Berwick Advertiser – 100 years ago

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 1ST JULY 1921

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PRIVILEGE TICKET ABUSE

BERWICK REFRESHMENT ROOM

MANAGERESS AND HER SISTER

The abuse of privilege tickets granted to servants of the North British railway led to charges at the Newcastle Police Court, on Friday, against two sisters, Catherine and Jennie Chisholme, the latter being charged with having aided and abetted, and Catherine with having travelled between Newcastle and Berwick on May 12th with a privilege ticket.

The front of Berwick Railway Station
An early 20th Century postcard of the front of Berwick Railway Station

Superintendent Rodgers of the N.E.R. Police, stated that Jennie Chisholme was manageress of the North British Railway Company’s refreshment rooms at Berwick station and that, as a servant of the company, she was entitled to privilege ticket orders. On May 2nd she was granted an order for herself for a return ticket from Berwick to Newcastle, and on her own initiative she applied for an order for a Miss Phimister, who was a barmaid in the refreshment room. On May 12th she presented two orders at the booking office, but the clerk refused to issue a ticket for one as it was not signed. She went away and returned with it purporting to have been signed by Miss Phimister, and she was allowed tickets at 4s 11d, whereas the ordinary return far to Newcastle was 17s 2½d. Both sisters travelled to Newcastle and back. When Catherine Chisholme was seen at Berwick on May 27th she said that she knew she had done wrong.

Defendants, who were not present but were represented, entered a plea of guilty, and Jennie was fined 40s, and Catherine 20s and costs.

LOCAL NEWS

The ceremony at which the conferring of the Honorary Freedom of the Borough on ex-Service men who have served overseas, at sea, or in the air during the war, will take place on Monday. As the proceedings are likely to be protracted, there will be no time devoted to speeches, the Mayor simply welcoming the men in the name of the Borough in a short address. The gallery of the Corn Exchange is being reserved for ladies. A lady’s ticket is being issued to each recipient of the Freedom who is attending, and also to members of the Corporation, justices and ministers on the platform. Music will be discoursed by an orchestra during the afternoon.

A meeting of the Freemen’s Guild was held in the Town Hall on Saturday last, the object being to get Freemen who are ex-Service men and who had not made application for admission to the roll of Honorary Freemen, to make application before the ceremony on Monday first.

Berwick Town Hall early 1900’s Ref: BRO 426-294

There was a poor representation of ex-Service men, but a few forms of application were issued to those desirous of enrolling. We understand that the impression has got abroad amongst Freemen that they were not supposed to apply for admission to the Honorary Roll. That, of course, is a misapprehension.

The Sunday School scholars attending St. Aiden’s Church, Berwick, accompanied by their parents and friends to the number of 370, proceeded on their annual picnic in nineteen gaily decorated farm carts to Paxton on Mid-Summer day. A field there was kindly lent by Mr Thorburn, and there the company settled down to a day’s enjoyment. Bright sunshine prevailed, and many of the company made for the Whitadder, where there was a cool breeze blowing. Lunch was served shortly after the company arrived at Paxton, and thereafter a short programme of sports, including a boys’ and girls’ Marathon, was gone through. A rather unfortunate accident took place during the afternoon, a little boy spraining his hand, but attention by Dr Fraser, who was present, soon had the young chap all right and able to continue enjoying himself. Great credit is due to Mr and Mrs Wardhaugh, Mrs Taylor and Mr T. Evans for the splendid manner in which the whole day’s enjoyment was organised. The company returned to Berwick about 8.30, thoroughly satisfied with the day’s outing.

FARM WORKERS’ GALA DAY

The annual Gala of the Workers’ Union took place on the Football Field, Wooler, on Saturday under ideal weather conditions. From early morn the sun shone brightly and though the heat was a little uncomfortable, especially for those who had to cycle from a distance, a cooling breeze at intervals crept down from amongst the hills, and tempered what would otherwise have been sweltering conditions.

The restricted railway service, owing to the coal crisis cut off this means of transit to the gala to some extent but ways and means of getting to Wooler were found by the workers, by bringing into use farm carts, cycles, and other means of wheel conveyance. In the early forenoon there was little evidence in Wooler that any event out of the ordinary was about to take place but by mid-day the streets began to be busy and hourly the throng was augmented. Visitors who are packed like sardines in the many pretty little villa residences clustering on the hillside were greatly interested in the event of the day, which has come to be looked upon as a red letter day in the life of Wooler.

