Sale
Mr Ernest Jennings, of Saffron Walden, conducted a sale of Throcking Hall Farm on Monday in last week.
The sale was held at the George Hotel, and there were about 20 persons present.
Bidding started at £4,000 and was carried to £5,800 when the Auctioneer stated that the reserve was £6,000 and that the farm would be withdrawn.
The farm was advertised as consisting of 130 acres, and it was stated that there was a good milk round.
Notice
Parishes of Anstey, Little Hormead, Meesden, Throcking and Wyddial
Notice is hereby given that the Overseers have received instructions to complete the collection of the Poor Rate, made on the 30th day April, 1926, and all amounts outstanding must be paid to the Collector before the 23rd inst., failing which proceedings will be taken for the recovery of the amount due.
Ernest G. Thody
Collector, Buntingford
9th September 1926
Throcking
Harvest Thanksgiving
The Harvest Festival was celebrated at Throcking Church on Sunday last.
The Church had been tastefully decorated by members of the congregation, and there was an abundance of fruit, flowers and vegetables. In the altar window was a miniature stack of corn.
All the services were well attended, the Church being full for the evening service.
The Rector (the Rev. A.L. Panchaud), delivered appropriate sermons. It was, he said, the first sermon in connection with a Harvest Festival that he had preached at Throcking since 1923, as in the past two festivals he had invited neighbouring clergy to the service.
There was no reference in the Prayer Book to any special form of service for the thanksgiving of harvest, and this was a great mistake. It was our duty to thank God for the gifts of summer. We plough the fields and sow the seed but it is fed and watered by God's Almighty hand.
It had been said that many people only went to Church on the occasion of a harvest festival, and while there might be an attraction in the decorated Church and the special hymns and prayers, he thought that those who attended the services really did so with a spirit of thanksgiving to God for His blessings.
Miss Beadle, of Cottered, who has been organist at the Church for over 30 years, presided at the organ, and the jubilant harvest hymns were sung with much fervour.
The collections came to over £3.
Buntingford Petty Sessions
Friday last, before Mr J. Howard-Carter (in the chair), Capt. H.H. Williams and Mr Claud Fraser.
Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman
The Chairman proposed and Mr Claud Fraser seconded that Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis, C.B.E., be re-elected Chairman for the ensuing year.
Mr Claud Frader proposed and Capt. H.H. Williams seconded that The Hon. Baron Dimsdale be re-elected Vice-Chairman.
Probation Officer's Report
Mr H. Andrews submitted his annual report.
During the year five persons had been placed on probation by the Buntingford Justices. Two had finished their probation leaving three.
At the 15 courts attended by the Probation Officer, 111 persons had been placed under probation during the year. Of this number 105 had been good during 1926.
The chairman complimented Mr Andrews on his excellent report.
No Light
Arthur F. Coventry, of 27, Park Avenue, Timperley, Cheshire, was summoned for riding a motor cycle without a front light.
P.C. Gillett proved the case, and the defendant, who did not appear, was fined 40/- including costs.
Motor Case
Frederick C. Shadbolt, of Rye Park, Hoddeson, was charged with driving a motor car without a front light. There was a second charge of driving a car without have the rear index plate illuminated.
P.C. Williams, who proved the case, stated that he was on duty near the new railway bridge when he saw a car coming from the direction of Buntingford. There was no rear light, and no off-side extreme light. The head lamps were alight.
The defendant said his lamps had fused and that owing to his bright headlights he did not notice that the extreme off-side light was not working. His rear lamp was alight when he left Royston.
The Chairman said the magistrates had decided to take a lenient view of the matter. There would be a fine of 15/- including costs.
A Sunday Morning Episode
Cyril Robinson (23), a plasterer, and William Manning (60), a labourer, both of Norfolk Road, Buntingford, were summoned for trespassing in search of conies at Throcking on Sunday, 5th December last.
P.C. Hill, of Chipping, said he was patrolling the Buntingford - Throcking Road, when he saw the men in a field with a dog. Manning was carrying a gun. He called out to the defendants and Manning ran away.
