17th September 1926 - Buntingford Board of Guardians

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Buntingford Board of Guardians

Tributes To The Late Mr Edward Pigg

The monthly meeting of the above board was held at the Board Room yesterday (Thursday).

Present - Mr C. Hummerstone (in the chair), Mrs Dimsdale, the Rev. L.W. Wright, Capt. H.H. Williams, Messrs. H.C. Marshall, A.W. Page, A.J. Hayes, W.J. May, G.C. Wilson, with the Clerk (Mr E.C. Clarke), the Master (Mr F.W. Butler) and the Relieving Officer (Mr H.H. Macklin).

The Late Mr Edward Pigg

The Chairman said that before proceeding with the business of the meeting he had to refer with deep regret to the passing of one, who for many years was an active and honoured member of the Buntingford Board of Guardians.

Mr Edward Pigg was Chairman of the Board up to the time of his retirement, and his unfailing kindness and courtesy to all would be long remembered. He (the Chairman) felt sure it would be the wish of the Board that the Clerk convey to Mrs Pigg and family the deepest symapthy of the Board in their sad bereavement.

The motion was carried in silence.

Master's Report

The Master reported as follows:

Number of inmates - men 17, women 16, children 2. Total 35.

Number admitted to Casual Wards during past week - men 24.

During the month gifts of books have been received from Mr Leake, Sunny Hill, Buntingford, and Mrs Laird, Coles Hill, Westmill.

During the past month 89 casuals have been admitted, against 19 last year.

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The House Committee reported as follows:

The House Committee visited the House today, and found all in order, the contract work was completed and was very satisfactory.

We recommended the sale of old iron by the Master, we also recommend that the two children now in the house be sent to the National Children's Home.

Signed - G.C. Wilson, L.W. Wright.

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The Board decided to send the two children to the National Children's Home. The Chairman said he understood the thanks of the Board had been conveyed to the donors of the gifts to the inmates. The Board were very grateful for their kindness.

Half-Yearly Estimates

The Clerk presented the half-yearly estimates for the period ending 31st March 1927.

The estimated receipts were £2,093 and expenditure £5,880.

£4,387 was required to ensure a working balance which was a decrease od £180 compared with the corresponding period last year.

The Chairman said he thought the figures were very satisfactory, and the Clerk added that it represented a decease in the rates of 2d. in the £ as compared with the corresponding period of last year.

In reply to a question from the Chairman, the Clerk stated that there was a number of calls still outstanding, and approximately £600 was due from one parish alone.

Tenders

Tenders for the supply of goods to the Institution were opened, and the following accepted:

Groceries - Messrs. Forrest Stores.

Meat - Messrs. W.G. Clark, Ware.

Coffins - Mr G. Saggers.

Haircutting and shaving - Mr C. Miles.

Milk - Mr C.H. Poulton, 1/4 per gallon.

There was no tender for bread, and the matter was left over.

Rating and Valuation Act

Capt. H.H. Williams gave a very lucid explanation of the amended scheme for the constitution of assessment areas under the New Act.

He said it was previously arranged that Buntingford should amalgamate with Royston and Ashwell, but as the county was to be divided into seven areas instead of 12 it was proposed to amalgamate Buntingford with Bishops Stortford, Sawbridgeworth, and Hadham.

Under the old scheme there were 15 representatives appointed, Buntingford having three representatives from the Council and two from the Guardians. The new scheme provided for 20 representatives and allowed the Buntingford Union one representative only, but the Council's representation of three remained unaltered.

The Chairman said they were very grateful to Capt. Williams for attending the meeting in London and for his explanation of the new scheme. He (the Chairman) thought it would be appropriate if the Board appointed their representatives forthwith.

The following were appointed:

Mr C. Hummerstone (representing the Board of Guardians); Captain H.H. Williams, Mr G.C. Wilson and Mr F.B. Cannon (representing the Rural District Council).

Relief

Several cases of relief were dealt with, and instructions given to the Relieving Officer.

Other Business

The remaining business was of a formal nature.

29th October 1926 - Buntingford Bowls Club Annual Dinner

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Buntingford Bowls Club

Annual Dinner

The annual dinner, in connection with the Buntingford Bowls Club, was held at the George Hotel on Wednesday evening in last week, when a company of about 60 spent a very happy time.

The chair was taken by Mr H.C. Marshall, the President of the Club, who was supported by Mr George Aston, Mr Claud Fraser, Capt. H.H. Williams, Mr W. Chapman-Wood and others.

An excellent four-course menu was provided by the Host and Hostess, Mr and Mrs J. Holmes, after which the loyal toast was enthusiastically honoured on the proposition of the Chairman.

"The Club"

Mr Claud Fraser said he had the privilege of proposing the toast of the evening, "The Buntingford Bowls Club." The Club had been making history, and it was a great pleasure to the inhabitants of the town to see the Buntingford Club at the end of the East Herts League Table.

The members had played with a spirit of sportsmanship, and they had just cause to be proud of their achievements. The speaker then referred to the new green, and the prospects it held out for the future; it was situate near his house, and he would regard himself as a kind of guardian. He hoped that Buntingford Bowls Club would flourish by root and branch forever. (Applause).

In responding, Mr W.J. May, the popular captain of the Club, said the Club had many friends in Buntingford and in the district.

During the season, the Club had won 12 out of 18 matches, and had carried off the George Aston Challenge Cup. Everyone felt greatly indebted to Mr Aston who had done so much for the game of bowls. (Applause).

Others he would like specially to mention were the President, who had found the money for the new ground, and Mr Thody who had again come forward and lent them plants and decorations for the room that evening. (Applause).

