2nd April 1926 - The Government and Agriculture

Original image on Facebook

The Government and Agriculture

Major Kindersley replies to Local Farmers

On Friday last, Major Guy M. Kindersley replied to the questions submitted at a meeting of local farmers, held on March 11th, a report of which appeared in these columns.

The meeting on Friday was held at the Benson Hall and the Chairman (Mr Claud Fraser) said they were pleased Major Kindersley was able to come and speak to them on the important questions raised.

Major Kindersley, who was warmly received, said:

[Transcriber note - There is a very extensive write up of the Major's speech, which is so long the font size had to be reduced by the paper printer. It doesn't name anyone, so I have decided to not transcribe it. You can read the entire thing in the original image.]

Major Kindersley also referred to his own position in regard to the Government Electricity Bill, to which he, together with other members, had submitted a reasoned amendment. He declared as "monstrous" the insinuation in a newspaper that he had done so because he was interested in electricity concerns. He did not possess a single share, and his motives were always in the public interest.

Mr H. May moved a vote of thanks to Major Kindersley for his address. He (Mr May) was one of those who formulated one of the question, and he thought Major Kindersley had answered it well. 

He hoped, however, that something would be done to bring Agriculture on the footing it should be. (Applause).

Mr Macarthur in seconding, said he also was one who raised one or more of the questions put to Major Kindersley. He did not agree entirely with all Major Kindersley had said. With reference to the Widows and Orphans Pensions scheme. What he (Mr Macarthur) objected to was that the charge was borne by the employer of labour. A professional or a retired man paid practically nothing towards the scheme. There were other points he would like to raise but it would be hopeless to enter into any arguments that night. He was very pleased to second Mr May's proposition. (Applause).

Mr W. Manning, who said he represented the farm worker, supported the vote. He said he thought it was not fair for a farm worker to receive 31/- a week when other men were receiving three or four pounds. (Applause).

The Conservative Concert Party gave an excellent programme of songs &c., before and after the speeches, those contributing towards the programme being Messrs. F. Pearce, B. Richmond, A. Upchurch, and W. Allen.

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.

16th Dec 1927 - Buntingford Rural District Council

Original image on Facebook

Rural District Council

Cottered Drainage Scheme

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

The Surveyor (Mr E.G. Thody) reported as follows: Since the last meeting one patient has been admitted to the Isolation Hospital and one discharged. The consumption of water in the town has been 1,005,000 gallons during the past four weeks. Tenders have been invited for the provision of an overflow drain at the Cottered housing site. The total length of the drain is 262 yards, which varies in depth from three feet to eleven feet.

The Surveyor also presented his house report, which showed a list of tenants in arrear with their rent. Instruction respecting the collection of these arrears were given the Surveyor.

There was a further discussion of the question of a differentiation in the rents of Council cottages let to farm labourers, the Clerk stating that he had heard from the Ministry on the matter. The Ministry required an answer to a lengthy list of questions respecting the wages, &c., in the district.

Mr Hayes, Mr May and Mr Ward joined in the discussion, the latter remarking that he thought a letter should be sent to the Ministry of Health stating that the Council were of opinion that the highest rent a farm labourer could pay was 3/-.

The Chairman said he was sure they were all agreed upon the general principle of the question. Perhaps they would be getting a little further with the matter if they could get out the particulars asked for by the Ministry.

On Mr Wilson's proposition, the Clerk and Surveyor were requested to draw up a report which would form the basis of a letter to the Ministry.

16th Dec 1927 - Buntingford Board of Guardians

Original image on Facebook

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. In the absence through illness of the Chairman, Mr C. Hummerstone, the Vice-Chairman, Mr F.B. Cannon, presided, and expressed the hope that the Chairman would soon be well again.

Others present were Mrs Dimsdale, Captain H.H. Williams, Messrs. C. Fraser, G. Graves, A.W. Page, W.J. May, T.J. Stick, A.J. Hayes, G.C. Wilson, and Herbert Ward, with the Master (Mr F.W. Butler), the Relieving Officers (Mr H.H. Macklin) and the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke).

MASTER'S REPORT

The Master presented his monthly report, which was as follows: Number of inmates - men 26, women 18, total 44. Number for corresponding period last year, 37.

Since the last meeting five persons had been admitted and one discharged. The following gifts had been received and much appreciated: Mrs Vasey, books; Miss Thody, magazines; Mrs Searing, books; Mrs Law, books. During the month, 293 casuals have been relieved, against 91 for the corresponding period of last year.

The Master also reported that he had received some subscriptions towards the fund for provided a loud speaker for the men's ward, and he hoped to get enough to meet the cost.

Mr May reported that he had, on behalf of the House Committee, visited that Institution that morning and found everywhere in clean and good order. The new stove had been fixed in the lying-in ward and was satisfactory. The electric light installation was well in hand.

Several cases of relief were dealt with, and a proposition allowing the usual extra Christmas relief (1/6 for adults and 1/- for children) was unanimously carried.

TENDERS

Tenders were received for the supply of goods, &c., to the institution, and the following accepted:

Groceries - Messrs. W.B. Moss & Sons.

Meat - Mr H.A. Jackson.

Milk - Mr C. Smith.

Coffins - Mr G. Saggers.

Hair-cutting - Mr C. Miles.

Bread and flour - Mr G.J. Pearce.

The remaining business, which lasted less than twenty minutes, was of a formal nature.