BERWICK ADVERTISER, 17TH JUNE 1921

18/06/2021 by Northumberland Archives

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 6^th 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 6^th 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 21^st May. She pleaded not guilty.

Mr Barker, Attendance Officer, said the boy between 2nd May and 3^rd 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 3^rd June. She did not appear.

Mr Baker said the child Mary between 4^th April and 3^rd 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” (16^th 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.

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, 6TH MAY 1921

07/05/2021 by Northumberland Archives

ORD WAR MEMORIAL

As will be seen from our advertising columns, Ord War Memorial will be unveiled on Sunday, 8^th May, at 2.30 by Vice Admiral Sir Dudley R. S. de Chair, K.C.B., M.V.O. The memorial has been erected in the centre of the village green and is 18 feet in height. It is on a concrete base with steps all round, and is of local rock-faced freestone coursers built in block with teethed plinth. A marble tablet with the names of the fallen is set into a framing of Northumberland whinstone. From the whinstone arises an octagonal column finished with a white marble cross. The work has been carried out by Messrs M. Gray & Sons, builders, and W. Wilson & Sons, sculptors, from plans prepared by Mr Lake, Surveyor, East Ord.

In addition to the contractors’ work a large amount of gratuitous service and labour has been given, and the War Memorial Committee feel deeply indebted to all these who so generously assisted in the carrying out of the work. Sir Dudley de Chair was born in 1854 and was educated on H.M.S., Britannia and entered the Navy in 1878. He served in the Egyptian War and was appointed Naval Attache to U.S. America in 1902. He commanded H.M.S. Bacchante, Cochrane and Colossus from 1905 to 1912 and was appointed Assistant Controller of the Navy in 1910, and Naval Secretary to the First Lord of Admiralty in 1912. In 1914 he was appointed Admiral of the Training Services, being also made a C.B. that year. He commanded the 10^th Cruiser Squadron and 3^rd Battle Squadron during the war from 1914 to 1916 and went with Mr. A J. Balfour’s Mission to U.S.A. in 1917.

LOCAL NEWS

For several hours on Wednesday morning snow fell heavily in the hill districts of Berwickshire, where in some quarters it lay as deep as half an inch, much to the concern of the flockmasters, with whom the lambing season is not yet over. Fruit trees were severely blighted by the severity of the weather.

They say it is very bad luck to turn back. A man who had started out with his wife to the pictures suddenly remembered that he had left his coal shed unlocked. He risked his luck, went back, turned the key in the door, and put it in his pocket. On returning three hours later he found a neighbour in a state of great indignation. “What’s the matter?” he asked innocently. “What’s the matter!” was the retort. “Do you know that you have locked my wife up in your coal shed!”

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

CORPORATION FOREMAN USES VIOLENCE

William Gardiner, Wallace Green, Berwick, was charged with unlawfully assaulting Gordon McLean on the 30th April 1921. Mr Peters prosecuted, and Mr Gregory defended. Gardiner pleaded that he was guilty of gripping McLean, but not with striking him.

Gordon Mclean said he lived as 6 Hatter’s Lane. On last Saturday night he was standing at the end of Walkergate with other men when two dogs started to fight and came against his legs. He put out his foot to keep the dogs back. He never kicked the dogs, and never knew anything more until Gardiner seized him by the throat from behind and bent him backwards nearly to the ground. Witness was exhausted when Gardiner was called off by the police.

REF: LB.9.6.24 Hatter’s Lane, Berwick-upon-Tweed

Peter Robson, rabbit-catcher, corroborated, and said McLean, after holding the dogs off with his foot, stepped back. He never kicked the dogs and gave Gardiner no provocation.

John Flannigan, Hatter’s Lane, gave similar evidence, and this was borne out by William Wilson.

William Gardiner, on his own behalf, said he was coming up the street with his brother-in-law, who had his terrier with him. Witness’ dog was playing with the terrier, when there was a blue dog ran at them. They chased it, when he saw McLean lift his foot and make a swinging kick at it. He caught McLean as he spun round, but he did not bend him back.

By Mr Peters-witness admitted that there was a little fight with the three dogs. He was not in a temper when he gripped McLean, only a little excited. The police came on the scene and Sergt. Wilson said “William, go home!”

The bench found the case proved and imposed the fine of £1 with witnesses and fees, 28s 5d, or 13 days’ imprisonment.

NATURE NOTE

The first swift arrived in Berwick this year on April 30th. It was first seen at 9 p.m. Fifteen minutes later it joined by another over the town. In 1920 the first swift was also seen on April 30th “hawking” over Church Street. In 1919 the first swift was not seen in Berwick until May 8th; in 1918 the first arrived on May 9th. The first martins were seen on April 21st, 1921 at Canties Bridge. On the 24th the sand martin was seen behind the Pier. On the 24th terns were seen passing over the Pier bound to their more northern nesting grounds. A few remained on Sunday, and there are now several in the river. Several migrants such as the willow-wren and the chiff-chaff have been heard, also on April 24th. A month earlier, the earliest of all migrants, the wheatear was seen on Scremerston banks. Several solan geese have been observed flying quarter of a mile off the end of the Pier, and a few beautiful eider ducks are frequent visitors off the Pier end. They will shortly move to their breeding quarters on the Farne islands. The buds are setting on the hawthorn, promising to burst by the middle of May, which is very early for Northumberland.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 18TH MARCH 1921

19/03/2021 by Northumberland Archives

BELFORD RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL

Housing Scheme Held up for Want of Money

At a meeting of Belford Rural District Council last Wednesday.

