BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

07/07/2023 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 6 JULY 1923

BOYS’ BRIGADE LIFE AT SEAHOUSES

LIEUT.-COL. PARMETER INSPECTS

On the glistening ridge of the Northumberland coast at Seahouses, some three hundred sturdy specimens of British youth, members of the Newcastle Battalion Boys’ Brigade, radiant and ruddy from training under canvas, were on Thursday inspected and congratulated by Lieut.-Colonel N. L. Parmeter, T.D.

The lads, who are under the command of Cadet Lieut.-Colonel Gerald A. France, were drawn up in line as Lieut.-Colonel Parmeter, who was accompanied by Captain Waugh, of the Territorial Association, arrived. The “march past” and saluting of the flag was carried through, and in addition to noting the personal turn-out of the unit, the Lieut.-Colonel witnessed a smart display of battalion drill and a squad exhibition of physical training under Lieut. Tocock.

Seahouses, Main Street c.1900. Reference: BRO 426-1208

Addressing the boys, Lieut.-Colonel Parmeter expressed his appreciation of the efficiency he had discovered upon his first visit as inspecting officer for the county. Such training, he observed, was of fine assistance in after-life, and not the least valuable influence was that of discipline. The brigade was controlled by voluntary officers who, he reminded them, devoted great time and effort towards the welfare and upliftment of the lads, and he urged the latter to realise that fact and to show their appreciation by their actions and behaviour.

Other battalion officers present at the inspection were Cadet major W. Lunn, M. C., Cadet-Captain and Adjutant N. Stewart, and Cadet. Major F. R. H. Laverick (medical officer).

Apart from the essential duties and precautions, the brigade members during the week were granted the maximum amount of freedom. Swimming parties were organised under competent charge, and in the afternoon and evening leave was invariably given. There were multifarious attractions in the camp itself. An inter-company football competition was held. A route march to the picturesque castle at Bamburgh proved a red-letter event, and a small excursion sailed round the Farnes. The inhabitants of the village too were treated to a camp concert in the large marquee.

LOCAL NEWS

An attractive Guide Book to Berwick-on-Tweed has been published under the auspices of the Town Council by Martin’s Printing Works. The guide, which is well advertised and illustrated, hives an interesting historical account of the town, and gives much valuable information to the visitor. There is also a few notes on the industrial side of the town and the necessity of an improved harbour is emphasised.

The Following are the official figures of unemployment in Berwick and district for the past week: Berwick, 288 men ( last week 227), 3 boys ( last week 1 ), 53 women ( last week 26), 3 girls (2 last week); Coldstream, 12 men (13 last week), 2 women ( 1 last week ); Duns, 13 men ( 16 last week), 3 women ( same as last week); and Eyemouth, 49 men (same as last week), 2 boys ( same), 115 women (same), and 4 girls (same).

How traffic on a railway may become dislocated as a result of a minor mishap was demonstrated on Thursday last at Berwick station when the points of the up line near the signal cabin on the Bridge went wrong. What made matters worse was that a large crowd of Sunday School children, who were to have gone from Berwick Station with the afternoon train, were held up until repairs were effected. Golfers going with the slow to Goswick were also held up, and after waiting about the platform they discovered a “relief train” had run from Tweedmouth leaving them stranded. They however managed to get to Goswick by motor.

Berwick Railway Station early 1900s. Reference: BRO 1636-10-013

The annual report of the directors of the Berwick and Tweedmouth gaslight Company, which has just been issued, states that the works and plant during the past year have been maintained in good order and repair. The nett profit realised is £1327 3s 2d; of this sum the directors recommend that £1086 be disbursed as a dividend. The dividend warrants will be sent out on July 25^th, and the bankers will pay their value on presentation. The directors retiring by rotation are Messrs R. p. Lee, R. R. Riddell, and H. R. Peters. They are eligible for re-election and offer themselves accordingly. The auditor (Mr Stokoe) also solicits his re-appointment.

LAWN TENNIS

Spittal Tennis Club played their return fixture with Belford on Wednesday evening, when Belford ran out winners by 78 games to 71. The visitors were entertained after the match.

The match arranged with Mrs Leather’s team and the Berwick Club for Monday was postponed.

Mrs D. M. Dodds has taken over the secretarial duties of Berwick Tennis Club from Miss K.D. Mackay.

