Newspaper Stories 1900-1909 - Hartley-Kent: The Website for Hartley

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Newspaper Stories 1900-1909

History > Newspaper Stores 1900 - 1939


24 Mar 1900 Death From Lockjaw Gravesend Reporter
"The Borough Coroner (Mr WG Penman) held an inquest on Monday afternoon, at the Town Hall, touching the death of the Charles Dann, aged 58, general labourer, of Longfield, who died at the Gravesend Hospital on Thursday afternoon in last week. -  Mr William Warner was foreman of the jury.  - George S Hill, blacksmith, of St John's Cottages, Longfield Hill, said deceased and himself were eomployed by Mr George Thomas Lind [?Lynds], of Longfield Hill.  On 17th February, whilst stacking planks in the yard, decesased let the end of a plank fall on the forefinger of his left hand.  It bled a little.  Deceased bathed it in cold hand.  It bled a little.  Deceased bathed it in cold water and wrapped it in linen.  He then went to his lodgings and did not return to work again - Ann Swann, widow, living at the Brickfields, Longfield, stated that deceased lodged with her.  He saw a doctor on February 19h, and on Saturday week complained of pains in the face and back.  He also had difficulty in swallowing food. - Dr Lacey of Sutton at Hone deposed that he first saw deceased on 19th February.  He had split his left forefinger.  On March 5th he came to witness again, and complained of siffness about the jaws.  Acting on his advice he went to the Gravesend Hospital.  He was of opinion that deceased must have got some foreign substance into the wound.  Lockjaw might be brought about from the slightest wound or injury. - Dr WH Randolph, house surgeon at Gravesend Hospital, said deceased was admitted there on 12th March.  Witnes sent for Dr Pinching, who prsecribed the treatment he was to undergo.  Deceased was seized with tetanic spasms, and afterwards had ocasional slight twitches.  The cause of death was tetanus, following the injury to the finger.  By the Coroner: Witness could only say it might and might not have prevented lockjaw by amputating the finger shortly after the accident. - Mrs Swann, recalled, said deceased seemed better for a few days after 5th March - A verdict of 'Accidental Death' was returned."


12 Apr 1900 Servant Wanted Morning Post
Wanted - married couple, husband as gardener, wife to do laundry work… will live in lodge. Address: ED Old Downs


05 May 1900 New Rating Basis Gravesend Standard
Swanscombe Parish Council report that new basis of county rating will cause rates to rise by an average 13.45 per cent in Dartford Union.  Increases in per cent for individual parishes are Hartley (+ 3.31), Ash (+ 15.31), Longfield (+ 4.61), Fawkham (+ 18.82), Ridley (+ 9.56).  Only Swanscombe will see a fall in rates.]


12 May 1900 Fatal Accident at Longfield Gravesend Reporter
"A lad named William Farmer, in the employ of Mr Chambers, Manor Farm, Betsham, met with a fatal accident last Friday afternoon.  It appears that deceased and a man named Martin were returning home from Meopham with a waggon and 2 horses.  When at Longfield the deceased got off the waggon to attend to one of the horses, after which, whilst the waggon was still in motion, he tried to get upon it again.  He missed his hold and fell, and was run over.  The poor lad received such injuries that he died whilst being conveyed to the Gravesend Hospital."


17 Jun 1900 Accident on the LC and D Railway Reynolds's Newspaper
"On Friday afternoon the 4 o'clock up train from Dover met with an accident between Fawkham and Farningham Road Stations.  From some cause, at present not stated, the engine left the rails, but fortunately the carriages kept the metals.  A breakdown gang was promptly despatched from Chatham, but considerable delay and inconvenience resulted, in consequence of both the up and down trains having both to be worked on the down road."


25 Jun 1900 Servant Wanted Times
Housemaid wanted by Mrs Dobbs of Hartley Manor; says 2 in family


07 Jul 1900 Gravesend Hospital AGM Gravesend Standard
Extract of annual report: "The number of patients treated during the year is as follows: Patients in the hospital on 1st April 1899, 39, admitted during the year 480, total 519; of these 279 have been cured, 147 have been relieved, 57 have died, 36 remained under treatment at the end of the year.  These in-patients came from the following places: Ash 2, Betsham 4, Canterbury 1, Chalk 1, Chatham 2, Cobham 3, Darenth 1, Dartford 3, Denton 9, Fawkham 1, Galley Hill 3, Gravesend and Milton 263, Grays 12, Greenhithe 3, Hartley 2, Ifield 1, Kingsdown 2, London 11, Longfield 6, Meopham 13, Northfleet 70, Nursted 1, Perry Street 18, Rochester 3, Romford 1, Rosherville 10, Shorne 4, Sevenoaks 1, Southfleet 5, Stanford-le-hope 1, Swanscombe 14, Stone 1, Tilbury 14, Thames Shipping 33.  Of the above patients 237 were men, 133 were women and 149 were children.  There have been treated 5,432 out patients, 1,835 were casualties, and 910 were dental cases.  These out patients came from the following places: Ash 1, Bean 6, Betsham 15, Chalk 37, Chatham 5, Cliffe 10, Cobham 7, Corringham 1, Crayford 1, Darenth 1, Dartford 2, Denton 71, Eynsford 1, Fawkham 3, Fobbing 1, Galley Hill 44, Gravesend and Milton 3,215, Grays 101, Greenhithe 41, Green Street Green 6, Hartley 2, Hastings 1, Higham 4, Horton Kirby 5, Ifield 3, Kingsdown 2, London 46, Longfield 29, Luddesdown 1, Maidstone 2, Meopham 11, Mucking 5, Northfleet 740, Nursted 2, Ockendon 11, Orsett 1, Perry Street 280, Port Victoria 3, Purfleet 2, Rochester 1, Rosherville 204, Redhill 1, Shorne 36, Shoeburyness 1, Singlewell 8, Sittingbourne 1, Southfleet 49, South Stifford 1, Stansted 1, Stanford-le-hope 21, Stone 25, Strood 1, Sutton at Hone 2, Swanscombe 107, Thames Haven 1, Thames Shipping 62, Thurrock 8, Tilbury 172, Tilbury East 6, Upnor 2, Woolwich 2, Whitstable 1."  Report continues with details of fundraising and staff changes.


[The total number of patients represents about 12 per cent of the population of Gravesend, and 10 per cent of Northfleet.  For Hartley, Fawkham and Ash, it was much lower at 1 per cent of the population, Longfield's numbers represented about 6 per cent of the population.]



14 Jul 1900 Longfield Station Destroyed Leicester Chronicle
"The village station at Fawkham, on the London Chatham and Dover Railway, was destroyed by fire on Wednesday.  The buildings involved include the ticket office, the parcels office, and the telegraph office."


21 Jul 1900 Lost Property Gravesend Reporter
"Lost, Pocket Book, on Thursday, between the Crescent and The Grove; reward - Henry Outred, Market Gardener, Hartley, near Dartford."


01 Sep 1900 Death From Lockjaw Gravesend Reporter
"The death of William Thomas Goodchild at the Gravesend Hospital was the subject of an inquiry at the Town Hall on Tuesday evening, before the borough coroner (Mr WG Penman), the foreman of the jury being Mr Lindsey Stevens. - Clara Goodchild identifed the body as that of her husband.  She said he was 32 years of age, was a waggoner, and they resided at Red Cow Farm, Longfield.  Deceased was employed by Mr Allen of New Barn Farm, Southfleet.  About 7 o'clock on the evening of 2nd August deceased left the farm for London with 2 horse and a vanload of fruit.  He returned home about 6 o'clock the next evening, when he told her he had had a fall from the van and had hurt his right thumb.  After bathing his head and bandaing it she persuaded him to see a doctor and he went at once to Dr Matthew of Meopham.  On returning she noticed that his thumb was bandaged.  He stopped at home for a week and then commenced work again.  On the 15th August she sent for Dr Matthew as he seemed to be getting worse.  His jaws appear to be getting set and he could not get anything in his mouth.  Both his head and his thumb appeared to have been healing up nicely and he complained of no pain.  On the advice of the doctor, he was admitted to the Gravesend Hospital the same day - Arthur Remington, waggoner's mate, employed by Mr Bartholemew, Southfleet, said on 3rd August he was returning just behind deceased from London with a horse and van and when between Dartford and Green Street Green he saw him fall from the driving box to the ground.  Witness could not say what made him fall.  The horses were going along quietly.  Witness went and assisted him, and he came round a bit and got up and drove the horses again.  Deceased told him he fell through slipping.  He could not say if deceased was asleep when he fell.  The horses wwere walking at the time he fell.  By a juror: There were no ruts in the road - Dr Charles Matthew, of Meopham, deposed to attending deceased for the injury to his head and thumb.  The wound on the thumb he said, was very dirty, and there was a good deal of grit and dirt in it.  On 15th August, when called to see him, witness found symptoms of lockjaw and advised his removal to the Hosptial as soon as possible.  Both wounds were healed by that time.  Deceased told him that he had had a fall when returning from London and that he was asleep when it happened. - Dr Randolph of Gravesend Hospital said deceased went on fairly well until the 22nd August, when he became worse and died on the night of the 26th.  Death was due to tetanus (lockjaw), probably the result of the injury to the thumb, and owing to some foreign substance having got into it - A verdict of 'Accidental death in accordance with the medical testimony' was returned."


[This was the second case of death by lockjaw at Longfield in a short time - see Reporter 24.3.1900]



20 Oct 1900 Gravesend Hospital Gravesend Reporter
The Hon Treasurer (Mr C E Hatten) gratefully acknowledges the receipt of the following:


Hartley National Schools (children's entertainment) - £1.0.0


Capt Andrew's SS Southend Belle £6.0.0



Hospital Saturday - Employees of


Mr T W Box - £1.14.6


Messrs Multon and Wallis - £1.19.3


Gravesend Sanitary Laundry - £1.8.0


The London Portland Cement Company Ltd - £6.17.0


Northfleet Coal and Ballast Company Ltd - £4.0.0


Robins and Co Ltd - £8.14.8


[ In the days before the NHS, many local hospitals had to rely on the generosity of the public.  The local paper had regular lists of donors.  The Hospital Saturday Fund still exists today to give money to medical charities, but back then it was for regular giving out of wages. Patients from Hartley also went to the Workhouse Hospital in Dartford, later West Hill Hospital.  While Gravesend also had a workhouse hospital, later St James's Hospital, it does not appear to have dealt with general patients.


Another article dated 4.11.1905 records the donation of the Harvest Festival fruit and vegetables from Hartley Church and the Longfield Hill CofE mission church, and clothing from Mrs Foa of Holywell Park, Hodsoll Street.]



10 Nov 1900 Bishop's Visitation to Cobham Deanery Gravesend Standard
"The Bishop of Rochester has been lately repeating an experiment which was tried with success 2 years ago in some of the parishes in the Hundred of Hoo.  He has, with the cooperation of the parochial clergy, been holding from October 27th to November 4th, a week of prayer and preaching in certain parishes in the rural deanery of Cobham.  The Bishop sends a visiting clergyman to each of the parishes whose incumbents agree to cooperate, and special services are held throughout the week.  The arrangements vary int eh different parishes according to their several needs and circumstances.  At Snodland a regular parochial mission  has been conducted by Canon Pollock.  At other places there were services of intercession, and women's meetings were arranged in some of the parishes.  In every parish taking part there was a mission service conducted by the visiting clergyman each night.  There was a meeting for ladies living in the district of Cobham on the Tuesday addressed by Lady Frederick Cavendish.  The Bishop sent out the visiting clergy to the work, at a special service held in the Cathedral on the afternoon of Saturday, October 27th, at which intercessions were offered for the parishes concerned, and the Bishop gave an address.  Almost all the clergy taking part, whether visiting or parochial, were present.  In the following week his Lordship visited each of the parishes, preaching in a different church each night.  The parishes taking part were: Ash and Ridley, Kingsdown, Fawkham, Longfield and Hartley, Nurstead, Luddesdown, Cobham, Snodland, Halling, Burham and Wouldham.  The work closed with a meeting of the clergy concerned in the Cathedral Chapter Room on Monday, November 5th, to talk over what had been done, and discuss future plans."


30 Nov 1900 Mains Water Comes to Hartley London Gazette
Board of Trade - Session 1901 - Mid Kent Water (Provisional Order)


Notice is hereby given that the Mid Kent Water Company (hereinafter called "The Company") intend to apply to the Board of Trade, on or before the 23rd day of December next, pursuant to the Gas and Waterworks Facilities Act 1870, for a provisional order (hereinafter called "The Order") to be confirmed by Parliament in the ensuing session, for the following purposes, that is to say -


To extend the existing limits of supply of the Company as defined by the Mid Kent Water Act 1898, and the Mid Kent Water Act 1900, so as to include therein the parishes and places of Ash, Longfield, Hartley, Ridley, Kingsdown and Fawkham, all in the county of Kent, or some part or parts of the said parishes and places respectively, and to extend and apply all or some of the provisions of the Mid Kent Water Act 1900 t, and to enable the Company to exercise such powers and all or some of their powers and authoristies in reference to, or in connection with, the supply of water or otherwise within the said extended limits of supply,, and to lay down, construct and maintain all such mains, pipes, culverts, tanks, service reservoirs, apparatus, machinery, appliances and conveniences as may be necessary or convenient for the purposes of the Order.


To empower the Company to cross, break up, open, alter, divert or stop up and interfere with, either temporarily or permanently, any road, highways, footpaths, streets, public places, bridges, canals, navigations, towing paths, railways, tramways, sewers, drains, pipes, rivers, streams, brooks, and watercourses fo rthe purposes of the Order within such extended limits.


To levy and recover rates, rents and charges in respect of the supply of water within such extended limits, and to vary or extinguish existing rates, rents, and charges, and to confer, vary or extinguish exemptions from the payment of rates, rents and charges.


The Order will incorporate, with or without modification, all or some of the provisions of the Waterworks Clauses Acts 1847 and 1863, and confer on the Company all necessary powers for the purposes aforesaid, and vary or extinguish all rights and privileges which would impede or interfere with such purposes, and confer other rights and privileges.


