Aspenden v. Braughing
The above teams met at Aspenden on Saturday last - and a poorer exhibition of batting would hardly be possible.
Not one player in each innings scored double figures, Parker (for Braughing) being simply unplayable, taking eight wickets at a very small cost.
Manning an Rayment were both quite as unplayable as Parker - dismissing Braughing for the meagre total of 15.
Death of Mrs E. Newman
We regret to record the death of Mrs E. Newman, of Union Row, Buntingford.
The deceased, who had been ill for some time, died on Sunday last at the advanced age of 78.
Mrs Newman has lived in the town for some years and was greatly respected. She leaves a husband and one daughter, for whom much sympathy is felt.
At the funeral, which took place at Layston on Thursday, the immediate mourners were:
Mr E. Newman (husband), Mrs Rayment (daughter), Mr and Mrs F. Newman, from Royston, Mrs L. Edwards (neice), and George Rayment (son-in-law).
There were some beautiful floral tokens.
----
Football
North Herts Benevolent Shield
The Town Beaten After Extra Time
Thorogood's Fine Defence
Two goalkeepers, Farey of Pirton, and Reed, of Buntingford, both dressed in green sweaters and black shorts, faced each other for two hours on the Hitchen Imps ground on Saturday last, and because Reed had to fetch the ball out of the net on four occasions, Pirton carried away the beautiful Shield which they came so close to winning on Boxing Day.
It must be said that Reed was in no way to blame for the four goals scored against him; he put up and excellent game throughout.
The Teams
Under Mr Winters, of Hitchin, the teams lined up as follows:
Buntingford - Reed; Hatchett, Thorogood; Holmes, Howlett, Rayment; E. Moule, Birkett, H. Clark, E. Pledger, H. May.
Pirton - Farey; Cherry, Baines; Warren, Crawley, Goldsmith; Chamberlain, Price, Gotto, Davies, Titmuss.
When the writer of these notes arrived, the game was some ten minutes old, and Pirton was pressing strongly.
When Thorogood or Hatchett were not being called upon to clear, Reed was jumping up at well directed shots, and looked as if Pirton would score at any minute, indeed, one shot hit under the crossbar, and although many near-by spectators alleged that the ball was over the line the referee disallowed the point the 'Fords made tracks for the other goal, where Birkett shot by the post.
Continuing to press, Pirton found the net, but the referee ruled that two of their men were off-side, and once again the town supporters drew a breath of relief.
Something like third minutes elapsed before the bustling Pirton forwards began to tire, and it was then that the town team took up the attack, and Pirton realised that the 'Fords were really dangerous, and from combined play by the town's right wing, MOULE opened the scoring with a low cross-shot.
Much encouraged, the town played with more confidence, and although Pirton continued to break away on the right wing, their attacks were generally beaten down by Rayment or Thorogood. On one occasion Titmuss got in a shot which scraped the bar, with Reed unsighted.
Birkett and Holmes were often in the wars, and at one time both were off the field. It was during their absence that Reed was called upon a good deal, and he saved a stinging shot from Chamberlain, which completely deceived Thorogood.
Before half-time the town added to their score through BIRKETT, who, after a fine piece of work, banged the ball past Farey from close quarters.
Half time - Buntingford 2 - Pirton 0.
On resuming, it was evident that Pirton had made up their minds to have a good try at making good, and they set off an attack which resulted in Hatchett having to use some of his best tactics.
Two or three corners were forced, and when these were taken from the right wing, they were always a source of danger to Buntingford.
Pirton's distribution of the ball became good and lusty, long passes began to tell their tale. The left wing was continually putting over accurate centres, and time and again Thorogood was called upon to clear: not once did he miskick.
It was CHAMBERLAIN who received a pass from Price and banged the ball past Reed, and after several more attempts the same player scored again a few minutes from time. This resulted in extra time being played.
Each side put their best into the last half-hour, but the Buntingford forwards were erratic in their shooting, and the strain of extra time began to tell.
Following a melee TITMUSS put Pirton ahead. Just before time, CHAMBERLAIN completed the hat trick, the final score being-
Pirton 4 - Buntingford 2.
