Berwick Advertiser – 100 years ago

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 10TH NOVEMBER 1922

by

BERWICK BOARD OF GUARDIANS

The monthly meeting of the Berwick Board of Guardians was held in the Board Room of the Workhouse on Monday afternoon. Miss C. H. Greet presided, others present being Miss J. E. B. Miller, Messrs J. H. Armstrong, bell, T. Bolus, T. Aird, E. Waugh, J. R. Wood, R. Rea, P. G. Peacocke, J. R. Mountjoy, and T. A. Summerfield. Mr H R. Peters, Clerk, Messers Short and Kennedy, Relieving Officers, and Mr A. H. Banks, Workhouse master, were also present.

The receipt of fruit and vegetables was intimated from Miss Greet and Mrs Sitwell, and from St. Mary’s Church, books and periodicals from the King’s Arms Hotel, Mrs Purves, and Mrs Aitken, fruit from Scremerston Parish Church, and magazines from Mrs R. R. Riddell. The thanks of the Board were directed to be conveyed to these donors.

DECREASE IN NUMBER OF INMATES AND TRAMPS

The inmates for the four weeks ending 21st October were as follows:- In the sick ward 12 men, 9 women, 1 child, and 2 infants, and in other parts of the House 11 men, 4 women, a total of 23 men as against 24 for the corresponding month last year, 13 women as against 19, 1 child as against 1, and 2 infants as against 1, a total of inmates of all classes of 39 as against 45 last year, a decrease of 6. The casuals numbered 13 as against 19 last year, also a decrease of 6.

Mr Wood commented on the decrease in the number of inmates. In view of the extra ordinary amount of unemployment and depression all round, the decrease was extra ordinary. The number of tramps was also reduced.

FIREWOOD TO BE CHEAPER

On recommendation of the Workhouse Committee, it was agreed to reduce the price of firewood sold at the Workhouse from 4s 6d per cwt. to 4s as from 1st November. Mr Bolus, in moving the adoption of this, stated that they had made a reasonable profit by the sale of firewood in the last 12 months, but the Master reported the sales were going down on account of competition. They thought it wise to reduce the price, which would also give them a good reasonable profit if the sales continued.

BA-U10-2 SHEET , 1852 cropped. Pictured above the layout of the Berwick Workhouse,
Board Room (centre of image).

WATER FOR BULL CLOSE HOUSES

The Committee also reported on having been obliged to connect a water supply to the Board’s property in Bull Close at a cost of £14. Mr Bolus explained that there had not been water laid on to the property, the tenants getting their water from a pipe in a yard near St. Mary’s Church. There had been a leakage which had flooded the stokehole of the heating apparatus at St. Mary’s Church and when this insisted on them putting in their own water supply. They had got an estimate from Mr Lamb, plumber, to connect the water outside on the roadway with the property and this had been completed. The Committee took expert advice on the question before accepting the estimates.

Mr J. R. Wood supported the action of the Committee. He was surprised to hear that water had not been connected up with property when it was purchased. If it had been done at the time the cost would have come as a capital charge on the premises and they would have heard no more about it. They must just pay the money and look pleasant.

BOILER UNSATISFACTORY

A report as to the condition of the boiler at the Workhouse was submitted from the Insurance Inspector, who drew attention to a bulge on the side of the boiler and also pointed out that they were only insured up to a pressure of 10lbs. with a blowout at 25lbs. and had been working the boiler up to 25lbs. He suggested that the repairs should be carried out within 12 months and that the safety valves should be readjusted.

Mr Bolus pointed out that a certain amount of responsibility rested with the board in view of the Inspector’s report as to the boiler. They had only a premium up to 10 lbs. and had been working the boiler from 15 to 25 lbs. This was important as the disinfector would not work under a pressure of 15 lbs., and in addition the heating apparatus and the laundry had to be worked, which would require not less than a 20 lbs. pressure, and if they were only allowed a pressure of 9 or 10 lbs., the boiler was no use for the work it was wanted to do in the Workhouse. He moved that the matter go to the Workhouse Committee for them to deal with it. He wondered as to why a boiler had been put in that did not to the work required to carry on the work of the Institution.