To alter, amend and repeal, so far as may be necessary, all or som eof the provisions of the Mid Kent Water Act 1898, the Mid Kent Water Act 1900, and any other Act or Order which would interfere with the objects of the order.


And notice is hereby further given that a copy of this advertisement as published in the London Gazette wil, on or before the 30th day of November instant, be deposited for public inspection with the Clerk of the Peace for the county of Kent, at his office at Maidstone, in that county, and also at the office of the board of Trade, Whitehall, London.


Printed copies of the draft provisional order will be deposited at the office of the Board of Trade on or before the 23rd day of December next, and printed copies of the draft Provisional Order when deposited and of the provisional order when made, may be obtained at the offices of Messrs Roberts and Co, 6 Queen Anne's Gate, Westminster SW, at the price of one shilling each.


Every company, corporation or person desirous of making any representation to the Board of Trade, or of bringing before them any objection respecting the application, may do so by letter addressed to the Assistant Secretary of the Railway Department of the Board of Trade, on or before the 15th day of January next ensuing, and copies of such representation or objection must at the same time be sent to the undersigned Parliamentary Agents, and in forwarding to the Board of Trade such objections, the objectors or their agents must state that a copy of the same has been sent to the promoter's agents.


Dated this 20th day of November 1900.


Roberts & Co, 6 Queen Anne's Gate, Westminster SW, Parliamentary Agents


[ A very important milestone in the history of Hartley.  Mid Kent Water announce their intention to get an act of Parliament to extend their area of supply to Hartley, Longfield etc.  Without mains water, Hartley would not have been an attractive site for the developers Payne & Trapps and Small Owners Limited.]



30 Mar 1901 A Runaway Gravesend Reporter
"About half past ten on Monday morning a horse attached to a van, belonging to Mr Whiffin of Hartley, bolted whilst in Queen Street.  It collided with and overturned a barrow on which was a quantity of fish, scattering the latter about the roadway."


[At the time Mr Whiffin ran the village carrier service from Hartley to Gravesend]



25 May 1901 Hartley Manor Sale Times
"The Hartley Manor and Fairby Estate, Hartley, Kent: Adjoining Fawkham Station on the main line (SE & CR) about 23 miles from London and 5 from Gravesend and Dartford.  An important freehold residential, sporting and manorial estate, comprising the Manor House, Hartley with its grounds, stabling and appurtenances, exceptionally good farm buildings and cottages, a second residence and about 1,012a 1r 28p of boldly undulating and well timbered pasture, arable adn fruit land (all in a high state of cultivation), rising to upwards of 400ft above sea level, in the midst of a bracing? and very healthy district affording capital shooting and hunting.  The proximity of Fawkham station and the convenient service of trains to the City and West End render part of the estate immediately available for building purposes, while further portions with extensive frontages are likely soon to become extremely valuable for the same purpose.  For sale with possession of the principal portion - Messrs Debenham, Tewson, Farmer and Drinkwater will sell, at the Mart, on Thursday, June 27 at 2 (unless previously disposed of by private contract), the above name freehold estate, in the parishes of Hartley, Longfield, Fawkham and Ash, comprising 2 comfortable residences, the principal one known as:


Hartley Manor, commodious and easy to maintain, is warmed by hot water throughout, wired for electric light, has a high pressure water supply, and is fitted with fire hydrants.  It is approached by a long carriage drive, has an almost due sout aspect, with a pretty home view, and contains 10 bedrooms, box room, bathroom, housemaid's closet, airing room and linen cupboards, principal and secondary staircases, entrance hall and drawing room opening to a conservatory and verandah (the latter 47ft long), dining room, squire's room, offices with fire proof strong room, and exceptionally good cellarage; tastefully laid out pleasure grounds, tennis lawn, kitchen and fruit garden, stabling for 4 horses, new brick and tiled dairy, and captal range of farm buildings.


The second residence, known as Hartley Court, is near to the church and contains 7 bed and dressing rooms, bathroom (hot and cold), 3 reception rooms, and offices; pleasure and kitchen gardens, modern stabling for 3 horses, coach house and an ample homestead.


Fairby has a large and very comfortable farmhouse with an extensive range of new and substantial buildings, with accommodation for 68 beasts, besides carthouses, cart-horse stabling for 17, 6 bay cart shed etc, and a lambing yard nearby; there iare also two cottages used as a farmhouse at Hartley Bottom, Stocks Farm adn Middle Farm homesteads, and 33 other conveniently placed cottages.


The estate has a boldly undulating and very attractive conformation, lies almost entirely within a ring fence, with long frontages to good hard roads, and from various points charming home and distant views are obtained; it is divided into numerous enclosures of pasture and arable land, with some valuable fruit plantations, interspersed with thriving, well place woods admirably adapted for rearing a large head of game.  The property has been highly farmed for many years past, and is now in excellent heart and cultivation.  Large sums have been expended in improvements to buildings, fruit planting etc, the main water supplied has recently been reorganised, and large reservoirs constructed to ensure ample storage, in addition to numerious ponds and wells.  There are valuable beds of brick earth, chalk, flints etc, underlying the property, which have been, and should still be, a considerable source of revenue, a valuable adjunct in thie respect, being the private siding at Longfield Hill, on the SE & CR, which affords great facilities for quick and economical transit to and from the metropolis.  The Manor or reputed Manor of Hartley with its rights and privileges is included in the sale.  The West Kent Foxhounds and Mid Kent Staghounds hunt the district."



08 Jun 1901 The Newington Scandal - Mr Dunham at the Police Court  South London Press
More alleged Defalcations - The Mayor's Evidence


Lambeth police court was crowded on Thursday afternoon on the occation of the hearing fo the summons against Mr L J Dunham (clerk to the late Newington Vestry) for falsification of accounts.  Mr Hopkins was the magistrate, and amongst those present in court were the Mayor of Southwark, Alderman Haynes and Cole, Councillors Hamel (who was accommodated with a seat in the inspector's box), W Edwards adn TG Young, ex vestrymean Kirke, Colbrook and Pearson, Messrs J A Johnson (town clerk), Percy Sharp (Mr Dunham's solicitor), B Cohen, W Martin and other well known local gentlemen.


Mr H C Biron, barrister (son of the late magistrate) prosecuted on behalf of the Southwark Borough Council, and mr Travers Humphreys (who was instructed with Mr Charles Matthews) appeared for Mr Dunham, who was accommodated with a seat by the side of his solicitor.


The summons was taken out at the instance of Mr J A Dawes and Mr George Browing (accountant), and the defendant was required to answer the complaint that on June 25, 1886 and on divers dates between that date and March 22, 1897, being then employed by the vestry of St Mary Newington, as vestry clerk, he did wilfully and with intent to defraud alter, mutiliate and falsify certain books of account which then belonged to the said vestry - to wit, the branch drains cash books; and did wilfully and with intent to defraud, omit certain material particulars from such books.


Mr Biron, addressing the magistrate, said: I appear in support of this summons to lay the facts before your worship upon wich Mr Dunham is charged, under the Falsification of Accounts Act, with altering, mutilating and falsifying certain books which were kept by him on behalf of his employers, the Newington Vestry.  Mr Dunham had been vestry clerk of the parish on Newington since February 9, 1870, and his duties were defined in the terms of his appointment.  Among other duties, he had to keep the cash accounts for the vestry; prepare quarterly, or oftener if required, proper balance sheets and abstracts of the same for the vestry and the committees, and paricularly to prepare balance sheets and abstracts for the auditors with the vouchers, as provided by the Metropolis Local Management Act.  Among the books which Mr Dunham kept were the branch drains cash book, and it will be proved that these books were locked up in the safe in his private office, and that all the entries are in his handwriting.  Since June 18, 1890, the defendant has enjoyed a large salary of something like £800 a year.  Every confidence was reposed in him by the Newington Vestry, and, in consequence, perhaps, greater laxity was allowed than would otherwise have been the case.  the charge against mr Dunham is, shortly, this - that from the year 1886 until the end of 1897 he systematically altered the books which it was his duty to keep, with the result that he defrauded the vestry of a very considerable sum of money.  Unfortunately, no professional auditors were employed by the vestry, which in itself was somewhat unsatisfactory, and was the subject of comment at the meeting sof the vetry in the years 1896 and 1897.  That is possibly the reason why the mutilation of the books ceased in 1897, the latest instance being December 25 of that year.  In 1899 Mr Patterson was appointed by the vestry as accountant clerk, and the management of the books was taken over by him in October 1899, since which date Mr Dunahm has had no opportunity of making any such alteration sas I think there can be little doubt he had been in the habit of making during the period in question.  By the creation of the new borough of Southwark Mr Dunahm's duties came to an end, and he made representation to the vestry in the month of October 1900, stating that in connection with certain vestry matters he had undertaken duties and labours which were extemely onerous, and suggesting that in consequence a sum of money should be vote to him as a reward for those services.  Of course, at that time there was no idea in anyone's mind that there was anything wrong in the relations between Mr Dunham and the vestry, or that he had in any way abused his position of trust.  In fact there was a suggestion in the air, which had considerable support in the vestry, that he should be the new town clerk.  On November 5 last year the matter was considered, and the vestry voted Mr Dunham a gratuity of £1,000 in respect of his past services.  It is a fact that at that time, though it was not known, Mr Dunham had got into considerable arrears; that is to say, he admittedly owed the vestry considerable sums in respect of the moneys which had passed through his hands.  That sum was voted on November 5, and on November 14 he went to the Mayor (Mr Dawes) and told him that there was a large deficit, for which he was responsible, in connection with the accounts.  His object in doing so was obvious, because that deficit, of course, would have been discovered in any event, and would have led to further investigations of the books, with the result that the extraordinary state of things wihch was subsequently discovered would have been brought to light.  Mr Dawes had no idea at that time that there had been anything more than gross carelessness and professional misconduct on the part of Mr Dunham.  Certainly he did not think he had been guilty of any criminal conduct.  Mr Dawes however, took the view - I think it will be agreed that it was the right view - that under the circumstances it was impossible that Mr Dunham shoudl be appointed town clerk, and in consequence he was not so appointed.  With this new light thrown upon his conduct, it became doubtful whether Mr Dunahm had desrved the £1,000 which had been voted, and on January 30, 1901, a special committee was appointed to inquire into the accounts and go through the books.  On March 27 an erasure was discovered in one of the books known as the branch drains cash book, a particular figure having been obviously scratched out with a penknife.  The balance showed the account which it was Mr Dunham's duty to pay over to the vestry, and by scratching out the first figure the defendant had put £100 in his own pocket.  When that was discovered, Mr Dawes saw Mr Dunham, but could get no explanation as to how the erasure came to be made.  The books were then placed in the hands of a chartered accountant and thoroughly gone into, with the result that a most remarkable state of affairs was discovered.  I will deal first with what is known as the branch drains book.  That is a book kept by the vestry with respect to certain moneys expended on drainage works.  The vestry themselves do the work, but the owner of the house is charged with it, being required to pay to the vestry beforehand the estimated cost, which is entered in the book.  When the work is done, the actual cost is arrived at, and the difference is paid back to the owner.  Every year the balance is struck, and the amount shown which Mr Dunham has in hand to pay over to the vestry.  We shall show that from 1886 to 1896 there is a deficiency of £1,849 which is concealed by this system of erasure.  It is probable that at the time the books were audited by the amateur auditors the figure was there in each case, but was afterwards erased by the defendant, who trusted to the confidence reposed in him that the books would not be very carefully inspected.  In 1892 the balance in defendant's hands amounted to £556.  It would appear from the book that that sum was carried forward, but there is a long erasure, and in realityno sum is carried forward at all, so that Mr Dunham was able to put that £556 into his own pocket.  On September 29, 1895, he inverted the practice of erasure, for it appears taht on that day he paid the sum of £25 on behalf of the vestry, and by inserting the figure "1" before it got credit for £100 more than he had disbursed.  We have selected some 8 cases in respect of the drains book which we shall prove before you.  Directly this state of things was ascertained by the new body, a letter was written to Mr Dunham, asking for an explanation, and after some delay a long communication was received from Mr Dunham's solicitors, in which they admitted that there were deficiencies amounting to £1,849.  About that there was no dispute at all.


Mr Hopkins: Was the defendant represented at the audit?


Mr Biron: I understand he was represented by his own accountant.  At any rate, an accountant went through the books on his behalf, and these deficiencies, which are admitted, are all concealed from teh face of the books by mean of those mutilations, of which Mr Dunham's solicitors gave no explanation whatever.  Indeed, te sisue is entirely evaded in their letter, the only explanation being that Mr Dunham had rendered in the past great service to the vestry, that he had been very much oeverworked, and that inconequence he had not had time to give that attention to the books which ought to have been given to them.  Of coure, that is not the point, because these erasures cannot possibly be accounted for by mere lack of time.  They were deliberately made, and made in such a way as to conceal the fact that htis large sum of money had found its way into Mr Dunham's pocket.  The council therefore had no option but to swear an informatio here and issue this summons.  Since the information was sworn, the accountants have carefully examined a book known as the wages cash book.  Cheques were drawn on account of wages and handed to Mr Dunham, an don one side of the book the cheques so drawn appear and on the other the moneys paid for wages An investigation of this book shows that from September 29, 1892 to December 25, 1897, by a similar system of falsification, Mr Dunham has failed to account for no less than another £2,140.  These are, as far as we have been able to go at present, the facts of the case we propose to lay before you.  These mutilations are on a very large scale indeed.  What we have done is to select items from tiem to ttime sufficient to show the scheme adotped by Mr Dunham to defraud the vestry, and also the estremely systematic way in which that fraud was carried out.  With egard to the wages cash book, we have selected an instance on September 24, 1896, when there was a balance in hand, which ought to have been paid over to the vestry of £209.  The first two figures were scratched out, with the result that Mr Dunham only paid over the sum of £9.  On December 25, 1897 two sums appear, but by the erasure of the first figure in front of a sum expended by him, he obtained credit for £100 more than he had expended.  I shall call the Mayor, the accountant and one or two other witnesses, and shall then ask you to say that Mr Dunahm should be committed for trial on these various charges.


