1924 News
History > Newspaper Stories 1900 - 2000 > 1920-1929
05 Jan 1924 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
A Hartley Correspondent's Criticisms
Writer "Hartley" comments on two recent news items. He contrasts the 40 shilling fine on the case of animal cruelty at West Yoke, described by the vet as the worst case he'd seen in 40 years, with a 50 shilling fine imposed by Bromley magistrates on someone for speeding and having a licence 3 weeks out of date. He also wonders whether had a doctor come out the recent burning case in Hartley, they might have survived.
[In following week's paper Dr Welch of Dalesford, Hartley Green replied to say such cases are often fatal and they are better off treated in hospital, he thought the doctor gave the correct advice]
Prohibition no Panacea
S S Elvidge of Eastcote, Longfield Terrace, Longfield, accuses the proponents of prohibition of twisting facts to suit their arguments. Rather than saving money in America as they argue, he points out drinkers have just bought from alternative sources for at least the same price.
18 Jan 1924 Brockley News
Gift to Fairby
"A Ford car, given recently by Mr C L Nordon to Bermondsey Borough Council for use at their new convalescent home at Hartley, Kent, has been returned. Mr Nordon has now sent a cabinet gramophone with records."
26 Jan 1924 Folkestone Herald
New phone line
New subscriber to Longfield telephone exchange: J J Pankhurst. Longfield 28
16 Feb 1924 Folkestone Herald
New phone line
New subscriber to Longfield telephone exchange: Dartford Rural District Council Depot, Longfield. Longfield 29
16 Feb 1924 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Ash Highways
Dartford RDC have heard Ash PC agree with stopping up footpath at Holywell Park. They are also repairing Hartley Bottom Road, after H Smith of Ash wrote to complain of poor state of road by Red Cow Farm. Additional land at Forge site, Ash to be additional gardens for tenants.
23 Feb 1924 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
House in Manor Drive for Sale
"For sale, immediate possession, convenient modern house, 3 reception, 4 bedrooms, field, in all 3 acres, more land if desired; price £2,000; view by appointment only - Bourdillon, Hartley, Near Longfield, Kent." [The house is Aldingham, although in 1924 it was called June Hill]
01 Mar 1924 Folkestone Herald
New phone line
New subscriber to Longfield telephone exchange: Bermondsey Borough Council Convalescent Hospital. Longfield 5
08 Mar 1924 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
James Murray Dobson (Longfield)
"On February 27th at his residence, Pescot House, Longfield, the death occurred, after a short illness of Mr James Murray Dobson, M.Inst CE. Deceased, who was born at Plymouth in 1846 where his father was Resident Engineer for the construction of hte Plymouth Breakwater, served the greater part of his pupilage with his father, during which time he went through all the workships on he Holyhead Harbour works, his father being REsident Engineer. The last year, 1865, was served with Sir John Hawkshaw FRS, Past president of the Institution of Civil Engineers, an dupon the completion was enaged as one his assistant engineers. Between 1865 and 1885, he was engaged on various engineering works, and acted as engineer in chargeof the Maryport Dock, which he worked from London. In addition he had a large private office of his own, where, among many other designs, he worked all those of the Stockton Bridge for Charles Neale, M.I.C.E and the late Harrison Hayer, past president of the Institution of Civil Engineers, the ironwork of which was carried out under his supervision. He prepared in his private office for Sir John Hawkshaw the girder work under the London Hospital on the junction line between the Whitechapel extension and the East London Railway, and the whole of the ironwork for he underground stations at Mark Lane, Aldgate East and st Mary's Whitechapel. In 1885 he went to South America to prepare the surveys and designs for the Buenos Aires Dock and Harbour Works of rhte firm of Sir John Hawkshaw, Son and Hayter, and in 1887 was asked to go out again to the Argentine Republic as Chief Engineer and representative for that firm to carry out those works. Upon the retirement of Sir