Newspaper Stories 1918-1919 - Hartley-Kent: The Website for Hartley

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Newspaper Stories 1918-1919

History > Newspaper Stores 1900 - 1939
Index 1900-1939


04 Jan 1918 Always in Stock (poem) Dartford Chronicle
"Always in Stock" by CEB "I said I want a little tea/A couple of pounds will do/And sugar and bacon and butter and lard/But the shopman said N?????/We stock the things that you ask about/But just at the moment we've quite run out//I said 'Then get me some margarine'/And he answered with utmost pride/'We are selling that by the quarter ounce/Will you join the queue outside'/But having no more than an hour to spare/I tried with no better luck somewhere//But as I jogged home I clinked my coins/Which I hadn't a chance to blow/And while I was reckoning which I'd saved/The Post Office hove in view/'War Bonds' I asked and I got 'em pat/They've never run out of things like that!"


05 Jan 1918 Female workers in previously male jobs Gravesend Reporter
General postmaster praises extra women taken on for Christmas post.


05 Jan 1918 Parliamentary Boundary Commission Kent Messenger
Map of new Kent constituencies


05 Jan 1918 Gravesend Introduces  Rationing Kent Messenger
Gravesend first town in country to introduce meat rationing - 2 lb pw for adults 1 lb for children aged 3-13


05 Jan 1918 Food Shortages - Longfield Kent Messenger
Longfield - "Food - a correspondent writes: The parishioners are feeling the pinch of food restriction, as they are not entitled to the full benefit of the food economy arrangements in force at Gravesend, where so many of them were accustomed to do their shopping, but it is hoped they many soon benefit by arrangements to be made by their own district and parish committtees."


05 Jan 1918 Fundraising at Longfield Kent Messenger
Longfield - collections at church services for King's appeal and Red Cross.  Longfield Hill mission church have only had infrequent services because of difficulties getting there by train for visiting preachers.  Concert for wounded and POWs at Club Room raised £11.1.4½ (See article)


05 Jan 1918 Parliamentary Boundary Commission Kent Messenger
Boundary Review - Hartley, Longfield and Ash to be in Chislehurst Constituency (map)


05 Jan 1918 Land to Rent at Hartley Maidstone Telegraph
"To let, 3 acres excellent sheep feed; few hurdles necessary - Watson c/o Webb, Hartley, Longfield, Kent."


11 Jan 1918 Food Shortages - Dartford Dartford Chronicle
Rural Food Control Committee (RFCC) (Poor state of film) Claims that local shops were only getting 60% of sugar supply when Food Controller said it was 75%. Concerns that distribution in rural areas, more difficult than urban. Milk shortages in Swanscombe and Stone


11 Jan 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - HG Green (41), boot repairer and market gardener. Said to have been rejected by medical. Conditional exemption


11 Jan 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - Charles English (27) said if he was taken people would go hungry. Nearest other corn business is in Dartford. 3 months' exemption


12 Jan 1918 Sale of Livestock at Manor Farm, Ash Gravesend Reporter
Sale of livestock at Manor Farm, Ash


12 Jan 1918 Profiteering Gravesend Reporter
Fed up of Gravesend complains of price of milk and rabbits (4s with butchers meat scarse) "I hate being poor in order to make somebody else rich".


12 Jan 1918 Gravesend's Meat Lorry Breaks Down Kent Messenger
Gravesend's supply of meat supposed to arrive at 7.30pm on Friday but didn't get there until 4am Saturday.  Frantic phone calls discovered lorry had broken down at Charlton.  DRDC report shortages of meat and milk in rural areas.


12 Jan 1918 Entertainment in Longfield Village Kent Messenger
"Two successful entertainments given by Mr and Mrs Fielder and their friends, in the Village Club Room, realised £11 1s 4½d on behalf of the Local Wounded Sailors' and Soldiers' Fund and the Kentish Prisoners of War in Germany.  The room on each evening was well filled, and it must be gratifying to the promoters to see teir efforts on behalf of such a good cause so well supported.  The programme was a lengthy one.  Each item was very efficiently rendered and gained well merited appluase from an appreciative audience.  Although it would be invidious to specially refer to any individual artiste, mention may be made of Miss Jessie Moon, who gave great assistance as pianist.  The programme consisted of mandolin duiet by Mrs Trevillian and friends; pianoforte solo Miss Ridgers; songs by the Misses Goodwin and Wells, Mr Fielder and Gunner Ball; children's sketch "The Green Dwarf", the Misses Leigh, Fielder, Caller, Longhurst and Robinson and Masters Longhurst, Caller, Richard Fielder, Simes and Foster; sketch "Doing our Bit", Mesdames Fielder and Allen, and the Misses Grenby, Peacock and Grant; sketch "The Railway Waiting Room", Mrs Fielder, the Misses Grant, Peacock, Harris and Morris, and Messrs T and R E Fielder."


