him some meal from Cromer [or?] Walkern Mill or Mr Kitchen[er's] at Walkern.

He was not at "The Chequers" when the meal was left there by Ginn, and he was very sorry that Ginn had left it there on that occasion.

Inspector Herbert said that the defendant was a man of good character.

After consultation, the Chairman addressing Ginn said he had pleaded guilty to a very serious charge. The Bench, however, had decided to take a lenient view of the case, and instead of sending the defendant to prison he would be fined £2 and 15/- costs, and would be placed under probation for a period of two years.

With reference to Gray's case, the Chairman said the Bench did not consider that there was sufficient evidence to convict, and the case would be dismissed.

A Housing Tangle

Robert H. Clark, of High Street, Royston, made application for an ejectment order against Mrs Fox, for the possession of a cottage occupied by her at Buntingford.

Mr R. Clark, jun., said he father had been served with a notice by the Buntingford Rural District Council to put the property into habitable repair. His father was willing to do this provided he could get possession of the cottage. At present there were seven persons living in two rooms.

The Clerk: Is the rent in arrear?

Mr Clark: No.

The Clerk: Then the Bench cannot grant an ejectment order.

Mr Clark: Then what am I to do? The Council have served us with a statutory notice, signed by the Medical Officer of Health, and we cannot do the repairs necessary till the place is unoccupied.

The Clerk: The Council must take action themselves.

Mr Clark: It comes back on the owner every time. I had a similar case at Melbourn some years ago, and the Bench issued an ejectment order.

The Clerk: Yes, that was before the Rent Restriction Act come into force.

Mr Clark: I don't want to press for an ejectment, but you see our position. We are being pressed by the District Council, and yet we cannot get possession of the house. It is impossible to do the necessary repairs while the people are living there.

The Chairman: If the Council have condemned the property then they must close it.

Mr Clark: They have not condemned it, but have served us with a notice to put it in habitable repair.

The Clerk: The Council must take action under Section 11 of the Housing Act, 1925. This Bench has no power to issue an ejectment order under the circumstances of the case.

23rd July 1926 - Rural District Council

Original image on Facebook

Rural District Council

A meeting of the Rural District Council followed, Captain H.H. Williams presiding.

Surveyor's Report

The Surveyor's Report was presented and passed.

Little Hormead Cottages

The Surveyor reported on the drainage at these cottages, and after a discussion the Surveyor was instructed to interview Mr Pattern.

Housing Acts

Application for subsidies under the House Act, 1923, were received from Mrs Lacey, of Cottered, and Mr R.G. Peck, of Rushden. Both applications were granted.

The Milk and Dairies Order, 1926

The order was discussed, and the Medical Officer of Health (Dr Dunn) was asked to report on the order at the next meeting of the Council.

Rating and Valuation Bill

The question of the new Rating and Valuation Bill was discussed, and the following elected to serve on the local Rating Committee: Mrs Dimsdale, Messrs. W.J. May, C. Fraser, A.J. Hayes, W.H. Kittow and G. Graves.

Mr C. Hummerstone asked what would be the position of the present Assistant Overseer when the new act came into force.

The Clerk pointed out that there would have to be a certain number of collectors, and the matter was left for the Committee to report upon.

30th April 1926 - Rural District Council

Original image on Facebook

Rural District Council

ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

Mr G.C. Wilson proposed that Captain H.H. Williams be elected Chairman for the ensuring year. Capt. Williams was one who had done a large amount of work for the Guardians and the Council, and he was one of those members who attended every meeting.

Capt. E.T. Morris seconded.

Capt. Williams, in thanking the members for electing him, said he appreciated the honour and privilege. The position meant a certain amount of work, but one's labours were lightened by the way in which the members worked together and by the Council's excellent clerk.

The Chairman then proposed that Mr G.C. Wilson be appointed Vice-Chairman. Mr Wilson had done a large amount of good and practical work.

Mr H.E. Dudley seconded.

Mr Wilson thanked the members for his appointment, and said he would do his best.