Main Street, Wooler Ref: BRO 426-1228

Mr Geo. Blyth, the energetic joint secretary, was busy from early morning laying out the running tracks and wrestling wrings. He was ably assisted by a small committee who deserve to be congratulated on the huge step taken forward this year in organising the sports. A large wired ring was provided for the wrestling bouts, a great improvement on the crowd condition of affairs which prevailed in previous years, and everyone could watch the bouts with an uninterrupted view. The course for the flat racing was lined off and the marks clearly indicated, everything  being provided to ensure the smooth working of the events. Another good feature this year was the means taken to ensure that there would be no congestion at the gates trough people requiring change. A “change box” was provided on the other side of the road to the entrance of the field where change was given to anyone requiring it, and the gate keepers were therefore not bothered. Increased prize money for the sports was another good draw, and with the staging of a few side shows and shooting galleries near the entrance the setting of the field was a credit to the ability of Mr Blyth as an organiser.

At two o’clock Kelso Pipe Band swung into the field playing the “Blue Bonnets” and with them came a seemingly never ending stream of people in holiday attire. Some 2500 had passed through the gates by another hour and the field presented an animated appearance. Lemonade and ice-cream vendors did a roaring trade, being sold out of large stocks very quickly. The heat at times was almost unbearable and it was no wonder that Mr A. D. Morton’s cool tea tent should prove one of the busiest centres on the field.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 17TH JUNE 1921

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BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

THURSDAY

Before the Mayor, D. H. W. Askew, Charles Forsyth, P.P. Boston, and R. Boston Esqs., and Miss Henderson.

THIRSTY MAN SENDS GIRL FOR DRINK

James Wilson, hawker, 25 Walkergate, was charged with sending Mary Miller, a girl under 14 years of age, to the Miner’s Arms, Tweedmouth, on 6th June, for beer against the regulations, which are that it is to be sold in a corked and sealed vessel in quantity not less than a reputed pint for consumption off the premises. He pleaded not guilty.

Miner’s Arms, Scremerston 1900- Ref: BRO 1613/18

Mary Miller said she was 14 years come November, and on the day in question she was out at the coal heap at Scremerston, when the defendant asked her to get him a pint of beer. He handed her a bottle but she told him she would not be served as she was not the age. He said, “You might have a try as I am very thirsty.” Witness went and got the beer. When she came out she was met by the police. P.C. Lindsay and P.C. Pike, who took the bottle.

P.C. Lindsay gave evidence of stopping the girl. From what the girl said he saw Wilson who admitted sending the girl, but said he did not think he had done wrong.

Defendant said he only asked the girl to call and leave the bottle, to be filled at the “Miners” and he would call as he went past, as it was a difficult matter to get a horse to stop on the hill.

The Superintendent said it was a serious case, for they had the evidence of the girl that she had told Wilson she was not of age. The Bench retired, and on their return the Mayor said children must be protected, but as this was the first case which the Bench had had to deal with of this nature this year they would impose the modified fine of 10s of 7 days.

LICENSE HOLDER’S GOOD RECORD

Janet Cuthbert, licence holder, Miners’ Arms, Tweedmouth, was charged in connection with the above offence with selling the liquor to the said Mary Miller on 6th June. She pleaded guilty.

Mary Miller again gave evidence in a clear and distinct manner, saying she rapped on the door which was shut and, when Mrs Cuthbert opened it, she said, “Please will you give me a pint of beer?” Mrs Cuthbert said “Yes” and, taking the bottle, she filled it and brought it back.

Mrs Cuthbert said the child was speaking the truth, but she had omitted to say that she said “the beer is for a man who is working on the coal heap.” She was quite aware that she should have asked the child her age, but it never struck her at the time. She had no questions to ask the little girl, who had been very truthful as to what had happened.

The Superintendent- I do not wish to press this case as Mrs Cuthbert has conducted her business very respectably in the past, and we have never had complaints. Still, I wish licence holders to be made to exercise more care when selling drink to children.

Before the little girl Miller left the witness box, the Mayor said the Bench wished to congratulate her on the clear and straightforward way she had given her evidence. “You are a clever little girl,” he concluded, and Miss Miller, who had been on the verge of tears, brightened up.

The bench decided to dismiss the case in view of the respectable way the house had been conducted by Mrs Cuthbert, but issued a warning that publicans must exercise greater care in supplying children with intoxicating liquor. The defendant must pay the costs of the Court, 4s, and witness’s expenses, 6s.

BAD SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Sarah Matthews, widow, Tweedmouth, was charged with failing to send her child, James Matthews, aged 13, to school at Tweedmouth on 21st May. She pleaded not guilty.