Colonel Leather enquired how the Council were going to get the money to carry out the housing scheme.

The Clerk explained that endeavour had been made to obtain the money locally, but so far he had had no replies from an advertisement asking for loans. If they failed to raise the money they could apply to the Ministry of Health, who would supply the money.

Colonel Leather – The Ministry will probably not give us the money. I propose we postpone the whole scheme for three months till we see whether we can get the money. Everything is cut and dried, but we are not committed to anything and the time has come for us to mark time. No businessman would go on with the scheme, why should the Council do so?

Mr Davidson seconded Colonel Leather’s proposal.

Dr Macaskie explained that all that was necessary if they could not raise the money locally was to apply to the Ministry of Health who would lend the money.

The Clerk – There is no fear of not getting the money.

Colonel Leather – Look how the Government tried to wriggle out of the agreement with the farmers about the price of corn. I move we delay matters till, we get a definite and satisfactory answer about the money.

On being put to the meeting the motion was caried unanimously.

Mr Hunter – Will the plans be laid before the Council to be passed?

The Clerk – The plans have been been passed.

Mr Hunter – The original plans have, been cut down to get cheaper houses. Things have been taken out of our hands. The Surveyor ought to see these new plans before approved.

Mr Clark – We are not providing the money and can’t grumble.

Mr Hunter – We will ultimately have to provide the money from the rates. It is not right for the houses to be built and the Surveyor not to see the plans.

Mr Davidson moved and Colonel Leather seconded that copies of specifications be submitted to the Council before any tenders were accepted. Agreed.

Sir E. C. Haggerston – If the tenders were accepted the firm could carry on, but Colonel Leather’s motion stops this.

Colonel Leather – It does not stop us going on with the details

WORKERS’ UNION MEETING AT NORHAM

How Changes in The Minimum rate will affect the Worker

At the branch meeting of Friday night, Mr. Borrell attended at the last moment, in the place of Councillor Buchan, who was unable to keep his appointment.

Asked as to the position of the wages in case of a change in the wages Board rates during the year, Mr. Borrell explained that if a man hired for say 51s or 52s per week, he would receive that wage throughout the year, even if the Agricultural wages Board rate fell.

An early 20th century photograph of a Haywain. © Richard Mark Johnson. Creative Commons License (CC-BY-SA 2.0).

If the Agricultural wages Board rate went up, the total difference between the rate he hired for and what was due to him under the Wages Board increases would have to be paid to him in a lump sum on May 12^th, 1922, if it had not been paid previously. If, however, a man hired at the wages Board rate without specifying any figure his wage would naturally go up and down with that rate. He did not think there was any likelihood of a reduction in the wages Board rates. They had to find a subsistence basis, and they still stood much below other industries. There was only a slight reduction in the cost of living. The railways were 21 millions to the bad, and they would have higher transport charges. Coal was going up, and it was an important item in the farm workers’ budget. His house required a deal of warming, and his cooking arrangements were wasteful and extravagant of fuel. There was often a quantity of wet clothing to dry, which entailed the fire being kept up after the household had retired. He could see little prospect of any material lowering of their household expenses, and he urged them to put aside all thoughts of a reduction of wages as impractical at present.

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

THURSDAY

EXTENSION OF HOURS FOR DANCING OVERDONE.

Mr W. B. Dickinson applied for an extension of hours to 2.30 for the Good Templar Hall, on the occasion of a whist drive and dance on Thursday 17^th, to be held by Berwick Cycling Club.

Sup. Halliday considered that the extension of hours for dances was overdone. If they got to 1a.m. that was quite long enough. Most of the people who went to the dances had to be up early in the morning for work. These applications were too frequent. In other districts the Magistrates were not granting extension after 12 p.m.

The Mayor — The dancing season is nearly over now. Mr Dickinson pointed out that formerly dancing used to be allowed to 3 and 4 a.m., without need for applying for extensions of licence. The Mayor — The Bench grant the licence on this occasion but will consider future applications.

SHOWMAN’S OFFENCE

James Ratcliffe, showman, was charged with failing to employ a third person to give assistance to drivers of horses if required while in Berwick on 2^nd March, and with not having the weight of his wagon affixed.

Serg. Middlemass gave evidence, proving the charges. Superintendent Halliday said it was very important these regulations under the Locomotive and Highways Act should be carried out. He did not look upon the offence as serious but wished to bring to the notice of users of the road the fact that these regulations could not be broken with impunity. He would not press for a heavy penalty, only wishing to draw the attention of users of the road to the regulations. The defendant was a showman and had called at the Office stating he had to go to Kelso to secure his stance and could not appear. Fined 10s for each charge.

DRUNK IN CHARGE OF A MOTOR CYCLE

Robert G. Waugh, commercial traveller, 20 Fenkle Street, Alnwick, was charged with being drunk in charge of a motor cycle on the Old Bridge, Tweedmouth, on 4^th March. Defendant did not appear, but wrote expressing regret, and stating he had had trouble with his clutch and had not had time for lunch.

The Berwick Bridge, Berwick-upon-Tweed, locally known as the Old Bridge.© Kenneth Blackett, Berwick-upon-Tweed.

The Mayor said the bench considered this a very serious case. A motor cycle was dangerous at any time, more so when in charge of a drunkman. In addition, the Old Bridge was a dangerous place. Fined the maximum penalty of £2 or 18 days.

+ More