1919 News
History > Newspaper Stories 1900 - 2000 > 1910-1919
03 Jan 1919 Dartford Chronicle
General Election - Chislehurst
Election - Chislehurst: Sir Waldron Smithers (Coalition Unionist) 8,314; Capt A Edmonds (National) 2,507. Majority 5,807. Count was at Dartford, Little reaction to result as few supporters there. Dartford: James Rowlands (Coalition Liberal) 15,626, William Ling (Labour) 6,506. Majority 9,120. Mr Ling met with somewhat hostile reception, one voice called him "Pro-German".
04 Jan 1919 Kent Messenger
Lest We Forget
Letter by "Englishwoman" of Gravesend. Shocked to find veteran having to sell lavender door to door because pension of 10s 2d doesn't feed him, wife and 4 year old child. He had 2 gold stripes and 4 chevrons. "Is this the best a grateful (?) country can do for its heroes". Germans should pay for decent pensions.
11 Jan 1919 Kent Messenger
Longfield Prize Winner
Gravesend tombola for discharged servicemen's fund. 145th prizewinner (clock worth 17s 6d) Mr J Roland, Longfield Siding (11,806)
Women in the Workforce
Lillie Ross Cline write to call for women to give up their jobs to men. Quite a few kept on not through efficiency but because they were needed. Shouldn't be prejudiced against domestic service. Cites case of girl earning £3-4 pw, paid mother 14s and spent rest on clothes.
Soldiers Call to be Discharged
Protests by soldiers in Folkestone, Dover and Maidstone to call for discharge.
11 Jan 1919 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
£60 Damages
Dartford county Court. "Stanley Hickmott, manager of the Longfield Estate, sued Messrs Cannon and Gaze, of Erith for £76 5s for personal injuries and damage to a motor cycle in a collision on November 11th.
For plaintiff it was said that a collision occurred on Hartley Hill between the motor cycle and defendant's motor lorry, by which the cycle was thrown into the hedge and plaintiff was injured. Mr Sims, a passenger in a side car attached to the cycle, ran after the lorry, which went on, the driver apparently no knowing what had happened. The driver of the lorry subsequently said the motor lorry skidded. Plaintiff's leg was crushed and he was laid up for 6 weeks. The lorry, said plaintiff, cut right into the cycle as they were passing - Police evidence was given which appeared to corroborate this evidence, and it was stated the machine would require £34 5s 6d spent on it to make it as it was before the accident. Henry Barnes, 15 Oak Road, Northumberland Heath, the driver of the lorry, said he heard no hooter and did not know anyone was overtaking him. This evidence was corroborated by the stoker, Henry Whitehead of 33 High Street, Erith - Judgment was given for plaintiff however, for £60."
18 Jan 1919 Kent Messenger
History of Air Raids
"The Greatest of Wars" article on air raids in Gravesend. Some had dug shelters, people in Northfleet sheltered in tunnels in chalk quarry. Luckily no-one was killed in town, near miss on 31/10 - 1/11/17 when 14 Prospect Place hit by incendiary which ignited bed where 4 children were sleeping, matress thrown out of window.
24 Jan 1919 Dartford Chronicle
Railway in the War
Extract from article in Times about SE&CR in wartime. 7,515 special ambulance trains carrying 1,215,896 wounded
31 Jan 1919 Dartford Chronicle
Day - Eubank Wedding
Marriage of daughter of George Day of North Ash to William Allen Eubank of Bean at Ash Chapel. Picture, list of gifts.
01 Feb 1919 Kent Messenger
KCC Vote against Equal Pay for Women
KCC Education committee votes against equal pay for women. Only 3 of 20 on committee voted for.
Air Raid Precautions - Gravesend
AJ Philip former organising secretary of Gravesend Air Raid Patrol thanked all those involved, up to 2,700 at one time. First raids led to large numbers leaving town to sleep at night (he said one school had 50 children sleeping in the fields). People quickly stopped doing this when patrols started. ARP stopped when sirens introduced.
07 Feb 1919 Dartford Chronicle
Kent Police and the War
Kent Constabulary and war. 217 joined up, 18 killed, 7 incapicitated
08 Feb 1919 Kent Messenger
Rosherville VAD Hospital
Last patient leaves Rosherville VAD hospital. Opened 15/11/14 for about a year, reopened 3/3/16. With 126 beds it treated 3,461 people.
22 Feb 1919 Kent Messenger
History of Air Raids
Account of air raids briefly mentions 1917 raid on Longfield and Ash
01 Mar 1919 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Servant Wanted
"Wanted daily or temporary housework - Apply Gilbert, Hartley Green, Longfield."
Rabbits
"A large stock of high class utility for sale, 6 weeks to 12 months; from 2s 6d to 20s each - Apply Wells, Barncroft, Hartley, Longfield, Kent."
07 Mar 1919 Streatham News
Imprisonment of Cos
"Sir, I was pained to see in the last issue of the Streatham News that a Tooting conscientious objector, Fred J Tritton, had been sentenced to a further court martial - his third - for his refusal to obey military orders. It really baffles a matter of fact person to understand what possible motive any Government could have in continuing to persecute these men. In all our prisons today there are men who are determied that the Government shall not exact from them that pinch of incense upon the altar - obedience to a military command, involving as it does to them, a violation of the principle of man's supremacy in the matter of his own conscience. These men have set out on deliberate course of action, and sustained it through many vicissitudes, unknown at present to many in our land. The Government, so far, has failed to break their resolve, and they languish in our prisons and army camps.
Is there sincerity in dispute? Then will any one level the charge that a man who has suffered the indignities and civilised savagery of tribunal, police court, guard room, court martial, and the soulless monotony of the prison cell, is a coward or a shirker? If so, your readers would like to hear further. If not, are they content to sit in armchair tranquility whilst their compatriots and joint heirs of the dignity of Runnymede stagnate in our gaols? Do not these men stand in the direct line with the conscientious objector of all ages; that persecuted minority whose view point the nation sanctions and adopts when the protagonists themselves are safely dead?