12 Jan 1918 Longfield Church Kent Messenger
"Last Sunday there wre unusually large ongregations at the church intercession service in response to the King's appeal, and the offertories to the Red Cross Fund were large and generous.  Services were held at the Mission at Longfield Hill, conducted by Mr Thurnell. The services there have been very infrequent for some time past, as the railway arrangements have made it very inconvenient for preachers to get here, but it is hoped that the services may be held more often in the future.  The choir Christmas Tree was held on Wednesday at the house of Mr Cromer (?Cromar), and was greatly enjoyed and appreciated by the youthful choristers."


18 Jan 1918 Dartford Rural Food Control Committee Dartford Chronicle
RFCC (Poor state of film) - complaints about potatoes in bread. Coal supplies better than last year. Some issues of distribution between Dartford UDC and Dartford RDC


19 Jan 1918 Profiteering Gravesend Reporter
Fed up writes again to question why price of sprats are 4 - 7d per lb and herings 2½ - 5d each when government says there is a glut of them. Dried smoked haddocks before the war were 3½d each, now 1s 5d. Who is profiteering. Has heard wealthy lady say she'd tried herring for the first time and liked it. If rich are buying food reserved for the poor, the price will be kept up.


19 Jan 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Ash Kent Messenger
LV Debenham of Ash writes re report of his DRT Appeals Against Conscription case in paper of 29.12.17.  Says he has been rejected by army on medical grounds 6 times.  Feels he needs to prove point to "busy bodies", who would like to have him a soldier


25 Jan 1918 Food Shortage - Rural District Dartford Chronicle
RFCC (Poor state of film) - Fawkham and Swanscombe hold meetings in connection with Food Economy Campaign. WT Tunstall proposed and F Lynds seconded that rationing be introduced to the DRDC area from 18 February when the cards would be lodged with retailers. 224 lambs distributed in DRDC after Vickers alterted the committee to a serious meat shortage in Crayford.


26 Jan 1918 Rationing - Gravesend Gravesend Reporter
Normal meat ration for Gravesend is 2s 6d (adult) and 1s 3d (child 3-13) but committee late on Wednesday had to halve it due to temporary shortages in district, also had to put corned beef on ration. Taken over supplies to secure distribution.


26 Jan 1918 County Wide Pigeon Shoot Kent Messenger
Kent War Agricultural Committee arranging county wide pigeon shoot on 30/1, 6/2 and 13/2 from 2pm to dusk


26 Jan 1918 Corporal Honoured Kent Messenger
"Corporal F Shambrook, Royal Engineers, of the Green, Hartley, has just returned to France after being home on leave for 14 days.  He has been awarded the Belgian Medal Militaire for devotion on duty and distinguished conduct under heavy shell fire during the battle of Arras.  The gallant corporal, who was formerly employed by the EC Powder Company, enlisted in November 1914, and has served in France for 2½ years."


01 Feb 1918 A Quest for Chops - A shopping experience in Dartford Dartford Chronicle
The butchers' shops now open sometimes and when they are open look strangely like the little toy shops which used to annoy my childhood days - big ???? and only about 5 little joints to stock each!


I was sent out to buy the Sunday's joint on Saturday evening.  It was a vain search.  I could not find a shop let alone a joint.  At last I came upon a beautifully appointed shop.  The blind was drawn but a cheerful light streamed from the open door.  I took my place amid 33 other doleful loking men and ????? looking women, and in the course of 45 minutes came to the door of the shop.


I glanced hungrily around that shop.  On the slabs in sundry dishes, looking miserable and bereft, were 11 chilled kidneys, 2 bullock's hearts, 3 sheep's hearts and a piece of chilled salmon.  And in front of me were still 8 persons, as did the people in Paris in 1871.


"Last day of the sale, remnant day" said a man in front of me, trying to hide the horrible fear that possessed him that even those kidneys and hearts could vanish before he could get to them.


