1928 News
History > Newspaper Stories 1900 - 2000 > 1920-1929
07 Jan 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
A Touch of the Antarctic
"During the recent snow the village suffered more severely than any other in the district. All roads approaching it were blocked by drifts, in many places 10 feet deep. The village street itself was buried and the inhabitants had to dig themselves out. At the corner where the Swan Inn stands, and the roads from Fawkham and Hartley enter the village, a blizzard raged. As fast as gangs of men shovelled the snow away, fresh drifts were formed. all supplies had to be brought over the fields. No vehicle entered or left the village for 4 days. On the 5th day Messrs Goodwin Bros lorry was the first to break the silence of the snowy wastes."
Items for Sale
"Incubator, Tamlin's nonpariel 60 eggs, £5. Acme Roofing Tiles unused, Ashgate Roofing Tiles unused, 8s per 100. Harris & Co, Hartley Wood Corner, Longfield."
Longfield Housing
Plans approved for timber framed bungalow at Fawkham Road for F Lynds of Essex Road. Also, subject to satisfactory damp course, for store to be converted to bungalow at Peacot Farm for Mr H White of Brands Hatch Farm. Dartford RDC approve sale of 2 council houses. 10 Valley Villas [225 Main Road] to H W Hammond for £395, and 3 Valley Villas [211 Main Road] to G E Remington for £375.
Longfield Road Widening
Mr George Edmed as sold land for widening for £157 10s plus surveyor's fees and council fencing land. Price high because of bed of flints on the land.
Longfield Parish Council
Council to complain to Dartford RDC about state of Main Road between Hartley Road and Station Road, which gets flooded when it rains.
Wedding Bells
Wedding at Longfield Church of Frederick L H Foster of St John's Villa, [30] Station Road to Dorothy H M Minton of Bean. "The event aroused a good deal of local interest, the bridegroom, an active member of the Hartley Conservative and Social Club being held in popular esteeem in the Longfield and Hartley Districts....."
13 Jan 1928 Dartford Chronicle
Dangerous Driving
“At the Greenwich Police Court on Thursday, Frederick Christopher Chuter, Little Downs, Hartley, Kent, was summoned for neglecting to stop his motor car at the request of a police officer at New Cross Road. Defendant was also summoned for driving in a manner dangerous to the public.
Mr H L Tatham defended.
PC Weeks 769M, said that on October 27th, outside New Cross Gate station, he was assisting pedestrians to cross the road, and was on the tram track wehn defendant's car was about 100 yards off. Witness signalled to him to stop, but he made no attempt to do so, and came on at from 10 - 15 mph, nearly knocking down a lady. Witness shouted to defendant to stop, and he looked round, but kept going, and witness took the number of the car.
Cross examined: There was not a stationary tram car ahead of defendant, who could not help seeing him, although he might as he said, have had his eyes on the people on the pavement.
Harry Wing, 133 St Donatts Road, New Cross, said he saw the officer in the centre of the road, with his hand up.
Flora Young, 6 Eddystone Road, Crofton Park, said the car ran between witness and her mother in law when the constable's hand was extended. The officer called out "Stop" but the driver went on.
Kate Young, 6 Eddystone Road, gave similar evidence. She said defendant seemed to have slowed up, but went on. It was a miracle that she and her daughter in law were not both knocked down.
Defendant, giving evidence, said he had driven for 18 to 20 years without accident. On this occasion he was driving a lady to Denmark Hill Hospital, and was going carefully on account of her condition. He slowed down on seeing the women, and did not see the officer at the time. The constable did not have his hand up as witness passed, and did not call to him to stop. As witness passed, he said "Sorry, constable," and passed on. He had a clear road.
Guy Sinclair Fielden, Greenlands, Longfield, said he was taking his wife to hospital. Defendant drove carefully. The first he saw of the constable was when he "appeared from nowhere," and beckoned two ladies across right under the nose of the car. The constable did not call upon defendant to stop, but said, "What are you doing?" as they passed.
Mr McKenna dismissed the first summons, and on the second fined defendant 30 shillings with 15s 6d costs, the licence not to be endorsed.”
14 Jan 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
St Michael's School
(advert) "A new day and boarding school for boys…..."
Karswood Poultry Foods
"Mrs Francis, Hillside, Hartley Hill, says Karswood foods cheapest and best. Karswood Poultry Spice (containing ground insects), packets 1s 3d; Karswood Poultry Meal 3½lbs, 10d - From Bourne and Sons Ltd, Maidstone."
Death of Mr Elvey Bance
Aged 65 of [42] Essex Road, formerly a platelayer on the Southern Railway. Leaves widow.
21 Jan 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Emigration Advert
(in Longfield village news) "Why be unemployed? Canada is still calling for men, women and children for work on the land. Free and assisted passages, without refund"
26 Jan 1928 McIntosh County Democrat
Land in Dispute
"Land in Dispute "Cook's Croft" made famous by Dick Turpin, is the cause of a dispute between the British ministry of Agriculture and the rector of Fawkham, England. The land has 2 owners, yet in a sense is no man's land, because it is in no parish, and the rector refuses to collect any tithes from it. Part of it has been sold and the ministry of agriculture wishes to reapportion it for tithes, but the rector claims that as it has never been apportioned it therefore cannot be reapportioned and no-one can claim it. In 1700, the spot was called "Three Gates" because of three gates that stood under an old tree in the lonely spot. Turpin stood under the tree when he robbed the Gravesend coach."
