2nd March 1928 - Correspondence

Original image on Facebook

Correspondence

The League of Nations Union and The Conservative Government

Sir,

The League of Nations Union, in spite of its good intentions, is in danger of becoming an ebarassment to the Conservative Party and an obstacle to permanent peace.

Living on the coast and having been employed during part of the war as chaplain to the coast defences, I am perhaps better able to realise the necessity of a strong Navy than those who live inland.

England depends for her food supplies on foreign trade. If every acre of land in Britain was cultivated to its full extent we would not grow enough wheat to keep us alive for six months.

Within about 20 miles from where I am writing - that is not much more than the distance from Ware to Royston, and certainly much less than the distance from Ware to Cambridge - lie at the bottom of the sea scores of British ships which were sun during the war while bringing supplies to England. In 1917, though the public did not know it, we were very nearly compelled to make peace at whatever terms we could get for fear of starvation. The only people who really know how many ships and what kind of ships are necessary to protect our food supplies are our admirals and naval officers.

I lived much with naval officers before the war (my next door neighbour was killed at the Battle of Jutland), and I can testify to their anxiety for the safety of the country. Being employed, too, on the Solent on the edge of the submarine "Warfare," I was able to realise what an enterprising enemy can do, though I must add that the Admiralty and our own seamen went one better. Several of our ships were sunk within 10 miles of this house, so close did the enemy come, and so skilful [sic] were they in laying mines.

The League of Nations Union facies that it knows more about the sea than the sailors. That is absurd. When the League of Nations Union attacks the Conservative Government it is, of course, weaking the Conservative Party. It is doing more than this, and worse, for by trying to prevent adequate protection being given to our food supplies, it is endangering the safety of the country.

The Americans grow their own food and apparently cannot understand the requirements of a nation which fetches its food from overseas. The Americans wish to have a strong fighting Navy. Well and good. We require a force of small ships (how many our admirals can only tell us) to protect the vessels that bring us our supplies. In addition we require a fighting force as strong as the strongest fighting fleet, otherwise that fleet is our master and can sweep our ships off the sea whenever it chooses and leave us to starve.

Your obedient servant,

C. Poyntz Sanderson

Emsworth, Hants.

Feb. 28th, 1928.

27th August 1926 - Correspondence - Health of the District

Original image on Facebook

Correspondence

The Health of the District

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

Dear Sir - 

Having read the report on the Buntingford Rural District by Dr R.A. Dunn (Medical Officer of Health for this portion of Hertfordshire), which I consider should be made widely known in the district, it seems that Buntingford is actually one of the healthiest parts of the county.

The death rate for the year is very low, being only 61 (namely 12.3 per 1000), of whom 39 were of persons over 65 years of age, and of these 16 were actually over 80 years of age - figures which speak for themselves.

As regards Housing, it compares very favourably with other parts of the county. According to the last census, the number of rooms per person was person was 1.35, as compared with 1.27 for the whole county.

I certainly think that these figures should be made widely known, and that if only the L&N.E. Railway Co. gave better facilities in the way of cheaper weekend and daily excursion tickets it would no doubt be of considerable benefit to the district, as it would cause a larger number of visitors to come more frequently.

Yours faithfully,

Albert J. Hayes

25 Aug., 1926.

20th August 1926 - Correspondence

Original image on Facebook

Correspondence

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

Dear Sir - 

In company with many other residents in the north end of the town I am wondering for how much longer we are to be deprived of the privilege of posting our letters without the necessity of taking them down to the head office?

It is to be hoped that the publicity given in your paper (for which I thank you in anticipation) will have the effect of waking up the authorities, whose dilatory methods are open to severe criticism.

Yours faithfully,

Frank White.

10th September 1926 - Correspondence - Buntingford Revisited

Original image on Facebook

Correspondence

Buntingford Revisited

Sir,

After an absence of 17 years, I visited the town of Buntingford, and the village of Westmill recently, and thought an account of my impressions might prove of interest to your readers.

Buntingford appeared to be quite up-to-date with good raods and progressive shops. The paths were fair, and I was surprised to find some of the old cobbles on the paths at the Corney Bury end.

The old almshouses near "The Crown" have lost none of their original beauty, whilst the War Memorial, a feature new to me, of course, was not so suggestive of a cemetery as a good many monuments of a similar kind in other places.