The Mayor in the Box


Mr J A Dawes gave evidence in support of counsel's opening statement.  He said the books were never audited by a professional accountant, but by five gentlemen elected by the ratepayers from outside the vestry.  In 1896 a motion by Mr Hester to appoint a chartered accountant was discussed.  At that meeting a letter was read from Mr Dunham, in which he said that the motion, when read in conjunction with Mr Hester's electioneering address to the ratepayers in May of that year, and the statements published in papers enclosed therewith, contained by innuendo the grave charge against the Finance Committee, the auditors and himself (the defendant) of having falsified the accounts and balance sheets for party purposes, and of having included in the accounts charges not authorised by law.  Mr Hester's motion was negatived by the vestry.  Another motion, for which he (witness) voted, was brought forward in December 1896, in favour of the accounts being audited by auditors appointed by the Local Government Board, but that motion was also lost.  Witness explained to the court how the £1,000 came to be voted to Mr Dunham, and said the vestry had no knowledge of the deficiencies at the time.  He then went on to relate the circumstances which led to the appointment of the special committee and the discovery of the alleged falsifications, previous to which the idea of dishonesty had not entered his mind.


Mr Biron: Has Mr Dunham given any explanation of the erasures?


The Mayor: No.  In the absence of any explanation we initiated these proceedings.


Reserving the defence


Mr Travers Humphreys: I do not propose, your worship, to ask the witness any questions at this stage, but will reserve them for the trial.


The magistrate intimated that the case would have to be adjourned, as he could not spare any more time that day.


Mr Biron: the evidence of my next witness, the accountant, will be rather long, and I do not think we could conclude it today.


The magistrate: What do you say as to bail?


Mr Travers Humphreys: There is not the smallest fear that Mr Dunham will go away.  He appears today in answer to a summons.  I would suggest his own recognizances.


Mr Biron offered no objection


The Magistrate: Very well, I will accept his own recognizances in £500; but it must not be assumed that after the books have been put in I shall take the same view.


The case was adjourned till Thursday next.


[ Mr Dunham was principally involved in setting up the Newington Vestry rubbish dump at Longfield.]



11 Jul 1901 A London Vestry Clerk's Frauds Daily News
"Trial and Sentence.  Up to a few months since Levi Joseph Dunham, 58, as clerk to the Vestry of St Mary, Newington, was the recognised 'king' or the prominent parochial personages in that district, and many public buildings within the locality bear foundation stones upon which his name has been conspicuously set forth.  Respected, honoured and trusted, this vestry official was named as a candidate for the Town Clerkship of the Borough when the newly created council took over command in November of last year.  Investigation of his accounts conclusively proved, however, that for a period of nearly 28 years the undoubtedly clever and courteous Vestry Clerk had belied the excellent reputation everyone ungrugingly bestowed on him.


Yesterday, before Mr William Robert McConnell, KC, chairman of the Newington Sessions, Dunham surrendered to his bail, and confessed to having on various dates from June 1886, down to December 1897, falsified his accounts do that he embezzled some £1,800 of the monies received by him on behalf of the late Vestry.  The indictment contained 28 specific charges, and abou 14 feet of parchment was required to fully detail his offences.


The court was crowded with persons who had always looked upon the prisoner as an energetic and faithful public servant.


Mr Horace Avory KC and Mr H C Biron prosecuted for the Borough of Southwark; Mr Rufus Isaacs KC and Mr Charles Matthews represented Dunham."



13 Jul 1901 Eighteen Months' Imprisonment South London Press
The last stage in this painful story, which opened at the Lambeth Police Court but a few weeks ago, was witnessed at the South London Sessions on Wednesday afternoon.  On the court resuming after the luncheon hour came the summons from the assistant clerk, "Call upon Levi Joseph Dunham to surrender."  A policeman immediately left the court, and returned followed by Mr Dunham, who carried his silk hat and bag in his hand, and mounted the steps with a defiant air.


The Assistant clerk (to the prisoner), Levi Joseph Dunham, under 26 counts of this indictment you are charged with unlawfully and with intent to defraud falsifying certain books, the property of your masters, the late vestry of St Mary, Newington.  How say you - are you guilty or not guilty?


The prisoner: I plead guilty.


Mr Avory, KC, then described the charges against the accused, which have already been fully reported in the South London Press.  He was there, he said, with his learned friend Mr Biron to prosecute, Mr Rufus Isaacs and Mr Charles Matthews being for the defence.  It was a case in which he had to perform a very painful duty, because as vestry clerk Mr Dunham had been known to him professionally for many years.  Mr Dunham was appointed clerk to the Newington Vestry in 1870, and continued in that office till last year.  Since 1890 his salary had been £800 a year.  He was solely responsidble for the keeping of the accounts and principal books.  Shortly after the borough council came into existence it was found that the books of the vestry showed a balance owing by the defendant of £1,800, and that amount was paid by Mr Dunham in different sums between November and December 1900.  It was then supposed that all matters of account had been properly settled.  But in consequence of some suspicion a special committee was appointed in January of this year to investigate the books, the result being the discovery of certain erasures.  This led to a further investigation by a firm of accountants, and the total deficiencies were found to be £4,572.


Mr Rufus Isaacs then rose to address the court for the defence, but technically there could be no defence, the prisoner having pleaded guilty.  The only point put forward was a plea in mitigation of punishment, counsel stating that the accused had not utilised one penny of the money for his own personal benefit, but had expended it all in helping forward the great schemes which he had promoted in the vestry for purposes he could not properly put into the vestry's books in the sense of extending hospitality to a number of persons simply for the purposes of the vestry, and in no way to benefit himself.  In connection with the dust depots he expended considerably more than the 2d per ton commission allowed to him by the vestry.


Mr McConnell KC (the chairman): I do not quite follow you.  In what way was the commission distributed?


Mr Isaacs replied taht it was distributed to farmers and various persons in order to induce them to purchase the 'mixture'.  This great scheme for the disposal of the refuse of the parish was entirely due to the defendant, and it had resulted in the saving of thousands of pounds to the parish.


Mr McConnell said the system of commission was a roundabout way of doing business.


Mr Isaacs: In the furtherance of this scheme the defendant had a great deal to do with the farmers, seeing them and waiting upon them, and he had to spend a great deal of money with them in luncheons, dinners and so forth, giving to these people that which he could not properly, and did not, charge against the vestry.


Mr McConnell: Did the Vestry know this?


Mr Isaacs: That he was spending money, certainly; but that he was spending more money than the amount they were giving him I do not say.  Continuing, counsel referred to the electric lighting scheme as having been very expensive to Mr Dunham.  It was not suggested by anyone that he had spent the money in extravagant living, in gambling or in anything of that sort; and an analysis of his pass book showed that he had not spent more money than he was receiving as salary.  What Mr Dunham had done was this - he had looked upon himself as responsible for those schemes, and had spent money of the vestry which ought not to have gone in the way it did for the purpose of making the schemes a success, and enabling the vestry to get a profit.  He hoped that in dealing with this case his lordship would take this into consideration.


Mr McConnell (to Mr Avery): The late Vestry or its successors have received the sum of £1,800 from the prisoner?


Mr Avory: Yes my lord.  The £4,572 is in addition to the £1,800 already repaid.


The learned judge, after a private consultation with his colleagues, which occupied a quarter of an hour, passed sentence on prisoner in the presence of a large number of late vestrymen, present aldermen and councillors, and ratepayers of the borough.  He said this was one of the gravest cases which could come before a court of quarter sessions.  The prisoner had enjoyed a liberal salary and the confidence of the vestry, yet he had in his position of trust deliberately, for a period extending over many years carried on an ingenious scheme of fraudulent bookkeeping and embezzlement.  Doubless he would feel the punishment more than many others; but the court could not pass a more lenient sentence of than 18 months' impisonment, with hard labour.


Mr Dunham then left the dock in custody of the prison warder.


[Levi Dunham was the Vestry Clerk (Chief Executive) of Newington vestry for 30 years.  The council did not conduct proper audit of the books he kept but the fraud was discovered when Newington Vestry was abolished and Southwark Borough Council was created.  His defence was that he didn't benefit personally but used the money embezzled to promote sales of the fertiliser Newington Mixture from the Longfield Rubbish Dump.  The Daily News report of the trial (11.7.1901) said the indictment amounted to 14 feet of parchment because there were so many charges. The South London Chronicle of 18.10.1903 reported that he had been released 3 months' early from his sentence.]



05 Aug 1901 Meat, Fish and Newspapers Destroyed Freeman's Journal
"A London Evening News telegram from Margate says - The newspaper train which left London on Saturday morning caught fire at Fawkham.  Meat, fish and newspapers were all lost and the mail bag was damaged.  Tradesmen at Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs are seriously inconvenienced, as tons of provisions were destroyed.  Visitors are despondent because there are no papers.  The cause of the fire is unknown.  Many passengers were on the train."


[Another short article in the London Evening Standard says the van was shunted into a siding and the rest of the train proceeded on its way.  The van and all its contents, save a mail bag was destroyed.]



31 Aug 1901 Obituary of Jane Packman Gravesend Reporter
"Born October 22nd, 1805; Died March 6th, 1901, aged 96 years - A long and interesting life.


Inhabitants of our villages around Gravesend and Dartford would hardly entertain the idea of taking their holidays in places like Ash, Hartley, Ridley or Stansted, but prefer seaside resorts, which, through being badly chosen, often prove unsuitable, and where they derive not a tithe of the beneficial results to their constitutions compared with a quiet resting in the places mentioned above  This particularly healthful district is situated 550 feet above the Thames, which can be plainly discerned, and is rich in wooden hill and dale.  Among these pleasant surroundings, in 1805, was born Mrs Robert Packman.  When only 8 years of age she lost her mother, and until she was married in her 20th year, at Chalk Parish Church, kept house for her father, who was a basket maker.  It is said she made as good a housekeeper at 10 as many at 20 years of age.  In this parish the lately deceased used to tell that it was then the custom for anyone living outside the district to sleep one night and leave a pocket handkerchief in the house to entite the person to be married in the church, as there were no banns published.  Her husband farmed a small holding in Hartley, from which they journeyed to Gravesend to dispose of the produce.  They were blessed with 13 children, seven of whom survive her - 4 sons and 3 daughters - Mrs William Russell of Ash being the youngest.  Below we give a list of the descendants:


In America - Her own children - 3, grandchildren - 16, great-grandchildren - 44, great-great-grandchildren - 12; total 75.


In England - Her own children - 4, grandchildren - 16, great-grandchildren - 19, great-great-grandchildren - 9; total 44.


Mr Henry Packman (son) took his family of 9 to America, and they are all living and well in and around Webster City, Ohio.  One of his sons, referring in a recent letter to his lately deceased grandmother, writes - "Now I want you to get some pictures of monuments and the prices and see how much money we can raise to put them up a nice monument."  Her eyesight was wonderfully keen up to the last, and she retained extraordinary powers of vitality.  It was the writer's pleasure to be invited to afternoon tea with her when she had scored her 93rd year, and despite the proffered assistance of ladies, she insister on getting ready and making the tea and clearing the table afterwards.  She was greatly attahced to her home, as is substantiated by the fact that she occupied one house for 50 years, and not for a single night slept elsewhere during that period.  She was a devout worshipper, and only during the last few years absented herself from divine service.


She was a widow for 36 years, and her bachelor son William lived with her.  She was buried with much respect in Hartley Churchyard, by the side of her husband and three daughters."


[ An obituary of Jane Packman, who lived for many years at Hartley Hill Cottage, and died at the age of 96.]



07 Dec 1901 Goods Train in Coillision - Narrow Escapes Gloucester Citizen
Late on Thursday night an up Dover goods train parted in the centre after passing Meopham, on the South Eastern and Chatham Railway.  At Fawkham the train was stopped by signal, and the second portion running down a gradient dashed into the first part, throwing several trucks off the line.  At this moment the Queensborough Pier goods train approached on the down line and collided with the wreckage.  Happily no life was lost, but the driver and fireman of the Queenborough train had a narrow escape, the engine rolling down the embankment.


19 Dec 1901 Alleged looting from a wrecked train Yorkshire Evening Post
In connection with the recent collision on the Chatham and South Eastern Railway at Fawkham Junction four of the company's employees were today arrested at New Brompton.  The men are charged with stealing from the debris of the two wrecked goods trains valued at £200.  The men belonged to the breakdown gang sent to clear the line.


09 Jan 1902 Railway Smash Sunderland Echo
"A goods train from Fawkham divided near Farningham Road Station, on the Chatham and South Eastern line, last night, and the rear portion afterwards dashed into the front part, throwing several wagons off the road and blocking both lines.  No personal injury was sustained.  The midnight passenger train for Chatham had to return to London and go via the South-Eastern route.  One line is now clear."


13 Feb 1902 Problems at Longfield Station Hansard
"Mr Bell - I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his  attention has been called to a number of cases which have recently  occurred in which goods trains have become divided when running between Fawkham  and Farningham on the South Eastern and Chatham Railway resulting in  damage; whether he has yet consulted the inspecting officers of the  Board of Trade with reference to the general question of breakaways; and  whether he proposes to publish Reports from the inspecting officers  with regard to the matter.


Mr Gerald Balfour - Since the beginning of 1901 only two such accidents as are  referred to by the hon. Member have occurred, so far as the Board of  Trade are aware, viz., on the 5th December and the 9th of last month.  The general question of breakaways is now under the consideration of the  Board's Inspecting Officers of Railways, and when I obtain their Report  I will consider the question of publication."