"Hearts are poison for weak digestions" he whispered to me loud enough for those in front to hear.  I knew at once that he had his eye on a heart.


"Kidneys are the very devil at 5 pence each" I said.


"Hard for you" he said as a ???? matron in front scooped up the last of the kidneys.


We grinned at each other miserably as the salmon was wrapped up for a weedy youth, who had evidently ????? that day.  And now 2 hearts remained, and as we stood our ground the tail of the queue kicked the counter and melted away.


As the butcher handed the last but one heart to a lady who looked as though nothing in the world would poison her, my friend turned to me and said "I'm sorry old man, but I must have it".


"But it is poisonous" I said "You yourself said so"


"All I .....??? except the homely carrot" He said "And I am fed up with carrots.  I am afraid it's no good you waiting"


I have asked myself since why I waited in that empty shop.  I saw him seize his heart and go away with a shamefaced grin.  Then the butcher turned to me and waved his knife round the empty shop.


"Is there any hope" I said "Must my children starve?".


He said "How did you know it was here?  You must have a nose like a dog!"  He pulled out from under the counter 4 of the prettiest loin chops my eyes ever beheld.


"I put these by for a customer" he said "And when she saw the salmon she had that instead".


"Thank heaven for the caprice of women" I said as I paid 3s 8d for the 4 chops.


I arrived home, weary but proud.  I had my trophy on the table.  "Aren't they beautiful" I said "Yes" said Janet, "How much" "What!!! 3 shillings and 8 pence for 4 chops.  You must be mad!".


And I was. JS



02 Feb 1918 Food Shortages - Gravesend Gravesend Reporter
"Fair Ration" writes to ask why if there is enough for the ration, that they have to queue from 8am for 2-3 hours. Very difficult for women with children or women doing their bit in munitions factories.


02 Feb 1918 Longfield Food Committee Kent Messenger
Longfield to set up local food control committee, Rev E Smith chairman


08 Feb 1918 Food Shortages - Dartford Dartford Chronicle
Rector of St Albans, Dartford, talks of the importance of agricultural labour in sermon. Food queues began about a year ago for potatoes, people in those queues probably looked down upon the women who planted or gathered potatoes. "As long as the new world supplied England with food, no-one cared whether it paid to grow food or not, and acres of ground went out of cultivation".


08 Feb 1918 Food Shortages - Dartford Dartford Chronicle
RFCC report enough meat for weekend to meet the 50% standard.


09 Feb 1918 Food Shortages - Gravesend Gravesend Reporter
"An onlooker" writes that Gravesend Food Committee are not as good as they claim. His family of 3 has had 18 meatless days. He knows of dockworker and lady munitions workers who have not eaten meat for a fortnight. He's seen some shops with plenty of meat but his butcher is sold out by 9.30 am


15 Feb 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - M Webb (31) of Hartley Wood, manager of smallholding, said he cultivated 4a of fruit. Adjourned 1 month for medical examination. Told to go before agricultural board.


15 Feb 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - P Harris (42), C2, of St Margarets, formerly organ builder, now fruit, vegetable and poultry farmer. Conditional exemption.


15 Feb 1918 Food Shortages - Dartford Dartford Chronicle
Paper claims 50% of ration delivered to town. Those who said they were meatless at weekend bought some earlier in the week. It is right that rural customers should continue to buy in town, and they support the decision of the Dartford Food Committee to uphold this. Dartford's quota was based on supply last October, when it would have included the rural customers. "As the mother town and shopping centre of a large rural area, the town has for years had the benefit of trade from the neighbouring villages". Ration will be reduced to 1s 2d and 7d from 1s 4d / 8d to ensure supplies.


15 Feb 1918 Food Shortages - Dartford Dartford Chronicle
RFCC - 50% standard for margarine to be met this week. 200 to 300 men went home (from work?) because they objected to corned beef from caterers. Most issues seem to be in urban areas of Crayford, Swanscome and Slade Green


16 Feb 1918 Food Shortages - Dartford Gravesend Reporter
Reply by Food Committee (photocopy)


16 Feb 1918 Gravesend Yacht Club VAD Hospital Kent Messenger
Longfield - entertainment at school raised £8.19s for Yacht Club VAD hospital


16 Feb 1918 Longfield Village Society Founded Kent Messenger
Longfield Village Society founded to be affiliated to Federation of Allotment Holders.  President Rev E Smith, T C Allchin vice president, Mrs F Brooks secretary and treasurer.