28 Jan 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Longfield Licensee Convicted
"George Miles, Green Man, Longfield, was summoned for selling intoxicating liquor during restricted hours; and William Thomas Boucher, Hartley, and Thomas Strickson, Orpington, were summoned for consuming liquor. Det Sergt Stutchfield stated that about 9 o'clock on January 9th, in one of the rooms of the Green Man, he saw Boucher and Strickson with 2 glasses containing old ale. Boucher said 'One of themm is mine'. Witness informed the men that they had no right to be consuming intoxicating liquor on licensed premises. Boucher said, 'You need not bother, I'll take the responsibility; he (Strickson) came in and I asked him to have one.' The landlord said, 'I don't know about the the responsibility, it's me that's standing the racket.' Replying to Mr Tatham, for the defence, witness said they were there to do business. Mr Tatham said Mr Boucher was an architect and surveyor, and Strickson a builder, and they had been discussing business. Miles, who had been the licensee for 27 years, had been informed by the owners that he could not continue. The bench fined Miles £10, and the other defendants £5 each."
11 Feb 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Hartley WI Birthday Tea
"A birthday tea marked the 7th anniversary of the WI. The event proved highly attractive, nearly every member being present. The President (Mrs Frank Tate) wished them every happiness in the New Year which had just started for the Institute. Mrs Hedley Symons gave one of FW Thomas' amusing sketches, and Mrs Jennings Clark sang 'Funicula'.... Community songs were sung, the proceedings terminating with the singing of Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem."
Hartley Women's Constitutional Association
70 attend 4th annual meeting of the Women's Conservative club.
18 Feb 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Maryland Farm Stock for Sale
"Maryland Farm, Hartley, Longfield, Kent. 2 miles from Fawkham Station, bus service to and from Dartford and Gravesend passes close to the property.
Sale by auction of about 170 head of poultry. Including Pure bred pullets, Rhode Island Reds and L.S. and 24 ducks. 12 sectional poultry houses, coops, chick runs, drinking and feeding vessels, 5 incubators, 6 brooders and hovers etc. Messrs Henry Parker & Co have received instructions to offer the above for sale by auction at the premises, on Wednesday 29th February 1928 at 11am....."
[Probably Grosvenor, Church Road]
03 Mar 1928 Dartford Chronicle
Closing Order
“William Edward Barlow, Merton Avenue, Hartley, was summoned by Dartford Rural Council to shew why he should not comply with a closing order made against him on May 3rd 1927.
Mr Goff, who appeared for the council, said the defendant appealed to the Ministry of Health, who upheld the decision of the council.
Mr Leslie V Sargent, Sanitary Inspector to the Rural District Council, gave formal evidence.
The defendant: Why have they made this closing order?
The witness: Because the house was unfit for habitation.
Can I make it fit for habitation? - It is not possible.
Yet my family and I have lived there for 5 years without ill effects? - I don't know.
The clerk: You cannot get behind the closing order.
Alderman Mitchell: You appealed to the Ministry of Health, and they upheld the council's decision.
The defendant: Is it a rule when you make a closing order that it is necessary for you to find other accommodation?
Alderman Mitchell: I am not here to answer questions.
The Sanitary Inpsector said it was not the rule to find alternative accommodation.
The defendant said that when he first went to the place, he put up a temporary building, and afterwards built something better.
The Inspector: I know you built a shack there.
Alderman Mitchell: We have nothing to do with all these questions. The closing order says you have to get out.
The defendant: Where am I to go?
Alderman Mitchell: I don't know.
The bench made an order for the defendant to quit in 21 days.”
03 Mar 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Local News in Brief
Kent Messenger District Manager for Dartford is E M Thom, 1 Fairby Hill, Hartley. Young readers' birthdays include Leonard George Smith [1916-1978], age 12, of Deravona, Hartley [Harefield, Church Road]
09 Mar 1928 Dartford Chronicle
Maintenance Order
Ernest Wilfred Murray charged with deserting his wife Kathleen Murray of Hartley, ordered to pay her 30 shillings a week maintenance
10 Mar 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Bath Chair in Collision
"Miss Olive Crouch of Essex Road, was wheeling her father in a bath chair along Fawkham Road on Saturday, when it was run into by a motorcycle combination driven by Mr Henry C Martin of Ryarsh. The chair was overturned, and Miss Crouch received slight cuts on her lip and left arm."
Job Vacancy
"Good shoeing and general smith wanted; experienced in farm implements. G T Lynds and Sons, Longfield Hill, Longfield, Kent."
16 Mar 1928 Dartford Chronicle
Hartley Tithes
"Messrs Davis and Davis, solicitors, claimed certain tithes of Wilfred Mansfield of Hartley, to whom it was explained that the holder of a portion of tithable land was responsible for the payment of the tithe on the whole, though he could not recover from other tenants.
