28th May 1926 - Ruri-Decanal Conference

Original image on Facebook

Ruri-Decanal Conference

The World Call To The Church

A meeting of representatives of the Ruri-Decanal Conference for the Rural Deanery of Buntingford, took place at the Assembly Rooms, the George Hotel, Buntingford, on Tuesday afternoon.

The Rev. F.R. Williams (Rural Dean), of Anstey, presided, being supported by the new Secretary (The Rev. W.L. Shepherd). The Clergy present were: The Rev. F.B. Philips, The Rev. A.G. Langdon, Rev. A. McKerr, Rev. L.W. Wright, Rev. A. Howard and Rev. F. Jobson. There were about 30 lay representatives present.

In opening the meeting the Rural Dean referred to the departure of the Rev. Stubbs and said The Rev. Web Bowen had been appointed Vicar of Barkway. The Conference extended a hearty welcome to the new Rector of Braughing, The Rev. F. Jobson.

The Rural Dean then alluded to the death of the Rev. W.J. Tapper, of Cottered, and said he was sure the conference would extend its deep sympathy with Mrs Tapper and her family. The Rev. Tapper had only been at Cottered about eight months, but he had made his mark there, and his excellent work would not be forgotten.

The Secretaries of the various committees then presented their annual reports. The Rev. Stubbs reporting on the Finance Committee, The Rev. A. Howard on the Missionary Committee, and The Rev A.G. Langdon on the Education Committee, after which an address on "The World Call to the Church" was given by the Rev. G.P. Winter, Association Secretary of the C.M.S.

The World Call, he said, is no single call, it comes from every section of the Church Overseas. Many and varied are the needs which lie behind the call, but the voice of the fiels is unanimous that the whole church should see the world situation as it really is.

The speaker dealt fully with the matter, and at the close of the address explained the proposals of the Bishop to hold meetings in almost every parish in the Diocese when special speakers would address the Parochial Electors.

At the close of his address, The Rev. Winter was accorded a hearty vote of thanks on the proposition of the Rural Dean.

The Rural Dean's Retirement

The Hon. Baron Dimsdale said he had heard that they were likely to lose the most essential services of their Rural Dean, The Rev. F.R. Williams. if this was correct he hoped that some small testimonial would be raised to mark the gratitude of the representatives on the Conference for the work he has done. (Applause).

Col. Heaton-Ellis associated himself with Baron Dimsdale's remarks, and said he would like to echo every word that had been said. He hoped that a gift would be made to their Rural Dean, not so much for its intrinsic value but as very real proof of the esteem and affection in which he was held.

The Rev. A. Howard also associated himself with Baron Dimsdale's remarks.

The Rural Dean said he was exceedingly grateful for what had been said. In this Diocese one was only supposed to hold the office of Rural Dean for five years, but he had held the office for seven years, and was acting Rural Dean three years before that.

During his term of office, he had been on most friendly terms with everyone, and it was through the kindness of those with whom he had to work that his term of office had been such a pleasant one. (Applause).

The Conference then closed with the Grace, after which tea was served to the representatives present.

7th May 1926 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

Original image on Facebook

Buntingford Petty Sessions

Friday last, before Lieut-Col C.H. Heaton-Ellis, C.B.E., Mrs Dimsdale, and Capt. H.H. Williams.

POOR RATES

Poor rates for the following parishes were presented by the Overseers and signed by the Justices.

It was stated that with the exception of Layston parish there were no arrears: Layston Poor Rate 5/-, lighting 3d.; Aspenden Poor Rate 5/-, lighting 6d.; Wyddiall Poor Rate 5/-; Buckland 4/8; Throcking 6/-; Little Hormead 5/-; Braughing 4/8.

AN ARREARS CASE

Jack Cecil Cook, of Hay Street, was summoned by Mr H.J. Andrews who stated that money due under an affiliation order had not been paid. The defendant did not appear, and the Chairman signed a warrant for his arrest. The police left immediately, and brought defendant to the Court within a few minutes.

P.C. Gillett then gave formal evidence of arrest. He stated that he had just arrested the defendant in Harestreet.

Asked by the Chairman why he had paid no money under the order made in November last, the defendant said his wages were only 25/- per week; his father was ill, and there were two children at home.