COMMITTEES

Mr C. Hummerstone proposed, and Mr W.J. May seconded, that the following be appointed to serve on the Housing Committee:

Mrs K.J. Dimsdale, Captain E.T. Morris, Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. F.B. Cannon, C. Fraser, G. Graves, C. Hummerstone, W.H. Kittow, H.C. Marshall, W.J. May, E.J. Marchal and G.C. Wilson.

The following were appointed to serve on the Hospital Committee:

Mrs K.J. Dimsdale, Rev. L.W. Wright, Capt. E.T. Morris, Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. John Bygrave, C. Fraser, C. Hummerstone, A.J. Hayes, H.C. Marshall, W.J. May and A.W. Page.

The following were appointed to serve on the Water and Sewage Farm Committee:

Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. F.B. Cannon, H.E. Dudley, W.H. Kittow, W.J. May, T.J. Stick and A.J. Hayes.

SURVEYOR'S REPORT

The Surveyor reported as follows:

ISOLATION HOSPITAL

No cases of infection disease have been notified during the month, and the hospital remains closed.

WATERWORKS

The consumption of water during the past month has been:

1st week - 264,000 gallons.

2nd week - 249,000 gallons.

3rd week - 256,000 gallons.

4th week - 258,000 gallons.

The water level remains stationary at 42 feet, being the same level as April 29th last year. Water services have been made to premises in the High Street for the Electro Tanneries, LTD., and to premises in the London Road.

WESTMILL WATER SUPPLY

In consequence of complaints made by the tenants of the Council's cottages alleging impurity of the water supply, a sample of water has been submitted to the Counties Laboratories for analysis.

The analyst reports as follows: "This is very hard water of the highest degree of organic purity. The hardness is such that it will rapidly fur kettles, boilers, &c. We regard the water as a pure and wholesome supply."

A same from the newly-dug well at Westmill has also been submitted for analysis, and the analyst reports: "This is a hard water containing a trace of vegetable matter in suspension, which is doubtless due to the recent sinking operation. In other respects it is satisfactory and of a fair degree of organic purity. Assuming that the well is efficiently constructed, we regard the water as suitable for drinking and domestic purposes.

HOUSING

The Survey reported on the Housing Scheme as follows:

All the cottages owned by the Council are in occupation.

A tenant makes application to erect a small motor shed at one of the cottages at Meesden.

The Chairman said the application would be granted.

A letter was read from the Ministry of Health with reference to the sundry expenditure in connection with the Housing Final Accounts, and stating that subject to audit the amounts would rank for financial assistance.

ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY

The North Metropolitan Electric Supply Company wrote stating that they had been obliged to alter their proposed route owing to the trouble of getting way leave. The route would not be about 500 yds. further east.

The Chairman said the Company had not stated where the new line would be diverted, and he thought it would be a good thing if the Clerk wrote and asked the Company.

This was agreed.

LOCAL EDUCATION

The Clerk stated that the Herts. County Council had asked the Council to appoint three members on the Local Education Committee of the Herts. County Council. The following were then elected: Capt. H.H. Williams, Messes. C. Hummerstone and G.C. Wilson.

ADVERTISEMENTS REGULATION ACTS

A circular was read from the Council Council respecting the above Act which gives power to protect from disfiguring advertisements.

1. The view of rural scenery from a highway or railway or from any public place or water.

2. The amenities of any village within the district of a Rural District Council.

3. The amenities of historic or public buildings &c.

The County Council also pointed out that a conference upon the subject was being held in London on Friday, 7th May, and asked for two representatives of the Council to be appointed to attend.

Capt. Morris proposed that Capt. H.H. Williams and the Rev. L.W. Wright be appointed. This was agreed.

GRANT

The Clerk stated that the sum of £93 0s. 10d. had been placed to the credit of the Council under the Agrucultural Rates Act of 1896.

30th April 1926 - Buntingford Board of Guardians

Original image on Facebook

Buntingford Board of Guardians

The Chairmanship

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

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

Capt. H.H. Williams was voted to the chair.