As stated, Reed, Hatchett and Thorogood put up a good defence. In the half-back line, Howlett played finely throughout, and gave his forwards a lot of assistance. Rayment was speedy and clever, but Holmes, after his injury was not often in the picture.
Moule and E. Pledger were the pick of the fowards, although the latter was not so accurated with his shots as he generally is. In control Clark did quite well, but he tired before the final whistle. Birkett showed his average skill, but it was only at times that he was able to get going as he was covered by the ever-watchful Crawley.
H. May was terribly slow, certainly he did not receive the passes he should have done in the first-half, but this should have made him more eager for the remainder of the game. Some of his long kicks were beautifully placed, but he had anything but a red-letter day.
Shield Presentation
Mr W.P. Flint, in presenting the Shield to the winning team, said the two teams had played an excellent game - clean and sportsmanlike. They were all there that afternoon to swell the funds of the North Herts Benevolent Fund.
Pirton was among the first to join, and won the Shield in the season 1923-1924. Buntingford joined two years ago, and had been in the final twice; all honour to them. (Applause).
On Boxing Day last year, Buntingford, after being two down, pulled through and became the winner of the Shield. Two great games.
Mr Flint then handed the Shield to the Captain of the Pirton team, and medals to the two teams.
There was a large crowd present, many travelling from Buntingford by charabanc.
S. Howlett, with his usual sporting spirit, called for three cheers for the winners.
In presenting a medal to Thorogood, Mr Flint said, "A wonderful display at the back, Sir."
Now for the Greg Cup competition!
Football
Buntingford v. Pirton Athletic
Tomorrow the town journey to Hitchin to replay the final of the North Herts. Benevolent Shield with Pirton Athletic, and judging from the play on Boxing Day they will have to go all the way to win.
Pirton have a fine forward line, and if the Town defence can only hold these in the first-half, Buntingford ought to pull it off, as they certainly lasted the previous game better than their opponents.
H.Pledger is suffering from influenza, so will be unable to play, otherwise the team will be at full strength.
The following are selected: Goal, R. Reed; backs, W. Hatchett and S. Thorogood; halves, H. Holmes, S. Howlett and E. Rayment; forwards, E. Moule, H. Birkett, W. May, E. Pledger and H. May.
Will supporters who are travelling to Hitchin please note that the bus starts at 1.30 sharp?
---
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."
Football
Greg Cup Semi-Final
Buntingford 4. Stevenage 2.
Considering the weather and the treacherous state of the ground, the match between Buntingford and Stevenage, played on the town ground on Saturday, was quite a good one.
There was a moderate attendance when the teams lined up several minutes later than the advertised time of starting.
Stevenage, who kicked down the slope for the first-half, were soon away, but were repelled by Thorogood, whose long kick sent H. May away on the left wing; after beating the visitors right back, May sent in a fine shot which went over the bar.
The visitors' quintette then got away, and through a misunderstanding between the home backs, the ball came across the mouth of the home goal with six or seven players after it; a melee followed, and from this Leech pushed the ball into the corner of the net to give Stevenage the lead. A few minutes later further pressure on the visitors' left wing caused the home defence a good deal of trouble, one shot skimming the goal-post.
Following a run by Wallis and Birkett, the latter shot at goal, and the ball, striking the visitors' left back, turned into the net.
In the second-half E. Moule put in some excellent work, one of his efforts being remarkably good. E. Hatchett and Rayment were also in the picture with some fine passes, which were turned to good account.
By this time the rain, which continued to fall heavily, had made the ground in a treacherous state, the players finding it very difficult to keep their feet. A break through by Stevenage resulted in Leech scoring with a fine shot. The next goal came from Wallis, who scored for the town from close range.
During the ensuing exchanges, the Stevenage defence was seen to advantage, but their goalkeeper was eventually beaten by W. May, who sent in a beautiful shot from 20 yards out. There was considerable excitement when the visitors were pulled up for an infringement on the touch line, but the resultant free kick, taken by E. Hatchett, went wide. A few minutes from the end, Birkett added another goal for the Fords by driving the ball through a crowd of players and into the corner of the net.
