1935 News
History > Newspaper Stories 1900 - 2000 > 1930-1939
05 Jan 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Another Bus for Hartley
As a result of representations the London PTB has extended the 12.06 Gravesend - Longfield bus to Hartley Hill, so locals can shop in Gravesend and get home for lunch. Paper of 26/1/35 say what helped was the Gravesend Chamber of Trade offering to leaflet the area about the new bus.
Hartley Opposes Croydon Water Bill
Their grounds are that Hartley is a growing district and will require water, also that it will inflict heavy expenditure on residents living within 1,500 yards of the well due to need to prevent contamination.
12 Jan 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
The Naughty Wife
Picture of Hartley Players' latest production. Paper of 19/1/35 has favourable review "This was the 25th production by the society and it was the best balanced show I have seen them present so far. Without exceptio the cast put in very good teamwork....." Presentation to Ernest Harry who is retiring - "he gave an excellent piece of acting. The part suited him and his rendering of it emphasised, if emphasis were needed, how sadly the society will feel the loss of his assistance."
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Longfield to oppose Croydon Water Bill. (2) MAFF will not allow Longfield PC buy 38 acres offered by Mr Hickmott for allotments.
26 Jan 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Sacrilege at Hartley Church
"Several collecting boxes and cupboards in Hartley Church were forced by intruders on Tuesday afternoon. The discovery was made by the Rector, the Rev T Pearman Stevens, who communicated with the police. The intruders - it is believed there were several - left no clue to their identity, but their efforts were in vain, as the boxes had recently been emptied and the cupboard contained nothing of value."
02 Feb 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Bench Disagree
"Because they could not agree, Dartford Magistrates on Friday last week adjourned a case to be heard by a different bench of justices. It was that in which Donald Thorpe, Station Road, Longfield, summoned Mrs Olive Wheeler of Wheeler's Nurseries, Station Road, Longfield, for £7 4s wages. Thorpe said he was a nursery foreman and that one day in January Mrs Wheeler told him to stope work. He was told he would be paid his fortnight's wages if he left the house in which he was living and for which he received an allowance of 12s a week. Mrs Wheeler said that on January 8th Thorpe asked permission to go to Gravesend. He said he would be back at noon, but did not arrive till 4.30pm. He was discharged next morning."
09 Feb 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Women Conservatives
Hartley Women Conservatives AGM. Membership 258 up 5.
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Buses - LPTB said they've altered several timings but "could not accede to all the requests as passengers on Longfield bues were too few." (2) Gravesend asked PC for contribution to their fire brigade, "but the council declined on the ground that Dartford Brigades attended most of the fires in Longfield." (3) Council want to co-opt Mr Partridge of School House, Longfield.
Longfield's New Rector
Canon William Parker [pictured], headmaster of King's School Rochester is, it is announced, to become Longfield's new rector. Canon Parker, who retires from his headship at the end of the present term, was appointed to that position in 1912, whn he was an assistant master at Tonbridge School. During the last 22 years the school under his able guidance, has progressed considerably in many ways. A distinguished scholar, Canon Parker was educated at Portora Royal School, Enniskillen and Trinity College Dublin. Having obtained his MA and BD, he was ordained in 1901 and went to Tonbridge. He has been examining chaplain to the Bishop of Rochester and was recently appointed an honorary Canon of Rochester Cathedral. He is provincial Grand Chaplain of Kent freemasons." [paper of 9/3/1935 reported on induction at Longfield]
Wicked State of Affairs
'I think it is a wicked state of affairs for us to treat our tenants in this way, and I would not allow my name to be mixed up in this sort of thing. Do we ever intend to be on good terms with our tenants?' These were the remarks of Mr W Wright (Longfield) at Dartford RDC on Tuesday, when it was recommended that all tenants who had erected sheds with or without permission of the Council, demolish them on or before March 31st next. A further recommendation was that the rent reducation proposed on April 1st be conditional on the tenants agreeing to the erection and renting of a council shed in lieu of their own. Cllr Wright, moving the reference back, said the council had an agreement with the tenants. They had respected it, and the council should too. 'What will you do,' he continued, 'if the tenants refuse to pull their sheds down and to leave their houses? On what grounds will you get possession of the houses? You will go to Court, and look absolute fools.' Cllr G C Woolhouse (Stone) seconded the reference back, which was carried."
15 Feb 1935 Dartford Chronicle
Hartley WI Anniversary
WI 14th anniversary; telegram from Misses Brown of Bournemouth
16 Feb 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Anniversaries
Events to celebrate 14th anniversary of Hartley WI and 7th anniversary of Longfield Scouts.
23 Feb 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Last parish meeting
(1) Elections to be held for parish councillors. (2) Buses - Hartley want to revert to timetable before LPTB took over. (3) Phone Boxes - Mr Cuff has met with Post Office and was asked where they wanted one. He suggested corner of Stack Lane or by the Social Club.
Darts Semi Finalists
PIctures of teams, including Railway Tavern Longfield (A Letchford (capt), F Gear, J Burgess, T Foster, A Cuckoo, C Cogger, J A Sales, E Longhurst, R Huckstepp, W Baines and licensee V Hollands)
02 Mar 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Motorists in Dispute
"Edward Henry Stripling of North View, Kingsdown, near Wrotham, pleaded not guilty at Dartford Police Court on Friday to driving a motor car in a dangerous manner at Longfield. The summons was brought by Mr R R Burnsten-Wilson of Beauval, Gorsewood Road, Hartley. Complainant and his chauffeur, George Cairns of Mile End Green, near Dartford, alleged that defendant entered the Whitehill Crossroads at a fast speed, and had to swing sharply to prevent an accident. the cars finished up broadside on. Defendant said that his speed was 18mph. 'I thought he (Cairns) was going to congratulate me for avoiding an accident', he added, 'but instead, he asked me for my name and address.' Two passengers in defendant's car also gave evidence. The case was dismissed."
08 Mar 1935 Dartford Chronicle
Youth Club
Hartley Youth Club meeting
Mary Sale
Funeral of Mrs Mary Ann Sale 73 of Fairby Cottages
08 Mar 1935 Bromley & West Kent Mercury
Keston Conservatives
"The women's branch of Keston Constitutional Association have been awarded a certificate of merit in connection with the recent Chislehurst divisional branch efficiency test. The cup presented by Miss Eva Smithers, sister of of Sir Waldron Smithers MP was won by the Hartley branch, who gained one mark more than Keston."
09 Mar 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley Man Drew £755 in relief - now guardians declare that he owns property
"Strong objection to relief payments made to a man living in Hartley was expressed at the Dartford Guardians Committee meeting on Tuesday by Mr J W Wood of Crockenhill. He said that since 1921 the man in question had received relief totalling £755 14s and had done approximately 57 weeks' work. 'I believe he has property in Hartley,' Mr Wood added, 'and I understand he has purchased 4 plots of land and another 3 plots for his wife.' The Chairman (Rev Stanley Morgan) said the house did not belong to the man and there was no income from the land. Mr W Wright (Longfield) said the man was better off than half the people in Hartley. He had paid £30 deposit on a house in Longfield. Mr F Ladds said the acid test was to give the man an order for the workhouse. The Chairman: if the family wer put into the workhouse it would cost us £12 a week. It was agreed to form a committee to investigate the matter."
Dartford Rate jumps 7d
Dartford RDC rate to be 7s 10d in the £, due to increase in KCC precept. Parish rates - Ash 1d, Hartley & Fawkham 2d, Longfield 4d.
Longfield Parish Council
Mr W M Partridge has been co-opted to fill vacancy in place of Mr Brazier.
Dangerous Bend
AA have asked for dangerous bend at Woodland Corner, New Barn to be improved. Landowner Mr Paine agreed to removal of trees and part of the embankment.
Thrills in North Kent
Foresters' Arms, Sutton at Hone defeated Railway Tavern in Darts semi-final. in second leg Sutton at Hone wanted 324 and Longfield only 24, and yet Sutton won.