Defendant: But this plot of land is purely mythical. Where is it? These people have been a pest to the neighbourhood for years. His Honour: You are one of many people who do not understand the position about tithes. Defendant asked the plaintiff's representative what the tithe per acre was and that gentleman replied he did not know. Defendant: That is what I wanted to know. His Honour said as defendant was the owner of a part he was liable for payment on the whole and could claim of the other tenant. Defendant: Who is he? That is what I want to know. Nobody seems to know. His honour (to plaintiff) Do you want to distrain? Plaintiff: Yes sir. His Honour: Well you are entitled to your order.
A further claim was against Mr J Butler [of Ashleigh, Church Road], and his Honour remarked, 'You have raised just the same point. You own one eighth of the tenement and you are liable to pay the whole.' Defendant said he had already paid sums for other people. His Honour: Why don't you get it back? Defendant: I should like to, but if plaintiff can't how can I? It is difficult. His Honour: I can only administer the law as I find it. Defendant said the Vicar had expressed wonder that a claim was not made upon someone else sometimess and why it was always made upon him. An order authorisng distraint was made in this case also, his honour remarking 'It is very hard on you, I know.' Defendant: Will you give me time to collect it if possible? His honour: Take 3 months. You have been paying other people's tithes some months and you have probably lost sight of some of them.
The defendant, in another case was Mr A W Doughty, who said the charge [er acre was not what it should be. 'Is this parson to claim like this?' he asked. His honour: It's nothing to do with the parson. When you have piad you can go and get it from the others. Defendant: But I can't do it. I should get the sack for leaving my work and I can't pay for it to be done. Davis and Davis are paid to collecte it; why don't they do it? His honour: They are entitled to collect from you. Defendant: Then God help Christianity. Am I to put them in Court if they won't pay? Who is to find the money? His honour: Yes. It is hard, but it is continually cropping up. Defendant (leaving the box): Then it won't get paid.
Other similar claims were from Major C L Harrington, Messrs Harvey [of Baldhu, Manor Drive], White and C E Tiffen [of The Firs, Manor Drive] and Mrs Jackson [of Forge Cottage, Ash Road], and similar orders were made in each case."
31 Mar 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Hartley Annual Parish Meeting
Mid Kent Water Company has written to say the mains in Church Road is too small to install hydrants. In addition Dartford RDC have rejected their request to have fire extinguishers placed in accessible places.
31 Mar 1928 Daily Express
House for Sale
P Harris - 4 bed house for sale £1,300 [St Margaret, Manor Drive]
04 Apr 1928 Lewisham Borough News
St Michael's Preparatory School
(Advert) "St Michael's Preparatory School, Hartley, Longfield, Kent - Sound education. Individual coaching for all exams. Good food and accommodation. Extensive grounds. Boarders and day boys; moderate terms."
07 Apr 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Council Housing
(Dartford RDC) "Mr George Day presided on Tuesday, when it was decided to build another 6 houses in Longfield and 30 others in numerous parts of the district as may be determined at a later date, provided the houses could be let at an inclusive rent of not more than 8s 6d a week."
13 Apr 1928 Bromley & West Kent Mercury
House for Sale
"In own grounds, ¾ acre; 6 large rooms, brick garage, central position; buses; one mile Fawkham Station; would consider lease. Owner, Minchen Cottage, Hartley, Longfield."
20 Apr 1928 Bromley & West Kent Mercury
Gramophone for Sale
"Gramophone, Cabinet, mammoth amplifier, plunger action SB, superior to the most expensive models, just completed: £10. Hear by appointment only. Blackheath Hill. Raymond Barker, Hartley, Longfield."
21 Apr 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Longfield Parish Council
At Annual Meeting they coopted Captain C Breton to a vacancy following the elections. They have requested gravel from Dartford RDC to repair the footpath from the pond to Station Road. Captain Crick said "he thought it was time the streets of the parish were publicly lighted." Complaints of 18 inches of water lying on road by Mission Room [Longfield Hill?]
04 May 1928 Dartford Chronicle
Cigarette Machine Vagaries
“Alfred Caller (aged 23), of Longfield was summoned for stealing a packet of cigarettes belonging to Mr David Thomas Robertson Gray, Fairby Stores, Hartley. Mr Goff defended.
The prosecutor Gray said that packets of cigarettes had been obtained from an automatic cigarette machine at his store by the use of metal discs instead of sixpenny pieces, and he set a trap to find who was guilty of the practice. He marked a number of packets of cigarettes and placed them in the machine as a means of finding out what coins were put in the machine in exchange. He identified a packet of Players cigarettes produced as one of the packets he had put in the machine.
Mrs Gray, wife of the former witness, said she watched the machine on the Sunday evening, and on examining it first early in the evening found two sixpences, and on examining it again at 8.30 she found discs.
In answer to Mr Goff the witness said she had not seen the defendant in the shop.
Police Sergeant Nicholls said that in consequence of information received he went ot Hartley Constitutional Club on the evening of April 15th and interviewed Caller, who on being asked if he had any cigarettes on him, produced a packet of Players. Asked where he had got the packet, he replied "At the Club." The witness made enquiries and acertained that the defendant had purchased a packet of Gold Flake cigarettes at the club. Defendant then said he had got a packet of Black Cat cigarettes at the club, and the other at the Hartley Stores, having put sixpence into the machine for it. The packet was identified by Mr Gray as one of those which he had marked and put into the machine.