The two teams kept their tempers better than their feet, and it was noted that the only free kicks were for offside or an infringement on the touch line. As the ground was in such a bad state, it would be unfair to comment on the play of the individual members of the town team, but one word of praise must be voiced by E. Moule, who again proved himself a fearless, clever and speedy winger.
As Hitchin Imps won their match on Saturday they meet Buntingford in the final on Easter Monday. It is unlikely that the match will be played at Hitchin.
Football
Greg Cup Competition
Buntingford v. Hitchin Imps
A good deal of talk about Thorogood's form during recent matches has been exploded by the excellent game he put up on Easter Monday, when the Town met Hitchin Imps in the final of the Greg Cup competition, at Royston.
The weather conditions were ideal, and there was a gate of over 700, some 200 supporters of the Fords' journeying from Buntingford by charabanc, motor car, motor cycle and cycle.
It is perhaps not generally known that the handsome silver cup for this competition was given by the late Mr T.T. Greg, of Coles, in 1910.
The ground conditions were fairly good, and there was no advantage from winning the toss as there was no wind. On the run of the play Buntingford should have won, but it happened that Thorogood and R. Moule saved the game at a time when the supporters of the Imps were mustering round the platform, from which the cup was to be presented.
The last five minutes was more thrilling than the remainder of the match. Through the ineffectiveness of Hatchett, who it must be admitted, is nothing like his former self on the field, the Imps were leading by two clear goals when Thorogood ran through to score a splendid goal.
Although the spectators were heartened by this turn of events, there appeared little hope of any further goals, and the Buntingford players and supporters consoled themselves on the fact that it was better to lose 4-3 than 4-2. With the players waiting for the final whistle, the ball when out to E. Moule, who should really have been receiving attention off the field - so badly did he get kicked. He took the ball up the right wing, and running in, smashed it into the far corner of the net.
Spectators ran onto the field and congratulated him, and the crowd on all sides were full of enthusiasm and excitement - four goals all, and two minutes to play!
It has been claimed that if the forwards scored a goal away from home, they could not be blamed for losing the game; the onus was then upon the defence. Similarly however, it should be claimed for the defence that if they keep out the visiting forwards the onus for success rests with the forwards.
They had, however, no reason for urging their claim on Monday, for on the whole the Imps' forwards mastered the two defence, their right wing putting in some excellent work. Reed, in the town goal, played his usual game, and it was through no fault of his that four goals were scored against his side; two of the goals were from the penalty spot, one Hatchett inadvertently kicked through his own goal in a desperate attempt to clear, and the other was headed through by Pledger when he jumped to a high ball.
In the half-back line, Howlett played well, but he was too well covered to be very effective. Birkett shone at times, but Rayment who came into his brother's position seemed rather nervous, owing perhaps to the fact that he had an excellent man against him. It could not be said that that the line as a whole were masters of midfield.
Of the forwards E. Moule was easily the best. He was too speedy for the opposition and showed really fine control. Much of his success was due to Thorogood who supplied him with some good passes. Little fault could be found with the rest of the forwards - W. and H. May and Pledger - they often had the Imps goal in danger and a little more luck with some of their shots would have won their side the honours of the game.
-----
Other Football Results
Good Friday - Buntingford 5 v. North Road 1.
Saturday - Buntingford 3 v. Walsworth 3.
Easter Monday - Buntingford 2 v. Wellington Athletic 7.
Cricket
Wyddiall v. Mr T. Pledger's XI
A match between these teams was played on Saturday last, Wyddiall winning by an innings and 50 runs.
Mr Pledger's XI batted first, and were quickly dismissed for 27 runs, Cooze being the only batsman to reach double figures. Cooze, however, was rather lucky - being bowled with a no-ball the first ball he received.
Wyddiall very promptly passed their opponents score, and after making 100 runs for 6 wickets declared their innings closed.
With 73 runs to get to avoid an inning's defeat, Mr Pledger's XI fared even worse than at their first attempt, scoring only 23.
