Berwick Petty Sessions Archives - Page 13 of 14

This Week in World War One, 3rd December 1915

08/03/201804/12/2015 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 3RD DECEMBER 1915

APPEAL FOR WINTER COMFORTS FOR LOCAL MEN

Hopeville, Castle Terrace,

Berwick-on-Tweed,

November 27^th, 1915

Sir, – May I venture through your columns, to make an appeal on behalf of the fifty men from our Borough who are serving with the Northern Cyclists in Lincolnshire? The Captain of their company writes that mufflers, mitts, and gloves would be most useful to them, and the Committee of the Guild of Aid have requested me, as their President, to ask you to kindly make this known. They would be very grateful if friends could let them have, as soon as possible, 50 mufflers and 50 pairs of mitts or gloves. They can be sent, either to

me, or to the Townhall, and will be forwarded at once. May I state for the information of any who may not know the working of our Guild of Aid, that, although we are now affiliated to the War Office scheme, which will send us word, from time to time, of its special requirements, that we also gladly receive any Tuesday afternoon from 3 to 3.30. at the Townhall, any comforts, socks, mitts, gloves, mufflers, etc., and these are distributed as the need arises, or requests are made.

This month we have sent 50 pairs of socks to the Tyneside Scottish through Mrs Crosbie; 30 pairs of socks to the 1^st Garrison Battalion, the Royal Scots, through Miss Wilkie-Lalyell; and 25 shirts and 25 pairs socks to the Belgian soldiers in the trenches.

Through the kindness of Mrs Leyland, in giving us a donation of £2 for the purchase of material, a parcel is being made up and will be sent shortly to the Serbian refugees.

To carry on this work all sorts of woollen comforts, material, and money are required, and for these we make an urgent appeal to the public. The smallest donation of money will be gratefully received by Miss Miller, Longstone View.

Money is needed for the material, and the carriage of all parcels not connected with the Government scheme, so, for this we earnestly ask the men of our town and district, whose women are so nobly giving of their time in making the various garments.

Trusting that I have not taken up too much of your space, and thanking you for your courtesy in inserting this letter.

Believe me,

Yours sincerely,

ISABELLA H. PLENDERLEITH

Mayoress

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

THURSDAY

Before the Mayor (Ald. J.W.Plenderleith), H. G. McCreath, Esq., A. J. Dodds, Esq., Thos. Purves, Esq., D. W. H. Askew, Esq., Robt. Boston, Esq., and Alex. Darling, Esq.

THEFT OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS

Mary Ann Weatherburn, married woman, Berwick, was charged with the larceny of a quantity of household goods the property of Robert Grieve, on the 30^th October, 1915.

Chief Constable said this woman was apprehended on warrant the night previously. Grieve, the prosecutor, lived near this woman, and was absent frequently, being a salmon fisher and rabbit catcher. He had been missing things from his house, and suspected the accused. A warrant was taken out, and her house was searched. Grieve would speak to the articles being his. He would ask for a remand to next Thursday so that they might attempt to recover other goods.

Robert Grieve gave evidence of having missed certain articles from his house in Hatter’s Lane. He was frequently away from his house having been employed first as a salmon fisher and later as a rabbit catcher. Mrs Weatherburn lived next to him in Hatter’s Lane. He identified the forks produced as his; they were over one hundred years old. The plates produced were also his, he having purchased them in 1873 from the late Mr Andrew Thompson.

Sergeant Wilson spoke to having received a warrant for the search of the house of the accused, and the recovery of one of the articles produced in Court. He later went round the pawnshops and recovered the two plates at Mrs Macmillan’s.

This being all the evidence proposed to be led to justify a remand, the Chief Constable moved accordingly.

The Mayor – have you anything to say against your being remanded?

Accused – yes, your worship. I am quite innocent of having taken them.

The Chief Constable asked that the accused be allowed out on bail. In the ordinary course she would have to go to Newcastle, but as she had a young infant, he would ask their worships to liberate her on bail.

Bail was fixed at five pounds, the accused entering into it on her own recognisance.