16 Feb 1918 Bungalows for Sale at Hartley Kent Messenger
Small Owners Ltd have 2 bungalows for sale, with 4 or 9 acres of land


22 Feb 1918 Council Buy Land at Pinden Dartford Chronicle
DRDC - purchase land in Pinden, Horton Kirby for road engines and other plant, councillor who objected to cost was overruled


23 Feb 1918 War Savings - Longfield Kent Messenger
Longfield - considering setting up local war saving association, lantern slide talk on subject to be given.  9 requests for allotments at Longfield Hill


01 Mar 1918 Queues Caused by Lack of Deliveries Claim Dartford Chronicle
Paper criticises Dartford butchers who won't deliver meat, forcing hundreds to stand in queues and disadvantaging rural customers who can't get there as early. False economy on labour. Notwithstanding the RFCC concerns it is better to have a number of tradesmen serving one street than many more queuing


01 Mar 1918 Sugar for Jam Making Dartford Chronicle
RFCC - told sugar will be available for private growers to make jam. Sutton baker applied for more petrol, as he had further to go to make deliveries. Committee member Mrs Golding said they should avoid overlapping areas. 4 houses in one street she knew served by different bakers. Tea shortage in Swanscombe, match shortage in Crayford.


02 Mar 1918 House to Let Kent Messenger
To let 10 roomed house, 2 acres of gardens, £75 per annum - A Humphrey, Fairby Farm


02 Mar 1918 Plots for sale at Hartley Kent Messenger
For sale 1-5 acre plots good arable land, 6 acre cherry orchard - Small Owners Limited


08 Mar 1918 Wanted Female Health Visitor Dartford Chronicle
DRDC - advert for female health visitor to advise mothers on proper nurture, care and management of young children. Salary £120.


08 Mar 1918 Rationing Guide Dartford Chronicle
Ration Guide for Householders - meat card has 4 coupons per week which must be used that week. Only 3 can be used for fresh meat at shop they have registered with. One 5d coupon will get e.g. 3oz of rump steak, 6½ oz brisket, 4oz beef suet, 5oz shoulder lamb/mutton. Non fresh meat coupon buys e.g. sausages (50% meat) 8oz, poultry w/o offal 8oz, tinned meat 2½oz, meat pies 2½oz. Coupons will also be needed for meat meals in restaurants. Margarine/butter is 4oz per week.


09 Mar 1918 Wanted Man for Market Garden Kent Messenger
"Wanted man for market garden; some glass; cottage close work - apply A Humphrey c/o Small Owners Ltd, Fairby Farm, Longfield, Kent"


23 Mar 1918 Apology to Land Girl Kent Messenger
Fanny Jenkins widow of Wilmington apologises and pays indemnity to land girl Victoria Coleman of Hawley.  She was friendly with her employer Mr Moss? Dairy farmer and FJ had made allegations about the child being brought up by Miss Coleman's grandparents


23 Mar 1918 Vegetables etc for Sale Kent Messenger
"For sale seed - dwarf beans, purple sprouting broccoli, brussels sprouts; exchange wire stakes.  R Weston, market gardener, Hartley Hill, near Longfield." [Hamilton, Church Road]


29 Mar 1918 Belgian fined for Keeping Pigeons Dartford Chronicle
Donat Drissons, Belgian refugee, fined £25 or 3 months for keeping pigeons.  Expert said no licence to keep pigeons ever granted to an alien.  Apparently they can be sold to anyone though


30 Mar 1918 Women's Land Army Kent Messenger
Successful women's land army recruitment day at Gravesend


01 Apr 1918 Belgian Refugees at Hartley Dixmude en omstreken
Death of refugee Leonie Ketele at Hartley


05 Apr 1918 Pro Publico Bono Dartford Chronicle
Editorial "Pro publico bone" supportive of farmers - vital industry, not profiteers as their costs have risen due to wage competition from munition works.


12 Apr 1918 Fined for Feeding Bread to Horse Dartford Chronicle
Belvedere man fined 20/- for giving bread to horse


19 Apr 1918 Rationing - Heavy Workers Dartford Chronicle
RFCC - concern over issue of heavy worker forms by som factories to get extra ration.  One member said it was 'bunkum' everyone claimed to be heavy workers.  Committee told by Food Controller that only those who grew fruit could have sugar for jam, not those who buy it.


