25th March 1927 - Adverts and Workmen's Club

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Buntingford

Fire Insurance - A claim from Buntingford was submitted on Monday and paid in full on Thursday. Local Agent for Sun Insurance Company, B.E. Thody, Buntingford. - Advt.

Suits Made To Measure in a few days. Over 200 of the latest designs and new spring colouring to select from. Prices range from £2 15s. to £7 7s. - E.B. Haddock, Buntingford - Advt.

E.Browne is now showing latest models in Ladies', Gents' and Children's spring footwear. Agent for Yvonne, Mascot, Norvic, Mocassin, and "K" brands. High street, Buntingford, Herts - Advt.

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Workmen's Club

The following were the successful players at the whist drive held at the club room last week:

Ladies - 1 Miss Cornwell, 2 Mr A. Martin (playing as lady).

Gents - 1 Mr H. Clark, 2 Mr W. Watson.

25th March 1927 - Whist

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Whist

The weekly whist drive and dance in aid of the Town Silver Band continues to prove popular, and on Saturday there was the usual large number present.

The prizes went to the following:

Ladies - 1 Mr J. Wornham (playing as lady), 2 Miss Flynn, lowest score Mrs Daniels.

Gents - 1 Mr H. Cutts, 2 Mr H. Clark, lowest score Mr H. Hatchett.

Lucky chair, Mr F. Ward; spot dance competition, Mr P. Saunders and Miss K. Smith.

25th March 1927 - Rural District Council

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Rural District Council

Captain H.H. Williams presided over a special meeting of the Buntingford Rural District Council, held at the Board Room on Friday last to discuss the workings of the Housing (Rural Workers) Act of 1926.

The Chairman said they had met to consider the advisability of applying to the Ministry of Health for a declaration that the Council should be the Local Authority to administer the Act to the exclusion of the County Council.

The Chairman fully explained the Act, and pointed out that while the administration concerned the Rural and Urban Districts more than it did the County Councils, the Government, for some reason or other, was anxious for the Act to operate through the County Councils.

Following a discussion on the various points, the following resolution was unanimously carried:

"Resolved that this Council, in accordance with the provisions of Season 5. s.s. 1 of the Housing (Rural Workers) Act of 1926, do make application to the Ministry of Health for the purpose of being declared the Local Authority to administer, throughout the Rural District of Buntingford, the Housing (Rural Workers) Act of 1926 and any scheme made there-under to the exclusion of the Council of the County of Hertford."

In the event of the Ministry declaring the Rural District Council to be the Local Authority, a scheme will be prepared by the Council whereby financial assistance will be afforded to owners of property for putting into good habitable condition houses occupied by agricultural labourers or others coming under the same category.

25th March 1927 - Football - Buntingford v. Welwyn

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Football

Buntingford v. Welwyn

Buntingford were at home to Welwyn in a North Herts League game on Saturday last, and won after a clean fast game by two goals the nil.

Winning the toss, Welwyn kicked down the slop, and for a time the home defence was hard pressed. The first goal came after about twenty minutes play, E. Moule placing the ball square across the goal for Thorogood to score with a fast grounder.

Both goals had some narrow escapes, but half-time arrived with Buntingford leading 1-nil.

With the slope in their favour, the home team had more of the play in the second-half, and only good goal-keeping prevented them from scoring on two or three occasions. Thorogood had hard luck when a fine header hit the cross bar, but E. Moule made the issue safe when, after beating two or three opponents, he beat the visiting goal-keeper with a fine cross shot.

The visiting forwards tried hard to score, but Reed was very sound.

Tomorrow the Town journey to Kimpton, and the Reserves are at home to Little Munden.

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Read the Aspenden v. Old Hertfordians report.

25th March 1927 - Football - Aspenden v Old Hertfordians

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Football

Aspenden v Old Hertfordians

Aspenden were at home to the Old Boys on Saturday last, and the game was played under ideal conditions, the ground being hard and dry for once after many weeks of mud.