LOCAL NEWS

The N.E.R. Women Clerks – Not to be Withdrawn after War. – As the result of a deputation representing the clerical staff on the North Eastern Railway to the railway directors, it is stated that Sir Alexander Kaye Butterworth had promised to reply in writing with regard to the application for an advance of 25 percent in wages. Sir Alexander also undertook to inquire into the question of allowances to dependants of enlisted men and the proposal to grant them a war bonus. He declined to give an undertaking that women clerks would be dispensed with after the war, but said that male clerks would be reinstated, and that the necessity now imposed upon the company of employing women would not be exploited.

Pictured right women worked in many occupations on the railway in WW1. This photograph shows them as carriage cleaners.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A SHOP KEEPER’S COMPLAINT REGARDING LIGHTING

Sir,- The local administration of the regulations for the lighting of shops has at last become intolerable. Since the end of summer we have been worried and bullied and threatened by the police. Some have even been fined. So great has become this tyranny that the faintest glimmer of light at times, even the opening of a door results in a visit from a policeman.

Early 1900s photograph of the High Street, from the Scotsgate Arch. © Berwick Record Office BRO 1636-2-9

With this state of affairs prevailing in my neighbourhood you can imagine my amazement the other night when I came across a shop in the middle of High Street ablaze with light. Both windows, and they are exceptionally high ones, were illuminated from ceiling to floor. No action would appear to have been taken in the case, for the offence has been repeated nightly. And the firm to which this special privilege has been granted is a multiple one, strangers who have not yet contributed a penny to our rates.

Are the police granting favours to some shops to the disadvantage of others? Are they discriminate as to which shops shall be lighted? If so then there is an end to the respect due to those who keep the peace.

SHOPKEEPER.

This Week in World War One, 15 October 1915

08/03/201816/10/2015 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 15 OCTOBER 1915

BAMBURGH

Wedding of Miss Weatherston and Gunner E. Littlefair – On Saturday last a very pretty wedding took place at St. Aidan’s Church, Bamburgh. The contracting parties were Eleanor, eldest daughter of Mr H. Weatherston of Bamburgh, and Gunner E. Littlefair, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Littlefair of Bamburgh. A choral service, officiated by the vicar (the Rev. E. Williams), assisted by the Rev. F. Long of Lucker, was held. The bride was dressed in white shantung silk, veil, and wreath of orange blossom. Miss S. Weatherston, sister of the bride, and Miss Littlefair, sister of the bridegroom, acted as bridesmaids, and the Misses Campbell, Newcastle, as attendants. The bridesmaids wore dresses of blue silk poplin and fawn felt hats and the attendants wore dresses of white net lace and little mob caps. The bride carried a bouquet of white heather, and the attendants each carried a basket of sweet peas. Sapper P. Littlefair, brother of the bridegroom, acted as best man.

The bride was given away by her father. A guard of honour was formed by men from the Northern Cyclist Battalion and Sea Scouts. After the ceremony a reception was held at the Lord Crewe Arms Hotel where an excellent tea was provided by the Misses Morpeth, and there were many friends of the bride and bridegroom present. The Vicar made a very interesting speech, as did also the schoolmaster (Mr T.W.Little) and various toasts were given, to which the bride and bridegroom suitably responded. Later in the day the happy couple left for Edinburgh where the honeymoon was spent. The bride’s travelling costume was blue with black velvet hat. The presents were numerous and useful, and included some valuable articles. The bride’s gift to the bridegroom was a signet ring, and that of the bridegroom to the bride was a dressing case and furs. The bridegroom presented the bridesmaids with pendants.

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

A DISORDERLY HOUSE

Mary Jefferson, married woman, West Street, Berwick, was charged with allowing her premises to be used as a brothel on the 5th Oct. Defendant did not appear.

The Chief Constable said there had been considerable complaints about this woman.

P.C. Welsh said with P.C. Spiers he went to defendant’s house and found indecent behaviour going on in the house.

P.C. Spiers corroborated.

Defendant was sentenced to two months’ hard labour without the option of a fine.