20 Apr 1918 Obituary of Donald Baker of Longfield Kent Messenger
Longfield - obituary of Donald Baker (16) of Fern Lodge


26 Apr 1918 Supplementing their ration Dartford Chronicle
"John Tidy (16) and Edward Tidy of Ash bound over for 12 months for stealing duck from George Orpin of Ash.  Father said he has to work 6 am to 6 pm and has lost control of them.


27 Apr 1918 War Casualties - Longfield Kent Messenger
Longfield - death of 2nd Lt Douglas Roy Dilworth-Harrison (34) killed in action between 27/3 and 7/4


03 May 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - Charles English 28, A grade, given 3 months exemption


03 May 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Longfield Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - "To serve".  Fortunatus Lynds, 24, B1 of Essex Road, Longfield, married.  Application dismissed.


03 May 1918 Rationing - Transfer Applications Dartford Chronicle
RFCC - large number of applications to transfer trade due to incivility by shopkeeper, all granted.  Committee recognised difficulty of small shops getting supplies from wholesalers


04 May 1918 Longfield News Kent Messenger
Longfield - attempt to start pig club; Longfield girls in Southfleet girl guide concert raising over £14 for wounded.


11 May 1918 Conscientious Objectors - Quakers Kent Messenger
Roderick Clark and Robert Mannell, quakers, accused again of refusing army orders, 6 months after release for similar offence at Gravesend


18 May 1918 Properties for Sale by Small Owners Kent Messenger
"Small Owners Ltd have several cottage and bungalows with 4 acres of land upwards, also fruit land and arable land, for sale on their Hartley estate, 1½ miles from Fawkham Station.  Full particulars, apply Empire House, 175 Piccadilly W"


24 May 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - P C Elphick of Annlea, Engineering Clerk, has been to Woolwich for medical exam, deferred until July 10th.


25 May 1918 War Casualties - Longfield Kent Messenger
Casualty list - killed Pte 735 Royal West Kent P Pankhurst MM (Longfield); wounded Pte 125027 London Regt JT Bennett (Longfield)


31 May 1918 Conscription extended to 45-48 Year Olds Dartford Chronicle
Men of 47 and 48 to be called up, those of 45 and 46 called up 2 weeks ago.


31 May 1918 Pacifism at Dartford Dartford Chronicle
Letter re Dartford Cooperative meeting - motion to support committee's stand in rescinding the decision to ban "pacifist" ILP from using Coop hall.  Committee said hall cost £1,000 and they were worried about damage as they had received threats of trouble if the meeting went ahead.  Motion lost 10-17.  Writer thinks ILP want to take over Cooperative movement which he thinks should not be politicised


08 Jun 1918 Longfield Village Club Kent Messenger
Longfield Village Club - Miss Capper volunteers to register local garden crops with Kent War Agriculture Cttee.  Pig and rabbit clubs going well.


08 Jun 1918 War Casualties - Longfield Kent Messenger
Casualty list - wounded - Gunner 147580 FJ Smith, Royal Garrison Artillery (Longfield)


15 Jun 1918 Gravesend By Election Kent Messenger
Gravesend Parliamentary bye-election - Richardson (official coalition) 1,312; Davis (Ind Coalition) 1,106; Hinkley (Independent Labour) 562.  Winner new to Gravesend,  Davis said Hinkley split anti-coalition vote


22 Jun 1918 War Casualties - Longfield Kent Messenger
Casualty list - missing - Pte 1935 Royal West Kent H Jenkins (Longfield) in March offensive by Germans


22 Jun 1918 War Casualties - Longfield Kent Messenger
Longfield - reports that Charles Saxton has been wounded and Roland Pankhurst has died of wounds


26 Jun 1918 General Election Dartford Chronicle
Sir A W Smithers adopted as Conservative candidate for Chislehurst.  Born 1850, educated Lewisham Grammar.  He is a stockbroker, involved recently in financial dealings between the UK and US.  Lives Knockholt, claims to have been instrumental in getting water laid on there.


26 Jun 1918 Archbishop at Dartford Dartford Chronicle
Archbishop preaches at Dartford as part of Dartford - Erith "Crusade".  Chairs meeting discusing how to prevent future wars.