31 May 1902 Gravesend Hospital, Gifts Gravesend Standard
Hospital acknowledges gift of vegetables from Mrs T J G Duncanson of Hartley Court


05 Jun 1902 New Rector of Hartley The Guardian
Rev Charles Gerald Winstanley Bancks, currently curate in charge of Green Street Green, near Dartford to be rector of Hartley.  Patron - Bishop of Rochester (by lapse)


08 Jul 1902 "Coronation" Festivities at Longfield Dartford Chronicle
Sometime ago it was proposed by Mr Robson, at a parish council meeting, taht a committee should be formed to carry out the above, and a meeting of the parishioners was called together for that purpose, and resulted in the most successful fete ever held in Longfield.


A procession was formed at the Post Office at 12.30pm adn , headed by the Arethusa Band paraded teh village, afterwards marching to the Parish Church, where a short service was conducted by the Rector (Rev E Smith).  The procession was then reformed and , still preceded by the inspiring strains of the band, marched to the Briars, whre they were received on the lawn by Mr Percy Waterer, who had placed his beautiful grounds at the disposal of the committee.


Mr Waterer welcomed the people in the following terms: Friends and neighbours, at the time the announcement was made that a fete would be held here today (Saturday June 28th, 1902) to celebrate the coronation of our king, itw as expected that the ceremony would have alrady takn place, but he suddden and very serious illness of the king, that has been such a shock to the whole world, made it impossible for it to be held, and almost on the eve of the celebration teh Earl Marshal announced the king's commands postponing teh coronation, and consequently all festivities in London; but at the same time he also announced that it was the king's fervent wish that the celebrations in the country should be held as already arranged.  It is characteristic of British royalty to think of the welfare and happiness of their subjects, rather than study their own convenience.  But when we consider the alarming condition of the king, and teh matters of vast importance that had to received immediate attention, his fireact - to prevent the disappointment of the villagers - was a graciou act indeed.  I shall only echo the prayer of every loyal subject in saying that it is our most hearty wish that the king may speedily recover, and live long to carry on the ???? of this mighty empire in the same able manner taht they were conducted for over 60 years by his illustrious mother (loud cheers).  Knowing that the parishioners would be anxious in regard to the condition of the king, I wired to Sir Francis Knollys, stating that we were holding a large fete in honour of the king, and should be very pleased to announce any favourable news.  I will now read you his reply just to hand "General condition satisfactory.  Good night.  Out of immediate danger".  (cheers)


The wire was posted on a board in the grounds, and was read by hundreds of people from all parts.  Every child was provided with a box of chocolate, embossed with a portrait of his majesty, which had been kindly sent by a friend of Mr Waterer; and an adjournment was then made to teh field, wher a capital programme of sports was carried out amid great celebration.


An excellent tea was provided by the committee for all comers, and was splendidly served by the ????? band of helpers.  Swings, cocoa-nut bowls etc were immensly popular until 8 o'clock, when the.......”(the rest of the photocopy is too difficult to read)



12 Jul 1902 Gravesend Hospital AGM Gravesend Standard
Extract of annual report: "The number of patients treated during the year is as follows: Patients in the hospital on 1st April 1901, 37, admitted during the year 449; of these 298 have been cured, 76 have been relieved, 11 remained in statu quo, 47 have died, 54 remained under treatment at the end of the year.  These patients came from the following places: Ash 1, Bean 1, Bexley 1, Chalk 4, Cliffe 1, Cobham 5, Cooling 1, Darenth 1, Denton 16, Galley Hill 5, Gravesend and Milton 223, Grays 10, Greenhithe 17, Hartley 1, Highham 1, London 4, Longfield 1, Luddesdown 1, Maidstone 1, Meopham 3, Mucking 1, Northfleet 68, Nursted 2, Ockendon 3, Perry Street 23, Rochester 3, Rosherville 13, Shorne 3, Singlewell 4, Southend 1, Southfleet 9, Stanford-le-hope 4, Stansted 1, Swanscombe 12, Tilbury 17, Thames Shipping 24, Total 486.  Of the above patients 219 were men, 151 were women and 116 were children.


There have been treated 5,775 out patients, of these 2,723 were general outpatients, 1,941 casualties, and 1,111 dental cases.  These out patients came from the places mentioned below: Ash 13, Betsham 14, Chalk 39, Chatham 10, Chadwell St Mary 8, Cliffe 10, Cobham 7, Crayford 1, Darenth 3, Dartford 2, Denton 104, Eynsford 1, Fawkham 5, Fobbing 2, Galley Hill 42, Gravesend and Milton 3,235, Grays 152, Greenhithe 34, Green Street Green 4, Hartley 7, Higham 4, Horton Kirby 2, Ifield 7, London 32, Longfield 24, Low Street 3, Luddesdown 1, Meopham 16, Mucking 3, Northfleet 828, Nursted 2, Perry Street 260, Port Victoria 3, Purfleet 4, Rosherville 245, Sharnal Street 4, Shorne 29, Singlewell 2, Southfleet 50, South Ockendon 17, Stansted 1, Stanford-le-hope 19, Stone 42, Swanscombe 169, Thames Shipping 66, Thong 3, Tilbury 246, Total 5,775."  Report continues with details of fundraising and staff changes.



17 Jul 1902 Kent County Council Scholarships Maidstone Journal
As a result of recent exam, William Bell of Fawkham National School wins scholarship to Gravesend Day Science School.  No scholarships for Hartley, Longfield or Ash Schools.


23 Aug 1902 Everything Legally Protected Gravesend Standard
"In the Rochester county Court, on Wednesday, Mr Thomas P Shields, described as an independent gentleman, of Longfield, was sued by Mr Alfred George Commin, outfitter, Rochester for £18 10s 6d for goods supplied.  It was stated that defendant had a large income, but a letter was read from him stating that 'everything was legally protected'.  Judgement was given for the amount claimed by £5 a month."


23 Aug 1902 "Defoe's Cottage" Walsall Advertiser
A small room over the washhouse of a cottage at Hartley is just one of the places said to be where Robinson Crusoe was written, but they think a former house in Church Street, Stoke Newington, most likely.


27 Sep 1902 Sale of Stock at Fairby Gravesend Reporter
"Messrs Cobb will sell by Auction, at Fairby Farm on Thursday and Friday, October 2nd and 3rd 1902 at 11 o'clock precisely each day (by order of Sir W Chance, who has let Fairby Farm and laid the remainder of the property down to pasture), the live and dead farming stock on Hartley Court, The Manor and Fairby Farms.


Comprising: 20 active draught horses, two ponies, 6 milch cows, 42 yearling heiffers and steers, 333 Kent and half-bred sheetp and lambs, 10 sows and 50 pigs, about 140 head of poultry.


The implements, which are in excellent condition, include wagons, dung, light and pony carts, shepherd's huts, water barrels, self binders, reapers, mowers, ring and plain rolls, drills, iron and kent ploughs, horse rakes, horse hoes, iron and wooden harrows, brakes, nidgets, cleaning machines, seed barrows, chaff and turnips cutters, iron tanks, stack cloths, poles and ropes complete; iron and wooden sheep troughs, sheep gates, ladders, wire netting, tools etc etc; also the necessary harness and stable utensils for 20 horses.


Note - the first day's sale will include the sheep, pigs, poultry, harness and portion of the implements.  The second day's sale the remainder of the implements, the horses and bullocks.


Luncheon will be provided by ticket at 1 shilling per head.


Catalogues may be obtained at the place of sale; "Railway" inn, Fawkham; "Bull" Hotels, Rochester and Dartford, and of Messrs Cobb, Surveyors and Land Agents, 53 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC and at Higham, near Rochester." (also in Maidstone Journal 2.10.1902 which says 377 sheep)



04 Oct 1902 Auction Sale of Longfield Properties Gravesend Standard
"Messrs Prall and Prall, auctioneers, Dartford and Rochester, conducted a sale by auction at the Railway Tavern, Fawkham [Longfield] on Monday evening.  Nos 1 and 2 Hope Villas, Station Road, Longfield, freehold residences, each producing £18 per annum, landlord paying rates and taxes, were sold to Mr E T Whitebread for £375.  A piece of freehold building land, adjoining no 1 Hope Villas, and having a frontage of about 57 feet to Station Road, and a depth of 96 feet, or thereabouts was not sold, the reserve price being not quite reached."


18 Oct 1902 Levi Dunham Released South London Journal
"It will interest readers to know that Mr L J Dunham, late vestry clerk of Newington, has been released from prison 3 months sooner than the expiration of the 18 months' sentence passed upon him."


06 Feb 1903 No Light Bexleyheath Observer
Alexander McLachlan fined 5s for having no lighted lamp at Hartley on January 17th.


13 Feb 1903 Best's Cottages Bexleyheath Observer
Dartford RDC order Sir William Chance to repair Best's Cottages which the Medical Officer says are unfit for human habitation.


27 Mar 1903 Subsidence at Longfield Hill Bexleyheath Observer
Dartford RDC: "A letter was read from Mr O B Doherty of Stratford, with reference to the subsidence of a road at Longfield Hill.  He attributed the giving way of the road to the result of the opening of the road for the laying of a water mains.  The Water Company, however, wrote, denying any liability and the Surveyor stated it was his opnion the subsidence was caused through the negligence of Mr Doherty in allowing the chalk in the land adjoining to be excavated for a considerable distance under the road.  The expense of repairing the road amounts to £20 and it was agreed to charge the liability upon Mr Doherty."



21 Aug 1903 No Light Bexleyheath Observer
Henry Glover of Ash fined 5s for having no light at Crowhurst Lane, Ash, charge of having no name on cart dismissed.


16 Jan 1904 Sale at Old Downs, Hartley Gravesend Standard
"The Old Downs, Hartley Kent.  Messrs Franklin, Homan Ltd have been instructed by E R Daun esq, who is leaving, to sell by auction on the premises, as above, on Wednesday 27th January 1904 at 1 o'clock precisely.


A stack of meadow hay, part stack of ditto, about 40 head of poultry (silver Dorkings), a dozen game bantams, a well bred sow in profit, pig troughs, hen coops and runs, hay forks and rakes, 2 light cucumber frame, a 100 gallon galvanised iron tank, gardne seats and chairs, 3 trestle tables, cricket net, flower pots, kale pots, pea guards, garden tools, a water ballast roller with shafts and handle, patent lawn mower for pony, a 14 inch ditto, 2 wheel barrows, garden engine, a large quantity of greenhouse plants, aviary, a 4 wheel station cart, set of brass mounted pony harness, child's side saddle, galvanised iron corn bin, a lady's Sparkbrook bicycle, a boy's Towend ditto, patent wringing machine, a Lancaster patent mangle, and other effects.


The goods may be viewed the day before and morning of sale, and catalogues had of Frankin Homan Limited, auctioneers and surveyors, 178 Eastgate, Rochester."



16 Jan 1904 A Michaelmas Hiring Gravesend Standard
"At Dartford Petty Sessions on Friday, Thomas Morton of Hartley Manor, Longfield, was sued by Walter Kitchener, a waggoner, for a week's wages in lieu of notice, and also for 12 shillings 'back money'.  Kitchener stated that he asked for a holiday on Christmas Day, and was told he could please himself.  He did not work Christmas Day, and when he appeared on Boxing morning the foreman said 'You have another day off, and also pack up everything you have in the stables and finish.'  In answer to Mr Clinch, who defended, Kitchener said that it was arranged at Michaelmas that he should have £1 per week and cottage free.  A shilling a week was deducted, to be paid him next Michaelmas if he conducted himself satisfactorily.  Mr Clinch stated that as the land was in a very backward state in consequence of the heavy rains it was vry desirable that the work should be done when the weather was favourable.  In further cross-examination, Kitchener admitted that he went into a Public House on Boxing morning.  Mr Clinch: How long did you stop?  Kitchener:  About the matter of an hour.  Mr Clinch: Did you have sufficient to make you incapable?  Kitchener: Well, I was sober enough.  I don't think I was the worse for drink.  Mr Clinch: You seem in doubt about it.  Kitchener said he only had a rum and beer because he had a cold.  Mr Clinch: And the rum and the beer, and, of course, your cold was too much for you on Boxing Day.  Kitchener: I got home alright.  Edward Colson [Coulson], the bailiff, having given evidence, and stated that the 12s had been allowed, the summons was dismissed."


26 Feb 1904 Want Position Dover Express
"Groom-coachman seeks situation; can ride and drive well, and well up in all stable duties; good character - H Cole, the Stables, Hartley Manor, Longfield, Kent."


05 Mar 1904 Shall We Unite? Gravesend Reporter
Gravesend Councillor A Tolhurst proposes that Gravesend Borough and Northfleet Urban District should merge into one council.  He said this would avoid duplication of staff, he reckons Gravesend's council staff could run the larger area on their own.  He thinks it will bring trade to the town "Though having an excellent railway connection with the various parishes near at hand, it is neglected to by them in the matter of trade simply because people get in the way of purchasing their goods from the place that is the administrative centre."  He also proposes the enlarged town become a "magisterial centre" taking over area encompassing Longfield, Ash, Southfleet, Meopham, Cobham, Higham, Shorne, Isle of Grain [currently served by Dartford and Strood Magistrates' Courts].  Paper supports idea on the grounds of economy.


10 Mar 1904 Rail Accident at Fawkham Welsh Gazette
"The boat express to Dover on Saturday ran into a pack of hounds at Fawkham.  The pack was in full cry, and 2 hounds were killed before the train could be pulled up."


19 Mar 1904 Theft at Longfield Gravesend Standard
"Dartford Magistrates.  Peter Maynard, a labourer, of Longfield, and Edward Martin, a shepherd, were charged with stealing 2 bushels of oats from John Foster, a contractor of Longfield - William Foster son of the prosecutor, stated that Martin had been employed by his father - Evidence was given that Martin was seen taking a sack of oats towards Longfield, and Constable Liseaman spoke to finding a sack of oats in Maynard's stable.  Maynard asserted that he had bought the oats from a man at Stone.  He was taken to Stone and confronted the man he stated was the vendor, but the man denied having sold Maynard any oats - The prisoners were remanded until Friday."


