28th December 1928 - Accident

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Accident

In attempting to avoid a cyclist between Bridgefoot and Layston House, a Morris-Cowley car travelling towards the High Street on Thursday morning struck Mr Crane's Ford coal lorry, but fortunately little damage was done.

The steering of the coal lorry, which was travelling in the same direction as the car, was dislocated as the result of the front wheel being struck by the car, and the driver, being unable to control the steering of the coal lorry, it bounded near the curb and had some of its contents thrown on the path.

27th August 1926 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

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Buntingford Petty Sessions

Friday last, before Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis, C.B.E., and Captain H.H. Williams, with the Clerk (Mr H.M. Gisby).

No Licence

William Brown, of Harestreet, Buntingford, was charged with keeping a dog without a licence.

P.c. Gillett gave evidence of calling on defendant at 10 p.m. on 21st June.

The Chairman, who referred to the absence of the defendant from Court, said there would be a fine of 10/- with 4/- costs.

A Motor Case: Sequel to an Accident

Cecil Charles, of Cottered, was summoned for driving a motor car without having efficient brakes attached, at Buntingford, on 14th July.

P.c. Williams, of Buntingford, stated that he was called to the scene of an accident during the afternoon of 14th July.

On arrival he found that a motor lorry, owned by Mr Charles of Cottered, had collided with a Calthorpe car at the junction of Baldock Road. He noticed a skid mark made by the front wheels of the lorry; there were no skid marks from the rear wheels. The road was in good condition.

On Friday, 16th June, in company with P.s. Dean, he examined the brakes and hooter of the damaged lorry which had been removed to the Tanyard. Both the front and rear brakes were inefficient; the front brake when pulled back had no effect on the brake, and when the foot brake was pressed down it went easily on the casting.

On Wednesday, 21st July, in company with the defendant and Sergeant Dean, he again inspected the loory. The rear wheel was jacked up, and although the hand brake was pulled on the wheel turned easily. He asked the driver for an explanation, and he replied that a new band had been recently put on the hand brake, and that both brakes were in order.

Cross-examined by Mr Reginald Hartley, solicitor, of Royston, who represented defendant, the constable stated that he had had little experience with motor cars. He did not examine the brakes on the day of the accident. The brake guide was not disconnected when he first examined the lorry.

P.c. Gillett stated that he was present when the lorry was examined by the last witness. He tested the brakes, and neither of them had any control over the amchine. The foot brake required taking up.

Cross-examined by Mr Hartley, the constable said the front part of the lorry was badly damaged.

Alfred Hale Hedges, motor engineer, of Buntingford, gave evidence of inspecting the damaged lorry at the Tanyard. The foot brake pedal went down on top of the transmission case casting without gripping the bands. The brake required taking up. The hand brake lever could be pulled right back, and judging from his experience the two brakes had no control over the car.

Cross-examined by Mr Hartley, witness said he had had 22 years' experience with motors. Since the war he had done a lot of work on Ford cars. The Ferodo lining might last two weeks or perhaps six months, it all depended on the quality. The brakes were intact when he examined the lorry. The brake guides would have no effect on the breaking.

In reply to the Chairman, witness said in his opinion the accident to the front part of the lorry had no effect upon the brakes.

Cecil Charles, the driver, stated that the brakes had been re-lined in June. He had used both brakes just before the accident, and they were efficient.

Herbert Crowe, motor engineer, of Stevenage, who stated that he had had nine years' experience with motors, said he examined the damaged lorry on Thursday, 19th August. The hand brake was holding on the off-side rear wheel but not on the near side. 

When he replaced the brake rod in the brake guide he found that the brake operated on both wheels. The front of the lorry was badly damaged, and he thought that the collision threw the brakes out of the guide. It was not possible to test the foot brake as the engine could not be started.

Mr Frank Charles, the owner of the car, gave evidence of driving the vehicle on the day previous to the accident, and said the car stood on a hill although it was loaded with 50 trusses of straw.

Alfred Baker, of Ware, gave evidence of witnessing the accident, and stated that the defendant was travelling slowly at the time and would not require brakes to pull up.

