Berwick Petty Sessions

This Week in World War One, 6 October 1916

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 6 OCTOBER 1916

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

 

A Naval Offender – Edward Hay, leading seaman, H.M. motor launch, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Church Street. He admitted that he was only drunk. P.C. Spiers said the offence took place at eleven o’clock. Prisoner said he had no ship and no home to go home to, and began to get abusive. – Sergeant Wilson corroborated. – Captain Norman said the whole world owed much to the noble service accused belonged to, and he hoped it would be a warning to him not to come there again.

Drunk and Disorderly – Catherine Lovelle, Berwick, was charged with being drunk and disorderly. She said she had been left a widow 18 months ago, had never applied to the Guardians for relief, and if she had made a mistake she had suffered for it. The Chief Constable said there were 15 previous convictions. These commenced in 1885, but she had not been before the Court since 8th January, 1913. Fined 5s or seven days, and a fortnight allowed to pay.

William Wood, temperance hotel keeper, High Street, was charged with having failed to obscure his window lights on the 26th Sept. He pleaded not guilty. Sergt. McRobb gave evidence as to the offence. The lights came from the back premises and witness was accompanied by P.C. Spiers. It was a white-washed yard, and the light shone very bright. When defendant’s attention was called to the matter he would not listen to the witness, remarking that he could prove different. The lights were reduced before defendant came out.

BRO 1250-93 WOOD'S HOTEL, 1959
BRO 1250-93 WOOD’S HOTEL, 1959

 

– Defendant repudiated this, saying he could prove differently. – P.C. Spiers corroborated, and said one window had no blind at all. – Defendant, addressing the Bench, said that the offence had been very much exaggerated. – The Chief Constable said that the defendant had been already admonished. He had no desire to be vindictive and he admitted Mr Wood might have a difficulty in superintending his lights in such a business as he was engaged. – Capt. Norman said defendant had no exercised the care he should have, and he would be fined 25s. Defendant explained that on one occasion the offence complained of was caused by a gentleman who was undressing and going to bed. The gentleman had opened the window, causing the blind to flutter. – The Chief Constable said in such a case the gentleman complained of would be summoned.

 

RAILWAY CARRIAGES

 

Mr Smith referred to how strictly we were watched at home and abroad in regard to lights shown a night while all the time at night the railway carriages came along showing quite a glare from the door window. It was absurd for the railway company to order blinds down while having the centre window without any blinds. If any passenger did not shut down the side blinds they were liable to a fine, and yet there were only two-thirds blinded and one third of the carriage a blaze, as that part was opposite the lamps. He thought it ridiculous that the public should be put under these regulations so well enforced on the streets and respecting their houses, and yet these express rains from Edinburgh a blaze of light passing their homes. The whole country was illuminated by the light from trains. It was a shame and disgrace that these rains should go up and down the country in these times so brilliant.

The Chairman – You cannot expect much consistency in Government regulations.

Mr Smith urged the sending of a petition against the bright lights on trains.

Mr Westgarth felt, as did also the Chairman that as good a purpose would be served by the matter being ventilated through the Press. The matter then dropped and his concluded the business.

CHESWICK

 

The children of the above school subscribe, four shillings and seven pence towards the

Jack-Cornwell-VC-aged-16-was-fatally-wounded-by-shrapnel-aboard-HMS-Chester
Jack-Cornwell-VC-aged-16-was-fatally-wounded-by-shrapnel-aboard-HMS-Chester

“Jack Cornwell Memorial” on Thursday, September 21st, 1916. I will be remembered the

boy, Jack Cornwell was in the Battle of Jutland, and though losing his life, his heroism will be long remembered. Collections have also been made by the scholars for the National Sailors’ Society, 34 Prince Street, Bristol, a society doing useful work for our sailors. The names of those who volunteered for collecting cards are as follows:- Robert Glahome, Cheswick Farm, 10s; James McLeod, Oxford, 16s 6d; Elizabeth Wedderburn, Goswick Station, 5s 3d; James R. Ferry, Sandbanks, 8s 8d; Robert Johnson, Sandbanks, 5s 3d; James Black, Berryburn, 11s 3d; Joseph White, New Haggerston Smithy, 6s; John Henderson, Cheswick Farm, 6s; Joan Grahamslaw, Windmill Hill Farm, 5; John Turner, Berryburn, 14s; Jane Jackson, Windmill Hill Farm, 5s 3d. The total amount collected, £4 13s 2d, has been duly forwarded to the Secretary.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

