BERWICK JOURNAL 30TH AUGUST, 1923
PEOPLE’S HOME IN BERWICK
[BY “BERWICK JOURNAL” SPECIAL CORRESSPONDENT]
What was formerly unused portion of Berwick Workhouse has been leased to Mr Harry Campbell, South Shields, as Working People’s Home and Model Lodging House for Men and Women.
Considerable improvements, internally particularly, have been made. The place throughout has been fitted with electric light. There are separate entrances for either sexes. The House has been fitted up for 47 beds. Ample kitchen accommodation is provided, which includes up to date cooking stoves. Hot and cold water basins are plentifully in evidence. Attendant’s room and offices have been excellently prepared, and the entire furnishings for beds and mattresses, etc, for the Home have been purchased from Local Firms. Baths for Men and Women are installed, fitted conveniently for all hours of the day and night with hot and cold water. The plans for structural alterations have been subject to the opinion and final passing of Mr Paterson, the well-known Local Architect, and Mr Boyd, the experienced Local Inspector.
Everything possible that could be done for the comfort of people using the Home has been carefully looked after and no expense spared y Mr Campbell to bring the Home up to the highest possible standard. We understand a formal opening of the Building will be made. The Berwick Home, when finally completed, will be one of the finest examples of what a Model residence should be, and will doubtless prove a great boon to those who seek its accommodation.
We heartily congratulate Mr Campbell on his enterprise, for although he makes no pretense as a philanthropist, but is running the plan as a business speculation, yet, withal, this is another way of helping, to a certain extent, towards the solution of social reforming for the betterment of people who have hitherto not had the advantages of an up-to-date place wherein to rest and feel that here is a Home.
FOOTBALL
1st football match of the season on Saturday, at Union Park, Tweedmouth, was noteworthy for change of position of goalposts, owing to encroachment on the field of new houses. Hitherto, the 2 winning areas were top and bottom of Union Park – or about west and east- and now they are across the pitch- or about north and south. In 1st half of the match, Berwick pressed hard, and give promise of a good team. In 2nd half, Coldstream showed pressing powers; and, on the whole, it was a hard, fair and square tussle, with the goal each as the record. Coldstream will be heard of this season if they keep up their display on this occasion.
LOCAL NEWS
Fair quantity of herrings was landed at Berwick last week, Thursday being the principal day, but, unfortunately, quality was not so good as would be desired and several shots were disposed of for manure. On Tuesday this week 4 boats landed 124 crans, and on Wednesday there were 2 arrivals with 25 crans between them. Prices from 8s to 26s per cran. The season’s catch now stands at 2141 crans as against 450 crans at corresponding date last year.
We regret to record the death in London of Mr Daniel Heagerty, a well-known Chemist, son of late Dr Heagerty, Tweedmouth, (Medical Officer of Health for Berwick Borough.) Mr Heagerty, who was about 50, suffered serious illness for some time. He was educated at Berwick and served apprenticeship with Messrs W. G. Carr and Son, Chemists, Berwick. A brother of Mr Heagerty- Travers-is an able Actor in America, where he is doing well. He was original member of Berwick Amateur Dramatic Club.
WHITTINGHAM GAMES
SUCCESSFUL GATHERING
On Saturday, the 63rd annual Whittingham Games Meeting was held in that beautiful and picturesque “Vale of Whittingham,” surrounded by lovely, massive green trees and heather clad hills. The games were favoured by weather which although not ideal was nevertheless dry. During the morning it was none too promising but cleared up about mid-day. Widely known as the “Games of the North,” this popular and far-fames gymnastic festival was established in the year 1860. Unlike village associations, Whittingham Games have never been suspended owing to finance since inauguration but have on the other hand gone forward by leaps and bounds, with the exception of the suspension during the war period. By the untiring efforts of an able Committee and generosity of the public who subscribe to the Games, the financial side of the sports has always been well maintained. It was regretted that the Agricultural Section was not carried on this year, but it is hoped that it will be revived in 1924.
Supported by Lady Ravenswoth, Mrs Branfoct, Lady Grey, and Mrs Collingwood, Glanton Pike, the Poultry Section was tried for the first time, and proved very satisfactory.
The Committee this year offered £230 in prizes for the various events and shows, and were well rewarded for their enterprise, as from mid-day onwards large crowds of people poured into the village, by trains, motor cars, char-a-bancs, and push bikes. In fact, every conceivable way of transport was used. An excursion was run from Newcastle, and many took advantage of the cheap fares from Berwick and Wooler districts.
The tents were kindly given and erected by Major Browne, who was always a liberal subscriber to the games, while Messrs Hindmarsh Bros. again kindly granted the use of the same field as is always used. The catering was in the hands of Miss Anderson, Rothbury.
During the afternoon the Ashington Harmonic Band rendered popular selection of music.
BORDER SCHOOLMASTER UNDUE SEVERITY
Robt. John Brown, Schoolmaster of Makerstoun, Kelso, appeared at Roxburghshire Sheriff Court on Thursday on a charge of assaulting a 6-year-old pupil, This. Ballantyne, with his hand and beating him with a pair of taws on the hips and thighs on July 11. Brown pleaded not guilty.
Ballantyne said he had been reported as having bitten another pupil, and after dismissal of the class he was taken from the playground by the Headmaster, put across a chair, and thrashed. He fell from the chair, and Brown picked him up and thrashed him again. Other pupils corroborated.
Brown said the boy Ballantyne had been reported on 2 occasions as having bitten other children. On this occasion he took Ballantyne into a classroom and thrashed him. The thrashing, he admitted, was severe, but he contended it should be so in the interest of discipline.
Medical evidence was given that there were 13 weals on the child.
Sheriff Chisholm said the punishment was unduly severe. He imposed a fine of £10- or 15-days’ imprisonment.
Before leaving Court, Brown said he would go to prison.