The Workhouse master thought the Inspector’s report was misleading, as it inferred that the boiler had been worked regularly to 25 lbs. that was not so. It was worked to anything between 10 and 25 lbs. and only occasionally up to 25. He thought it was peculiar that they were only allowed a pressure up to 10 lbs. but a blow out up to 25 lbs. The disinfector was not efficient till a 15 lbs. pressure. They might be able to carry on as at present but in a very unsatisfactory way. On account of the low pressure of the boiler the disinfector was not sufficient to kill vermin, and he had to rig up a cupboard in the tramps’ ward to fumigate the tramps’ clothing when necessary.

After further discussion the motion was agreed to the Committee being empowered to get expert advice on the matter, but to report to the Board before going further.

TWEED ROW, HORNCLIFFE

Dr McWhir reported as follows: Three cases of scarlet fever have been notified- one at Horncliffe, a second at South Ord, and a third at Shoreswood. Removal to hospital of the patients at Horncliffe and Shoreswood was deemed advisable. A case of scarlet fever in one of the cottages at Tweed Row, Horncliffe, had a fatal termination. The house, which has only one apartment with a capacity of 1798 cubic feet, accommodated five inmates- the father, the mother, and three young children. The floor is badly broken and the window is a fixture. The walls, roof and chimney of the dwelling all call for repairs, and the soil which is heaped up behind it ought to be removed.

The state of housing in the area in the early part of the 20th century is exemplified in this picture of Golden Square, Berwick, similar problems being experienced in the Norham and Islandshire District.

There is no privy for the household. Opportunity was taken to visit other cottages in the same row. One, also consisting of a single apartment with capacity of 1848 cubic feet, is tenanted by a family of five- the father, two daughters both over 20, a son aged 25, and a child of 4 years. The window of the apartment is a fixture, and there is no privy accommodation. The masonry is in much need of repair, and soil ought to be removed from the back. A third single-apartment house furnishes a home for five inmates- a mother, two girls aged 14 and 9 respectively, and two boys of 12 and 10 respectively. Here, again, there is no privy accommodation. A fourth house boasts two apartments with capacities of 1550 and 1300 cubic feet respectively, and shelters three inmates. The kitchen floor, framed of broken paving flags and concrete, is in need of repair. Both apartments are insufficiently lit. A down-spout is unprovided with a trap; there is no sink, and the chimney has a twist, which, to the mind of our Surveyor, rivals that of the leaning tower of Pisa. The wood of the back door, which is only 5ft. in height, is defective.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 27TH OCTOBER 1922

by

THE GENERAL ELECTION

The break-up of the Coalition makes election prospects in Berwick very complicated. Sir Francis Blake, who supported the Coalition, is retiring, and Mr Hilton Philipson, who has consistently spoken of himself as a Liberal, has until now had the support of the Unionists in the constituency. Will he continue to get it? A meeting of the Unionist Association has been called for Saturday, by which time Mr Bonar Law will have announced his programme at Leeds and Mr Lloyd George will be speaking the same day. It was announced on Wednesday morning that the Conservative headquarters had decided not to bring out further candidates against any Coalition Liberals who are willing to give general support to Mr Bonar Law’s Government. By Saturday both Mr Hilton Philipson and the Unionist Association should know where they stand. There is no such doubt as to Mr Runciman’s position. He will have the support of the Independent Liberals, and there will be no Labour candidate to detach votes from him. Either there will be a straight fight between Mr Runciman and Mr Philipson or a triangular contest between Mr Runciman, Mr Philipson and a Conservative. Until we know more as to what is to happen it is, useless to go into possibilities.

The “Alnwick Gazette,” in which many people understand that Mr Charles Percy has an interest, last week stated that there was a considerable expression of opinion in the constituency – “now that the Conservatives have adopted an independent course- that a Conservative should stand for the Berwick Division. The name of a sitting Member of Parliament, resident in our own district (Alnwick), has frequently been mentioned as the right man to do successful battle on behalf of the Conservative party.” Some people have assumed that the sitting member of Parliament resident in Alnwick might possibly be Mr Charles Percy himself. He heads the list of five candidates at the poll at Tynemouth in 1918 with a majority of about 450 votes over the next candidate, and he announced some time ago that he would not recontest the seat. This would not prevent his standing as an Independent Conservative candidate for North Northumberland with or without official support.

