3rd June 1927 - Buntingford Rural District Council

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Buntingford Rural District Council

Monthly Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Rural District Council was held at the Board Room on Thursday in last week.

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

Surveyor's Report

The Surveyor reported that the Isolation Hospital remained closed.

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

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

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

Cottered Drainage

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

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

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

Bye-Laws

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16th July 1926 - Buntingford Farmers' Dispute

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Buntingford Farmers' Dispute

Action at Hertford Assizes

Farmer Swoons in the Witness Box

An action was brought before the Lord Chief Justice of England, Baron Hewart, at the Herts. Assizes, at the Shire Hall, Hertford, on Tuesday, June 22nd, by Mr George Borlase, of Cumberlow Green Farm, Rushden, near Buntingford, to recover damages against Mr William J. Williams, of Ashdown Farm, Hare Street, Buntingford, for wrongfully detaining a thrashing machine lent to him in May, 1924, and not returned until July, 1925. Mr Lilley appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Grafton Prior for the defendant.

Counsel for the plaintiff stated in opening the case that the parties were farmers and friends, and in May 1924, the defendant asked paintiff to lend him his thrashing machine to do a few days' thrashing. It was lent with the intimation that the plaintiff, who had then finished thrashing, would required to have it back again by the following harvest.

That thrashing machine was not returned until July 1925, three or four months after the issue of the wrist in these proceedings. Meanwhile the defendant had made use of the thrashing machine himself and had also hired it out to neighbouring farmers.

Those the defendant's books which the plaintiff had been able to inspect - not all of them - clearly disclused the fact that the defendant had let the machine out on hire to no less than 31 farms. Part of the damages would there be to take account of the profit which the defendant made by the use of the plaintiff's machine.

The damages were placed under the following four heads:

(1) The cost of hiring a thrashing machine to thrash his own corn after the harvest of 1924, £60;

(2) depreciation of the value of the machine and cost of alterations and repairs, £60;

(3) loss by damage to corn which sprouted owing to the fact that the plaintiff was unable to get another machine, £82;

(4) profits obtained by the defendant from letting the machine out on hire to other farmers, £100.

The Judge: What does a new machine of this kind cost?

Counsel: About £300.

Your are not asking for a new machine? - No.

Continuing, counsel said that before the plaintiff and the defendant came to Hertfordshire they were neighbours in Cornwall, and were very friendly. They used to buy stock from one another, and there was an account between them. At the time this machine was borrowed the plaintiff owed the defendant £100, and that was to be set off against his claim.

When the plaintiff in August, 1924, asked for the return of the machine the defendant promised to do so, but failed to keep his promise. He afterwards applied several times, but the machine was not returned. In March, 1925, litigation was commenced, and in July, 1925, the machine was returned.

The plaintiff gave evidence in support of counsel's statement. In cross-examination he denited that the defendant ever pressed him for a settlement of their accounts. In consequence of not getting back his machine he had to hire another one from a Mr Stick. Asked if the defendant had ever pressed him to pay his account, plaintiff replied: "Oh, no never. He simply said, 'Oh, go on boy; that's all right'."

Didn't you really let him have the machine because you owed him this money? - No, but when my men took the machine to him he said to them "It shall never go back any more."

The Judge: Don't you think that showed that you let him have the machine because you owed him £100? - No.

Counsel for defendant: Do you know your own machine? - What do you take me for? What a silly question to ask. (Laughter).

Mr Harry Goode, agricultural engineer, of Royston, was called to state that his charge for repairing the machine after it was returned was £55. In cross-examination the Judge elicited the fact that this witness sold the machine to the plaintiff in September, 1923, for £120, and it was then 22 years old.

Mr Thomas John Stick, farmer, and agricultural machinist, Mr John Henley, foreman to the plaintiff, and Mr William Aldridge, formerly in the defendant's employ, also gave evidence.

Mr Prior for the defence, said that he admitted having the thrashing machine and using it, but that he was always prepared to pay for it if the plaintiff would only come to an arrangement to settle the outstanding account.

The defendant (Mr Williams) stated that at the time he borrowed the machine the plaintiff (Mr Borlase) owed him £183 for cows, bulls, and other stock, and he still owed it to him. He had never paid a penny on account. Nothing whatever was said as to terms when he borrowed the thrashing machine, neither as to paying for it or as to how long he was to keep it.

Were you to pay him anything for the use of the machine? - No mention was made about paying anything.

It was pointed out to him that in the correspondence at first they were very friendly and addressed each other as "Dear George" and "Dear Will," but afterwards Mr Williams altered his attitude - Yes, replied defendant, when Mr Borlase sent me several nasty letters I said I would not have anything more to do with him, and asked him to pay me what he owed me.

What damage has Mr Borlase suffered by your retaining his machine? - None. I have had damage through not being paid for my bulls and cows that he has had since 1923.

Mr Williams was then cross-examined as to the documents he had been asked to produce, and why he had suppressed some that were material to the case, and he replied that he did not think they were material.

The Lord Chief Justice then sternly remarked: Do you know that nothing is so prejudicial to your case in these courts as the suppression of documents?