Let Wandsworth men and women not be behind in demanding that the Government shall forthwith release these men and make this a true test of the principles of freedom, to defend which the youth of England rallied to the colours.
Yours etc, Denys R Millwood, Fairby Grange, Hartley, Longfield, Kent. 4th March 1919."
[Denys Brian Millwood (1895-1974) appears to have come from a Christian pacifist family. His brother Phillip Leslie Millwood was secretary of the No Conscription Fellowship and a member of the Brixton and Streatham Free Church Council. He was imprisoned for 2 years in 1917, at his trial Philip said "I am not a solider. I stand for peace, for truth, for liberty and peace at once, and peace forever." (Bayswater Chronicle 14.7.1917)
08 Mar 1919 Kent Messenger
Allotments or Quarries!
In the Chancery Division Mr Justice Younger delivered on Friday his reserved judgment in the action brought by the Longfield Parish Council against Dartford Rural District Council. His Lordship, giving judgment, said this was an action by the Longfield PC to have it declared that an agreement of 18th July 1916 between that council and the defendants, the Dartford Rural Council was ultra vires. In terms that agreement [......photocopy too blurred....] minimum period of 5 years, with the right to the flints, gravel and sand, in consideration of a royalty. The land in question was 3 to 3½ acres in extent, and when first taken by plaintiffs' council in 1908 was let out in a number of allotments. In 1913 the council acquired the freehold reversion in the allotment land, together with the lease of adjoining ground which it proposed to convert into a recreation ground. The profits from the stone had at an early stae been of considerable commercial value, and that probably led them to acquire the freehold of the land. It was, however, solely under the powers conferred by the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, that they were able to so acquire it.
The question in this action was whether the powers in question were such as to enable the Council to bind itself by the document in these proceedings. What were the powers possessed by the Council over the allotment land? There was an absolute obligation upon the Council to let the allotments to members of the labouring population, while the council 'may' improve any land acquired for allotments, and there could be no doubt that the object was to provide for these improvements before they were let. Reasonable rents were to be charged, and not more than a quarter's rent was to be charged in advance. Rules were made by the Council, and duly approved by the Local Government Board, for the allotment. This land had to be kept available for allotments in accordance with the statutory obligations, and this agreement withdrawing it from that purpose could only be justified if the object was for 'improvements' under section 26 of the Act. It was contended that the object was an improvement within that section. Evidence had been called to show that the flints on the land were a source of trouble to the allotment holders. On the other hand it appeared in evidence that at the date of the agreement all or nearly all of hte allotments were let, that no holder had given up or threatened to give up his holding in consquence of the presence of the flints, and that no investigation had been made below to see whether there was a layer of soil underneath. The terms of the agreement itself showed a strange disregard for the allotment land as such if the object was to improve it. He (his Lordship) was quite satisfied that no such improvment was really in their minds, and that it was the financial aspect of hte question which appealed to them, and it was now undoubtedly felt that these valuable stone and gravel quarries had been acquired for the benefit of other parishes at the expense of Longfield Parish.
There would be a declaration that hte agreement was ultra vires, and an order for its delivery up for cancellation, and the plaintiffs were entitled to an enquiry as to the amount of stone taken from this allotment land for the 6 months prior to the issue of the writ, and they were entitled to the value of that stone. After some discussion the latter part of the order was varied to read: 'That the master be directed to ascertain what would be the fair and proper value of the stone, having regarded to its price at the time; defendant council to pay the costs of the action.' "
14 Mar 1919 Dartford Chronicle
Death of Rifleman E H Haygreen
Rifleman EH Haygreen previously posted missing, now known to have died on night of 28/9/18 when 2/16 London Regiment advanced to take Messines Ridge. Picture
Death of Pte William Pankhurst
Death of Pte William Pankhurst of Mabel Cottages, Longfield. He was listed as a POW 10.8.1917 at Lager Lechfeld in Bavaria. He died on a local farm where he worked, and was buried locally.
22 Mar 1919 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Longfield Parish Council Election
Elected at Parish Meeting attended by 50: T C Allchin, F E Cannon, E Earl, G S Hills, G T Lynds, F A Lancashire and J Sims. Not Elected: E Fielder, F Lynds, Walter Wright, J W Woodward. Not enough support for a poll. They decided the PC had no power to fell elm trees on the allotments and didn't think it would help the allotment holders much either.
A Two Days' Journey
"It takes two days for a letter posted at Gravesend to be delivered at Longfield - 5 miles distant! Letters so posted, writes a correspondent, are sent up to London, then back to Dartford, and then onto Longfield. A letter from Southfleet to Longfield is sent to Gravesend and London and Dartford, although the two parishes are adjoining! It is possible, asks the writer, that there is a Dilly and a Dally at the GPO. At all events, with peace in sight, it is hoped that the GPO will soon recover its reputation for expeditious despatch."
29 Mar 1919 Kent Messenger
Land Army Concert at Ash
Ash - Land Army Concert.in Ash parish room under supervision of Miss Berkeley the welfare officer. Room filled to utmost capacity, every chair and niche taken, raised £10 8s 5d for Welfare Fund. Mentions thresher gang working in Ash. Assisted by Ash schoolchildren
05 Apr 1919 Kent Messenger
Peculiar Incident at Longfield
"Ex-soldier sues for damages. At the Dartford County Court on Wednesday, Albert Haselden of Longfield, late licensee of the Railway Tavern, Longfield, was summoned by Matthew Hannigan, formerly a police constable and later in the army, for £100 in respect of personal injuries. Mr Clinch, for the plaintiff, said his client had been wounded and operated upon. He had entered into business negotiations with Haselden and went to see him in connection with them on coming out of hospital. A dispute took place and Haselden, it was alleged, assaulted him, with the result that he had to return to hospital and undergo another operation and he had not recovered from the effects of the trouble.
