Northumberland

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 10TH NOVEMBER 1922

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BERWICK BOARD OF GUARDIANS

The monthly meeting of the Berwick Board of Guardians was held in the Board Room of the Workhouse on Monday afternoon. Miss C. H. Greet presided, others present being Miss J. E. B. Miller, Messrs J. H. Armstrong, bell, T. Bolus, T. Aird, E. Waugh, J. R. Wood, R. Rea, P. G. Peacocke, J. R. Mountjoy, and T. A. Summerfield. Mr H R. Peters, Clerk, Messers Short and Kennedy, Relieving Officers, and Mr A. H. Banks, Workhouse master, were also present.

The receipt of fruit and vegetables was intimated from Miss Greet and Mrs Sitwell, and from St. Mary’s Church, books and periodicals from the King’s Arms Hotel, Mrs Purves, and Mrs Aitken, fruit from Scremerston Parish Church, and magazines from Mrs R. R. Riddell. The thanks of the Board were directed to be conveyed to these donors.

DECREASE IN NUMBER OF INMATES AND TRAMPS

The inmates for the four weeks ending 21st October were as follows:- In the sick ward 12 men, 9 women, 1 child, and 2 infants, and in other parts of the House 11 men, 4 women, a total of 23 men as against 24 for the corresponding month last year, 13 women as against 19, 1 child as against 1, and 2 infants as against 1, a total of inmates of all classes of 39 as against 45 last year, a decrease of 6. The casuals numbered 13 as against 19 last year, also a decrease of 6.

Mr Wood commented on the decrease in the number of inmates. In view of the extra ordinary amount of unemployment and depression all round, the decrease was extra ordinary. The number of tramps was also reduced.

FIREWOOD TO BE CHEAPER

On recommendation of the Workhouse Committee, it was agreed to reduce the price of firewood sold at the Workhouse from 4s 6d per cwt. to 4s as from 1st November. Mr Bolus, in moving the adoption of this, stated that they had made a reasonable profit by the sale of firewood in the last 12 months, but the Master reported the sales were going down on account of competition. They thought it wise to reduce the price, which would also give them a good reasonable profit if the sales continued.

BA-U10-2 SHEET , 1852 cropped. Pictured above the layout of the Berwick Workhouse,
Board Room (centre of image).

WATER FOR BULL CLOSE HOUSES

The Committee also reported on having been obliged to connect a water supply to the Board’s property in Bull Close at a cost of £14. Mr Bolus explained that there had not been water laid on to the property, the tenants getting their water from a pipe in a yard near St. Mary’s Church. There had been a leakage which had flooded the stokehole of the heating apparatus at St. Mary’s Church and when this insisted on them putting in their own water supply. They had got an estimate from Mr Lamb, plumber, to connect the water outside on the roadway with the property and this had been completed. The Committee took expert advice on the question before accepting the estimates.

Mr J. R. Wood supported the action of the Committee. He was surprised to hear that water had not been connected up with property when it was purchased. If it had been done at the time the cost would have come as a capital charge on the premises and they would have heard no more about it. They must just pay the money and look pleasant.

BOILER UNSATISFACTORY

A report as to the condition of the boiler at the Workhouse was submitted from the Insurance Inspector, who drew attention to a bulge on the side of the boiler and also pointed out that they were only insured up to a pressure of 10lbs. with a blowout at 25lbs. and had been working the boiler up to 25lbs. He suggested that the repairs should be carried out within 12 months and that the safety valves should be readjusted.

Mr Bolus pointed out that a certain amount of responsibility rested with the board in view of the Inspector’s report as to the boiler. They had only a premium up to 10 lbs. and had been working the boiler from 15 to 25 lbs. This was important as the disinfector would not work under a pressure of 15 lbs., and in addition the heating apparatus and the laundry had to be worked, which would require not less than a 20 lbs. pressure, and if they were only allowed a pressure of 9 or 10 lbs., the boiler was no use for the work it was wanted to do in the Workhouse. He moved that the matter go to the Workhouse Committee for them to deal with it. He wondered as to why a boiler had been put in that did not to the work required to carry on the work of the Institution.