The Playhouse. – The  great attraction at the Playhouse this weekend is the exhibition of the great official war film, “The Battle of the Somme,” which the Playhouse management somme-film-adhave secured at great cost. “The Battle of the Somme” is the greatest moving picture in the world, the greatest that has ever been produced. Where ever it is shown it should make an end in the minds of men to the pretentions of pompous princes who have long claimed the right as the “All Highest” to doom their fellow creatures to suffering and destruction for the gratification of their mad ambitions. It is impossible to believe that the world will ever forget this picture. Its impressions will never fade from the memory of this generation. Men who see it will never talk lightly of war again. In this picture the world will obtain some idea of what it costs in human suffering to put down the “Devil’s Domination.” The doors are being opened 15 minutes earlier to allow all seats to be secured previous to commencement. The final episode in the great Trans-Atlantic film, “Greed” will be shown in the earlier half of next week, and it will be accompanied by another powerful drama – “The Vindication.” On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday next week there will be shown “The Wandering Jew, “ a powerful adaptation of Eugene Sue’s world renowned novel and play. The variety entertainment will be supplied by Harry Drew, the famous Welsh Basso in his monologue and vocal – “Over Forty

 

This Week in World War One, 8 September 1916

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 8 SEPTEMBER 1916

 

TWEEDSIDE POET HONOURED

BY

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BRITISH POETRY

 

Thomas Grey, poet. © Unknown Newcastle-upon-Tyne Photographic Studio
Thomas Grey, poet. © Unknown Newcastle-upon-Tyne Photographic Studio

 

It is with pleasure we announce the election of Mr Thomas Grey, Church Road, Tweedmouth, as a Fellow of the International Institute of British Poetry, and we are sure our readers will join us in congratulating one who has been a regular contributor to our columns upon the well-deserved honour which has come to him unsought.

The Institute was founded in April of this year. Dr Chas. F. Forshaw, F.R.S.I., being the prime mover in the matter and the actual founder of the Institute. The idea of such an Institute had long been with him a cherished ambition, and this year being the Tercentenary of the death of Shakespeare and also the Tercentenary of the death of Cervantes and the centenary of the birth of Charlotte Bronte, he determined to carry it into execution. His experience as an anthologist of more than a generation’s standing had brought him into communication with thousands of poets in all walks of life and with fully a thousand he came into personal contact. Had it not been for the war, the Institute would have made greater progress, but it is safe to say that few could, by their unaided influence, have secured a more representative list of literateurs. The aims of the Institute are many and conducive to human happiness, elevation, learning, and interesting occupation, and full particulars and privileges of Fellowship may be obtained by applicants suitable for election, on application to our worthy townsman, Mr Grey.

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

TUESDAY

Before David Herriot and Thomas Wilson, Esquires.

 ABSENTEE FROM THE ARMY

James A. Dixon (39), private, 7th N.F., was charged with being an absentee from the Army. He pleaded guilty.

Chief Constable Nicholson explained that a telegram had been received from the officer commanding the Company in which accused was serving to apprehend him, and he was found on the Parade by Constable Spiers.

Constable Spiers deponed that he me the accused on the Parade a 2.45 on the previous day and charged him with being an absentee. The accused replied that he had been waiting in Berwick for a railway pass to take him to his Company, but it had never came.

Chief Constable Nicholson said if the accused had applied to him he would have supplied him with a pass. There had, however, been a considerable amount of trouble with this man.

In answer to Mr Herriot the accused said he was under Major Gillespie’s command. He had been a fortnight out of the hospital at Newcastle, and came to Berwick, where he had been a week.