Plaintiff, in reply to Mr Cassal, sai it was not true that when Haselden and he came into contact there was a curtain between them. He was of opinion that Haselden deliberately struck him.
Dr F W Redds, House Surgeon at Guys said plaintiff, having been discharged fro the hospital early in November, returned about the 28th with a new fracture of the thigh, which he said he got from being knocked down. He underwent two operations and aw discharged on January 31st.
For the defence it was urged that Haselden had no quarrel with Hannigan. He found a man named Hollands in the scullery with his wife and remonstrated with him, with the result that Hollands left. Witness went to the door to let him out and stepped against a curtain behind which he supposed Hannigan was standing. He did not assault Hannigan, nor did he know he was behind the curtain. He only heard what had happened to Hannigan the next morning, and even then he did not know he was accused of causing the injury.
Mrs Haselden said when Hollands came into the scullery for water she told him she wished he would go away, because they had all had plenty to drink. When her husband was showing Hollands out, Hannigan went towards the curtain in the private bar and then fell back, but he could not have been struck by any blow aimed at her by her husband. Hannigan was picked up by a customer and went away without making any complaint.
Driver G Day and Walter Hollands, both of Longfield, customers at the bar at the time of the incident , both asserted that there was no assault and no words between plaintiff and defendant.
Judgement was given for plaintiff, however, for £65 and costs."
12 Apr 1919 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Horticulture
"Now that peace is in measurable distance of being signed, the subscribers to the Ash, Fawkham, Hartley, Kingsdown, Ridley and Stansted Floral and Horticultural Society have decided to again start activities. A general meeting has been held, and additions made to the committee, while Mr T B Hohler CMG has been approached to act as Joint President with his brother Mr Edwin Hohler. Messrs Ralph Day and John Beavis have been elected Joint Hon Secretaries and Treasurers. It is anticipated that he show this year will be held at Fawkham about the third Wednesday in August."
Charge of Wasting Foodstuffs
"Hedley Symons of Hartley was summoned at Dartford on Friday for wasting foodstuffs. He pleaded not guilty.
Mr Clinch, for the prosecution, said the alleged offence lay in defendant's pigs trespassing on a field and eating a quantity of potatoes from a clamp. Mr Mitchell (from the Bench): but is that not stretching the order? Is it waste of food? If the pigs ate the potatoes, the pigs will be used for food eventually. Mr Clinch: Would it not be a waste if pigs were fed on rump steak? Florence Crouch said the potatoes were in ground belonging to Mrs Golding, for whom she worked. She saw the pigs rooting them out on several occasions.
Defendant denied that there had been any negligence. His pigs had trespassed once or twice, and he had paid for the damage, but Mrs Golding claimed £10, and he wrote and asked why he had not been allowed to see the extent of the damage, and whether it was not a fact that other people's pigs had trespassed on her land. He was surprised when proceedings were taken. The case was dismissed." [Charles Ellerby's book suggests Mr Symons's pigs got out much more than "once or twice"!]
Pigs for Sale
"Four gelts, middle whites, 7 months, ready for service - Villarose, Hartley, Longfield [Villa Rosa]"
Alleged Brutality
Dartford Magistrates. "William Roberts, a dealer, of Hartley, was summoned for ill treating a pony. PS Dearing said that at Longfield on March 24th he saw defendant thrashing the pony. The animal stopped, when defendant took hold of its head and gave it two blows which knocked it down. Defendant did not appear, and a warrant was issued for his arrest."
01 May 1919 The Tribunal
The Work of the Convalescent Fund
"At last the Government has been aroused to a sense of the injustice of the repeated imprisonment of the CO and more than half of our comrades are not at liberty. But to the man who has served a sentence of 2 years hard labour, the opening of the prison door is not the end of suffering.
Very early on it became evident that something would have to be done for the many who were being slowly broken down in health by the close confinement, semi-starvation, and the cold of the prison cell, and the CO Convalescent Fund was the outcome. As men were discharged from prison on grounds of ill health they were welcomed into the Convalescent Home at Fairby Grange in Kent, which Dr Salter kindly placed at the disposal of the Fund, and here they have been carefully nursed back to health and strength once more.
In addition to this work, the Fund made a determined effort to be ready for the needs of the whole of the men, should a sudden release take place. Gifts of clothing were appealed for to assist those who had lost their clothes in guard rooms or worn them out in prison. And as it was evident that a large number would be quite unfit to resume work until they had had a period of rest and recuperation, an appeal was made for hospitality in private homes, and funds were collected to assist others to take a holiday of their own planning. Sympathetic friends were found in the neighbourhood of the prisons, and a letter written to each man on his release, telling him of the existence of the Fund and giving an address in the near vicinity of the prison in which he could obtain immediate assistance if needed.
At the request of the Joint Advisory Council, the Fellowship of Reconciliation undertook responsibility for the Convalescent Fund on behalf of all the bodies concerned. The pressure of work following on release has been enormous. Mr Isaac Goss, who had been working hard to perfect the scheme, unfortunately broke down in health just on the eve of release. Once can imagine how keenly disappointed he must have been not to be present to welcome those for whom he had done so much. But the plans he had so carefully laid were carried on by willing workers and the Committee especially desire to thank the No-Conscription Fellowship and the Friends' Service Committee for the assistance so freely given.