Play was keen and sporting, and resulted in an easy win for the homesters.

The Old Boys started at a great pace and were two goals up after half-an-hour's play, but the Aspenden forward line, which had been rather raged [sic], settled down, and scored two goals through Hornet, making the scores level at the interval.

In the second-half the Old Boys completely fell away, and the home side monopolised the play, H. Parker performed the hatrick. S. Dowler scored once, and W. Sturch, the home team's left-back, came well up the field to score twice.

Result - Aspenden 8, Old Hertfordians 2.

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Read the Buntingford v. Welwyn report.

25th March 1927 - Buntingford & District Agricultural Debating and Discussion Society

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Buntingford & District Agricultural Debating and Discussion Society

The last meeting of the 1926-27 season of the above Society took place at the Assembly Room, the George Hotel, on Tuesday evening.

The chair was taken by Mr A. Macarthur, who introduced the principal speaker (Mr J.W. Reid, of Oaklands).

The subject down for discussion was "The business side of Farming," and, as the speaker said, it was one for wide consideration.

In farming it was often necessary to lose on one branch in order to gain on another. Sheep farming, he said, often failed as a business proposition, but its value in manuring the land could not be reckoned in £ s d.

In many cases economies could be effected in labour, it had been proved that the average proportion of labour to the expenditure of a farm was 28 per cent, and while to try and effect economy in labour would mean disaster in many cases, it had been found that quite a number of farms were under-staffed.

Economy in horse labour could often be effected. There was also the question of economy in manures by purchasing the right kind. It had been found that 12,000 acres in Hertfordshire were deficient in lime. Economy in feeding stuffs should also be practised.

The speaker then dealt with the question of increased receipts, and dealt with such matters as dairy farming, poultry and store cattle.

Mr Macarthur, Mr Scarborough Taylor and Mr S. Pigg took part in the discussion which followed, and at the close Mr Macarthur, in moving a vote of thanks to Mr Reid, said he wished, on behalf of the Society, to thanks Mr Hunter-Smith for the help he had given them. He regretted that some of the meetings had been poorly attended, and he hoped that if the Society carried on next year they would have an increased membership.

Mr S. Pigg seconded the vote of thanks, and Mr J. Laird, in supporting the vote, said he thought there were many who did not realise what Oaklands was doing for them.

The vote was carried with acclamation.

Mr J.W. Reid and Mr J. Hunter-Smith replied, and said that if it was decided to carry on next year they would be pleased to help.

25th March 1927 - Dance

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Dance

The attendance at the Benson Hall for the dance on St Patrick's night exceeded the most sanguine expectations. The organisers anticipated a hundred, but the number present was over a hundred and fifty.

Among the dangers were some who had never been in the Hall before, and they were pleasantly surprised at the excellence of the floor, which is undoubtedly the best for miles around.

The music was provided by the Standon Orchestra, who co-operated with the M.C., Mr Blakiston, in providing continuous dancing.

Among the special features were two "spot" dances, the first of which was won by Mr and Mrs Jackson, of Westmill, and the second by Mr Don Little and Miss Jordan.

Also a "Pandemonium" Dance, for which horns were issued, and the result fully justified the title!

The prize for the "lucky ticket" was won by Mr C. Smith.

The net proceeds were over £9, and the organisers are to be congratulated on the splendid success of their efforts. Hearty thanks are also due to all who provided the refreshments and prizes, and sold the former so efficiently, in addition to those who undertook the sale of tickets and prepared the Hall for the occasion. Each article of the refreshments was offered at one penny, and over 320 items were sold.

As the crowd streamed out of the Hall shortly after midnight, there were many requests for "another of the same kind" - the best proof of an enjoyable evening.