It was agreed to remand the accused, pending the arrival of a military escort, and to recommend Constable Spiers to the usual award of 5s for apprehending the prisoner.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Wreck on the Farnes.- The Norwegian steamer Gustav Vigeland was totally wrecked on the Knavestone Rock, Farne Islands early on Tuesday morning during a northerly gale. The whole of the crew, 21 in number, were landed at Seahouses, 12 by the North Sunderland lifeboat and nine by the Holy Island lifeboat. On landing the crew were taken charge of by the local agent of the Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners’ Royal Benevolent Society, and lodged at the Bamburgh Castle Hotel in the care of Mrs Cuthbertson. The vessel was 1,336 tons net register, owned by Messrs Ellingson and Johnannsen, Bergen, and in the charge of Captain N. J. Nielsen. She was timber laden from Archangel to London. Since December, 1914, North Sunderland lifeboat Foster Fawsett has saved 75 lives. The crew left for Newcastle yesterday on their way home.

Piper Laidlaw, V.C. – On Saturday last the inmates of the Glendale Union Workhouse were entertained by Piper Laidlaw, V.C., who is a present spending a well-earned holiday at his home in Doddington village.

An early photograph of Doddington village in Northumberland, where Piper Laidlaw,lived in 1916. © NRO 5176-33
An early photograph of Doddington village in Northumberland, where Piper Laidlaw,lived in 1916. © NRO 5176-33

 

The company were assembled in the Dining Room, where the gallant piper delighted his audience with selections on the bagpipes and his racy and cheery remarks were equally appreciated. Mr Allan supplemented the soldier’s efforts with selections on the violin. An aged inmate (75 years old), danced a hornpipe in a manner which was really wonderful for one of his age. Miss M. Allan then danced the Highland Fling in excellent style. Piper Laidlaw also visited the sick wards speaking a few kindly words to each patient. Mrs Laidlaw and four children were also present. Mr Fanthorpe (master) proposed a vote of thanks to Piper Laidlaw and the others for their presence, and so kindly entertaining them. Hearty cheers were then given for the Loos hero, his visit having given great delight to all the inmates.

 

THE LATE LIEUT.-COL. FORSTER, FORMERLY OF SANSON SEAL

 

The death is announced a Brunswick House, Exmouh, at the age of 76 of Lieut-Colonel James Edward Forster, formerly of Sanson Seal, Berwick-upon-Tweed.

The late Colonel Forster, a member of an old Berwick family, was born at Berwick-on-Tweed (of which Borough he was a freeman) on 4th 1840, and received his commission as an Ensign in the 3rd Regiment of foot (the Buffs) on 18th March, 1858. He became Lieutenant in June 1862, Captain in August, 1867, and Major in January 1831.

Coat of Arms of The Buffs as inscribed on a grave in Stanley Military Cemetery, Hong Kong.
Coat of Arms of The Buffs as inscribed on a grave in Stanley Military Cemetery, Hong Kong.

 

He served with the regiment in Malta, Gibraltar, the West Indies, Ireland, India, Natal and Singapore, and retired with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel, in September 1881.

He was on active service with the 2nd Battalion throughout the Zulu Campaign in South Africa in 1879, being  present at the battle of Inzeyane and in Elkowe, during the investment there of the late Major General Sir Charles Pearson’s force.

Colonel Forster was mentioned in despatches for his services in that campaign, and received the South African Medal (1879) with clasp.

On retiring from the Army, Colonel Forster resided for a time a Sanson Seal, of which he was owner, but subsequently made his home a Exmouth, where he died.

His departure from the town, as well as that of his sisters, Mr Riddell and Miss Forster, was a considerable loss to the community. He late Colonel’s family was one well known for its beneficence, and all his life Colonel Forster remained a liberal contributor to some of the  most deserving institutions in Berwick. As a landlord he was considerate and just, and his interest in all that appertained to the well-being of his farming tenants was never-failing. He was a fine type of squire, sportsman and citizen, and he came to his end as he wished, his mental activity unabated, and, although suffering from effects of a recent illness, still able to take his part in the circle of friendship which was his in the seaside town in which he was so well known.