DRUNK WHILE DRIVING CATTLE

George Scott Davis, plasterer, Berwick, was charged with being drunk and incapable while in charge of two bullocks belonging to Mr Foreman, butcher, Norham. Defendant pleaded not guilty.

P.C. Spiers said about 1.20 p.m. the previous day he saw defendant in Main Street, Tweedmouth, in charge of two bullocks. Defendant was very drunk. Witness got the bullocks penned and brought defendant to the Police Station.

P.C. Smith said defendant was very drunk when brought to the Police Station. Defendant was hardly able to look after himself without having charge of cattle.

Fined 5s or seven days.

Berwick Advertiser Advert E.Dickinson & Son — Berwick Advertiser Advert R. Dickinson & Son

HOW GERMAN CHEMISTS RUIN THE HAIR

Specialist’s Startling Exposure

Gaudy labels and fancy bottles cannot beautify the hair and make it grow; yet, according to one of our greatest authorities on the care of the hair and scalp, there is very little else to recommend the German made hair tonics which are still being offered for sale in this country. Crude methylated spirit, dyes, colouring matter and perfume form the principal

Edwardian girls hairstyles - Image from unknown periodical. — Edwardian girls hairstyles – Image from unknown periodical.

ingredients of most of these hair tonics, and the men and women who use them because they are cheap wonder why their hair turns grey, becomes dry and brittle and finally falls out. The reason is not hard to find. Surely, even if it costs just a trifle more it is better to obtain a British-made hair tonic. British chemists stake their reputation upon the quality of their products. As an instance there is Lavona Hair Tonic – a preparation which can be obtained locally from John Brown, 5 High Street, Berwick; F.R. Padley, Market Place, Wooler; and most other high class chemists everywhere. There is no need for secrecy regarding the composition of this excellent hair and scalp tonic. It is prepared from 3 ozs. Bay Rum, 1oz. Lavona de Compossee, ¼ drachm Menthol Chrystals, and a little perfume, and readers can, if they wish, obtain the necessary ingredients and make the tonic themselves. But the majority will prefer to obtain the complete Lavona Hair Tonic from the chemist, firstly because it is put up in special sprinkler topped bottles which economise the tonic, and secondly because with each bottle the chemist gives a signed guarantee that he will refund your money unless Lavona Hair Tonic actually makes your hair grow longer and more beautiful and eradicates scurf and dandruff from your scalp.

This Week in World War One, 27 August 1915

08/03/201828/08/2015 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 27 AUGUST 1915

EARLY SHOP CLOSING IN BERWICK

Although it may appear on first examination to be inflicting a hardship on some people to close the merchants’ shops at six o’clock in the evening still it has to be borne in mind that we are living in very abnormal times. It is a time when sacrifices have to be made, and the man or woman who exhibits any hesitancy in adapting himself or herself to the special and exceptional times manifest a want of true consideration to help their country in the hour of its direct necessity. The highest and supreme sacrifice has been paid by many a family during the terrible times we have passed through. The closing of business establishments a few hours earlier is a small matter in comparison therewith, and if it is to safeguard the lives of the community and frustrate the cowardly intentions of an unseen enemy nothing should stand in the way of adopting the most stringent and exacting precautions. There is no reason why a shopkeeper should not be able to close early if the public determine to assist in this direction. If the public resolved to discontinue patronising a particular shop they would very effectively close that shop altogether.

Early 1900s photograph of Marygate, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Berwick Record Office, BRO 1636-3-16

The early closing of business premises, therefore, depends wholly on the public being alive and educated to the fact. And as the early closing does not effect locally till the 1^st October there is ample time for all customers to realise the fact, as well as for the various merchants taking adequate steps to meet the inauguration of the new hours. The easiest way to meet the new situation is either for the customer to send in a list of his orders early, or else for the merchant to call at the customers’ residences and take a note of these. On Saturday evening there should be no hardship inflicted, for all will surely manage to purchase there weekend provisions before nine o’clock. Indeed, at the Town Hall meeting, there were no real solid arguments adduced against closing earlier, and as soon as the public can thoroughly comprehend the hours the new method should be found to work quite smoothly in a small borough such as Berwick. No merchant need be afraid of losing his customers, as these will quickly respond to the altered circumstances, and they will not desert patronising a particular shop where they think they have an inducement to buy. Although there was a small minority against the motion which became the finding of the meeting it was very gratifying to observe how whole-heartedly they fell in with the majority. Unanimity means success, and all that is now required is that the various merchants should take full advantage of the reasonable interval before 1^st October in reminding all their customers of the changed hours to suit the exceptional needs of the country’s peril.