This week’s “Lawn Tennis” gives a description of R. D. Watson’s fight with W. M. Johnston in the singles championship at Wimbledon. Watson is described as a left-handed player with a free style and a penchant for hard hitting and volleying. He was a potential champion some years ago, but never got enough play in championship company. Now he is by no means in his first youth, and having filled out somewhat, has not the staying power he might desire. Nevertheless, he fought a plucky uphill fight, doing better in the first two sets than the score indicated, and compelling the American to go all out to win in the third.

Tennis Courts at Berwick-upon-Tweed. c.1900. Reference: BRO 426-457

The score in this set was at one time 4-2 in Johnston’s favour; it looked to be going 6-2, when Watson, mainly by means of daring drives (equal to Johnston’s best) which often beat the American completely, whether he stayed back or came up, drew level at 4-4 and again at 5-5. Watson then gained the lead at 6-5 and was a little unlucky to lose it, and ultimately the set at 7-9. In the last three games, however; he was pretty thoroughly “cooked.” Johnston must have been glad to find in him such an unexpectedly doughty opponent. The encounter served as a good “turn-up” for harder ones in store.

R.D. WATSON SELECTED

The team chosen to represent England in the International match with Ireland, on July 16 and 17, will include R. D. Watson, the well-known Northumbrian player, who gave an excellent display against W. M. Johnston, the American crack, at Wimbledon last week.

WOOLER GOLF COURSE

EXTENSION TO EIGHTEEN HOLES

FORMAL OPENING

Brilliant weather favoured the formal opening of the extended golf course from one of nine to a full course of 18 holes on Thursday last by Mr Noel Villiers, the president of the Club. There was a large assembly of well-known golfers present from all parts of the county, including representatives from Alnwick, Rothbury, Warkworth, Coldstream, Morpeth, Wallsend, Gosforth, etc., in addition to a strong contingent of local players. Amongst those present were Mr A. B. Collingwood, ….. Tower; Ald. G. G. Rae, C.B.E., both presidents; Dr Dey (Captain), Mrs Dey, Mr T. and Mrs Dodds, Earle; Dr Fulton, Lord Bennett, Chillingham Castle; Mr St. Paul Butler, Berry, Ho. Secretary of the Northumberland Union of Golf Clubs, with which the Wooler Club is affiliated; Mr A. Greathead, Vice-Captain; Mr C. W. Redpath, Hon. Secretary; Mr J. S. Mason, Match Secretary, etc.

In declaring the course open, Mr Villiers briefly described the history of the Wooler Golf Club since its formation in 1893. The late Ald. G. Rea was its first President, Mr A. H. leather Culley its first Captain, Mr R. G. Stewart its first Treasurer, and the present Ald. G. G. Rea acted as Secretary. At that time there were about 70 members, since which it has gone on progressing until now, when it has a membership of over 170. They had been fortunate in their landlords, first the late Earl of Tankerville, then the present Earl and Mr Bruce, who had always treated them very well. They now had to thank Mr T. Dodds for allowing them to play over his land, and who had rendered every assistance to the Club. Thanks, were also due to the Greens Committee and their groundsman on the satisfactory manner in which the course had been laid out, the work of laying the greens and clearing the fairway, etc. Perhaps the greens might not be up to the standard of the old ones, but he expected they would be so by another year. They could congratulate themselves on possessing a beautiful course, which was second to none for its lovely surroundings with the magnificent panoramic views to be obtained. Full advantage had been taken of the natural hazards. Golf had many advantages over other more strenuous games. Having dealt with the introduction of golf into England, Mr Villiers referred to the presence of Mr Harrison, the County Amateur Champion, and said no doubt he and the other players would receive a hearty welcome. He concluded by wishing the club continued success and then drove off a ball at the first tee amid cheers.

Dr Dey, in proposing a vote of thanks to Mr Villiers, referred to the valued services rendered to the Club during the ten years he had been president, and on behalf of the members of the Club presented him with an antique silver bowl. Mr Villiers, in reply, said he was much surprised to receive their gift, which would remind him of many pleasant times spent amongst them, and although he was leaving the immediate neighbourhood, he would not be so far away but that he might continue to meet them occasionally. (Cheers)

Subsequently a series of competitions took place, and a feature of the play was the brilliant performance of Mr J. J. Harrison, the Amateur Champion of Northumberland, who went round the 18 holes in 69, or one stroke below bogey, thus winning the scratch prize. The second best was 79, returned by A. Henderson, of the Wooler Club, who is a promising player.