John Hawkshaw in 1890, he wsa made a member of the firm, south of the Equator, his appointment as Joint Engineers for the Buenos Aires works being specially approved by the Argentine Government. In 1885 he was selected by the Argentine Government to act on a Commission to settle the level of high water mark in the River Plate. In January 1900, he was called to act on a Commission respecting dredging plant and the dredging of the River Plate. In September 1900 he was again appointed to act on a Commission wiht respect to the Rosario Harbour works, but was obliged to give up this appointment, being called to England on account of the death of the senior partner of his firm, Harrison Hayer. Upon his return to London in 1900, the firm was renamed Hawkshaw and Dobson, and in 1901 he was appointed by the Madras Railway Board Joint Consulting Engineer with Mr J C Hawkshaw MA FGI Past president of the Institution of Civil Engineers, for the Madras Railway. He was also consulting engineer with Mr Hawkshaw, for the Mauritius Government Railways, Holyhead Harbour, Belfast Harbour Commissioners and for Messrs L Pearson and Son Ltd, of rthe Satina Cruz and Coatsacoaleos Harbours, West of India, Portuguese Guaranteed Railway, The Midland Railway Company of Western Australia. He was one of the oldest members of the institution of Civil Engineers, having been elected Associate Member in 1873 and full member in 1880. A Telford Premium was awarded him by the Institution. He was Hon Auditor for several years and for 5 years a member of the Council. A member for many years of the Iron and Steel Institute, and the British Engineering Standards Sectional Committee on Locomotives. Early in 1914, Mr Dobson offered one of his large houses at Blackheath to the War Office as an Auxiliary Hospital, which was accepted and placed under the Royal Herbert Hospital at Woolwich. Friends and residents in Blackheath combined in furnishing and assisting the Dobson War Relief Hospital, which closed in 1919, after a most successful career....." Leaves widow and a daughter from his first marriage. Funeral held at Southfleet Church. List of mourners and floral tributes.
15 Mar 1924 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Goats for Sale
"For sale - excellent goats, heavy milking strain; good companions. Gilbert, Hartley, Longfield." [Not entirely sure but it seems the Gilberts owned the land that became Rosecroft and Westwood etc, Ash Road]
Tithe Reapportionment
"At Darford RDC meeting the Housing Committee reported that Mr DTR Gray, Bank Buildings, Hartley, stated he was communicating with owners of property in Hartley with a view of entering into an arrangement for a general reapportionment of the title rent charge, and enquiring whether the council, as owners of a piece of land there, would do likewise, as, if 40 owners were agreeable, the fees would be £2 2s each. As these fees were considerably less than if a single reapportionment were carried out, the committee recommended the council to agree."
Longfield Quarry
Surveyor to Dartford RDC said grievance of men was reduction of 10 shillings on the amount due for their output per week. Council has now run out of flints for St James' Lane and Cobham Terrace work. Recommends restoring payment as any other source will incur heavy haulage costs.
Longfield Churchyard and War Memorial
Hope conveyance of land for extension will be signed soon. Fund raising for £70 cost of a war memorial.
Builders' Material for sale
"Timber, Asbestos Sheets and Tiles, blue, grey or red; Poultry Houses etc. made to order; competitive prices; honest value. Harris & Co, Hartley Wood Corner, Longfield."
Longfield: The Club
"As the club is the cente of the social life of the village, satisfaction is expressed at the recent structural enlargement. It affords the extra room that was much needed."
22 Mar 1924 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Dartford RDC Elections
Contested election in Hartley. Architect and Surveyor W T Boucher standing against Rev E Smith. Fawkham (Rev J T Matchett) and Longfield (W Wright) uncontested.
A Double Offence
(Gravesend Magistrates) "Leonard Stephens, of Homefield, Hartley, pleaded guilty to travelling on the South Eastern and Chatham Railway without paying his fare on February 19th.
