Have you ever been filling in an application for a new job and had to decide who you should ask to give a character reference? To apply to join Northumberland Constabulary in 1930, you were required to give the names of five persons who would testify that you were a “sober, honest and good-tempered person, who would be likely to make an efficient police officer”
One of our Archives Assistants found his grandfather’s file [the gentleman is now deceased] in our records from Northumberland Constabulary. All prospective applicants were asked to attend the Chief Constable’s Office in Morpeth, where they were tested on dictation (spelling) and arithmetic. Some of the arithmetic questions certainly look difficult to us now because they involve pounds, shillings, and pence.
Things seem to have been very efficient in the past, when there were not any large HR departments – this candidate did his tests on the 7th June 1930, and was invited to take up his new appointment five days later, on 12th June where he was allocated his collar number and became PC 148.
The next document in the file is a year later in 1931 when PC 148 is back at Morpeth for his probationer’s course. He was tested on knowledge of the law, geography & general knowledge and finally some more arithmetic. Here are a couple of sample questions for you to try:
1. A person reads 1/5 of a book in one day, 1/3 the next and ¼ on the third day. What fraction of the book remains to be read?
2. A person takes 110 steps every minute, each step is 2 ½ feet long. How long will it take to walk the 16 miles from Rothbury to Morpeth?
In 1936 the records show that PC 148 wished to get married, and therefore submitted a report to his Superintendent. The Supt subsequently sent a report to his opposite number across in Gateshead, asking if enquiries could be made as to the character and antecedents of the young woman and whether “she was considered to be a suitable person to become the wife of a police constable.” Fortunately, the reply confirmed that the lady was “of good character and her parents and associates were all very respectable people.”
After the couple married, PC 148 was posted to Lynemouth where he set about getting to grips with the local thieves. In 1940 he received a Chief Constable’s Commendation for the investigation into crimes of shop-breaking and larceny which resulted in six arrests and both crimes being detected. He was also commended by the Ashington Justices in 1941 for the part he played in handling a case of indecent assault at Newbiggin which resulted in the conviction of a Cresswell man.
NRO 6649/2/9/2/9
The next record in the file shows that in 1946 PC 148 was at a joint training school for Newcastle City, Northumberland, and Tynemouth Borough. This was refresher course number 11. He passed the course and the remarks from the Inspector described him as “keen and steady.”
In April 1947, the Chief’s office sent a report to the Chief Inspector at Morpeth, requesting him to arrange for PC 148 to receive instruction on the riding of a motorcycle and the driving of a car. So, this officer had to wait 17 years for his driving course!
PC 148 was transferred to Kirkwhelpington sometime in 1947. In the October of that year, there is a memorandum to remind the officer to cease the practice of soliciting lifts from local Magistrates when proceeding to court as it “may lead to adverse comment in certain circumstances”
NRO 2409/178
In part two of this blog, we will follow PC 148 in the second half of his career, and we will give the answers to the sample questions.
Northumberland Archives hold police records for the county but please note that they are subject to a 100 year closure period. Permission to publish this blog was granted by Northumbria Police.
Lt. J. Watt, M.C., has taken over the duties of Adjutant at the Depot in succession to Capt. B. C. Lake, who has been appointed Officer in Charge of training at the Depot. Capt. E.W.T. Agar, M. C., has also arrived and takes over the position vacated by Capt. Campbell, who has gone to the War Office. Capt. Agar is from the 1st Battalion, and the new Adjutant from the 2nd.
Sergt. Abbot has returned to the Depot after his course at Hythe and he appeared once more in the orchestra at the Hogmanay dance given by the Sergeants in the Gymnasium. The hall was tastefully decorated, and everything went through without a hitch. Excellent music was provided at the dance by Mr N.P. Allan’s orchestra and there was abundance in the way of light refreshment. The New Year, as is customary, was “piped” in and the company sang “A Guid New Year” and “Auld Lang Syne.” The dance was voted a great success by all who took part in it.
On New Year’s night, the Sergeants and honorary members of the Mess had their new Year dinner and social evening. There was a full attendance, and the evening was pleasantly spent with song, reminiscence, and toasts.
