Berwick Advertiser

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 6 JULY 1923

BOYS’ BRIGADE LIFE AT SEAHOUSES

LIEUT.-COL. PARMETER INSPECTS

On the glistening ridge of the Northumberland coast at Seahouses, some three hundred sturdy specimens of British youth, members of the Newcastle Battalion Boys’ Brigade, radiant and ruddy from training under canvas, were on Thursday inspected and congratulated by Lieut.-Colonel N. L. Parmeter, T.D.

The lads, who are under the command of Cadet Lieut.-Colonel Gerald A. France, were drawn up in line as Lieut.-Colonel Parmeter, who was accompanied by Captain Waugh, of the Territorial Association, arrived. The “march past” and saluting of the flag was carried through, and in addition to noting the personal turn-out of the unit, the Lieut.-Colonel witnessed a smart display of battalion drill and a squad exhibition of physical training under Lieut. Tocock.

Seahouses, Main Street c.1900. Reference: BRO 426-1208

Addressing the boys, Lieut.-Colonel Parmeter expressed his appreciation of the efficiency he had discovered upon his first visit as inspecting officer for the county. Such training, he observed, was of fine assistance in after-life, and not the least valuable influence was that of discipline. The brigade was controlled by voluntary officers who, he reminded them, devoted great time and effort towards the welfare and upliftment of the lads, and he urged the latter to realise that fact and to show their appreciation by their actions and behaviour.

Other battalion officers present at the inspection were Cadet major W. Lunn, M. C., Cadet-Captain and Adjutant N. Stewart, and Cadet. Major F. R. H. Laverick (medical officer).

Apart from the essential duties and precautions, the brigade members during the week were granted the maximum amount of freedom. Swimming parties were organised under competent charge, and in the afternoon and evening leave was invariably given. There were multifarious attractions in the camp itself. An inter-company football competition was held. A route march to the picturesque castle at Bamburgh proved a red-letter event, and a small excursion sailed round the Farnes. The inhabitants of the village too were treated to a camp concert in the large marquee.

LOCAL NEWS

An attractive Guide Book to Berwick-on-Tweed has been published under the auspices of the Town Council by Martin’s Printing Works. The guide, which is well advertised and illustrated, hives an interesting historical account of the town, and gives much valuable information to the visitor. There is also a few notes on the industrial side of the town and the necessity of an improved harbour is emphasised.

The Following are the official figures of unemployment in Berwick and district for the past week: Berwick, 288 men ( last week 227),  3 boys ( last week 1 ), 53 women ( last week 26), 3 girls (2 last week); Coldstream, 12 men (13 last week), 2 women ( 1 last week ); Duns, 13 men ( 16 last week), 3 women ( same as last week); and  Eyemouth, 49 men (same as last week), 2 boys ( same), 115 women (same), and 4 girls (same).

How traffic on a railway may become dislocated as a result of a minor mishap was demonstrated on Thursday last at Berwick station when the points of the up line near the signal cabin on the Bridge went wrong. What made matters worse was that a large crowd of Sunday School children, who were to have gone from Berwick Station with the afternoon train, were held up until repairs were effected. Golfers going with the slow to Goswick were also held up, and after waiting about the platform they discovered a “relief train” had run from Tweedmouth leaving them stranded. They however managed to get to Goswick by motor.

Berwick Railway Station early 1900s. Reference: BRO 1636-10-013

The annual report of the directors of the Berwick and Tweedmouth gaslight Company, which has just been issued, states that the works and plant during the past year have been maintained in good order and repair. The nett profit realised is £1327 3s 2d; of this sum the directors recommend that £1086 be disbursed as a dividend. The dividend warrants will be sent out on July 25th, and the bankers will pay their value on presentation. The directors retiring by rotation are Messrs R. p. Lee, R. R. Riddell, and H. R. Peters. They are eligible for re-election and offer themselves accordingly. The auditor (Mr Stokoe) also solicits his re-appointment.

