BERWICK ADVERTISER, 4TH AUGUST 1922

05/08/2022 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

CIGARETTE DEAL AT THE BARRACKS

Frank Cook (30), of 17 Walkergate, Berwick was charged with unlawfully assaulting and beating Pte. George Brown, K.O.S.B., Berwick, on July 26^th. Cook pleaded not guilty.

Brown explained that he was owing Cook some £7 for cigarettes, and Cook took him into the rifle room by himself and assaulted him when he refused to pay him the money.

Mr H. R. Peters, appearing for Cook, cross examined Brown, asked brown if there had not been repeated attempts by Brown to get the money, which Cook did not deny.

Dr Fraser gave evidence that when he was called to see him he found Brown bleeding from the nose, lips, and left ear. The most serious matter was a serious contusion over the bone that leads to the brain. He sent him to the Infirmary and kept him there for a week. He was that day just fir to appear.

Corpl. Johnson, from the Barracks, said he found Brown lying on the floor. He had been locked up in the rifle room and was in an unconscious state. He stayed with him till the civil policeman came. He only saw Cook leaving the rifle room.

Sergt. Midlemiss gave evidence of finding Brown on the floor of the rifle room as described.

Frank Cook said Brown was in the habit of coming to his shop for cigarettes. He was responsible for paying for them. They were sold to him at the full price. He got fairly large quantities. At first he paid regularly, but gradually the amount owing grew, until it reached £6 18s 8d,and he was still sending for cigarettes. Brown then did his best to avoid him, and ceased to come to the shop. Eventually Cook heard that he was about to go on draft leave, so he went to the barracks, and he charged him with avoiding him. A week before the assault he got an I.O.U. from him, as he said various men were owing him money. On the 26^th he got permission from Capt. Lake to see Private Brown, who was there on parade with the draft, and was fetched. They went I to the rifle room. There was a Yale lock on the door and the door closed “quite unconscious to him.” Brown had £6 13s on him and he asked him to pay £5, but he flatly refused. Both, said Cook, got angry. Brown made a wild endeavour to reach a rifle and a bayonet and the fight started. After a time Brown told Cook that he was the better man, and he would pay him £5.

Mr Peters, for the defence, said what had happened was only what men of the world would expect in such a case. Brown had been playing an old soldier’s game, and as he had got the worst of it, he was now trying to get back on Cook through the law.

The magistrates retired and on coming in the Mayor announced that they had considered the case and they found him guilty of assault and battery. They had nothing to do with what led up to the quarrel, but he had taken the wrong way to settle it. He would be fined £2 or one month’s imprisonment.

LOCAL NEWS

On July 21^st, Mr R. H. Dodds had a call from a visitor to the town, Mr James Tinto, who was accompanied by a fisherman. Mr Tinto had been along at Dodd’s well with some friends and had seen something splashing about in a pool, which they found to be a young seal the ebbing tide had left stranded. When they got up to it the seal was trying to make its way back to the sea over the rocks, but they killed it with their walking sticks. With the help of the fisherman, they had taken it down to the salmon house, and now had called for their reward. As Mr Dodds gives 5s for a cormorant they no doubt thought that there was a fortune in a young seal, almost 4 feet long. However, an arrangement, satisfactory to both sides, was come to.

An inquest was held at Mr Peter’s office, Ravensdown, at 12 o’clock on Tuesday, concerning the sudden death of Iris Burgon, of 37 Church Street, aged two months and three weeks. On Monday morning at 5 o’clock the mother got up and gave the child which was sleeping separately in a crib, a bottle of milk. To all appearance the child was in her usual health. At 7 o’clock, the father, as was his custom, went to take the little thing out of the crib and put it beside its mother, and before lifting it he found it apparently dead. He at once informed the police and went for the doctor. A post-mortem was held by Dr on Monday. Pneumonia of the right lung was found to have been the cause of death. The child was well nourished. The Coroner’s verdict was in accordance with the medical evidence.