Mr B. Nicholls, of Little Court, said the shooting on the land in question was hired by Captain Denny, and no permission to shoot on the land had been given to defendants.
In defence, Manning told the Bench that he went to Throcking to keep the rooks off of Mr Poulton's corn - he merely walked up the side of the hedge of the field where the trespass was said to have been committed. He did not run away when the Constable called.
Robinson, who pleaded not guilty, said he had nothing to say.
The Chairman said the Bench found both men guilty. Manning would be fined 10/- and Robinson 5/-.
A Cartage Contractor in Trouble
Magnus K. Smith, a cartage contractor, of Buntingford, was charged with failing to pay weekly contributions under the National Health and the Unemployment Insurance Acts. There were seven charges in respect of three employees - A.A. Smith, F.G. Howard and E. Gatward.
The defendant pleaded Not Guilty to all except two charges for failing to to affix unemployment stamps in respect of F. Howard and A. Smith.
Mr Robert Watson appeared for the prosecution and in outlining the case, said that all the defendant's employees were subject to both Unemployment and Health Insurance. There was no excuse for not stamping the cards, as if the employees failed to present their cards the employer should have obtained emergency cards from the Post Office and the local Labour Exchange.
The defendant was visited by a Government Inspector on 26th March, who found that the Books and Cards were not stamped.
On the Inspector's second visit on 13th October, he found that the books and cards were still unstamped, and he asked for the books to be handed over. This the defendant refused to do.
The three employees then gave evidence.
Mr Edwin E. Elwell an Inspector of the Ministry of Health Insurance, in giving evidence, said he interviewed the defendant on 26th March at the Buntingford Railway Station in the presence of his employees. He next saw him at Buntingford on 13th October, and again on 20th October, when he asked him whether the cards were stamped and whether he had obtained unemployment books from his employees. The defendant told him that he had not.
Mr Harry Clarke, Branch Manager at the Ministry of Labour, said that defendant had been reported to him on two or three occasions owing to the trouble of getting unemployment books.
The defendant told the Bench that he had paid Health Insurance since the Act came into force. He had never deducted any money for Insurance from his men's wages. When he employed Smith he asked about his cards and he told him that he had never had any. He (the defendant) went to the Prudential Agent and obtained a card for Smith and stamped it up. He had also been to the Labour Exchange for Howard's Unemployment Book but was told that the Inspector had taken it away.
Defendant to Mr Watson - "Why are half-yearly stamps used."
Mr Watson - "You can use them if you pay your men half-yearly, but do you know that persons using them must stamp the cards at the beginning of the half-year."
The defendant - "But they never do." (Laughter).
The defendant then handed over stamped cards and books in respect of two of his employees.
The Bench retired, and on returning the Chairman said they had carefully considered the case. They were of opinion that the greatest patience and consideration had been shown by the Inspectors, and the case was aggravated by the practical ignoring of the many warnings that defendant had been given.
Under the circumstances the Bench could see their way to impose no smaller fine than £2 on each summons. To this would be added the Courts Fees £1 15s. 6d. and the Prosecutions Fee £2 2s. 0d. There would also be an order for payment of the arrears now outstanding (£2 5s.) making the total amount payable £20 2s. 6d.
The defendant asked for time to pay, and was allowed one month.
County Library Scheme
A FREE LIBRARY FOR BUNTINGFORD
A meeting to discuss the question of forming a Buntingford Branch of the Herts. County Council Free Library Scheme was held at the Parish Room on Saturday evening. Mr Claud Fraser presided and was supported by the Rev. A. Howard. There were about 20 representatives from the parishes of Aspenden, Layston, Wyddiall and Throcking present.
Under the County Library Scheme libraries are formed in the various towns and villages in the County and a supply of books, normally two per member, are sent periodically. There is no charge for membership or books.
The Chairman, after reviewing the scheme, said he thought it a very good one. It involved the Committee and members in no cost and he understood the books were very useful ones. If 150 members could be enrolled, they would be entitled to 300 books.
After a discussion, the Rev. A. Howard moved, and Mr W.J. May seconded that a library be formed. The following were elected to serve on the committee:
Layston - Mrs H.L. Baker and Miss Elliott.