LAWN TENNIS

Spittal Tennis Club played their return fixture with Belford on Wednesday evening, when Belford ran out winners by 78 games to 71. The visitors were entertained after the match.

The match arranged with Mrs Leather’s team and the Berwick Club for Monday was postponed.

Mrs D. M. Dodds has taken over the secretarial duties of Berwick Tennis Club from Miss K.D. Mackay.

This week’s “Lawn Tennis” gives a description of R. D. Watson’s fight with W. M. Johnston in the singles championship at Wimbledon. Watson is described as a left-handed player with a free style and a penchant for hard hitting and volleying. He was a potential champion some years ago, but never got enough play in championship company. Now he is by no means in his first youth, and having filled out somewhat, has not the staying power he might desire. Nevertheless, he fought a plucky uphill fight, doing better in the first two sets than the score indicated, and compelling the American to go all out to win in the third.

Tennis Courts at Berwick-upon-Tweed. c.1900. Reference: BRO 426-457

The score in this set was at one time 4-2 in Johnston’s favour; it looked to be going 6-2, when Watson, mainly by means of daring drives (equal to Johnston’s best) which often beat the American completely, whether he stayed back or came up, drew level at 4-4 and again at 5-5. Watson then gained the lead at 6-5 and was a little unlucky to lose it, and ultimately the set at 7-9. In the last three games, however; he was pretty thoroughly “cooked.” Johnston must have been glad to find in him such an unexpectedly doughty opponent. The encounter served as a good “turn-up” for harder ones in store.

R.D. WATSON SELECTED

The team chosen to represent England in the International match with Ireland, on July 16 and 17, will include R. D. Watson, the well-known Northumbrian player, who gave an excellent display against W. M. Johnston, the American crack, at Wimbledon last week.

WOOLER GOLF COURSE

EXTENSION TO EIGHTEEN HOLES

FORMAL OPENING

Brilliant weather favoured the formal opening of the extended golf course from one of nine to a full course of 18 holes on Thursday last by Mr Noel Villiers, the president of the Club. There was a large assembly of well-known golfers present from all parts of the county, including representatives from Alnwick, Rothbury, Warkworth, Coldstream, Morpeth, Wallsend, Gosforth, etc., in addition to a strong contingent of local players. Amongst those present were Mr A. B. Collingwood, ….. Tower; Ald. G. G. Rae, C.B.E., both presidents; Dr Dey (Captain), Mrs Dey, Mr T. and Mrs Dodds, Earle; Dr Fulton, Lord Bennett, Chillingham Castle; Mr St. Paul Butler, Berry, Ho. Secretary of the Northumberland Union of Golf Clubs, with which the Wooler Club is affiliated; Mr A. Greathead, Vice-Captain; Mr C. W. Redpath, Hon. Secretary; Mr J. S. Mason, Match Secretary, etc.

In declaring the course open, Mr Villiers briefly described the history of the Wooler Golf Club since its formation in 1893. The late Ald. G. Rea was its first President, Mr A. H. leather Culley its first Captain, Mr R. G. Stewart its first Treasurer, and the present Ald. G. G. Rea acted as Secretary. At that time there were about 70 members, since which it has gone on progressing until now, when it has a membership of over 170. They had been fortunate in their landlords, first the late Earl of Tankerville, then the present Earl and Mr Bruce, who had always treated them very well. They now had to thank Mr T. Dodds for allowing them to play over his land, and who had rendered every assistance to the Club. Thanks, were also due to the Greens Committee and their groundsman on the satisfactory manner in which the course had been laid out, the work of laying the greens and clearing the fairway, etc. Perhaps the greens might not be up to the standard of the old ones, but he expected they would be so by another year. They could congratulate themselves on possessing a beautiful course, which was second to none for its lovely surroundings with the magnificent panoramic views to be obtained. Full advantage had been taken of the natural hazards. Golf had many advantages over other more strenuous games. Having dealt with the introduction of golf into England, Mr Villiers referred to the presence of Mr Harrison, the County Amateur Champion, and said no doubt he and the other players would receive a hearty welcome. He concluded by wishing the club continued success and then drove off a ball at the first tee amid cheers.