Brewster Sessions
"An application for the removalof a beer off licence from a shed at the rearof Station Road, Longfield, to premises in the front owned by Reffell's (Bexley) Brewery, was granted." [25 Station Road]
11 Mar 1935 Evening News
A Canon's 40 Years of School Teaching
"After 40 busy years as a schoolmaster, Canon William Parker [pictured] BD is to retire soon to the peace and quiet of a country rectory. For the last 22 years he has been headmaster of King's School Rochester, which was founded in 604, and is probably the second oldest school in England. During that time, he has trebled the number of boys, had a swimming bath built, established a junior school, abandoned soccer for rugger, adn taught Claude Hulbert and Wyndham Goldie, the actors. The swimming bath cost about £1,000 which was raised almost entirely by his late wife.
Besides attending to his school duties, Canon Parker acted as chaplain at the Drill Hall, Chatham, the annexe of the Fort Pitt Hospital, from December 1914 to 1918. I asked Canon Parker how he fared during the war years. 'It was a terrible time,' he said, 'Sometimes it meant working nothing short of 24 hours a day. Whenever there was a raid the Zeppelins would pass over Rochester, both coming and going, and on those nights we seldom got any sleep before 2 o'clock. We would drag the boarders - there were about 20 - from their beds and taken them to the basement. You would have thought it would have terrified the boys, but they always took it exceedingly well. 70 sailors were killed down in Chatham one night, and a bomb once fell at the Rochester gas works.' 'What about Sundays?' I asked. 'Well,' he replied, 'what with visiting camps and taking the school service, I used to have to preach three or four times. ButI don't mind telling you that very often it was the same sermon!'
Canon Parker taught in Ireland, and was a house tutor at Highgate School, Warden of St Columba's College, Ireland, and a master at Tonbridge before he came to Rochester in 1913. Now he has been instituted Rector of Longfield near Dartford, and intends to devote his spare time to literature, philosophy, theology and classics. He leaves the school in 3 weeks' time."
16 Mar 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley Council Election
"There was a large gathering of parishioners in the Institute Hall on Monday night to elect 7 parish councillors. Mr W G Benson who did not wish to be nominated was chairman. 13 candidates had been nominated....." Result ELECTED - Mr Cuff 57, Mr Nairn 51, Mr Bignell 50, Mrs E A Tate 42, Miss Barker 39, Mr Meddick 38, Mr Sizmur 33. NOT ELECTED Miss Robertson 30, Mr A G Edward 27, Mrs Balchin 21, Mr C M Ellerby 20, Mr D T R Gray 10, Mr W J Richards 2
[It seems someone must have demanded a poll, as the paper of 6/4/35 has the result of another election
New Buses
(Gravesend Jottings by Woodville) "So far as Gravesend is concerned, I have heard nothing but praise for the fine new buses which have recently appeared, and the services have improved greatly. I learn that new buses will appear in the villages too. The only serious complaints come from Hartley, which longs for a return to the palmy days before the Board came on the scene. Although I hope for further improvements, I fear those days are gone forever."
Fairby Grange - Gardener Apprentice Wanted
5 year apprenticeship. Wage if 14-15 years old 2s less than 2/10ths of the journeyman's rate plus 1/6 per week, rising to if 20/21 years of age 8/10ths of the journeyman's rate.
19 Mar 1935 Evening News
Roman Shaft Found
"Through a pick flying out of a workman's hand into a space below where he struck, what is believed to be a deep Roman shaft has been discovered at Longfield, near Gravesend , Kent, in a flint quarry started by Mr W B K Williams, The Retreat, Longfield. The shaft, which is in excellent condition, measures 5 feet across the top. Tehre are rudely carved steps down the sides. A complete skeleton was discovered last year near the site, and Roman relics have often been found in the district."
22 Mar 1935 Dartford Chronicle
Hartley Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy of Archibald Robson of Maclean, and Edgar Hollman of Lynsted, builders, who were building 3 houses on Hoselands Hill.
League of Nations Union
Peace ballot result.
23 Mar 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Presentation of Rev R F Galer
"On Friday evening in the village hall nearly 100 people were present to see the presentation of gifts to the Rev R F Galer,who has been rector of the parish for 5½ years and is now at St Mary Cray….. Mr Galer said he felt like a tree that had been taken from some field and planted in another. He hoped that Longfield people would always keep a corner in their hearts for him and he would like them all to remember him as 'Brother Ray'....."
23 Mar 1935 Daily Mirror
Where Defoe Wrote Robinson Crusoe
"There is a rather queer little tumbledown stone building in this village, where Daniel Defoe is supposed to have written Robinson Crusoe. It stands opposite a small wood where the remains of a Roman Villa were found a few years ago. It is thought that there was once a Roman settlement here, as Watling Street is only 4 miles away, and a great many pieces of pottery, coins etc have been found. A mammoth was dug up from the bed of a stream near here. Hazel Andrus, Hartley Court, Longfield, Kent."
[This is on the Mirror's Children's page. Alas Hazel had been misinformed by Rev Bancks about "Defoe's Cottage" and the "Roman Villa". Hazell Loveday Andrus 1920-2013.]
29 Mar 1935 Dartford Chronicle
Fallen Tree
Elm tree at Fairby Grange falls on telegraph wires
Congregational Speaker
Rev Henry Hewitt from India spoke at Congregational Church
05 Apr 1935 Bromley & West Kent Mercury
Obstruction Cases
"A lady motorist who left her car outside Medhurst's over the pad operating the traffic lights, for 40 minutes was fined 20 shillings. She was Mrs Kathleen Stickland of The Old Downs, Longfield, Hartley. PC Hulbert said traffic was reduced to a single line and the operation of the traffic lights was affected. Told she would be reported for a summons she replied 'I have never been had up before.' "
06 Apr 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Parish Council Election
Held at the Church of England Schools. ELECTED: C W Nairn 168, E J Cuff 166, C Bignell 152, Miss E E Barker 134, Mrs E A Tate 131, H H Meddick 121, C Sizmur 115. NOT ELECTED Miss E Robertson 85, A E Edward 69, Mrs F M Balchin 57, W J J Richards 42, D T R Gray 41
12 Apr 1935 Dartford Chronicle
Hartley Tithe Case
"Mr Norman Baynes appeared to support a claim for £9 9s 6d tithe against Mr W E Barlow of Merton Road, Hartley. Mr Baynes said the claim was for 2 year's tithe. If defendant purchased the land in question by way of conveyance free from incumbrances, this did not affect tithe payment, because tithe was not an incumbrance within the meaning of the word encumbrance. Defendant was the owner of part of the land, but it was his turn to pay.
His honour (to defendant): Why won't you pay? Defendant: Because in 1907 the plots were bought tithe free, and it had on the original deeds 'tithe free.' I don't want any trouble,' he added, 'I'm nohting else but a pauper. I'd rather go into the workhouse than have any trouble. His honour: The man you bought the land off had not right to let you off the tithes unless he redeemed them. Answering his honour, defendant said he appared at that court in 1924 on a similar matter. He did not pay any money, and they did not ask him for it.
Mr Baynes said the same procedure was gone through then, and the same opposition made, but there was nothing there for which the order could be enforced. 'They purposely let him off for 10 years,' Mr Baynes added. Mr Hugh explained that the defendant owned 4 plots in a large field, and they had come on him for the whole lot. Defendant had got to find out who the other owners were. His actual tithe was about 5 shillings. Defendant, questioned, said the land involved was from 100 to 150 acres. His Honour put the case back till next month."
13 Apr 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Farmers' Society Comes of Age
"An example of the service which a Society organised fo rth epurpose of co-operative buying can render to poultry farmes and small holders is afforded by the Hartley Agricultural Co-operative Society which comes of age this year and held its 21st annual meeting on Thursday.
In September 1912, a number of smallholders on the Fairby Farm Estate, Hartley, met to consult on the question of thier relationship with Small Owners Limted. Failing to get satisfactory terms as individuals in the matter of marketing their produce they suggested the formation of a Co-operative Society. Their chief concern at first was Co-operative marketing, although later the Society devoted itself almost exclusively to co-operative buying. Although the matter bristled with difficulties, they attacked the quetion of organisation manfully and secured registration under the Friendly Societies Act in March 1914 as the Hartley Agricultural Co-Operative Society in affiliation with the Agricultural Orgainisation Society.
The Society proceeded from strength to strength as a result of the unflagging and unselfish interest displayed. Their first year's trading amounted to £15 on a share capital of £23 with a trade balance of £2 and only 30 members. In 1934 the sales amounted to £10,700 on a share capital of £750 with a trade surpluse of £1,015 and a membership of 204. The year 1919 saw £31 only placed to reserve. The total reserves in 1934 are £1,361 or nearly twice the issued share capital. No dividend was paid until 1390 and then only 3d in the £. Today, for the second time, the dividend is 1s together with a bonus of 9d. Loan stock, started in 1920 at £264, rose steadily to £1,346 in 1938 and has now fallen to £481. The work was carried out voluntarily and it was not until 1920 that a full time salaried secretary was appointed.
