Berwick Petty Sessions

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 2 APRIL 1920

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BERWICK POLICE

From yesterday (Thursday) the County Council assumed control of Berwick’s police, and on Tuesday we understand Capt. Fullarton James, Chief Constable for the County, came to Berwick to consider the draft agreement for the transfer. A new Inspector or Chief Constable for the Borough will have to be appointed some day, and there is the question of the Police buildings. We understand that the Borough is bound by law to provide certain cell accommodation, and that if the buildings are taken over the County they will have to guarantee to discharge this liability for the town. Again, the Borough gets an annual contribution of £30 for the use of the Court by the Norham and Islandshire justices. Is the Borough Rate still to get the benefit of that payment? These are only crumbs of information which have fallen from the great men’s table. We are satisfied that the County Council authorities are above trying to steal a march on the Borough, but again, we ask the members of the Council to disclose the agreement to their principals, the ratepayers, in time to give them an opportunity to discuss it before it is sealed.

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

Catherine Curry, the two month old daughter of George Curry, hawker, 25 Walkergate, was found dead in bed at 6.30 a.m. on Saturday morning, and as the result an inquest was held on Saturday evening by Mr P. M. Henderson, acting coroner. Catherine Curry, the mother, said she and her husband slept in the same bed as the child, the husband being at the back of the bed and child at the front. The child cried at about 4 a.m., and after she had fed it it went off to sleep again. Witness also went to sleep and at 6.30 was awakened by her husband, who noticed the child was very still, but its body was quite warm. She was very anxious, and went immediately for a doctor. Witness was a total abstainer. George Curry, the husband, corroborated his wife’s evidence. Dr P. W. Maclagan said he was called to the house shortly after 6.30, and found the child dead. There were no suspicious circumstances, and no external marks of violence. On a later examination he came to the conclusion that death resulted from asphyxia. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

BORDER O.B.E’s

COMMANDERS (CIVIL DIVISION)

Lieut. Col. C. W. Brims, M.C., T.D., was the Director of Extensions Department of Controller General of Merchant Ship-building. He is the son of the late Mr B. M. Brims, contractor, who was formerly at Berrington House, Beal. Lieut. Col. Brims was awarded the M.C. in October, 1918.

Mr T. W. H. Inskip, K.C., M.P., who has been head of the Naval Law Branch of the Secretary’s Department at the Admiralty, contested Berwick-on-Tweed Division in the Unionist interest.

The Duchess of Northumberland was the Commandant and Donor of Syon House Hospital, Brentford, Middlesex.

Capt. Alistair Houston Boswell Preston, who is Assistant Director of Road Transport, Ministry of Food, is the son of Col. T. H. Boswell Preston, Tweedhill, Berwick.

OFFICERS (Civil Division)

Mr J. Gilroy was Potato Distribution Adviser in the Northern Division. He is the son of the late Ald. Jas. Gilroy, Berwick, and was for some years resident in Ravensdowne before taking up business in Newcastle.

Mr W. T. Rainbow who was Fish Distribution Officer and Assistant Commissioner for Demobilisation, is well-known in Berwick as the handicapper of the Athletic Society’s Sports.

Miss E. M. H. Storey, who was Recruiting Commandant of the Northumberland and Durham Red Cross Society and the Order of St. John, is a grand-daughter of Mr Samuel Storey, of Sunderland.

Miss Annie Louise Simpson, who was made an Officer of the Civil Division, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in June, 1918. She is the daughter of Mr Chas. Simpson, London, and grand-daughter of Mr Alex. Simpson, Coldstream. Miss Simpson is personal shorthand writer to the Prime Minister, and is raised to this high class of the Order for services rendered in connection with the Peace Conference.

MEMBERS (Civil Division)

Dr Alex. Dey, M.B.C.M., who acted as Medical Officer, 12 Northumberland V.A.D., at Fowberry and Heton Hospital, and the 13th Northumberland V.A.D. Hospital at Etal Manor, is the Medical Officer of Glendale, and a well known and popular figure in Wooler, where he has been practising for a long time.

