Berwick Petty Sessions

This Week in World War One, 31 May 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 31 MAY 1918

 

SON OF A FORMER BERWICK MINISTER HEAVILY FINED

FOR MAKING STATEMENTS DISPARGING THE ARMY

 

Messrs Headley Bros., publishers, of Oxford Street, London, and the Rev. Joseph Davison Manners Rorke, of Boxhill, a native of Berwick, and son of the Rev. Jospeh Rorke, formerly minister of Church Street E.P. Church, Berwick, were summoned at the Marlborough St. Police Court on Thursday last, the former as publisher and the latter as editor of the publication called “The Venturer”, in the March issue of which were statements likely to prejudice recruiting and discipline of his Majesty’s Forces.

Marlborough Street Magistrates Court where the case relating to the publication “The Venturer” was heard in 1918. It is now the Courthouse Hotel. © Author: Mark Hillary. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

After Sir Archibald Bodkin, for the prosecution, had read extracts which he contended were likely to create a bad impression and to prejudice recruiting and discipline, the defendant Rorke said he accepted full responsibility as editor of “The Venturer,” though he did not write the article, and had no intention whatever of prejudicing recruiting or disparaging the Army.

Counsel for Messrs Headley said they were merely publishers of “The Venturer,” did not know its contents, and accepted no responsibility.

The magistrates, in fining Messrs Headley £100 and £5 costs, said they should have exercised more vigilance to see they were not made the instruments for dissemination of such noxious matter. Mr Rorke would have to go to prison for three months in the second division.

Defendant’s father protested that his son had no such intention as that ascribed to him.

Mr Mead latter recalled the defendant, and on an undertaking that he would not publish anything prejudicial to recruiting or discipline substituted a fine of £50 for imprisonment and allowed seven days for payment of the fine.

LOCAL NEWS

Anyone holding an exemption certificate from military service can only be granted renewal by the tribunal if he applies for it fourteen days before the expiry of the present period of exemption.

On June 1st the price for early potatoes will drop from 4d to 3½ per lb. A fortnight ago before the maximum prices came into force 10d to 1s 3d a pound was being asked for new potatoes in the London shops. Fair quantities were available at these prices, but with the sudden fall to 4d supplies seemed to disappear.

There has been a spurt in Berwick as in other places in the purchase of War Bonds, £685 was subscribed for the week ending May 18, and May 25, although a short week with the Banks closing on Whit-Monday, realise £3127. The full weekly quota is £6530.

We understand it is probable that a Standing Musketry Camp will be held in connection with the local Volunteer Battalion. Should this mature, it will commence about the middle of June at Morpeth, and the following three weeks will be held at Berwick. It is anticipated that the proposed camp will stimulate interest amongst those efficient in shooting, and also amongst the recruits, and a good attendance is anticipated. The efficient men will be asked to fire their annual musketry course, and recruits will do their efficiency tests. Those attending the camp for twenty-four hours will be provided with accommodation and rations. Free railway warrants will be provided for those attending. This camp, of course, has no connection with the annual camp.

Her many friends were glad to see Miss Marjory C. Holmes, daughter of Mrs Holmes, of Bridge Street, back to Berwick last week from Russia, where she has had an adventurous time. She is unwilling at the moment to speak of her adventures, but anyone who has watched what has lately been happening in Russia, where there have been scenes similar to those in the French Revolution, when the nobles were killed in their beds and dragged out into the open street, sometimes naked, will be able to realise something of what she has passed through.

May 1st, 1918. The demonstration took place on Palace Square in Petrograd, in front of the Winter Palace. Unknown photographer. © Author: The Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Library. No known copyright exists.

She was in Petrograd at the time of the first Revolution, and later she left Kieff only three days before the Germans entered. She has been thirteen weeks travelling home, by way of Moscow, Siberia, Manchuria, Korea, Japan, and Canada, and the United States. Miss Holmes is one of those typical English visitors to foreign countries, seemingly unable to miss danger spots, and ready only too soon to return to them.

