This Week in World War One, 16 June 1916

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 16 JUNE 1916

 

THE PLAYHOUSE

 

The film being shown at the Playhouse this weekend is “Whoso is without Sin.” It is founded upon the ideal prize story, and is a tale for saints and sinners – exhibiting some modern pharisees and a penitent woman. The variety programme is of exceptional interest being Pharos, the world famous Egyptian illusionist. He shows a programme of Oriental splendours, and is assisted by Ibhar. He presents in rapid succession the most startling and baffling series of magical problems ever presents to the public. From Monday to Wednesday of next week there will be a splendid comedy drama in three acts, entitled “The Pretenders.” It is an exclusive film from the well-known firm of Harma and Co., London. It is particularly noteworthy for magnificent scenery, and contains a thrilling story of two wealthy young people, each pretending to be of a humble station in life.

Berwick Playhouse 1958. Copyright Berwick Record Office BRO-1250-123.
Berwick Playhouse 1958. Copyright Berwick Record Office BRO-1250-123.

 

The girl gets locked out of her home and has to break in. The young man sees her, and concludes she is a thief. A burglar also breaks in, and after a furious struggle is overpowered by the young man. A detective comes on the scene and finishes by arresting all three! Subsequent explanations secure the release of the girl and the young man. A few weeks later they meet again, and in the privacy of the conservatory come to an understanding which leads to a happy ending. The third series of “Greed” will also be shown. It deals with the evils of cheap construction, a slight explosion causing a badly built subway to cave in, carrying with it a loaded tram and scores of people who were in the street above. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday the film will be “White Star.” It is the finest sporting drama ever filmed – a story containing a magnificent blending of human pathos, laughter and thrills, combined with perfect photography. It is an all British romance of the turf and stage, and contains an exciting plot to poison a favourite race horse – White Star. The vaudeville entertainment is in the hands of Arthur Canworth, banjo expert, who introduces the one and only bass singing banjo in the world.

BERWICK TRIBUNALS

 

JAMES YOUNG

James Young, baker, Seahouses, appealed for his son, Richard Thomas (22), confectioner and general dealer. The local Tribunal disallowed the appeal as it was not a certified occupation; that an older man should be obtained, and that female labour could be utilised. As to supplying the needs of the fishers it was contended that fishing was diminishing, and it was not essential the Young should be retained for this purpose.

Herring girls with barrels in Northumberland. © Berwick Record Office BRO 426- SL 104.
Herring girls with barrels in Northumberland. © Berwick Record Office BRO 426- SL 104.

In his appeal Mr Young said he had contracts to supply the military with bread. The nearest baker was seven miles away, and he supplied a radius of seven square miles, embracing 5000 people, and a number of small shops. At the time of the herring fishing he supplied a large number of boats. If his son was taken he would be left with one man and an apprentice. His foreman was 42 years of age, and he had another lad (19), who was going to the army.

In answer to the Military Representative he said he had supplied as many as twenty boats. Each boat generally carried a crew of seven men.

The appeal was dismissed.

 

MRS P. MCLAUGHAN

Mrs P. McLaughan, widow, appeared in support of the appeal for her son, Hugh McLaughlan (23), 38 Bridge Street, a horse driver with Messers Elder, agricultural implement makers. She stated that she had one son in the navy, the claimant in the appeal, one son (16) incapacited through disease in the arm, and one daughter four years of age. The appellant’s weekly wage went to the whole support of herself. She also received an allowance of 15s weekly from the son in the navy.

By Mr Hogarth – The appellant was refused as medically unfit for the navy. If he had joined the navy she would probably have had an allowance the same as she has for the other boy.

The Tribunal decided that he should serve.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Farm-Workers War Wages – The recent agricultural hiring fairs in Scotland show that farm servants wages have about doubled in the past few years. In Roxburghshire, Berwickshire, and Dumfrieshire, wages are now very high, but not so high as in some counties further north, where the Farm Servants’ Union held meetings urging the men to stand out for a standard wage of £70 per year. The men acted largely on this advice, and one considerable farmer states that his single men now cost him £100 a year. In Berwickshire, besides some perquisites, 24s to 28s per week was given, whereas in 1906 the rates were 13s to 15s. other counties exhibit similar advances.