Robert Yelloly, awarded the Order for services as Supt. of Newcastle Police Force, has been associated with criminal investigation work for many years. He is the son of the late Mr Robert Yelloly, High Court Bailiff, Berwick, and is married to a Berwick lady.

THE EDITOR OF “COUNTRY LIFE”

Mr P. Anderson Graham, writing in “The Times” against the proposed removal of the Scotsgate, says :- “The excuse put forward is that this well-known gate was reconstructed in 1858, and the claim is made that it is not an integral part of the wall. The truth about the matter is that in 1850 the Ordinance Department proposed to pull down the ramparts from the Scots Gate to the Flagstaff.

The Scotsgate Arch. @ Copyright: Michael Dibb, Creative Commons License (cc-by-sa/2.0).

The negotiations were divulged at a meeting of the council held in July of 1850, but public opinion took fire at once, and in deference to the remonstrance made the scheme was abandoned and the walls handed over to the local Board of Health on condition that they should be maintained as a walk for the public convenience. If the proposal had been  to rebuild or widen the gate no fault would have been found with it. But it is an unhappy proposal to destroy this feature in Berwick for the purpose of putting up a war memorial on the stumps of the mutilated wall.”

LOCAL NEWS

The Compton Comedy Company from all we can hear reached high water mark last week in “The School for Scandal.” We cannot recall a performance which gave more pleasure, and  the writer has seen Forbes Roberston, Mrs Patrick Campbell, Mr Charles Terry, Lewis Waller, Walter Farren, and Cyril Maude, all appearing together one evening at the Lyceum in this immortal comedy. We were particularly pleased with Rowley, and Joseph Surface was also very well done.

Playbill for Sheridan’s ‘The School for Scandal.’  Scanned from The Dramatic Works of Richard Brinsley Sheridan. © In public domain

Generally Joseph is made so oily that any one can see through him, but on Thursday he was bluff enough to deceive a saint. Sir Benjamin Backbite was a real maccaroni, and the behaviour of Sir Peter Teazle, with all his temper and in all his mistakes could not fail to command the sympathy of the audience. Here was an English gentleman. We also much enjoyed Sir Oliver Surface, – we should imagine a fairly easy part to play. The costumes of Sir Peter and Sir Oliver were also most artistic. Both of them looked like old masters when the curtain drew up. In our opinion the gentlemen were superior to the ladies, but that was all. It was an excellent company, and we hope Mrs Mather will be able to arrange for their return. We feel sure that, even if it were necessary to raise the price of the seats, Berwick people would support companies of a similar standard.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 19 MARCH 1920

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BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

MONDAY

Before T. M. Morrison and Thos. Purves, Esqs.

George Davis, a private in the K.O.S.B., appeared charged with being an absentee from Bangor Military Hospital. He admitted coming on a visit to his wife, but when the Clerk asked him if he admitted being an absentee, he replied “I admit nothing.”

P.C. Robson gave evidence of having apprehended Davis at his house in Church Street, where he admitted having come away from Bangour without permission.

He was remanded to await an escort.

The old hospital buildings at Bangour, taken in 2014. © Copyright: Kim Traynor, and licensed for reuse under This Creative Commons License  –   Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic    

Cissie Gormley, single woman, Chapel St. Berwick was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Chapel Street on Saturday night. She pleaded guilty.

Sergt. Smith proved the case, and four previous convictions having been put in, the Bench imposed a penalty of 10s 6d or 10 days, warning accused that if she came back again she would be sent to prison without the option of a fine.