No. 4 Platoon, B Coy., having bee adjudged the best platoon of the 5th V.B., Northumberland Regt., went to Newcastle on Sunday last to compete with the best of other Battalions. Having to be on Parade at 10 a.m., in Newcastle meant, for the Berwick men, being away by the 6.5 a.m. train, no slight handicap this in such a competition. The Berwick men competed second, and right worthily upheld the honour of the Company and Battalion to which they belong. Everything they were asked to do was done in quite a professional manner. Words of commendation were freely expressed by the officers standing round. More than one said: “This platoon will not be beaten.” Lieut. Campbell was in great form. Cool and collected, his words of command came out clear and sharp, and his men responded admirably. Each N.C.O. was called out in turn. No.4 Platoon is fortunate in possessing non-coms, like Sergeants How, Young, Mace and Corporal Evans, and those who know them will know they were not beaten by any other non-coms. The Berwick Platoon was placed second, two points down, and when the journey is taken into consideration, and the going on to parade so soon after arrival in Newcastle, the result is highly creditable. Lieut. Campbell has worked hard for the last three weeks to get his men up to the top hole. He has been able seconded by his non-coms, and no words of praise are sufficient for the men, who turned up night after night to be “put through it.” Lieut. Campbell was congratulated by the principal officers present on the efficient state of his platoon.

SEAHOUSES

We hear little of the brave and daring deeds done by the minesweeping and patrol craft of our coasts. One such matter of local interest has recently been made public. For brave work in a mine field in August, 1916, Captain S.B. Ward, of H.M.S. Minesweeper St. Leonards 462, was recently decorated by the King at Buckingham Palace, with the Distinguished Service Cross. Later the gallant Captain was presented by the inhabitants of Hartlepool with a marble clock, and a cheque for £20 for himself and a gold locket and chain for his wife. The circumstance is of local interest because of the fact the Seaman Geo. Richardson (Scotty), son of Mr and Mrs George Richardson, Seahouses, formed one of the crew which for some reason numbered only five instead of twelve or fourteen. Each member of the crew also received a beautifully designed medal in silver with gold centre bearing his initials. Mr Richardson’s medal being inscribed “Present to Geo. Richardson, for conspicuous bravery in a minefield, August, 1916, by Councillor C.T. Watson, Mayor of Hartlepool.” We congratulate the young Seaman in the distinguished honour.

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

A DESERTER

Richard Edwards, a pioneer belonging to the Royal Engineers, appeared on a charge of having been a deserter from a Special Gas Company of the R.E., France, since November 6th, 1917. He pleaded guilty.

The Chief Constable said this man belonged to Berwick, and was here on leave from the Front on October. He failed to rejoin his unit at the expiry of his leave on 6th November, and there had been enquiries made about him on two occasions by the Military Authorities. It became known on Sunday morning that he was in the town, he having arrived from Middlesborough, where he had been working, and on his person, when arrested, was found a return ticket to that place. Sergeant Wilson and P.C. Lindsay went to his house at Church Road. The Sergeant went to the front door and knocked, and Lindsay was sent round to the back to prevent the man escaping. As their Worships would hear, Lindsay arrested the man as he was trying to escape over a wall at the rear of the house. The wife of accused denied to the police that he was in the house, and later said it was not likely she was going to give her husband away.

Sergt. Wilson, giving evidence, said he knocked on the door of Edwards’ house in Church Road, and the wife answered, saying she would open after putting on her clothes. After two or three minutes and on hearing a noise as if the man was preparing to make his escape by the back door, Lindsay went round to the back door. Mrs Edwards then opened the door and denied that her husband was in the house. At that time witness heard Lindsay shout, and on going round found that he had got Edwards.

P.C. Lindsay corroborated, and stated that he arrested accused as he was coming over a six foot wall. Accused admitted being a deserter, and said he was glad it was all over.

The Bench remanded accused in custody pending the handing over to the military.