Score:
Mr T. Pledger's XI
S. Oakley, b H. Pledger - 0
H. Parker, c F. Hatchett, b S. Pledger - 4
T. Pledger, b H. Pledger - 0
W. Neale, b H. Pledger - 7
J. Holmes, b S. Pledger - 0
W. Cooze, b S. Pledger - 12
A. Martin, c H. May, b S. Pledger - 0
- Dowler, b H. Pledger - 3
W. Leathers, not out - 0
- Rayment, b H. Pledger - 0
J. Martin, b H. Pledger - 1
Extra - 1
Total - 27
Wyddiall
W. Hatchett, b Holmes - 1
H. Pledger, b Neale - 29
E. Bonfield, lbw, b Pledger - 8
R. Reed, b Pledger - 16
H. Hatchett, not out - 14
F. Hatchett, c Oakley, b Pledger - 2
H. May, c Holmes, b Pledger - 17
C. Hatchett, not out - 7
S. Pledger - did not bat
C. May - did not bat
S. Reed - did not bat
Extras - 6
*100
*Innings declared closed.
Mr T. Pledger's XI
T. Pledger, c R. Reed, b Bonfield - 2
H. Parker, c W. Hatchett, b Bonfield - 5
J. Holmes, stumped H. May - 5
W. Neale, b Bonfield - 5
W. Cooze, b Bonfield - 1
S. Oakley, b C. Hatchett - 1
W. Leathers, b H. May - 0
A. Martin, not out - 5
- Rayment, did not bat
- Dowler, c S. Pledger, b C. Hatchett - 0
J. Martin, c E. May, b C. Hatchett - 3
Extra - 1
Total - 23
Cricket
Aspenden v. Cottered
The above teams met at Cottered on Saturday last, and resulted in Cottered just managing to win by one run - a very exciting finish.
Only two batsmen managed to score double figures for Aspenden, and for Cottered, A. Gravestock made the highest score of the match (21), and to him lies the honour of Cottered's win. Scores:
Aspenden
W. Manning, b J. Gravestock - 0
J. Holmes, lbw, b Parker - 8
F. Stoten, run out - 12
K. Rayment, b J. Gravestock - 1
H Mannox, b Parker - 0
C. Ward, b J. Gravestock - 4
A.E. Mayes, b J. Gravestock - 0
T. Pledger, c J. Gravestock, b Parker - 0
H.W. Parker, b J. Gravestock - 11
L. Skipp, not out - 4
S. Oakley, b J. Gravestock - 0
Extras - 7
Total - 47
Cottered
H. Hearn, lbw, b Rayment - 1
W. Reed, lbw, b Manning - 4
F. Parker, b Manning - 8
A. Gravestock, c Mannox, b Manning - 21
F. Darton, c Skipp, b Rayment - 3
J. Gravestock, c Mannox, b Manning - 5
T. Newman, b Manning - 1
J. Pinnock, b Parker - 0
E. Draper, b Parker - 0
T. Kingsley, b Manning - 2
W. Patmore, not out - 2
Extras - 1
Total - 48.
Football Club
Annual General Meeting
A Successful Year
The Annual General Meeting of the Buntingford Town Football Club was held on Tuesday evening. Mr A.G. Day presided, and was supported by the Hon. Sec. (Mr W. Budd).
Committee's Report
The folowing report was unanimously adopted:
The Buntingford Town Football Club has experienced one of the most successful seasons in its career.
In the field the 1st XI entered the Greg Cup, the Herts. Junior Cup, and the 2nd Division of the North Herts League.
Although being beaten in the 1st round of the Greg Cup by Royston by the odd goal in nine, they reached the semi-final of the Herts Junior Cup. This is a record for the club, the previous best being the 6th round. They were beaten three goals to two in the semi-final by Walsworth, a Senior team who eventually won the Senior Division of the North Herts League.
In the North Herts League the team finished fourth, playing 22 matches, winning 15 and losing 8.
During the season, altogether 38 matches were played: 20 won, 16 lost and 2 drawn. Total goals scored 130, against 98.
The leading goal scorers were: H. May 30, E. Pledger 24, H. Clark 20, H. Birkett 16, S. Thorogood 12, and W. May 11.
The 2nd XI, who at one time appeared to have a good chance of winning the Buntingford and District League, eventually finished fourth, playing 20 games: winning 10, drawing 2 and losing 8. Goals scored 43, against 46.
The leading scorers were: R. Reed 9, V. Cooze 8, A. Martin 6, A. Clark 4, C. Smith 4, and S. Rayment 4.