Contributions to the Fund have come from all parts of the globe. Gifts have been received from Malta, from Canada, and from Australia. Trade Unions, Trade Councils, Socialist and Co-operative bodies have contributed. Whist Drives and Sales of Work have been organised in support of the work. Over 100 persons have offered hospitality in their homes, Guest Houses have been thrown open for use of COs, while special low terms for holiday accommodation are being given at a number of sympathetic camps and hostels. The response to the appeal has been generous, but it is already evident that much more will be required. Particularly are further supplies of clothing urgently needed. Branches are urged to do all they can to help on this splendid cause.
The work is now in full swing. At Fairby Grange and other convalescent homes, comrades are receiving medical attention and careful nursing. Already some 200 have been helped to take a much needed holiday, about the same number have been fitted with clothing, while others have received financial aid. May I say what a great privilege and joy it has been to be able to assist in thei work and to see how relieved our released comrades have felt at knowing that their needs have been anticipated and are being met. Lester Smith."
08 May 1919 Bromley Chronicle
Want Servant
"House parlourmaid required; good wages; easy situation - Write Mrs Rawlinson, Hartley Manor, Longfield, Kent"
12 May 1919 Daily Herald
Fairby Grange for Conscientious Objectors
"Dartmoor Settlement for COs - Final statement regarding disposal of cash and property belonging to men in the above settlement at 19th April 1919.
Sent to Fund for the Relief of Dependents of COs.
March 31st - From Canteen Funds (£50)
April 19th - Balance of cash from Canteen (£118 1s 10d)
April 19th - Balance of cash from general funds (£8 5s 3d)
Total £176 7s 1d
Sent to Fairby Grange Convalescent Home
Cash (Donations and Social Com.)(£6)
Surplus stock in canteen value (£29)
All settlers' library, books, magazines sent to Fairby Grange.
All books were duly audited and found to be correct by Samuel Broomfield, of Broomfield and Co, accountants and auditors, Newport. Balance sheets and books have been deposited with NCF at 5 York Buildings, Adelphi, London, where they may be seen for inspection. Copy of the final balance sheet may be seen on application to undersigned, the secretary of men's committee in session, at close of settlement. G B Eddie, 88 Canning Street, Glasgow.
[Many conscientious objectors were sent to prison, and when they were released they were in very poor state, due to the conditions they were kept in. Dr Salter made Fairby Grange available to them to recuperate. This charity sent money, books etc to the men there.]
15 May 1919 The Tribunal
Wanted at Fairby
(Advert) "For CO Convalescent Home. Wanted Deck Chairs, cushions, cricket set, tennis net and racquets, a good gramophone, music (pianoforte and songs). Send to Miss Buckley, Fairby Grange, Hartley, Longfield, Kent."
26 May 1919 The Tribunal
COs v Discharged & Wounded Soldiers
"The cricket field at Fairby Grange was last week the scene of an interesting and ultimately exciting game between the local Hartley team composed of discharged and wounded soldiers and the Home team made up of Conscientious Objectors, who are temporarily recuperating at Fairby from the effects of terms of imprisonment. A keen finish ended in a draw: Fairby 65 (Webb 17, Humphrey 7 for 24); Hartley 57 for 8 (Humphrey 19, Scott 4 for 6)."
31 May 1919 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Fruit Wanted
Advert. "Jam Making Fruit - Allen's Confectionery Company Ltd, Fairby Farm, Hartley, Longfield, Kent, will be pleased to have prices for Gooseberries, Currants, Raspberries, and Strawberries delivered at their factory or by rail at Fawkham Station."
Entertainment for the Wounded
Southfleet. "A varied entertainment in aid of the Wounded Soldiers and Sailors' Fund was given at Southfleet School on Friday. The artistes emanated from the neighbouring parish of Longfield, and were under the conductorship of Mr Fielder. The company needed no recommendation from the inhabitants; their programme was as usual well rendered, and excellently received by a large audience. the object for which the entertainment was given deserves the highest commendation. The parishes of Fawkham, Hartley, Longfield and Southfleet are comprised in the fund. During the war, the wounded of this large district,have all been remembered by a money present. It is gratifying to know that the committee has still a sum at its disposal, which, now hostilities have ceased, will be distributed at discretion."
21 Jun 1919 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
The Right Education
"At the [Longfield] parish church on Sunday, sermons were preached for the National Society and the Church Building Society. The Rev C Hyde Brooke made a stirring appeal in the evening for a spiritual education on the lines of the morality of the Church Catechism in preference to the German notion of mere knowledge getting, which had brought such [.....] disaster upon Germany and the world in general." [A truly shocking claim, suggesting that the speaker didn't really believe that poor people should be educated at all.]
Education Development
"On Friday a meeting was held in the Longfield Schools to consider the new Education Act. The Rev E Smith took the chair, and the Revs J T Matchett (Fawkham) and H B Hennell (Ash) were present. A strong desire was expressed that the 6 schools of Ash, Southfleet, Fakwham, Hartley and Longfield should be formed into one centre, and so kept entirely rural. I tw as contended that a rural population had special needs, and that it was most desirable to encourage the inhabitants of villages to fit themselves to the fullest capacity for agricultural work and the enjoyment of a quiet rural life. The managers of the Longfield schools, it was stated, had long felt that their elder boys needed the control of a master; and although the present headteacher, Miss Crook had great command over them, the duty was too onerous to remian the hands of a mistress now Miss Crook was retiring. The meeting passed a resolution that the 6 schools should be formed into one rural centre, and that one should be a central school, which should as far as possible provide technical and secondary education." [Put together with the sermon above, it shows the backward attitudes of many in the Established Church at the time - that they didn't want the working classes to get ideas above their station by having a proper education. Note not all parishes were represented here it seems. This proposal was not accepted but the later of Longfield Secondary School is sort of in line with one of their ideas.]