25th March 1927 - Congregational Sunday Schools

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Congregational Sunday Schools

Sunday School Week

In connection with the Congregational Sunday Schools of the country, last Sunday began "Sunday School Week," an effort to arrest the decline in the number of scholars attending the Sunday Schools.

Last Sunday evening at the Buntingford Congregational Church the Minister devoted the service to stressing of the scheme and, after referring to the beginnings of the Sunday School movement in England, emphasized the importance of the Sunday School, its work and teaching, to the child, the Church and the nation.

25th March 1927 - Chess Match

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Chess Match

A chess match between the Cottered Chess Club and a Buntingford team, arranged by Mr B.E. Thody, took place on Monday evening.

There were some good games, and the result was a win for Buntingford by four games to two.

The scores were as follows:

Buntingford - Cottered

Father Morgan - 1 - R.M. Hull - 0

E. Brett - 1 - E.E. Empringham - 0

B.E. Thody - 0 - R. Shepherd - 1

J. Lawrence - 1 - R. Barry - 0

H.M. Blakiston - 1 - T. Perry - 0

A.N. Other - 0 - B.A. Edwards - 1

Total - 4 - 2

At the close, the Rev. E.E. Empringham, of Cottered, thanked Father Morgan for placing his study at the disposal of the teams and for so kindly entertaining them.

18th March 1927 - Whist

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Whist

At the weekly whist drive, in aid of the Town Silver Band, the prize-winners were:

Ladies - 1 Mr E. Ward (playing as lady), 2 Mrs J. Aylott. Lowest score  Mr C. Smith (playing as lady).

Gents - 1 Mr Hiddel, 2 Mr E. Martin. Lowest score - Mr J. Philpott.

Lucky chair prize - Miss Marshall.

Over 100 were present for dancing, which terminated at midnight.

This week's winners of the spot dance competition were Mr Dowler and Mrs Case.

18th March 1927 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

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Buntingford Petty Sessions

A Tottenham Youth's Escapade

A bright and intelligent Tottenham schoolboy, aged 13 and a half years, appeared before two magistrates on Friday last, on a charge of stealing a gent's bicycle at Braughing on 7th March. There was a further charge of stealing a bicycle at Tottenham on the same date.

The boy rode the bicycle he had stolen from Tottenham to Dassels, where he saw another gent's cycle outside a cottage and decided to leave the one he had ridden from Tottenham, and tide off on the one he saw at Dassels.

The cycle he stole at Braughing happened to belong to an ex-policeman, Mr Joseph Briden, and although the lad had a good start, Mr Briden soon had the two bicycles and the lad in his custody.

The boy was brought before Capt. H.H. Williams at an Occasional Court on Tuesday in last week, and remanded until the following Friday, when the case was heard by Mr Claud Fraser and Captain H.H. Williams.

Mr Joseph Briden, of Braughing, said on Monday, 7th March, he left his cycle outside a cottage at Dassels.

When he came out of the cottage, he found that his cycle had disappeared and that another was lying on the side of the road about 10 yards away.

On making enquiries he learned that a lad, riding a cycle too high for him, had been seen going in the direction of Ware. The witness road on, and about 1 mile from Puckeridge he saw his cycle lying on the side of the road; he also saw a lad hurrying along the footpath. Asked what he was doing, the lad admitted stealing the machine, and the witness detained him till P.C. Barker arrived.

P.C. Barker then gave evidence of taking charge of the lad at Puckeridge, and read a very concise statement which the lad made to him at the Police Station.

The lad stated that while at tea on Sunday, 6th March, his father and step-mother accused him of stealing some silk stockings, which he denied. When he returned from Church his father swore at him and sent him to bed.

During the night he made up his mind to run away, and at 6.30 a.m. the next morning, he got up and waited till his father had gone to work. He left the house at 8 a.m. and walked towards Edmonton, and turned into White Hart Lane where he saw a cycle standing outside a shop.