Financially the Club is in a perfectly sound condition, for after spending the sum of £43 17s. 9d. in the erection of a grand stand, £4 2s. 5d. is still in hand.
Supporters' subscriptions are practically the same as last season, while the gate money shows a welcome increase of £13, this being due to the fine play of the 1st XI in the Jnuior Cup, these gates alone bringing in £14.
Expenditure - The chief item here is the £43 17s. 9d. already referred to. Referees' fees show an increase of £2 10s., and transport of £6 10s., this being due to the Club playing more matches this season than last. Other items are practically the same as last season.
On the actual year's working the Club shows a profit of £6 19s. 9d. This is a most satisfactory state of affairs, and it is hoped, with the continued help of supporters and friends, to do even better in the coming season.
The Balance Sheet
The balance sheet, produced by the Hon. Treasurer, showed a profit of £4 2s. 5d., which was considered very satisfactory.
The accounts were duly passed.
Election of Officers
The election of offers resulted as follows: President, H.C. Marshall, Esq.; the Vice-Presidents were re-elected en bloc; Hon. Secretary, Mr W. Budd; Hon. Treasurer, Mr S. Howlett; Team Sec., Mr W. Cooze; Captain, Mr W. Hatchett; Vice-Captain, Mr H.E. Birkett; Committee - Messrs. J. Bishop, B. Nicholls, E. Smith, H. Clark, A. Clark, W. Reed, E. Pledger and F. Camp.
Votes of thanks to the President and Vice-President, the Officers and the Chairman, concluded the business of the meeting.
**Content warning: There is a racist term in the original article that I have censored in the text below, but is uncensored in the original image.**
Westmill
School Entertainment
The children of Westmill School gave a very successful entertainment on Friday in last week to a good and appreciative audience, in the Village Hall.
The first part of the programme took the nature of a ****** Troupe, and the boys acquitted themselves very creditably, with John Miller as Interlocutor and Charles and Ernest Pegram as cornermen, supported by Keith Bright and Edward Rayment.
To help in the singing, several girls dressed as pierrots gave a striking effect on the stage. This part concluded with a small sketch, entitled "The Ghost," very ably performed by the cornermen and Keith Bright, as ghost.
The second part was miscellaneous, chiefly devoted to the performance of the infants, which was capitally done and elicited continued applause from the audience.
Kathleen Jackson gave a monologue in a very clear and appreciative manner, followed by a song by Violet Miller, so well rendered that an encore was accorded her.
The last item was a sketch, called "Who's Who?" performed by four girls (Hilda Reed, Elsie Bradbury, Alice Miller and Florrie Moule), all of whom gave a very good account of themselves, though the acting of Florence Moule as the servant, "Jemima Anne," brought round after round of laughter and applause.
A capital evening concluded with the National Anthem, and a hearty vote of thanks proposed by Mr C. Hummerstone to Mr Harvey and Miss Hankin was most warmly responded to.
As the entertainment was given in aid of the Nursing Fund, the sum of £4 1s. was handed over to Mrs C. Hummerstone, the secretary of the Westmill branch of the Nursing Association.
Westmill
Women's Institute
The June meeting was held at Coles on Wednesday, June 23rd, by kind invitation of Mrs Greg. There was a record attendance of Institute member [sic], 33 being present out of a membership of 40.
As it was an open meeting, there were many guests, also a number of visitors invited privately by Mrs Greg, totalling 64.
Unfortunately a heavy rain-storm interfered with tea out of doors, but was partaken of in the dining room after the business meeting, at which the President took the chair, assisted by Mrs Laird.
Then a play, "My man John," undertaken by nine members, was presented in the garden to a most appreciative audience. Mrs Pratt most ably took the part of a farmer's widow, and was the mother of William (Mrs Deacon) a Bucolic man who cared only for flowers and quietness, and knew nothing of the ways of courting.
John, the faithful servant, was admirably portrayed by Mrs H. Pegram; Julia, an heiress (Mrs Guy Miller) and Laura, her friend (Mrs Lee) were very good. Mrs Gardiner's maid (Susan) was well enacted by Mrs Bright. The parts of three gypsies were well carried through by Mrs J. Rayment as Nat, Miss R. Skipp as Tansie, and Miss H. Read as Chris.