02 Jul 1904 Telegraph Line Laying Gravesend Standard
Public Notice: "Post Office Telegraphs: Purusant to the provisions of the Telgraph Acts 1863 to 1892, notice is hereby given that His Majesty's Postmaster General, having obtained the consent in that behalf of the bodies having control of the public roads between Darenth and Cuxton, via Green Street Green, Longfield, Nurstead Hill and Gold Street, intends to place a telegraph over and along the said public roads and for that purpose to erect and maintain posts in and upon the said public roads under the powers conferred on him by the Telegraph Acts above mentioned.  H Babington Smith Secretary.  General Post Office, 29th June 1904."


06 Aug 1904 Gravesend Hospital AGM Gravesend Standard
Extract of annual report: "The number of patients treated during the year is as follows: Patients in the hospital on 1st April 1903, 48, admitted during the year 543; of these 406 have been cured, 86 have been relieved, 5 remained in statu quo, 53 have died, 41 remained under treatment at the end of the year.  These patients came from the following places: Ash 3, Bean 2, Betsham 1, Bromley 1, Chalk 1, Cobham 1, Dartford 2, Denton 12, Erith 1, Eynsford 1, Fawkham 2, Farningham 1, Gravesend and Milton 289, Greenhithe 9, Ifield 2, Kingsdown 3, Longfield 3, Meopham 6, Northfleet 90, Perry Street 11, Plumstead 1, Rosherville 19, Shorne 1, Southfleet 2, Stone 2, Stoke 1, Stansted 1, Swanscombe and Galley Hill 31, Wrotham 1, Chadwell 2, Corringham 1, Grays 14, Linford 3, Mucking 1, Ockendon 4, Romford 1, Stanford le Hope 6, Tilbury 24, Thames Shipping 33, Total 591.  Of the above patients 261 were men, 178 were women and 152 were children.


There have been treated 6,617 out patients, of these 2,914 were general outpatients, 2,330 were casualties, and 1,373 were dental cases.  These out patients came from the places mentioned below: Ash 6, Bean 1, Betsham 20, Chalk 49, Cliffe 8, Cobham and Sole Street 8, Crayford 1, Darenth 2, Dartford 5, Denton 124, Fawkham 2, Grain 3, Gravesend and Milton 3,533, Greenhithe 70, Green Street Green 6, Hartley 2, Henhurst 1, Higham 5, Horton Kirby 3, Ifield 8, Kingsdown 4, Longfield 17, Luddesdown 1, Meopham 24, Northfleet 1,156, Nursted 2, Perry Street 277, Rosherville 102, Shorne 14, Singlewell 12, Southfleet 32, Stansted 2, Stone 31, Sutton at Hone 4, Swanscombe and Galley Hill 349, Sevenoaks 1, Tonbridge 1, Chadwell 5, Colchester 1, Corringham 3, Fobbing 4, Grays 162, Laindon 2, Leigh on Sea 1, Linford 8, Low Street 1, Kynoch Town 5, Mucking 5, Ockendon 19, Romford 1 Southend 1, Stifford 3, Stanford le Hope 25, Tilbury 293, London 10, Thames Shipping 179."  Report continues with details of fundraising and staff changes.



01 Oct 1904 Longfield Meeting: Nuisance Complained of Gravesend Reporter
"A meeting of the ratepayers and property owners of the parishes of Longfield, Fawkham, Hartley, Horton, Ridley and district, was held in Longfield schools on Thursday week to discuss the question of a nuisance arising from the importation of London house refuse, and to consider what steps were to be taken to prevent a continuance of the nuisance.  Mr H Booth Hohler JP was unanimously elected chairman, and among those present were Rev E Smith, Rev R W Gilham. Messrs Thos Morton, J J Hickmott, S W Newcomb, R French, H Dann, W Robson, W Allen, R Priestman, E Longhurst and W High - The Chairman protested against the nuisance caused by the dumping of London house refuse in the neighbourhood; it was unloaded at Fawkham Station, carted through the village and used for filling up the empty stoneholes in Horton Kirby.  Unless the stench from this traffic were abated serious depreciation in the value of property might result to say nothing of depopulation.  Addressing himself to the working men present and who were, for the most part, agains any action being taken in the matter, he pointed out that in consequence of the stench, in their houses and shops were millions of flies which carried disease and pestilence, and the effect would be taht they would be driven to such towns as Gravesend to obtain provisions.  He hoped, therefore, the working men would support the protest and thus strengthen the hands of the Rural Council who were taking steps in the matter. - Mr S W Newcomb, hon clerk, having produced letters for and against the protest, the Rev R W Gilham spoke against any action being taken.  He had lived in the Station Road 30 years and the smell from the refuse was not so bad as it used to be before the station was opened, when there were smells from the brickfields, fish manure and rotten onions. - The Chairman said he was the instigator of the station being built at Fawkham, and he denied that the stench was worse prior to that taking place - Mr Gilham said a great bother was being made about this stench whereby they were trying to take the bread out of the children's mouths; if this work were stopped they would see the children going hungry, and barefooted to school.  They taught the children to say 'Give us this day, our - ' The chairman (interrupting): we did not come here to hear you preach. - Mr Gilham: You are trying to stop work being brought into the neighbourhood - The Chairman: I have now on my estate 16 to 20 men from Gravesend, because I cannot obtain suitable men here - Mr T Morton seconded the chairman's proposition in favour of action being taken to secure an abatement of the nuisance. - Mr Robson said he undertood the existing contract would finish in about 3 months' time, and Mr Priestman hainv strong condemned the importation of this filth into the neighbourhood, the motion was put and carried in these terms 'That this meeting protests against the introduction of London house refuse into the district and asks the Railway Company to discontinue the traffic to Fawkham Station, and depositing it in the neighbourhood.  The meeting also requests the District Council to take steps against the traffic being continued.'  It was explained by the Chairman that the District Council had taken proceedings in the matter but, owing to the vacation at the Law Courts, the matter was delayed for the present. - Mr Hales: Have the ratepayers been consulted about hte costs of these proceedings? The Chairman: Are you a ratepayer? Mr Hales: Yes.  The Chairman: Why are you not in favour of the protest?: - Mr Hales: Because I have had a lot more trade at my shop since this work has been going on. - Mr Gilham: I do not consider this a legal meeting, as there have not been any bills printed. - Mr SW Newcomb stated that to his knowledge, every ratepayer and owner had received a notice - A vote of thanks was then passed to Mr H Booth Hohler, on the proposition of Messrs Thos Morton, seconded by Mr W Robson."


27 Oct 1904 Family Notice Freeman's Journal
Death, aged 93, of James Thomas Smith of Fairby House, Eltham Road, Lee SE [former owner of Fairby]


04 Nov 1904 Longfield Hockey Club Sevenoaks Chronicle
"This match was played on October 29th at Fawkham [almost certainly Longfield] between the Longfield Court Hockey Club and the Sevenoaks Hockey Club.  The match resulted in a win for Longfield Court by 6 goals to 1." [list of Sevenoaks players]


11 Dec 1904 Bequests to Servants Lloyds Weekly News
"Of his estate of £265,828, the late Mr James Thomas Smith, of Fairby House, Lee, Kent, left £4,600 to charities, and to servants he left these legacies: - Caroline Brown (cook) £600, James Fowler (coachman) £600, John Howe (head gardener) £700, Thomas Coulson (bailiff) £1,500, Miss Sewell (his wife's companion) £1,000.  Mr Smith bequeathed 3 years' wages to all servants of 3 years' standing, one year's to those of 12 months' standing, and £5 each to all who had been with him less than 12 months."


[Mr Smith obviously had substantial means, £266,000 in 1904 is worth over £20 million today.  Thomas Coulson had lived at Fairby when Mr Smith owned the farm.  He was exceptionally generous to his staff, the £1,500 bequest to Thomas would be worth over £100,000 today.]



27 Dec 1904 Change of Name Times
Dr Percival Horton-Smith has assumed the additional surname of Hartley in accordance with his father in law's will (Joseph Hartley of Old Downs).


06 Jan 1905 Family Notice Times
Birth of son to Mr & Mrs Morton of Hartley Manor


08 Apr 1905 The See of Rochester - A Plea for the Restoration of her Ancient Inheritance Canterbury Journal
Lengthy article about the history of the boundaries of Rochester Diocese from early times, to various Victorian reorganisations.


22 Jul 1905 John Hickmott of Longfield Court Times
John Joseph Hickmott of Longfield Court listed as owner of Queen Victoria pub, 1 King Edward Street, Mile End


02 Sep 1905 Fairby Farm Sale Gravesend Standard
"Fairby Farm House, Hartley, Kent: Messrs Champion, Ambrose and Foster have received instructions from Mr E J Davey, who is leaving, to sell by auction on the premises, on Wednesday September 14th at 1 o'clock precisely, a portion of his household furniture.  Catalogues by be obtained of the auctioneers, 3 Market Buildings, Maidstone and 5 Spital Street, Dartford."


07 Oct 1905 Assault Cases Gravesend Reporter
"Dartford Magistrates - Lieut Col CN Kidd in chair and Mr AM Fleet.  Alfred Edwin Gray of Elizabeth Street, Stone, late of Overy Street, Dartford, was summoned for assaulting his wife at Hartley, on Sept 20th.  Complainant said she lived at 24 Overy Street, Dartford and defendant was her husband.  He left her on Tuesday morning, Sept 19th, saying he would not return, and would send the money up.  Next day she took her boys up to a coffee house, where she saw defendant having a good dinner.  He treated the boys to biscuits and milk, and said he was going to take them to his brother's wife at Hartley Green.  She said that if he took the children to Hartley Green, she would go too.  He then caught hold of her fingers and twisted them, with the result that she had been attending the hospital with sprained fingers.  Defendant took the boys to Hartley Green, and told his sister in law he was going to take them to London the following Saturday - Eleanor Emma Burden of Hartley Green, for the defence, said complainant came to her house on the day that defendant brought the children and started abusing her.  Complainant struck defendant and witness also.  She had to go to the constable's house for protection, and during the time she was away complainant was fighting with defendant outside - Frederick John Buden, husband of the last witness, also gave evidence.  - Defendant said he and his wife had been married 10 years.  He had recently discovered that she had had a secret on her mind all that time, and to that fact he attributed the conduct of his wife towards him.  The Bench dismissed the case.


Eleanor Emma Burden summoned the complainant in the last case for assault.  She said she put her fingers to her nose, when defendant flew at her like a tiger and struck her in the face.  This case was also dismissed."


[The Burdens had only just moved to Hartley, as Mr Burden is not in the 1905 electoral register.  It appears Mrs [Rosa] Gray did keep the children in the end, as the two youngest were with her in the 1911 census, when Mr Gray was living on his own in a Church Army Hostel in West Kensington.]



14 Oct 1905 Obscene Language at Hartley Gravesend Reporter
"Alice Gray, of Overy Street, Dartford, was summoned for using obscene language.  It appeared that defendant had a quarrel with her relatives at Hartley.  She was allowed to go, having been cautioned."


20 Oct 1905 Accident to a Painter Sevenoaks Chronicle
"An accident occurred last Tuesday morning to a painter named Charles Goodsell, residing at Longfield, Fawkham, in the employ of Mr C Hodge, builder, of Malling.  About 11 o'clock, Goodsell was working for his employer at Mr Alexander Jones' hosue, in The Drive, Sevenoaks, was carrying a ladder on the top lawn in front of the house, when he tripped against the ornamental portion of one of the walls and was thrown violently onto the ground below.  Some workmen on an adjoining house rendered first aid, and found that the unfortunate fellow had fractured his shoulder.  Medical assistance was sent for, and after he had been attended to by Dr Taylor, he was conveyed to the Sevenoaks Cottage Hospital.  He is now progressing satisfactorily, and is almost well enough to leave the institution."


21 Oct 1905 Influence of Gravesend Gravesend Reporter
"How's Trade?


The phrase 'How's Trade?' is not unfamiliar, and generally the answer is not what could be wished.  This is so universally, Gravesend being no less busy than other towns.  All the same the question arises whether anything can be done to improve trade?  What about the small towns and villages on the outskirts of the borough?  Several of these already make Gravesend their shopping centre, but not so with all of them, and in regard to these the cooperation of the railway company should be sought.  Greenhithe, for instance, makes Dartford its business mart, but Gravesend might share in its trade if the Railway company would issue cheap market tickets between the two towns on the Saturday.  Teh same arrangement would be desirable with Higham, on the South Eastern, and stations as far as Farningham Road on the London, Chatham and Dover route.  These matters require attention and if persevered might result in great good to the town.  The Gravesend and Northfleet Tradesmen's Association should see to it that the necessary agitation is undertaken."


[Other attempts to increase the trade of Gravesend included a scheme in 1882 to hand out shilling vouchers to spend in Gravesend  to 3rd class rail passengers from Sharnal Street and Cliffe on a particular Saturday.  The idea being to take trade from Cliffe (Gravesend Reporter 8.4.1882)



04 Nov 1905 Gravesend Hospital Gravesend Reporter
Harvest gifts at Hartley Church and Longfield Hill Mission Church taken to Hospital.  Clothing donated by Mrs Raoul and H Foa of Holywell Park.


28 Nov 1905 Sale of Plant at Longfield Brickworks South Eastern Gazette
To Brickmakers, contractors and others - Fawkham Brick Fields, Longfield, Kent


Close to Fawkham Station and goods yard, and to Longfield siding on the SE and C Ry Chatham main line.


Messrs Dann and Lucas have received instructions from the executors of the late Mr J J Hickmott to sell by auction on Thursday, the 7th day of December 1905 at 11 o'clock precisely in lots:


Brickmaker's Plant - consisting of about 2,000 hack covers, 6,000 feet hack boarding, kiln boards, iron wheeling plates, planks, barrows, wash mill, elevator, 3 pug mills, spouting, pulley wheels, truck wheels, chain wheels, winch, chain drum, driving chains, 7 clay trucks, and a large quantity of trolley rails and sleepers. 12 hp portable engine nearly new by Clayton and Shuttleworh.  Contents of blacksmith's shop, drilling machine, vice, engineer's tools and quantity of iron.  8 HP Traction Engine by Aveling and Porter.  6 road trucks, wooden shed, office furniture, quantity of dug flints, and brick rubbish.  4 cart horses and 7 contractor's carts.  5 sets of quoller harness, nag harness, stable tools, set of harrows, iron land roller, plough, horse hay rake, water barrel on wheels, iron tank.  Nag horse, dog cart, wagonette, stack of trefolium hay.