The defendant, in evidence, said he went to Gray's shop at 10 minutes to seven and put sixpence into the slot of the cigarette machine, and got the packet of Player's cigarettes.
The defendant was fined 20 shillings.”
05 May 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Nursing Association
8th annual meeting held at Longfield Village Hall. In last year there have been 3,255 visits and Nurse Baldwin has made 48 school visits. Subscriptions totalled £114 10s 4d.
Matthew Hannigan
"For many years the holder of an off-license in Station Road, Mr Matthew Hannigan has died in a London Hospital. About 2 years ago he moved to West Yoke and was a member of the parish council. He leaves a widow and 3 children.
Land for Houses at Longfield
"The Health committee at Dartford RDC meeting on Tuesday, reported that the sub-committee hasd purchased three-quarters of an acres of land belonging to Mr G E Edmed, with a frontage of 252ft to the main road adjoining the council's existing site, for the additons of 6 non-parlour type houss which the council has decided to build for £200. They recommended that the purchase be confirmed. The Housing Superintendent reported that he estimated the cost of the 6 houses, including drainage and land, was £2,680, and the clerk had asked the Minister of Health to sanction."
Hartley Guides
1st Hartley Troop of Girl Guides has colours dedicated at All Saints' Church.
17 May 1928 Dartford Chronicle
A Collision at Merton Avenue
“William Edward Barlow, Ebbflow, Merton Avenue, Hartley, described as a watchmaker, sued William Sale or Hartley for £100 damages for personal injuries.
The case was a running down act at Longfield, the collision being between a pedal cycle and defendant's motor lorry. Plaintiff was coming out of Merton Avenue in the direction of Longfield, and came into collision with the lorry, which was going towards Hartley.
Plaintiff said on January 4th he was cycling towards Hoseland Hill on the left hand side of the road, which was quite dry. As he got to the end of the road he saw a lorry, and as he got to it it branched off from the bank. Witness had his right wrist injured, and he was off work some 3 months. In reply to Mr Goff, witness said he had done watchmaking for years, and had just done two clocks for the KEC (=Kent Education Committee?). He had earned £14 in one week. He had done road making, indeed, anything he could get.
Dr Marsden said he attended to defendant, who had a broken wrist; he had had nothing to do with him before.
William Sale described how plaintiff came into his lorry, struck the mudguard and struck the fence, and witness stopped and got out to see to plaintiff. The Avenue was not a made up road, but a landway; there was a bank 4 feet high, and a slope down to the road.
His honour gave judgement for the defendant, saying there was no evidence of neglect on behalf of defendant.”
[We have met both parties before in previous court cases.]
07 Jun 1928 Sheffield Daily Telegraph
Applegarth for Sale
(Advert) "Kent - Freehold, detached modern house; 3 bedrooms, bath (h&c), 2 living rooms, scullery; co's water; garage; good outbuildings; 3 acres; suit grazier, nurseryman, kennels, poultry; RC church; Stn Fawkham - Call, write, Owner, Applegarth, Hartley near Longfield."
09 Jun 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Ash Village Fete
(Advert) "A village fete will be held in Church Meadow, Ash, near Longfield on Saturday June 23rd, 1928. In aid of Church restoration fund. Fancy Fair. Gift Sale and Sundry Stalls. Side Shows - coconut shies, mat slide, swings, klondyke, shooting gallery and innumerable other games. Flower Show. Military Band Music. Teas, light refreshments, ics. Open from 2pm till 9.30pm. Admission Free. All are invited to a jolly afternoon in a lovely village, not far from Dartford and Gravesend, and served by buses."
Longfield Council Houses
Ministry of Health has sanctioned borrowing by Dartford RDC to build 6 houses at Longfield, providing they are complted by 31 March.
Longfield Parish Council
(1) They have decided to move their bank account from the Westminster to Martins Bank as that will be a lot more convenient. (2) Darenth PC has asked for Longfield's support to get mains gas. Cap Bretton thought they were more likely to get gas before electricity. PC decided to write to gas and electric companies to find out how things stand.
15 Jun 1928 Dartford Chronicle
A Question of Ownership
“A question of ownership arose in a series of three cases in which Mrs Edyth Dorothy Williams, The Retreat, Longfield, sought to recover from Mr G Edmed, Stone Wood, Mr T H Strickson, New Barn, Longfield, and Mr Fortunatus Lynds, Longfield, sums of £4.10.0, £1.7.0 and £4 for flints supplied.
In the first Mr Williams, husband of the plaintiff, said he excavated some flints on his wife's property at Hartley in 1926, and in January last sold some to defendant. When the bill was sent in he received a letter from defendant from which he gathered that something had been said about the ownership of the flints. He asked Mr Edmed if someone had told him the flints were not his to sell, and he replied that they had. he made out the bill in his own name subsequently to that.
Mr Goff, for the defence, claimed that the plaintiff did not in fact sell the flints.
His honour said the evidence was unsatisfactory. The goods were said to have been sold by the plaintiff, but he was not satisfied they were, and the bill was made out in Mr Williams's name. Judgement would be for the defendant.
The defendant Strickson did not appear.