Mr L A Watkin, for the Company, said defendant first travelled from Longfield Halt to Gravesend West, and, having done some business in the town, west from Central Station to Charing Cross. He passed the barriers at different stations showing a season ticket. The ticket was examined at Charing Cross and was found to have expired on November 29th. Defendant said force of circumstances compelled him to commit the offence. He had been out of work for a year, and was a married man with 2 children, both of whom were ill. He admitted he had used the ticket on other occasions since it expired, but said he had always paid his fare when he had the money. Defendant said he went after a situation in London, for which he had been asked for an interview, and came to Gravesend because he lost the 10.6 train from Longfield. Other times, if he had a shilling, he had walked to Dartford and caught the last workmen's train to London. On this occasion he had nothing. The chairman: Have you got a situation now? - No sir. I am still out of employment. He was, he said, a clerk.
The Bench having convicted, Mr Watkin said defendant was fined £1 at Bow Street for travelling from Gravesend Central to Charing Cross without a ticket. The present summons was in respect of the journey from Longfield Halt to Gravesend West. The magistrate at Bow Street asked him (Mr Watkin) if he would waive his costs, and he did.
Defendant: The ironical part was I broke the journey at Gravesend. If I had caught the other train from Longfield there would have been only one prosecution. The Chairman: Was time given to pay the fine? Mr Watkin: Yes. The magistrate gave him 14 days to pay. The bench imposed a fine of 5 shillings and remitted the costs. A month was allowed for payment." [It seems the magistrates were very sympathetic to Mr Stephens's predicament]
Women's Hour
Meeting at Longfield Free Church.
The War Memorial
(Longfield) "The War Memorial in the Churchyard, a cornice granite cross will be unveiled, it is expected, by the Bishop of Rochester, at Whitsun. The new churchyard will probably be consecrated on the same occasion."
29 Mar 1924 Kentish Gazette
Sale of Stock at Fairby Farm
"Fairby Farm, Hartley, Kent. One mile from Fawkham Station, on the main Chatham line, and on bus routes from Dartford and Gravesend to Longfield.
Messrs Philip Champion & Sons have received instructions from Messrs Small Owners Ltd to sell by auction upon the premises as above, on Friday 4th April 1924, at 11 o'clock am, the whole of the live and dead farming stock including:
6 valuable cart horses, bay cob, 39 ewes and lambs, southdown ram, 160 head of poultry. The extensive and complete assortment of implements, Titan tractor, waggons, carts, sets of harness, poultry appliances, the small tools and miscellaneous effects, together with the equipments and fittings of the well known Hartley Jam Factory. Catalogues may be obtained at the place of sale; and of the auctioneers, as above [Maidstone & Dartford]"
05 Apr 1924 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Rural Council Election
"Interest has been aroused at the prospect of a contest. The retiring councillor, the Rev Edward Smith, the rector of Longfield, has represented Hartley for many years, and is Chairman of the Finance Committee. Mr W T Boucher, and architect and surveyor, and was for some time a member of the Rochester City Council. Mr Boucher's supporters have been very active. With a total voters roll of about 260, only a narrow margin can be expected for the successful candidate."
19 Apr 1924 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Rural Council Election
Hartley result, "the Rev E Smith of Longfield, with 44 votes, lost his seat, Mr W T Boucher, a resident, being successful with 102." [It not fair to suggest that Rev E Smith didn't live in the ward as at the time Longfield Rectory (now the Old Rectory) was in Hartley Parish]
Lay Reader
Mr W Walklate of Hartley Grange hopes to become lay reader at Longfield, when granted he will take services in the Longfield Hill Mission Room.
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Several complaints about Court Pond and calls to fill it in, children playing in the water said to frequently catch chills. (2) Council won recent court case but still had to pay £400 in costs.
Death of Mr A Hollands
"The death has occurred of Mr Alfred Hollands, licensee of the Railway Tavern, at the age of 62 years. He came to the village 5 years ago from Wrotham Hill. He was formerly captain of Stansted CC.
15 May 1924 The Stage
Adverts
Advert by Jimmie Gordon of the Croft, Ash Road [Called himself baritone singer, character actor and entertainer]
25 May 1924 Dartford Chronicle
Burglary in Ash Road
Two youths named Henry George Payne and George Thomas Cracknell, said to have no fixed abode, were charged at Dartford Police Court on Saturday before Alderman J Lawrence Mitchell (in the chair), Messrs F S Putland and A J Penney, with shop breaking at the Hartley Co-operative Stores on the night of April 15th-16th, and stealing tubes of soap, boot polish, tooth brushes, knife polish, candles and an attache case etc.