This Week in World War One, 19 May 1916

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 19 MAY 1916

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Mine Sweepers’ Pensions – The Admiralty have intimated that all mine sweepers injured in the course of duty, and not through culpable negligence, will receive a pension of twenty five shillings weekly, if totally incapacitated, and ten and sixpence if partially disabled, together with half-a-crown for each child. In the event of being killed, his widow will receive a weekly allowance varying from ten shillings to sixteen and sixpence, with a graduated scale for each child.

Different types of sea mines at the German Marine Museum. © Photographer - euro-t-guide.com.
Different types of sea mines at the German Marine Museum. © Photographer – euro-t-guide.com.

 

THE RISE IN FOOD PRICES

55 per cent. Since Beginning of War

 

The Board of Trade Labour Gazette, dealing with retail prices of food in the United Kingdom, states that on May 1 values showed an increase of about 4 per cent. as compared with April 1. Both beef and mutton indicated a rise of about 6 per cent., or from ½d to ¾d per lb, on the average. Potatoes showed an increase on the month of 42 per cent., whilst the increase in the tax on sugar was reflected in a rise in the retail price of about 10 per cent., or ½d per lb. The average prices of fish, bacon, and cheese were slightly higher at May 1 than a month earlier. Tea, milk, butter, and margarine showed little change in price, apart from an increase from 5d to 6d per quart of milk in a great part of London. The seasonal decline in the price of eggs continued. As compared with 1st May, 1915, the general level of prices showed an increase of about 23 per cent.

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

UNUSUAL CASE OF BRIGHT LIGHTS

 

Peter Richardson, Jun., Berwick, electrician, was charged with having on 8th May, failed to obscure light.

It appeared from statement by the Chief Constable that the accused was left in charge of the house of the Manager of the Electric Works at Bridge Terrace. He had visited the house during the day, and while doing so he had turned the light on, omitting to switch it off again. In the evening the light was observed by soldiers on guard at Bridge End, who ineffectually rung the bell.

A photograph taken in 1906 of the Berwick end of the Berwick Bridge, where soldiers observed the 'Bright Lights' ten years later in 1916. © Berwick Record Office.
A photograph taken in 1906 of the Berwick end of the Berwick Bridge, where soldiers observed the ‘Bright Lights’ ten years later in 1916. © Berwick Record Office.

 

Police Constable Spiers was called, and got the accused out of bed and had the light extinguished.

The Chief Constable mentioned it was an unusual case, and he pressed for no vindictive sentence. The accused was 18 years of age. Fined 2s 6d

 

PRESENTATION OF SILVER CUP TO CAPTAIN EVELYN CARR

Interesting Function at Scremerston

 

There was a large and popular gathering of the villagers of Scremerston on Friday evening last in the Miners’ Institute for the purpose of welcoming and honouring Captain J. Evelyn Carr, Manager of the Colliery Company, presently home on leave from the Front.

The gallant Captain has been on active service since August 1914, and notwithstanding his arduous experiences he looked fit and well.

It was fittingly decided to present Captain Carr with a solid silver cup, a replica of the famous gold cup offered by the Highland Agricultural Society at their show held at Hawick in 1914. This cup is valued at 300 guineas, and was won by Capt. Carr with a rare exhibit of Leicester sheep entered against all comers in this particular class.

The presentation cup was filled by the Capt., and the company entertained to cake and wine.

Scremerston Colliery Silver Band - © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1753-2a.
Scremerston Colliery Silver Band – © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1753-2a.

 

Mr Geo. W. Glahome presided, and during the evening a fine musical programme was sustained, a prominent feature being the Scremerston Silver Band under Mr Allan. The Scremerston Sketch Party submitted a short comedy, entitled “The Designing Woman,” which was greatly appreciated. Mr Whitfiled acted as leader of the party, and Misses Mason, Whitefiled, Jeanie Davidson, Messrs John Moore and Robert Foster all acted as capable artistes. Other songs were contributed. Among others present were Mrs Carr, Mr John Mitchell, Ancroft Town farm; Mr John Black, etc.

Captain Carr left for the Front on Sunday night.

 

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