The Chairman said the defendant would have to pay or go to prison. He had not attempted to pay anything. Defendant would be committed to prison for one month, but the order would be suspended until Friday, May 7th, to enable the defendant to pay.

CHAIRMAN'S ADVICE TO A YOUNG LAD

A Buntingford lad was summoned by his late employer for stealing a shilling. The defendant's late employer stated that he did not wish to press the case as he had had no previous trouble with the lad.

The Chairman, who said he knew the lad's parents were very respectable, gave the defendant some good advice, and bound him over for two years.

NO LIGHT

Gladys Cook, of Hay Street, Braughing, was summoned for riding a cycle without a light at Westmill, Buntingford.

P.C. Williams said he was on duty at Westmill on 12th April at 8.40 p.m., when he saw a cyclist approach. He signalled to her to stop as he noticed there was no lamp on the machine. He asked her for an explanation and the defendant replied "I have been to the hairdressers; I did not think I should be there so long."

The Chairman read a letter from the defendant, who did not appear.

Supt. Wright stated that the defendant was a sister of the defendant Cook who had been brought up on arrest.

The Chairman, in imposing a fine of 10/-, said the family seemed to have no respect for the Court. He also instructed the superintendant to see that the girl was informed that had she been present the magistrates might have taken a more lenient view of the matter. She had not appeared and would therefore be fined.

19th Nov 1926 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

Original image on Facebook

[Content warning - The last two cases in this article are a case of domestic abuse caused by PTSD, and a case of indecent assault against a child. I have marked both with (content warning) next to their respective titles.]

Buntingford Petty Sessions

Friday last, before Col. Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis (Chairman), Mrs K.J. Dimsdale, Capt. H.H. Williams, Mr H.C. Marshall and Mr Claud Fraser.

POOR RATES

Poor Rates were signed for six parishes as follows: Rushden 5/4 in the pound, Cottered 5/4, Buckland 5/-, Westmill 5/-, Layston 5/- and 3d. lighting rate, and Aspenden 5/-.

LICENSING

Mr H.S. Buckley applied on behalf of Messrs. Barclay Perkins & Co., for permission to make certain structural alterations to "The Angel" Inn, Buntingford. He submitted plans.

Supt. Wright said the whole thing was an improvement, and the Bench granted the application.

A full transfer was granted of the licence of "The Chequers" Buntingford, from Alfred Bardwell to William James Burnell; also the licence of "The Golden Fleece," Braughing, from Frederick Warr to Frank Cole; and of "The Jolly Butchers," Hare Street, from William Choldcroft to William Baker. Mr Choldcroft has been landlord of "The Jolly Butchers" for 36 years.

APPLICATION FOR POSSESSION OF COTTAGE

Mrs Lilian Edis, of Baldock Road, Buntingford, applied for possession of a cottage, tenanted by Mr William Smith, which she said she required for the storage of furniture. She made a lengthy statement in a very excited manner, and said she had only 13s. 6d. a week to live upon, and had to pay rates and taxes, and then went on to say, "please let me have my cottage so that I can live. I want to live and I have a right to live."

The Chairman said the case had been heard previously at that Court and adjudicated upon, and the Bench could not help her at all. He showed that the law had been complied with, and advised her to seek legal advice.

MOTOR CAR DRIVER FINED FOR REFUSING TO STOP

Leonard Harold Johns 930), motor driver, of 28, Boland Street, Battersea Park, who did not appear, was summoned for refusing to stop when requested by a police officer in uniform.

P.C. Gillett [? piece torn out] on September 25th he was on duty [?] High Street, Buntingford, near the police station and saw a motor car coming from the direction of Puckeridge, pass three other cars travelling in the same direction with a distance of between three and four hundred yards. 

He put up his hand for the defendant to stop, but he looked at witness and went on. Witnessed telephoned Royston for the defendant to be stopped, but the car was not seen. It was, however, traced to London and the drive seen.

The Bench had received a letter from the defendant, in which he denied driving at excessive speed, and said he never saw the police officer or he should have stopped immediately.

P.C. Gillett said Johns was driving at the rate of 40 miles an hour, and that he looked right at him (witness) and saw him quite clearly. A find of £5 including cost was imposed.

NO LIGHT TO BICYCLE AT BUNTINGFORD

Alfred Wiber (25), a clerk, residing at Chipping, was summoned for riding a bicycle without a light at Buntingford on October 27th. The defendant did not appear.