PROPERTY SALE

WATERLOO HOTEL GOES FOR £3,200

On Wednesday Mr H. M. Young, of Messrs Millers, offered for sale 5 lots of property, within the Long Room, Corn Exchange, before a good attendance, including a large representation of the Berwick Cycling Club, who were naturally interested in the sale of their club premises. Mr J. Gray, solicitor, represented their interests. The conditions of sale were read by Mr Mitchell from Messrs Keenlyside and Forster, Newcastle, solicitors for the vendors.

The first lot consisted of the Waterloo Hotel, High Street, the two front shops occupied by the Singer’s Sewing Machine Company, and others, and the stone built hall at the rear, occupied by Berwick Cycling Club, all let a rental of £175.

BRO 426-322b

In his opening remarks for this lot Mr Young stated that the future prosperity of the  old town was assured, as despite rumours to  the contrary, the new bridge was to be begun soon, and the harbour was to be developed. There was a great demand in Berwick for first class hotel such as the Waterloo.

Bidding started at £1,500 and rose to £2,600 by bids of £100 when £50 bids were taken. The lot was ultimately knocked down to Mr J. Ewart for £3,200. Bidding was very slow.

Lot 2 consisting of the Freehold shop and dwelling house, 37 and 39 West Street, received no bids and was withdrawn. Lot 3, consisting of freehold shop and house, 33 West Street, had only one bid of £200 and was withdrawn. These two lots were then put up together, but receiving no offers were withdrawn.

Lot 4, 15 Chapel Street, a stone-built tenement opened at £40 and advancing very cautiously latterly by £2 bids, was knocked down to Mr J. Ewart at £82.

Lot 5, consisting of garden ground 720 square yards, running parallel to Scots Place, found a purchaser at £190 in Mr J. Cairns, bidding starting at £100 and rising fairly easily by 50 bids.

LOCAL NEWS

On St. Patrick’s night Berwick United F.C. Lancer Party held a special dance in the Good Templar Hall. Seventy couples tripped the light fantastic toe to the strains of the splendid orchestra under the conductorship of Mr Fred Stott. The responsible duties of M.C. were most efficiently carried out by Mr R. C. Jeffrey. The arrangements of the dance were, as usual, in the capable hands of the President of the Club. Mr A. A. Crisp, to whom, without a doubt much of the success of the evening was due. On this occasion he was ably assisted by Mr Anderson, Mr C. Pattison, Mr G. V. Nicholson and the following players: – T. Purves, B. Younger and H. Burgon. Special thanks are due to Mrs Henry, Mrs Kraft, Mrs Hood, Mrs Hunter, Miss Murray and Miss J. Casey for the efficient manner in which the duties in connection with the supper were carried through. The company present voted this to be the more successful dance of the series, no doubt owing to the introduction of the latest dances held under the auspices of Berwick United F.C.

ST. AIDAN’S CHURCH

Use was made last Sunday for the first time of the Individual Cup at Communion by the congregation of St. Aidan’s Church. The outfit has been purchased by voluntary subscriptions and presented to the congregation. This is now the third outfit for the Communion service possessed by St. Aidan’s people. One is on loan to a congregation in the Newcastle Presbytery. The one lately in use was presented some years ago to the congregation by Mr Whitehead, of West Hartlepool. The plates of the latter outfit are still used along with the new service, which consists of a number of trays of polished aluminium, each of which contains twenty-four crystal cups. Each cup fits exactly into a secure receptacle on the tray so as to avoid overturning. The tray is passed from hand to hand; each person partakes of the contents of the cup quietly and reverently and then replaces it in its place on the tray, which is passed on. Very convenient handles make the trays easy to pass from hand to hand. Furthermore, the bread is cut by a slicer into cubes, which ensures a minimum of handling. The arrangements for the day were in the capable hands of the Mayor, as Session Clerk, who had cards printed, assigning every elder his specific duty. Mr Alex. Robertson, Northumberland Avenue, acted as treasurer for the fund, and was largely instrumental in bringing this innovation into being.

MANY GOALS

BERWICK, 9; K.O.S.B., 2.