By this time too, a plot of land had been purchased and on it was erected an army hut for use as a store and meeting place. But trade was advancing by leaps and bounds and in 1922 tentative steps were taken which led to the erection in 1927 of the present up to date brick building comprising shop, store and offices. Delivery of goods by horse and van was also superseded by a second hand motor lorry and today the Society yearly purchases the most up to date conveyance of this kind. Three oil pumps have been installed, a board room added, substantial gates erected, while the fore court has been improved by a flint wall topped with hedges or macrocarpa and rosemary. Poultry foods had hitherto been mixed most laboriously by hand, a tedious, dusty and unsatisfactory method, but with the coming of electric light and power the committee in 1932 installed an electric mixre which has proved eminently successful.
Credit for the progress of the Society should be given in the main to two brother, the late Messrs Tom and Frank Tate, who with others were reominently concerned in its formation. Both gentlemen occupied the chair, Mr Tom Tate for 14 years, and both died while holding that office. Another of the founders Mr P C Elphick only retired from the Committee last week, his place being taken by Mr H Meddick, also one of the 10 or 12 men who formed the society in 1912. The present chairman is Mr F J Bartholemew (pictured), who has served on the committee for 10 years, and the secretary and manager is Mr W Wise."
20 Apr 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Country Club
A lantern lecture on the Life of Our Lord was given in the Country Club on Thursday evening last week by Father C C Martindale SJ, who is well known for his broadcast talks. Just over 200 people were present. Mr Raymond Barker operated the lantern, and the speaker was introduced by Father Hauber."
Dismissed
Mrs Emily Louisa Bowman, aged 31, of Essex Road, Longfield, was summoned at Dartford Police Court on Friday for stealing a quantity of wood belonging to Frederick Richard Longford, The Orchard, Longfield Hill, on March 22nd. After prosecutor had given evidence a solicitor for Mrs Bowman said it was an insult to the magistrates' intelligence to suggest that the wood was worth 2 shillings - Defendant said that when she went after her cat she saw 2 or 3 pieces of wood and took them because she thought they were of no value - She was dismissed under the First Offenders' Act."
Guernsey Heiffers for Sale
"Well bred from splendid milking stock; no dealers - Mrs Stickland, The Old Down, Longfield, Kent"
27 Apr 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Council
Inaugural meetig. (1) Mr Cuff elected chairman. (2) "An offer to floodlight the village, made by the Electric Company, was declined as being not quite suitable for such a village as Hartley." [?Streetlighting] (3) Meetings to be held in the school monthly and a clerk appointed at £10 pa. (4) Jubilee. Mrs Tate said there would be races and tea for the children and a carnival parade.
More New Buses
"Residents in the country districts of North Kent were delighted on Saturday to see that the London Passenger Transport Board had fulfilled their promise and replaced the old one man operated single deck buses with new oil driven vehicles. This will obviate a good many complaints, but as the new buses ae a little wider than the old ones, the need for widening some of the country roads becomes increasingly apparent. Particularly does this applyto the narrow hill from New Barn to the main road leading to Longfield."
03 May 1935 Dartford Chronicle
Oddfellows
Hearts of Oak Hartley Lodge of Oddfellows procession.
Jubilee
Silver Jubilee - programme
04 May 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley Country Club's Enterprise
Official opening of the Sports Ground by Sir Lawrence Cubb of the National Playing Fields Association. He said "many areas which would soon become urbanised had not yet realised the necessity of securing adequate recreation grounds while the land wsa still available."
Longfield and District Nursing Association's Progress
15th AGM at Longfield Village Hall. Last year 3,263 visits by nurses and 71 attendances at baby welfare centre. Subscriptions and donations £86. Midwifery and maternity fees £99.Royal Academy Show
Painting 1316 is by H Elliott of Longfield 'Red Cow Farm'.
11 May 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Jubilee
"Hartley's jubilee celebrations were held in the Old Downs Meadow. About 300 children and adults were entertained to tea and an address was given by General T A Andrus. In the morning, the school children gave a 'Pageant of Empire' ". List sports results.
Hartley Parish Council
(1) Walter Wright of Longfield appointed as first clerk. (2) Question about whether there was a speed limit on Ash Road, Capt Bignell said Ash Road and Church Road were "restricted" and the authorities had the matter in hand.
18 May 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Took heart out of Hartley
At Crockenhill. "One of the lowest scores of the day was recorded by Hartley. Replying to Crockenhill 2nd's total of 101-6 declared. Hartley failed miserably. D Gray's 5 was the highest score, and the side was all out for 15."
18 May 1935 Croydon Times
We must have more Water
"Strong opposition to Croydon Corporation's scheme for increased water supply, for which authority is sought in the Croydon Corporation Bill, was represented when the Bill was before a select committee of the House of Commons on Wednesday and Thursday. The bill provides that the Corporation may sink wells at Cuxton, Hartley and Fawkham, in Kent, and carry out other works. Among those opposing the bill are the Kent County Council, 2 corporations, a number of Urban and Rural Councils and various water authorities in Kent. Counsel presenting the bill, made reference to the 'unsatisfactory position' of Croydon having to rely upon the Metropolitan Water Board for a considerable part of its supply.
Petitioners against the bill were Dartford RDC, Strood RDC, Higham and the Hundred of Hoo Water Company, Gravesend Corporation, Mid Kent Water Company, Gravesend and Milton Waterworks Company, Herbert James Cologne, Kent County Council, Chatham and District Water Company, Beckenham UDC and Orpington UDC.
Mr Tyldesley Jones KC for the Corporation, said that the area of the county borough of Croydon was 12,632 acres and its population had increased from 169,551 in 1911 to 245,000 or 250,000 today. In the year 1927 the parish of Addington was added to the borough, but at that time the population of Addington was only 1,350.
The Corporation now had powwer to supply water in the area of the county borough with the exception of two small parts of the parish of Addington which formed part of the area of supply of the Metropolitan Water Board.
There was considerable room for development in the southern part of the borough, although development was taking place at a very rapid rate. 'The increase of the population of Croydon is at the rate of nearly 4,000 a year,' Mr Tyldesley Jones said. 'Within our water limits during the last 9 years, the increase has been 36,900. The is a rate exceeding 4,000 a year and that is waht we have to provide dfor in the way of water. There are a large number of small houses in Croydon. A large number have an assessment not exceeding £30, and in recent years industries have been growing up in Croydon, served by cheap electrical power which is now available.'
Croydon obtained water from two sources: one source was a series of wells sunk in the chalk, and the other was the Metropolitan Water Board, from whom Croydon obtained certain bulk supplies. Speaking of Croydon's water supply from wells, Mr Tyldesley Jones said that the Surrey Street wells, at normal springs were considered to be good for 2¼ million gallons a day, but in November last year as a consequence of the drought of 1933 and 1934, these wells were producing only a little more than half a million gallons a day. From the Addington wells the Corporation under a statutory limitation, could not take more than 90,000,000 gallons in any two consecutive months, but as a matter of fact the yield of these wells at normal springs could not be put at more than 1,000,000 gallons a day. The Corporation's supply from the Waddon wells was limited to not more than 50,000,000 gallons a day (sic) in 30 consecutive days - equivalent to one and two-thirds million gallons a day. The Corporation could get more water from these wells, if they were allowed to. Last year their water needs became so great and their resources fell off to such an extent, that they asked the minister of Health to exercise his emergency powers, and he did in fact temporarily increase the limited supply to 80,000,000 gallons in 30 days. The Stroud Green well yielded 650,000 gallons a day and the Selhurst well, which the Corporation purchased from the Metropolitan Water Board for £100,000 was supposed to produced in normal times 500,000 gallons a day, though in 1934 the yeild fell off to 290,000 gallons a day.
Turning to the Corporation's supplies from the Metropolitan Water Board, Mr Tyldesley Jones said that the question of taking water from the Board for the needs of Croydon was going to be a very sharp point of controversy. At the time of the constitution of the Board, it was decided that Croydon should receive from the board 500,000,000 gallons a year - roughly 1,369,000 gallons a day, the Corporation were not to require more than 52,000,000 gallons in any period of 31 consecutive days, and not more than 2,000,000 gallons in any one day. The price in force at the present time was 4d per thousand gallons.