Dr Dey, in proposing a vote of thanks to Mr Villiers, referred to the valued services rendered to the Club during the ten years he had been president, and on behalf of the members of the Club presented him with an antique silver bowl. Mr Villiers, in reply, said he was much surprised to receive their gift, which would remind him of many pleasant times spent amongst them, and although he was leaving the immediate neighbourhood, he would not be so far away but that he might continue to meet them occasionally. (Cheers)

Subsequently a series of competitions took place, and a feature of the play was the brilliant performance of Mr J. J. Harrison, the Amateur Champion of Northumberland, who went round the 18 holes in 69, or one stroke below bogey, thus winning the scratch prize. The second best was 79, returned by A. Henderson, of the Wooler Club, who is a promising player.

The visitors were entertained to tea by the Wooler members, the tables being presided over by the ladies of the club, who are always ready to render assistance in this or any other manner for the benefit of the Club. The prizes were afterwards presented by Mr R. F. Henderson, and one of the Morpeth representatives viced the feelings of the visitors for the kind hospitality shown them that day, which had been such an enjoyable outing.

DEVICE FOR SPEEDING-UP LOCOMOTIVES

Hailing from the United States, an appliance known as the “Booster,” for the speeding-up of locomotives, is shortly to be adopted for the first time on British railways. The London and North-Eastern Company, says Modern Transport, have decided to instal it on one of their Great Northern “Atlantic” passenger engines working to and from King’s Cross.

The “Booster” consists of a small auxiliary steam engine, which is placed under the footplate of the locomotive. This drives the axle of the small trailing wheels by means of spur gearing. The engine driver admits steam to the “Booster” cylinders when starting a heavy train or when climbing a steep gradient, but when the speed attains about 20 miles per hour, the “Booster” is automatically cut out of action.

Like an automobile in low gear, the “Booster” applies its extra power smoothly, avoiding the jerks that a big engine otherwise must give when getting into motion. It is claimed for the “Booster” that it is as good as an extra pair of driving wheels without their extra weight.

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 11TH MAY 1923

BERWICK ( RAVENSDOWNE) BOWLING CLUB PAVILLION OPENED

There was a good gathering of members and ladies on Saturday afternoon on the Ravensdowne bowling green to see the Hon. President open the pavilion which has been put up out of the funds obtained at last year’s bazaar. Mr Carstairs, the Secretary, opened the proceedings by announcing apologies for absence from the Mayor, the Sheriff, Mr P. M. Henderson, County Alderman Thomas Darling, and Mr H. R. Smail. He was glad, however, to see such a good company on a unique occasion for the working men of Bewick, and he was particularly glad to see the ladies to whom they owed so much for their work at the bazaar. They had now a green which was second to none and a pavilion to be proud of: When their late President, Mr Alex. Darling, had suggested that the honours should go round, the members decided that there was only one man to follow him, and that was Mr Redpath. He was the best worker the club had had at its bazaar, and it was mainly though him that they were there that day.

Image showing Public Bowling Green

Mr R. Logan, acting President, in calling upon Mr Redpath to open the pavilion, said :- ladies and gentlemen, we are delighted to have such a splendid turn-out this afternoon, and more so by having the presence of the Mayoress, at the opening of our new pavilion. Our secretary has given you a full report of what has been done with the money which was raised at the bazaar held last year, and we as members of Ravensdowne Club must thank all those ladies and gentlemen who gave their valuable time and assistance. Had it not been for them I do not think we should have had this pavilion. We have met here to ask our Honorary president, who you all know is a lover of sport, and who gave his valuable time from business to accept the life membership of the club and this silver key with which to open our new pavilion. (Applause).

Mr Walker, ex-President, proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Redpath for the pleasant way he had spoken and also opened the door, and he thanked the ladies, who had worked well from the highest to the lowest, and without whom there would have been no bazaar.