At their first venture in a match, the K.O.S.B.’s went down rather badly, but we hope they will not be discouraged thereby. They gave a most creditable display at forward and halfback, but the rear division was not fast enough to hold the nippy Berwick forwards. Thus the game was a discouraging one for the soldiers’ forwards to play while the halves were overworked. The score 5 -1 at the interval.

For the winners, Fish had one very good save. He had little to do, as Veitch was particularly safe. Smith was the pick of the halves, while at forward Hogarth was the star. All others of the quintette played well individually, though the combination left something to be desired at times. Hogarth had five of the goals, and the other forwards had one each.

The most prominent players for the Depot were Sergt. Dmr. Abott, who covered more ground than any two other players and played a sound game too; Sergt. Leslie, another of the halves; Lieut. Lewis, who was in capital form both as dribbler and shot; Staff- Sergt.- Major Lockyer, who combined well with him; also Sergt. Bell and Capt. Ogilvie, both of whom gave useful assistance throughout. The whole team was nippy in the first half, but fell off later. We hope to see some young blood introduced and coached for the return game – when Berwick would have to go all out for a win.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 5 SEPTEMBER 1919

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TWEEDMOUTH GIVES A LEAD

DECISION TO ERECT A SEPARATE WAR MEMORIAL

A meeting was held in the Mitchell Memorial Hall, Kiln Hill, Tweedmouth, on Monday evening to discuss the advisability of having a War Memorial to the lads from the township who had given their lives for their country, and to hear the opinions of the relatives of the fallen as to the advisability of such a memorial.

Ald. T. B. Short presided and accompanying him on the platform were Councillors Brewis and Watt, Dr. Caverhill, the Rev. P. G. Peacocks, and Mr Thomas Grey, Tweedmouth.

Tweedmouth finally got its War Memorial (picutred above), it was unveiled on the 25th October, 1920.

There was a gathering of some seventy persons present when the chair was taken and judging from the discussion which followed all were evidently imbued with the desire to have a memorial for the township worthy of the men who are gone.

Alderman Short, in his opening remarks, spoke of the steps being taken in other places for the erection of war memorials to the heroes who had fallen in the war. As yet there was nothing to show that Berwick was taking any active steps in the matter and in Tweedmouth the feeling was abroad that the time had come when they should seriously consider the taking of steps to have a separate memorial, and which should not overlap with the Town memorial. A few had thought that the time had now arrived when in keeping with the many smaller places in the vicinity, they could take into consideration what was the general opinion of the community with respect to such a War Memorial. Councillor Brewis some months ago first put the question to him. Having to attend to National Work, his visits to Berwick had been somewhat intermittent and being afraid that there might be a possibility of the matter being held up, he had talked the matter over with some friends. They had entertained the idea that a memorial might be put up in Tweedmouth Church and one or two had intimated that they would be prepared to support this but no money had been collected. Some promises of assistance towards this had been given but it was for the meeting to decide what was wanted as they were not committed in any way. For full article please see the original.

LOCAL NEWS

The Comrades have had the offer of an acre of ground near the Private Bowling Green from the Duke of Northumberland at a nominal rent. They are trying to erect a hut for use as a clubhouse, and there is to be a Flag Day in the Borough on Saturday, September 13th, to help to raise funds for the Comrades Club Fund, the arrangements for which are being carried out by the Committee of the Women’s Section. A campaign is being started to raise £800. Refreshments are now being sold at the Club in Bridge Street – tea, coffee, cakes, etc., and later tobacco and cigarettes will be on sale.

GOLF

LADIES’ TOURNAMENT

On Thursday afternoon last, a Ladies’ Tournament run on similar lines to that held by the men a few weeks ago, was played over the Magdalene Fields Course under most unfavourable weather conditions. The competitors started in cold but fine weather, but before the end of the first round, rain began to fall, and the storm of wind and rain made good scoring impossible. There are 72 lady members of the Club, and only 17 entered for the tournament.