He took the cycle, and rode along the arterial road and on to a place called Harestreet, where he decided to turn around and go home. About 1 and a half miles from Harestreet he saw another cycle outside a cottage, and as he thought he could ride it better than the one he had he exchanged the machines; later he found he could not reach it properly, so he laid it down and walked on until he was stopped by a man, who asked him what he was doing.

Mr H.T. Cawthorne, of Walthamstowe, said the cycle stolen from Tottenham belonged to him. He valued the machine at £2.

On being charged with the offences, the young pleaded guilty. His step-mother who was in Court, told the Bench that she could do nothing with the lad - he was a real naughty boy.

After a short adjournment, the Chairman, addressing the lad, said the magistrates were very sorry to see him before them. Having regard to his age, they had decided to adopt a lenient view, and he would be placed under the supervision of Mr Andrews, the Probation Officer, for a period of two years.

The boy, wiping his tears with his school cap, siad "Thank you, Sir," to the Chairman, and left the Court with Mr Andrews.

18th March 1927 - Football - Standon Villa v. Aspenden

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Football

Standon Villa v. Aspenden

These two teams met in a friendly match at Standon on Saturday last, to play for a new football given by Mr Dixon, president of the Standon Club, and after a clean and sporting game, resulted in a win for visitors by two goals to nil.

The game opened rather fast, both goal-keepers saving in fine style, but the ground getting very slippery, made accurate shooting and skillful football impossible, and play was chiefly confined to midfield.

After having hard luck with a fine shot, H. Parker scored from close range to give Aspenden the lead at the interval.

Aspenden pressed on the resumption and missed narrowly on several occasions, one shot hitting the upright and returning into play, before K. Rayment increased the lead. The Standon forwards tried several breakaways, but were well held by the visitors' defence.

The referee was Mr J. Totman, of Buntingford.

After the match both teams were entertained by Mr Dixon to a meat supper, where he presented the football to the Aspenden Captain, and said that he hoped the Aspenden team would have the same success when playing with it as they had done that afternoon. (Cheers).

The Aspenden captain then thanked Mr Dixon for the good time he had given them, and called for three cheers which were heartily given, followed by "For he's a jolly good fellow."

18th March 1927 - Correspondence - Increase of Vagrants and Tramps to the Buntingford District

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Correspondence

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette.

Increase of Vagrants and Tramps to the Buntingford District.

Sir, Many of the townspeople of Buntingford view with concern the report in your last issue of the large number of casuals admitted to the Buntingford Poor Law Institution.

Not content with two meals and a comfortable night's rest at our expense, some of these "Gentlemen of the Road" make a habit of begging at several doors before they leave us in the morning. Recently I have had two tramps call at my house for food or clothing, and I learn that many householders living on the outskirts of the town are troubled every day by tramps.

It is perhaps not realised that good and bad news spread amongest tramps very quickly, and tramps meeting each other on the road will exchange information of the town each are making for, with the result that a household who gives a pair of old boots to a tramp today is almost sure to receive a call from another tramp tomorrow.

I have taken the trouble to ascertain what food the casuals receive on admission to the Buntingford Union, and the following dietary is of interest:

On admission - 8 oz. bread, half an ounce butter, 1 pint tea.

Breakfast - 8 oz bread, half an ounce butter, 1 pint tea, coffee or cocoa.

On leaving - 8 oz bread, 2 oz cheese.

Dinner (for those who are retained) - 8 oz bread, 2 oz cheese, half an ounce butter, 4 oz. potatoes.

In addition to this, each casual is provided with a warm bed, an unlimited supply of hot water for washing and, if the weather is wet, facilities for drying his clothes and boots.

All casuals who are in possession of an army paper or insurance card or anything to show that they are endeavouring to obtain work are allowed to leave the Union without being given any task whatever.

It will be seen by the above that the Buntingford Guardians are dealing with the casuals in a humane manner, and that it is quite unnecessary for any casual to beg for food on leaving the Institution. None of us like to see a fellow countryman down and out, and in these times, when unemployment is so rife, it is a difficult matter to know whether the tramp to whom we gave an old coat is really grateful, or whether he will sell it at the next town.