The Corporation had in force at the moment another right against the Metropolitan Water Board, under an agreement of 1930. 'Whenever the Corporation have promoted bills to get additional resources they have always been heavily opposed,' said Mr Tyldesley Jones. 'They have generally been put off and been compelled to be content with a further agreement with the Metropolitan Water Board of the kind which has proved most unsatisfactory. You will find her those who will tell you 'Don't let these people have their own water resources; let them go to the water Board.' Referring to the 1930 arrangement, Mr Tyldesley Jones said, 'Last June in the middle of the drought, we suddenly got notice from the Board that they were going to discontinue the supply forthwith. They were not seeking to determine the agreement. They were exercising their power, and indeed their duty, to give priority to the consumers in their water limits. The Board did not, in fact, determine the supply.
In order to avoid the position of dependence upon the prior satisfaction of the needs of London, the Corporation had negotiated another agreement with the Board, which required Parliamentary sanction. This provided for a supply, in addition to the quantity determined by the arbitrators' aware of 2¼ million gallons a day. The average price was just under 1 shilling per thousand gallons - a price which they ought not to be required to pay for water, if they could get it cheaper. The agreement envisaged that London's supply might have to be restricted, and that Croydon might have to come under that restriction.
'I am going to ask you whether it is desirable from the public point of view that we should be forced to be dependent on the water Board - to their detriment, I am going to say, and to ours - when there is an abundant supply from an independent source which can be made available for us and those in whose locality that water is to be found.'
Mr Tyldesley Jones said the Corporation's present permanent supply, from wells and from the Board, was 7,435,000 gallons a day. Under the 1935 arrangement with the Board, if it were confirmed by Parliament, the Corporation would get 2,250,000 gallons a day in addition, but that supply might not last after 1940.
There would be no difficulty about proving that Croydon did need more water. In 1933 the Corporation actually supplied more water that they had a permanent right to from their wells and from the Water Board. They could not have done that but for the temporary agreement in force with the Board. 'We have a duty in this matter. We cannot leave the matter in that position. We must be secure of more water.'
'We are advised that in an area of Kent about 20 miles east of Croydon there is an ample supply of water which can be made available for our needs and for local needs under this bill. I am going to ask you to consider a scheme in which we shall sink deep wells there and bring water to Croydon - I agree by a long main passing through an area which is at present supplied by the Water Board. It would be a disaster if you were to refuse this supply to us and if the result were to be that a large quantity of water which could be made available for public needs should be allowed to go to waste. Kent come here and say, 'Hands off our water''.
Mr Tyldesley Jones said it seemed that the Minister of Health would like to send him to the Metropolitan Water Board, but he was prepared to accept that challenge. The Board offered them the alternatives that they should purchase wells at Merton and Streatham for £157,000, or take a bulk supply. The Corporation decided that they could not accept either. If they bought the wells they would have to get Parliamentary powers to use them, and the cost of the bulk supply would be 1 shilling per thousand gallons, delivered at Brixton, so that the Corporation would have to spend £125,000 to bring the water from Brixton to Croydon. The estimated cost of water supplied under the bill would be 7½d per thousand gallons. //
Thursday's Hearing
When the hearing was resumed on Thursday, Mr Tyldesley Jones KC read the various objections raised to the bill by the respective opponents. He said the Corporation quite appreciated that the localities to which they were going to abstract water were entitled to have a proper and adequate supply. The Corporation wanted to meet representatives of these localities and discuss the matter with them, but they refused to meet the Croydon Corporation and, instead, came before the committee and asked that the Bill should be thrown out. 'The Committee may decide that our bill ought to be thrown out,' said Mr Tyldesley Jones, 'but I do not think you will throw the Bill out on the ground that the Corporation seeks to do these districts an injustice.'
The Water Board
After reading one objection to the effect that if Croydon wanted to get more water they should obtain a supply in bulk from the Metropolitan Water Board. Counsel said that under the Metropolitan Water Board Act of 1927 water consumers in the Board's area had first claim. The Water Board could not supply Croydon in bulk to the prejudice of consumers in the metropolis. There was not the slightest doubt that the Metropolitan Water Board would require the Croydon Corporation, in any new agreement to take water, to impose restrictions in Croydon if they were forced to impose restrictions in their own area. 'It is a matter which requires the Committee's serious consideration,' Mr Tyldesley Jones added, 'as to whether from the public point of view, including consideration of the interests of water consumers in the MWB area, it is desirable that further obligations should be imposed on that Board, faced as they are with difficult water problems in the future.'
The Mid Kent Company
Dealing with the case raised by the Mid Kent Water Company, he said that the Croydon Corporation's attitude towards this undertaking was the same as to all the others concerned, namely, that they realised that they could not go to a neighbourhood and take water from it without having due regard to the claims, not only of the inhabitants of that district, but of the people who were supplying water there. They have no intention of disregarding such an obligation. During the drought the yield from the Corporation's wells fell by 1½ million gallons a day and not only had severe restrictions on the use of water to be imposed, but an emergency supply was obtained.
Ministry Report
Mr Tyldesley Jones dealt at some length with a reporte made by the Ministry of Health. He quoted from it th statement of the Minisstry: 'It is contrary to sound water policy that the Corporation should acquire new sources so far from their area if, as appears to be the case, an ample supply sufficient for their needs for a long time to come, can be obtained at a reasonable cost from sources near the Borough by agreement with the Metropolitan Water Board. In addition there are considerations that the proposed sources may be required for other needs, and the mains for this source would be brought through a district served by other undertakers.' Mr Tyldesley Jones registered a strong protest against this report. He said the views expressed were inconsistent with the attitude adopted with regard to other municipalites. Manchester, Hull and other large municipalities had to go great distances in orer to get supplies and there were many cases where municipalities had brought a supply through the area of other undertakers. He did not know what Ministry of Health official prepared this report, but parts must have been prepared without any knowledge of the facts. It was certainly not made by the Minister himself. 'It is quite an improper thing for a public department to make a statement of fact without coming before the Committee and defending that statement in evidence,' he declared. In 1923 he was forced to protest against a similar action by the Ministry when he was conducting a Bill before a Committee, and the Chairman of the Committee agreed that it was not right for the Ministry to put in a statement of fact without giving evidence in support of it. 'These Ministry reports,' he went on, 'are often based upon information which is partial, and gatehred sometimes from opponents of a bill and cannot be verified. I suggest that it is a lamentable thing if the Ministry of Health are going to come into the arena and take up the attitude of opponents of a Bill without being subjected to the ordinary process to which ordinary opponents are liable - namely, having the statement they make tested by cross-examination. This report, he claimed, entirely overlooked and disregarded some very important matters. The Ministry had tried to put the Croydon Corporation off onto the Metropolitan Water Board, but the Committee had heard the history of the relations between the Corporation and the Board. He wondered whether the Corporation (sic) had considered the position of London and the MWB with regard to water supply; the needs of the Metropolitan consumers and other districts outside to which the Water Board granted supplies; or the effect of the proposal on the River Thames. There was no indication in the report that any of these matters had received consideration or had been borne in mind by whoever prepared the report. He ventured to suggest that the report was one to which the Committee should not and would not attach much importance unless someone from the Ministry ofo Health was going to come before the committee nad submit himself to cross-examination of it. 'It is obviously a very partizan report,' concluded counsel, 'and it makes statements of fact which are challenged.'