Superintendent Fowle said the prisoners were only arrested at Gravesend the previous night, and he had not completed the case. He asked for a remand till Tuesday.
Detective-Sergeant Stutchfield said he arrested the two at Gravesend the previous day, and Payne made a lengthy statement. He went to a house in Queen Street and recovered articles produced in court.
The two were remanded as requested by the police.
When the pair were brought up on Tuesday, Mr A M Fleet was in the chair. It was stated that the stolen property was valued at 30 shillings.
William Charles Wise of Melba, Hartley, secretary to the Hartley Co-operative Society, which is registered under the Friendly Societies Act, said he closed he stores about 4.30 on the night of April 15th. On the following morning he found things lying on the floor of the shop, and then noticed that other things had been taken away. He subsequently discovered that a window at the side of the store had been broken and a pane of glass removed. He reported the matter to the police, and on the morning of the 19th he was shown an attache case and a number of other articles by Superintendent Fowle, which he identified as having been stolen.
Albert Alfred Holder, of 53 and 54 Stonebridge Hill, Northfleet, a restaurant keeper, said at 5 o'clock on the morning of April 16th, the two prisoners came into his shop and asked for tea and bread and dripping. The attache case (produced) was beside them while they ate, and Cracknell asked him if he would buy some candles and matches, and showed him the contents of the case, offering to sell the whole for 9 shillings. Witness became suspicious at this, and sent for the police. Nobody came, however, and with a view of holding the prisoners, witness bought 3 or 4 candles. He kept them about three quarters of an hour, and in the course of conversation they said they were waiting for someone to open in Northfleet so that they could sell the things. Ultimately the two left his shop.
Cracknell: Do you mean to say you sent for the police and they did not come? You did not send for them. You might as well tell the truth. Why did they not come?
Witness: That is their business not mine.
It was explained that a messenger sent by witness for the police went to the wrong house, and as a result the police never got the message.
Edward Adams, 41 Queen Street, Gravesend, said on the night of April 14th Cracknell came into his shop with another man, a local shopkeeper, to buy goods. The other man bought a razor, and gave it to Cracknell. On the 15th they came to the shop again, and the tradesman made further purchases. On the 16th both the prisoners came to the shop with the attache case produced. Cracknell said he was going away, and asked him to buy the case and contents. Witness looked at the contents and said, "It is a funny collection for you to have," adding that he already had plenty of stock of that kind, and Cracknell said they wanted 10 shillings for the things, and witness asked where they came from. Cracknell said they had been bought from time to time from men in public houses. Witness ulitmately bought all that was offered for 5 shillings. On the evening of the 18th a detective of the Gravesend police came to his shop, and he gave up the articles.
At the conclusion of witness's evidence Cracknell said he would like to see witness after the court. The clerk remarked that he dare say the police would allow him an opportunity.
Detective Sergeant Stutchfield said on the afternoon of the 18th he went with Superintendent Fowle to Gravesend , and later in the day he arrested Cracknell and told him he would be charged with shopbreaking. He replied, "I am innocent." A little later he saw Payne in the Market Place, Gravesend, and questioned him. He replied, "I will tell you the truth," and went on to say that he met Cracknell, who said he knew where he could lay his hands on some ready money. He was hard up at the time, and had no tea, and said, "All right. Where is it?" Cracknell said where it was, and about 9.45pm they set out to walk to Longfield, and then to the Hartley Stores, where Cracknell took a window out and they got in. He also said where the stuff had been sold. About 10.30 on the same evening witness went to 41a Queen Street, the residence of the witness Adams, and was handed the case and articles (produced). He charged both prisoners at Dartford Police Station, and they made no reply. On the morning of April 19th he served Cracknell with a copy of the statement made by Payne and Cracknell made a statement (produced), in which he said Payne agreed to go to Hartley to "do a job". They broke the window together, and Payne went in and handed the stuff out to him. They shared the proceeds. The statement continued, "I should not have done it, but I was down and out. I was waiting for a ship, and should have got it on Wednesday, but I could not go on till then on nothing."