 

 

This Week in World War One, 8 March 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 8 MARCH 1918

 

BELFORD HIRING

 

There was a large gathering of farmers and farm servants at Belford hirings on Wednesday but comparatively speaking; the amount of hiring done was not great, owing to the strong desire on the servants’ part to have very high wages and the desire on the farmers’ part to keep wages within what they considered reasonable bounds. Several engagements were effected at wages ranging from 35s per week to 38s, and in a few instances £2 weekly was received by really good men; lads were engaged at a few shillings per week less. In all cases the usual perquisites were received. Female farm workers were engaged at £1 and 25s weekly. There was a general scarcity of food supplies for the visitors. There was little or no meat, and the few pies the bakers had prepared were speedily sold out. One of the public houses had ample beer supplies, and did a large business.

LOCAL NEWS

 

Arrangements are now possible for the formation of Depots of German prisoners in different parts of the county who will be available for agricultural work, and enquiries are now being made as to the extent to which farmers will desire to take advantage of such labour if provided.

This photograph shows the role of women working in the fields at that time, flax pulling at Selby, Yorkshire: Scottish, English, Irish and Belgian girl farm workers, and a Japanese student at work in the fields. Wikimedia Commons.

In future an applicant for exemption will only have to appear before the Tribunal when the National Service Representative objects to his appeal. Otherwise he will get his exemption automatically. The concession is a little late in coming, but it will still save a good deal of time being wasted.

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

 

At Berwick Petty Sessions on Thursday 7th March, John Dudgeon, baker, Walkergate was convicted of having used over twenty five per cent of imported flour in making of loaves in contravention of the Food Controller’s Regulations. The defence was that bread was baked on the half sponge system which obtains in Scotland, and was also affected by the temperature of the particular day on which it was manufactured. The police on the other hand, produced local master bakers to disprove this; holding that if white bread of this nature could be made at Berwick it would be sold in other towns as it would command a ready sale. The Chief Constable stated that he had on several occasions warned Mr Dudgeon as to the risk he was running in continuing to ignore the regulations, and was latterly forced to adopt proceedings. The Bench found defendant guilty, and imposed a fine of £5.

NORHAM AND ISLANDSHIRES RURAL DISTRICT

MEAT RATIONING

 

MEAT CARDS are being posted this week to all Persons who were resident in the above District on 5th October last, and registered under the Sugar Scheme.

Persons who have removed into this District since that date must make application to me for a Card by TUESDAY, the 12th instant, stating names and ages of the Household.

W.T. KENNEDY

Executive Officer

Norham-on-Tweed,

March 7th, 1918

 

RURAL DISTRICT OF GLENDALE

FOOD DISTRIBUTION SCHEME

RATIONING OF MEAT, TEA, BUTTER AND MARGARINE, BACON AND CHEESE

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the above Scheme will come into force in the Glendale Rural District on the 25th March 1918, after which date supplies of MEAT, TEA, BUTER and  MARGERINE, BACON, and CHEESE, will only be procurable on production of a Food Card and from a retailer with whom the holder of the card is registered.

Cards will be issued to all Individuals, and any who have not received cards by 15th March should make immediate application to the Food Office.

ALL RETAILERS of the above mentioned Foodstuffs and all owners of Hotels, etc., will required to be registered, and must apply for Application Forms for Registration by March 11th.

WILLIAM BONE

Executive officer

Registry Office

WOOLER, 5th March 1918.

 

MEETING OF FRIENDS IN FRANCE

 

We are pleased to learn that letters have come to hand from Lieut. Wm. Gregson, R.F.C., son of the late Mr John Gregson, formerly editor of the “Berwick Advertiser,” and Mrs Gregson, High St. Berwick, stating that he has undergone an operation and has luckily retained his foot which was badly wounded, and that he was soon hopes to be well enough to be sent across to “Blightly”.

A French Red Cross train WW1. © Author: Paul Thompson, Wikimedia Commons.

Lieut. Gregson says he had just arrived at the rail head at a Casualty Clearing station, when he looked up and saw Private A. E. Constable of Berwick. Both recognised each other instantly and at the Clearing Station a good talk about Berwick and old times took place. Private Constable is serving on the Red Cross Ambulance Train.

Private Constable writing home says, “I was assisting to carry a Flying Officer, when I found I was carrying that old friend Wm. Gregson of Berwick. He recognised me at once and quoted a line of Juvenal. He had a pretty painful wound, but is one of our most cheery patients and is very anxious to talk about Berwick. Private Constable also writes that not long ago he came across the 7th N.F., and saw Lieut. Stiles, Lieut. Herriott and  Major A. H. M. Weddell.