26 Jun 1919 Tribunal
Cricket: COs v Wounded Soldiers
The cricket field at Fairby Grange was last week the scene of an interesting and ultimately exciting game between the local Hartley team composed of discharged and wounded soldiers and the Home team made up of Conscientious Objectors, who are temporarily recuperating at Fairby from the effects of terms of imprisonment. A keen finish ended in a draw: Fairby 65 (Webb, 17; Humphrey 7 for 24); Hartley 57 for 8 (Humphrey, 19; Scott 4 for 6).
19 Jul 1919 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Goats for Sale
"Two nannies, milking, 2 mated, hornless Billy, good Ferret - Bassano [The Croft], Hartley, Longfield."
26 Jul 1919 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Peace Celebration
Hartley. "Peace Day was celebrated in Hartley by an interesting and pictureque ceremony, probably unprecedented in the history of the village. The great occasion was marked by the planting of an oak on the Green, in the presence of a large gathering of the inhabitants. Assembling at Middle Farm, the residence of Miss Davies-Cooke at 11am the children formed a simple but exceedingly pretty procession, the girls dressed in white and bearing tall sprays of white lillies, and the boys carrying Union Jacks. In a pretty decorated govern-[missing part of photocopy here] of Hope and Glory as they marched, the children passed round the Green and tehn formed up beside the platform. The Rector, in introducing Major Freeman Jackson, emphasised the point that Hartley's celebrations were specially concerned with the children, who he hoped would live to see the fruits os the Peace that had at length been secured.
Major Freeman Jackson then addressed the children. Speaking as one who had borne his part in the struggle, and bore its scars upon him, his remarks were given added force. This was their day of rejoicing for the long awaited Peace of Victory. To the boys he appealed to remember the sacrifices of their fathers and brothers and to be ready, if need be, to follow their example. The girls, too, must emulate the women of the nation who also played a full part in the struggle. All must be willing to defend and maintain the cause of Right and Religion. The procession then reformed and marched to the site prepared for the tree. The boys speedily set up the tree and trod in the soil. While this was being done the children sang 'Hearts of Oak' and then passed before Major Freeman Jackson, who presented each child with a memento of the occasion. After saluting the flag and singing the National Anthem, the children accorded Major Freeman three ringing cheers, adn similar honours to Miss Davies-Cooke, who had enabled them to share in the national rejoicings by arranging the proceedings."
Longfield. "The Peace Celebration was carried out with great enthusiasm. Most of the parishioners assembled at Whlitehill Corner about 11 o'clock to await the arrival of the Dartford Town Band. After due preparation the Carnival Procession started on its progress to Longfield Hill. Part of the road was rather tough, having just been tarred and gravelled, but this inconvenience was alleviated by the kindness of Mr J Foster, who procured conveyances for the children. Another compensating advantage was that the staff engaged in the roadwork were able to join in the procession and bring their big steam roller and its tender highly decorated. Perhaps this helped to call to mind the 'Russian Steam Roller' which did such splendid execution in the earlier stages of the war. Another striking feature in the procession was a barrow loaded with a small table, chair, bird cage, frying pan and other articles, and bearing the inscription, 'Wanted, house.' There wwere several other cars whose occupants were attired in grotesque and symbolic costumes.
Having returned to the Day Schools, a short service was held in front of the war shrine. The band led the singing and the Rector (the Rev E Smith) gave a short address. Sports followed in the fields opposite, where keen competition and amusement prevailed. Meanwhile the company were regaled with tea, while ample supplies of jame were given by Mr Allen of Hartley. 40 competitors entered for the 8 prizes at the Italy show. The rain prevented the dancing being kept up till the lighting of the bonfire which was looked after by the Longfield Hill Troop of boy Scouts, who also formed a guard of honour at the shrine during the service and executed other useful duties during the day under the command of Scoutmaster Debenham. The prizes to babies and sports winners were distributed by Mrs E Smith.
As the people of Hartley were unable to arrange a celebration their schoolchildren were admitted to the Longfield tea and sports, and many visitors from Hartley and other places were present. Especial praise is due to Mr G T Lynds (chairman of the Parish Council) and Messrs T Fielder and F Langford, who assisted him; to Mrs Fred Brooks and her numerous lady helpers and to Mrs Cromar for organising the Baby Show."
[Many reports from villages in this edition but none for Ash or Fawkham]
Rabbits for Sale
"Rabbits with young and in kindle; going cheap; clearing stock; exchange for poultry - Jones, Homefield, Hartley, Longfield."
22 Aug 1919 The Globe
Baby Drowned at 2.30am
"'God told me to put baby in the tank,' was the reason given by a mother for drowning her 13 months' old son at Fawkham, Kent. Mr Sewell held the inquest today, when the jury returned a verdict of wilful murder against the mother. The father, a grocer's assistant named Landsdell, said that the baby Hugh Thomas was perfectly healthy. His wife went to bed about 11.30 on Sunday night, after having been somewhat depressed during the day, and at about 2.30 he awoke and found his wife sitting up partly dressed. She left the room to get some water, and a little later she said 'I believe there is an air raid.' She saw a bright light and was going downstairs to see what it was. She left the room, and he found her at the rain water tank near the back door. As his wife looked over the tank he heard a splash. He took hold of her and she fell back into his arms screaming. He took her upstairs, and on getting into bed found that the baby was missing. He told his wife that he must go downstairs. But she said, 'No, stop here, don't go.' He found the body of the baby floating face downwards in 18 inches of water. He wife then came downstairs and wanted the baby, and knelt down once or twice and prayed.
Witness added that his wife was 40 years of age, and the mother of 7 children, 6 of whom were alive. She had enjoyed very good health until about a week ago, when she was troubled about a daughter's health, and she also worried at not being able to attend church as she would like to. About 12 years ago she had a nervous breakdown, and was under medical treatment.