Colour Sergt. McKellar has been promoted C.S.M. and has been posted to the 1st Battalion. He will be leaving the Depot shortly and his going is regretted by all.
LOCAL NEWS
Christmas has come and gone, but it has left happy memories with some 400 poor children in the town, who on Friday, 28th December, were entertained in Wallace Green Hall. The ladies who promoted the treat wee Mrs Fulton, Miss McConville and Misses McAdam, and they had the assistance of a large band of willing workers, male and female. The tea tables were heavily laden with good things, and it was found necessary to have two sittings for tea as many more children turned up than were at first expected. Tea over, a lengthy programme of music, song and dancing was gone through to the delight of all present.
When father Christmas appeared in the Hall to dismantle a large Christmas tree, heavily laden with gifts and illuminated with coloured lights, the scenes of enthusiasm were such as to make the heart glad. Every child received a present and, judging from the happy faces, every child was perfectly satisfied. After the tree had been dismantled Mr Seals called for three cheers for the ladies who had given the treat, these were given with great gusto. The following contributed to the programme during the evening: – Dancers; Misses Black, Elder, Isaac, Crow, McLaren, Whittle, King and Casey. Pipe selections were given by Mr Heckles, and comic songs were sung by Mr Dudgeon. Miss Todd and Miss Wilson played the accompaniments, and Mrs Thompson led the children in singing all the latest songs. As the children retired each received an apple, orange, toffee, and cake. The promoters thank all who helped in gifts and in service, and thanks are also due to Messrs Knox, Bridge Street, who did the lighting arrangements, and the trustees of Wallace Green Church for the use of the hall.
GOSWICK
On Christmas Eve upwards of seventy children and adults from Goswick Station, Goswick Farm, Windmill Hill, Cheswick, Cheswick farm, and Broomhouse, were entertained to a tea and Christmas tree in the E.P. Church, Goswick. After an enjoyable repast each child was handed a present from the Christmas tree. Mr Stinton, Wireless Station, acting as Santa Claus in a most appropriate way. Thereafter games were indulged in and songs and recitations by the following ladies and gentlemen added to the enjoyment of the evening: – Messrs Beattie, Wilson, Stinton, and Moffatt, Mrs Wye, and Miss Beattie. Miss Wedderburn contributed a violin solo. A doll given by Mrs Ash was raffled and won by Miss Olive Grahamslaw. Mrs Chirnside presided at the organ. Those responsible for the organisation of the affair were: – Mrs Whye, Mr and Mrs Chirnside, Mrs J. Grahamslaw, Mr and Mrs Beattie and others.
BERWICK TOWN COUNCIL
A special meeting of Berwick Town Council took place in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall, on Friday evening, when the Mayor (Ald. Wilson) presided, and there were also in attendance Aldermen Boston, Maclagan, and Cowe, Councillors Redpath, Stuart, Morrison, Dudgeon, Campbell, Dickinson, Davis, and Anderson; along with the Town Clerk (Mr J. W. Porter) and the Borough Accountant (Mr Jas. Gibson).
The Mayor announced that the only business which had brought them together was to consider and if necessary pass a resolution, “That an emergency having arisen through an outbreak of small pox the Council make a temporary order that for a period of three months the Infectious Diseases (Notification) Act 1889, shall apply to cases of chickenpox within the borough of Berwick, and that the order shall come into operation at the expiration of one week from the publication of the advertisement viz., on the 5th day of January, 1924.
Berwick Town Hall early 1900’s. BRO 426-294
Alderman Maclagan – As chairman of the Public Health Committee I beg to move the adoption of this resolution. You will know that there have been five cases of smallpox at Morpeth area, and that is rather near to us. Norham and Islandshires made chickenpox notifiable some time ago and now they have made it notifiable for twelve months. If I had been consulted before the motion was framed, I would have been in favour of making it notifiable here for six months, but I am afraid it is too late now for moving that. I have discussed it with the Medical Officer, and he agreed with me six months would be much better than three, but it was thought best by reason of expense to limit it to three months. This period proposed would end in April, and it was usually April and May when outbreaks of infectious disease occurred, but in the end of March if it was necessary notice could be given to extend the period for another three months. The idea of making chickenpox notifiable was that mild cases of smallpox resemble chickenpox closely, and if notified and seen by a medical man he was able at once to distinguish between the two and so stamp out smallpox as soon as it appeared.