Since 1st January 1927, nearly 500 casuals have been admitted to the Buntingford Union; the total for the same period last year was less than 60, and while many of the householders continue to encourage tramps the numbers will increase until there is insufficient accommodation at the Union, and the Ministry of Health compel the Guardians to provide additional wards at the ratepayers' expense.

With apologies for taking up so much of your space,

Yours faithfully,

Ratepayer.

Buntingford, Herts, 16th March, 1927.

18th March 1927 - Congregational Church Social

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Congregational Church Social

A very pleasant time was spent in the Congregational Schoolroom on Thursday in last week, the occasion being a social.

There was a very good gathering, and in an opening remark or two, the Minister referred to the various phases of Church life, including the devotional or spiritual and the social sides. The room had been attractively decorated by Mr H. Cutts.

A lengthy programme of miscellaneous items was carried through, consisting of - pianoforte solos (Miss Blanche Langham, Miss M. Ashton); solos (Miss Emily Benstead, Miss Langham, Miss Dorothy Howard); recitations and humourous readings (Mrs G. Saggers, Miss Langham, the Minister).

A sketch entitled "Our at-home day" caused much amusement, the various parts being taken by Miss Benstead, Miss Edith Careless and Miss Kitty Camp, and the item being very well performed. The introduction of Community singing marked a change in the usual programme, whilst two competitions were provocative of much fun.

The response to the appeal for refreshments was splendid, and during an interval these were now served.

At the close there was an announcement of the competition result together with an expression of thanks to all who had helped to make the evening a success. Best thanks are certainly due to the many who kindly contributed towards the refreshments; to the members of the Ladies' Committee, and other lady helpers who in many ways rendered splendid service in connection with the social; to those who assisted in the entertainment and sketch and duties relevant; to those who had worked "behind the scenes," and to all who helped to make the social so successful.

The proceeds of the evening were on behalf of the Church funds.

The singing of Auld Lang Syne brought the social to a conclusion.

18th March 1927 - Death of Mr W.D. Bye

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Wyddiall

Death of Mr W.D. Bye

We regret to record the death of Mr W.D. Bye, who passed away on Wednesday of last week.

The deceased, who was 67 years of age, had lived in Wyddiall for the past 30 years. He was taken ill just before his wife's death in November last, and although he underwent a serious operation he did not recover his healt.

The large company present at the funeral at Wyddiall Church on Saturday afternoon showed the high esteem in which he was held by his fellow workers and villagers.

The immediate mournes were - Mr H. Bye and Miss A. Bye (son and daughter), Mr W. Bye and Mrs G. Smith (son and daughter), Mr and Mrs F. Bye (son and daughter-in-law), Mr G. Smith and Mrs H. Bye (son-in-law and daughter-in-law), Mr B. Woods and Mrs W. Bye (son and daughter-in-law), Mr W. and Miss H. Coxall (brother and sister-in-law), Mr W. Bye and Mrs Bentley (brother and sister), Mrs R. Catley and Mrs E. Catley (sisters), Mrs W. Coxall (sister-in-law), A. Bye, H. Catley and J. Bentley (nephews).

Amongst others present were: Lt.-Col. Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis, Mr W. May, Mr T. May and Mr H. May and many employees. Fellow employees from the farm on which the deceased was employed acted as bearers.

18th March 1927 - Aspenden - Consecration of New Burial Ground by Bishop Lander

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Aspenden

Consecration of New Burial Ground by Bishop Lander

The beautiful little church of St Mary's, Aspenden, was the scene of an important ceremony on Wednesday of last week, when the consecration of the new burial ground was carried out by Bishop Lander, the Assistant Bishop of St Albans.