Tea was then served in the large room of the pavilion to the ladies. Just before the last batch of players had finished their tea, Mr Jackson, the genial Secretary of Spittal Club for their kindly hospitality. He had (and he was sure they all had) spent a very pleasant afternoon, and he congratulated those in charge of the arrangements for the way everything had passed off.

ANOTHER PRESENTATION

Later on in the evening a very interesting little ceremony took place. This was a presentation to Mr James Mace on the occasion of his marriage. A keen bowler and a very useful member of the club (especially when there is anything to be done), he showed his worth during the alterations and extensions to the green. Mr R. Logan handed over the gifts – a silver cake dish, a cruet, and a butter dish- and in doing so extended to Mr Mace his own best wishes and the best wishes of the members. In a few words Mr Mace thanked the members for their very unexpected gifts – appreciated all the more on the account – and Mr Logan for his good wishes.

A little more play ended what might truthfully be termed “a perfect day.”

A FIGHT OVER A LADY

At Duns Sheriff Court of Friday before Sheriff Macaulay Smith,

John Wilson, Abbey Road, Coldstream, and Thomas J. White, Homebank, Eccles, were charged with having at Birgham Hall on the night of the 14th April committed a breach of the peace by fighting. Both pled guilty.

The Depute Procurator Fiscal stated that the accused, Wilson, was dancing with a partner when White pushed a lady. There was a heated conversation, and both accused went out and had a stand up fight. After the dance they had again been fighting.

Neither of the accused had anything to say and each was fined 10s.

HOOLIGANISM AT LADYKIRK

John Gibson, Richard Malcolm, William Smith, Alexander Robson, John B. Robson, and Frederick Anderson, all of Norham-on-Tweed, pled guilty to committing a breach of the peace at Fountain Cottage, Ladykirk.

It appeared from the statement of the Procurator that an old man named Smith and his wife resided at this cottage. They were considerably annoyed by these young men congregating about the door and throwing stones. Apparently, they had come over the Border from Norham. The old man was afraid of his wife’s health and had informed the police.

His lordship characterised the offence as sheer hooliganism and said these young men would have to realis that this sort of thing would not be put up with. He had difficulty in not sending them to prison. Fined 10s each. Fines paid.

THE CHILLINGHAM CASTLE ESTATE SALE

NEARLY £80,000 REALISED

MESSRS John D. Wood and Co., who conducted the recent sale of portions of the Chillingham Castle estate, announce that the total sum realised to date amounts to between £70,000 and £80,000. Negotiations are proceeding for the sale of several of the remaining lots, and it seems probable that the whole of the outlying portions of this historic estate will be disposed of.

BRO 2788/2/2 Outlying Portions of The Chillingham Castle Estate

The auctioneers state that the following lots have now been sold :- Lot 1 – Chillingham Newton Mill farm, over 43 acres, near Ilderton. Lot 2- Chillingham Newton Farm, over 700 acres, near Ilderton. Lot 3 – Fowberry Park Farm, over 875 acres, near Wooler. Lot 5 – Accommodation grass, over 2 acres, Wooler. Lot 6 – Accommodation land, over 3 acres, Wooler. Lot 7 – Freehold ground rent, Wooler. Lot 12 – Thornington Farm, over 652 acres, near Mindrum Station. Lot 13 – Elwick Farm, over 845 acres, near Belford. Lot 14 – Ross Farm, over 1,738 acres, near Belford.

CHATTON FARMER SENT TO PRISON

Claude Herbert Hedley, farmer, Henlaw, Chatton, was charged at Alnwick Petty Sessions on Saturday with three simultaneous offences, first, with being drunk and disorderly while in charge of a motor car; secondly, with driving the car to the danger of the public; and third, driving a car without having a driver’s license between Newton-on-the-Moor and Felton on April 30. The offences proved by P.C. Nelson.

BRO 515/50 View of Chatton. nd.

Hedley, who had had his driving license suspended for five years at Alnwick Court some months ago, was committed to prison for one month in the second division. At Belford Petty Sessions in November, his license was suspended for six months, and he was fines the maximum penalty of £2.