The Bench retired, and on their return, the chairman said they had given the case very careful consideration, and had come to the conclusion that there was not sufficient evidence to warrant a conviction.

It was somewhat unfortunate that the condition of the lorry was not examined on the day of the accident by an expert.

6th August 1926 - Inquest at the Poor Law Institution

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Inquest at the Poor Law Institution

The District Coroner (H.F.J. Banham, Esq.) held an inquest, without a jury, at the Poor Law Institution on Saturday, July 30th, touching the death of Walter Benstead, 60 years of age, a labourer, who died as the result of a fall whilst window cleaning.

Stephen Baker, labourer, of Buntingford, stated: "I lived with Walter Benstead for about eight months. I have known him 20 years. He has an uncle in Buntingford, who is his nearest relative. I saw him in the morning before he went to work, and soon after he was brought home by Mr Postle. I have known him to be giddy at times. He would not see a doctor. The body I saw in the mortuary is that of Walter Benstead."

Mr Harry Postle, dairyman, of Salisbury House, Buntingford, stated: "Deceased has been in my employ for about seven years, doing odd jobs about the place. On Saturday last in the afternoon he was cleaning windows, which he has done several times before. My house is in the main street. He used a 20 round ladder with a 56lb weight at the foot to keep it from slipping.

I saw him at 11 o'clock when I gave him a pint of beer. He was quite sober. I saw him again about 4.30 p.m., when my brother brought deceased to me in the yard. He was being carried. His faced was grazed and his right-hand knuckles were bleeding. I bathed his face with cold water, gave him some tea and sent for the doctor. Dr Dixon came at once. Deceased soon came round and told the doctor he came over giddy. Deceased then walked round and went home with assistance."

Frank Postle, brother of the last witness, stated: "I was sweeping up the front near the deceased. I saw the ladder slip on one side - the weight was at the bottom of the ladder. As the ladder came down the weight remained in an upright position at the bottom, but was pushed out into the gutter with the ladder. Deceased came down and hit his head on the doorstep. When I saw him he was about 10ft. from the ground cleaning the window over the porch. His pail and clothes were on the porch. He came down the side of the door post rather sharp."

Mrs Julia Conyard, of Buntingford, stated: "I was standing in the High Street near Mr Postle's house on the opposite side of the street. I knew deceased. I saw him up the ladder; his pail was on the verandah. I saw the ladder slip out. There was a weight at the bottom. The ladder came down straight. Deceased fell upon his face and struck the doorstep. He came down with the ladder."

Mrs Ethel Milton, of Buntingford, stated: "I saw Benstead on the top of the ladder. I saw the ladder slipper - the foot into the road. Deceased was coming down with the ladder. He fell and struck his face on the doorstep. I saw the weight at the bottom of the ladder. It had rolled over on to its side."

Dr Richard Wm. Fell, Medical Officer at the Institution, stated: "I saw deceased on Sunday after he had been admitted. He was unconscious. He roused a little when spoken to. He had a slight abrasion on the nose and bruise on his right arm. The left side of the face was paralysed. He had a strong pulse.

There was every evidence of a cerebral haemorrhage. The caused would be a diseased artery of the brain. It would not required any violence to bring on the haemorrhage, probably carrying the pail up the ladder would be sufficient exertion to cause it. There was no injury to the body of any importance. The paralysis of the face was characteristic of cerebral haemmorhage."

The Coroner summed up after inspecting the weight, and stated that the evidence was not conclusive as to whether the ladder slipped and caused deceased to fall, or whether he pushed the ladder away and then fell. He would return a verdict of "Death by Misadventure."

17th September 1926 - Reed - Head-On Collision

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Reed

Head-On Collision

On Friday morning, September 3rd, a head-on collision occured on the Reed Joint between a motor cyclist and a motor lorry.

The cyclist was seriously injured, and taken to Royston Hospital with a fractured left leg. Damage was done to both vehicles, particularly the motor cycle, which was badly smashed.

The motor lorry belonged to Messrs. Jeff & Bigly, of Letchworth, and was being driven by Mr Frank Kingham, of Mons Avenue, Baldock, from the direction of Barkway. The injured motor cyclist was Mr Ronald Cranwell, of Chrishall.