Evidence Called
Evidence was then called. The first witness was Mr George F Carter, who said he had just retired from the position of Borough and Water Engineer of Croydon, which he had held for over 35 years. He was intimitely acquainted with all the facts relating to water supply in the borough during that period. He gave figures showing the extent of the Corporation's supply, the growth of the population, and the existing sources of supply. The output of some of the wells he described as 'disappointing'. Under the 1930 agreement with the Metropolitan Water Board Croydon was prohibited from sinking any wells or going to Parliament for permission to do so in the Board's area. In previous Bills they tried to go west of the Borough and the only prospect remaining was to go to the east of Croydon to find further sources of supply. He made a thorough investigation of sites and he thought those indicated for 3 wells under this Bill were obvious positions for wells to supply a town like Croydon, which had a big congested population. Quite clearly Croydon could not find all necessary water sources inside its own area, but must go outside. There was still plenty of room in Croydon for further building development, and apart from that there was a tendency to pull down houses and erect blocks of flats in their stead. Croydon was essentially a residential town, and on sites formerly occupied by a single large house blocks of 40 or 50 flats were being built. This particularly applied to the centre of the town Having regard to the fact that sanitary requirements of water would be increased as old and slum property was pulled down and new property erected in its place, he thought 34 gallons of water per head per day was a reasonable estimate to make for 6 years ahead. He estimated the total yield of the 3 proposed new wells at 6½ million gallons a day. The cost of the works provided for in the Bill was £485,000, which he considered to be quite reasonable. If the Corporation accepted the alternative scheme of taking a supply from Brixton from the Metropolitan Water Board, it would involve a cost of not only a shilling per thousand gallons which the Board wanted, but the expenditure of £125,000 on new mains and plant. Mr Carter said that in addition to the charges he mentioned Croydon would also hav eto beear the cost of distributing the water received from Brixton. He thought that, with the existing apparatus, 7½d per thousand gallons would be a fair charge for supplying water in bulk to Croydon.
Counsel: But nobody can compel the Metropolitan Water Board to supply this, or any other figure, except the one they offer? Mr Carter: No we are in their hands. Their price is a shilling more than it costs them at the tap in London. He said they had had many difficulties in Croydon owing to the bursting of the Metropolitan Water Board's main. The last burst was as recently as February, when a fracture occurred between Streatham and Brixton, affecting Thornton Heath and Norbury, and the Croydon water supply had to be brought in. It was 3 days before the normal supply was resumed. The Water Board's supply had to be brought a distance of 17¼ miles to Croydon, and had to be pumped three times. Mr F J Wrottesley KC (for the Mid Kent Water Company) had opened his cross examination of Mr Carter when the committee adjourned until Friday."
27 May 1935 US Patent Office Gazette
Religious Patent
Patent for design of religious medallion by Miss Beatrice Davies-Cooke
08 Jun 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley Woman's Driving
"Esther Olive Reid of Glenholme, Ash Road, Hartley, was summoned for driving a car without due care and attention at London Road, Swanley on May 4th. She did not appear but pleaded guilty through Mr M V Mackay, AA solicitor. PC Rickard, who was standing on the dangerous bend between Swanley Police Station and the crossroads said there was a line of traffic going towards Maidstone and a lorry ascending the hill. Defendant pulled out from behind the lorry and nearly collided with a charabanc going in the opposite direction. Defendant was fined £5 and her licence was endorsed."
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Councillors inspected locations for new streetlights. (2) District Valuer has approved £225 price for Nurstead Farm allotment site.
15 Jun 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Council
(1) "The clerk was instructed to convey thanks to Mrs Gadd for her offer of a red chestnut tree, which will be planted in autumn on the village green to commemorate the King's Jubilee. (2) Sewage disposal, Hartley to speak to neighbouring parishes to see if the scheme should be altered.
30 Jun 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Merton House School
"One of Mrs Cromar's pupils at the above school, Claudia Hoadley, aged 12, has won the first prize in all England for a painting competition arranged by the proprietors of the Children's Newspaper in conjuction with the Southern Railway. The prize given was a pass for 500 miles free rail travel on the Southern Railway."
H A Clarke Ltd
Estate agents, Ash Road Hartley. Longfield 184. First mention of them.
05 Jul 1935 Dartford Chronicle
Golden wedding
of Mr & Mrs R Hoadley of Thames View
Road Accident
S H Ellerby - road accident
Child Support
Maintenance order for child of Caroline Ripley
06 Jul 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Longfield Parish Council
(1) They have renewed contract with West Kent Electric Company for streetlights with the price per lamp reduced from £3 1s to £2 12s. WKEC also say they can instal 4 lamps at Longfield Hill for £16 15s 6d. (2) Complaint from Mr J Raine of Bramblewood about people riding bikes on footpath from Longfield Station to Fawkham Road.
Longfield's Former Rector Celebrates Golden Wedding
Golden wedding of Rev Edward and Mrs Smith, now living at Ellesmere, Hextable. ".... He has 5 children, 4 sons and a daughter, the eldest son occupying an important position in Brazil, and 5 grandchildren. Both Mr and Mrs Smith are in good health and are quietly enjoying, in a peaceful spot, the closing days of a busy life. To a KM representative Mr Smith said: 'We have never had a serious quarrel. Like everyone else we have had our ups an ddowns, but I expect if we had our time over again, we should do the same thing...."
For sale
"Ewarts Lighning Geyser, nearly new; 30 sheep hurdles, large quantity of doors; garden lights, tanks, 60 feet of garden hose, water cans, wire frames etc, cheap to clear. Barnard, Hartley, Longfield, Kent. Telephone Longfield 8." [Copthorne, Ash Road]
06 Jul 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Kent Wins Legal Battle over Water Supply
"After a fiercely contested legal battle lasting 17 days, Kent authorities and water companies have successfully resisted the attempt of Croydon (Surrey) Corporation to establish wells in Kent. This first bid on the part of an outside body to obtain water from Kent failed in the House of Commons on Thursday last week, when Croydon's bill was rejected by a select committee.
The Bill was the most vigorously fought of any water measure that has been before the House for years. 13 counsel were engaged, 8,703 questions were put to witnesses and the printed evidence covered 518 pages. Croydon sought powers to sink wells at Fawkham, Hartley and Cuxton from which would have been obtained 6½ million gallons a day. Chief reasons given for this move were that a supply from Kent would cost less than that of the Metropolitan Water Board, and that Croydon wanted to control their own undertaking. The scheme was opposed by the Kent County Council, Dartford RDC, Strood RDC, Gravesend Corporation, Rochester Corporation, Chatham and District Water Co, Gravesend and Milton Waterworks Co, Higham and Hundred of Hoo Water Co and the Mid Kent Water Co.
It was urged again and again during the hearing that the whole of the water available from the area will be required for the future use of its industries and people. Much of the area is within 25 miles of Charing Cross and it is here that the greatest development is expected in the future. The supply for which Croydon asked would be sufficient to meet the needs of 200,000 people.
Witnesses for the opposition were......... A Ministry of Health report on the Bill stated that it would be contrary to sound water policy for Croydon to draw a supply from so great a distance when they had the opportunity of obtaining a supply from the Metropolitan Water Board. At the close of the 17th day's hearing, the Chairman of the Commitee, Mr Servington Savoury MP, announced that the preamble with regard to the water proposals had not been proved. This meant that Croydon's attempt had failed."
09 Jul 1935 Daily Mirror
Safety Grips on Baths
"The safety bath has arrived. The inventor is Captain Bede Bentley, of Longfield, Kent, who, shocked by the numbers of bath accidents reported in the newspapers, spent hours, wondering how they could be reduced. The result of his thought is a bath with hand grips fixed in a convenient position on both sides. These grips enable a bather who has slipped or who feels faint to pull himself safely out of the bath. At the same time, Captain Bentley has invented a body rest of woven fabric which, attached to the hand grips, makes the bath safe for children and invalids by preventing them from slipping."
13 Jul 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Council
(1) High cost to hire sanitary cart and tackle to empty cesspools. (2) Complaints of late delivery of morning post
19 Jul 1935 Dartford Chronicle
Bankruptcy Avoided
Frank Bunton (sic) avoids being made bankrupt (of Highfields)
20 Jul 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Truck on Fire
"On Friday a truck of rubbish caught fire at Fawkham Station. The outbreak was extinguished by the Horton Kirby Fire Brigade."