HOLY ISLAND

The new hostess at No. 10 Downing Street will probably be Lady Sykes (ness Miss Isobel Law), Mr Bonar Law’s eldest daughter. She was married to major Sir Frederick Sykes in May, 1920, and the couple, it will be remembered, came by aeroplane to Holy Island for their honeymoon.


On Friday evening the harvest thanksgiving festival was held in St. Mary’s Parish Church. The church was most elaborately decorated with beautiful fresh flowers, abundance of fruit, vegetable, corn- perfect in taste and beauty. Certainly the churchy has never looked prettier; the font was laden with flowers, green sprays and vegetables making a pretty border round the bottom. The pulpit had handsome sheaves of corn as a background, with apples in rows round the front and bunches of black grapes hanging to each lamp, and different coloured flowers and green covering the body of the pulpit. The altar, too, was magnificent with lovely white flowers and brass brightly polished, and apples in rows in front of the altar rails and two huge sheaves of corn with white loaves round them.

St. Mary’s Parish Church. REF: BRO 426/1108

The fisherman’s aisle was decorated with the harvest of the sea, the “lines” with fish attached hung prettily from each pillar. The oars and small boat and seaweed made it exquisite. The next most touching site was a pretty cross of flowers and greens placed by loving hands below each memorial tablet of departed friends. The Rev. H. Haslam, Vicar of Beadnell, preached a very inspiring and striking sermon to large congregations, while the choir rendered a pretty anthem- “Oh, Lord, how good and manifold are Thy works”- in perfect style. The hearty singing of harvest hymns and Psalms brought the service to a close, the organist (Miss Bell) doing her part exceeding well. The services on Sunday at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. were conducted by the Vicar.

FALL IN BIRTH AND DEATH RATES

The Medical Officer’s quarterly report for period ending 30th September, having been printed and circulated, was taken as read. The report, adopted without comment, was as follows: – There has been a marked fall in the Birth Rate as compared with the preceding quarter and “a most remarkable fall in the Death Rate. This latter is in keeping with similar fall noted all over the country. The small number of deaths in infants (4), including only two from infantile diarrhoea, is due to the cold damp summer. Infectious disease in the borough remained slight in amount. Six cases of scarlet fever occurred and all were removed to hospital, as was the one case of diphtheria. The new Hospital Wards have been in use during the period and have proved to be very convenient and comfortable. The Child Welfare Centre continues to be well attended.

The births in Berwick were 13 boys, 17 girls, a total of 30; in Tweedmouth, 8 boys, 9 girls, a total of 17; in Spittal, 2 boys, 4 girls, a total of 6; making a total for the whole borough of 23 boys, 30 girls- 53.

The deaths in Berwick were 4 males, 10 females, a total of 14; in Tweedmouth, 5 males, 7 females, a total of 12; in Spittal, no males, 3 females, a total of 3; making a total for the Borough of 9 males, 20 females-29. The ages at death were:- Under 1 year, 4; 1 to 5, 3; 5 to 15, 1; 15 to 45, 5; 45 to 60, 7; 60 to 70, 1; 70 to 80, 4; 80 to 90, 3; 90 upwards, 1.

Causes of death were:- Whooping cough, 1; phthisis (pulmonary tuberculosis), 3; cancer, malignant disease, 4; organic heart disease, 5; pneumonia (all forms), 1; other diseases of respiratory organs, 2; diarrhoea and enteritis (under 2 years), 1; appendicitis and typhlitis, 1; congenital debility, etc., 3; violent deaths excluding suicide, 1; other defined diseases, 7; total, 29.

Of Infectious Diseases there were the following cases:- Scarlet fever, 6; pneumonia, 3; tuberculosis, 2; erysipelas, 2; diphtheria, 1; total, 14. Removal to hospital, 6 cases.