NORHAM HORSESHOW AND GAMES

SPLENDID ANIMALS SHOWN

CUPS GO TO NESBIT HILL AND GALAGATE

In these days of ever increasing motor traffic, when horses seem to be going off the roads, the splendid turnout of Clydesdales at Norham’s annual horse show on Saturday last proved that our countryside still breeds horses and takes a pride in breeding only of the best. There was not a bad horse on the ground. Many of them have already proved their qualities by successful competition in wider fields and will do so again without a doubt. With Alnwick and Dumfries winners in the entries competition was naturally keen and standard high.

BRO 515-179 Norham Castle, harvest time.

The only bad feature about the show was the weather, whose vagaries reduced the spectators to about half last year’s numbers. To begin with, in the early morning there was a good hour’s heavy rain when many exhibitors from a distance were making a start to get to the show yard by 10.30 a.m. for the judging. Then the sun shone, and with every appearance of a fine day preparations were pushed forward. The judges got busy and were getting well through with their task, when about noon rain fell in torrents, a regular thunder plump. For a short while the judges carried on, but were forced to seek the shelter of a hedge, and the decorated horses had to be taken from their stands in search of shelter under trees. The officials began to shake their heads and predict a “wash-out” for Norham Horse Show and to talk gloomily of debt. Gradually, however the rain lightened, the judges got agoing again, and bye-and-bye the sun came out to cheer the officials and with the winds help to dry up the soaking wet grass. And a good crowd turned up after all and generally proclaimed the show one of the best, and the Committee hope to pay their way.

FOOTBALL

BERWICK RANGERS’ PLAYER-MANAGER

Berwick Rangers’ Committee have appointed Peter Nellies, late of the Heart of Midlothian and Scotland, as player-manager of the club. The salary is not disclosed, but we understand this noted player has been secured on very favourable terms to the club. Peter was chosen out of a short leet of four, and it is interesting to note that amongst other applicants were several who have had a prominent connection with First League football.

The new player-manager will start his work practically at once. He is meeting the players this week and will arrange for taking their training in hand and having a practice game when he can spot likely talent. Nellies has been employed as a chauffeur recently, and he will follow that occupation in Berwick.

Originally a full back, Nellies blossomed forth as a half-back while with his only senior team, the heart of Midlothian. He has played for Scotland on various occasions, but his head could always fit his cap. A very modest and genuine player is “Peter.” Last year he was playing in second League football for King’s Park.

GLENDALE PETTY SESSIONS

SEPARATION ORDER GRANTED

Alexander Shiel, Glanton, labourer, was charged with unlawfully and wilfully neglecting to provide reasonable maintenance for his wife and children, and by such neglect causing her on the 8^th of July to leave him and live apart from him.

Mr M. Wade, Alnwick who appeared on behalf of Mrs Shiel, explained that his client was married on February 13^th, 1909 and had three children of the marriage, but they had never been happy owing to her husband’s relations with other women. She was a very tidy woman, and was now in the Workhouse at Wooler.

Sarah Shiel was sworn, and examined by Mr Wade, said she was married on February 13^th,1909. She had three children by the marriage, Bryda 13 years, Esther 11 years, and Alexander James 9 years. She made application for a separation order on the 9^th December, 1920, at the Glendale Court, for persistent cruelty and the case was dismissed. From then up to the 12^th April her husband had never lived with her, and he had never given her any money for food and clothing during that period. She made application to the Guardians for relief, and received 25s a week, which was paid up to 12^th April. Her husband returned then. He was not working but he was receiving 23s from the dole, and she got 10s a week from the Guardians. He never tried to get work. He said he would not work when he was getting dole. He gave her all the money he was receiving then. In June last the dole was stopped and she applied again to the Guardians and was allowed 25s a week for the children and herself. Her husband again said there was no need to work when the Guardians were paying. On the 24^th June the Guardians discontinued outdoor relief. Her husband then got work for a fortnight. I that time she received £2 5s, which was to pay a bill standing at Mr Hill’s shop, Bowsden, for groceries received when he was staying with her.

By Mr Middlemiss- he told her to pay the bill with the money. He had never given her any money besides that.

By Mr Wade- He was working at Whittingham as far as she knew. On the 8^th July there was no food or money in the house, and she was that day admitted in to the Wooler Workhouse, and had been there ever since.

Mr T. A. Robson, Relieving Officer of Glendale, said that Mrs Shiel had applied for temporary relief. He investigated the case and relief was granted, and a total of £102 4s 4d had been paid.