 

SCREMERSTON

 

A farm servant employed at Heatherytops, when following his occupation, fell from a cart and broke some of his ribs. We understand he is making progress towards recovery.

We understand the annual Egg service will be held in the Parish Church on Easter Sunday and in view of the need for eggs in our hospitals gifts of these will be most thankfully received.

We learn that a ballot of men employed at Scremerston Colliery, under provisions of the Man Power Bill, took place on Wednesday.

An early image of Scremertson Colliery © Northumberland Archives Berwick, BRO 515-209.

 

Little progress appears to be made with the Volunteer movement in the village, and there are only a few men taking part in the drills held at the Old Institute. One cannot help thinking it would be better for men who have the time to join the Volunteers before the next comb out takes place.

The Hope of Coldstream members (17) visited the Scremerston Lodge on Monday night. The Hope of Coldstream is a Lodge recently re-started, and they owe the re-start to the Hope of Scremerston, which was incidental in sending their present Chief Templar, Bro. W. Logan, who went to Coldstream a few months ago. Along with Sister Black he managed to get a few members together, and they have at the present 54. The Coldstream members filled the offices, and supplied the programme, which was very much enjoyed. The Scremerston Lodge provided them with a light refreshment before they proceeded on their way home.

This Week in World War One, 8 February 1918

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 8 FEBRUARY 1918

 

We are pleased to learn that Bombardier Arthur Skeldon. R.F.A., has been awarded the Military Medal for “having extinguished burning ammunition and for coolness and accuracy in laying his gun while under heavy shell fire and when the rest of his detachment had become casualties.” He was also promoted bombardier on the field. He is a present in one of the Base Hospitals suffering from shrapnel wounds in the leg. This gallant soldier has been in France for three years, joining up when only a schoolboy when the war began. He is well known in Spittal, being the grandson of the late Mr Joseph Johnson, who was for a many years Dock Master at Tweedmouth. His younger brother Joe, has now joined up and is a corporal in the 19th Hussars at Aldershot. They are both nephews of Lieut. J. Johnston, R.E., who was awarded the D.C.M., for “conspicuous bravery” and given a commission on the field; and of Mr James Johnson, R.N.R., who was called up on August 3rd, 1914, and who along with so many of our local lads has done splendid service on that gallant ship the Macedonia. Good luck to them all.

 

MILITARY MEDAL FOR A WOOLER MAN

 

We are pleased to announce that official news has been received to the effect that Corporal O. Carr has been awarded the Military Medal. He is the first Wooler man to receive this distinction, and is to be congratulated on his success, which was well deserved as he has proved himself a brave soldier and gone through a lot of fighting. Previous to the war he was a member of the Territorial Force, and when they were mobilised he with others of the Northumberlands was called upon, and after undergoing their course of training were drafted out to France. It will be remembered that on their arrival at the front they were immediately sent into action at the first battle of Ypres, when Brig. General Riddell (another Wooler man) was killed. After completing his four years he was discharged, but joined up again and since then he has been in the thick of it. Corporal Carr is a son of Mr Alexander Carr of Wooler, and in civil life worked with Messrs T. Smart and Sons, slaters and plasterers, Wooler. He was home on leave quite recently, looking fit and well and as eager as ever. Let us hope that he will soon be able to return safe and sound after a complete victory over the unscrupulous enemy.