The Workhouse master thought the Inspector’s report was misleading, as it inferred that the boiler had been worked regularly to 25 lbs. that was not so. It was worked to anything between 10 and 25 lbs. and only occasionally up to 25. He thought it was peculiar that they were only allowed a pressure up to 10 lbs. but a blow out up to 25 lbs. The disinfector was not efficient till a 15 lbs. pressure. They might be able to carry on as at present but in a very unsatisfactory way. On account of the low pressure of the boiler the disinfector was not sufficient to kill vermin, and he had to rig up a cupboard in the tramps’ ward to fumigate the tramps’ clothing when necessary.

After further discussion the motion was agreed to the Committee being empowered to get expert advice on the matter, but to report to the Board before going further.

TWEED ROW, HORNCLIFFE

Dr McWhir reported as follows: Three cases of scarlet fever have been notified- one at Horncliffe, a second at South Ord, and a third at Shoreswood. Removal to hospital of the patients at Horncliffe and Shoreswood was deemed advisable. A case of scarlet fever in one of the cottages at Tweed Row, Horncliffe, had a fatal termination. The house, which has only one apartment with a capacity of 1798 cubic feet, accommodated five inmates- the father, the mother, and three young children. The floor is badly broken and the window is a fixture. The walls, roof and chimney of the dwelling all call for repairs, and the soil which is heaped up behind it ought to be removed.

The state of housing in the area in the early part of the 20th century is exemplified in this picture of Golden Square, Berwick, similar problems being experienced in the Norham and Islandshire District.

There is no privy for the household. Opportunity was taken to visit other cottages in the same row. One, also consisting of a single apartment with capacity of 1848 cubic feet, is tenanted by a family of five- the father, two daughters both over 20, a son aged 25, and a child of 4 years. The window of the apartment is a fixture, and there is no privy accommodation. The masonry is in much need of repair, and soil ought to be removed from the back. A third single-apartment house furnishes a home for five inmates- a mother, two girls aged 14 and 9 respectively, and two boys of 12 and 10 respectively. Here, again, there is no privy accommodation. A fourth house boasts two apartments with capacities of 1550 and 1300 cubic feet respectively, and shelters three inmates. The kitchen floor, framed of broken paving flags and concrete, is in need of repair. Both apartments are insufficiently lit. A down-spout is unprovided with a trap; there is no sink, and the chimney has a twist, which, to the mind of our Surveyor, rivals that of the leaning tower of Pisa. The wood of the back door, which is only 5ft. in height, is defective.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 7TH JULY 1922

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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 28th, 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.

Seahouses Harbour, 1926. Ref: BRO 1944/LA3

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 14th 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 1st. 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, 31ST MARCH 1922

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TOWN DEVELOPMENT

The last of the series of debates on Town Development held under the auspices of Berwick Debating Society was held in the Parochial Hall on Wednesday night, when Ald. Thos. Wilson presided over a good attendance.

Early 1900s photograph of the High Street, from the Scotsgate Arch. BRO 1636-2-9

In introducing Mr D. Boyd, Borough Sanitary Inspector, who led the debate, Ald. Wilson said after hearing Mr Paterson’s address he considered himself a back number. He had always thought himself progressive but he found himself hopelessly left in the progressive views put forward. He knew Mr Boyd to be one of Berwick’s progressives, and he felt sure his address would be productive of an interesting and helpful discussion.

THE DISCUSSION

Mr Jos. Seals again drew a fanciful picture of Berwick in 1962, picturing villas, detached and semi-detached, out ny the North Road and Halidon Hill, with avenues between, named after local business men. Tommy the Miller’s field and the Shambles Braes he saw turned into the “askew Cliff Gardens” with bands playing and crowds walking on a new Road night and day. (Laughter) A palatial hotel he saw rise on the site of the Academy, built by an enterprising native of the town, to be known as the Hotel Coffteako. His remarks produced great hilarity and in conclusion he remarked that though his description was a purely imaginary one, there was no reason why the town should not have some of the attractions he had sketched. (Applause)

Berwick Rowing Club Boat House and the New Road BRO 0426-440

Mr Davis, West Street, spoke in favour of developing the town as a health resort. The picture drawn by Mr Seals was not too farfetched. The day might yet come when Mr Seals would be looked upon as the prophet of Berwick. (Laughter) He advocated that the town should be advertised, and boomed in centres with large populations.