A most enjoyable evening was brought to a close by a vote of thanks to Mrs Greg for her kind hospitality, provided by the President, and cordially responded to by all, also Mrs Hummerstone proposed a vote of thanks to the actors.
It is hoped to act the play at the end of July in aid of Institute funds.
Westmill
Women's Institute
The April monthly meeting was a great success. There was a good attendance to hear a talk on gardens by Mrs Martin, of Hunsdon, which was thoroughly instructive and amusing.
It was followed by a most successful exchange of bedding and pot plants; and an egg collection for Royston Hospital amounted to 156 in number.
Mrs Deacon (the President) was in the chair. Hostesses were Mrs Pratt, Mrs J. Rayment, Miss F. Rayment, Mrs Read, Miss Read and Mrs T. Russell.
Buntingford Petty Sessions
A Lengthy Agenda
A number of cases were down for hearing at the Buntingford Petty Sessions, held on Friday last. The proceedings lasted until nearly 5 p.m. Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis, C.B.E, presided, other magistrates present being Mrs Dimsdale, Capt. H.H. Williams, Mr Claud Fraser, and Mr G.W. Pepper.
LICENSING
An application for sanction to alterations at "The White Hart," Puckeridge, was granted. Mr Claud Fraser was appointed representative on the Hertfordshire County Probation Committee, and the Bench fixed Friday, February 3rd, for the annual licensing meeting.
The licence of "The George and Dragon" Hotel, Buntingford, was temporarily transferred to Fredk. S. Brigham, the Chairman commending the late tenant, Mr J.E. Holmes, on the satisfactory way the house had been managed.
Application for the temporary transfer of the licence of a beer house at Westmill from David Rayment to Albert Coxall was granted.
NON-PAYMENT OF RATES
Frank Brand, of Harestreet [sic], Buntingford, was summoned for non-payment of poor rate, amounting to £5 18s. 1d.
An order for payment was made.
A STRAY DOG
Wilfrid Bentley, of Harestreet, Buntingford, was summoned for allowing a dog to stray at Little Hormead.
P.C. Gillett, who proved the case, said that when he spoke to defedant about the offence defendant remarked "I shall have to put up with it, I can get off with paying."
Defendant, who did not appear, was fined 10/- including costs.
ANOTHER DOG CASE
Henry Pigg, of Biggin, Buntingford, was summoned for allowing a dog to stray at Harestreet, and for failing to have name and address on the dog's collar.
The defendant told the Bench that he did not know it was necessary to have one's name and address on a dog's collar.
The Chairman said he was afraid that it was not generally known.
Supt. Wright: I will see that notice to the effect that the owner's name and address must be inscribed on a dog's collar, are posted in the district.
The Chairman: You will be fined 5/- including costs in each case, Mr Pigg, and in future you and I must read the posters. (Laughter).
GAME TRESPASS
Fred Warner, of Council Cottages, Ardeley, Stevenage, was charged with game trespass at Ardeley.
Thos. Hugh Sale, of Coates Manor, Ardeley, gave evidence of seeing the defendant in a field at 7.30 a.m. on 14th October. The witness saw defendant shoot at a pheasant. When witness spoke to him about it the defendant replied "Tell your father I will sting his pheasants up when the moon shines."
Alfred Carter, game-keeper, of Westmill, gave evidence, and after consultation the Chairman said it was quite clear the defendant was trespassing in search of game. The first witness had said that defendant put the barrels of his gun into his pocket when he left the field; this was not a proper action. There would be a fine of 15/- including costs.
SEQUEL TO A BUCKLAND DANCE
Horace Dearman, of Back Lane, Rushden, was charged with stealing a gent's overcoat, &c, at Buckland, on 21st October.
Thos. William Lawrence said he attended a dance at Buckland on the date in question. He had an overcoat, which he out on a chair in the lobby. He put his cap in the pocket of the overcoat. When he went for his coat after the dance it was missing.
George W. Andrews, of Cottered, said he attended the dance mentioned. When he came out into the lobby after the dance the defendant Dearman handed him a cap, saying "Here's your cap." The witness later found that it was not his cap, so it put it on his bicycle.