May be viewed the 2 days before the sale.  Catalogues may be obtained of Mr Seabrook, at the brickfield, and of the auctioneers, 3 Spital Street, Dartford adn 23 Budge Row, Cannon Stret, London EC (PO Tel 26 Dartford, 9244 Central).


[ The brickworks was where the development at Tuppence House, Main Road, Longfield is today.]



24 Feb 1906 New accident patients at Gravesend Hospital Gravesend Reporter
"Accidents admitted: on Saturday, Henry Holderness (50), sweep, of 8 Barrack Row, Gravesend, overcome by heat while cleaning boiler flues at the Gravesend Sanitary Laundry.  Tuesday, Alfred Martin (42), builder's labourer, of 72 Angel Road, Edmonton, scalp wound and fracture of the nasal bones, caused by a fall of a frame while working for Messrs Sheffield Bros, at Hartley.  On the same day Thomas Harvey (22), ironmoulder, of 29 Alfred Road, Gravesend, severe burn of eyeball, caused by a splash of hot metal at the works of Messrs E.A and H Sandford.  Wednesday, George Longman (9), schoolboy, of 4 Herbert Road, Swanscombe, broken thigh, from a fall while at play."


[A week's worth of accidents requiring hospital treatment.  The building works going on at Hartley was most likely to be the building of Grafton House, Ash Road.]



17 Mar 1906 In Pursuit of Conies Gravesend Reporter
Charles Lynes and George Laws of Gravesend fined 10 shillings each for trespassing in pursuit of rabbits on land of Frederick Fisher at Hartley.


21 Apr 1906 Longfield Hockey Club Gravesend Standard
"Mr P J Hickmott's XI v Bromley Wanderers - This match, which was played at Longfield on Easter Monday, after a very fast but evenly contested game ended in a draw, neither side being able to score.  Dr Anderson played a fine game in goal.  Mr Hickmott's XI: Dr Anderson, I H T Priestman and P J Hickmott; W Prattent, F Ladds and A E Hickmott; F L Hickmott, R Hassel, H C Hickmott, B French and S H Hickmott.  Mr Hickmott's team was mostly comprised of members of the Meopham and Longfield HC who have had a very successful season, the result of which was as follows: Won 7 and lost 1, goals for 49, against 16; mixed: played 3 of which they have won all, with 25 goals to 1 against."


11 May 1906 Want Position Leeds Mercury
"Groom-coachman, experienced, age 32, married, ?????, good refs.  Edwards, Hartley Wood, Longfield, Kent."


12 May 1906 Rowdiness at Longfield Gravesend Reporter
"Albert Remington, Ernest Seageer, William Parker and Francis Parker, labourers, of Longfield, were summoned for singing and shouting at Dartford Road, Longfield, on April 22nd - fined 5 shillings and costs each, or 7 days'.  George Simes, Walter Saxton, and Henry Bance of Longfield, labourers, for a similar offence at the same place, and on the same date, were also fined 5 shillings and costs, or 7 days'."


14 May 1906 Hartley Manor to Let Times
"To be let on lease from Michaelmas 1906; 3 reception, 10 bedrooms, bathroom, greenhouse, stabling and outhouses, good garden, modern sanitation and company's water.  If desired 50 or less acres of land surrounding the house, 2 cottages and farmery can be had.  Apply F B Cobb, Newton Road, Faversham.  No agents."


[Advertised again in Sussex Agricultural Express 15.9.1906]



02 Jun 1906 Obscene Language at Hartley Gravesend Reporter
"John and Mary Elliott, husband and wife, of Hartley, were fined 10 shillings and costs, for using obscene language at Hartley."


16 Jun 1906 Payne and Trapps Estate Gravesend Reporter
"Sales by Auction - Fawkham, near Gravesend, Kent: The Fawkham Park Estate, close to station, a splendid and profitable investment


"Messrs Payne Trapps and Co beg to announce that the next sale of 125 freehold sites, averaging 25 feet frontage, by a depth of 220 feet, will take place in a marquee upon that estate on Monday June 25th, 1906.  Intending Gravesend purchasers will leave the Royal Mews, New Road, Gravesend on day of sale by brake at 11.30 o'clock; luncheon provided....."



14 Jul 1906 Forresters Fete at Sole Street Gravesend Standard
Local lodges raised £9 0s 9½d to be shared between Gravesend and Rochester hospitals.  This included 7s 5½d from the Hartley Oddfellows


04 Aug 1906 Payne and Trapps Estate Gravesend Reporter
"Messrs Payne Trapps and Co will sell in a marquee upon the estate on Wednesday, August 15th 1906 at 1.30 o'clock 62 choice freehold sites, each 25 feet frontage, and 200 feet in depth or thereabouts, absolutely ripe for the erection of bungalow and villa residences, free of tithe and land tax.  No law costs.  Admirably adapted as a residential district for Londoners.  The railway service is good.  Season tickets 1 shilling per day  The estate presents splendid opportunity for the investment of capital.  Builders and speculators should lose no time in putting up some attractive villas.  A good and profitable remuneration must result therefrom.  The water mains are laid past the estate.  A brake will convey intending purchasers from Gravesend, leaving the Royal Mews, New Road, Gravesend at 11.30 o'clock on day of sale.  Luncheon will be provided.  Full particulars etc may be obtained of Mr E Y Skinner, Estate Agent, Wrotham Road, Gravesend; and of Messrs Payne, Trapps and Co, Auctioneers, 11 Queen Victoria Street EC (telephone 6008 Bank)."


08 Sep 1906 Run Over and Killed Gravesend Reporter
"At the Gravesend Hospital on Tuesday the Borough Coroner (Mr G Evans Fennan?) and a jury, of which Mr F Whiddett was chosen foreman, inquired into the circumstances of the death of Henry Marsh, a labourer, aged 54 of Hartley Bottom, Longfield, who was run over by a cart, loaded with stone, on Saturday, and died soon after in the hospital.


Albert Marsh, a labourer, of Hartley Bottom, identified the body as that of his father, who resided with him, and stated that he did not see the accident, which occurred about 2.15pm, but was told of it by Mr Letchford.  He proceeed to the spot, and saw his father lying by the roadside, and deceased spoke his name, but said nothing about what had happened.  A conveyance was obtained and deceased was conveyed to the Gravesend Hospital.  On the way deceased spoke to him and told him he was dying.  They drove as fast as they could into Gravesend, and the Hospital was reached just before 3 o'clock.  Deceased had been a strong, hale, man.


Philip Letchford, of 4 Gladstone Cottages, Essex Road, Longfield, a road labourer, said that on Saturday he was involved in raking stones off the road (Pancake Hill, Darenth) for deceased to pick up, the latter's duties being to take up the stones and put them in a cart.  He was working at the bottom of the hill, while deceased was, at the time of the accident, about 80 yards away from him, and nearly at the top of the hill.  Deceased was coming down with the cart three-quarters full of stones, and was leading the horse; hearing the horse kicking, he (witness) looked up from his work, and saw the animal had bolted down the hill.  He called to deceased to let go the horse's head, but Marsh still held on, with the result that the horse jammed him in between the shaft of the cart and the bank, and he fell down.  The wheel of the vehicle mounted the bank about 2 feet, and then dropped on to deceased, the horse falling down at the bottom of the hill.  Witness picked deceased up.   Marsh was huddled up in a lump, and said, 'let me lay and die quiet.  I shall not live much longer.'  With the exception of a few scratches on the face, witness could see no injuries.


The Coroner: 'What startled the horse, do you think?' - I don't think anything startled the horse at all, replied the witness; the horse, he said, had kicked before.


In answer to a juryman, witness stated that he could not say how long deceased had driven the horse, which was 10 or 11 years old.


Dr FDS Jackson, locum tenens at the Hospital, said deceased was brought to that Institution about 3pm on Saturday, and was then practically dead.  Externally there were a few grazes on the head and the upper part of the left side of the chest was bruised.  Upon making a post mortem examination, witness found that 5 ribs were fractured on teh left side, these having penetrated the left lung.  The cause of death was shock following haemorrhage from teh lung.  The injuries were consistent with the nature of the accident as described by the last witness.


Willliam Henry Day, a labourer, fo Westwood, Southfleet, said he was working with deceased on Saturday, picking up the stones on Pancake Hill, and was at the top of the hill when the horse started to run away.  Deceased said he could manage the horse, and they commenced to descend the hill with Marsh leading the animal.  About 2 rods from the top the horse started kicking.  He could not say what caused it to do so; it had kicked before, but he had not seen it so bad previously.  The horse was kicking and running away at the same time.  He could not say how long deceased held onto the horse's head.  Witness described the accident which followed, and said he thought deceased would have been alright if he had let go when Letchford 'hollered' to him, but he did not suppose deceased could hear when the horse was kicking.  Nothing could  possibly have stopped it.


The Coroner (referring to the horse) 'Would you mind working with her again?' - I wouldn't mind going with her to a certain extent.


A verdict was returned to the effect that death was accidental."



22 Sep 1906 Longfield Football Club Gravesend Reporter
"Bean v Longfield


This match was witnessed by a good number of onlookers on Saturday.  Bean won the toss and had a good deal of the opening play, and scored through the medium of Tom Fleming.  The visitors tried hard to equalise, but to no purpose.  At 10 minutes to half time, Frank Hickmott was badly fouled within the home goal, and could take no further part in the game.  Half time arrived, Bean 1 Longfield 0.  On resuming, Bean hotly attached and Didlow put them further ahead.  Longfield then played up with fine determination, and managed to rush a goal.  After this, however, Bean played a rough game - foul after foul being the order of the play.  Later on Didlow twice found the net for Bean, who eventually won 4 goals to 1.  What would have been a good game was marred by the rough tactics of the Bean players, and the uncalled for hooting on the part of the Bean enthusiasts.  On Saturday of this week, Longfield plays Kingsdown at Longfield."



05 Apr 1907 Tragedy at Hartley Gravesend Standard
"An inquest was held on Saturday at Hartley concerning the death of Mr Geroge Charles Wansbury, for many years an overseer of Hartley.  Mr Wansbury carried on the business at Hartley of grocer and baker, and was the licensee of the Black Lion Inn.  It appears that he had been depresse through business worries and on Friday morning, when his wife went to take him a cup of tea, she was horrified to find him sitting up in bed with his throat so gashed that the windpipe was completely severed.  Mr Wansbury was greatly respected at Hartley and throughout the district, and the news of the sad affair caused a painful shock to his friends"


06 Apr 1907 Publican's Tragic Death Kent Messenger
"Mr George Charles Wansbury, the well known licencee of the Black Lion Inn, Hartley, who had reached the age of 61, committed suicide on Good Friday morning by cutting his throat with a razor.  At the inquest the widow stated that her husband had not enjoyed very good health lately.  He had suffered from varicose veins in his legs, and business worried him a great deal, trade being bad.  During Thursday night she got out of bed two or three times to see to him.  She got up about 5 o'clock on Friday morning, and he then appeared to be asleep.  When she returned to him he had cut his throat.  She immediately summoned the doctor and bound the wound up, but deceased expired just before the doctor arrived about 9.30.  Her husband had said he was very tired of his life, and could not pay his way, money coming in so bad, but she had never anticipated this would happen.  After other evidence, the jury returned a verdict of 'suicide whilst labouring under temporary mental derangement'.  The greatest sympathy is felt for the widow and family."


01 Jun 1907 Complaint against Longfield tip rejected Gravesend Reporter
“House Refuse at Longfield


The Medical officer read his report (dated May 27th), for submission to the Local Government Board, in regard to the deposit of house refuse at Longfield railway siding.  He found the condition much the same as a month previously.  A large heap of refuse was still there, but most of the paper had disappeared.  The refuse was gradually being carted away to land at Hartley to be ploughed in, as he was informed, immediately.  He could hardly think any fumes could be carried over quarter of a mile, which was the distance to the nearest house.  As regarded the siding, he was of opinion it was not a public nuisance.


The Rev E Smith said there was much less nuisance now than at any time during the 13 years he had known the place.


The Chairman: And you live as near as the gentleman who complains?


The Rev E Smith: Oh! Quite.  I thoroughly endorse the report.


Other members expressed the opinion that the report was a good one.


[ This is an extract of a report of the Dartford Rural District Council meeting.]



09 Aug 1907 Disorderly Conduct Gravesend Standard
Dartford Magistrates "For disorderly conduct at Hartley, William Morphew of Fawkham, and James Martin, of Longfield, were each fined 5 shillings and costs."


23 Aug 1907 Ash Shooting Case Kentish Independent
"Dartford Bench bind prisoner over:


Before Mr A T Waring and other magistrates at Dartford Sessions on Friday, Joesph Best (aged 15)  was charged with maliciously wounding four lads named Thomas Whenman, Robert Sandle, William Payne and Michael Farmer, by shooting them with a gun at Ash, near Dartford, on August 11th.


Thomas Whenman said he lived at Reading and had gone to Ash fruit picking.  About 6 o'clock on the previous Sunday night he and some other boys went to get some sticks to have a game.  At this time they noticed Best in a raspberry field in possession of a gun.  Prisoner aske dthem where they were going, and witness said ' We are going to get some sticks'.  Prisoner said, 'If you come up here any further I shall shoot you.'  Witness replied, 'That is more than you dare do.'  Almost immediately afterwards prisoner shot at them and witness fell among some raspberry canes.  He felt pains about his arms and head.  When witness got up he started to run again and fell down a second time.  The other boys ran away, but in a different direction.  Witness had shot marks on the nose, ear head and chest.  Prisoner he said, held the gun in the direction of where he and the other boys stood.