Henry James Cutler, the father's employer, said Mrs Landsdell had the idea that the Roman Catholics at Hartley wanted to kill her children, and twice last week she spoke to witness about it. Last Friday night Mrs Landsdell went to witness, saying he was not to take her daughter away.
Sister Edge, a nurse, said that Mrs Landsdell told her she put the baby in the water so that the priest should not have it.
Dr T F Smith of Birmingham said the mother told him she put the child into the tank because someone was coming for it. She stated that it had gone to heaven, where all the other members of the family would go."
[probably Matilda Lansdell 1880-1943; may have been at Broadmoor in 1921 Census - index says she is living in Crowthorne Parish, Berks]
29 Aug 1919 Chelmsford Chronicle
Business Wanted
Business wanted by Sheppard of Grafton House, Hartley
30 Aug 1919 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Presentation to Retiring Postmistress
"Miss F Phipps, who has for nearly 14 years hold the office of Post Mistress for the district comprising Fawkham, Hartley and Longfield, and portions of Kingsdown and Southfleet, is retiring this week and on Wednesday last, ast a meeting in the Village Club Room, a presentation was made to her consisting of a cheque for £50, in a silver purse. The Rev E Smith of Longfield, in handing the gift to her, said it was given as a memento of the goodwill of all living in the district, who were deeply sensible of her kindness and obliging manner, and of her willingness to give assistance as far as lay in her power. Miss Phipps expressed her sincere thanks to all the subscribers. A suede handbag has also been presented to Miss Phipps from the Special Constables of Longfield, as an expression of appreciation of the ready assistance and courtesy shown them during air raids. Mr Hargoves? has been appointed to succeed Miss Phipps as Post Master, and the Post Office may have to be removed to another house close at hand."
By the Seaside
Longfield "A day's outing took place on Monday of last week, when the parents and families of the Baby Clinic were joined by the choir of the Parish Church in a journey to Southend, where all spent a pleasant time, and returned home greatly pleased with the day's enjoyments."
05 Sep 1919 Times
Bennett - Newcomb Wedding
Marriage of Walter Mervyn Bennett only son of Mr & Mrs S Walter Newcomb of The Gables, Hartley at Epping
06 Sep 1919 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Death of Miss M Rose
"Much sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs Rose, who have suffered a grievous loss by the death of their daughter Minnie, who had only just reached her 21st birthday, and enjoyed usually such good health that her many friends have been shockced by the news of her untimely end, after a short illness. Scarecely a year ago Mr and Mrs Rose lost a son, sacrificed in the war, and their daughter's death is thus a double bereavement within a 12 month. They have only the sad consolation that their heavy loss is shared by all their neighbours and friends."
Attendance Officer Wanted
Kent Education Committee advertise for attendance officer for Ash, Darenth, Fawkham, Hartley, Horton Kirby, Kingsdown, Longfield, Ridley, [.....ms faded here], Wilmington and Sutton at Hone. Salary £120 pa.
13 Sep 1919 The Australasian (Melbourne)
Treadwell Engagement
Notice of engagement of Frank Sinden Treadwell, son of Mr E C Treadwell of Fairby, York Street, St Kilda.
13 Sep 1919 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Fete at Longfield
"A fete was held in the Longfield Rectory Meadow on Saturday afternoon, September 6th,in honour of all servicemen of the villages of Fawkham, Hartley, Longfield and Southfleet, who had seen active service overseas during the war, in charming wather about 300 of these men were pleasantly entertained, nearly 1,500 people foregathering to welcome them.
At 2.30pm a procession moved from Whitehill Corner to the ground. Headed by the youthful but excellent band of St Vincent's Home, Dartford, the column contained the servicemen of the 4 villages, with the Longfield Boy Scout Troop in the rear. A riot of colour ment the eye, the predominant khaki being relieved by the scarlet of full dress, reich tartn hues and dark blue; and it seem that but few units were not represented in a medley of uniforms, where the kilt brushed on one side puttees and on the other naval panaloons; mufti was worn by those whose uniform had been put away, with springs of summer laid between. Perhaps to the men of the Royal West Kent Regiment, who were in largest numbers, is principally due the credit for the splendid march discipline and the ease with which the seaman's roll, the cavalryman's trudge or the rifleman's patter were moulded to the regulation step. Behind the Boy Scout Troop, which proudly bore its gay standards, was the long and motley train of camp followers, who unconcernedly blocked the road, though jostled by accumulating motor and horsed traffic. With amusement 3 small ducks were noted to bring up the rear, regardless of their responsibility, but through sheer fatigue they fell out at the first pond.
On arrival at the ground the men were welcomed by Mr T C Allchin, whos said that the country could never adequately discharge the great debt which it owed to those who had gone out to fight. That afternoon's entertainment, must seem but a small thing, but is was expressive of the deep gratitude which was felt by those who had stayed at home. He was glad that so many had returned in good health and spirtis from the innumerable hardships adn dangers which they had endured, but he felt he must make special mention of those who had cheerfully suffered disablement for their country's sake. Before wishing them all a most enjoyable afternoon and releasing them to its amusements, he would like to express his deep sympathy with the relations of the fallen, who, on an occasion like this, must feel anew their great bereavement, and he would ask all civilians to uncover their heads while the Last Post was sounded in hnour of the dead. After this had been sounded, the band played The King, and then broke into a cheerful march, while the serciemen were dismissed and proceeded to the amusements which had been provided.