Prisoners were committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions.
Cracknell said he was the oldest and would "take the job on his own and let this boy go free." He added, "It can be done."
The younger prisoner (Payne) was admitted to bail on the application of his stepfather, who is an employee of the Gravesend Corporation.
07 Jun 1924 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Pigrimage to Hartley: Pre-Reformation Ceremony Revived
"Considerable interest amongst Roman Catholics was aroused in a pilgrimage from St Joseph's Church, Northfleet to Hartley on Wednesday, May 28th. No less than 300 formed the procession, including 40 Boy Scouts from Chatham and contingents from Dartford, London, Brighton and Worthing.
After a short service in church the Northfleet party, 100 strong, set out in three charabancs, there not being time for the pilgrimage to be made on foot as before the Reformation. The members of the Guild of the Blessed Sacrament wore their sashes and badges, and the children of Mary were in white with cloaks and veils. Prayers were offered all the way, the route being through Southfleet, Betsham, and Longfield. On arrival at Hartley War Memorial they joined the procession of Hartley people and others. The cross bearer was followed by acolytes, boys from Hartley, girls in white from Northfleet and Hartley, Children of Mary of Northfleet and Hartley, the statue and banner of Our Lady of Hartley, Rev Father Measures (rector of Northfleet), assisted by Father Hoare, Father Clayton (Westminster) and Father Ryan (Chatham), the men of the Guild from Northfleet, and the members of the various congregations. From the War Memorial the procession went to an altar erected in a field near the church, where special prayers were said.
At the church Father Measures gave an address, in which he urged the need of prayer. He said it was their duty to pray that their rulers might be wisely directed in these times of trouble. They were doing exactly the same as was done in the days when pilgrims used to walk along the Pilgrim's Way in Kent to Canterbury. That was the first pilgrimage on the old line that had been made in Kent since the time of the Reformation. The Northfleet congregation returned home continuing their devotions, and there were prayers in the church all through the night."
10 Jun 1924 Westminster Gazette
House for Sale
"Spendidly built roomy bungalow residence; freehold; nearing completion; with about 2½ acres finest Kent matured orchard land (about 700 trees), being part of gentleman's smallholding; principal position in village. An ideal City man's residence. Convenient train service; about 20 miles city; 15 min walk from Fawkham Station. 2 large reception rooms, 5 bed (hot and cold water in rooms), tiled bathroom, large kitchen, fruit cellar, large verandah, garage etc, about 500 feet above sea level; unique chance, £2,000. Apply - The Limit, Hartley, near Longfield."
[Treetops, 21 Fairby Lane, was built about this time on land belonging to The Limit, now Ambleside, Ash Road]
21 Jun 1924 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Nursery Sale
Hiddensee Nursery in Southfleet Avenue grounds and orchard sold for £385.
28 Jun 1924 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Motor Works Destroyed
"On Sunday morning a fire broke out at the Whitehill Motor Works etc occupied by Mr Teirnan. Smoke was observed by Mr A Adams, clerk of the parish, who has the keys of the fire appliances and he immediately called for volunteers to man the fire hose. By the valuable work of Messrs H Wraight, Jesse Martin, James Heaver and James Pankhurst in a short time water was played upon the burning building, which, almost from the commencement was a blazing furnace. Mr Adams directed operations and prevented the fire reaching the adjoining properties until the arrival of the Dartford Brigade. Much praise is due to Captain Potter of the Dartford Brigade for his prompt arrival in about 6 minutes from the call. The building was destroyed, together with stock, a motor car, motorcycles etc. The cause of the fire is unknown."