Aspenden - Mr H.C. Marshall and Mrs H.H. Williams.
Wyddiall - The Rev. L.W. Wright and the Rev. A. Howard.
Throcking - The Rev. A.L. Panchaud and Mrs A.W. Page.
Mrs Macklin proposed, and Mrs A. Dixon seconded that Mrs Howard be asked to take on the duties of Hon. Librarian. Mrs Howard, after enquiring what the duties entailed, said she would accept.
The Chairman said they were very grateful to Mrs Howard for her promise of assistance. (Applause).
Mr W.J. May asked whether Sub-Libraries could be formed in the various parishes connected with the scheme, and the Chairman said he thought it would not be practicable at present. If any of the parishes choose to run their own scheme in conjunction with the County Council they could do so.
Mr A.G. Day said the Committee should consider what would be a suitable day and hour for opening the library. He thought the room should be open during the evening as some members would find it difficult to change their books during the afternoon.
Mr E.E. Dennis said he had made enquiries at Hertford, and had learned that gifts of books to the library would become the sole property of the library. The librarian would, however, have to render a return of all books presented. He understood that the next supply of books would be ready for despatch in April, and if members could be enrolled at once Buntingford could get a supply then.
MEMBERSHIP
The Chairman said he hoped as many as possible would take advantage of the scheme. When they had enrolled enough members the librarian could send for a supply of books. All that was necessary was for the public to sign a membership form, and Mr Day had kindly offered to have a supply of these in his shop.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding, and for the interest he had taken to the scheme.
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N.B. - It is important that membership forms be completed as soon as they are available, as after the April supply of books there will be no further supply for some two or three months, and should be membership increase immediately after the first supply, enough books may not be available for some time.
Cook-general wanted for a quiet place in the country, liberal wages.
Address Mrs Harvey, Throcking Rectory, Buntingford.
Death of Mr B. Stoten
It is with regret that we record the death of Mr Bertie Stoten, the only son of Mrs W. and the late Mr W. Stoten, formerly of Buntingford.
The deceased, who had been ill for some time, passed away at his home at New Malden on Wednesday morning at the age of 21. Prior to his illness, he was an electrical engineer.
His father, whose death was reported in this paper in July, 1924, was for many years gardener at Throcking Rectory. He was buried at Aspenden Churchyard, and it is understood that the arrangements may be made to bring the remains of his son to Aspenden.
The old friends of Mrs and Miss Stoten will extend their deep sympathy to them in their sad bereavement.
Chipping
Death of Mr George Pepper
Respected and esteemed by all who knew him, Mr George Pepper, who has resided at Chipping since he retired from farming five years ago, passed away at the advanced age of 86 on the 20th ult [sic].
For over 50 years he was tenant of Southfield Farm, Sandon, and was greatly respected in the village, and regarded as a kind and considerate employer and a generous friend.
The funeral took place at Throcking Churchyard on Saturday afternoon. The remains, encased in an unpolished oak coffin which had brass furniture, were conveyed to the church on a Washington car.
There were two motor-coaches, the immeadiate mourners being Mrs Jones (sister-in-law), Mr Walter Pepper, (nephew), Mr Bedford, Mr Hugh Bedford, Mrs Rowlatt, Mrs Scarf, and Mrs Oakley.
The Rev. A. Howard (Vicar of Layston) officiated, and in his short address referred to the simple Christian faith of the deceased, so abundantly exeplified in his long life.
There was a large number of friends present at the funeral to show their respect to the memory of the deceased. Amonst them were the Rev A.L. Panchaud (Throcking), the Rev. John Cole (Buntingford), Mr and Mrs A.W. Page, Mrs T.J. Stick, Mrs Cordell, Mrs Field, Mr and Mrs Norman Chalmers-Hunt, Mr Rand (of Southfield Farm), Mr Russell Pigg, Mr A.C. Bartlett, Mr James Cooper, Mr and Mrs Tofts, Mrs Turner, Mr Woodman etc.
There was a number of floral tributes.