Mr Barker, Attendance Officer, said the boy between 2nd May and 3rd June, out of a possible attendance of 46 only attended 30 times. He was now 14 years of age, but under the Act he could not be allowed to leave school until the end of the term. Witness had told Mrs Matthews this, but she refused to send the boy.

Mrs Matthews said the boy had been bringing coals from the heap at Scremerston to make a fire to heat the other four children. He had no father and witness had to go out and work, leaving the children at home. Fined 2s 6d.

A MORE SERIOUS CASE

Mary Wilson, married woman, Spittal, was charged with failing to send Mary Swinney, 6 years, and Elizabeth Swinney, 13 years, to school at Spittal on the 3rd June. She did not appear.

Mr Baker said the child Mary between 4th April and 3rd June had made no attendances at school, and in the case of the girl Elizabeth over the same period 35 attendances had only been made out of 88. It was a very bad case.

The Bench considered this the most serious case they had been called upon to deal with for some time, and gave out the warning that future punishment would be more severe.

Fined 10s in each case.

BERWICK-ON-TWEED HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

On Tuesday afternoon the Chairman of the Governing Body (Dr C. G. Maclagan) presented the medals, prizes and certificates for the sessions ending 1919 and 1920 to the pupils of the High School for Girls.

Owing to the limited accommodation of the School Hall, which the pupils themselves practically fill by their numbers, the members of the Governing Body alone were invited. There were present Dr C. G. Maclagan, Mrs Holland, Mrs J. M. Miller, the Rev. P. G. Peacocke, Mr W. J. Dixon, and Mr Brewis, Miss Nancy Jackson, on behalf of the pupils, presented to Miss Tasker a most beautiful bouquet of shell-pink and cream roses as a token of their affection and gratitude.

Dr Maclagan, after distributing the medals, prizes and certificates, addressed the pupils, reminding them that, although all profession now-a- days were open to women (or soon would be), so that the education of girls was every bit as essential as that of boys. The girls who were destined for home life were fulfilling the most important duty of all, and that their education in teaching them to think, was the most valuable preparation for such a future.

Miss Agnes Armstrong moved a vote of thanks to Dr Maclagan for his speech, and this was heartily given. Mr Peacocke congratulated the girls on their rendering of the three songs, and said that the more music there was, the happier the world would be. The songs were: “Folk song, “Now, Robin, Lend me thy bow” (16th Century); part song, “The Angelus”; and “Heroes” (Farmer).

SURRENDERED GERMAN STEAMER

ARRIVES AT BERWICK

SHORT OF COAL AND PROVISIONS

On Friday evening the German steamer “Alsen” (659 tons net register, Capt. Hilderbrandt) from Hamburgh to Leith, where she was to be surrendered under the terms of the Treaty, arrived off Berwick and signalled that she was short of steam coal and provisions and wished to enter the port. The vessel was a large one and some difficulty was experienced in getting her up the river, but she was ultimately berthed in Tweed Dock.

Tweed Dock N.D. Ref: BRO 1736/13

The vessel carried a crew of 22, and had only about half-a ton of coal left when she was docked. The provisions would not have lasted another day. The crew had no money and seemed anxious to be discharged and sent home to their own country. No coal was available to take the ship on to Leith, and it was decided to let her remain at Berwick until the Naval Authorities at Leith decided whether they would make arrangements for her to proceed there, or for the ship to be taken over at Berwick. The crew were allowed ashore from 12 to 5 on Saturday.

The crew of the steamer were allowed to leave for Grimsby on Monday night. There they will be repatriated as early as possible.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 3RD JUNE 1921

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BERWICK RANGERS F.C.

GENERAL MEETING FAVOURS STRENGTHENING TEAM BY INCLUDING PROFESSIONALS

SATISFACTORY ENDING TO A BAD FINANCIAL SEASON

NEW BLOOD FOR THE COMMITTEE

The Annual General Meeting of Berwick Rangers F.C. took place in the Commercial Room of the Union Hotel, Tweedmouth, on Tuesday evening, and, judging by the interest shown by the large gathering present, the Club may be sure of good backing in the endeavour which will be made to form a team second to none on the Borders. In the unavoidable absence of Councillor Alex. Darling, who had another meeting to attend, Councillor David Redpath presided, and, in a few remarks, trusted what would be done that night would be all for the good of the old club and for sport in the Borough. Apologies for absence were intimated from Mr R. R. Riddell and Mr P. Spowart, the latter stating that he hoped full use would be made of the talent to be found amongst young layers, and also advocating the appointment of a trainer. A letter was also read from the E. S. F. A. announcing the date of meeting, and it was agreed that Mr Riddell, Edinburgh, represent the Club as formerly.