Alderman Boston seconded, and the resolution was agreed to without discussion. The whole proceedings only occupied four minutes-surely a record for Council business.
FORMER BERWICK TRAVELLER
SENT TO PRISON FOR EMBEZZLEMENT
Sheriff Crole passed sentenced of eight months’ imprisonment at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday on a well-dressed young man, Percy Wainwright, in custody, previously residing at 8 Kirkhill Road, Penicuik, who admitted that between April 24th and August 5th, while acting as agent and collector for the Humber Fishing and Fish Manure Company (Limited), Hull, he embezzled sums amounting to £366 6s 6d.
An agent on wainwright’s behalf stated that accused was employed by the Company from June, 1919, and part of his work was to collect accounts. One matter which might have some bearing on the case was that Wainwright seemed to have spent more money on entertaining his customers than he ought to have done.
The procurator-Fiscal said that Wainwright appeared to have been doing quite well for his firm, but had become financially embarrassed. He had certainly made the most of it, for at the time of his arrest he had only 3d left. Except for his disposal of his wearing apparel, he had nothing to live upon.
Wainwright is well known in Berwick. During the latter period of the war and until two years ago, when he left for Loanhead, he worked the Berwick and north Northumberland districts. He resided at the Castle Hotel and attended all the stock and grain markets and as side lines he held agencies for several companies. He was a keen golfer and was often seen on the Magdalene Fields Course. Since removing to Penicuik, he has frequently come back to attend Berwick market and it is only a few weeks ago since he was in the town.
FOOTBALL
EAST OF SCOTLAND LEAGUE
Berwick Rangers (h)….3 Gala Fairydean….1
Jack Frost held sway at Union Park on Saturday. Despite the fact that two tons of sand had been used, the field was in a dangerous condition, melted snow, frozen hard, making the foothold treacherous and even where the sand had been liberally used in the goalmouths the going was none too good. Under the circumstances the teams are to be congratulated on the display given. The game never lacked interest up to the last kick and it was fortunate that no one was hurt, there being no heavy charging indulged in. Brown was accidently kicked on the head by Purves in the second half but after attention and some of the hot drink which the Rangers had at the interval, he was able to resume amid applause.
Seldom have we seen such novelty as characterises Xmas and New Year productions of Alpha Publishing Co., 2 Scrutton-St., Finsbury, London, E.C. 2. In this enterprising Firm’s 1924 Calendars are unique designs, while their Xmas cards, Postcards, Toy Books, Picture Books, etc, are as fine as anything we have seen; and, moreover, moderate in price. There is, undoubtedly, good quality and good value. Original indeed are the silver and metal horse-shoes, and other attractive and realistic and quaint devices and shapes, even to old boots and wish-bones. Most useful are the Engagement Calendars, while Stationary Calendars carved on wood and mounted against velvety background will be most popular. The Magic Drawing Book is a new idea, enabling the children to draw pictures with ordinary pencil, simply rubbing it across a seemingly blank page. Alpha Series Humour, Usefulness; and the Firm is taking pride of place in production, and will command success among both young people and old.