I found that there was still good service at the "Adam and Eve," which looked no worse - and only slightly altered - than when I first became acquainted with it over 80 years ago. With its Grammar School, Technical Institute, Women's Institute, and other modern improvements, the town looked in every way progressive.

Visiting Westmill, I found the churchyard overgrown with grass, and the head-stones of the graves covered with moss, obliterating the inscription. I failed to find the resting-place of my forbears, and it seemed to be a pity Old Mortality should thus have gone from our midst.

The old familiar pond was filled up, but the village was delightfully quiet after the noisy traffic of a parish so near to London as Cheshunt. I missed some of the old landmarks entirely, but on the whole I spent a profitable half-day dwelling on the memories of the past, and I am convinced that the march of progress and improvement, whether we will or not, will go on making for a fuller, brighter, and better life than our forefathers knew, and tending towards a far better world than the croakers would have us believe.

Yours faithfully,

James Bunce

25, Turners Hill, Cheshunt.

29th October 1926 - Correspondence

Original image on Facebook

Correspondence

All contributions must bear the name and address of sender, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith.

The Editor reserves the right to publish the name and address of the sender if he thinks it necessary, irrespective of the same being signed by a "nom-de-plume."

We are not at all responsible for the opinions of our Correspondents, and do not necessarily endorse them - Editor, Buntingford Gazette.

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette.

Dear Sir,

Will you permit me space to remind the public that Miss Ward and myself are again making a collection of pennies on Armistice Day in aid of Earl Haig's Fund, and it is hoped that the total will be worthy of the cause for which the collection is made.

During the past three years the totals have been:

1923 - £13 13s. 7d.

1924 - £10 3s. 0d.

1925 - £7 15s. 8d.

May this year's exceed that of 1923.

Yours faithfully,

F.W. Butler

Buntingford, Oct. 29th, 1926

10th December 1926 - Correspondence - Mrs Merryweather

Original image on Facebook

Correspondence

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette.

Dear Sir,

I was deeply moved by the letter from Mrs Merryweather appearing in your columns last week, and I herewith enclose a small donation wherewith to buy here a pair of stockings, as I understand this is what the good lady was sadly in need of when paying her last visit, and it certainly must have been very distressing to her friends when they became away of the fact that she was short of this necessity in a civilised country.

I trust my small donation may be the nucleus of a fund to be raised for the purpose of providing a good friend, whose services have been much appreciated in the past, with the necessities of life in order that she may still continue to be of service to the community.

From the letter it is assumed that the house in which the good lady resides is her own property, but is badly in need of repair, and if such is the case, I am of opinion that if the various builders in the town could see their way to execute such repairs as are necessary, the cost of such to rank as a contribution to the fund, it would be greately appreciated.

Yours faithfully,

"A Mother's Son."

Buntingford, Dec. 7th, 1926.

Evidently the pair of stockings mentioned above means two feet of hose, and we have handed over the donation to the Captain - [Ed.]

10th December 1926 - Correspondence - Buntingford Fire Brigade

Original image on Facebook

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

Buntingford Fire Brigade

Sir,

From the letter appearing in your columns of the last week by "Mrs Merryweather," it is evident that others beside the Brigade are interested in the "Lady," who although of the Victorian age and born in the 60's, is yet good for a real hard day's work, provided that she has her whack of water and is provided with fairly decent lodgings.

A few pounds would improve her lodging accommodation, would secure the necessary operation being perfom upon her lungs, and would provide her with a further supply of hose.

A gentleman resident of the town has kindly forwarded a cheque for the sum of £3, and suggests that a fund be raised to improve the Engine and Equipment, further particulars of which we hope to publish shortly together with a brief history of the Engine and the work that it has accomplished.

Meanwhile donations to the fund would be thankfully received, and should be made payable to Messrs. Barclays Bank, Buntingford Branch, a/c Buntingford Fire Brigade.

Yours faithfully,

Ernest G. Thody

Captain of the Buntingford Fire Brigade.

Buntingford.

10th December, 1926.

3rd December 1926 - Correspondence

Original image on Facebook

Correspondence

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

Dear Sir,

At this time of the year there is always a number of residents of the town of Buntingford who think they are forgotten.

The distribution of Charity coals and bread is the signal for many outbursts of dissatisfaction, and if I may be allowed to voice my little trouble now, I know that on Christmas Day I shall not have been forgotten again.