Early 1900s farming scene showing a horse drawn reaper. Author 'Whatsthatpicture,' Hanwell, London. © Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
Early 1900s farming scene showing a horse drawn reaper. Author ‘Whatsthatpicture,’ Hanwell, London. © Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

Foxhunters and Farmers – At a meeting of the Hunt Secretaries Association held at Messers Tattersall’s, the following resolution was unanimously passed: – “That the thanks of the Hunt Secretaries’ Association be recorded to all the farmers and poultry-keepers for their great help during the past season, enabling hunting to be carried on successfully under very difficult circumstances, and it is hoped, owing to the difficulties arising from the war, that they will do all in their power to continue their loyal support to the various hunts in the future.

 

This Week in World War One, 2 June 1916

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 2 JUNE 1916

 

BERWICK FAIR

 

Berwick Fair, which was opened at noon on Friday in the quaint and recognised fashion obtaining for so many years, was, by general consent, regarded as one of the most attenuated in street stall representation that has been witnessed. Nevertheless the Fair was a centre of great attraction, and on Saturday the streets of the town were thronged by large numbers of country visitors. Ideal summer weather prevailed on Friday and Saturday, materially contributing to the comfort of the strangers and the general success of the Fair.

Early 1900s photograph shows people selling their wares on the High Street. © Berwick Record Office - BRO 0017
Early 1900s photograph shows people selling their wares on the High Street. © Berwick Record Office – BRO 0017

 

The east side of High Street was, as usual, set apart for the stalls. There was the customary strong representation of china merchants, who had a large and varied collection of all kinds of ware. There were a few hardware stalls some flower stalls, and one dealer in cheap jewellery. The latter by his artful and enticing manners did quite a big business. The Parade was occupied, as usual, by a number of travelling shows, the principal item being the electric roundabouts and cake walk. The showmen, with an eye to business, doubled the penny charge on the Saturday afternoon for these amusements. Despite the big advance a large trade was experienced, and this was increased in the evening when the prices returned to the normal charge. Accompanying these amusements were a number of side booths having an allurement for those who wished to have a venture in making money. The odds were always against them, however, the keepers of the booths coming out on top to the discomfiture of their numerous patrons. The streets of the borough were packed by crowds till a late hour in the evening.

 

HEIR TO WED. LIEUT C.D. LEYLAND – MISS SYLVIA COTTERELL

 

BAdvertiser 2 June 1916 Heir to Wed Lieut C D leyland
Berwick Advertiser 2 June 1916 Heir to Wed Lieut C D leyland

 

An interesting engagement is that just announced between Christopher Leyland, 1st Life Guards, and Miss Sylvia Cotterell. Mr Leyland comes of the Northumbrian family of Haggerston, of which the Naylor Leyland are an offshoot, and is heir to Haggerston Castle. The Bride to be is Miss Cotterell, who is not yet 20, is eldest of the three daughters of Sir John Cotterell, 4th Bart., of Garnons. He married in 1896 Lady Evelyn Gordon Lennon, daughter of the Duke of Richmond.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Although racing machines are not built for general road use it is remarkable evidence to the strength of the Raleigh that Mr David Murtrie, of Woodend, South Mt. Vernon, Glasgow, is able to write that he has ridden his Raleigh racer 12,000 miles on track and road in two years, and he has never had to adjust a bearing or spend anything on renewals, except tyres, and the machine is “running sweeter than ever.”

 

Council’s Good Wishes to Young Recruit – A well-known young gentleman in the person of Mr Wm. Blakey, acting Sergeant-at- Mace, has enlisted in the Seaforth Highlanders, and left to join the regiment at Fort George on Thursday.

 

View of the barracks at Fort George. © Cp111 - Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
View of the barracks at Fort George. © Cp111 – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

 

At a meeting of the Town Council on Wednesday afternoon the Mayor made a pleasant and happy reference to the step Mr Blakey was taking, and wished him the best of good health and success in the profession of arms which he was able to enter upon. He also alluded to the service which his father had rendered as Sergeant-at-Mace to the Council as well as previously in the same historic Highland regiment that his son was joining. Since his father had been recalled to the colours the son had continued to discharge the duties faithfully and well, and he had always been most willing and obliging (Applause). In the Council’s name he wished young Mr Blakey all success, resting assured whether he was called to the front or not he would worthily maintain the traditions of the old Border town, and remember his connection with the Council. They sent him off with the best of good wishes (Applause).  Mr Blakely, in a word, replied thanking the Council for their kind greetings.