THE CHAIRMANSHIP

The Chairman said the first business was to elect a new Chairman of the Board.

Mr W.J. May said he had much pleasure in proposing that Mr C. Hummerstone be appointed Chairman for the ensuing year. Mr Hummerstone had been on the Board for the past nine years, and no one had taken a keener interest in the affairs of the Board.

Mr A.J. Hayes seconded the proposition.

On taking the chair, Mr Hummerstone said he had hoped that Mr May would carry on for another year, but as it was the Board's wish that he (Mr Hummerstone) be elected Chairman he would do his best. (Hear, hear).

The Chairman moved that Mr F.B. Cannon be elected Vice-Chairman. The members all knew what interest Mr Cannon took in matters of local government. 

The Rev. L.W. Wright seconded.

Mr Cannon thanked the members for electing him and said he would do his best.

COMMITTEES

On the proposition of Mr W.H. Kittow, seconded by Mr G.C. Wilson, the following were appointed to serve on the House Committee:

Mrs K.J. Dimsdale, Rev. L.W. Wright, Capt. E.T. Morris, Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. F.B. Cannon, C. Fraser, G. Graves, C. Hummerstone, H.C. Marshall, W.J. May, A.W. Page and G.C. Wilson.

Capt. H.H. Williams moved, and Mr F.B. Cannon seconded, that the following be appointed to serve on the Finance Committee:

Capt. E.T. Morris, Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. C. Fraser, C. Hummerstone, H.C. Marshall, W.J. May, E.J. Marchal, A.W. Page and G.C. Wilson.

The following were appointed to serve on the Assessment Committee on the proposition of Capt. E.T. Morris, seconded by Mr E.J. Marchal:Gr

Capt. E.T. Morris, Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. F.B. Cannon, H.E. Dudley, C. Fraser, C. Hummerstone, W.H. Kittow, W.J. May, T.J. Stick, and G.C. Wilson.

MASTER'S REPORT

The Master reported as follows:

Number of inmates - men 17, women 15, children 2. Total 34. Corresponding period last year - men 21, women 17, children 3. Total 41. Casuals 18. Corresponding period last year 9. Since the last meeting of the Board 55 casuals have been relieved.

GIFTS

Gifts of books have been received from the Captain (Salvation Army), Mrs Veasey, Mrs Scarborough Taylor and Mrs J. Smith. On 28th the inmates were invited to a concert given by "The Bunties" Concert Party, and a most enjoyable time was spent.

----

A discussion arose as to the increased number of tramps, and the Master as given instructions with regard to certain cases.

The Chairman said the Board were grateful to the donors of the gifts and to "The Bunties" Concert Party.

HOUSE COMMITTEE REPORT

The House Committee visited the House on April 19th, and found the inmates carefully attended and comfortable.

The contract work to the day rooms, sick wards and scullery was well in hand. The question of dealing with the excess of tramps was discussed by the Committee.

The Committee also inspected the meat and found it quite satisfactory.

OFFICERS' SALARIES

The clerk read a circular from the Ministry of Health giving the average weekly cost per inmate for officers' salaries and rations, also of buildings and repairs. The following is an extract - Officers' salaries - Buntingford Union 7/5 and a half, Ware Union 9/3 and a half, Royston 8/5. Buildings and repairs - Buntingford Union 3/2 and a quarter, Ware Union 2/4, Royston Union 2/2 and a quarter.

The Chairman said the Buntingford figure of 3/2 and a quarter included the cost of the new heating arrangements.

RELIEF

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

OVERSEERS

The Board appointed overseers for the following parishes: Broadfield, Buckland, Little Hormead, Meesden and Rushden.

GRANT UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL RATES ACT

The Clerk stated that the sum of £240 14s. 4d., under the Agricultural Rates Act, 1896, had been placed to the credit of the Guardians.