By Mr Middlemas- There had been no interval in which they had not paid something. When Shiel was on the dole they did not pay so much. He had never received any money from the husband. He only saw Shiel once in the house, and he said that he was not working.

Shiel, on being asked if he had any questions to put, said he wished the case to be adjourned for a month, as Mr H. Percy, Alnwick, who had taken it up, was not able to attend that day.

Mr Middlemas – Why did you not ask this before?

Mr Wade- He has heard all my evidence now.

Shiel – I was never listening to the evidence.

The bench retired, and on returning notified that as notice had not been given they had decided not to adjourn the case.

Accused refused to be sworn, and Mr Middlemas informed him he could say what he liked. Shiel then said the house was kept open for them all the time.

By Mr wade- he was working for the County Council at Moor House, and his wages were £1 18s a week.

The Bench again retired, and after a lengthy absence, the Chairman said that they had decided to grant a separation order, and Shiel would have to pay 15s a week, the wife to have the custody of the children. He would also have to pay the cost.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 7TH JULY 1922

08/07/2022 by Northumberland Archives

PRIZE DAY AT ST. MARY’S

SCHOLARS GIVE DISPLAY IN PLAYGROUND

The annual prize distribution to pupils attending St. Mary’s Church of England School took place in the playground on Thursday afternoon, when there was a large attendance of parents and friends present. Happily, apart from two showers in the afternoon weather conditions were good and the youngsters assembled, garbed in summer frocks, appeared to thoroughly enjoy the programme of singing, dancing, recitation, and drill which was gone through. The applause which followed each item was in every case well deserved and showed the appreciation of the audience.

Present at the ceremony were Mr G. N. Broadbent and Mrs Broadbent, Mr Chas. Forsyth and Mrs Forsyth, Mr Robt. Carr, Mr W. B. Dickinson, the Rev. S. E. R. Fenning (who presided), etc. The programme submitted by the children was very good indeed, the quaint old folk dances being exceedingly well executed. We feel convinced that the girls’ team which danced “If all the world were paper,” could have easily won at Wooler last week, where that dance was made the test piece at the dancing competition at the Workers’ Union Gala. “Gathering Peascods” was another dance smartly done. The singing was very nice, though the boys were just a little strong for good harmony. The most pleasing item was “O wert thou in the cauld blast,” which though rather a difficult song for youngsters to harmonise in, was done very well indeed. Misses I. Elliot and M. Richardson performed creditably as the piano in the duet “The Merry Skaters.” Though little Janet Renton suffered from stage fright at first in her recitation “Hiawatha’s Childhood, “she did remarkably well at the second attempt and deserved all the applause she got. Mary McRobb also recited “The Pied Piper” clearly and with wonderful expression.

SEAHOUSES

The usual tranquillity of the village of Seahouses was upset in Wednesday afternoon, June 28^th, when it became known that one of its well-known inhabitants had been found dead. The person in question, Mrs Elizabeth Langley, widow, was found by her daughter hanging from a hook, in the basement of the house in which they live in harbour View.

Assistance was promptly procured from the fish stand, where the fish and crates were being sold, and which is only a few yards from the house, but this alas was too late. Mrs Langley for many years kept a pop shop facing the harbour, and was well-known and respected. She has been in poor health for some time. – Mr Hugh J. Percy, deputy coroner, held an inquest on the body of deceased on Thursday at the Police Station, North Sunderland. Evidence of identification was given by Robert Langley, son of the deceased, and by William Norris, who stated that he went into the cellar below the house with Mrs Langley’s daughter (who was unable to attend the inquest) and removed deceased’s body, which was hanging by a cord. Life was quite extinct. – A verdict was returned that deceased committed suicide by hanging herself whilst temporarily insane.

LOCAL NEWS

During the week the large double decker motor bus which was running between Spittal and Berwick has been withdrawn. We hear that the drivers have found great trouble in passing horses, which being unused to meeting such a high affair, either showed a desire to sit down or shie on to the pavements. Messrs Thompson Bros., we see, have started a new covered in bus, which in bad weather should be a great advantage to people travelling between Berwick and Spittal.