The new burial ground is situate on the south side of the old Churchyard, and has been given by Sir Arthur Lushington. One-sixth of the ground has been reserved for Sir Arthur Lushington and members of his family. The cost of enclosing the ground has been defrayed by Mr H.C. Marshall, of "Longmead," Buntingford, and the cost of making the entrance by Miss G. Lushington of "Absesdene," Buntingford, thus the new ground has been opened free of debt.

Bishop Lander was attended by the Rural Dean (the Rev. W.J.L. Dutton), and the following clergy: Rev. H.R. Shepherd (Hormead), Rev. F.R. Williams (Ansty), and the Rev. A.G. King (Westmill).

Amongst the congregation were Mr and Mrs W. Steel, of Aspenden Hall; the Rev. and Mrs L.W. Wright, of Wyddiall; Miss Lushington, Mrs R.W. Fell, Mrs L.C. Croslegh, and Mrs A. Howard. The Rev. A. Howard was unable to be present.

The service in the Church was conducted by the Rector, the Lesson, taken from II St John, being read by the Rev. A.G. King.

In an address from the chancel steps, the Bishop said they were preparing a place, not for those who were dead, but for themselves. Life is short, and though we do not dread death, as Christians we make provisions for the future. When the life goes out of a body we treat that body with respect. A Churchyard should be the best kept garden in any parish; all the flowers should be of the best, and there should be no untidiness, for it was a place of sympathy and unity.

He (the Bishop) had spent many years in China, a country where there was much show at a funeral and very little hope after the grave. In setting aside a burial ground they were asserting their belief that our Lord is Lord of all, and we go forth in faith and confidence and look to our own decease.

As the procession left the Church the choir and congregation sang the hymn "Soldiers who are Christ's below." The Bishop, accompanied by the Churchwarden (Mr E.S. Fletcher), and followed by the clergy, the choir and the congregation, then proceeded to the new burial ground.

At the entrance to the plot, the Rector, addressing the Bishop, said "Reverend Father in God, we beg you to consecrate this ground for the burial of our people."

The Bishop then replied "I am willing to perform the consecration, to which let us proceed in peace."

The procession the perambulated the boundaries of the plot, during which Psalm xci. was said, after which the sentence of consecration was read and signed by the Bishop.

The Bishop then made the following declaration:

"By virtue of our sacred office in the Church of God, we Michael, by Divine Permission Bishop of St Albans, do now consecrate, and for ever set apart from all profane and common uses, this ground, to be the resting-place of the bodies of the dead until the glorious Resurrection of the last day; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

A prayer for all who mourn and the Blessing concluded the ceremony, and the procession returned to the church chanting the Nunc Dimittis.

18th March 1927 - Situation Wanted

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Situation Wanted

Stockman requires situation. Good, steady, reliable worker; married.

Apply, Box 86, "Gazette" Office, Buntingford.

11th March 1927 - Women's Institute Monthly Meeting

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Women's Institute

Monthly Meeting

A Talk on the B.B.C.

Judging by the keen interest taken by members of the Buntingford Women's Institute, during a lecture on the British Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday evening, many of the Institute members must be wireless enthusiasts. "We have no wireless set at our home, but my husband told someone he had a loud speaker, I suppose he meant me" said a lady after Wednesday's meeting.

The women had the best of it on Wednesday, for if they learned nothing about high frequency circuits and resistance coupling they gained a good knowledge of the manner in which the B.B.C. programmes are drawn up, the type and the number of studios at one station and other important administrative matters so necessary for a service which caters for some millions of listeners.

Miss Evans, the lecturer from the British Broadcasting Corporation, told of the history of the B.B.C. from its formation, and dealt very fully with the question of programmes.

The lecture was enjoyed by everyone present.

Mrs H.H. Williams presided over the meeting which was well attended. Applause greeted the Chairman's announcement that the new hall would be officially opened at the end of March. It was hoped that Mrs Martin Smith, the Chairman of the County Federation, would be present.