Magdalene Fields Golf Course, 20th Century Aerial photograph, Berwick-upon-Tweed

The majority of the members are beginners, and doubtless somewhat shy of competitions, but competition play is one of the best ways of learning the rules of the game, though the prizes fall to the lucky few. As to those who did enter last Thursday, nothing too loud can be said in praise of their keenness, and the splendid way in which they “stuck it” out to the end, despite the deluge of rain. An excellent tea was served in the Club House at the close of the game, and the prizes very kindly given by the gentlemen members of the Club, were presented to the successful competitors by Mrs D. Redpath, the Lady Captain. No competitor was allowed to carry off more than one prize. The prize-winners were:

Best Scratch Score of 18 holes – Mrs W. R. McCreath, 95 less 4-91, brass gong.

Best Handicap Score 18 holes for those of handicap of 12 and under – Miss Robertson (Darra), 114 less 11-103, ebony brush and comb.

Best handicap Score 18 holes for those with handicap of 13 and over – Miss J. Stirling, 109 less 18-91, golf bag.

Best Handicap Score, 9 holes – Miss Brough, 56 less 7½ – 48½, attache case.

Best Handicap Eclectic Score – Miss Gray, 47 less 3 – 44, bottle of perfume.

Womens Golfers, 1920

The Ladies’ Match Play Competition for the “Officers Cup” in connection with the, Magdelene Fields Golf Course, has been won this season by Miss J. Stirling (18), Bridge Street, who beat Mrs D. Redpath by 4 up and 3 to play. This cup has not been played for in recent years owing to the course being closed. Miss Stirling, who is a promising player, has played well throughout the competition, and thoroughly deserves her success.

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

CRUELTY TO CHILDREN AND NEGLECT

Mary Sykes, widow, Spittal, was charged with cruelty to her two children, George, aged 13, and Mary, 11 years, at Spittal on August 30th,and during the previous fourteen days. She pleaded not guilty, and was in tears most of the hearing.

The Chief Constable said she was a war widow. She had got it into her head that she could go out at any time, and could do what she liked to the children. Left to herself, she had not been keeping straight.

She had been going out at nights, and the children have been left to look after themselves, sometimes being locked out. This was so on August 30th, and Sergt. McRobb had taken the two children to their father’s mother at about ten o’clock. He went back and back to the house again until 12.15 without finding the mother at home. If he had not taken charge of them they would have been roaming the streets. Next morning at ten o’clock he went to the grandmother’s to take the children home. When they were told they had to go home the children burst out crying. The children told their grandmother what their mother had done to them, and she stripped them, and there were marks on one child’s body.

Sergt McRobb corroborated the Chief Constable’s statement. He had searched all over Tweedmouth for the mother. After twelve that night he found her boy of 16 sitting outside on the window-sill. Mary Sykes (the defendant) had told him that she was in the house all the time, and heard them rapping at the window. She thought it was the two eldest children, and she was not going to get up to let them in. Whether that was so or not, the young children were locked out. Sergt. McRobb told the Bench that when the children were stripped at their grandmother’s one of them had a bruise on her thigh about the size of a five-shilling piece, and another on her fore-arm. She said, “Mother kicked me last week-end.” The eldest daughter had a cut across her eye. She said her mother had struck her across the face with a shovel at five o’clock that night.

P.C. Lindsay also gave evidence, and said that the daughter had told the Sergeant and him that her mother was drunk.

The evidence of Mrs Sykes, the grandmother, was in line with the Constables’ though she thought the bruise was not so big as had been said and explained the cut on the eldest daughter’s face by saying that the cold had made her eye bleed.

The Mayor said it was a very bad case. It was a first offence or the Magistrates would have sent Sykes to prison. Fining would do no good, as the money would just be paid. She would be bound over in £5 for twelve months, and out under the care of the Probation Officer for that period. Costs,10s.

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