Spittal Promenade, 1900s Ref: BRO 426/24-3

Mr R. W. Michael, the tenant of Kerchesters, on Tuesday last week treated all the people on his farm- men, women and children, to the number of sixty- to a motor drive to the coast. Starting at nine o’clock, the first stage was by Ford and Lowick to Bamburgh-a fine long run, which, in delightful weather, was greatly enjoyed. A few hours, all too brief, were spent on the fine beach, and in viewing the great castle and the surrounding beauties- besides other generous entertainment in the form of luncheon, provided by Mrs Michael. The second stage was taken in the afternoon, from Bamburgh to Spittal-an enjoyable drive along the coast. At the latter place the party had tea and a couple of hours were agreeably spent; the third stage was started- from Spittal to Kerchesters via Cornhill- the homeward journey being completed at about nine o’clock.

ALNWICK CASTLE TO BE CLOSED

It is reported on good authority that the Duke of Northumberland is immediately to close Alnwick Castle on account of high taxation.

As a matter of fact, the shootings and fishings were let some time since, and the household at the castle, which formerly numbered little short of 100, has been considerably reduced of late.

It has customary to keep a few rooms open for the Duke and Duchess, and their family, when in the North; but they are not usually in residence at this season of the year.

Lion Bridge and Alnwick Castle, Ref: NRO 2709/8

The Duke is at present in France.

Alnwick Castle was commenced by Ovo de Vescy in 1096, and rebuilt by the Percies in the 14^th century. It has been their principal residence ever since.

The Duke only recently let Syon House and sold his lands in the London district.

PIGEON FLYING

BERWICK CLUB

Berwick and District H.S. flew their fifth old bird race from Bournemouth, 349 miles, on Saturday, July 1^st. Mr Maidment liberated 41 birds at 5.45 a.m., wind S.W. The winners were :- R. Jeffrey, 1463, and R. Sutherland, 1452. The race is a record from Bournmouth to Berwick, the birds flying close on 50 miles per hour.

TWEEDMOUTH CLUB

Owing to the birds beating the officials to the winning post the Tweedmouth Homing Society’s race from Bournemouth on Saturday came to a rather unsatisfactory ending. The birds were liberated from Bournmouth on Saturday morning and none of the officials at Tweedmouth expected them to arrive home within seven and a half hours least. Conditions for flying, however, were favourable and five birds landed in a bunch without anybody being ready to receive them 6 hours and 40 minutes after having been let off. They averaged a speed of 1512 yards per minute over the journey of 348 miles. A meeting of the Society was therefore held on Monday night when it was decided that the fairest way out of the difficulty was to share the prize money equally amongst the owners of the five birds first home. Those sharing the prize money were Messrs Hay and Nelson, Mount Road; Gilchrist Brothers, Howick Terrace; P. Matthewson, Mount Road, and Speedy Brothers, Mill Strand ( 2 shares). The Bournemouth race having completed the races for old birds, the cup formerly belonging to the old Homing Club of Tweedmouth for the best average over all the long distance races was awarded to Messrs Hay and Nelson. The pools in the Bournemouth race were shred in the same way as the prize money. The young birds races will commence in August.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 9TH JUNE 1922

10/06/2022 by Northumberland Archives

DEATH OF MR WILLITS

47 YEARS HEADMASTER OF THE BRITISH SCHOOL

The death of Mr H. W. Willitts, formerly headmaster of the British School, Berwick, took place on Sunday after a short illness following a seizure he had over a week ago. The news was received in the town with the deepest regret and none felt it more than those who had passed through his hands during the 47 years he was headmaster at the British School. All over the world where old boys and girls are scattered the news of Mr Willits’ death will come as a personal grief. To know Mr Willits was to gain daily evidence of the interest he held in the well-being of his “boys,” as he familiarly called them, to feel the kindly sympathy he took in their work, and to know that at the times he was most stern, he sought to correct some tendency which might in later life prove the undoing of his pupil.

Mr Willits was the eldest son of the late Mr John Willits, S. S., who for many years acted as manager for Messrs Rennoldson and Capper, timber merchants, Newcastle-on-Tyne, his mother being one of the well-known family of Woodroffe of Surrey. He began his scholastic career as a Pupil Teacher in the Jarrow Chemical Coy’s School at South Shields, and passing the Queen’s Scholarship Examination in the First Division at Christmas, 1868, he later occupied the sixth place in Boro’ Road College. During his stay there he was awarded the only certificate given in his year for School Management, and he left as the second man of his year.