I have lived by myself for many years, and it is only on rare occasions that I have met my own kith and kin, and even at such meetings there has been little time for discussion between us, as immediately my work is finished I have been rushed back to my home.

It is some years now since I was last in the High Street, and it is through overhearing the conversation of persons passing my house, that I learn of the changes that have taken place in our old town.

When I first came to Buntingford - some 30 years ago - I was the talk of the town; persons from the district would call at my house to see and admire me. In those days I was able to work well, and when my services were required I set an example of thoroughness and reliability.

My family of eight grew older and some left the town, leaving me to share my modest home alone. My eldest son, a Captain, is the only one of my family who ever calls upon me, and as he leaves the house I can see that he views my position with regret, and thinks of the times when I was "one of best."

Little boys stoned my windows early last year, and the broken windows and rotten door post have all helped the weather to enter my house and make me look a wreck.

I think I could work now, except that my lungs are a bit congested, and perhaps this letter will be the means of my receiving a little attention from those who remember me in the past, and of those, who although they have never seen me, may be glad to call upon my services in the future.

Yours faithfully,

(Mrs.) Merryweather

Fire Engine House, Buntingford

29th Nov. 1926

25th February 1927 - Correspondence from Miss G. Lushington

Original image on Facebook

Correspondence

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

Dear Sir,

Through the medium of the Buntingford Gazette, I wish to thank all those who so kindly helped to make the Buntingford Nursing Fund whist drive and dance such a success, either by the gift of prizes, money towards expenses, cakes and other refreshments, and last but not least, to those who gave personal service special thanks are due, and to the Band and Mr Bishop who kindly relieved them.

I am pleased to tell you I have handed £8 8s. to the Treasurer as the result, after all expenses have been paid.

I much regretted the absence, through illness, of about 12 regular patrons, wishing them a speedy recovery.

Believe me, yours truly,

G. Lushington.

Absesdene, February 27th, 1927.

25th February 1927 - Correspondence

Original image on Facebook

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

Dear Sir,

In connection with the advertisement about the "pictures" in the Benson Hall, will you kindly allow me to say that the Management will not be able to continue the Saturday night performances unless there is a full house regularly.

Personally I am not very anxious (and never have been anxious) to have the Hall used as a Cinema, but am quite willing if there is a real demand for pictures in Buntingford.

The pictures shown are of excellent quality and full of interest, so those who wish to have the Cinema open in Buntingford are invited to show that wish by regular patronage.

Yours faithfully,

A.N. Morgan

23rd Feb., 1927.

18th March 1927 - Correspondence - Increase of Vagrants and Tramps to the Buntingford District

Original image on Facebook

Correspondence

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette.

Increase of Vagrants and Tramps to the Buntingford District.

Sir, Many of the townspeople of Buntingford view with concern the report in your last issue of the large number of casuals admitted to the Buntingford Poor Law Institution.

Not content with two meals and a comfortable night's rest at our expense, some of these "Gentlemen of the Road" make a habit of begging at several doors before they leave us in the morning. Recently I have had two tramps call at my house for food or clothing, and I learn that many householders living on the outskirts of the town are troubled every day by tramps.

It is perhaps not realised that good and bad news spread amongest tramps very quickly, and tramps meeting each other on the road will exchange information of the town each are making for, with the result that a household who gives a pair of old boots to a tramp today is almost sure to receive a call from another tramp tomorrow.

I have taken the trouble to ascertain what food the casuals receive on admission to the Buntingford Union, and the following dietary is of interest:

On admission - 8 oz. bread, half an ounce butter, 1 pint tea.

Breakfast - 8 oz bread, half an ounce butter, 1 pint tea, coffee or cocoa.

On leaving - 8 oz bread, 2 oz cheese.

Dinner (for those who are retained) - 8 oz bread, 2 oz cheese, half an ounce butter, 4 oz. potatoes.

In addition to this, each casual is provided with a warm bed, an unlimited supply of hot water for washing and, if the weather is wet, facilities for drying his clothes and boots.

All casuals who are in possession of an army paper or insurance card or anything to show that they are endeavouring to obtain work are allowed to leave the Union without being given any task whatever.

It will be seen by the above that the Buntingford Guardians are dealing with the casuals in a humane manner, and that it is quite unnecessary for any casual to beg for food on leaving the Institution. None of us like to see a fellow countryman down and out, and in these times, when unemployment is so rife, it is a difficult matter to know whether the tramp to whom we gave an old coat is really grateful, or whether he will sell it at the next town.