26 Jul 1935 Dartford Chronicle
Congregational Church
Womens Guild formed
Country Club
Scavenger hunt organised
27 Jul 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Taxi Firm
"Mr W N Maynard, Station Road, Longfield, would like the people of Longfield and district to know that his car and passengers are thoroughly insured against any risk whatever, despite rumours to the contrary." (advert) [of 9 Station Road]03 Aug 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Honour for Hartley Country Club
Cricket. "The honour of scoring the first century for Hartley Country Club has fallen to R Parker. His undefeated 100 for the Club's second team against Gravesend Nalgo included a 6 and eighteen 4s. Nalgo were beaten. Son of the former Notts skipper, A O Jones scored a hurricane 75 for Hartley Country Club first eleven against Bexley 2nd. He drove the ball to all parts of the ground, his best hits being four 6s. From one of his drives the ball went clean through the sun roof of the club. Jones, a right hand 'speed merchant' followed up by taking cheap wickets, and the visitors met with an overwhelming defeat. Journeying to South Woodford, on Sunday, the Country Club had a sporting tussle with Unilever. Good batting by Percy Dennis, who obtained a half century, Derek Hitchcock and David Sleep, enabled Hartley to register 137. With 100 scored and only 4 wickets down, Unilever looked set for victory, but then the wickets began to tumble. They failed by 4 runs, Broad taking 5-31." Meanwhile Hartley's original team 54 lost to Kingsdown 76 by 22 despite R Balchin taking 6-30.
Road Widening too Prohibitive
Dartford RDC reject a number of improvements requested by the London Passenger Transport Board as being too expensive (£100,000). These included Hartley War Memorial to Hartley Hill, New Barn Road and Red Street in Southfleet.
09 Aug 1935 Dartford Chronicle
Hartley Parish Council
Parish Council - request to extend electricity beyond Church
10 Aug 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Campers Scalded
4 London campers were scalded, two seriously, when their stove overturned at Longfield siding on Saturday. George Wright, Blackfriars, was conveyed to the Gravesend Hospital, and Miss Jessie Osborne, Kennington, was attended by Dr F Griffiths.
The Balchins in Form
At Gravesend. Hartley CC 120 (W Balchin 46) beat Old Gravesendians 2nd 108 (R Balchin 5-49, W Balchin 3-28) by 12.
24 Aug 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Balchin Unplayable
"If you want to know whether R Balchin of Hartley can bowl, ask members of Southfleet second eleven. Balchin helped to bowl Southfleet for 17 on Saturday. He took 7-2 including 4 wickets in 4 balls. Hartley won by 83."
Giant Onions and Dahlias
15th Longfield and District Cottage Gardeners' Association Show at Court Meadow "hard by the grey weather worn walls of the ancient parish church". 260 entries. Children's competition for best wild flower bouquet (Longfield Parish Church Challenge Cup) won by Gladys Cherry of Hartley Primary School
Situation Wanted
"As a poultryman, gamekeeper or rabbit catcher; single; aged 34; good references. F Bentley, The Knoll, Ash Road, Hartley, Longfield.
30 Aug 1935 Dartford Chronicle
Hartley Mart
Letter from W J Barnard of Pleasant - complaints by parish council about his second hand furniture which he denies see also 6/9/1935; letter in support by Dr Fellows 27/9/1935; picture 18/10/1935
Sunday School
All Saints' Sunday School outing to Sheerness
31 Aug 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Bungalows to Rent
"Bungalows and villa with garages, good gardens, convenient train and bus services; decorations to suit tenants - Apply H A Clarke Ltd, Estate Agents, Ash Road, Hartley, Longfield, Kent. Telephone, Longfield 184." [Very likely 1-13 Ash Road, which were built in 1935, 12 bungalows and a house]
07 Sep 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Rev T Pearman Stevens
"The services on Sunday last were taken by the Rector, Rev T Pearman Stevens MA, who has quite recovered from his recent illness."
From Pit Boy to Barrister
Obituary of Morgan Morgan of Gravesend who had lived the last 2 years of his life at Hartley for health reasons.
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Bus route numbers and timetables to be erected at Longfield. (2) Speed limit signs to be erected soon.
Leap for life from Blazing House
E J Kiell, aged 73, of Pelham Road, Gravesend (corner of Granville Road) awoke at 1.30am to find house on fire. ".....while I was putting on some clothes, three young men who were going home to Longfield saw that the house was on fire and shouted to me. One climbed up the front of the house into the bedroom and helped me to throw some things out of the window. The smoke became so thick that we were in danger of being suffocated, so we climbed out of the window and jumped onto the lawn, fortunately not injuring ourselves...."
20 Sep 1935 Bromley & West Kent Mercury
Bungalow to Let
"2 bedroomed furnished bungalow to let; low rent for winter months. Frenli, Hartley Hill, Longfield."
[now Brindles, Church Road]
21 Sep 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Costume Fair and Dance
(Advert) "at Hartley Country Club on Wednesday Sept 25th 3pm to midnight, dancing from 8pm to the Carlton Band personally conducted by George Collier. Valuable costume prizes for adults and children. Stalls, roundabouts and all the fun of the fair. Queer dog show [sic]. Enter your dog on the ground. Refreshments at moderate prices. Fair ticket 6d (children half price). Dance ticket 1s. Organised in aid of parochial funds for Catholic parishioners of Northfleet and Hartley."
Folliowing week's paper has report "Hartley Country Club possessed a storybook atmosphere on Wednesday when a costume fair .... was held. Everywhere were costumed figures. Cowboys went arm in arm with fairytale characters, while Spanish ladies offered their wares to clowns and gipsies..."
Fatal Accident to Longfield Woman
"Mary Ann Robertson, 71 of Pondown Villas, Longfield, was knocked down and killed by a car at Main Road, [West] Kingsdown on Sunday night. The car was driven by Joseph Sharp of Harvard Road, Lewisham."
28 Sep 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Mrs Freda Grant's School of Dancing
(Advert) "Children's classes will be held at the Hartley Country Club on Saturday mornings commencing October 5th. Juniors at 10.30. Seniors at 11.30. For further particulars write 30 Blackheath Park SE3. Phone Lee Green 3671."
Longfield Funeral
of Mers Mary Ann Robinson, 71, of Pondowne Villas, killed by a car at Kingsdown previous Sunday.
Hartley Country Club
(by Woodville) "Hartley Country Club has experienced its first summer season, and a most enjoyable one it has proved. During weekends in particular, the Club has been a popular rendezvous with the members, many of whom travel fairly long distances to participate in the social events among which I include cricket. The rricket section has had a successful season on its charming little ground. A happy spirit has pervaded the matches, and the cordial welcome given to visitors in the clubhouse has been spoken about in appreciative terms in many pavilions afterwards. The cricket teams have more than held their own agains the strongest sides in the district, and the features have been the consistent batting of L Bishop, who recorded the first century and the bowling of R Broad, who captured over150 wickets. Hartley Country Club is now looking forward to the winter season, and a number of indoor events have been arranged, which many even exceed in popularity those already held."
Longfield Men's Service
"On Sunday the monthly service for men was held at St Mary Magdalene. Some members of the Longfield, Hartley and District Odd Fellows' Club bearing their banner made a procession through the village, and then attended the service. An address was given by the Canon W Parker."
05 Oct 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Am I a Public Nuisance?
"Mr W J Barnard, [Copthorne] Ash Road, Hartley, near Gravesend, asked this question at a public meeting in the Social Club Hall on Tuesday, and with one exception, the audience, numbering over 100, answered 'no'. The question arose, because Mr Barnard, who deals in second hand good, placed his stock in a field adjoining the main road. Complaints were made that the articles were unsightly and the Rural Council asked him to place them farther back. Mr Barnard thereupon called a public meeting at the Social Club Hall on Tuesday and put his question on the agenda with the result stated. Mr Barnard informs the Kent Messenger that he has no intention of moving his stock away from the road. I'm going to move it forward, so that people can see it better' he said, 'I've got to get a living, and poor people round here appreciate being able to get things cheaply.' "
Behind the lorry
Edward Robert Jones Barlow, Merton Avenue, Hartley was fined 5s for riding in tow behind a lorry at Swanscombe on August 3rd."
11 Oct 1935 Dartford Chronicle
St John's Lane
Mr Baines-Lewis of Hartley Grange agrees to sell land for road widening
12 Oct 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Accident
"A collision occurred on Monday morning at the junction of Fairby Lane and Ash Road, between a motorcycle ridden by Miss Morris, Longfield, and the milk van of Messrs Evans and Payne, Longfield. Miss Morris received cuts about the legs, and was treated by a doctor."