Mr Williams repeated his evidence in the last case, and replying to his Honour said the doubt as to his wife's ownership arose when someone went to see one of the purchasers of flints and said they belonged to a bank which held a mortgage.
Mr Puckridge, for plaintiff, claimed that as the flints were excavated and lying on the ground at the time the mortgage was executed, they were not affected by the mortgage.
His honour remarked that the point was open to doubt, and he would require to have it fully argued before agreeing.
In the third case Mr Puckridge, a solicitor, went into the witness box and said he acted for Mrs Williams at the purchase of the property and the execution of the mortgage. It was within his knowledge that Mr Williams did the business on behalf of his wife, and often signed his own name.
Mr Goff said Liverpool and Martins Bank, who held the mortgage, were of opinion that the case was trivial and did not wish to go on with it, but they were joined as third party. They did not wish to claim the flints sold.
Mr Lynds said he treated with mr Williams for the purchase of his flints and the bills were made out in Mr Williams's name. He had heard the property was Mrs Williams's.
Mr Puckridge said Mr Lynds had been asked if he knew he was receiving stolen property, and advised not to pay Mr Williams as he might have to pay again. He felt assured that on another occasion he would be able to convince his honour that when the flints were dug up prior to the mortgage they were separated from the freehold.
His honour said he was now satisfied that the plaintiff in the cases was the owner of the property, and in view of the fact that the bank did not make any claim for the flints sold, judgement would be against Messrs Strickson and Lynds”
[ This is a complicated county court case as to whether Bruce Williams was entitled to sell flints from land owned by his wife Edyth at Gorsewood Road and Hartley Wood. The defendants appear to be concerned that if they paid Mr Williams, they might receive another bill for the same from Mrs Williams or her mortgage lender, if they claimed her husband didn't have the right to sell them. The bank would ultimately foreclose on Mrs Williams in 1930.]
16 Jun 1928 Waterford Standard
Ex-Constable's Fine Record - Mons Hero Laid to Rest
"The passing, at Ash, of Mr Matthew Hannigan, ex PC of the Kent County Constabulary and ex-Bombardier of the RFA (son of Mr James Hannigan, Spring Gardens, Waterford) will revive memories among old Dartfordians of a plucky and daring act. Iw as in the spring of 1912. The River Darent was in flood, and the culvert of the old bridge was of insufficient capacity. A boy had fallen into the torrent, and onlookers were terror stricken. A young constable rushed to the spot and, without divesting himself even of his overcoat, plunged in and rescued the boy, who in another second would have been sucked into the culvert.
A fortnight later, a pair of runaway horses attached to a van descended East Hill at a terrific speed. The High Street was crammed with traffic. With indomitable courage, and assisted by his knowledge of horses acquired during service with the RFA, the gallant young constable dashed at the maddened steeds and succeeded in pulling them up. In scene three, we see a hollow square in the police station yard formed by the whole division plus the principal townsmen and as many others as could be accommodated. The Chief Constable (Col Wrade) was present to decorate the hero with the much coveted Merit Star and present him with the Carnegie Hero Certificate and a purse. The Dartford tradesmen also publicly thanked him.
'Micky' - being the only name hundreds of his friends by which he was known - was soon stationed at Longfield, and being still on the 1st Reserve forces, was called up at the beginning of the war, and was soon one of the Old Contemptibles in the great retreat from Mons. He received a gunshot wound in the right hip, which, despite 22 visits to the operating table, eventually proved fatal. Years of continuous suffering failed to damp his spirits or even weaken his faith in an eventual cure.
A true son of Erin, possessing to a full degree the wit and humour of the race, plus the euphonic accent that somehow leads one to jovial expectancy, his presence was in great demand at social functions. For a year or two he ran an off licence business in the village, but open air occupation was found necessary, and he removed to Johnson's Farm, Ash. While there he served 3 years on Ash Parish Council, and was the chairman for 1 year. He also aspired to the Board of Guardians, but his effort in that direction failed. He served on the War Pensions Committee for a number of years, and he missed no opportunity of supporting the claims of his fellow warriors. In February last he again entered the military hospital at Roehampton, where he died on April 29th, leaving behind a widow and 3 children to mourn their loss. We offer no apology for claiming him as Longfield's 35th warrior who sacrificed his life for his country.
The body was brought in Thursday and placed in the beautiful Roman Catholic Church at Hartley. The Requiem Mass was solemnised on Friday morning. At 2.45 the cortege bore him away wrapped in the Union Jack to the Northfleet cemetery, where Fr Fitzgerald performed the last rites. The chief mourners were his widow and 2 eldest children. PS Nicholl, with PCs Brett and Tapp, accompanied the cortege as far as the war memorial. At the graveside were Supt Fowle, Sergeants Croucher and Lamming, PCs Bridges, Lamden, Kirk and others of the Dartford Division.
Wreaths and other floral tokens were sent from the following: From his surviving wife and children (Freddie, Eileen and Sheila); Mr and Mrs Hockley and family; Nurses, Staff and Patients of No 19 Ward, Queen Mary Hospital, Roehampton; A J Morton; Mrs and Miss Davies-Cooke (Worthing); Members of the Constitutional Club; Mr and Mrs Caller; Mr and Mrs Duvall; Mr and Mrs Richards; Old Friends at the Royal Oak; Chairman and Members of the Dartford and District War Pensions Committee; Friends in Ash Street."