Since 1st January 1927, nearly 500 casuals have been admitted to the Buntingford Union; the total for the same period last year was less than 60, and while many of the householders continue to encourage tramps the numbers will increase until there is insufficient accommodation at the Union, and the Ministry of Health compel the Guardians to provide additional wards at the ratepayers' expense.

With apologies for taking up so much of your space,

Yours faithfully,

Ratepayer.

Buntingford, Herts, 16th March, 1927.

11th March 1927 - Correspondence

Original image on Facebook

Correspondence

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette.

Incorporated Soldiers', Sailors', and Airmens' Help Society

Dear Sir,

We are anxious to make known in the County, that the Hertfordshire Branch of the Incorporated Soldiers', Sailors', and Airmens' Help Society, is being revived and put in working order.

The existence of the many organizations which the necessities of the war called into being, such as the United Services Fund, British Legion, Red Cross Emergency Fund, &c., might naturally suggest that the activities of the older society were no longer needed.

Careful enquiry, however, shows that this is not so, and those who deal with the applications for help find many cases among

(1) Serving soldiers and sailors in distress,

(2) Ex-Service men who have seen no War Service or who had enlisted since the War,

which do not come under the Rules of these other Funds and cannot be helped by them, and for which the care of the Soldiers and Sailors Help Society is indispensable, if the County organization is to be complete.

This Society aims at having a representative for each town or village to advise these men, to help get them employment or to put them in touch with other agencies which may be able to help them.

The importance of co-operation with the other Ex-service Organizations is fully recognised, and whenever it is possible it is hoped that the local representatives of the other Societies may be willing to represent the Soldiers and Sailors Help Society, also, as to concentrate the work for soldiers under one head, and to prevent any danger of overlapping.

We hope that this short account of the reasons for the revival of the work of the Society may show that experience has proved its necessity, and that the interest and assistance of all those who care for the welfare and comfort of Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen in Hertfordshire may be extended towards making the Society as useful in the future as it was in the past.

All information as to Local Representatives can be obtained from the Hon. Sec., Miss Dorothy Newsam, The Red Cottage, Broxbourne.

Hampden, Alice Salisbury.

March, 1927.

16th July 1926 - Correspondence

Original image on Facebook

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.

------

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.

9th July 1926 - The St Hilda Band

Original image on Facebook

Correspondence

The St Hilda Band

Dear Sir,

May I be permitted to ask, through the columns of the "Gazette," for the support of the people of Buntingford and District, on Monday next, when the famous St Hilda Band is visiting Buntingford.

The Band has recently completed a tour of the South Coast, and the opportunities of hearing them in this district is a unique one.

I should also like to say that the Band is visiting Buntingford in order to assist the Town Silver Band to pay off the balance of the new instrument fund, and in thanking them for their support we do not forget the support given us by local residents to whom a hearty invitation to the famous Band's concert on Monday is extended.

Yours faithfully,

Ernest J. Smith, 

Bandmaster Buntingford Town Band,

9th July, 1926.

------

The paper also has an advert for two performances.

2nd July 1926 - Correspondence - Wyddiall Garden Fete

Original image on Facebook

Correspondence

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette.

Wyddiall Garden Fete

Dear Sir,

In the last issue of your paper it was announced that the prize for clock golf was given by Mrs H.C. Marshall. I shall be glad if you will kindly correct this.

The prize for clock golf was kindly given by Mr J. Lawrence and the prize for the balloon race was given by Mrs H.C. Marshall.

Yours faithfully,

L.W. Wright, Rector of Wyddiall.

June 28th, 1926.

30th November 1923 - Buntingford Improvement Society

Original image on Facebook

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

Buntingford Improvement Society

Sir,

The correspondence in this matter has undoubtedly shown that a certain amount of interest is in existence as to the possibilities of this Society, which suggests that its activities might be advantage be re-commenced.

When formed, the actual name of the Society was not popular with some supporters, who thought it should be a Ratepayer's Association instead.

I propose calling a Public Meeting sometime in the week following the General Election, a notice of which will appear in the advertisement columns of the "Gazette" next week, when it is hoped that all those interested will attend.

The whole question can ben be thoroughly discussed, and let us hope the Society with such good objects can be resuscitated, even if it is necessary to re-christen it.