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

Friday

Before Captain Norman, R.N., and J.McNab, Esq

Hanselling of Spittal Lock-Up- A large crowd gathered in the precincts of Spittal’s new Police Station on Thursday afternoon. The occasion was not the opening ceremony of the imposing building by the civic fathers but merely the new cells receiving their first occupant. The crowd again gathered on Friday morning with a view to seeing the delinquent take her departure to the more commodious quarters of Berwick Police Court. However the curious ones were disappointed for the prisoner was taken out by the back door while the crowd waited patiently at the front door. Following upon the foregoing events Mary Johnson, married woman Lanark, was charged with being drunk and disorderly near the Forge, Spittal, at three p.m. on Thursday afternoon. Defendant pleaded guilty, Sergt. McRobb said that upon receiving a complaint he proceeded to the Forge and on the grass

A half crown coin (2s 6d), the sum of which Mary Johnson from Lanark was fined, with the alternative of seven days imprisonment. — A half crown coin (2s 6d), the sum of which Mary Johnson from Lanark was fined.

near there found defendant lying in a drunken condition. Defendant had been creating a disturbance and on witness attempting to lift her to her feet she drew forth her hat pins from her hat, and by this action exposed witness to the hatpin peril by attempting to thrust the aforesaid pin into his leg. Foiled in this defendant refused to walk to the lock-up but witness obtained a trap and she was driven there in state. In defence defendant said she had met someone home from the Front. The Chief Constable said defendant had 2s 6d in her possession. Captain Norman-We will relieve you of that half crown with the alternative of seven days imprisonment. The Chief Constable said defendant was the first to be locked up at the new police station at Spittal.

Berwick Advertiser, 27 August 1915 Playhouse advert.

BELFORD CENTENARIAN

MRS ISABELLA LEARMOUTH OF ROSS

A happy event was celebrated at Ross, Belford, on the 5^th August, when Mrs Isabella Learmouth, wife of the late George Learmouth, North Sunderland, attained her 100^th birthday. Mrs Learmouth, who is the daughter of the late Mr Robert Geggie, is in good health, retains all her faculties and at present is always busily engaged knitting socks and comforts for the troops. On the morning of her birthday she received many letters of congratulations and birthday cards from the following- Rev. J and Mrs Miller, Belford; Mr J. and Misses Blenkinsop, Ross; Miss Arthur, Chathill; Mr David Black, Berwick; Miss P. Aynsley, Blyth; Mr Adam Jefferson, Spittal; Mrs Margaret Clark, Beal; Mrs Hunter, Ross; Misses Ross, Grange Mill; Mr John English, Bedlington; Miss M. Davison, Ross; Miss A. Heffen, Ross; Mr James Hoje,(sic) Ross; Mr George Hope, Ross; Miss M.G.Clark, Newcastle; Mr and Mrs W. Learmouth, Gosforth; Co-operative Society, Ltd, Wooler; Mrs Young, Ross; Miss I. Learmouth, Ross; Mrs Gibson, Bltyh; Mr J. Mole, Belford.

To mark the occasion a birthday cake was made and presented to Mrs Learmouth by Mrs Graham and family, Belford. Mrs Learmouth also sent a birthday cake to her grandson at the front, Lance Corporal George English, 7^th N.F., to celebrate the event with his comrades in the trenches. It will be the wish of all that Mrs Learmouth may be long spared to enjoy the quiet eventide of life.

In the 1911 Census, Isabella is living with Alexander Hope, her son-in law at New Shoreston in Bamburgh. According to the Census, she was born at Ayton in Berwickshire.

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