 

The document signed by Queen Anne and Sir Robert Walpole concerning the pay of the 25th Foot (now the King’s Own Scottish Borderers), from April to June, 1708, which was given to the Church Army in aid of its war work, is being bought by a Scottish brigadier-general for presentation to his old regiment, the headquarters of which are at Berwick.

 

This Week in World War One, 19 May 1916

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 19 MAY 1916

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Mine Sweepers’ Pensions – The Admiralty have intimated that all mine sweepers injured in the course of duty, and not through culpable negligence, will receive a pension of twenty five shillings weekly, if totally incapacitated, and ten and sixpence if partially disabled, together with half-a-crown for each child. In the event of being killed, his widow will receive a weekly allowance varying from ten shillings to sixteen and sixpence, with a graduated scale for each child.

Different types of sea mines at the German Marine Museum. © Photographer - euro-t-guide.com.
Different types of sea mines at the German Marine Museum. © Photographer – euro-t-guide.com.

 

THE RISE IN FOOD PRICES

55 per cent. Since Beginning of War

 

The Board of Trade Labour Gazette, dealing with retail prices of food in the United Kingdom, states that on May 1 values showed an increase of about 4 per cent. as compared with April 1. Both beef and mutton indicated a rise of about 6 per cent., or from ½d to ¾d per lb, on the average. Potatoes showed an increase on the month of 42 per cent., whilst the increase in the tax on sugar was reflected in a rise in the retail price of about 10 per cent., or ½d per lb. The average prices of fish, bacon, and cheese were slightly higher at May 1 than a month earlier. Tea, milk, butter, and margarine showed little change in price, apart from an increase from 5d to 6d per quart of milk in a great part of London. The seasonal decline in the price of eggs continued. As compared with 1st May, 1915, the general level of prices showed an increase of about 23 per cent.

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

UNUSUAL CASE OF BRIGHT LIGHTS

 

Peter Richardson, Jun., Berwick, electrician, was charged with having on 8th May, failed to obscure light.

It appeared from statement by the Chief Constable that the accused was left in charge of the house of the Manager of the Electric Works at Bridge Terrace. He had visited the house during the day, and while doing so he had turned the light on, omitting to switch it off again. In the evening the light was observed by soldiers on guard at Bridge End, who ineffectually rung the bell.

A photograph taken in 1906 of the Berwick end of the Berwick Bridge, where soldiers observed the 'Bright Lights' ten years later in 1916. © Berwick Record Office.
A photograph taken in 1906 of the Berwick end of the Berwick Bridge, where soldiers observed the ‘Bright Lights’ ten years later in 1916. © Berwick Record Office.

 

Police Constable Spiers was called, and got the accused out of bed and had the light extinguished.

The Chief Constable mentioned it was an unusual case, and he pressed for no vindictive sentence. The accused was 18 years of age. Fined 2s 6d

 

PRESENTATION OF SILVER CUP TO CAPTAIN EVELYN CARR

Interesting Function at Scremerston

 

There was a large and popular gathering of the villagers of Scremerston on Friday evening last in the Miners’ Institute for the purpose of welcoming and honouring Captain J. Evelyn Carr, Manager of the Colliery Company, presently home on leave from the Front.

The gallant Captain has been on active service since August 1914, and notwithstanding his arduous experiences he looked fit and well.

It was fittingly decided to present Captain Carr with a solid silver cup, a replica of the famous gold cup offered by the Highland Agricultural Society at their show held at Hawick in 1914. This cup is valued at 300 guineas, and was won by Capt. Carr with a rare exhibit of Leicester sheep entered against all comers in this particular class.

The presentation cup was filled by the Capt., and the company entertained to cake and wine.

Scremerston Colliery Silver Band - © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1753-2a.
Scremerston Colliery Silver Band – © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1753-2a.

 

Mr Geo. W. Glahome presided, and during the evening a fine musical programme was sustained, a prominent feature being the Scremerston Silver Band under Mr Allan. The Scremerston Sketch Party submitted a short comedy, entitled “The Designing Woman,” which was greatly appreciated. Mr Whitfiled acted as leader of the party, and Misses Mason, Whitefiled, Jeanie Davidson, Messrs John Moore and Robert Foster all acted as capable artistes. Other songs were contributed. Among others present were Mrs Carr, Mr John Mitchell, Ancroft Town farm; Mr John Black, etc.

Captain Carr left for the Front on Sunday night.