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.

11th March 1927 - Death and Funeral of Mr F. Cowtan Furness

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Death and Funeral of Mr F. Cowtan Furness

We sincerely regret to record the death of Mr F.C. Furness, who was well and popularly known in the town. He was taken ill with influenza about a fortnight ago, and died from cerebral haemorrhage on Friday last.

Mr Furness, who was 66 years of age, was born in Holborn, his parents owning a large confectioner's business on the site of the new West Central Post Office. He spent many years in Cornwall, and came to live at Buntingford about three years ago. During the war he served in the Irish Fusiliers. His cheery face and happy disposition will be greatly missed by a large number of friends.

He was buried at Layston Church on Wednesday afternoon, amidst general signs of regret. There was a large number of floral tributes, including a wreath from the Buntingford British Legion Club, of which the deceased was a member.

The immediate mourners were:

Mr R.G. Furness, Amersham (brother), Mr H.G. Bustard, Forest Gate (nephew), Mrs Davies, Miss Davies, Mr T. Wilson, Kennington; Mr F. French, Chelmsford; Mr Reed, Hertford; and Mr J. Horner, Ware.

Among others present were Revd. John Cole; Mr H. Clarke and Mr E.C. Clarke (representing the British Legion), Messrs G. Smith, E.P. Borsberry, A. Wilson, S. Saggers, H.A. Thody, S. Waters, E. Southgate, M. Corp, Mr and Mrs J. Wilson and Mrs Houlden.

Wreaths were as follows:

From Miss Davies

Mrs Davies and Girls

Mr Furness, Mrs Bustard & Family

Ex-Service Men's Club

Mr and Mrs French

Mrs Hone, Albe and Ede

Wilder and Patsy

Will, Gert and his Godchild Ronald

Ina and Billy

Mr and Mrs C. Clark

Mr and Mrs G.B. Medland

Mr and Mrs Wilson, sen.

Mr and Mrs Wilson, jun.

Mr and Mrs Corp

Messrs Houlden

Mr and Mrs H. Handy

Mr and Mrs Plumb

Mr M. Reid

Mr and Mrs Pledger

Mrs C. Rand and Mrs Parker

Doris and Stan

Tony

"Pip"

4th March 1927 - Death and Funeral of Mr H. Gilby

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Buckland

Death and Funeral of Mr H. Gilby

Quite a gloom was cast over the village on Sunday, February 20th, when it became known that Henry Gilby (Nenny) had passed peacefully away the previous night. Though in failing health for some time, his end was sudden, at the age of 61 years.

Much sympathy has been expressed with his wife and two daughters in their sad loss. Always ready with a word and a joke - he will be missed by many.

The funeral took place on 24th February (Thursday) at 3 o'clock.

Beautiful floral tributes were as follows - "For Dad" from Mum and the girls; From Brother Albert, Liza and Nephew Harry; For dear dear Grandpa from little Daphne; With sincere sympathy from Mrs and Miss Mitchell; In loving memory of Uncle Henry from Nieces Agnes and Addie; With deep sympathy from all members of the Women's Institute and friends; With deepest sympathy from friends of the Football and Cricket Clubs.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr Wilson, of Barkway.

8th April 1927 - Buntingford Board of Guardians

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

Master's Report

The Master reported that the number of inmates was 36, compared with 33 for corresponding period last year. During the month one inmate had died, 5 had been admitted and 8 discharged. The number of casuals admitted during the month was 188 against 55 for the same period last year.

The Hertford Visiting Committee visited the Institution on 16th March.

Gifts of books had been received from Mrs Greg, Mr C. Hummerstone, and Mrs Ashford, and cake from Miss Lushington. During the year the amount received from the disposal of firewood was £26 4s.

The Clerk reported that the average weekly cost of inamtes for the past year was 11/-, against 10/1 and three quarters last year. The Chairman reviewed the prices of fuel, clothing, &c., and said that the figure given by the Clerk compared very favourably with other unions.

Mr G.C. Wilson said the question of the Chairmanship would come before the next meeting. About four years ago it was decided to elect a new Chairman each year, and he (Mr Wilson) wondered whether the time had come when they should review the position and considered whether it would not be wise to re-elect the Chairman for at least four years.

Mr F.B. Cannon (Vice-Chairman) spoke in support of Mr Wilson, "There was," he said, "a great deal to be said for the re-appointment of a Chairman, especially when they had such an efficient Chairman of both the Council and the Guardians."

Mr H.C. Marshall, who was Chairman of the Council for a period of seven years running, said he thought seven years was too long to be Chairman, after three years someone else should have the honour and the responsibility.

Captain H.H. Williams, the Chairman of the Council, said he had got through his year of office well, and he thought it would be better to fade away at the end of his term. There was, however, something to be said in favour of a longer period, as when one got into the workings it was time to re-elect a fresh Chairman.

Tenders

The following tenders were accepted:

Bread and flour - C.S. Coates.

Meat - H.W. Piggott.

Coal and coke - E.J. Sparkes.

Milk - C.H. Poulton.

Groceries - Messrs. Forrest Stores.

Haircutting - C. Miles.

Coffins - G. Saggers.

Relief

Several cases were dealt with by the Board and instructions given to the Relieving Officer.