P.C. Gillett said he was on duty at Buntingford on October 27th at 9.55 p.m. and saw the defendant riding a bicycle from the direction of Puckeridge and on his way to Chipping. He had no lamps. Witness stopped him and took his name and address, and said by having no light he was dangerous to himself and others. The defendant was cheeky when the summons was served.

The Chairman said it was a bad case. The defendant had not appeared to answer the charge, and would be fined £2.

DRUNK IN CHARGE OF A HORSE

John Anthony (50), a farm labourer, of Reed, who did not appear, was summoned for being drunk in charge of a horse at Buntingford on October 21st.

Stanley Sell said he was coming home from work on October 21st, at 5 p.m., and saw a man at Sandon cross roads leading a horse that was running from one side of the road to the other. The man fell over. There was a deal of traffic on the road, and Sergt. Dean took charge of the horse.

Sergt. Dean said at 6 p.m. on the date named he saw defendant leading a horse near Corney Bury, Buntingford. He was drunk and staggering all over the road. There were several motors on the road and one touched the horse and knocked the man down. He took the man to the police station, and released him from custody on bail at 10.45 p.m. The man never disputed being drunk. A letter was received from the defendant stating he was not drunk.

P.C. Whyman, who saw the defendant at the police station, said he was drunk and smelt strongly of drink. He never asked to see a doctor.

Mrs Anthony said her husband did not arrive home till nearly 12 p.m. He was a good husband, and had a good army character. He had had nothing to eat that day since breakfast, and only had one pint of beer. For six years he had had no beer.

Sergt. Dean said when the man was released he said if he had a pint of beer it would turn him silly.

The Chairman in fining the defendant 50/-, said the Bench had taken a lenient view. As a point of beer had such an effect upon him, he had better absolutely stop taking it altogether.

APPLICATION OF ARMY PENSIONER'S WIFE (content warning)

A woman came for counsel to the Bench as she was in bodily fear of her husband, an army pensioner.

Dr Fell said the man joined the Army and was shell shocked. That so upset his mind that he had tried to commit suicide. He was detained for a time, and seeming better, came home. He was, however, subject to outbursts of temper and passion, though perfectly rational when witness talked to him.

When he got moody he had violent attacks of passion and frightened his wife. He was quite a nice fellow, and this was the fag end of a mental disarrangement due to shell shock. He advised that he should go back for treatment at Sidcup Hospital for at least six months.

The applicant who seemed much distressed, said for the children's sake she was absolutely in favour of Dr Fell's suggestion, and it was left to him to make arrangements.

INDECENT ASSAULT AT BROADFIELD (content warning)

Harry Hills, (26), a greengrocer, of 51, Stanmore Road, Stevenage was summoned for indecently assulting a child of 8 and a half years of age, at Broadfield on October 16th. He was defended by Mr W.C. Brignall, solicitor, of Stevenage, and pleaded not guilty. The case occupied the Court a considerable time.

Evidence for the prosecution was given by the parents, the little girl, Nurse Tunwell, who examined the child the evening after the assault, Walter John Hurry and his brother, Frank Edward Hurry, and P.S. Dean.

For the defence, Dr Grosvenor, of Stevenage, and Mr George Walter Griffin, of Hitchen, spoke in the highest terms of the defendant's character, and the defendant gave evidence stating he never touched the child in any way.

His wife spoke of his return home on the day at 4 p.m., and the solicitor urged there was no corroboration and the evidence was not enough to commit the defendant.

The Bench retired, and on returning into Court the Chairman said they were agreed on a verdict of guilty.

Supt. Wright said the defendant led a respectable life and his associates were respectable. Since these proceedings were taken two other complaints had been received of similar offences committed by the defendant during the past three months.

In sentencing Hills to six months' hard labour, the Chairman said it was a dastardly and abominable crime committed on a child only eight years old.

30th April 1926 - Rural District Council

Original image on Facebook

Rural District Council

ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

Mr G.C. Wilson proposed that Captain H.H. Williams be elected Chairman for the ensuring year. Capt. Williams was one who had done a large amount of work for the Guardians and the Council, and he was one of those members who attended every meeting.

Capt. E.T. Morris seconded.