16 Jun 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Mishap to Cyclist
"Cycling from Hartley Road into Manor Road, Longfield, on Tuesday evening, Miss Ada Elizabeth Shambrook, Fairby Cottages, Hartley, collided with a motor driven by Miss Gladys Carn of 27 Marlborough Road, Dartford. Miss Shambrook received sever head injuries, and cut knees. After medical attention, she was sent to hospital, being detained."
Longfield Flints
"In a series of 3 cases, Mrs Edyth Dorothy Williams of The Retreat, [Main Road], Longfield sought to recover 4s 10d, 27s and £4 for flints supplied to Mr G Edmed, Stonewood; Mr T N Strickson, New Barn, Longfield; and Mr Fortunatus Lynds, Longfield.
In the first case, it was stated that having purchased flints Mr Edmed was informed that they belonged to a bank who held a mortgage on the property, and defendant wrote to Mr Williams, who transactied the business for his wife, the plaintiff, to whom the property belonged and sent in a bill made out in his own name. It was contended tha thte wrong plaintiff had claimed, bu this Honoru said he was not satisfied and gave judgment for the defendant.
In the other two cases Mr Williams said there was a doubt raised as to whether the property was really his wife's. He claimed tha the flints, having been excavated before the execution of the mortgage, were the property of the plaintiff. His honour said the point was an obscure one, but he was inclined to the view that the bank was right in claiming them.
In the remaining case, Mr Puckridge, for plaintiff stated that he had acted for Mr Williams in the purchase of the property and the execution of the mortgage. Mr Williams did the business for her and often signed his own name. Mr Hugh Goff said the bank had been joined as a third party in Mr Lynds' case. Their view was that the claim was trivial for litigation, and they did not wish to have anything to do with it.
His Honour said he was satisfied that the plaintiff was the owner of the property and as the bank did not wish to make any claim for the flints sold, he gave judgment for the plaintiff in the last two cases."
23 Jun 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Land for Sale
"Longfield - 100ft frontage, 2 mintes from station, 10s per oot, 150ft x 350ft eep; 10 minutes from Station and bus, road made up, company's water, 15s per foot. Wheeler, Station Road, Longfield."
30 Jun 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Longfield Man's Arrears
"Charles Stephen Saxton, 3 St George's Cottages, Whitehill, Longfield [16 Whitehill Road], charged with being £8 10s in arrear under a child maintenance order, complained that Miss Shepherd promised to marry him and refused after arrangements were made. Complainant: I don't want to marry him and I am not obliged to. Prisoner was committed for a month, the warrent to be suspended while he pays 7s 6d a week and 5s off the arrears."
07 Jul 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Hartley Wedding
Picture of Miss Mabel Louise Bancks and Eric Stewart Green who wer married at All Saints' Church. Lengthy description of wedding and long list of wedding presents.
Young Readers' Birthdays
Includes William David Orpin, 10 of Berrys Maple, Ash; George Glidwell, 13 of Yew Cottage, Hartley Green.
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Whitehill Road Recreation Ground. Grass crop sold for 50s. (2) Main Road. Dangerous tree stumps between Hartley Road and Station Road, also road only 17-18ft wide in places when it should be at least 20ft. PC also suggest that footpath outside Pondown Villas [7-25] sould be extended to the new cemetery. Danger signs put by Pimrary School and PC to ask county council to put white line on road between the Briars [Broomfield] and the [Old] Rectory. [Paper of 11/8/1928 reported that the white line had been done]
07 Jul 1928 Chemist and Druggist
Chemist Shop for Sale
"Drug Stores, lock up shop, Longfield, Kent; good opportunity for qualified man; with NHI; no opposition for 6 miles; population 3,000; good Photographic; all for £130 for quick sale. Apply Station Road, Longfield, Kent." [NHI presumably stands for National Health Insurance]
20 Jul 1928 Kent & Sussex Courier
WI Show
Mrs Robertson wins runner up prizes at West Kent WI show for Redcurrants and Sweet Peas
21 Jul 1928 Folkestone Herald
Poultry Show Success
Campkin Brothers win prizes for poultry at Kent County Show
04 Aug 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Cook Wanted
"Cook, wages £40 to £45; two in family; two other maids kept and help given - Mrs Crofton, Middle Farm, Hartley."
District Medical Officer
Resignation of Dr Hugh Beadles, Medical Officer and Public Vaccinator for Hartley District. To be replaced by Dr A Marsden if Minister approves.
11 Aug 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Allotments. All rents bar one up to date. "The tenants of Longfield allotments had subscribed 15s towards Mr Caller's rent, which was two years in arrears through illness. (2) Footpaths. PC tell clerk to see Mr Latter and tell him it was time for the Hartley Road - Station Road footpath to be regravelled.
25 Aug 1928 Westerham Herald
Edenbridge Fanciers
B Alexander of Longfield (=Hartley) wins 1st prize for Tans, any colour (rabbits)
25 Aug 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Longfield Scouts
Cub pack formed under Mr Newcombe of Hartley.