Oldest Man in Longfield
"in years but not in spirits is Mr John Foster (pictured) of St John's Cottages [actually he lived at St John's Villa 30 Station Road], who will celebrate his 87th birthday in December. Once Mr Foster walked to London via Dartford, to see his fiancee. He was living at Kingsdown, where he was born, at the time, and missing the train at Dartford, he had to walk all the way. Mr Foster is the father of 21 children and proud of it. He has worked in the neighbourhood of Longfield all his life, keeping the roads in good order, and if it were not for the fact that he has lost one arm and suffers badly from rheumatism, he would still be working. [His first wife was from Somerset, hence why they were meeting in London. By her he had 10 children, and 11 by his second wife]
Longfield Parish Council
(1) London PTB grateful for parish council's suggestion of more timetables put up in Gravesend and Longfield. (2) Council interested in Anti-Gas defence lectures sponsored by the Home Office
15 Oct 1935 Evening News
Badger mystery
"A badger is believed to have attacked and seriously injured a goat tethered in a field at Ash Road, Hartley, near Dartford. Mr W J Barnard, the owner of the goat, said to me today: 'We found the goat exhausted in the field yesterday. One of its horns were broken. We found a hole in the wire netting where the badger apparently got in - some of its fur was stuck on the wire. Badger fur covered the scene of battle.' A few days ago Mr Barnard found that 8 of his prize geese, some weighing 15lb had been killed. It is presumed that the badger could also be held accountable for this crime too. Mr Barnard said that dogs have been restless the last few days. Mr Barnard has called in the local police sergeant and an RSPCA inspector."
[Frederick D Welch of Dalesford wrote to KM 26/10/35 to say he has lived in Hartley 25 and it is much more likely to have been caused by a badger. He sees foxes which have come from Fawkham at the Longfield end of the village, he even saw 2 trying to break into a duck house]
18 Oct 1935 Dartford Chronicle
County Court
Mrs Laura A Waters of Woodside, Ash Rd plaintiff in County Court
19 Oct 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Will he also play for Chelsea?
Norman Martin, son of Chelsea player, is outside right for Maidstone. Last summer he played cricket for Hartley Country Club. Works in the advertising office of a Gravesend newspaper [Probably the one run by one of the Country Club's directors!]
26 Oct 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Longfield Wakes Up to the Fact it has a Village Hall!
" 'Longfield has awakened to the fact that it has a village hall worth looking after' said Mr H C Hickmott, hon secretary to the Trustees, at the annual meeting......Mr Hale (Chairman of the Working Committee) said they were indebted to Mr Hickmott for his generous offer to meet the adverse balance of £64 18s which gave them a clear start at the beginning of the year....." Interest for thrift club members discontinued and entry fee charged, but still likely to pay out £550 this year. Lettings up from £38 to £63 2s. Alterations cost £14 7s and an additional cloakroom will be needed. Mr Hickmott is stepping down as he is moving to Goudhurst.
Hockey
First mention of a men's team for the Country Club
WI Resolution
West Kent Federation of WI meeting. Hartley WI propose motion for air traffic control in UK. Miss Chisholm the spokesperson.
02 Nov 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
General Election
Conservative and National Government candidate Sir Waldron Smithers to speak at the Hartley Country Club, Chislehurst Constituency. [Article mentions other speakers, it would have been impossible to him to attend all of them that day. Kingsdown 7.15, Eynsford 7.45, Wilmington 8, Darenth 8, Hartley 8.15]
Paper of 9/11/35 reports on the Hartley meeting. Sir Waldron Smithers was not happy a Liberal had stood against him, but spent most of his time attacking Labour.
Hartley Preparatory School
"Wanted immediately in small boys' school, cook housekeeper, comfortuable home; £3 per month to start - Hartley Preparatory School, Longfield, Kent"
Wife sees husband fall to death from train
Sidney Herbert Willcox, 57, dairyman, High Street, Ashtead, Surrey, fell from a London bound train near Longfield, on Sunday, and was killed. HIs wif, who saw him fall, ran along the corridor to inform the guard."
08 Nov 1935 Tonbridge Free Press (KM)
Airedale pups for sale (advert)
cheap; true-bred - Larkin, Haverstock Drive [Wellfield], Hartley, Longfield, Kent."
09 Nov 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Gravesend Hospital
In 1934 they treated 19 out patients and 6 in patients from Hartley at a cost of £55. For Longfield they treated 89 outpatientsand 18 in patients at a cost of £174
Longfield Funeral
Mrs Pankhurst of Whitehill, aged 75.
15 Nov 1935 Dartford Chronicle
Buses to Dartford
LT hope to have hourly Longfield-Dartford bus instead of 2 hourly
16 Nov 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Ash Nursing Association
AGM. Nurse Edge has made 3,331 visits last years.
Property for Sale
Messrs Pilley & Talbot have received instructions to sell by auction (unless previously disposed of by private treaty) on Friday 29th November 1935 at 7.30pm at the Hartley Country Club, Ash Road, Hartley. The atttactive detached freehold residence known as HOMEFIELD Ash Road, Hartley A few minutes from Fawkham Station (SR). Of a modern character, conveniently planned, comprising, on the 1st floor, 4 bedrooms, bathroom, separate WC. On the ground floor: entrance hall, drawing room, dining room, excellent domestic offices. The grounds possess a frontage to two roads and comprise: pleasure garden wih lawns, well stocked kitchen garden, in all 1¼ acres. Built in garage, detached garage, engine house and other outbuildings. Company's water. Electric light from Delcorney Plant. For sale with freehold possession. Also the plot of freehold land, possessing a frontage to Ash Road, Hartley of 125ft and a depth of 200ft. Particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from the auctioneers at their offices adjoining Post Office, Ash Road, Hartley (phone Longfield 77)....."
Poison and Hammer to 'Destroy' Dog
"Allegations that a dog howled in agony for 2 hours after being poisoned, and that it was then struck several blows with a coal hammer, were made at Dartford Police Court on Friday last week, when Ernest Crofts, 75, an ex-civil servant, and his wife Dorothy Crofts, 41 of Station Road, Longfield, were fined £20 each and ordered to pay 5 guineas costs between them for causing unnecessary suffering to a dog by killing it in an improper manner.
It was stated that defendants had a chemist shop at Longfield and that Dorothy Crofts was a qualified chemist. On October 2nd it became necessary for her to destroy a dog for a customer. While her husband held the dog's mouth open, she attempted to administer some poison (said to be prussic acid) through a syringe. Later they went out and for the rest of the afternoon neighbours heard the dog howling in agony. On their return both defendants struck the dog several times with a coal hammer. Eventually it died.
Defendants said they thought the dog was dead after they had administered the poison. Dorothy Croft admitted striking the dog with the hammer, but siad that she did not think that it felt the blows. The chairman, Mr A M Fleet, said it was a very brutal case."
23 Nov 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Sale of Effects
"Pleasant, Hartley near Longfield. Sale of miscellaneous effects, including weatherboard sheds, fowl houses, coops, runs, timber of all descriptions, cupboards, sheep racks, iron and wooden feeding troughs, feeding pails, drinking pans, set coal scales and weights, water carrier on wheels, tanks, iron coppers, galvanised corn bins, hand truck, hose piping, set blocks and pulleys, glazed sinks, 5 new fruit ladders, wooden tool chests, cross cut saw, new shovels, mattocks, hand truck, butcher's cart, sets harness, saddle and bridle. Household furniture, fairy lights, office desk, office tables, office chairs, new linoleum, singer' treadle sewing machine.
The livestock includes: Black van Gelding, Chestnut Pony Mar, Dun Pony Gelding, Shorthorn Cow, 2 Nanny and Billy Goats, Rabbits and Hutches, 100 head of poultry, pigeons, ferrets and hutches. Mr Harry Couchman has received instructions to sell the above by auction on Saturday December 7th 1935......"
[Pleasant is now Copthorne, Ash Road]
Hartley Players
Picture of cast for production of 'Third Time Lucky' including Gomer Davies, Cyril and Maureen Boston.
KM 30/11/35 Review, it was "equal in entertainment to anything the Hartley Players have yet produced. This si high praise having regard to their previous efforts....." Some characterisation criticisms. Praise fro Stage Manager Snelling Colyer - "The Rev Arthur Fear must have broken a garden fram every night in his fall, judging by hte realistic 'noises off'. Elsewhere in paper, it says Robert Hales gave an exceptional performance in spite of his son being in hospital with 2 serious operations and other family illness. He was determined not to let the Players down.
30 Nov 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Longfield Funeral
Susan Alice Simes, 67, of Essex Road.
Memorial Service
Unvieling of Tate memorial plaque in Hartley Church.