It was not quite clear how the accident happened. It was raining, and it was thought the cyclist may have had his head down and failed to see the motor lorry until too late. They both turned to avoid the other, but crashed with unfortunate results.

10th September 1926 - Notes of the Week

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Notes of the Week

Since any matter under this heading has appeared in our columns our little town has been honoured with an up-to-date postage stamp machine.

It is a convenient addition, and is, we believe, used by a large number who previously have made a habit of calling on neighbours for stamps on Sunday evenings.

***

The Electric Light Standards have been erected in our district in a very short while, and it is expected that before Christmas the current will be passing through the miles of cable now being fixed.

There does not, however, appear to be any chance of a supply for the town this year, as a transforming station will have to be built near the town.

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Another motor accident has occurred at the Harestreet road Corner. The alterations to the bridge do not appear to have had the desired effect, the trouble being due to the fact that the Harestreet road traffic cannot be seen by motorists coming from the town until they reach the crown of the bridge.

The vast majority of motorists appear to be afflicted with a superstitious dread of carrying the simplest requisites and remedies that might be useful should a mishap occur.

Perhaps it is thought that a "medical" case will invite a catastrophe, much as some men and women imagine that the making of a will may hasten his or her death.

A few bandages, some iodine and sticking plaster do not take up much room.

***

1st October 1926 - Cycling Accident

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Cycling Accident

On Tuesday last a very unfortunate accident occurred to Miss Phyllis Wilkerson, of Sunny Hill, Buntingford.

She was cycling home from the Puckeridge School, when in coming down the hill towards Frost's Lodge, she appears to have come over faint, and fell heavily on the grass on the left of the road.

Mr W.S. Fordham, of London House, Puckeridge, luckily came along in his car almost immediately, and rendered valuable aid and assistance in lifting Miss Wilkerson (then unconscious) in his car, and conveyed her to Dr Fell's at Buntingford.

Unfortunately Dr Fell was not at home, but Mr Fordham, with the help of several kind friends, left her at the doctor's house quite comfortable, and Dr Fell returned home shortly afterwards.

On being examined it was found that the left wrist was badly broken and an Ex-ray was necessary.

Dr Fell, after attending to the injuries, immediately conveyed her in his car to the Royston Hospital. The wrist was set the following morning, and at the time of going to press the patient is going on quite satisfactorily.

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Mr and Mrs Wilkerson wish to thank most sincerely all those king friends who so readily looked after Phyllis (in their absence) until the arrival of Dr Fell; and also to Mr W.S. Fordham and Dr Fell for their most valued assistance; and also for the use of their cars.

24th December 1926 - A Minor Smash

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A Minor Smash

On Tuesday morning, a cart loaded with hay, struck the ten miles limit sign near Mr Crane's house.

The sign was broken at the base. Few motorists appear to notice the sign, and it may not be erected again.

3rd December 1926 - The Puckeridge Hounds

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The Puckeridge Hounds

On Saturday, Nov 20th, the Puckeridge Hounds met at Buckland. They led off from Buckland to Reed Wood.

When about a hundred yards south of the entrance to the wood a motor car travelling from Royston towards Buckland unfortunately ran into the pack.

Four of the hounds sustained injuries.

Read the court case.

18th February 1927 - Car v. Bullock

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Car v. Bullock

On Monday afternoon, during a thick fog, an Essex Six Motor Car, being driven in the direction of Buntingford by Mr Routh, of East Hoathley, Sussex, collided with a bullock between Chipping and Buckland.

The bullock was one of four being driven to Mr E. Mildren's farm, and the car hit it with such force that the animal was carried along on the bonnet; it received very bad injuries and had to be destroyed.

The driver of the car was unhurt, but the lamps and front of the car were badly smashed.

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Read the Petty Sessions report about this accident.

18th February 1927 - Buntingford Accident

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Buntingford

Accident

On Wednesday evening last a very unfortunate accident occurred to Mr Kelday Smith, eldest son of Mr M. Smith, of the Market Hill.

