BRIGHTENING UP SPITTAL

Councillor Edminson asked if anything was going to be done for Spittal this year. The place wanted a little cleaning up before the visitors arrived. They wanted to brighten the place up somewhat. The shoulder of the “prom” was in a dilapidated state and there were some palings which needed attention. She also suggested that the tree-guards might have a coat of paint to freshen them up, and asked if anything was going to be done in levelling and cleaning up at the new Fish Quay.

The Mayor – That is for the Harbour Commissioners.

Councillor Edminson – It looks a very untidy place, and is very dilapidated. Situated at the entrance to the town, it does not help to attract visitors, and I think something might be done to clear the place up and make it pleasing to look at.

Councillor Hadley – Has the Sanitary Inspector anything to do with the filling up of the new quay.

The Mayor – He has to do with anything which is a nuisance.

Councillor Hadley – Then I would suggest that he takes a walk round there when he has time.

Mr Boyd said the last time he had visited the place there had been a nuisance, but it had been covered up by ashes. It was a regular tip for all manner of things. He did not think there was anything he could object to as a nuisance.

Councillor Edminson – It has an evil look and a terrible smell. (Laughter).

Ald. Boston – The Harbour Commissioners are taking it in hand.

Ald. Short – I think tonight we might endeavour to meet Mrs Edminson’s suggestion about the clearing up and painting.

The Mayor – Her remarks will be brought up at the Works Committee.

Ald. Short – I hope so. With our blessing. (Laughter)

Councillor Edminson – We have got our spring cleaning done inside, sir, and we want to get started cleaning outside. (Hear, hear, and laughter.)

URBAN SANITARY AUTHORITY

OVERCROWDING AT EAST ORD VILLAGE

At East Ord village, four cottages of a poor type, for which Mr Adam Scott, 6 Winchester Terrace, Newcastle-on-Tyne, acts as agent, call for attention. One of these – a wrenched single apartment hovel – shelters two adults and five children whose ages range from 2 to 9. There is no drainage.

With regard to these cottages, Mr Lake reported that the owner had died, and the present proprietrix was resident in America. A new agent, Mr A. Scott, Newcastle, had been appointed. Mr Wood recalled that many years ago, the late Dr Paxton had reported these cottages. It was agreed to draw the attention of the new agent to the defects.

OTHER COTTAGES

Two cottages owned by Miss Lilly, East Ord, present objectionable features. One, a single apartment dwelling, with a capacity of 2304 cubic feet, accommodates four inmates – two adults and two lads of 16 and 20 respectively. The second, which is of similar size, is occupied by two women, a young man, and a girl of 11. Dr McWhir drew attention to the fact that in this case the privies were 100 yards away from the cottages.

It was agreed to send these to the Housing Committee for consideration.

Several dingy, badly lighted dwellings are to be met with on the Green; and in one of the single apartment type, for which Mr James Simmons, East Ord, acts as agent, there are five occupants – a widow and four children, whose ages range from 6 and 16.

Mr Lake reported that this cottage belonged to a Miss MacDonald, residing in England, and Dr McWhir, while agreeing with Mr Wood that the over-crowding was not so serious as it might have been with persons from 18 to 20 years, yet condemned it from a moral point of view.

It was agreed to defer action to a later date.

ORD NOT A MODEL ENGLISH VILLAGE

To the traditional tidiness of the English village, East Ord can lay little claim. Five privies which belief their designation, occupy places of prominence on the Green, three ash-pits utilised by eleven tenants, and a quota of piggeries, hen houses, and coal houses are also dotted round this open space, that, with a little attention, might be made one of the best rural recreation grounds in North Northumberland.

Mr Wood did not think that the Council could interfere with the privies, as the people were allowed to erect them. The only ground for the Council to complain was if they constituted a nuisance, which Dr McWhir and Mr Lake said they certainly did, Mr Lake adding that in summer the privies were most objectionable. This question was referred back to the Medical Officer and Mr Lake.

LOCAL NEWS

At a meeting of the May Horse Procession Committee, held in Berwick on Monday night, it was decided not to hold the Horse Procession this year, in view of the fact that the Northumberland Agricultural Society are holding the County Show at Berwick this year. It was felt that too many calls would be made upon tradesmen in the town should they be asked to subscribe to the two objects. Cost of prizes having advanced so much it is possible that, should it be decided to hold the Procession next year, the event will be more on the lines of the Norham and Paxton games. The idea is to hold a show in the Fields and charge for admission, and it is also suggested the Show might be brightened by having jumping and driving competitions.

An interesting ceremony took place in the Girls’ C. of E. School, Parade, on Friday afternoon, when the Vicar, on behalf of the Managers, teachers and scholars of the School presented Miss A. D. Shields with a wedding gift consisting of a silver tea and coffee service. The Vicar and Headmistress (Miss M.R. Richardson) both spoke of the service so ably and ungrudgingly rendered by Miss Shields during her thirteen years’ connection with the School, and wished her much happiness in her future life. Miss Shields, in a charming little speech, expressed her thanks for the beautiful gift, and referred to the happy relations which had always existed between her and the other members of the staff. Hearty cheers were given by the scholars for Miss Shields and the Managers, several of whom were present, and the proceedings were concluded by the singing of the National Anthem. Teachers and scholars parted from Miss Shields with very real regret and their affection and hearty good wishes go with her into her new sphere of life.

HARBOUR DEVELOPMENT

SURVEY TO TAKE PLACE SHORTLY

An extraordinary meeting of the Berwick-on-Tweed Employment Committee was held in the Board Room of the Employment Exchange, Berwick, on Saturday, when Councillor W. J.Dixon presided. There were also in attendance The Mayor (Councillor T. Bolus), Messrs T. S. Elder, W. Joures, Jas. Kean, J. Makins, Geo. Martin, A. C. Parkes, R. C. Rennison, W. R. L. Blakiston, Divisional Controller, Newcastle, and Mr R. Tipping, secretary.

The object of the meeting was to prepare for the survey of the harbour, which is now definitely decided upon, and the Chairman intimated that a copy of the Department’s minute had now been received. It was in the following terms:-  “The Committee should be informed that a reply has now been received from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, who state that arrangements are at present being made for the conducting of surveying operations, which will be put in hand as soon as possible.”

In view of this official assurance, the Chairman proposed that a Sub-Committee be formed to meet the Government Surveyor when he arrived and lay all the information available at his disposal.

After discussion, it was unanimously agreed that the following Sub-Committee be appointed to meet the Surveyor if, and when required:- The Chairman ( Councillor W. J. Dixon), Councillor T. Bolus ( Mayor), Mr J. Makins, and Mr Geo. Martin.