Village bus for Christmas Morning
After axing the Christmas day service last year the LPTB have a greed to a 20 seater bus running between Gravesned and Hartley on Chirstmas morning. Timetable mentioned in paper of 14/12/35 Gravesend to Hartley Court at 10:15 and 12:15. Hartley Court to Gravesend at 11.04 and 13.04. [Paper of 18/1/36 said "I hear too, that the Christmas Day service between Gravesend and Hartley, which the Committee with great difficulty induced the Transport Board to restore as an experiment, was sufficiently well patronised to warrant the hope that it will be continued next year]
Hartley Will be Able to Bury its Dead
Someone has written to paper to express concerns that All Saints' Churchyard is almost full. In reply Mr Cuff the chairman said it will be on next agenda following their inspection of a new site and agreement reached with the owner. Meanwhile by cutting back trees and removing a shed they have relased 20-25 new plots and the average number of burials is 10 a year.
Public Notice - North West Kent Joint Water
Joint venture of Mid Kent Water Co, Gravesend and Milton Waterworks Co, Chatham & District Water Co and Higham & Hundred of Hoo Water Company, to be called "the Hartley Water Committee." To consist of Mid Kent and Gravesend representatives. Works to be (1) well and pumping station at Hartley, compulsory purchase powers for land for the works and houses for staff. (2) Pipe of Aqueduct through Hartley, Ash, Stansted and Wrotham. (3) Reservoir 1/3 acre big in Cobham with line of pipes/aqueduct from Hartley to Cobham and a line from there to Northfleet. Provisions about sharing cost of construciton and water.
07 Dec 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Need for a mortuary
Longfield Parish Council. (1) Complaint about a dead body being put in a shed 8 feet away from a house. Police said as Longfield doesn't have a mortuary, it will be a problem. (2) Library. Mr Potter asked if the county library at Longfield could open one evening a week in addition to Friday afternoon.
Hartley Social Club
First annual dinner attended by 50, meal prepared by Mr Fielder. Secretary D T R Gray said the first year had been so successful that the committee hopes to take a 21 year lease of the whole premises.
13 Dec 1935 Dartford Chronicle
Burglary at Manor Drive
Burglary at Tichfield, home of Dr Percival BP Mellows
Burial Ground
Miss J F Maxton of Hartley Manor offers 5½a for churchyard
14 Dec 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Council
(1) Council agree with proposal to abandon Saturday afternnon post to give postmen a half day off. Letters could still be collected from Longfield Post Office after 4pm. (2) Dangerous road corners mentioned. Captain Bignell said he would ask the district council to erect the "usual signs." (3) Churchyard Extension Commitee report. Landowners bordering All Saints' refuse to sell, tey have been offered 5½ acres adjoining footpath from Church to Ash Road, but owner will not sell less. Mr Cuff wrote to paper to say they had misreported his earler comments. Paper does not accept this.
Funeral of Mrs Ellen Phyllis Dimon
Aged 43 of Cockerhurst Hodsoll Street, found dead by roadside in Meopham by motorist, death due to natural causes.
Jubilee Tree Planted at Hartley
"In commemoration of the Royal Silver Jubilee, a red chestnut tree presented by Mrs Gadd was planted on Hartley Village Green on Saturday. Mr E J Cuff (Chairman of the Parish Council) said young people would be able to look with pride upon the tree in years to come. A tablet was needed to place on or near the tree so that the great jubilee would ever be remembered. The chairman concluded by saying 'Let it grow and let it spead, / And let it leve whe n I am dead, / So for years there will be seen / A Flowering tree on Hartley Green.' The tree was then planted by Mrs Gadd and Mrs Stickland ... Mrs Stickland said she would be pleased to supply a tablet to explain the origin of the tree."
21 Dec 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Rector's resignation
"The Rector (Rev T Pearman Stevens) has been obliged to resign on account of ill health. He was appointed in the autumn of 1934, and his resignation has been received with sincere regret on the part of the parishioners. He is at present in a nursing home."
KM 4/1/36 adds his biography "Mr Stevens was ordained in 1912, and he dovoted himself largely to scholastic work. He was assistant master at st St Saviours School, Ardingly; Forest School, Walthamstow and Blundell's School, Tiverton and Chaplain at Aldenham School, Elstree. At several of these schools he acted as chaplain and was a Licensed Preacher in the diocese in which he resided. In 1929 he became curate of Tenterden in charge of Smallhythe, but resigned the following year and went to live at Walmer where he had the Archbishop's permission to officiate in the diocese."
28 Dec 1935 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Telegraph Lines
New lines to be erected in Church Road around New House Farm.
Preparations for the new season
Some members of Hartley Country Club Cricket team are paying weekly visits ot Andy Sandham's cricket school.
Sequel to Collision
"A collision between a motor van and a mortor car at the junction of Old Road East and milton Avenue, on December 9th, had a sequel in the appearance of the drivers, Charles Edward Kesby, 76 Peacock Street, Gravesend, and John Sims, the Garage, Station Road, Longfield, respectively, on charges of careless driving. Kesby said tha tas he came out of Milton Avenue into Old Road East, his speed was only about 5mph. He was turning left when the car driven by Sims struck his offside left wing. Sims told the bench that he was proceeding towards Echo Square when Kesby's van came out of Milton AVenue and struck him broadside." Both fined £1.
Christmas Concert
"The Country Club Hall was crowded on Wednesday evening last week when the pupils of Merton House School gave a delightful programme of short plays etc....." Article lists names of 17 pupils taking part.
Swan off Shotgun and Alleged Mask as Exhibits
"A sawn off shotgun and a silk stocking which, it was suggested, might have been worn as a mask, were produced at Malling Police Court on Friday last week, when Walter Robert Maynard, 28, taxi proprietor, Station Road, Longfield, was committed for trial at Kent Quarter Sessions on 4 charges. With a boy of 16, he was charged with stealing 35 gallons of petrol, 27 gallons of oil and other articles, together valued at £14 10s from the Wings of the Morning Garage, Wrotham, and with being in possession of a smooth bore shotgun, sawn off at the barrel and stock.
PC Fisher said that when he visited the garage at 3.30am on December 15th, he found footsteps in the snow leading from teh petrol and oil pumps, which had been forced open, to the London Road. Looking up the road he saw the rear light of a vehicle from which Maynard got outas he approached. The boy was in the front seat. There were a number of oil drums in the back of the car. He handcuffed the two and took them to Malling Police Station, where he made a further search, finding a sawn off shotgun. Four cans of petrol were on the luggage grid. When charged Maynard said: 'The boy was concerned only so far as he was with me.'
Asked how he accounted for the gun, he said: I keep it for protection against bandits. I have been held up twice. PC Young produced two silk stockings which he stated he found on Maynard at Malling Police Station. Maynard said he must have picked them up in the garage and used them as cleaning rags. On witness suggesting that one of this stockings seemed to have been worn as a mask, Maynard replied: 'You find all sorts of things in cleaning rags.' Mr F W F Arnaud, County Analyst, said one stocking had not been worn, and showed no signs of having been used for rubbing or polishing purposes. A portion of silk stocking was also tied to a strip of stockingette, to which the other corner also appeared to have been tied.
The boy, who pleaded guilty, was bound over for 12 months. Maynard was also committed for trial on charges of stealing 8 gallons of petrol and 2 drums of oil from the wings of the Morning garage, between December 1st and 2nd, and of breaking into the house of George William Claydon at Ridley and stealing a 12 bore double shotgun, a .410 double barrel shotgun, a rook rifle and £15 in notes on November 23rd. Det-Sgt Baddeley stated that Maynard said: 'I admit stealing the guns and rifle, but I never had hte money.' Maynard was refused bail."
KM (MT) 18/1/1936. Maynard admitted this another theft at Horton Kirby. It was said he even stole the globes from the petrol pumps, also that he knew burglarly victim Mr Claydon as one of his customers. Defence barrister said "Maynard was a native of Woolwich, and was in private service at Fawkham before he set up as a taxi proprietor with a car partly belonging to him. He was married with a child aged 2, and had no previous convictions..... after he had a car accident his insurance company went bankrupt. He got into serious financial difficulty and went to moneylenders. At the end of November he was desperately hard up, which was the reason for this outburst of crime. He stole petrol and oil to carry on his taxi business, as he had no money to buy them with...."
KM (MT) 29/2/1936 - appeal against sentence dismissed.