Mr Williams faltered, and fell head-long out of the witness-box on the floorof the court with a heavy thud. His wife, who was in the gallery, and the police ran to his assistance, whilst the hall-keeper hurriedly fetched a glass of water. The defendant soon recovered, and was able to say "I felt giddy," but he looked very much shaken, and no further questions were asked of him by the plaintiff's counsel.

Evidence was given by Mr Grigg, of Cockhampstead Farm, Braughing, Mr Fred Dowton, of Cottered, and others for the defence.

His Lordship said that in his opinion the plaintiff was clearly entitled to succeed, and he awarded him £81 14s. 9d. after deducting the £100 owing to the defendant, the defendant to pay costs.

(From the Herts. Mercury).

23rd April 1926 - Funeral of the Rev. W.J. Tapper

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Cottered

Funeral of the Rev. W.J. Tapper

Amid evidences of the deepest sympathy and regret, the funeral of the Rev. W.J. Tapper, whose death we announced last week, took place at Cottered Parish Church on Saturday afternoon last.

The first portion of the service was taken by the Rural Dean (the Rev. F.R. Williams). The organist (Miss Beamiss) was at the organ, and played suitable music during the assembling of the congregation. The congregation was a very large and representative one, the spacious church being almost filled. The seating arrangements were in the hands of Mr T.J. Stick, Mr W.N. Sanders and Mr W.J. Pitcher.

The procession into the church was headed by the Rural Deal (the Rev. F.R. Williams), Rev. A.L. Panchaud, Rev. F.B. Harton, Rev. A. Howard, Rev. F.B. Phillips, Rev. H. Sheppard, Rev. Quinn, Rev. Fisher, Mr Stevenson, and Mr Busby (Lay Readers) and the Surplice Choir.

Following the chanting of Psalm 90, the hymn "The radiant morn has passed away" was feelingly sung, and the Lesson was read by the Rev A.L. Panchaud. Then came the singing of the following beautiful hymn:

[Transcriber note - The hymn can be read in the original image]

As the cortege left the church the congregation changed the Nunc Dimittis. The last sad rites took place at the graveside amid much manifestation of sorrow, the clergy taking part being the Rural Dean, the Rev. A. Howard and the Rev F.B. Phillips.

The family mourners were Mrs W.H. Tapper (wife), Messrs William and Cyril Tapper (sons), Miss M. Tapper (daughter), Messrs. Hugh and Kenneth Tapper (sons), Mr and Mrs Coulson (brother-in-law and sister), Mrs Oram (sister-in-law), Mrs Pidwell (sister-in-law) and Miss Wale.

Among others present, we observed the Rev. L.W. Wright, the Rev A. McKerr, Rev John Cole, Mr and Mrs H.E. Dudley, Mr and Mrs A.W. Page, Mr and Mrs T. Kingsley, Mr and Mrs W.N. Sanders, Mr and Mrs A. Beadle, Mr and Mrs R.M. Huil, Mr W.J. Pitcher, Mr T.J. Stick, Miss Gruner, Dr R.W. Fell, Mr and Mrs B.A. Edwards, Mr H. May, Mr and Mrs H. Cornwell, Mrs Charles, Mr and Mrs H. Sheppard, Miss Beamiss, Miss Wilderspin, Miss Pearman, Mr D. Kingsley and Mr Martin.

Beautiful floral tributes were received from sympathisers. The grave was beautifully lined with moss and bunches of primroses by Mr A. Beadle, who carried out the duties of undertaker in a very satisfactory manner.

After the funeral a muffled peal was rung on the church bells.

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Mrs Tapper and Family wish to express their heartfelt thanks for the many expressions of sympathy shown in their overwhelming sorrow, and for the beautiful flowers sent.

Cottered Rectory. April 23rd, 1926.

10th Feb 1928 - Buntingford Rural District Council

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Buntingford Rural District Council

Monthly Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Buntingford Rural District Council was held at the Board Room on Thursday in last week, when there were present: Capt. H.H. Williams (in the chair), Mrs Dimsdale, Messrs. C. Hummerstone, F.B. Cannon, H.C. Marshall, C. Fraser, H.S. Ward, A.W. Page, T.J. Stick, A.J. Hayes, G.C. Wilson, and W.J. May, with the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke) and the Surveyor (Mr E.G. Thody).

The Surveyor presented his monthly report. During the month the water consumption had been 1,060,000 gallons. The water level at the Waterworks had risen a further six feet, being six feet higher than at February last. Owing to this it was considered advisable to overhaul and re-leather the pumps.

Isolation Hospital

No cases had been reported during the month and the hospital was closed. Certain repairs were necessary to the building.

The Hospital Committee agreed to inspect the Hospital at an early date and submit a statement of what repairs were necessary.

Mr W. Houlden, of Buntingford, made application for assistance under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, and the necessary forms to be completed were issued.

The Clerk read a letter from Mr W.J. May tendering his resignation from the Board of Guardians and Rural District Council, as he was shortly leaving the district.

The Chairman said how much they all regretted Mr May's departure. They were all deeply conscious of the fact that he had been a very valuable member, and the Council would wish him the best of luck.

Mr Hummerstone, the Chairman of the Board of Guardians, associated himself with the Chairman's remarks, to which Mr May suitably replied.

The remainder of the business was of a formal nature.