LOCAL NEWS

With a strong sea running and a stiffish south-easterly gale combining to make conditions bad enough for a wreck, Berwick lifeboat crew were summoned for a practice on Thursday afternoon. After a smart launch, the boat proceeded down the river under oars. When the end of the Pier was reached sails were hoisted, and the boat ran for a considerable distance out to sea, bearing towards the Farnes.

Light House and Berwick Pier REF: BRO 1636/7/13

She then turned round and made for home, after having been out for about an hour. The bar was somewhat difficult to negotiate. A crowd at the River View Works at Spittal Point were interested in the practice, as well in watching the inroads of the sea, the waves are high tide breaking on to the roofs of the works. Groups of people on the Walls and Pier watched with admiration the lifeboat crew undertake their unpleasant task in answer to the rocket’s summons.

A very successful dance, organised by the dressmakers of Messrs Paxton and Purves, Ltd., was held in the King’s Arms Assembly Rooms on Wednesday night. About 38 couples were present. Everything was conducted in a very business-like way, and a great deal of the success depended upon the non-dancing friends of the organisers who assisted in the preparation and serving of supper.

Paxton & Purves, 1960’s REF: BRO 1944/1/3443/2

There was no “sitting out,” the enticements of the orchestra under the direction of Sergt. Parker were much too strong, for the very latest and best music was played in perfect time. At one o’clock everyone made for home tired but happy.

On Tuesday and Wednesday last week a meeting for retriever trials in connection with the Scottish Field Trials Association was held on the Mellerstain estate near Gordon by permission of the Earl of Haddington. In the trials on Tuesday, Capt. H. Liddell Grainger’s dog, “Troop of Faskally” (Labrador) was placed 4th in the open stakes for all ages. The non-winners’ stakes were decided on the Wednesday at the farm of Darlingfield, Gordon. Colonel Trotter, Charterhall, acted as one of the guns. The hole of the “work” took place over ideal ground for the purpose, principally among roots, and, notwithstanding the bad season, it provided a fine variety of game, especially partridges.

A COMPLAINT AS TO DIRTY WAGGONS

The Committee of the Berwick Branch of the National Farmers’ Union agreed at their meeting on Saturday to send a resolution to their Executive expressing the hope that railway companies would exercise proper care in the cleansing of waggons and that a supply of sawdust be available at all stations for those who use it. The discussion arose out of a complaint made by Mr J. Rand Gainslaw, that sheep he had purchased at Wooler were put into a filthy waggon and he had been charged for sawdust that had never been put in the waggons. If thousands of sheep were coming to the sales the railway company ought to be prepared for the traffic. Mr W. Davidson, East Learmouth, moved the resolution, which was carried, an amendment by Mr J. B. Barr, Moneylaws, to take no notice of the dirty waggons, as this was a rare occasion, being lost by 7 votes to 2.

Mr Davidson urged the importance of sawdust being put into the waggons as perhaps more cruelty was done to animals by not putting in sawdust than in any other way. If sent in waggons to England without sawdust, sheep could not walk when they got out.

Mr J. R. Wood supported Mr Barr. Were owners of stock inclined to pay for sawdust? There were two sides to consider. He knew that on trucks of sheep arriving at Wooler sales the railway company had put men on there and then to get the waggons cleaned to get the sheep away from the sale. On one occasion he had had the choice of getting his stock home the night of the sale if he used a dirty waggon or of waiting till the next day to get a clean waggon. It was often to the benefit of purchasers of sheep to get them away the same night. Had Mr Rand taken any steps to bring his case before the railway company?

Mr Rand- I thought it was a suitable case for the National Farmers’ Union to take up.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 26TH SEPTEMBER 1922

by

ANCIENT HOTEL IN THE MARKET

KING’S ARMS TO BE SOLD

For nearly two centuries the King’s Arms has been an institution in the town, and in view of the fact that the death of the owner (Mr Robert Evans) causes it to be again offered for sale we give a few notes on its past.

That it was a flourishing concern in the 18th Century is recorded by Dr Fuller in his History of Berwick (17990. He says of it: “The King’s Arms Inn is situated about the middle of Hide Hill. The buildings are of hewn stone and very strong. The Inn is commodious, and from its being built on the top of the bank encourages the free circulation of air. The mail coach has always stopped here, and it is kept in readiness. The house is also connected with the High Flyer coach, and chaises are kept at this inn.”