Mr J. Boniwell, the veteran of the Club, also responded. He said he started the Club himself in 1913, and it was a pleasure to him to see the Club had reach [sic] such a high level. Their Captain, Mr May, had done a lot to bring success. (Hear, hear). It had become the habit of his (Mr Boniwell's) friends not only of the Buntingford Club, but also of all the other Clubs in the league to call him "Dad," and after matches the Buntingford Club members invariably said "Well Dad, what do you think of us now."

To one and all of them he would now say "You have done well, and I hope you will keep up the record." (Applause).

"The League"

Captain H.H. Williams, who rose to propose the toast of the "East Herts Bowls League," said he always remembered being taught at school that the whole of a thing is larger than its parts; he would say, therefore, that but for the East Herts Bowls League there would be no competition or Challenge Cup.

It was a pleasure to have Mr Aston with them that evening. There was little doubt that the League owed its success to the harmonious way in which the clubs worked, and to the excellent organisation. The speaker then paid a tribute to the Executive of the League and to Mr Chapman-Wood, and referred to "that extraordinary good publication" - the League Handbook. (Applause).

Mr George Aston, who was applauded on rising, congratulated the Buntingford Club on winning the Challenge Cup; he also thought they were very lucky in getting the support they did from their President and others.

The whole success of the league was due to the Executive, to Mr Chapman-Wood, and to all the affiliated clubs who had all played the game as it should be played. (Hear, hear).

Continuing, Mr Aston said that since he had been in Herts. nothing had given him greater pleasure than to be President of the East Herts. Bowls League, which he hoped would go on for many years. (Applause).

A replica of the cup was then presented to Mr W.J. May, who suitably replied.

Mr G. Scarborough Taylor, who proposed the toast of "The Guests," said that amongst others, they had Mr Chapman-Wood with them that evening. Both through the press and on the executive, Mr Chapman-Wood had done an enormous amount of work for the game. They were also delighted to have Dr Dixon with them once again. (Applause).

Mr Chapman-Wood and Dr H.E. Dixon both esponded. The former said that although the Buntingford Club lived on the outskirts of the leagure area, and had to travel the farthest they had won through.

He was afraid that he did not know much about the actual game of bowls, although he knew the bias side of a wood - (laughter) - and some day he hoped to play the game. The speaker then made some humourous remarks and concluded by expressing his pleasure at being present that evening, and thanking them for the cordial way in which they had received the toast.

Dr H.E. Dixon said the ancient game had been played in the true spirit of sport by several able bodied men of the town, and he was pleased to be amongst such a happy company.

The toast of the "Vice-Presidents" was proposed by the Rev. L.W. Wright, who said that no club could get on with the aid of its Vice-Presidents. To the members of the Club he would say that now they have ascended to the pinnacle of success they needed a little more caution than before. They had set themselves a great task, as the town looked forward to them to retain the title they had won. (Applause).

Mr E.E. Dennis replied, and said that the Vice-Presidents were especially pleased at the honour the Club had won they wished the Club success next year, and in the years to come.

"The Chairman"

Mr C.H. Poulton proposed the toast of "The Chairman." No club in Herts, he said, could boast of a better president.

Mr Marshall gave so much away that he would probably find one day that he had no money left. (Laughter). They had to thank Mr Marshall for many things in Buntingford, and without doubt he had proved himself to be a worthy son of a worthy father. (Applause).

The Chairman, in replying, said it was a pleasure to be President of any club in Buntingford. He thought it was communism in the best sense of the word, because everyone worked together so splendidly. He thought himself very fortunate to be amongest them, as when he came to Buntingford some 17 years ago, he did not think he would even find so many good friends. (Applause).

Dr R.W. Fell proposed a vote of thanks to the Artistes. Music was one of the most essentials of life, and the artistes that evening were excellent. Mr Jack Pierce responded.

Presentation of Prizes

During the evening the Chairman presented a Silver Challenge Cup to Mr E.R. Brett and a gold medal to Mr E.J. Totman.

The music items were rendered by The Rev. L.W. Wright, Mr J. Pierce, Mr A. May and Mr V. Pledger, and were very much enjoyed.

After thanks to Mr and Mrs J. Holmes, the Secretary (Mr J. Lawrence) and his dinner committee the evening concluded with the National Anthem.

21st January 1927 - Layston Church Sunday School

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Layston Church Sunday School

The annual prizegiving took place in the George Assembly Room on Wednesday evening, and was much enjoyed by children, parents, teachers and friends. After the singing of well-known choruses, Miss M. Macklin kindly acting as accompanist.

Rev. A. Howard spoke with appreciation of the work of the teachers, and alluded to the loss the Sunday School had sustained in the departure of Miss E. Howard, who with the help of several young teachers, had done much to improve the infant Sunday School.

He expressed sympathy with Miss Woodley in the loss of her father, and urged the parents present to encourage the children in regular attendance.

The prizegiving followed, after which Mr B. Thody most kindly gave a lantern lecture combining amusement, interest and instructions, which was greatly appreciated by all, the local touches raising peals of laughter.

The following is the list of prizewinners:

Boys I - Eric Nichols, W. Warner, A. Howard.

Boys II - L. Fiddaman, Charlie Scrivener, Horace Darton, Jack Crouch.

Girls I - Ethel Winters, A. Coxall.

Girls II - Vera Dowding, D. Warner.

Very regular - W. Winters, Vera Nichols.

Boys III - Christopher Hurry, Cyril Kimpton, Percy Scrivener.

Infants I - Very regular. R. Winters, Maud Hurry, Gladys Butler, C. Woods, T. Fiddaman.

Infants II - Very regular. K. Warner, S. Hurry, Doris Butler, F. Darton.

Infants III - G. Kimpton, Ben Crouch.

Class IV - Albert Butler, Joan Woods.

14th January 1927 - Buntingford Petty Sessions

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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.