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 27TH APRIL 1923

INQUEST OF THE LATE MARK THOMPSON

VERDICT OF ACCIDENTAL DEATH

In Howick Reading Room of Thursday last Mr Hugh J. Percy, deputy coroner for North Northumberland, held an inquest touching the death of Mark Thompson, whose body was washed up by the sea near Howick on Wednesday morning.

Hector Thompson, of 5 Old Colliery, Scremerston, deposed – I identify the body of deceased as that of my brother, Mark Thompson, late of 7 Derwentwater Terrace, Scremerston, a motor driver, and a single man aged 34 years. I identify the body by reason of a long blue scar on the left leg which he got as the result of an accident about six years ago. He has had no troubles – mental or physical, and he was always healthy and in good spirits. He left Scremerston in charge of a motor lorry bound for Howick on the 21st March. He was dressed in blue overalls. I have never seen him since.

BRO 0515-211 Scremerston, showing colliery in the background

Robert Dixon Gray said – I live at Howick Red Steads. On the 22nd march I was on the highway near to Howick Lodge when I saw a man dressed in blue overalls about 34 years of age, clean shaven, about 9.30 a.m. In answer to his inquiry I directed him to where a wrecked submarine lay on the rocks near to Howick Point. He left me going in that direction. The tide would be low about 11 o’clock. He was quite sober and in normal cheerful spirits.

Benjamin mason said – I am a roadman, and when on the Howick to Craster road about 7 a.m. on the 18th April I looked over on the beach and saw the body of a man lying. He was naked and the head off the body and nowhere to be seen. I gave warning at once to the police. The body was about 15 years below high-water mark. The tide was about half ebb.

P.C. A Robertson, Longhoughton, said :- I was informed at 11p.m. on the 23rd March that Mark Thompson was missing from Howick Red Steads, and that he had left his work the previous day to go and see the submarine. I searched the submarine but found nothing. On the 16th April the overalls (produced) were washed up on the beach near to Howick Point. I examined the body on receipt of the report and found the headless body of a man with a scar on the left leg. The body was bruised but had no serious wounds. The right hand was off.

Reference; OS 1st ED ROLL 7 Howick, showing Howick Red Stead.

The Coroner reviewed the evidence up to the finding of the body, headless, one hand off, and battered about by the sea and rocks. That body was identified to his complete satisfaction by reason of a scar on the left leg, as being that of Mark Thompson. That was all, really, that they knew about the case, or probably could ever be told. The utmost he could do was to infer from the evidence, and piece together, probabilities of what had happened. There were three alternatives; one was that Mark Thompson had met his death by foul play through the agency of some person, but he (Mr Percy) saw no probability of any such thing having occurred, and in any case, Thompson was a man who probably could hold his own in any interference with any person. There were also the alternatives of accident and suicide. Mental troubles or physical troubles did not apply in the least to Mark Thompson. He was cheery and of happy disposition. That was borne out by the witness Gray, who told them that he was cheerful and in normal spirits when he left him to go and see the submarine. They knew the position of the submarine; they knew there were dangers, and they knew how fierce and terrible were the suctions and currents of the sea at that particular place, and he did not think he would be erring if he drew the following inference from the evidence :- That in trying to get aboard, or being aboard, he slipped off, and was perhaps stunned or hurt and was unable to get up, and was sucked under the water and drowned.

A verdict was returned that “deceased was accidentally drowned whilst inspecting a wrecked submarine at Howick Rocks on 22nd March 1923.”