Longfield Show
Picture of Committee Members and officials. "In ideal weather, a happy change from last year - the Longfield Cottage Gardeners' show on Saturday attracted about 1,500 people to Court Meadow, loaned by Mrs Hickmott. The numerous entries aroused greatest interest, while amusements such as a fun fair, children's sports and competitions, were well favoured. Mr A E Dunmall, by his success 3 years in succession, won outright the cup for the horticultural exhibitor getting the largest number of first prizes. Mr Dunmall also won a new trophy presented by Capt B T F Bentley, having gained the highest number of points in the Cottagers' class.
The show was notable for the fact that two new local organisations, the village band and the 1st Longfield Boy Scouts, each made their bow before the public. Playing selections under the baton of Mr G H Baker, who also conducts the Gravesend Invicta Bank the band created a good impression, as did the Scouts under the direction of ASM H Hale, who gave a display of first aid......" Long list of horticultural and children's sports winners.
08 Sep 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Mr Latter said he would repair the footpath from the pond to Station Road as soon as he has finished carting bricks for the house he is building there. (2) Service Garage has written to stay they would stand guarantor for electricity coming to Longfield if necessary. (3) Sumphole in Hartley Road nearly always blocked.
Longfield House for Sale
"Longfield Hill... Fawkham Railway Station 1½ miles. Freehold, Longfield House, situate near the Green Man Inn and containing 6 rooms and offices, decontrolled and let on a weekly tenancy at 20s per week; also stabling, cart shed, and land in hand with vacant possession. Also main road sites, frontages 50 feet, depth 150ft. Company's water. To be sold by auction in lots by Messrs Dann & Lucas on Wednesday 26th September 1928 at 3pm precisely at the Masonic Hall, Wrotham Road, Gravesend...."
15 Sep 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Scouts in Camp
"A rally of scouts and cubs from the Gravesend District, including the 1st, 4th, 7th, 10th and 12th Gravesend, the 1st Northfleet, the 1st Swanscombe, the 1st Longfield, the 1st Hartley, spent a happy weekend at camp at Hartley from Friday to Sunday. An impromptu display on Saturday attracted many visitors, and the boys showed skill in knot tying and in managing a trek cart. The wolf cubs (10th and 12th Gravesend) gave interesting jungle dances, and a comic football match in novel costumes provoked much amusement. Later visitors were permitted to share in an hour around the camp fire and thoroughly enjoyed the singsong. On Sunday the Scouts' own service was held. The scouts and cubs renewed their promise. Hartley and District Band played selections and accompanied the hymns, and scoutmasters Delf, Hale and Pickering took part, the Rev F C Montgomery giving a short address. Scoutmaster PIckering thanked Mr Montgomery and Mr Hedley Symons for lending the site. Scoutmaster Delf spoke of the success of the camp."
Musical Society
Annual meeting of Hartley Musical Society held in Schoolroom, Mr W H Chisholm re-elected as hon conductor.
22 Sep 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Servant Wanted
"Wanted good girl to sleep in; must be clean and good worker; wages 14s weekly; insurance paid; Homefield, Ash Road, Hartley…"
Congregational Church
Sunday School Children entertained to tea and games in Hedley Symons's field on Saturday. Harvest festival on Sunday, gifts taken to Gravesend Hospital.
29 Sep 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Meeting
(1) They ask Dartford RDC to tar pave St John;s Lane; (2) Committee appointed to consider issue of unburnable rubbish.
Quakers
"The first meeting of the Society of Friends was held in the [Hartley] WI Hall on Sunday morning."
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Pond - Station Road footpath repaired but Mr Latter said that cyclists are using and cutting the gravel out of the middle. Police to be asked to monitor. (2) West Kent Electric Co said too expensive to lay mains to Longfield at present.
Price of a House
Solicitors for Miss Cox told Dartford RDC the bungalow built for her in the Drive, New Barn was not £675 but £550 for house and site, £50 for legal costs and £75 for additional land, want council therefore to apply for housing subsidy, Council told them to do it themselves.
27 Oct 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Loft Tragedy at Longfield
"The County Coroner (Mr H B Sewell) sat with a jury on Friday at Longfield, to inquire into the death of Albert Foster, 21, who was found hanged on Wednesday. Mr W Leeves was foreman of the jury.
John Foster, St John's Villas, Station Road, Longfield, farmer and contractor, father of deceased, said his son wsa employed by him as an agricultural worker and horse driver. On Tuesday he seemed to be alright, but complained of his head. He arose at 5.30am, his usual time, on Wednesday and went out to attend to his horses. He went indoors at 6am for some tea, and then went out to the stables again at 6.30am. They missed him, and after searching, found him in the loft over the slaughter house, hanging. He had not mentioned suicide. 3 years ago he cut his head, and witness wondered if that was anything to do with the tragedy. Deceased ha no troubles, and was a good sober worker. Edward Foster, a brother of the deceased, said he had not noticed anything strange about him and deceased had not complained of his head to witness. Dr A W Marsden of Hartley, said that when he arrived at 10.30am deceased had been dead 3 to 4 hours. Death was due to hanging.