BRO 1944-1-365-012 BERWCK RANGERS GROUND 1953

SECRETARY’S REPORT

M A. Neilson presented the Secretary’s report as follows:-

A very remarkable season, both as regards finance and from playing point of view, has been brought to a close, with a good credit balance in favour of the Club. Forty-three committee meetings have been held, and all have been well attended; and some hard work has been put in by many members to successfully carry through the season. Your Secretary, Mr P. Richardson, resigned during the season, and Mr A. Neilson was appointed to succeed him. The Club was severely handicapped at the beginning of the season by having to travel from home in re-played Cup ties. For the first time in the history of the Club, which was formed in 1881, the semi-final of the East of Scotland Cup Competition was reached. Four matches had to be played against Coldstream before the latter Club became victorious in the Consolation Cup. Your Committee approached the schoolmasters in the borough, with a view to resuscitation the Schools’ League, and a Joint Committee was formed. These matches have been very successful, as will be shown from the Treasurer’s report. The Ewart Cup has been the main stay of the Club financially, and keen competition was provided by the clubs entered. One thing marred this competition, and that was a player having his leg broken, for whom a benefit match was run by your Committee, which realised £35. Thanks are due to Councillor A. Darling, your President, for his interest in the club; to Mr Ralph Bradford for use of room for committee meetings; and to the players for their services throughout the season. Twenty-four games have been played during the season, of which nine have been won, eight lost, drawn seven; goals 48, against 44.

TREASURER’S SATISFACTORY REPORT

In presenting the financial statement, Mr R. Fuller said; I am delighted to state that the Club is now on a fair financial basis, having an actual balance cash credit of £62 14s 6d against a balance dr. of £10 7s 3d in the previous year. In addition to actual cash the Club is in receipt of material such as stakes, wire, goal-posts, nets, footballs, clothing, etc., all in fair condition. During the year the dressing-room has been put in order and made to meet the requirements of the Scottish Association, and in addition a table and seats have been purchased, the latter to enable the Club to run a small enclosure at matches. The field is in very good condition and well situated, but lacks sanitary arrangements, and this should be the first consideration of the new Committee.

BRO 1944/2676/011 CROWDS AT BERWICK RANGERS Vs GLASGOW RANGERS, 1960

COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER INCLUSION OF PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS

Mr John Lough moved that the Committee be given full power to make the team for the coming season purely amateur, professional or semi-professional, which ever was considered the better way attaining a first-class eleven. Had the Club been able to keep the team going with which they started last season, the Club would have been in a better position, but that had not been possible. He suggested that if the Committee had power to sign on a few professionals, if they thought it necessary, the team could be kept up to strength and that would get support of the public.

Mr R. fuller supported, and said with a strengthened team they probably would reach the Scottish Cup proper next year, and that might mean a gate from £300 to £400. With a professional player or two upon whom the Club could rely, they would be able to carry on successfully. There were good men to be got cheaply in the district, and even if they had to pay £20 to these professional players in an important match, they would still have a balance in hand from each game.

Mr Lyal Irvine thought they might even go a step further and make it a purely professional team. With a mixed team they might find their “good amateurs” wanting the same pay, and if they did not get it they would drop out of the team. He did not think the Club need go in for anything elaborate in the way of “big pay men,” but he thought at a moderate figure they might get a good team guaranteed to turn out very week. He did not suggest that they go outside the district for players. The Ewart Cup had shown that there were plenty good men to be had, and if any of these men wished to play and remain amateurs they could do so, or if they preferred to receive some recompense they could become “pros.”

The Chairman said things had been working towards this for a long time, and if they were going to get the best players n the district they would probably have a right good team which would command support. The matter should not be a great expense to the Club as none of the men would be on big pay,  and they could always have any amateur members’ who did not wish to be paid for their services.

BRO 1944/1/6852/038 BERWICK RANGERS TEAM, 1977

The proposal that the Committee have full powers in the matter was unanimously agreed to.

 Mr Fuller proposed that the cost of the membership ticket to be 7s 6d per year instead of 5s, explaining that last year the membership cards were not stamped for entertainment tax, and the Club had lost heavily in issuing entertainment tax tickets to card holders. Mr Redpath thought the best way would be to charge 2s 6d per annum for nominal membership, without any benefits of free admission, and members would then have to pay for their admission and for tax the same as anyone else. The latter suggestion was remitted to the Committee to consider.

Mr Elder thought the Committee should consider the question of joining the Northumberland Association another season, but after several members had pointed out that the team would have to travel just as far as now to meet good teams, and that there was no chance of getting into the North Eastern League, the matter dropped. The meeting concluded with the usual votes of thanks.

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