It appears that when motor cycling home from Hitchin, and turning a sharp corner, he came in contact with a motorbus.

He was at once conveyed to Letchworth Hospital, where, after an ex-ray, it was found that his arm was broken.

18th February 1927 - A Fog Mishap

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A Fog Mishap

During the fog on Monday afternoon last, a Morris Cowley car collided with a traction engine on the road near Westmill.

The car was badly damaged, but the driver escaped injury.

The tractor, which was owned by Mr Macarthur of Stonebury, stood the shock well, showing no signs of the mishap.

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[Note from Alison: The driver was not named but we know Miss Lushington owned a Morris Cowley, and she was a notoriously crazy driver...]

11th February 1927 - Cars Collide

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Cars Collide

A two-seater Morris Cowley car, driven by Miss Lushington, of Buntingford, collided with another two-seater Morris Cowley, at Chipping on Tuesday afternoon last.

A tradesman's motor van was standing on the left of the road, and in passing this Miss Lushington failed to notice the on-coming car, with the result that the cars collided.

Considerable damage was done to both cars, but fortunately neither Miss Lushington or her passenger, or the driver of the other car were injured.

11th March 1927 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

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Buntingford Petty Sessions

Friday last, before Sir Charles Heaton-Ellis (in the Chair), Captain H.H. Williams and Claud Fraser, Esq.

Sequal to a Fog Mishap [original article]

Eric Lancelot Routh, of East Hoathley, Sussex, was summoned by the Police for driving a motor car in a manner dangerous to the public, at Buckland on 14th February, 1927.

The defendant, who pleaded not guilty, was defended by Mr Walter Frampton, jun., instructed by Messrs. Lloyd and Armstrong, of London, W.C.

Edward Ellis Mildren, of Buckland House, Buckland, said on 14th February he took four bullocks to Buntingford Market, he drove them back to Buckland during the afternoon, leaving Buntingford at 2.45 p.m.

Between Chipping and Buckland he heard a car approaching from the direction of Buckland. There was a thick fog at the time, and he was unable to see more than 20 or 30 yards. He put up his hands for the car to stop, and called out to a boy who was ahead of the bullocks to do the same.

The witness then tried to get the bullocks on one side, but as the car did not appear to pull up, he jumped into the hedge; as he did so he heard the car crash into one of the bullocks which was carried down the road about 40 yards.

Witness went down and helped to get the bullock from underneath the car, and after staggering for some yards, the bullock fell down and had to be slaughtered.

In answer to Supt. Wright witness said the weight of the bullock was approximately 12 cwt. It was foggy all the way from Buntingford.

Cross-examined by Mr Frampton: The car was on its right side.

William A. Sell, a lad of 15, in the employ of Mr Mildren, said he was in front of the bullocks when he heard a car approaching. He saw a car through the fog, and the next instant it hit one of the bullocks and knocked it along the ground. It was a very foggy afternoon.

Police Constable Williams said he received a message to the effect that a car had collided with a bullock in Chipping. He went to the scene of the accident where he saw an Essex Six car on the near-side of the road. He measured a skid mark which was 156 feet long. The width of the road at the spot where the car was alleged to have hit the bullock was 20 feet.

Cross-examined: The car too up about 9ft. 9in. of the road, leaving 10ft. 3in. to the good.

P.S. Dean, of Buntingford, said the defendant reported to him that he had hit a bullock on the road near Chipping; the defendant stated at the time that his speed was about 20 m.p.h.

The defendant, an Ex-Army Capt. with the M.C. and bar, said he was returning from Huntingdon on 14th February. As he was nearing Chipping, he ran into a mist which grew thicker.

He saw some cattle ahead, and instantly applied his brakes; he felt the front wheels of the car skid, and he found that it was impossible to avoid hitting one of the beasts which strayed across the road. His speed at the time was between 20 and 30 m.p.h. He paid a man to tow the car off the bullock.

Addressing the Bench, Mr Frampton said it was most difficult to judge the speed of a car coming towards you. There was a bank about 2 ft. high on the near-side of the road, and had Capt. Routh chosen this instead of the bullock, it might have led to more disastrous results. The owner of the bullock had been compensated for its loss.