The visitors were entertained to tea by the Wooler members, the tables being presided over by the ladies of the club, who are always ready to render assistance in this or any other manner for the benefit of the Club. The prizes were afterwards presented by Mr R. F. Henderson, and one of the Morpeth representatives viced the feelings of the visitors for the kind hospitality shown them that day, which had been such an enjoyable outing.

DEVICE FOR SPEEDING-UP LOCOMOTIVES

Hailing from the United States, an appliance known as the “Booster,” for the speeding-up of locomotives, is shortly to be adopted for the first time on British railways. The London and North-Eastern Company, says Modern Transport, have decided to instal it on one of their Great Northern “Atlantic” passenger engines working to and from King’s Cross.

The “Booster” consists of a small auxiliary steam engine, which is placed under the footplate of the locomotive. This drives the axle of the small trailing wheels by means of spur gearing. The engine driver admits steam to the “Booster” cylinders when starting a heavy train or when climbing a steep gradient, but when the speed attains about 20 miles per hour, the “Booster” is automatically cut out of action.

Like an automobile in low gear, the “Booster” applies its extra power smoothly, avoiding the jerks that a big engine otherwise must give when getting into motion. It is claimed for the “Booster” that it is as good as an extra pair of driving wheels without their extra weight.

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

14/04/2023 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK JOURNAL, 12 APRIL 1923

ST. MARY’S CHILDREN’S CONCERT

St. Mary’s Church, Castlegate, 1980’s Ref: BRO 1497-101

On Easter Monday and Tuesday the children of St. Mary’s Berwick, gave a very excellent programme in the operetta “Zurika, the Gipsy Maid, or captive Pricess,” by Clementina Ward. Monday, to a packed house; Tuesday, to a good audience.

The programme each night opened with one verse of God Save the King, with Harry Manuel standing with the Union Jack and calling the audience to attention.

KING AND QUEEN HONOUR BERWICK LADY

The King and Queen have sent autographed portraits of themselves to rev. A. H. Kelk, Rector of Goldsborough, Yorks, and Mrs Kelk, as souvenirs of the christening of the infant son of Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles. The latter have given Mr and Mrs Kelk a handsome silver inkstand, with facsimile inscription “From Mary and Lascelles.”

Mrs Kelk is a native of Berwick, and member of old Family of Berwick Freemen. She was Miss Bessie mark, daughter of the late Mr Kingston Mark, Church St., Berwick, who at one time held important Government position in Woolwich Dockyard, and was intimate friend of late Duke of Cambridge.

BEFORE BERWICK BENCH-CHILDREN’S COURT

At a Children’s Court on Wednesday, before R. Boston, Esq., Miss Henderson, T. Bolus, C. Forsyth and G.N. Broadbent, Esqs., a Berwick boy, remanded a fortnight ago on a charge of throwing stones from a catapult, and to be medically examined, was again before Court.- Mr Wallace, probation Officer, handed in a letter from Dr T. P. Caverhill, which stated that 7 years ago when in Haddington, he had attended the boy after an accident when he suffered from a fractured skull. This was the cause of his present condition, and he was practically not responsible for his actions. – Mr Wallace said the boy’s parents had no control over him, and were anxious to get him into a home.- The case was adjourned for another fortnight in order that Supt. Halliday might get into communication with the Committee in Newcastle, and to make further enquiries.

FORD FARM STUDENT FINED-DRUNK INCHARGE OF A MOTOR CAR

At Kelso Police Court yesterday, Provost Middlemas presiding, Alistair Paton, farming student, Ford Westfield, Cornhill, was fined 40s, or 20 days in prison, for being drunk while in charge of a motor car in Kelso Square on 6^th March.

The case had been adjourned from a fortnight ago, owing to Mr Guthrie, the Burgh Prosecutor, desiring to withdraw the summons, because the accused had already tho?? his assize through being convicted for a similar offence committed on the same day at Galashiels.

The Provost held that the two cases were quite distinct, and imposed the penalty stated above.

LOCAL NEWS

“The Anchorage,” Woolmarket, Berwick, to be sold by public auction, is one of Berwick’s best-known houses, for it was the Home of Dr Johnston and his daughter, Mrs Barwell Carter,

The Anchorage, Woolmarket, 1959 Ref: BRO 1250/205

who for so many years welcomed Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club within its walls, on the Club’s annual visit to Berwick. Dr Johnston was Founder of the Club, and each year his daughter showed and explained many of the personal treasures of this gifted Citizen.