The coroner said from the evidence deceased had a sudden impulse to hang himself. He had complained of his head the day before. The coroner instructed the jury to return a verdict of 'Suicide whilst of unsound mind.' The foreman of the jury expressed sympathy with the bereaved parents, and the coroner associated himself with the remarks."
03 Nov 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
The Hartley Players Amuse Village Audience
Favourable review of permformance of "Her husband's wife" at the Constitutional Hall. Stars were Joyce Roper, May Symons, J A O'Brien, Robert Hale and Dorothy Dodd.
Foot and Mouth Disease
Hartley, Longfield, Ash and Ridley not part of area of restrictions that affect much of the Dartford Petty Sessional area.
17 Nov 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Hartley War Memorial
Picture of memorial with the emblems of Faith, Hope, and Charity composed of hundreds of coloured flowers by Captain Webster.
Young Readers' Birthdays
Includes Ivy Ethel Banks of Goldsmith's Cottages, Hartley Bottom, age 7.
Electoral Inequality
Stone Parish Council obtained details of rateable values and populations for each parish in Dartford RDC. Ash (population 600 - 1 councillor), Darenth (1,667 - 1), Eynsford (2,571 - 1), Farningham (1,398 - 1), Fawkham (302 -1), Hartley (568 - 1), Horton Kirby (1,937 - 1), Kingsdown (427 - 1), Longfield (862 -1), Lullingstone (99 - 1), Ridley (73 - 1), Southfleet (1,311 - 1), Stone (5,991 - 2), Sutton at Hone [then included Swanley] (5,807 - 2), Wilmington (2,494 - 1)
[This meant an average of 1,535 people per each of the 17 councillors. Thus it will be seen that all the parishes in the Longfield area were considerably over represented on the council, The most egregious example was Ridley with 73 per councillor and Stone with nearly 3,000 per councillor]
24 Nov 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Pigs for Sale
(Advert) "For sale - 2 middle white sows, 14 months old, also 3 stores - Pimm, Glenholm, Hartley, Longfield."
A Bomb Unearthed
"Whilst digging the garden adjoining the residence of Mr Francis Fowler, South Villa, Southfield Avenue, New Barn, Longfield, on Tuesday, a jobbing gardener, Mr F Smith of Essex Road, unearthed an aerial bomb. The missile, which evidently had little life left in it, was handed over to the police." [Frederick L M Smith]
It's Quicker by Rail - Christmas Shopping
(Advert by Southern Railway for Cheap Day return tickets to London on every Wednesday and Thursday between 28 November and 20 December. Longfield Halt and Southfleet (1st class - 5s, 3rd class - 3s), Fawkham (1st - 5s 1d, 3rd - 3s), Meopham (1st - 5s 7d, 3rd - 3s 4d)
01 Dec 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Pigs for Sale
10 month old boar, middle white for sale, Tate, Amphion, Hartley.
Piano for Sale
Mrs Stratton, Manor Drive Cottage has piano for sale, cost £45 for £18. Tel Longfield 62.
Women's Constitutional Association
Entertainment in "the Hall" [prob future Social Club hall, Hartley]. Membership of branch is now over 220.
08 Dec 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Station Road
"The Highways Committee at Dartford RDC on Tuesday reported they had received a letter from the Minister of Health concerning the Parish Council's complaint of the bad condition of Station Road and asking for the Council's observations. The Committee have requested the Southern Railway Company to put the road in a proper state of repair."
22 Dec 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Hartley Liberals - Prospective Candidate's Address to New Association
"The newly formed Hartley and District Liberal Association held its first meeting at the WI Hall on Saturday. Before the formal business, the Chairman, Mr F W Tate, alluded to the illness of the king, and the National Anthem was sung. In calling upon Mr A W Webster, Chairman of the Chislehurst Division Liberal Executive, Mr Tate remarked that Hartley's liberals had paid the local conservatives the compliment of imitation, and had set up an association for the advancement of their views in the locality....." Lenghty description of speeches by Mr Webster and prospective Liberal candidate J D Bateman. The latter spoke against protectionism or "safeguarding" as the Conservatives call it. A vote of thanks to the visitors was proposed by Mr Crook and seconded by Mr A H Edward.
Schoolchildren's Entertainment
"The schoolchildren of Hartley School gave three short plays in the Constitutional Hall on Friday evening...." Details of the plays and performers.
29 Dec 1928 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Longfield's Loss
"The death occurred on Monday, at Elm Cottage, Essex Road, or Mr William Crouch, aged 52, he has resided in the village all his life, and for 35 years was employed in the Post Office at Hartley. For nearly 2 years he had been in ill health, which caused his retirement. He was a member of the parish council for 3 years...."
Old Resident's Death
Mr Thomas Saxby, 68, of St George's Cottages, Whitehill, who had lived in the village all his life, has also passed away after a long illness. He was formerly employed by the Dartford Rural Council." Details of funeral.
'Raffles' well produced by Hartley Players
Favourable review of performance at the Constitutional Hall. Actors mentioned were Blanche Curwen, May Symons, Lulu Green, Mary Beadles and Bernadette Darling (first appearences for these two), Charles Bignell, Hugh S Beadles, J A O'Brien (who played title role), Robert Hales, Oliver Beadles, Eric Green, George Oldrey, R Cheesman and J C Boulger.