30 Jun 1924 Times
Miss Davies-Cooke
Miss Davies-Cooke secretary of Association for Perpetual Adoration RC mission charity
05 Jul 1924 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Shop Breaking at Hartley
"George Thomas Cracknell, 24, labourer, and Henry George Payne, 18, motor driver, admitted breaking into the shop of William Charles Wise and others, at Hartley, on April 15th, and stealing toothpaste ect. Mr Smith, prosecuting, said the premises were those of the Hartley Co-operative Society, and the value of the goods stolen was 30 shillings. Sergt Stutchfield said Cracknell was a native of Gravesend, a bad character, too lazy to work and associated with reputed thieves. There were 4 previous convictions against him. Payne, who was also a native of Gravesend, had been spoken of by his schoolmaster as a smart, intelligent boy. Cracknell was sentenced to 6 months' hard labour, while Payne was bound over."
Thomas Pankhurst
"Thomas Pankhurst passed away at 8 The Terrace on Monday afternoon. 40 of his 77 years had been spent in the vilage. He was a member of the Baptist Chapel, and a life member of Hartley Oddfellows. The funeral took place at Fawkham..."
25 Jul 1924 N/A
Obituary of Amy Allchin
Obituary in Canadian paper of Amy Cathcart (nee Alchin), born Hartley 1870
02 Aug 1924 British Medical Journal
Fairby Grange Mother and Baby Home
"The first municipal convalescent home for mothers and babies in this country was officially opened on July 26th by Mr Wheatley, Minister of Health. Fairby Grange which is at Fawkham, Kent, was given to Bermondsey Borough Council a year ago by Dr Alfred Salter, at that time MP for Bermondsey. The Minister, in his opening speech, spoke of the cooperative spirit which is beginning to characterise public life today. The fact that the ratepayers of Bermondsey had realised that a farthing rate was being well spent in providing convalescence for mothers who would not otherwise be able to take a holiday showed that they had realised it was the business of the community to attend to the affairs of its weaker members. The attitude of the Ministry of Health was sympathetic towards all schemes likely to further maternity and child welfare, which he considered to be the cornerstone of public health work today. In welcoming Mr Wheatley, Mrs Salter, the chairman of the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee, said that Bermondsey was proud of the fact that the maternal mortality per 1,000 births for last year was 1.37. Although the infantile mortality was still very high, 76, yet it was the lowest Bermondsey had reached. Ten years ago, before the first health visitor was appointed, it was 159. The home is a comfortable 16th century manor house standing in 23 acres of ground; it has all modern conveniences, and is well adapted to accommodate 16 mothers and babies."
02 Aug 1924 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Longfield's War Memorial Unveiled by Brig-Gen T A Andrus
"There was a large assembly at Longfield on Sunday, when the Bishop of Rochester consecreated the additional churchyard and dedicated the war memorial. The new burial ground is directly opposite the parish Church, and voluntary workers, under Mr W Tapsell, were responsible for the levelling and fencing, and to them belongs the credit of winning a race against time in order that the ground might be prepared for the service.
A procession, headed by the Bishop and the Rector, the Rev E Smith, included the churchwardens (Messrs HE Parker and O Cromar), sidesmen (Messs WE Ta[sell and WKH Smith), and choir, walked round the ground, chanting the 16th psalm, and the Bishop declared the ground to be part of the churchyard.
Brigadier General TA Andrus CMG, after the hymn 'O God our help in ages past' had been sung, and before unveiling the war memorial, said his mind went back to 10 years ago, when he played cricket for Southfleet v Longfield. They none of them knew at the time that they were on the eve of a great catastrophe. It came like a bolt from the blue. In the conflicts of human history war cosisted of a battle fought on one day, or part of a day; the Great War was fought every hour and every minute of its duration. The men who were killed knew the terrible realites of warfare, for they were not killed in their first action. They had gone forward with head held high, and a smile on their lips.