The Society certainly effected many improvements in addition to bringing together those interested in the Town, while its primary object was the mutual benefit of the townspeople generally, but a certain hostility was apparant which a public meeting may help to remove.

Yours faithfully,

H. Clarke, Hon. Secretary.

30th November 1923 - Fire Protection

Original image on Facebook

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette

Fire Protection

Sir,

The outbreak of fire at Hare Street, an account of which appeared in your last issue, has aroused interest on the question of fire protection in Buntingford and district.

Before the war, the Buntingford Fire Brigade were an efficient and well-equipped body. The Brigade, however, was a voluntary one, and any renewels and repairs were, I understand, borne by the Brigade itself.

Today, voluntary service is a different matter, in which the cost of accoutrements, &c., and the loss of renumerative time play a large part. It is also doubtful whether at any during the day, horses could be obtained to draw the engine to the scene of a fire out of Buntingford itself.

Fortunately, in Buntingford, a good supply of water is available from the town mains, but a body of men is necessary to deal with any outbreak of fire, and to know the exact position of any of the various fire hydrants.

It is argued that the Ware or Hertford engines could be summoned, but should a fire break out in the town considerable damage might be caused before any outlying brigade arrived.

It is thought that steps should be taken to ensure that, in the event of a fire in Buntingford or district, the outbreak could be dealt with at once. Perhaps this important matter will come before the Buntingford and District Improvement Society.

Yours faithfully,

Tradesman, High Street, Buntingford.

------

Transcriber note - There isn't a copy of the report of the Hare Street fire referred to at the beginning of this article.

25th June 1926 - Correspondence

Original image on Facebook

Correspondence

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette.

Conan Doyle, Spiritism and the New Church

Dear Sir,

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, in his recently published History of Spiritualism, says that he cherishes a hope that the New Church will yet join heartily in the Spiritist movement, and he makes the naive suggestion that it should contribute its churchs and organisation to the "common cause." 

He has thrown out hints of this kind before, but may I be allowed, as President of the General Conference of the New Church, to say through your columns that they have always been emphatically set aside. 

As receivers of the teachings of Swedenborg, we honour his warning about the danger of communication with discarnate spirits. We are utterly opposed to all mediumistic practices. We have no "common cause" with spiritists. Our organisation was not founded by Swedenborg; it exists to promote the Kingdom of God among men by means of the teaching contained in the great seer's writing, which teachings we deem to be a good gift from the Lord for the enlightenment and inspiration of men.

Faithfully yours,

Charles A. Hall.

21st May 1926 - Correspondence

Original image on Facebook

Correspondence

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette.

Sir,

I would like to add to the list of those mentioned by G. Scarborough Taylor in his letter of last week the splendid fellows who manned the lorries (of my firm and other firms) up and down the country and collected the goods from London warehouses, docks and wharves, under most trying conditions and at considerable risk of injury.

It was the courageous efforts of these men which saved us all from what might have been a very unpleasant experience.

Thanks to them there was no shortage of any essential food supplies, and, speaking for myself and the business I manage, supplies from Hitchen headquarters came along with amazing regularity, although, of course, one only lived from day to day, not knowing what the morrow might bring forth.

I beg to remain, Sir,

Your obedient servant,

S. Daniels

High Street, Buntingford, May 20th, 1926.

14th May 1926 - Correspondence

Original image on Facebook

Correspondence

We have received the following letter from Mr G. Scarborough Taylor, who has been acting as Transport Officer to the Buntingford district on behalf of the Ministry of Transport Committee for Hertfordshire:

To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette.

Dear Sir,

I trust you will permit me to thank the following for their very ready and willing assistance they gave in help me carry out duties in connection with haulage of food supplies during the recent strike:

Mr Bayman, of Forrest Stores, who obtained food supplies from Bishops Stortford on behalf of the district, and for seeing the various grocers so as to ensure no shortage;

Messrs F.W. Butler, S.G. Lees, B. Kennedy and H. Feasey, for their time and use of motor cycles and bicycles in going round the district;

Mr Frank Fraser and Mrs Scarborough Taylor for their clerical assistance and tabulating records of food supplies;

and last, but certainly not least, to Mr B.E. Thody for the almost continual and numerous ways he has readily assisted.

Yours faithfully,

G. Scarborough Taylor

Buntingford, May 13th, 1926.