It was a matter of general regret tha the chef d'oeuvre of the fair, the roundabout, was absent owing to a breadkdown at a distant wayside; but the swing boats swayed as recklessly as usual; the coconuts wer as hard as ever to dislodge; and the agile donkeys were tireless through the day. One sentimental driver of artillery seemed to find in them a memory of his long lost mules; and though he kept in the saddle - except for an occasioinal fall - till darkness supervened, he found the donkeys equally recalcitrant, and never made them exceed their short but regulation run. At the lesser sideshows the cogent call of the fair man incited to deeds of daring, skill and strengthy, unwonted prowess earned some of us our money bakc, or won us a plaster mounding of the late Queen victoria or a cake of soap; but as we watched one light hearted stall man dodging ill directed darts as if they had been hostile shell, we could grudge him nothing. Meantime, with the kind permission and supervision of their Captain, Mrs Stokes, the Southfleet Girl Guides Troop performed graceful country dances on the turf; the excellent band played indefatigably throughout the afternoon, an dmade itself the piece de resistance of the fete. The sports, which produced many well contested races, the results of which we tabulate below, proceeded under the able direction of Mr Dudley Martin and his stewards. The tug-of-war, in which the 4 village teams competed, excited considerable interest, Hartley defeating Southfleet in the final round, and later maintaining their unbeaten record against a scratch team which was selected on the ground. The last wevent, a blindfold boxing match, cuased general amusement, A Walker elating his supporter to the pitch of enthusiasm by the terrific force of the blows which he dealt on vacant space.
The sounding of the 'cook-house-call' familiar even to the least soldierly among us, marked the interlude for high tea, which was served int he village schools. Thanks to the generous gifts of flowers and fruit, and the strenuous yet tastful labours of the Ladies' Committee, the tables presentd the most pleasing appearance. The meal to which the servicemen were enttertained proved most substantial, the abundance of provision sbelying any supposed shortage of food; though we hear that the men receivied with ill concealed disappointment the news that their staple diet, corned beef and biscuits, had not been included in the menu.
After tea, Mrs T C allchin handed cheques amounting in all to £57 to the disabled men of the villages, and presented prizes to the winners of the sports.. A vote of thanks to her having been proposed by Mr Dalton of Fawkham, and three hearty cheers given, the band played God save the King, and we left, feeling that a most successful afternoon had been spent.
Among those on the ground were Mr Langley Smithers, who was in conversation with some of the disabled men, his father, Sir Alfred Smithers, the Parliamentary representative of the division, regretting that his absence from England prevented his attendance at the fete, with the objects of which he was so fully in sympathy.
Heartly thanks are due to the Rector of Longfield, who kindly lend the ground; to Mr Fields who had instigated the gathering; and as usual was untiring in its preparation, and to all the helpers, too numerous to mention, who combined so successfully to publicly welcome home the men who had risked their lives for us.
Result of Sports
220 yards - 1 Saxton, 2 Bristoe, 3 Walker. Three-legged race 100 yards - 1 Walker and G Rich, 2 Ellis and Byatton, 3 Curtis and Ebden. Quarter Mile - 1 Rich, 2 Saxton, 3 Walker. 100 yards threading the needle - 1 Ebden, 2 Lynch, 3 Ellis. Half Mile - 1 Curtiss, 2 Cherry, 3 Rich. Wheelbarrow Race, 50 yards - 1 T Elliott and Applegate, 2 Lynch and Hockley, 3 Walker and Rich. One mile - 1 Curtiss, 2 Rich, 3 Cherry. Throwing Cricket Ball - 1 Lynds, 2 Dennis, 3 Walker. Cake and whistle race, 200 yards - 1 Saxton, 2 Cherry, 3 Bristoe. Tug of War Winners Hartley. Blindfold Boxing, exhibition bout - Rich and Walker."
07 Oct 1919 Woolwich Gazette
Profiteering Committee Appointed at Dartford
Dartford RDC committee includes Rev J T Matchett of Fawkham Rectory and Mr F Lynds of Wallace Cottage, Essex Road, Longfield
10 Oct 1919 Building News
Fairby Construction Company tender
Fairby Construction Company bid to build 150 houses at Blackley for Manchester Corporation accepted
18 Oct 1919 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
The Winter Game
"A football team has been started at Hartley by Mr Munn for boys from 15 to 18. Their first match was played on Saturday against Stansted, who won by 8 goals to 1. The Club's colours are navy blue and white. All praise is due to Mr Munn for starting such an excellent scheme."
[KM 25.10.1919 said Hartley lost 2nd match to Sutton at Hone 6-0, at Hartley Park Grounds]
25 Oct 1919 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Nitro Cotton Manufacture
Dartford Magistrates. "Considerable interest was shown in an application by the EC Powder Company Ltd, for the Justices' assent to an amending licence for a factory for explosives, situate at Longfield Siding, in the parishes of Hartley and Longfield.
Mr Fletcher (instructed by Mr Hayward) appeared for the applicants. there were 22 objectors, the majority of whom were represented by Messrs McDonald and Stacey). Mr F J Tucker (instructed by Messrs Chester & Co) appeared for Mr J Dobson, Pescot, Longfield.
Mr Fletcher said his clients had a factory at Longfield, which was erected during the war, and they held a permit to manufacture acid there. The present application was merely for permission to manufacture nitro cotton, which was not offensive in any way, and had been made for many years at Bean without any complaints. Thomas C Allchin, manager of the works, said it was practically impossible for fumes to escape in the manufacture of gun cotton. There had been objectionable fumes as a result of the manufacture of nitric acid there. Cross examined: He would be surprised to hear that Mr Dobson had lost, as a result of the fumes, a bay gelding, a cow, mare and 60 fowls in one night, a retriever dog, middle-white sow, a pedigree boar adn other stock. By the Bench: No application for compensation had been made. Colin Ernest Dell BSc, said there were no objectionable fumes. He lived in the neighbourhood, and had suffered no ill effects of fumes from the factory.
Mr Frampton urged that the Bench shoudl proceed as if the factory were non-existent, it having been erected under ermergency legislation as a result of the war. This firm was in a combine with a capital of £16 million, and he contended that it was an imputden application to ask that this factory should be continued in what had been a quiet, residential and agricultural district.