The magistrates retired, and on returning, the Chairman said in their opinion it was a suitable case for the police to have brought forward; the evidence, however, did not lead them to the conclusion that there was sufficient evidence to convict.

The Bench wished to say that proper precautions were taken by the driver of the bullocks. It was one of those deplorable accidents which were difficult to evade in a thick fog.

School Attendance

Charles Glasscock, of Baldock Road, Buntingford, was summoned for not causing Joseph Wick to attend school regularly.

The attendance officer, Mr B.E. Thody, stated that the child had made 81 out of 96 attendances. The chairman said that an attendance order would be made.

Dog Licenses

Applications for exemption from dog licenses were considered and granted.

A Lady and Justice

The Chairman said that a letter had been received from Mrs Edis to the effect that she wished to speak from the Market Hill on the subject of Justice.

The Chairman said he was afraid it was not a matter for the magistrates to deal with, but perhaps the Police would look into the lady's request.

10th June 1927 - Fatal Holiday Accident

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Fatal Holiday Accident

Motor-Cyclist Collides with Cart

Whilst motor cycling for [from?] Chatham, where he was stationed, to West Riding, on Friday last, Flagman Ernest A. Shoobridge collided with a farm cart at a dangerous corner in Cottered and was killed instantly.

There is a sign post on the corner and it is thought that the deceased, who had lost his correct route, looked up at the sign post and failed to notice the approach of a farm cart.

The district coroner, Mr H.F. J. Banham, conducted the inquest, which was held at the Cottered Rectory on Saturday evening last, when the following were sworn on the jury: Messrs. W.N. Sanders (foreman), J. Smith, J. Darton, W. Hills, C. Smith, W. Deards, W. Hummerstone, B.A. Edwards, T. Kingsley, J. Warner, H. Sheppard, G. Fenner, and F. Hummerstone.

Eric Sellers, a leading seaman in the Royal Navy, who was accompanying the deceased on another motor-cycle, said "We left Chatham on Friday morning at 6.30 for Nessborough, Yorks. The deceased was riding a 3 and a half h.p. Norton motorcycle. I was riding in front of my friend, and as I passed the corner I noticed a cart on the right side of the road, but I had no difficulty in getting by.

I happened to glance round and saw the deceased looking at the sign post; he turned his head back, and as he did so I saw a surprised look on his face as though he had noticed the cart and did not know what to do. I then heard a crash, and on going back found my friend lying across the road. He appeared to be dead. His speed at the time of the accident would be about 12-15 miles per hour."

Sidney Andrews, a carter, of Moor Green, Ardeley, said "On Friday, 3rd June, I was in charge of a horse and cart on the road from Cottered to Buntingford. As the horse approached the corner a motor-cycle passed, and immediately afterwards came another in the same direction. The second cyclist crashed into the hose, which was only moving at walking pace.

Part of the horse's harness was broken, and when I went to deceased he was lying in the road by the wheel. When the accident occurred I was about one yard from the near side of the road."

James Fuller, a roadman employed by the H.C.C., said "I was working near the corner in question on Friday, June 3rd, when I noticed two motor-cycles coming from the direction of Buntingford. The first one passed me all right, but the second one, which came on about 15-20 yards behind, took a big sweep; the rider shut off the engine and put out his right foot as if to save himself.

The cycle swayed, and I saw the rider strike the horse and then fall into the road. I went round the cart, but the deceased appeared to be dead."

Frederick James Savage, of High Street, Walkern, a labourer, also working on the corner, gave similar evidence.

Alfred James Ives, a police constable, stationed at Cottered, said "On Friday, 3rd June, about 10.15 a.m., I received a report that a motor-cycle accident had occurred on the Buntingford road. I went to the scene of the accident and saw a Norton motor-cycle lying close to the wheel of a cart which was standing on the north side of the road and facing north-east.

I found that the rider of the motor-cycle was lying with his right leg over his machine. His skull was crushed, and he was quite dead. The machine was slightly damaged. The width of the road at the particular point was 18ft. 6ins. There was 9ft. 6 ins. between the offside wheel of the cart and the other side of the road."