In 1871 he was appointed teacher in the School at New Marske, one of the forty-two schools maintained by Jos. Pease, Esq., and while a student gained certificates in Chemistry, mathematics, Physiography, mechanics and Drawing. After spending five months at New Markse he was appointed to the Berwick British School, on the special recommendation of the late Sir H. E. Oakley, H. M. Inspector for British Schools in the North of England. During his stay in Berwick Mr Willits has had some tempting offers, but all of these he has declined to accept. Away back in 1874 he was invited by Sir H. E. Oakley to become an Assistant Inspector to reside in Durham, but he declined the position.

As a young man, Mr Willits was an adept at rowing and an active and enthusiastic member of the B.A.R.C. For six years he served as a volunteer with the 3^rd Durham Artillery Volunteers. He was travelled much abroad, visiting various countries as Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, Germany and Spain, and the information thus gathered has been most helpful to him in his profession, and to the pupils under his instruction, to whom he was ever ready to impart knowledge of the customs and life on the Continent. A keen bowler, he was one of the most enthusiastic members of the Berwick Bowling Club up to 1902, when he met with a serious cycling accident which prevented him from taking further part in his favourite game. In 1896, Mr Willits attained his semi jubilee at the British School, and was on that occasion made the recipient of a handsome gold watch and chain as a token of respect and esteem.

Berwick British School, plan, April 1858. Ref: NDE 08-01

He took an active part in the various organisations in those days, being for thirteen years Secretary and Treasurer of the North Northumberland Teachers’ Association. He was also associated with the Kiln Hill Sunday School, where he conducted a large Band of Hope for many winters, and for fifteen years discharged the duties of Superintendent. Mr Willits was a lifelong abstained and he was always been most assiduous in inculcating temperance principles in the minds of his scholars. He has acted as president of Berwick Choral Union and was vice-president of the old Debating Society which used to meet in the Bankhill Church Vestry. Mr Willits was a staunch Presbyterian and was Senior Elder of the Wallace Green congregation, of which denomination he had been a trustee for 32 years.

Mr Willits retired from the head mastership of the British School in March, 1918, owing to having passed the age limit, and he was then made the recipient of a well filled wallet as a token of esteem and regard from past and present pupils of the school.

Mr Willits was predeceased by his wife, a gifted lady and talented political organiser, a few years ago, and he felt her loss very keenly. He stayed more in the town after her demise, residence at the little bungalow nestling on the banks of the Whitadder at New Mills, where the worthy couple had often resided during Mrs Willits’ lifetime, being too pregnant of memories. He is survived by a grown-up family- Henry, who is a bank manager with Barclay and Co.; John, who during the war held the rank of Commander, and was engaged on convoy work; Fred, who holds an important position in West Africa; Janet, who is in the British School; and Annie, who is married and is in New Zealand.

LOCAL NEWS

Fri. June 9, light up 10.48 p.m. summer time.

Saturday being the King’s birthday the bells in the Town Hall were rung during the day, and the Town Flag and Union Jack were displayed.

Bishop Ormsby, Archdeacon of Lindisfarne, who was seriously ill for so long, received the most cordial of ovations at the Diocesan Conference on Wednesday, May 31^st.

Lieut.-Col. The Hon. H. E. Joicey was present at the 14^th (King’s) Hussars’ annual dinner at the Grand Hotel on Wednesday, May 31^st.

Mr and Mrs Hugh Miller, of the Katzin-Miller Repertory Company, have been spending a holiday in Berwick this week. More information can be found by visiting the Berwick Friends website: http://www.berwickfriends.org.uk/history/hugh-miller-actor/

Hugh Miller (left) and Henry Oscar in a scene from the British film *The Return of the Scarlet Pimpernel* (1937). Oscar was playing the role of Robespierre and Miller was his secretary De Calmet.

Mr Philip Maclagan, son of Dr P. G. Maclagan, London, and nephew of Dr C. G. Maclagan, Mayor of Berwick, has had a picture hung in the Royal Academy exhibition this year. The picture has been purchased by Mrs Winston Churchill.

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