Then, in the brilliant sunshine, the flag, which cloaked the memorial was hauled down, disclosing a Celtic cross hewn from rough Cornish granite, and which the Bishop dedicated 'To the Glory of those who died,' and the Rector read the 33 names: John Thomas Ashdown, 7th Middx; Bradford MacAdams, RWK; Edward Blackman, RE; Edward Beer, RGA; Sidney Burton, CLI; James Coller, WKI; Frederick Cherry, REF; Sidney Day, RWK; William Day, RWK; William Fothergill, R Yorks; Charles Foster, RWK; Frank Hickmott, LRB; William Hoadley, RWK; Roy Oilworth Harrison, N Fusiliers; Alfred Ing, Glos I; Robert Lynds, RWK; Elvey Martin, RFA; Herbert Joseph Marchant, Wilts; Edwin Maples, RN HMS Carysfort; Arthur Munday, RWK; Archibald Oliver, RF; William Oliver, FC; George Peacock, 20th Hussars; Ronald Pankhurst, RWK; William Pankhurst, RF; Percy Rich, 20th Hussars; John Simes, RWK; Harry Swan, RWK; Richard Stanley, Warks; William Thompson, RWK; Arthur Wells, HMS Vanguard; Thomas Young, RE, Douglas Holmes, TC.
On one side of the memorial are inscribed the inspiring words 'Remember these your brethren who passed out of sight by the path of duty and self-sacrifice, giving their lives that others might live in freedom.' The placing of wreaths at the foot of the cross by the bereaved made a pathetic scene, during the singing of the hymn 'On the resurrection morning'.
The Bishop, in his address, said that the old churchyard had sufficed for many generations. The village was growing; 100 years ago there were only 160 inhabitants, while today there were 880. They should remember that Jesus Christ, when He was taken down from the cross, was transferred to a garden. A cemetery was a place to be kept bright int eh joyous anticipation of the resurrection. They had gathered together to associate with that the memorial to the young men of the parish who had joined the fighting forces, so that the invader might not penetrate this England. A great number had offered themselves voluntarily without waiting for conscription. They had been promoted to higher service through death and were in the vanguard of a great army. Mr A Day, a member of the Hartley Band, sounded the Last Post and Reveille. The recessional hymn was 'Fight the Good Fight.'...... (List of digatories present)"
09 Aug 1924 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
A Knotty Point
Mrs E Baker of Mile End Green sued husband Charles Allen Baker, 46, labourer, Council Houses, Longfield for desertion. They had separated in 1914 and Malling magistrates ordered 6s a week maintenance. After leaving the army they resumed co-habitation under he left on 8/5/1924 to live with his mother. Wife said mother-in-law caused strife. Her husband had £300 in Midland Bank at Gravesend and Post Office savings. His solicitor said they had agreed to go back to their mothers and he would pay 6s a week. He also alleged that she slept on a rug in the kitchen rather than with her husband and was prone to violence, he claimed she threw a 7lb roast beef at him. Magistrates dismissed the case.
23 Aug 1924 Folkestone Herald
New phone line
New subscriber to Longfield telephone exchange: Small Owners Ltd, Hartley Manor, Longfield 37.
30 Aug 1924 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Farm Accident at Southfleet
"On Friday Mrs F Rich of Longfield, while picking plums in Messrs Chambers' plantation lost her balance and fell off the ladder, receiving injuries to her back and ribs. She was conveyed to Gravesend Hospital and detained."
06 Sep 1924 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
EC Powder Works Longfield Auction
by Philip Champion & Sons "an extensive assortment of Builders' material and effects arising from the demolition of the above works and including deals, quartering, boarding, planks, drainpipes, fire bricks, galvanised bins and tanks, 4,000 ft iron piping and fittings, angles, bolts, hose piping, a large quantity of 2in to 10in belting, oil filters 2 12½ BHP and 1 4½ BHP electric motors....."