Dr R.W. Fell, of Buntingford, said "On arriving at the scene of the accident I saw the deceased lying on his back across the road. There was a lot of blood in the road and the deceased was dead. On examining the body I came to the conclusion that he must have struck his head on the shaft of the cart, and have died instantly."

The jury returned a verdict of "accidental death," the foreman requested the coroner to repot on the dangerous corner to the Herts. County Council.

3rd June 1927 - Fire

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Fire

What might have resulted in a serious outbreak of fire occurred in Norfolk Road about 2.30 on Wednesday afternoon at the house of Mrs W. Clark.

Mrs Clark went to the cupboard under the stairs with a lighted match, and it is thought that the glowing head of the match fell into a basket of brown paper.

Within a few minutes several articles of clothing, &c., were alight, and dense smoke filled the cupboard.

Mrs Clark's son and others who were assisting with the school sports in the football field, which adjoins the house, ran to the house and were successful in getting the burning articles outside. The loss is covered by insurance.

3rd June 1927 - Accident

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Accident

A nasty bend in Sandon Lane, which was discussed by the Council at their last meeting, was the scene of an accident early on Thursday morning in last week.

Whilst motor-cycling towards Buntingford, Mr T. Wornham, a farmer, of Lye End Farm, Sandon, collided with a Ford Car owned by Mr Warner, of Walkern.

The impact was so great that the frame of the motor-cycle was doubled up, and the radiator of the car damaged.

Mr Wornham was badly injured, being cut about the lower part of the face. He was removed to his home, where he is progressing favourably.

30th July 1926 - Another Accident

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Another Accident

Yesterday (Thursday) morning, another serious accident occurred, which resulted in Mr C. Smith, a farmer, of York Cottage, Buntingford, being conveyed to Royston Hospital sufering from an injury to his hip.

Mr Smith was carting grass from a meadow in Baldock Lane, and through the hors becoming restless Mr Smith was thrown to the ground.

He was seen by Dr Dixon who advised his immediate removal to hospital.

30th July 1926 - Fatal Accident

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Fatal Accident

Mr Walter Benstead, of High Street, Buntingford, met with a fatal accident on the 24th inst. by falling from a ladder whilst window cleaning at Mr Harry Postle's house.

He was conveyed to the Infirmary at Buntingford on Sunday, the 25th inst., and although he received every attention he passed away on the 29th inst.

At the time of going to press, it is not known whether the facts will be notified to the Coroner or not.

A further report will be found in our next issue.

16th July 1926 - Correspondence

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Correspondence

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

The White Line

Dear Sir - Now that an accident (which might have had fatal results) has occurred at one of the danger spots in the town, it is hoped that the Authorities will introduce the White Line again.

Last summer the line was invaluable to motorists and cyclists, and if the County Council paid more attention to the safety of road users than to the trimming of grass in our country lanes, then they would earn the thanks of the majority of the ratepayers.

The accident on Wednesday would have been averted had there been a white line, as last year, at the bottom of Baldock Road.

Yours faithfully, 

Calthorpe Cowley.

Buntingford, 14th July, 1926.

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To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

Dear Sir - As one who saw two wrecked cars at the junction of Baldock Road on Wednesday afternoon, it was quite clear that had the white line been in operation, as I am told that there was one last year, the accident would certainly have been avoided.

Buntingford seems to be full of death traps yet no steps are taken to avoid collisions at the many dangerous corners.

Yours faithfully,

C.F. Barker

14th July, 1926.

16th July 1926 - A Motor Smash

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A Motor Smash

On Wednesday afternoon about 2.30 p.m. a Ford Ton Van collided with a small Calthorpe car at the junction of Baldock Road.

The Calthorpe car, driven by a lady, was coming down the lane, and the Ford, driven by Mr Cecil Charles, of Cottered, was taking the turn towards Cottered.

Both the front wheels of the Ford were smashed off, and the radiator and wing badly damaged. The front off-side and the rear nearside tyres of the small car were torn off and the wing damaged.

Fortunately none of the occupants of the cars were hurt. Traffic was held up for some time.