BERWICK TOWN COUNCIL

A meeting of Berwick Town Council was held on Tuesday evening. Present: The Mayor; Ald. Cowe, Wilson; Couns. Brewis, Morrison, Blench, Dickinson, Anderson, (Mrs) Edminson, Lockhart, Martin Bolus, Boston, Watt, Dudgeon, Redpath, Stuart; with the Clerk (Mr Twigg), the Land Steward (Mr Bolam), the Accountant (Mr Gibson).

Apologies were intimated from the Sheriff and Coun. Lyall. The Mayor expressed regret that Coun. Lyall was not able to be out yet but hoped he would soon be among them again. (Hear, hear).

CONDOLENCES

The Mayor made feeling reference to the bereavement suffered by Ald. Boston and Mr Adam Aird, both of whom had a long connection with the Council, and on his motion it was agreed to send a letter of condolence to Ald. Boston. The members showed their approval by rising to their feet.

TO FREE FREEMEN’S ESTATE

In accordance with notice given a month ago, Coun. Edminson was to have moved :- That in view of the necessity of the provision of a site for Housing in connection with the recent gift of Mr W. H. Askew, the Town Council as Trustees of the Freemen’s Estate instruct the Farm and Works Committee to consult with the Freemen of the Borough in order that steps may be taken either by the promotion of a Bill or otherwise to free the lands included in the First Three Schedules of the Settlement Act from the restrictions against the sale of such lands.

The Mayor suggested that in view of the recommendation from the Farm and Works Committee, to the meeting, she should defer her motion until then. This she agreed to do.

The farm and Works Committee reported: – In connection with the question of Road Works, etc., for the purpose of developing lands in Schedule 3 of the Corporation Act, 1843, for building purposes, the Town Clerk reported receipt of a letter from the Charity Commissioners expressing the opinion that they see no reason to dissent from Counsel’s opinion on the subject, taken in 1906. The opinion in question was that such an expenditure is lawful. The Committee agreed that a meeting be held with the Freemen’s Committee in order to discuss whether action cannot now be taken to obtain the removal of the restrictions upon the transfer of lands included in the first three schedules to the Act.

The mayor moved the adoption of the report and explained that the matter came up on the letter from the Charity Commissioners. Coun. Bolus seconded.

Mrs Edminson withdrew her motion.- Agreed.

SPORTS AND PASTIMES

With opening in Berwick Town of 1923 Golfing Season has come the usual wandering about the Course by people – (especially children)- who have no right to be there, but who are, apparently and unfortunately, allowed to go about wherever they like on the Course, and to do very much as they please. Such a state of things makes for trouble. Indeed, a serious accident has already occurred, whereby a youngster was struck on the face by a golf ball. The child has no right to be where it was at the time and was unseen by the players until the accident occurred.

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

No blame can be attributed to the golfers. But the management of the Course must take reasonable steps to stop the continuous trespass, which has become not only a nuisance but a danger. In case of accidents, the Law will not protect them unless they are able to show that reasonable steps have been taken to warn the Public. Indeed, in the matter of trespass the Law will hold that there is no trespass until the trespasser has been personally warned off the place.

Among latest improvements as Goswick Golf Club House is the erection of a smoke-room, which will help to lessen congestion in the luncheon and tea-room, where, hitherto, people have sat on after meals, and kept others waiting unduly for their food.

A Border lady, whose people belonged to Duns says her father played golf at the age of 93. Lord Joicey, who often motors over from Ford Castle to play on Goswick Course, is 77, and thus has a long way to go yet. We hope to see him enjoying Golf at 93.

Congratulations to Wooler Golf Club on getting into 2^nd Round of Northumberland County Contest for “Newcastle Chronicle” Cup. Wooler (Geo. Tully and R. Redpath) beat Tynedale (W. Raisbeck and J. Turner) by 4 up and 3 to play- very creditable victory. Prompter hopes they’ll do well next round.

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

31/03/2023 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK JOURNAL, 15TH MARCH 1923

BURNMOUTH TO GET HALL

In order to secure a Public Hall for Burnmouth, a bazaar is to be held at Berwick. Mr John Anderson, Nulla Ghar, is Chairman of Burnmouth Hall Committee; Mr John Kinross, Schoolmaster, is Secretary; and Mr Thos. Barnfather, Stationmaster, is Treasurer. There are few spots on East Coast that can boast of such natural beauty as Burnmouth Village, mecca of Artists. Facing the sea yet shrinking from it into the shadow of the imposing Berwickshire Cliffs that rise to a height of 200 or 300 feet, stand the red-tiled cottages of the fishing community of this rock-bound coast- rich at every turn with picturesque scenery which Nature has bestowed with lavish hand. In Burnmouth Village there are some 400 inhabitants, and it is proposed the Hall be erected of the benefit of the whole community. By the efforts of the people themselves, about £150 have been raised since last March, and it is hoped the Bazaar in Berwick will make up the amount necessary. The young people, amongst whom are 60 ex-service men, have no place of meeting for recreation and social intercourse, and they have a special claim on public support, if village life is to be quickened, and the evenings made bright after a heavy day’s toil upon the sea. Truly indeed has it been said that the hardy fisherman’s calling in the vasty deep is “Lives o’ men.”