16th Dec 1927 - Buntingford Xmas Fat Stock Show and Sale

Original image on Facebook

Buntingford Xmas Fat Stock Show and Sale

A RECORD CATTLE ENTRY

The Annual Christmas Fat Stock Show and Sale was held on Monday last in cold but fine weather. There was a large attendance of people from a very wide area, and the judging, which took a considerable time, was completed under the most agreeable circumstances.

As was to be expected, there was a record entry and the normal standard of merit for the district was credibly maintained. The principle feature of the show was a fine array of bullocks - some 80 beasts forming two long lines on the Market Hill. The sheep and pigs were also penned on the Market Hill, the pig entries being larger than last year, while the sheep classes were well filled. There was a noticeable drop in the number and quality of the poultry entries, which were staged in the old Tanyard.

The premier award again went to Mr E. Mildren, of Buckland, whose 15 cwt. roan shorthorn won five prizes. The champion was purchased by Mr V. Pledger, of Barkway, for £56.

The arrangements for the show were in the hands of a committee, who worked well before and on the day itself. Mr E.G. Thody again carried out the duties of hon. secretary in his usual efficient manner.

The following were the judges: Cattle - Mr J. Treacher (Enfield), sheep - Mr F. Fowler (Bishops Stortford) and Mr G. Ripley (Waltham Cross), pigs - Mr H. Reed (Hertford) and Mr R.E. Clark (Clapton), poultry and eggs - Mr W. Nicholls (Hoddesdon) and Mr E. Hankin (Ware).

The following acted as stewards: Cattles - Messrs V. Pledger, H.E. Dudley, F. Cannon, S. Pigg and R. Pigg; sheep - Messrs. W.N. Sanders and F. Rand; pigs - Messrs S. Lees, W. Kittow, W. Page and B. Thody; poultry - Messrs. F. Butler, E.C. Clarke and W.G. Bonness.

THE AWARDS

The following is a list of awards:

Best beast in the show, entered by a farmer residing within Puckeridge Hunt - E. Mildren.

Best beast (open) - E. Mildren.

Silver cup for pen of fat pigs fed on Messrs. Dixon & Son's pig meal - F. Vigus.

Best bullock or heifer bred by exhibitor - J. May.

Best beast fed on Messrs. J. Bibby's cake - S. Pigg.

Silver plate for best beast fed on "Thorleys" - E. Mildren.

Silver plate for best pen of sheep or lambs fed on "Thorleys" - F. Vigus.

Best beast fed on "Molassine" - S. Pigg.

Best fat pig fed on "Molassine" - W. George.

Largest consignor of stock to Market during 1927 - S. Hoy.

Largest purchaser during 1927 - J. Treacher.

Best bullock - 1 E. Mildren, 2 J.R. Child.

Best heifer - 1 J. May, 2 S. Pigg.

Best bullock not more than two years old - 1 J.R. Child, 2 Messrs J.R. Russell & Son.

Fat cow - 1 Messrs W.H. Kittow and Son, 2 H. Martin.

Best beast in classes 13 to 16 - 1 E. Mildren, 2 J. May.

SHEEP

Five fat tegs - 1 F. Virgus, 2 H.E. Dudley.

Five fat ewes - 1 J.R. Child, 2 G. Brown.

Best pen of sheep, the property of an exhibitor who has sold £500 value of stock in Buntingford Market during 1927 - 1 H.E. Dudley, 2 F. Vigus.

PIGS

Three fat pigs - 1 F. Pearcey, 2 J. May.

Two fat pigs, the property of a tenant farmer - 1 N. Cannon, 2 W.N. Sanders.

Two fat pigs, not exceeding 120 pounds - 1 J.T. White, 2 J. Osborne.

Five fat porkers - 1 T. Virgus, 2 Messrs W.H. Kittow.

Two pigs, most suitable for bacon - 1 T. Virgus, 2 J. May.

Fat pig - 1 J.T. White, 2 E. Mildren, jun.

Fat sow - 1 J.R. Child, 2 G. Aylott.

Fat pig, the property of a smallholder - 1 W. Parker, 2 - Hatchett. 