Capt. J. E. Carr thought the idea of cooperating with other centres on the Borders was a good one. Berwick was the natural outlet and the harbour only required a little development, a little deepening, to make it the place where the produce of other centres could be out on ship. Since the railway companies had been grouped Berwick had its opportunity. It was a sort of key place which offered the outlet for the Border district and cause railway competition. (Applause)

Councillor Dickinson spoke in support of the points raised by Mr Boyd, and at the close of his remarks said the town could never extend while confined with its walls. Yet when the initial step was taken to make an outlet through the ramparts at Wallace Green a petition was got up and actually furthered by one of the local newspapers, from which, he said, “I believe it actually eminated.” The other paper remained neutral. (Laughter)

Councillor Edminson suggested that much could be done to further the housing schemes of the Borough if everyone who could afford it subscribed say £50 with the object with the object of forming a building society. So far as she saw, the fault in, Berwick was that everything had been taken out, of it in past years and nothing put in. She was against the spoiling of the Walls by breaking clean through. The Wall’s were the town’s greatest asset. Thousands of visitors came to Berwick and if they spent at least £1 per head, it meant some £25,000 into the tills of the tradesmen of Berwick, as fully 25,000 people came in the summer season. She thought nothing should be done to destroy something which certainly attracted visitors.

Mr Robert Carr supported the paper so far, but in regard to the making Berwick a centre for sheep slaughter and its allied trades, he did not think this would ever develop to any extent.

Councillor Campbell and Mr R, K. Gaul spoke in favour of keeping alive the enthusiasm which had been shown at the development meetings held, and the latter moved that a message be sent from the meeting to the Council to the effect, the “the meeting unanimously approved of the adoption of a scheme of housing and town planning as advocated by Mr Patterson and pledging themselves to support the Council in putting it into effect.”

Mr Jos. Seals seconded, and it became the finding of the meeting.

Ald. Wilson wound up the debate and in the course of a few remarks said duty of the inhabitants did not end when they paid their rates. There was a duty incumbent on every man and woman to do something to try and make the Borough a better place to live in. He hoped as a result of these meetings an organisation would spring up which would cooperate with and help the Town Council in forwarding the development of the Borough.

WORKERS’ UNION AT WOOLER

IS THE SATURDAY HALF-HOLIDAY TO REMAIN

At the monthly meeting on Saturday night this branch affiliated with the Berwick-on-Tweed Division Labour Party and appointed Mr R. Handerson as its representative, Mr Borrell announced that the General Secretary (Mr Chas. Duncan) would speak at the Wooler Gala on June 26th, and that Mr Neil Maclean, M. P., member of the Workers’ Union Executive for Division 6, which includes North Northumberland, would pay a visit shortly and address a public meeting, probably in Berwick. With regard to the attack on the Saturday half-holiday, they must understand that it was the employers themselves who proposed that they should work the longer hours to November 11th and again from February 11th to compensate for the shortest days in the middle of winter, and to give an average 48-hour week for the four winter months. The as the best arrangement they could make to get the 48-hour week under daylight conditions, and they should stand to their agreement.

Wooler Ref: BRO 0426/626

The trouble over the hours arose from a misunderstanding about working up the breakfast and tea intervals allowed in the field. These intervals were quite a recent innovation, and there was a strong feeling among the workers that these breaks should not be worked up as the worker never left his duties. When the Union agreed to work up the tea time many members strongly objected, and the tea time was dropped on many farms and had not been revived. Possibly the breakfast time would go the same way. In any case each farm had better settle its own domestic arrangements as long as they kept to the agreed hours, but if they agreed to any increase they would be keeping some of their members out of employment.

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