Other features of the successful meeting were a hyacinth competition, the prize for which went to Mrs Warren, and Community singing led by Mrs Scarborough Taylor, with Mrs Amstrong at the piano.

Mrs King and Mrs Waters, two members from Aspenden, were the efficient tea hostesses.

11th March 1927 - Rural District Council

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Rural District Council

A meeting of the Rural District Council followed, Captain H.H. Williams presiding. The officers present were - the Medical Officer of Health (Dr R.A. Dunn), and the Surveyor (Mr E.G. Thody).

The Surveyor reported that the Isolation Hospital remained closed. During the month the consumption  of water had been 999,000 gallons, and the water level had risen another 3ft.

Application was made for the renewal of petroleum licenses, and plans were submitted in respect of a bungalow, for which an application for a subsidy had been submitted.

The Chairman said he understood that as the bungalow had been commenced, it could not rank for a subsidy.

The Surveyor again reported the cases in which tenants of the Council's houses were in arrears with rent, and instructions to serve notices to quit were given.

Electric Light

Plans were submitted by the North Metropolitan Electric Light Company showing the proposed route of their underground cable in Aspenden, Layston and Westmill.

A discussion arose as to the adoption of bye-laws for building, and it was decided to hold the matter over until it had been ascertained what bye-laws were in force in other Rural Council areas.

The Chairman, who spoke in favour of the adoptions of such bye-laws, said it was important to protect the amenities of the countryside, and so far this part of the County was unspoiled.

A communication was received to the effect that a conference for the purpose of considering certain matters in connection with the Rating and Valuation Act, would be held at the Law Society's Hall on Monday, and the Council were asked to nominate two members to attend.

The names of the Chairman and Mr W.J. May were submitted.

11th March 1927 - Buntingford Board of Guardians Monthly Meeting

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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 (in the chair), Mr F.B. Cannon (Vice-Chairman), Mrs Dimsdale, The Rev. L.W. Wright, Captain H.H. Williams, Messrs. G. Graves, E. Bygrave, A.W. Page, E.J. Marchal, A.J. Hayes, W.J. May, F. Prime, G.C. Wilson and H.E. Dudley, with the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke), the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin) and the Master (Mr F.W. Butler).

Master's Report

The Master reported that there were 39 inmates in the Institution. During the month five had been admitted and four discharged; one had died. There was again an increase in casuals, 189 being admitted during the past month, again 19 for the corresponding period last year.

The Master also reported that on Wednesday, 1st March, two casuals - Albert Smith and J. Brown - were set a task of woodchipping in one of the cells. When the Master entered at 11.30 a.m., Smith picked up a chopper and threatened him; Brown also became abusive, and the Master entered the cell and tried to eject Brown; in doing so Smith picked up a log of wood and again threatened the Master, who overpowered both men, and later had Smith locked up in another cell for the night.

The man again became abusive, and smashed all the panes of glass in the window. The following morning he was set to pick oakum, and was visited by members of the House Committee.

Mr Butler stated that he had engaged the services of an ex-Police Sergt. to watch the man until his discharge from the casual ward.

The Chairman said he was glad the Master came through his experience unhurt. The question has been raised as to whether the Master should engaged additional assistance when cases such as this arose.

Mr G.C. Wilson said the event was quite a serious matter, and he was of the opinion that the matter of engaging extra help with the casuals should be left to the Master.

This was agreed, the rate of pay per hour or day being fixed.

House Committee

The House Committee reported that they had visited the Institution and had found everything in a satisfactory condition.

It was reported that the night nurse at the Institution had secured another appointment, and the matter of filling the post left to the Matron.

Estimates

The Clerk submitted the estimates for the half-year. The net amount required for common fund charges was £1323 against £1385 for the corresponding period last year.

The produce of a penny rate was £85 10s. - the amount required would therefore mean a rate of approximately 1/4 in the £.

Relief

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