Best pen of fat pigs, the property of an exhibitor who has sold £300 value of stock in the Market during 1927 - 1 F. Pearcey, 2 J. May.

POULTRY

Three cock turkeys - 1 Mrs J.S. Howe.

Three hen turkeys - 1 Mrs J.S. Howe.

Killing cock turkey - 1 Mrs J.S. Howe.

Killing hen turkey - 1 Mrs J.S. Howe.

Four geese - 1 L. Cannon, 2 J. Chapman.

Four cockerels - 1 J. May, 2 J. May. [transcriber note - I don't know if that's two different men with a shared initial]

Four hens - 1 C. Tottman, 2 E. Martin.

Four ducks - 1 L. Cannon, 2 G. Aylott.

EGGS

Three score, white - 1 E. Mildren, 2 E.H. Tweed.

Three score (brown or tinted) - 1 E. Brett, 2 Mrs J.S. Howe.

THE SALE

The sale of the exhibits was carried out by Mr G. Scarborough Taylor and Mr C.S. Knowles, and particulars of the prices are given in our market report.

5th Feb 1926 - Board of Guardians monthly meeting

Original image on Facebook

Board of Guardians

Monthly meeting

Poor law reform

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

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

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

Master's Report

The Master reported as follows:

Number of inmates - men 23, women 15, children 2. Total 40.

Corresponding period for last year 45.

During the month 2 males have been admitted and 1 has died.

The following gifts have been received: Hormead Mothers' Union, cakes, tobacco and cigarettes; Mr C Hummerstone, books; Mr E.G. Thody, apples.

Relief

The Relieving Officer presented his report and several cases were dealt with.

House Committee

The House Committee report that they had inspect the Institution and found everything satisfactory.

Poor Law Reform

Mr H.C. Marshall said the question of the reform of Poor Law Administration had been fully discussed by the County Council, and it might be interesting to the Board if he explained what the County Council thought of the scheme. The County Council did not like the scheme and they felt that they have as much work at present as they were able to cope with. They also felt that if the proposed reform came in to force the administration would not be done any better, but would cost more money. (Hear hear).

The County Council realise that in the County the work of the Board of Guardians had been exceedingly wel done. There was also the danger of a flat rate of relief, and the Chairman of the County Council thought that what would be a sufficient scale for Buntingford and Sawbridgeworth would not be fair for Watford or St Albans (Hear, hear). 

The County Council say that if the reform is passed they will do their best, and they hope that who have done such good work in the past will come forward and help (Hear, hear).

The Chairman said they were very grateful to Mr Marshall for his remarks. They had a book on the proposed reform, and he thought it would be best to adjourn the matter until the next meeting. It might be suggested that a letter be sent to the Ministry, stating that the Board did not agree with the scheme.

Mr H.C. Marshall: I think it would be advisable to wait a bit; meanwhile we might formulate a resolution to send to other Boards of Guardians in the county.

Mr C. Fraser: I am sure we all agree with what Mr Marshall has said, and we are very grateful to him. A delay of a month might be beneficial.

Captain Morris: Is there any necessity to adjourn the matter? The County Council have said that they do not agree with the reform and we have endorsed their views. Why then discuss the matter further?

Mr C. Hummerstone said he had spent some time reading a book on the subject, and he thought there was nothing in it of any use.

Capt Williams said he did not think the Board wished to turn the matter down at this stage. They might say that they would discuss it at the next meeting, and then put forward any reasonable argumenents.

A general discussion then followed, in which Mr W.H. Kittow, the Rev L.W. Wright, and Mr H.E. Dudley took part. It was finally agreed to discuss the matter fully at the next meeting.

Rates

The Clerk reported that the County Council had asked for payment of one of the County Rates, and that a cheque had been drawn for three rates.

The Clark also reported that the average cost of upkeep for each inmate for the ending 25th March 1925, was 10/1 and quarter penny, against 9/7 and halfpence for 1924, and 10/4 for 1923.