IN AND ABOUT SPITTAL SPECIAL AND EXCLUSIVE

TO THE BERWICK JOURNAL

Interest on Sunday afternoon last was largely centred on that part of the foreshore to which the Manure and Gas Works are immediately adjacent; groups of people watched the incoming tide, which being “Spring tide,” and one of the highest of its kind, forced itself with great power against the massive concrete cubes, which Messers McCreath had provided as a barrage against the tide in their efforts to protect their works. So great was the force of the waves that it undermined the foundation of sand and brought the cubes toppling down as if they had been mere paving setts. Men laboured the whole day (Sunday) filling the sand bags and placing them in position, in an endeavour to prevent a further inroad of the unrelenting tide. Messrs Dixon’s works, now discarded, serves only as a breakwater, and while it holds will afford some protection to the works lying behind; but the tide is already running underneath the foundations in places, and a collapse of part of the superstructure at any moment would not be surprising. The angry sea running last week produced a marked effect not only on Dixon’s premises, and the approach to McCreath’s but also to the foreshore of the gas works.

Here the foreshore has been used as a “tip” by the company for years, for the refuse from their works, consequently tons upon tons of rubbish have been banked up to a height of 10 or 15 feet, and this embankment has acted as a breakwater to the works. Gradually this debris, however, is being swept away, hundreds of tons at a time come crashing down under the impetus of the incoming tide, and should the erosion continue, the gas works, which are practically at sea-level will become inundated; indeed, that portion of Spittal lying north of St. Helen’s Terrace would appear to be none too safe from flooding, as the level it occupies is extremely low. The reclaiming of the foreshore now becomes a pressing question. What is needed is a strong concrete wall to form an efficient breakwater, and as a foundation would be difficult owing to the sandy nature of the bottom, such a project would be costly. How is such cost to be borne? Would it pay the proprietors of the several works involved to be at the cost of such a wall and so save their works, or would it pay such proprietors better to remove their works elsewhere?

BRO 426/879 St Helens Terrace, showing Industrial Spittal.

Evidently Messrs Dixon after spending something approaching £1000 in a vain attempt to save their works have thrown up the sponge. Should the remaining proprietors follow Messers Dixon’s lead, then the prospect for Spittal is none too good from the working man’s point of view, as many earn their daily bread in the various works. Is the question of the erection of a wall not one of wider interest than affects the effected property owners merely? Does it touch the Borough? Or wider still the Nation? On whoever the onus does rest, prompt action is necessary. The efforts which Messers McCreath are putting forth the sea is treating as puny, and it looks as if they, like their neighbour Dixon and co, are only spending time and money fruitlessly. Something solid on a substantial foundation is the correct remedy.

LOCAL NEWS

The first German trawler in Tweed Dock since the beginning of October arrived on Sunday last, having come direct from Bremerhaven, which port she left on the previous Friday. The “Dr. Asnas,” of Rostock, she took aboard 120 tons of bunker coal from Scremerston, motor lorries being engaged the whole of Monday conveying the coal from the pit. She left again for the fishing grounds on Tuesday afternoon.

The Glasgow steamer “Cretan” arrived in the Dock on Monday light, from the north, and sailed again on Wednesday with a cargo of barley, from Messrs H.G. McCreath and Sons. On Tuesday afternoon the schooner “John Sims,” Gloucester, arrived in the Dock in charge of 2 Spittal cobbles up the river. She is from Fewey with a cargo of China clay for Chirnside Paper Mills.

BERWICK’S NEW RAILWAY COY. HAS 7500 ENGINES

There is a stir in railway circles over the colour schemes to be adopted for locomotives and carriages now that uniformity is the order of the day as the result of all great railways of England and Scotland being combined into only 4 groups. Our own Coy., London and North Eastern, has come to a decision in regard to the change, and as its locomotives go through the “shops” for painting or repairing the passenger engines are being turned out in a green livery and goods engines in sober black. In both instances the new “trade mark, “L. & N.E.R.” appears in bold letters on the tender or other suitable position.