11 Oct 1924 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Housing shortage in the village, council to ask Dartford RDC to prioritise areas wanting to remain in district and not Swanscombe which wants to leave. (2) Non-completion of School house means no school dinners. (3) Complaints about bad state of Station Road and Hoselands Hill steps
25 Oct 1924 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Furniture Removal
"Messrs Cooper & Son, 23 King Street, house furnisher sue Stanley Samuel Elvidge of Bromley Road, Beckenham for £8 10s for the removal of goods. There was a counter claim for £3 7s 3d damage to furniture…..Mrs Elvidge spoke as to the removal of furniture from Longfield to Beckenham, and the damage to certain articles, in one instance caused by oil. There was a heating stove containing oil, and one of plaintiff's men emptied the oil from the stove. Defendant said he saw a man push his thumb through the parchment of a lamp shade. For plaintiffs, Reuben Longhurst suggested that the oil ran out of one of the lamps in the van..... He saw no scratches or marks on the furniture when he unloaded it at Beckenham. There were only two rooms available for the furniture, the house being still in the builder's hands, and a man had to shovel brick bats out before the furniture was put in...." Judge finds counter claim proved except about oil and awarded £2 10s, and also gave judgement for original claim with costs.
08 Nov 1924 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Meeting
(1) Longfield PC have got the Post Office to agree to a later collection. A suggestion to stop one afternoon delivery to give postmen a half day off was rejected. (2) Many signed Longfield's petition to railway company to give up land for Hoselands Hill widening. (3) Several complaints about staste of roads, overhanging trees, unkempt hedges. (4) Mr Pepper called for more housing. (5) Another parishioner said for a while the area had been under strength for police by 1, and several burglaries had occurred. Meeting resolved to raise matter with Chief Constable.
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Station Road, repairs in progress. (2) PC to write to Messrs Dann and Lucas, Dartford, with regard to danger of overhanging branches of elm trees opposite the newsagents in Main Road. (3) Post Office agree to make evening collection 1 hour later.
22 Nov 1924 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Future of the Recreation Hut
Hartley. "As the outcome of a public meeting held on Monday at the Recreation Hut, an effort will be made to form a committee, representative of all the societies and clubs working in the village, to go into the question of taking over the hut. Miss Davies-Cooke, who provided the building in the first instance, stated that the decision of the Recreation Club to close down was naturally a disappointment to her. She had hoped that the club would be permament, but as matters stood she was prepared to let the hut for the use of any social body requiring it. The chairman (Mr F W Tate) said the Recreation Club having decreed its own death, the question arose as to whether the hut could be developed into a centre for all the social activities of the village. Mr Fred Wise proposed that a combined committee should be formed to consider the matter. A suggestion was made by Mr T F Tate that to be satisfactory to all parties the hut should be the property of the village, and he inquired whether the owner was prepared to sell the building. Miss Davies-Cooke sasid she had not considered this idea and would wan tto think the matter over before deciding. Mr Benson hoped that some social centre could be established and that purely recreational interests would not crowd out more serious purposes. A resolution authorising the formation of a joint committee having been carried, thanks were accorded to Miss Davies-Cooke for her attendance and action in regard to the hut."
24 Nov 1924 Bromley & West Kent Mercury
NSPCC - Work of the Bromley Branch
"The annual meeting of the Bromley, Beckenham, Chislehurst and district branch of the NSPCC was held at St John's Hall, Sidcup, yesterday, when Canon Spurgin presided, and an address was given by Miss Aylmer of the society's central office..... A large area is covered by the branch, there being ladies' committees at Bromley, Beckenham, Bexley and Bexleyheath, Bickley, Chislehurst, Farnborough, Farnngham, Keston and Hayes, Orpington, St Mary Cray, Shortlands, Sidcup, Sutton at Hone, Darenth and District and Swanley. During the year committees were formed at Farningham and Hartley....The total number of complaints received was 108. Of these 104 were found to be true, affecting the welfare of 271 children and involving 161 offenders. There was only one prosecution...."
06 Dec 1924 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Longfield Woman Summonses her Husband
Sophia Heaver of Station Road, Longfield, granted separation order, custody of children, and 22s a week maintenance from husband Walter Heaver, 59 of Greenhithe. They married at Kingsdown in 1887. In 1912 he went to New Zealand and didn't return until 1923. He accused their sons of making him unwelcome and made unfounded accusations of adultery, which she denied.