Considerable evidence was called as to the effects of the fumes from the factory on residents, vegetation and stock, and the Bench stated that they were unable to grant the application. Mr Fletcher asked the Bench to state their reasons in writing, as the would probably have to lodge an appeal with the Home Secretary."
01 Nov 1919 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Evening Industry
"during the war all the evening classes were abandoned, and the local Committee dispersed. Mr Hope, however has taken the matter up, and arrangements are in contemplation for restarting classes in woodwork, basket making and toy making. Longfield is expected to have one of the new central schools for the senior classes. Evening continuation classes cannot be fixed until the appointment of the new day schoolmaster. It is hoped that classes for lacemaking may be started by Mrs Ainger at Mrs Cromar's house at Hartley; and possibly a second class in Longfield."
The Fruits of the Earth
"An interesting exhibition of fruit and other produce was held on Saturday by the Hartley Agricultural Co-operative Society. The display was remarkable for the high quality of the exhibits, and probably the organisers of the exhibition were as much surprised at their success as the numerous visitors. Last autumn the Society received an award of merit from the Village Insudtries Exhibition at Maidstone, for a collection of fruit described in the Kent Mssenger as 'easily the best in the show.' One would suggest that the society should made an annual exhibition a regular feature of its work, in view of the successes alrady attained. The exhibitiors, practically all of whom showed apples, and hte other produce staged were - Mr J Balchin (bottled fruit, cauliflowers and cabbages); Mr D Bishop (Pears, Grapes, Honey - sections and jars, jams and jellies); Mr J Brown (bottled plums); Mr P Burr (potatoes); Mr R Crump (Pears); Mr P Dennis (Potatoes); Mr S Ellerby (apple rings - dried); Mr P Elphick (Pears, bottled fruit - cold process); Mr B Greenwood (shallots, bottled fruit adn jams); Mr W Hann (Carrots, turnips, onions, potatoes); Mr D Horscroft (Beets, turnips, tomatoes, cucumbers); Mr F Jackson (bottled fruits); Mrs Lowis (Pears, Bottled Fruit, Jams and jelly, brussels sprouts); Mr H Meddick (Pears, Marrows, Pickles); Mr W H Negus (Bottled Fruit); Mr H Parrett (Onions); Mr F C Robertson (Cob Nuts, Bottled fruit, honey - sections); Mr W Sale (potatoes, marrows); Mr P Smith (potatoes); Mr J Stuart (bottled fruits, potatoes, eggs); Messrs Tate Bros (Walnuts, Bottled fruit) and Mr W G Wood (Potatoes, beets, carrots and lettuce)."
22 Nov 1919 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Servant Wanted
"Wanted for small private school, a strong girl as general; help given; good home and outings [- Principal, Timber Cottage, Hartley, Kent."
03 Dec 1919 Aeroplane
Bankruptcy of George Harold Humphrey
George Harold Humphrey, director of public companies, 23 Hangar Lane, Ealing, and late of 4 Ellison Place, Newcastle on Tyne.
The first meeting of creditors under a receiving order made against this debtor on his own petition was held on November 27th at the London Bankruptcy Court.
Mr F T Garton, Official Receiver, who presided, said that a statement of the debtor's affairs had been lodged showing gross liabilities £8,500, unsecured £17,770 and contingent debts £58,500, which were not expected to rank for dividend. The assets were valued a £10,065. The debtor had stated that in August 1914, he and another person formed the Rural Developments Co Ltd, of which he was appointed managing director. The comapny was successful until November 1915, but two years later went into voluntary liuidation. In June 1914, a company in which he had been interested having given up certain works near Fawkham, Kent, he registered the Fairby Construction Co Ltd, to work in conjunction with the Rural Development Co in building cottages on the Fairby Farm Estate. He was appointed managing director and acted in that capacity until 1917 when he became an ordinary director. In January 1917, at the suggestion of a representative of Armstrong Whitworth and Co who promised him contracts, he took the Victoria Works, Newcastle on Tyne, and formed John Dawson and Co (Newcastle on Tyne) Ltd, to take over his interest and manufacture aircraft wings. The nominal capital of the company was £10,000. The debtor became managing director and took up the issued capital of £2,100, but later he transferred some of his shared to other persons who became directors. The company was financed by payments made on account of contracts with Armstrong Whitworth and Co until December 1917, but afterwards the company made contracts direct with the government, who paid week by week The company was very successful until the Armistice, when notice was given terminating the contracts, and differences arose between the company and the Government as to the amount due to the company. Pending the settlement of these differences the debtor endeavoured to sell his interest in another company (Allan Jones and Co (1918) Ltd) to George Clare and Co Ltd, and out of the money so raised he paid the accounts and financed John Dawson and Co. On June 4th last the Government settled the claim for £30,000, which was less than the amount expected. The debtor then endeavoured to amalgamate the company with Allan Jones and Co (1918) Ltd, a company of which he was governing director, which carred out contracts for aircraft parts. In anticipation he guaranteed debts of John Dawson and Co to the amount of £15,000. Eventually the amalgamation fell through and John Dawson and Co went into liquidation. The debtor was pressed on his guarantees and decided to file his petition. He attributed his insolvency to the failure of the company, of which he claimed to be a creditor for £10,000.
The creditors appointed Mr Oliver Sunderland, accountant, as trustee of the debtor's estate. A committee of inspection was also nominated.
[G H Humphries was a key figure in the development of Hartley, as the managing director of Small Owners Limited. Later he went into the aircraft industry, but said his financial troubles were down to the end of the war.]
15 Dec 1919 Farmer & Smallholder
Training Position Wanted
Training position wanted by Maurice Webb, Fairby [The Nutshell, Ash Road]