London, Midland, and Scottish Railway Coy. alone owns well over 10,000 locomotives and 25,000 passenger vehicles, which is world’s record, while London and North-Eastern possesses more than 7,500 engines and 20,000 “coaching vehicles.”

BERWIC NATIVE IN NEW ZEALAND.

Mr Robt. Kerr, Christchurch, New Zealand, (Native of Berwick-upon-Tweed), writes us from the Colony – Out here we have a large number of men and women out of work, partly owing to so many coming from Overseas, which we workers rightly or wrongly resent. The difficult thing is to find work. Sometimes it means displacing local men, and then comes friction. I think, however, we are in a position to help, as we grow much what we use. But Protection is the workers’ watchword although we have a large Free Trade population. We all love cheapness! The seamen’s dispute has had bad effect on business; they object to a reduction of wages, but most trades have been reduced, no doubt the “bonus” cut of our Civil Servants has cost the Hon. W. F. Massey many seats in the General Election. Labour gained 8 seats, now holding 17 places; Liberals hold 25; and Reform 38 – a great surprise to all Mr Massey lost his majority through the wages cut, but he is an honest man and struggled manfully during the war period to keep our finances in a buoyant state. Had he been a juggler in finance we might have been worse off than we are now. Outlook is good for a bountiful harvest as most crops are looking well. We have an Industrial Exhibition of local industries, showing how much we can make, which is really good. Only many workers today, don’t think they ought to try to excel to make our products worthy of a place in the world’s markets. Instead of indifferent work through carelessness and inefficiency, we now have the opportunity. Our temperance friends left no stone unturned in their endeavour to get National Prohibition, even to bringing “Pussyfoot” Johnson and Dr Mary Armour from America, but all to no purpose – they lost by 16,000 odd votes.

One by one my old Berwick acquaintances out here are dying. I miss my old friend Tom Smail, as he always had some news of the old place. There is a Stoddart family out here who are much interested in Borderland news. They tell me their late father was a great man for fishing.

All good wishes to “Berwick Journal” and North Northumberland News,” and also to “Berwickshire News,” for 1923.

NEW ROAD AT TWEEDMOUTH LIKELY TO BE ABANDONED

The proposal to make a new road at Tweedmouth from the 5 arches through Union Park, is now likely, we understand, to be abandoned. It will be remembered that some months ago the Council decided to purchase for that purpose, from Lady Francis Osborne, Ord House, the field adjoining Union Park, on the north side, extending to 10 acres. The purchase price was about £2,000, the Council agreeing to bear the cost of conveyance. An impasse has risen over the payment of the negotiating fees, claimed by Mr W. J. Bolam, agent for Lady Osborne.

BA-U10-04-02 Tweedmouth Section of the 1852 OS Map for Berwick showing West End, Union Park area.

The sanitary Authority last week agreed to the following report of the Works’ Committee: The Committee further considered the question of the negotiating fees amounting to £42 11s charged by Mr W. J. Bolam in connection with the proposed acquisition of land at Tweedmouth from Lady F. Osborne. The Town Clerk reported that the vendors’ solicitors refused to complete the purchase unless the negotiating fees in question be paid, and it was agreed to recommend the Council to refuse payment of the fees.

Following this decision, Mr Andrew Martin, Tweedmouth Town farm, of whose holding the field in question formed part, began to plough up the land on Tuesday, so that it would seem the negotiating are now definitely broken off.

VIOLENT PRISONER AT SPITTAL

Jas. Allan, engineman, Fowberry Moor, was charged with having been drunk and incapable in Billendean Road at 4 pm on March 3; and also, with doing wilful damage to 15 panes of glass and the frame of the door in the Police cells, to the amount of £2 10s.- Sergt. Barclay said he was motor cycling down Billendean Road when he found Allan lying in a helpless state. He put him into the side car and conveyed him to the Police Station at Spittal. About an hour after Allan had been locked up witness heard a disturbance and on going to the cell, found that Allan had broken 15 panes of glass in the cell window. Later there was another disturbance, and witness found him using the cell bed as a battering ram against the cell door, which was badly damaged.

Supt. Halliday- He was quiet enough on his way to the Police Station. I think the surroundings must not have suited him.

Fined 10s on the first charge, £1 on the second, and ordered to pay the damage, a total of £4.

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