In those days the proprietor was one named Mr George Dixon, and about the same time the Red Lion (in High Street), the Black Bull, and the Hen and Chickens (Sandgate) also did a lot of posting. Like its contemporary, the Red Lion (now the Ford Garage), the King’s Arms had large Assembly Rooms, and these in past years were the scene of many memorable gatherings.

BRO 0426-355 Hide Hill, showing the King’s Arms Hotel, Berwick-upon-Tweed

In the early days of last century Berwick’s Theatre was held there, and on the 6th May, 1824, and succeeding days the public were invited to witness a reproduction of Cumberland’s “Wheel of Fortune.” There was no such thing as entertainment tax then, and the charges were:- Boxes, 3s; pit, 2s; and gallery, 1s. After the performance a certain Mr Johnston and others gave comic songs, the whole performance finishing up with a farce entitled “Love-a-la-Mode.” At that period the Mayor of Berwick was Mr David Logan, to whose family the hotel belonged for generations.

In the early “fifties” Charles Dickens, the famous novelist visited Berwick and gave a recital in the King’s Arms Assembly Rooms, we believe, entitled “Greta Expectations, “ which work, however, was not completed until 1857. Later, in the early “seventies,” Penny Readings” were held in the rooms very frequently, and were a most popular form of entertainment, the Assembly Rooms being filled to overflowing. The Landlord was then Mr John Carr (some of whose monogrammed silver plate is still in use in the hotel). His predecessors were Mr Davidson and Mr George Montgomery. Following the Carr family in the hotel came Mr Corrie. Mr Hugo Reneicke, and in June, 1919, the hotel came into the market. It was purchased by the landlord, Mr W. J. Dover, who, in September of the same year, sold the hotel to Mr Robert Evans, of Whitley Bay, a well-known north-country sportsman and hotel owner. Mr Evan’s died rather suddenly during the summer, and as a result the hotel is again being sold.

A number of people in the town are under the impression that Jenny Lind, the famous singer, once stayed at the King’s Arms while passing through the town, but, on authority of an old and worthy resident who died some years ago, we were informed that “the nightingale” put up at the Red Lion some 90 years or more ago, either about the March Hirings or Berwick Fair periods. The Duke of Albany, we understand, did out up for a night at the King’s Arms when passing through at the head of a regiment of horse to Edinburgh about 60 years ago.

Many famous public dinners have been held in the Assembly Rooms, which have been used for a variety of purposes. In the middle of last century the majority of the leading townspeople learned to dance there, when dancing classes and balls were frequently held. Before the Queen’s Rooms were built Mr W. Purves, auctioneer held his sales there also, and since then many estates have changed hands within the same place under the hammer of Mr Bolam, amongst these being in the outlying portions of the Corporation Estate.

The Assembly Rooms, which had fallen into a rather dilapidated state prior to Mr Evans taking over, have been re-decorated and made most comfortable and thoroughly up-to-date. The hotel, too, has been renovated and re-decorated, and in the last few years, under the management of Mr Scott, it had begun to regain some of its old-time glory.

CHILDREN’S COURT

Before T. M. Morrison, R. Boston, T. Purves, W. Hogarth, P.P. Boston, Theo. Bolus, Esqs. and Miss Henderson

DAMAGE BY CHILDREN

Two Tweedmouth boys aged seven and nine were charged with wilful damage to growing turnips, the property of Andrew Martin, farmer to the amount of 3s each. They pleaded guilty.

P.C. Lindsay said he saw the boys come through the “one tunnel” at the embankment. They entered Mr Martin’s field and each pulled a turnip which they stripped of the shaws. One boy ate his turnip and the other put his in his pocket.

Mark Anderson said within the last month damage amounting to £20 or £30 had been done by youngsters pulling up turnips and leaving them lying.

The bench retired to consider the case, and on their return the Chairman said they would be bound over in the sum of £5 for six months, the parents to pay costs 4s 3d. The Chairman said there was a lot of destruction going on and parents were really responsible for not exercising proper control. In future cases parents would be held responsible and the sentence would be a heavy one.