MEDICAL OFFICER’S QUARTERLY REPORT

In his report for the quarter ended 31st March, 1923, the Medical Officer (Dr P. W. Maclagan) stated:- There were registered during the period 63 births and 32 deaths, giving a birth rate of 20.48 and a death rate of 10.33. This is a higher birth rate and a lower death rate than the previous quarter and compared with the quarter ended March of last year we have 19 fewer births and 25 fewer deaths. The exceptionally low death rate for this quarter is a good start for 1923. Twenty-one patients were admitted to hospital during the quarter. These consisted of 19 borough patients, viz., 14 scarlet fever, 4 diphtheria, and 1 encephalitis lethargica, and 2 patients (one scarlet fever) and one (diphtheria) from Norham and Islandshire district. All the scarlet fever and diphtheria patients have made good recoveries. The case of encephalitis lethargica is the first of the kind reported in this borough. This patient was a roadman chiefly employed on the Paxton road. He had been admitted in the first instance to the Infirmary for observation and treatment, but when the nature of his illness became evident, he was transferred on the 10th March to the Isolation Hospital. Encephalitis lethargica is a notifiable infectious disease and was therefore removed to the Isolation Hospital. It is only very slightly infectious, and no further cases need be anticipated. Three months ago, there were one or two cases of smallpox in Northumberland, and I considered it advisable to make chickenpox notifiable in order that I might be in a position to receive notice of any suspicious case. There have been no fresh cases of smallpox in the County and I do not think it necessary to continue this precaution.

BERWICK PETTY SESSION’S

CHILDREN’S COURT – WEDNESDAY

Before D. H. W. Askew, G. N. Broadbent, Chas. Forsyth, Theo. Bolus. Esqs., and Miss Henderson.

A Berwick boy who has been remanded on two occasions on a charge of discharging a catapult on the Walls and was detained for certification under the Mental Deficiency Act, again appeared before the bench. The boy, who was accompanied by his father, sobbed bitterly during the hearing.

The Superintendent outlined the case and said since last Court he had written to the Committee of the Feeble-Minded Colony at Prudhoe Hall, enclosing the certificate from Dr Caverhill, which had been previously presented to the Bench. Mr Mitchell, the representative of the Committee, was now present and would be prepared to give the bench any further information.

The father of the boy asked permission to give the bench certain information in the course of which he said, while his son was at school, he (witness) had not been satisfied with what he was learning. He went to the school and saw the former headmaster, Mr O’Connell, who put the boy on a form and made him read from a book. The boy read what he was told to read all right. Mr O’Connell said the boy was doing all right. Even when Mr Johnston was headmaster witness was told that the boy was ding fairly well. Still witness was not satisfied with what the boy had picked up. He could hardly write his name, or say his a.b.c’s. It was entirely due to the serious accident he had sustained 11 years ago at Haddington when his skull was fractured.

Reference: OS 3RD ED 102 NW Section showing Prudhoe Hall, c.1924

Mr Bolus – You told us at a previous court the boy had learned nothing, yet you tell us now that the teachers were satisfied with him.

Witness – That was what Mr O’Connell told me.

Mr Bolus – Your statement today is contradicting what you said then.

Witness – What I meant was that the boy had not learned as he should have learned, all through his accident.

The Superintendent – But you agree to the boy going to this home.

Witness- I think it will be the best thing for him, but his mother is very cut up about it.

The Superintendent – I quite understand her feelings, but you agree it will be for his good to go there.

Mr Mitchell, of the Prudhoe Hall Colony, read Dr Caverhill’s certificate which stated that he had attended the boy at Haddington over nine years ago after a serious accident. This accident, in Dr Caverhill’s opinion, was the direct cause of the boy’s mental condition, which he found to be deficient. In his opinion the boy was not responsible for his actions.

Inrepky to a question by the Chairman, the father said he was prepared to contribute 4s per week towards the boy’s keep at Prudhoe Hall, the figure mentioned by Mr Mitchell.

Miss Henderson and Mr Askew assured the father that the boy would have every chance at Prudhoe, which was charmingly situated and had very fine grounds. In addition to being taught a trade the boy would get plenty opportunity for sport, cricket, football, etc. Miss Henderson kindly offered to have a talk with the boy’s mother and tell how well he would be looked after there, and that every facility would be given for his parents to see him from time to time. The bench made the necessary order for the boy to go to Prudhoe Hall and dismissed the charge of discharging stones from a catapult.

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