P.C. Hill gave evidence of interviewing defendant, who made a statement on the following Sunday morning.
Mr G.H. Maughan, of Messrs. Chalmers-Hunt & Co., represented defendant. The whole affair, he said, was a mistake. The defendant went to a dance at Buckland and put his coat on a chair in a very small and badly lit lobby. When he left the dance he picked up what he thought was his own overcoat and went home in it. He (Mr Maughan) agreed that the defendant should have reported the mistake to the police the next morning.
The defendant, in the witness box, told the Bench that he did not know he had the wrong coat until he was nearly home, when he heard something rattle in the pocket. In the pocket he found a tin of carbide, a scarf, belt and clips. He admitted to the Bench that his own coat differed a great deal from the one he took and also that his own coat pockets were torn.
After consultation, the Bench dismissed the case.
INTERESTING POSSESSION CASE
A case in which a Mrs Page, a London schoolmistress, applied for possession of a cottage at Sandon Lane, owned by her and occupied by Jonah Brown, was dismissed because the solicitors acting for the applicant had failed to read over a statutory notice at the time it was served to the defendant Brown.
Mr H.G. Woolfe, barrister, appeared for Mrs Page, and stated that the cottage was purchased in 1926, as Mrs Page, who was in ill health, wished to live in the country. The rent was 2/- per week. Defendant had been offered alternative accommodation. He was a thatcher by trade and the cottage offered him was quite suitable. The applicant had been paying rent for some time in respect of the cottage who had been offered Brown, in the hope that he would accept it.
The question of the notice to quit was discussed by the Bench. The notice was served through the post, but Brown, who was not respresented, although warned by the Chairman that he need not answer the question, admitted that he had received the notice to quit.
The question which led to the case being dismissed was one which the clerk put to the solicitor's clerk, Mr L. Hutchinson: "Did you serve the notice to appear at this Court, on Brown?" asked Mr Gisby. "Yes," replied the clerk. "Did you read it over and explain it to him?" "No."
The Chairman said he was in sympathy with Mr Woolfe, but the law had not been complied with. The statutory notice must be served personally, read over and explained.
The solicitor's clerk explained that defendant had used bad language to him and that he could not read the notice over to him.
Mr Woolfe said it seemed ridiculus to have to adjourn the case just to enable him to go through the formal business of reading over a statutory notice which Brown admitted having received.
The Chairman said they had no other course but to dismiss the application.
AFFILIATION CASE
A Buntingford woman applied for an affiliation order against Leonard Ward, of Wakeley Cottages, Buntingford. When the case came before the Bench in September last it was dismissed.
The applicant was represented by Mr H. Lathom, the defendant being represented by Mr R. Hartley, of Royston.
The hearing lasted over two hours and at the close the Chairman said the Bench had come to the undoubted conclusion that Ward was the father of the child. An order would be made for the defendant to pay 7/6 per week till the child reached the age of 16 years.
Defendant would also have to pay the cost of the day's proceedings and £1 1s. towards the cost of the confinement.
APPLICATION FOR POSSESSION
Hugh W. Sale, of Coates Manor, Ardeley, made application for the possession of a cottage owned by him and in the occupation of A. Culver. The man had received a week's notice to quit.
Mr G.H. Maughan, of Messrs. Chalmers-Hunt & Co., represented defendant, and told the Bench that the tenancy was a yearly one. When Calvert paid his rent, which he did by cheque, Mr Sale entered the rent in thr rent book as though it had been paid weekly.
Mr Sale submitted a certificate from the Agricultural Committee. He particularly wanted the cottage for a stockman. Alternate accommodation had been offered Calvert.
The Chairman said that in the eyes of the law Calvert was a yearly tenant and would have to be served with a year's notice for the application to be in order. The case would have to be dismissed.
Situations Vacant
Wanted, Good Horse-keeper and Ploughman. Apply, D. Rayment, Westmill.
Errand Boy wanted for "Gazette" Office (one left school). A chance to learn trade if suitable.
Useful Help wanted for modern labour-saving country house. One mile from Hertford. Write, stating age and salary required. Apply, Mrs Wynter, Hillcrest, Broad Oak End, Hertford.