Capt. Williams, in thanking the members for electing him, said he appreciated the honour and privilege. The position meant a certain amount of work, but one's labours were lightened by the way in which the members worked together and by the Council's excellent clerk.

The Chairman then proposed that Mr G.C. Wilson be appointed Vice-Chairman. Mr Wilson had done a large amount of good and practical work.

Mr H.E. Dudley seconded.

Mr Wilson thanked the members for his appointment, and said he would do his best.

COMMITTEES

Mr C. Hummerstone proposed, and Mr W.J. May seconded, that the following be appointed to serve on the Housing Committee:

Mrs K.J. Dimsdale, Captain E.T. Morris, Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. F.B. Cannon, C. Fraser, G. Graves, C. Hummerstone, W.H. Kittow, H.C. Marshall, W.J. May, E.J. Marchal and G.C. Wilson.

The following were appointed to serve on the Hospital Committee:

Mrs K.J. Dimsdale, Rev. L.W. Wright, Capt. E.T. Morris, Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. John Bygrave, C. Fraser, C. Hummerstone, A.J. Hayes, H.C. Marshall, W.J. May and A.W. Page.

The following were appointed to serve on the Water and Sewage Farm Committee:

Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. F.B. Cannon, H.E. Dudley, W.H. Kittow, W.J. May, T.J. Stick and A.J. Hayes.

SURVEYOR'S REPORT

The Surveyor reported as follows:

ISOLATION HOSPITAL

No cases of infection disease have been notified during the month, and the hospital remains closed.

WATERWORKS

The consumption of water during the past month has been:

1st week - 264,000 gallons.

2nd week - 249,000 gallons.

3rd week - 256,000 gallons.

4th week - 258,000 gallons.

The water level remains stationary at 42 feet, being the same level as April 29th last year. Water services have been made to premises in the High Street for the Electro Tanneries, LTD., and to premises in the London Road.

WESTMILL WATER SUPPLY

In consequence of complaints made by the tenants of the Council's cottages alleging impurity of the water supply, a sample of water has been submitted to the Counties Laboratories for analysis.

The analyst reports as follows: "This is very hard water of the highest degree of organic purity. The hardness is such that it will rapidly fur kettles, boilers, &c. We regard the water as a pure and wholesome supply."

A same from the newly-dug well at Westmill has also been submitted for analysis, and the analyst reports: "This is a hard water containing a trace of vegetable matter in suspension, which is doubtless due to the recent sinking operation. In other respects it is satisfactory and of a fair degree of organic purity. Assuming that the well is efficiently constructed, we regard the water as suitable for drinking and domestic purposes.

HOUSING

The Survey reported on the Housing Scheme as follows:

All the cottages owned by the Council are in occupation.

A tenant makes application to erect a small motor shed at one of the cottages at Meesden.

The Chairman said the application would be granted.

A letter was read from the Ministry of Health with reference to the sundry expenditure in connection with the Housing Final Accounts, and stating that subject to audit the amounts would rank for financial assistance.

ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY

The North Metropolitan Electric Supply Company wrote stating that they had been obliged to alter their proposed route owing to the trouble of getting way leave. The route would not be about 500 yds. further east.

The Chairman said the Company had not stated where the new line would be diverted, and he thought it would be a good thing if the Clerk wrote and asked the Company.

This was agreed.

LOCAL EDUCATION

The Clerk stated that the Herts. County Council had asked the Council to appoint three members on the Local Education Committee of the Herts. County Council. The following were then elected: Capt. H.H. Williams, Messes. C. Hummerstone and G.C. Wilson.

ADVERTISEMENTS REGULATION ACTS

A circular was read from the Council Council respecting the above Act which gives power to protect from disfiguring advertisements.

1. The view of rural scenery from a highway or railway or from any public place or water.

2. The amenities of any village within the district of a Rural District Council.

3. The amenities of historic or public buildings &c.

The County Council also pointed out that a conference upon the subject was being held in London on Friday, 7th May, and asked for two representatives of the Council to be appointed to attend.

Capt. Morris proposed that Capt. H.H. Williams and the Rev. L.W. Wright be appointed. This was agreed.

GRANT

The Clerk stated that the sum of £93 0s. 10d. had been placed to the credit of the Council under the Agrucultural Rates Act of 1896.