 

SEAHOUSES

 

The members of B. Coy. Northern Cyclists at present stationed in Seahouses under Lieut D. F. Thomson, together with service men on leave or discharged were entertained to a social evening by a few friends in Seahouses. The entertainment was organised by Miss Ord, Seahouses Post Office, who has in a general way befriended the Cyclists stationed here since 1914. She was ably assisted by the following ladies who provided cakes etc., Mrs Geo. Smith, Mrs W. A. Matthews, Mrs R. W. Mackenzie, Mrs M. Cuthbertson, Mrs H. A. Lawson and Miss Turnbull. Subscriptions were given by Mrs L. B. Ross and Messrs R. and C. W. Dawson, tobacco by Mr L. B. Ross and each man to the number of 50 were presented with a packet of cigarettes by Mr Geo. Smith. Supper was served in the billet, and after it had been thoroughly enjoyed the company adjourned to the large cycle shed which had been artistically decorated by the military under the direction of Mr Geo. Smith. Here they were joined by a number of young ladies. Mrs L. B. Ross kindly lent her piano and excellent music was provided by Corporal Whillicks (piano) and Cyclist Brown (violin). Games and dancing were enjoyed and songs were sung by Miss C. S. Walker, Miss Lizzie Cuthbertson, Miss Helen Young, Quarter Master Sergeant Dixon and Cyclist Gill. Cyclist Potts also gave an exhibition in step dancing. Second-Lieut. Jobson on behalf of the men thanked Miss Ord and those who had so kindly assisted her in providing such an excellent evenings’ entertainment. The men showed their appreciation in a hearty manner. Mr R. W. Mackenzie courteously acted as M.C. Tea urns and ware were kindly lent by Mrs James Young, Longstone House and others.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

The donations for providing of Christmas parcels for members of Wallace Green Church serving at the front were £16 1s 11d., and the retiring collection £12 5s 8d., making a total of £28 7s 7d. 188 comforts, consisting of woollen goods, cigarettes, soap, etc., were sent in 25 parcels were dispatched to the east, 62 to France, and 46 for home, making a total of 133 parcels sent to the different places. Mr Macaskill has received 64 letters and 4 visits from those who got parcels. It was feared that the Salonica parcels had been sunk by enemy action. The Committee are glad to say such is not the case as Mr Macaskill has had leers from Salonica. Thanks are accorded to Mr Geo. Martin, for the free printing of the Christmas letters and to Messrs Bishop, for a handsome gift of Berwick Cockles.

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

 

Margaret Aird, married woman, Tweedmouth, was charged with having neglected her five children, aged respectively 12, 10, 9, 7 and 3 years, on 1st February. She pleaded guilty to leaving her children in the house without a fire guard.

The Chief Constable explained that this was one of the cases they were loath to bring before the Court. She was the wife of a soldier in Salonika, had 39s 6d allowance, and with the income of the oldest child had £2 7s. There had been complaints about the defendant’s conduct for some time past and the police had had her under surveillance. She had been gradually selling the house furniture and the allowance was being diverted to other channels.

Sergt. J. McRobb said on Friday evening, 1st February, he was on duty in Well Road with P.C. Lindsay watching the house. They met defendant going home and on returning with her found there was a large fire on and no guard. All the children were in bed but Mary, aged 12, who was sitting at the fireside. The children were scanty and dirtily clothed, and there was a room she would not open. There was a half loaf and some tea and sugar in the house. Defendant said that a mattress was utilised for the rest sleeping on the floor. Witness had seen her twice or three times coming home between 11 and 12 o’clock at night in one week and she had been under their surveillance for three months.

By Mr Herriot – The children did not appear to be starved, but they could have been better.

Capt. Norman enquired if defendant was ever seen under the influence of drink, and the reply was the negative.

The Chief Constable said it was worse than a case of drinking.

Witness (resuming) said he had seen her twice at night at Borewell, Scremerston, and she was not alone on these occasions.

P.C. John Lindsay said he had seen defendant on several occasions late at night with different parties, and he thought it was improper conduct when her husband was away.

Defendant, in a voluble and forcible manner, addressed the Bench, and denied that she had neglected her children, maintaining that there was animosity shown towards her by her own people because she would not speak to them.

The Mayor enquired if the children had been kept regularly at school.

The Chief Constable said that so far as he knew there were no complaints on this ground and the police had not made enquiries; the complaints were with regard to defendant’s nightly conduct, which had continued for some time.

After a private deliberation lasting over fifteen minutes the Mayor said that the Magistrates had found defendant guilty, but for the sake of the children they would not send her to prison. She would be bound over for six months under £5, be placed under the observation of the Probation Officer, and would be asked to pay the costs, 5s.

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