LOCAL NEWS
A small free gift sale was held in Salvation Army Rooms, Quay Walls, Berwick, on Thursday. The hall was tastefully decorated, and the tables bearing the good things were nicely laid out. On the work stall, one saw many hours of hard work on the part of friends and members of the Corps; and the cake and candy stall bore sweetmeats, cakes, fruit etc. In adjoining room tea was served. At 3 pm the opening hour there was a fair number present. Mrs Strachan, who performed the opening ceremony, was introduced by Capt. Golder. Mrs Strachan said: – “Dear friends when your officers called to ask me if I would open your free gift sale, I felt rather afraid, as I have never performed such a duty before, but on remembering that I had been amongst you before, and that I was coming among homely people, I consented. I do assure you that I am very pleased to be among you again, and esteem it an honour to do anything, however small to help forward the work of God. I understand that the result of today’s sale will be used for the funds of Local Corps. All Christian Institutions must have money to carry on their work, or that work would come to a standstill. None of us would like to see the noble work done by your Corps come to an end. I therefore hope that the preparation for today’s effort will result in a bountiful harves and that the workers will experience the joy of seeing their stalls emptied and their cash boxes filled before very long. I have very great pleasure in declaring the sale open.” In proposing a vote of thanks to Mrs Strachan Capt. Golder said they were all much indebted to her in coming to open their free gift sale. She said friends were required to carry on the work of the Corps, unless these were forth coming the work would have to stop; and this none of them wanted to see. After this purchases were made freely and stallholders kept busy. Stallholders were: Work Stall- Capt. Golder, Miss Moor; Cake and Candy Stall- Mrs Henderson, Miss Henderson, Miss Moor, Miss Gibson; Bran Tub, etc- Miss Johnstone, Miss D. Aitchison, Lennie Walker; Teas-Mrs Shiell, Mrs Douglas, Mrs Walker, Mrs Patterson, Lt. Hoyland. During the afternoon Capt. W. Douglas late commanding officer was present.
The Red Lion Inn, Castlegate, Berwick, was the venue of a gathering of rather unique interest on Tuesday night, the occasion being the first annual dinner of the Salmon Lodge (No.4606) of the R.A.O.B. The “Buffaloes,” as they are familiarly known, have been making steady progress with the furtherance of the Order both in town and district, with the result that more Lodges have been consecrated since the introduction of the Order to Berwick some years ago. Constitutionally they are sound, being stalwart upholders of King and Law, while with such noble examples in their ranks as Mr Baldwin, the Prime Minister, and Bishop Weldon, the Dean of Durham, comments are needless. Tuesday evening’s proceedings were most happy, representatives being present from Morpeth (Sir John Leach Lodge), Spittal (Albion Lodge), Royal Berwick Lodge, with visiting brethren also from Norham, where negotiations are proceeding for the opening of a Lodge. Primo W. Taylor C.P., occupied the chair, and after dinner, which was served in a noteworthy manner y the host and hostess (Bro. Ridpeath and Mrs Ridpeath), proposed the loyal toast, “The King,” thanking all present for their attendance on the auspicious occasion, and extending a kindly welcome to representatives from other Lodges.
Red Lion, Berwick-upon-Tweed, 1959. Ref BRO 1250-30
NEW YEAR’S DAY
How New Year’s Day is celebrated all over the world is fascinatingly described in “Cassell’s Children’s Book of Knowledge” -Part 39, just published.
In China the shops are closed several days, while people make merry with feasts and fireworks, and general exchange of gifts and good wishes. In preparation, every debt must have been paid; every house swept and cleaned; and each person furnished with holiday clothes and a supply of preserved fruits, sweets, and ornamental packages of teas to give to his friends.
Japanese New Year festival is perhaps, even gayer. Everyone provides himself with new clothes and takes 3 days off from work to visit his friends or entertain them at his Home. Every gatepost is adorned with dark green pines and feathery light green bamboos, while over the doorways hang vivid red lobsters and crabs, and scarlet tangerine-like fruits, symbolical of long life and happiness. Streets are thronged with happy children playing battledore and shuttlecock the whole day long, and everyone beams with joy, bowing and wishing the compliments of the season even to perfect strangers.
In France, New Year’s Day is a more important holiday than Christmas. French peasant children put one of their sabots on the hearth for a gift at Christmas; but grownups in France exchange gifts at New Year Festival, at which time there are family parties, with much merrymaking, and general exchange of visits.
Scotland celebrates New Year’s Eve with a heartiness nowhere surpassed. The old tradition that to be “first-foot” in a house brings luck for the whole year, sends throngs of midnight revellers into the streets on New Year’s Eve,” each with his box of cakes and “spiced ale,” for in order to ensure his host a bounteous year he must not enter empty handed