Another little Tweedmouth boy was charged with a similar offence. He pleaded guilty, and similar evidence having been led, the boy was bound over, his father being ordered to pay costs 4s 3d.

WILFUL DAMAGE TO SPITTAL SHELTER

A Spittal boy aged thirteen was charged with wilful damage to a wooden shelter at Spittal, the property of the Sanitary Authority, to the amount of £2 5s. He pleaded guilty.

The Promenade and Sands at Spittal

Ellen Jamieson and Mary Sykes gave evidence that three boys were there. One of the boys took another boy’s foot and cracked a wooden panel, and defendant then took his foot and put it through the panel.

Mr Burn, joiner, said he estimated the damage at £2 5s. It certainly would take that to put the woodwork right.

The Bench retired, and on their return the Chairman said he wished it to be known that the Bench intended to put these cases of wilful damage down. He was ordered to pay the damage £2 5s, fined 5s, and costs 4s.

FEAR OF POVERTY

FARMERS AND FARM WORKERS’ APPEAL

The National farmers’ Union have addressed an important letter to employers’ representatives on Agricultural Conciliation Committees whose agreements are due to expire at an early date. It states that a conference had taken place between representatives of the Union and those of the National Union of Agricultural Workers, and the Workers’ Union and all present appreciated that “The position of agriculture is disastrous, alike to the farmer and the farm worker, and it was realised that unless some alleviation can be found, poverty and misery face many whose livelihood has in the past been drawn from the land.

“It was agreed that a committee consisting of representatives of the Union and the two unions representing the workers should meet forthwith to consider the position generally and endeavour to formulate proposals to place before the Government for the relief of the industry.

FUTURE WAGE RATES

“It was further agreed that the Conciliation Committees should be asked to adjourn the consideration of the fixing of future wage rates and to recommend the payment of existing rates until September 30th in order that the joint committee of the organisations may have time to explore the serious problems which they will have to consider.”

It was pointed out that the letter had been shown to the representatives of the National Union of Agricultural Workers and the Workers’ Union, and the hope is expressed that the employers’ representatives on the Conciliation Committee will fall in with the suggestion, and that everything will be done to influence a united policy between the three unions.

SPORTS, AMUSEMENT, &C. SWIMMING

SCHOOL SQUADRON CHAMPIONSHIPS

The annual School’s Swimming Gala had to be postponed last Thursday afternoon on account of the bad weather. On Saturday afternoon the School’s squadron championships were decided, and weather conditions were much more favourable, and the water not too cold. There was a great muster of headmasters, teachers, scholars and others interested, and the encouraging cheers of the youngsters lining the banks or squatting on the roof of the bathing hut made the rocks ring with their heartiness. There were six teams entered for the boys “Askew Challenge Shield,” which St. Mary’s School held, but only three for the girls’ “Sergt. Major Hamilton Challenge Shield, “also held by St. Mary’s. Berwick Grammar School won easily in their heat and also in the final, when they beat St. Mary’s “A” team by fully two yards. The winning team included R. B. Richardson, who went up to the Grammar School this year and who swam in St. Mary’s winning team last year. The final was an excellent race, though the British School were handicapped by only having two representatives, one of the boys having to swim the pond twice. St. Mary’s made a fine effort to retain the shield, but Richardson was a little too much for Borthwick in the last lap.

Berwick Grammar School, Golden Square, Berwick-upon-Tweed, 1927

The girls were very excited, and were off the mark before the signal was given, and owing to the cheers of their supporters were almost halfway across the pond before they heard the starter calling them back again. When they got going again it looked as if the National School “A” team were likely winners till the last journey across the pond when, amid great excitement. Peggy Richardson overhauled the National School girl only just in time to retain the shield for St. Mary’s for another year, winning by about a yard. She is a sister of the boy who swam for the Grammar School.

Mr Brotherton acted as honorary secretary in place of Mr T. Oliver, who was unable to be present, and also acted as starter. The Rev. S. E. R. Fenning and Capt. D. Hebenton acted as judges. At the close of the races the shields and prizes were presented by Mr Fenning, who was thanked for his services by Mr. A. Leach, headmaster of St. Mary’s School.

+ More