William Thomas Payne said he had also been engaged in fruit picking.  He was with the last witness and some other boys on the date referred to.  He heard prisoner say, 'If you don't go back I will shoot you.'  Witness replied that prisoner would not dare to do this, but shortly afterwards Best shot at them.  Witness's mother picked him up when he fell down.


At this point the magistrate's clerk (Mr J C Hayward) said the Bench could deal with the case at that court, and he asked prisoner if he had any objection to that course.  Prisoner said he had not.


Michael Farmer gave similar evidence to that given by the previous two witnesses.


Albert Randle, a fruit picker, father of one of the boys, said he saw prisoner loading a gun, and a short time later he heard the discharge of the gun and saw the boys bleeding.  Prisoner told him that he shot over the heads of the children.  In reply to the chairman witness said the gun was one which 'scattered a lot.'  He did not believe the prisoner really intended to injure the boys.


Police Constable Dennett, stationed at Hartley, said he questioned prisoner about the affair, and he replied, 'They (the boys) told me that I could not shoot for nuts.  So I shot at them.  In reply to the Chairman witness said that prisoner's brother was the usual 'scarer'.  He lent the gun to prisoner while he had his tea.  The gun had been used to scare birds away.  Police Sergeant Poole said prisoner made a statement to him as follows: 'They kept following me and I shot over their heads.'


In binding the boy over in £5 under the First Offenders' Act to come up for judgement if called upon the chairman said that undoubtedly prisoner used the gun much in the same spirit as he would throw a stone."



17 Sep 1907 Longfield Brickfields Sale Gravesend Standard
"By order of the Executors of the late Mr J J Hickmott, to clear up the estate - Fawkham Brickfields, Longfield, Kent - Close to Fawkham Station and goods yard, and to Longfield Siding on the SE and C Railway, Chatham Main Line.


Messrs Dann and Lucas have received instructions to sell by auction on Wednesday 25th September at 1 o'clock precisely, on the premises in lots, 410,000 place bricks, brick rubbish, batts, flints and gravel, iron whelling plates, barrows, grindstone, chaff cutter, 2 sets of zigzag harrows, iron plough, horse rake, iron water barrel, 2 contractor's carts, sets of harness, stable tools and implements.  2 cart horses, 6 steers and heiffers, 3 pigs, crop of potatoes, mangold and onions, 2 stacks oats, 3 stacks of hay, nag horse, dog cart and wagoette.


May be viewed the day previous to and morning of the sale.  Catalogues may be obtained of Mr Seabrook at the Brick Fields; at the principal inns of the neighbourhood; and of the auctioneers, Dartford, Kent and 23 Budge Row EC."



08 Nov 1907 Drunk in Charge Gravesend Standard
Dartford Magistrates: "Thomas Collier of Hartley, was fined 10 shillings and costs, or 14 days' for being drunk whilst in charge of a horse and cart; while his companion had to pay 7s 6d and costs, for a like offence."


12 Nov 1907 Buying a Plot of Land Dartford Chronicle
"In the Dartford County Court on Wednesday, the South Tankerton Estate Company Ltd sued Lancelot E Dunmall of Briars Lodge, Longfield for the balance due in respect of the purchase of a plot of land.  For the plaintiffs it was stated that the defendant was at Whitstable on the day of an auction sale, and purchased a plot of land, not by auction.  Defendant signed a contract to pay a deposit, and to pay the remainder by instalments - Mr Wilkinson, the secretary of the company, in cross examination by Mr Clinch, admitted that cheap tickets were given to people to go to the sale, and a free luncheon was provided.  He did not agree that the people invited had as much as they liked of whiskey and soda and "that sort of thing".  Beer and whiskey and soda were provided, but not without restriction.  The defendant stated that his brother, having 2 tickets, asked him to go to the sale.  They partook of the luncheon at Whitstable, and attended the sale.  The lot was not sold, but Mr Ford, a commission agent, persuaded him to buy a plot of land, saying that he had a plot next to it.  Witness was given to understand that he would have to pay 20 shillings as a deposit and 20 shillings a year afterwards and that all the drainage was paid for.  Nothing was said about the roads.  Cross examined - witness said that he was not present during the whole of the sale, and did not hear the auctioneer's opening remarks.  His honour said that whether the system of giving luncheons and beer and whiskey and other such things was a good system or not, or one to be recommended was not a matter for him.  Personally, he thought it was a bad system.  The only question was whether the whole of those instalments were due  The agreement stood.  He thought it was sufficiently clear from the wording that the whole of the instalments actually due could be sued for.  The two instalments for March and September could be sued for, and therefore there would be judgement with costs for those, with interest according to the conditions, and sewerage money (£3).  He was afraid the defendand would find this land very expensive before he was done.  It was advisable that such persons should take advice before buying land like that."


[This article gives a good example of the sales tactics of "Champagne Developers" like Payne and Trapps at Hartley.]



19 Nov 1907 Sanitary Problems N/A
"Sir, Referring to hyour recent leading rticle particuarly referring to the actions of the Dartford Guardians, I suggest that there is room for an article in your paper on the question of "Are men of leisure men of ability?"


I admit that it is very good of the members of the Guardians to give up a day every fortnight to attend their respective boards, but whether those members are capable of looking after the business of those boards, and are prepared to study the interests of the ratepayers is an open question.  I will give you an instance  For some years past the anitry arrangements of thi village have been looked after by the Sanitary Inspector of this district, and in referring to sanitary arrangements, I mean the most important, viz.  the emptying of cesspools.  In carrying uut this work a van, pup, and hose and a body of men were the chief factors, the cost being willingly borne by the ratepayers.  Now, without any notification, this scheme has been abruptly stopped by some person or persons, the consequence being that the inhabitants were suddenly thrown on their own resources to empty their own cesspools, which in many cases were full, and some overflowing, and will be so from time to time until this scheme is resumed, or a better one substituted.  In the meantime scarlet fever is raging in the village, and the sanitary arrangements are worse thn they were 50 years ago.


An unsigned and apparently unofficial circular was delivered to me by hand on November 7th, suggesting how to get the work done, viz, by hiring horses and men from a local contractor at specified charges.  I do not know who is responsibile for the issuing of this circular, but it is scandalous that important work of this description shoudl be treated in this manner and if it is the work of the Rural District Council, why do they not allow a bold front, and advise the inhabitants officially what is going to be done or what has been done.


I will send you this circular, and you will see that it states that the Rural District Council will discontinue the work of cesspool emptying from September 30th 1907, and this circular was handed round on November 7th.  Do the Council think that owners or the tenants, say of cottage property, are going to pay 27 shillings a day for cesspool emptying?  To leave the arrangement for emptying of cesspools to each tenant seems to me madness, and can never work satisfactorily from a sanitary point.  You may as well leave the upkeep of roads to each ratepayer to do his share, and so do away with the rate for such upkeep.


Yours faithfully, "Anitseptic", Longfield Kent


(copy) A sanitary van and tackle is stationed at the Brickfield, Longfield, and may be used, free of charge, upon application being made either to Mr J Foster, Longfield, or to Mr Longhurst, Sanitary Inspector Longfield, under the following stipulations: (1) That an experienced man under the direction of Mr Foster is employed to superintend the work at a charge of 5 shillings per day, or 3 shillings per half day.  (2) That the van and tackle be returned in a clean and proper condition immediately after use.  


Persons desirous of using the van and tackle must make their own arrangements for the hire of horses and labour, but an experienced man must in every case accompany the van.  For the information of owners and occupiers, the committee beg to state that Mr Foster agrees to provide men and horses at the rate of 22 shillings per day, this does not include the charge in the 1st stipulation above mentioned."


[ This is a letter from "Antiseptic" criticising Dartford RDC's decision to abandon collecting rubbish and emptying cesspools in the parishes of Ash, Hartley, Longfield, Fawkham, Ridley and Southfleet.  This appears to go back to the original decision in 1895 to commence collections and emptying, which had been bitterly opposed by some prominent local people, including attendees at the Hartley Parish meeting.  The writer of this letter lived in Longfield and there is a good chance he was J Walter Newcomb who had also written to the council to complain.  He makes the point that the change benefits the richer inhabitants.]



20 Jun 1908 Meopham Oddfellows Gravesend Reporter
"Saturday last was a gala day for Meopham, the Kentish Friends' Lodge of the Independent Order of Oddfellows' Friendly Society holding their 60th anniversary at the Lodge House, Cricketers' Inn, Meopham.  Amusements in the form of swings, roundabouts, side-shows, etc, were supplied by Mrs Pettigrove, on the picturesque Meopham Green.  A parade, consisting of members of the society started from the Lodge House at 10 o'clock in the morning.  Headed by the Snodland Town Band, they marched through the village to Meopham Station, returning to the Cricketers with a good appetite for dinner, which was partaken of at 1 o'clock, admirably served by Host Jones.  A large number of members and friends sat down to dinner, mustering about 200.  Mr Golding Bird kindly consented to take the chair, and was supported by the vicar, Rev F Owen, Dr Griffiths, Mr R A Arnold, Bros T Hosmer (Secretary), E Moon, B French, J Buggs, D Pankhurst, W Fortescue etc.  The royal toasts were proposed by Bro Moon, and drunk in the usual loyal manner.  In proposing the toast of 'The Society', Mr Moon spoke of te good which had been accomplished, and upon the very succesful and satisfactory financial position in which they found themselves.  This, he said was due to the large number of members of which they could boast - 168.  He would like to see them numbering 200, and he thought they would not have long to wait before that number was reached.  After dinner, votes of thanks were proposed by Dr Griffiths, and carried unanimously, to the Chairman, who was accorded musical honours, the managers and officials of the club, the Secretary, and Mr Hosmer, who had worked so enthusiastically on behalf of the society.  During the afternoon a cricket match between Meopham and Southfleet took place, and resulted in a win for the Southfleet team, some good cricket being witnessed.  At frequent intervals during the day Snodland Town Band provided some excellent music on the Green.  At 5.30 the club adjourned to the Lodge House, where tea was waiting, ably prepared by Host Major Jones.  The evening was spent at the fair; a large number of cyclists visited the spot and joined in the merriment, of which there was plenty.  An extension till 11 o'clock was granted the licensee of the Cricketers', at which time a festive day for Meopham was brought to a termination."


08 Aug 1908 Payne and Trapps Estate Daily Express
"Suburban Kent - on main line - Fawkham - Important to builders - Fawkham Park Estate -  Almost Adjoining Station


Messrs Payne, Trapps and Co will hold a final sale upon this well known and popular estate on Wednesday next, August 12, when 51 exceedingly choice sites will be offered.  Each site is about 25 ft by 220 ft.  Building operations going on.  Water main laid past estate  One of the most healthy and picturesque parts accessible to the London business an  Cheap season tickets.  Intending purchasers will leave Holborn on day of sale by the 11.30 train, calling at Elephant and Castle and Herne Hill.  Luncheon provided  Full particulars apply Payne, Trapps & Co, 11 Queen Victoria Street EC."



29 Aug 1908 NSPCC Beckenham Journal
First report of the Beckenham and District Branch.  "The total number of complaints received and dealt with from July 1st, 1907 to June 30th, 1908 was 164, classified as below:- Neglect and Starvation 135; ill treatment and assault 17; abandonment 2; exposure 6; exposure for begging purposes 1, criminal assault 1; other wrongs 2.  On inquiry, 159 of the complaints were found true and dealt with as follows: Warned 142; prosecuted (and convicted) 3; otherwise dealt with 14.


.....


There were 128 female and 87 male offenders.  Of the 164 complaints, 68 were reported by the general publice, 10 were reported by the police, 63 were reported by other public officials, and 23 were discovered by the society's inspector.  In addition to the original inquiries, the inspector paid 478 visits of supervision.


The cases were widely scattered over the area covered by the branch, occurring in Bromley, Beckenham, West Wickham, Orpington, St Mary Cray, Foots Cray, North Cray, Chislehurst, Mottingham, Sidcup, Welling, Bexley, Bexleyheath, Crayford, Dartford, Stone, Greenhithe, Swanscombe, Longfield, Sutton at Hone, South Darenth, Wilmington, Hextable and Crockenhill."



13 Oct 1908 Terrible Fatality Near Longfield Gravesend Standard
"Man with 15 Fractured Ribs - An inquest was held at the Town Hall by the Borough Coroner, Mr G Evans Fenman, on Friday evening, concerning the death of William Crosswell, aged 69, who was employed by Mr Henry James Smith, of West York [West Yoke] Farm, Ash, Wrotham.


Mr Smith, who was much bruised on the face, stated that Crosswell lived at the farm.  He had relatives, but they could not be found.  On Wednesday witness drover to a sale at Ifield Court, and on returning overtook deceased at the top of Longfield Hill and gave him a lift in his four wheeled van.  It was then 9 o'clock.  Three minutes later the horse shied at a woman sitting in the hedge and bolted at a furious rate down the hill.  Witness tried to pull the animal in, but the reins broke.  The horse went down the hill at such a speed that he advised Crosswell to hold tight, as he feared there would be an accident.  Witness tries to pull the horse into a gateway towards the bottom of the hill.  One of the wheels struck the bank, and both men were thrown out of the van.  Witness lay unconscious for a quarter of an hour.  On recovereing he found Crossell, who had been thrown over into the field the other side of the bank.  He called to Crosswell, who was lying on his back and whom he turned over, but received no answer.  The hose drew the van further down the hill where the rein got under the wheel.  The horse stopped and moved round and round the van.  Witness called to the animal, and it came to him.  The woman who had sat in the hedge came on the scene as did other persons, and Crosswell, who was unconscious, was conveyed to the Gravesend Hospital.  Witness had owned the horse for 16 years and never met with an accident on it before.


Dr Wood Milner, house surgeon at the hospital, said Crosswell was admitted at a quarter to twelve on Wednesday night.  He was conscious, but dying.  He lived only 10 minutes after admission.  A post mortem examination was held.  The breast bone was broken, as were 10 ribs on the left side and 5 on the right side, while the left lung was pierced, this injury causing suffociation.


The woman referred to by the farmer was called.  Her name was Jesse Margaret Orpin.  She said she lived at Red Cow Farm, Longfield, her husband being a labourer there.  She was accompanied by him on Longfield Hill, and they were walking home.  They paaused to let the van pass.  The horse shied at her white apron.  After the accident they rendered what assistance they could.


Robert Hoadley, farm labourer, who drove Crossley [sic] to the hospital, also gave evidence.  The injured man spoke only once on the way saying, 'Cover my head over and I shall be all right.'


The Coroner remarked that had the reins been in proper condition the accident would not have occurred.


A verdict of 'accidental death' was returned.  The jury expressed the hope that the same reins would not be used again, and Mr Smith at once agreed.  The Coroner told him it was a mercy he was not also killed."



06 Nov 1908 Gravesend Hospital Gravesend Standard
Hospital Sunday Fund acknowledge [illegible] gift from employees of Mr T E Morton at Hartley per Mr Patullo.


[Similar collection raised 6 shillings - Gravesend Standard 23.7.1909]



04 Feb 1909 False Imprisonment Flintshire Observer
"£250 for False Imprisonment:


At Norwich Assizes, Mr Herbert Edgar Beadle of Cross House, Fawkham, near Gravesend, Kent, brough an action against Mr Henry L Clark, managing director of the Maid's Head and Royal Hotels, Norwich, a justice of the peace and former sheriff of the city, to recover damages for false imprisonment.


On June 19 last plaintiff went to Norwich and put up at the Maid's Head.  He went out during the evening and reached the hotel again shortly after midnight.  When he asked for some whisky and soda, the porter told him the bottle was empty.  Beadle then forced the bar door open with his foot, went in, and took a bottle of whisky and 2 sodas.


Next morning, whilst plaintiff was dressing, Mr Clark came to the room and told 2 policemen to arrest him.  He was removed to the police station and charged with stealing 2 shillings' worth of whisky and soda.  That case was dismissed by the bench, and plaintiff was then summoned for damaging the bar door and assaulting the porter.  He pleaded guilty to the wilful damage, and was fined £5, the charge of assault being withdrawn.


The jury found for the plaintiff, and assessed the damages at £250."



10 Apr 1909 At owner's risk - George Day v the SE & C Railway Company.   Gravesend Reporter
"This was a claim for £9 17s for damages sustained by the plaintiff, who is a fruit grower at North Ash, near Wrotham, through negligence of the Company's servants.  Mr E Lovell solicitor, appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr H E Fraser for the Company.


The plaintiff's case was that on Friday the 10th July, he received a telephone message from the stationmaster at Fawkham, inquiring whether he knew that the special early morning fruit train had been taken off, and asking whether he had any strawberries to send to the London markets the next day.  Plaintiff replied that he had 200 pecks, and the stationmaster thereupon offered to despatch them by early morning passenger trains on the Saturday.  Plaintiff accordingly sent 191 baskets to the Fawkham Station, but they were not despatched to London by the trains indicated, with the result that when the strawberries arrived at the markets they only fetched 1 shilling to 1s 6d a peck, whereas had they got there earlier they could have realised from 3 shillings to 3s 6d.  This loss was alleged to be due to the negligence of the stationmaster, and hence the claim for damages.


The defence was that the plaintiff signed the ordinary contract note sending the fruit to the station for delivery by the company in London at owner's risk, and that therefore, the company were not actionable.


His honour agreed with Mr Fraser's contention, and ruled that the action must be dismissed."



10 Apr 1909 Obituary of Col Godfrey Hildebrand Army & Navy Gazette
"Col Godfrey Hildebrand, retired pay, late RE, died suddenly of heart failure on the 27th ult at Hartley Court, Longfield, Kent, aged 64.


Obtaining his commission as Lieutenant Oct 18, 1864, he became captain, Dec 5, 1877; Major Oct 18, 1884; and Lieutenant Colonel half pay Oct 18, 1891.  Becoming Lieutenant-Colonel RE Dec 31, 1891, he was appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Fortifications July 1, 1894, being reappointed to that post on the expiration of his 5 years as regimental Lieutenant-Colonel.  He received the brevet of Colonel Dec 31, 1895, and the substantive rank Nov 8, 1897, when he was appointed Deputy Inspector-General of Fortifications, a position he held until he retired June 1, 1902.  Col Hildebrand, who acted for some time as joint secretary to the Joint Naval and Military Committee on Defence, was granted a Distinguished Service Reward March 28, 1903."



15 May 1909 Castle Hill Gravesend Reporter
"Dartford RDC - The Highways Committee having received an application from the chairman of the Hartley Parish Meeting as to the alleged unsatisfactory state of the road from Hartley Green to the top of the hill leading down the Fawkham Road, and also to the fence in front of the pond at the green, the Surveyor was instructed to reinstate the latter.  The Surveyor had reported that the road referred to would be repaired next season."


08 Jun 1909 A Gravesender and his Horses Gravesend Standard
Dartford Magistrates: "Frederick Hawkins, Gravesend, was summoned for cruelty to two horses.


PC Swan said that at 5.40 pm on the 17th of last month, he saw defendant coming towards him on the Dartford road, Longfield.  Defendant was riding one of the horses, and he struck each of them with his whip.  They were both very poor, and lame.  When witness spoke to defendant he said: 'All right guv'nor; they aren't very bad.'  By Mr Clinch (who defended): These animals were only walking? - Yes; but he was uring them along and they were very lame.


George William Milner said he saw the officer stop defendant.  The horses were almost too weak to walk.


Albert REmington, also of Longfield, said the horses were both poor adn lame.


Florence Stewart said she saw the animals near her house, and considered the animals to be only frames of horses - not horses at all, as they ought to be.  It was pitiable to see them.  This was also agreed to by Mary Tilson, of Longfield.


Defendant, called, said the horses were in good condition, and he had exchanged a pony for them from a person at Hartley, and was walking them along the road home, when he saw the officer.  It was quite untrue the horses were lame.


George Ives, horse dealer, said he gave £10 for the animals, and the only thing that was the matter with them was that they had had 'mud fever' and they 'showed wear'.  He resold the horses, one for £6, and the other for £5 10s.


The Chairman said it was a very bad case, and a fine of £5 and costs, would be imposed."



11 Jun 1909 Servant Wanted Church Times
"Wanted House Parlourmaid.  Experienced.  5 in family.  5 servants.  Country.  Near Station.  1 hour from London.  Good wages.  Age not under 20 - Mrs Morton, Fairby, Longfield, Kent."


23 Jul 1909 Gravesend Hospital Gravesend Standard
List of recent donors includes 6 shillings from the employees of Mr T E Morton, at Hartley.  Also 10 guineas from Mr HB Hohler of Fawkham Manor.


27 Aug 1909 Longfield Village Treat Gravesend Standard
"Brilliant Gala.  After a rest of 5 or 6 years, Longfield Village Treat was revived in a most successful way on Saturday.  The arrangements for again holding this pleasant event were due to the suggestions of Mr W R Robson, and a band of earnest helpers worked wih such will taht with the aid of the weather success was assured.  The elaborate programme, which enabled almost a thousand of the adults and youngsters of Longfield to join in the festivities was well carried through, and reflected credit on the organisation of Mr T J Simons (the hon secretary), Mr Crook (the treasurer) and others.  The events commenced with a carnival procession, headed by Mr Frank Robson, with a 'flying machine' cycle, bringing Longfield up to date.  The chief marshal was Mr Tomlin, and with him was Mr Archie Robson; both were mounted.  The band of the Arethusa enlivened the march, and in their wake was the Longfield Fire Brigade, with Captain G Lynds and Vice-Captain Harris.  After the brigade was the special banner 'Longfield Village Treat'.  The interest of Miss Crook, headmistress of Longfield School, and her staff, great promoted the success of the decorations etc of the procession.  Besides encouraging the excellent display generally, Miss Crook and her staff arranged the Britannia Car, with Britannia in the centre, surrounded by 4 girls and a guard of lads.  Amongst the adults in fancy costume were: Mr Baker as Uncle Sam; Mr Simons as Folly; Messrs Shipp, Gennett and W Crouch as clowns; Mr W Hever as a n******; Mr Arthur Tomlin, Wild Indian; Mr Harry Bance, policeman; Mr Keller, convict; Mr J Bartholemew, sailor; and Mr Walter Robson jun, clown.  The effective group of Japanese Girls was also due to Miss Crook and staff.


Amongst other characters were Masters Fred  Smith and George Tyler as Chinamen; Daisy Coppings and Mabel Goodwin as Gipsy Girls; 'Where are you going to my pretty maid?' was daintily represented by George Peacock and Phyllis Latter; and three Quaker girls, the Misses Lillie McCarthy, Jessie Rowland and Elsie Wain.


Decorated mail carts and decorated bicycles were well in evidence.  One of the most pleasing items was a number of Longfield infants as little gipsies, with tambourines and baskets of pegs for sale.  The procession started from Mr Tomlin's shop in Station Road, and after proceeding to the Court, the residence of Mr Hickmott, went to Mr Foster's meadow, where the sports commenced.


Tea was provided for nearly a thousand of the parents and children of Longfield, and many from the neighbouring parishes were hospitably entertained.  These treat arrangementws were in charge of Mr J Crook, who was assisted by a large staff of ladies.


The prizes were distributed by Mrs Hind Smith, and her husband took the opportunity of remarking that after being all over the world he had to give the children of Longfield the credit of being some of the best conducted youngsters he had seen.


In the evening an enjoyable concert was given, the programme including a duet by the Misses May and Fane, fan drill by children under Miss Crook, comic songs by Adelbert Walkling and the always popular Harry Quinton, Miss Freeborn and party dances.  Mr W R Robson kindly provided the band, whilst Mr Tomlin was responsible for the band boys' dinner, and Mr Foster sent the conveyance for the boys.  Mr Purvey of Dartford, gave the prizes for the fire brigade competitions, and Mr Cotton of Dartford, the prizes for the cut flower and floral baskets brought by the children.  Many kind friends contributed, the donors including Messrs Tomlin, Fenner, W W Judge, Dudley, Martin, Mrs Langford, Mrs Cornelins, Mrs Stewart, Mr Brown, Mr Hicks, Mr Gilham, Mr G Lynds, Mr Dobson, Mr Boys and Burton's Stores, High Street, Gravesend.


Mr W R Robson was the president of the committee, and those with him, who considerably helped were: Mr Simons (the hon Secretary), Mr Crook (the hon Treasurer), Councillor Gilham, Messrs Archie Robson, Harry Shipp, George Lynds, Baker, Tomlin, W Letchford, T Allingham, Hever, H Vance and W Crouch.


The action of the school managers in allowing  the use of the school for the preparation of tea was also much appreciated.  The tea was served under rick cloths, lent by Messrs  W Conford and R French.


The prizes for fancy costumes were won by the following: Children: 1 Eva Lynds (Votes for Women), 2 Daphne Godfrey (Snow Queen), 3 Elsie Tippings (Summer).
Ladies: 1 Miss Ivy Hills (Autumn) 2 Mrs W Lynds (Fire Screen). Special prize: Mildred Allingham (Red Riding Hood) and Edward Allingham (Boy Blue).
Gentlemen: 1 Mr T J Simons (Jester), 2 Mr Baker (Uncle Sam), 3 Mr Tomlin (Redskin).
Decorated umbrellas: 1 Cissie Howard, 2 Gertrude Hever.
Bunch of Wild Flowers: 1 Charlie Saxon.
Garden Flowers: 1 Ronald Pankhurst, 2 William Murray.
Decorated Mailcarts: 1 Miss Ivy Hills, 2 Miss Lizzie Allingham.
Decorated Dolls' Prams: 1 Winnie Stevens, 2 Dollie Tomlin.
Special prize for decorated motor: Bertie High.
Decorated bicycles: 1 Grace Langford, 2 Nellie Colson.
Boys' bicycles decorated: 1 Ernest Grant, 2 John Lynds. Mr W Lynds's decorated bicycle airship (not for competition) was specially commended.
Ladies Decorated Bicycles: 1 Miss Shipp, 2 Miss W Lynds.
Children's Fancy Costumes: 1 Jack Blackman (Clerk of the Weather), 2 Ernest Grant (Clown), 3 Walter Robson (Clown).  Special prizes: Donald Baker (Clown), George Charman (Sailor with a Boat)."  [a thousand attendees was more than the population of Longfield - 824 in 1911.  Some of the costumes were of their time and would not be chosen today, but back in 1909 Black and White Minstrel shows were popular entertainment.]



28 Sep 1909 Fairby Livestock Sale South Eastern Gazette
"Fairby Farm, Longfield, Kent.  One mile from Fawkham Station LC&SER and 5 miles from Gravesend.


Mr Philip Champion has received instructions from Thomas Morton esq, to sell by auction on Thursday September 30th 1909 at 12 o'clock precisely, in consequence of the termination of milk contracts, the whole of his splendid herd of dairy cows (without reserve).


The sale will include besides 60 excellent cows in full profit (shorthorn, Ayrshire, Dutch and Cross-bred), 2 pedigree Dutch Bulls, about 40 head of young horned stock, 165 sheep and lambs, [...]shire mare and foal and 8 capital draft and nag horses.


Also 24 railway milk churns, and a few surplus implements and effects, including a Barford and Perkins No 8 corn grinding mill.


Lunch will be provided at 1s per head.


A brake will leave Dartford station at 11 o'clock and return immediately after the sale, provided sufficient seats are booked in advance..."



19 Oct 1909 Shops to Rent at Longfield Gravesend Standard
Advert Alfred Spain & Co of Gravesend: To let - "Two shops, Station Road, Longfield, with residential accommodation, one fitted with baker's oven, and each having stable.  Rents £40 and £35 or £70 the two."


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