29 Jun 1918 Mr and Mrs Mills of Hodsoll Street, Diamond Wedding Kent Messenger
Ash - diamond wedding of Mr and Mrs John Hills of Hodsoll Street.  Mr Hills is 84 and still walks 3 miles to work every day.  He has lived all his life in Ash


05 Jul 1918 Conscientious Objectors - Hartley Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - W Bradford (44), fruit grower, applied as conscientious objector.  6½ acres to farm, did insurance work in spare time, widower with 4 children under 8.  Refused non-combatant work.  1 month's exemption.  George Holloway 47 Johns Cottages, Longfield, plasterer at EC Powder works applied for by Mr Lynds - 6 month's exemption.


06 Jul 1918 Grammar School Scholarship - Ash Kent Messenger
Ash - Claude Costen (10) of Ash CofE school wins scholarship to Maidstone Grammar


06 Jul 1918 Weddings at Longfield Kent Messenger
Longfield - marriages of William Thomas Goodwin RN to Miss Florence Mary Vigor; and Edward Thomas Allen RAF to Dora Lavinia Langford of Longfield Hill


06 Jul 1918 Wanted - Cook at June Hill Kent Messenger
Wanted cook general, wages £26 - Mrs Bourdillon, June Hill


09 Jul 1918 East Farleigh Inquest South Eastern Gazette
Inquest on Stephen Boorman of East Farleigh, body identified by brother John Boorman of Hartley Court Cottages


12 Jul 1918 Women in the Workforce Dartford Chronicle
Ministry of Labour Dartford Advisory Committee - "despite the enormous call upon women labour, the supply does not yet appear to appraoch the point of exhaustion"  Land Army, QMAAC and WRAF is proceeding satisfactorily but large numbers required as domestics and clerks for QMAAC.


13 Jul 1918 War Casualties - Longfield Kent Messenger
Picture of Pte H Marchant of Longfield of Wiltshire Regiment, killed in action on 10 April aged 19, had only been in France for 8 days.


13 Jul 1918 War Savings - Fawkham Kent Messenger
Fawkham - war weapons week.  Buy war savings at Fawkham Green War Savings Association War Savings Week 13 - 20 July


19 Jul 1918 Fined for Bringing Matches to Explosives Factory Dartford Chronicle
Frederick Baker of Longfield and Henry Bennett fined £3 each for bringing matches into explosive factory.  Firm sorry to bring charges but it is extreme danger.  Notices on each shed and gate


19 Jul 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - PC Elphick, Annlea, grade 4, discharged from Army Service.  Harry W Ellis 46 Holly Buch Cotttages, Longfield Hill, employed at EC Works, case adjourned.


26 Jul 1918 Cleared of Spreading Dissension Dartford Chronicle
Dartford Magistrates dismiss case against Coll McDonald under DORA of spreading disaffection, after accuser found to have a grudge against him.  Alleged to have said Germans had more right, and that Britain and France would have invaded Belgium if the Germans hadn't etc.


26 Jul 1918 Volunteers for Agriculture Dartford Chronicle
Kent War Agricultural Committee says volunteer men are available


27 Jul 1918 War Savings - Meopham Kent Messenger
Meopham war savings week involves Meopham, Fawkham, Luddesdown, Cobham, Trosley.  Has raised at least £6,000.  Ash holding one on 20-27 July


03 Aug 1918 War Savings - Meopham Kent Messenger
Meopham War Weapons Week - Fawkham raises £12.8.0, Kingsdown £300, Moepham £1,570.  Total £5,808.  Ash results awaited.


03 Aug 1918 Scouting Kent Messenger
3rd annual Gravesend District Scout Sports Day at Rosherville Gardens.  420 Scouts and Cubs attended as well as a small contingent of Girl Guides and Camp Fire Girls.  List of troops and their scoutmasters - Gravesend (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th*, 5th, 7th*, 8th*, 9th), Dartford (3rd*, 5th*), Sutton at Hone*, Darenth*, 3rd Northfleet, Wilmington, Hartley (SM Debenham), Stansfield*, Southfleet (SM Burrows).  Starred troops had scouts and cubs, others were scouts only.  List of winners did not include any scouts from Hartley.


07 Aug 1918 Fruit Wanted Kent Messenger
Plums, apples, damsons, marrows, rhubarb and blackberries - Allen's Confectionery Co Ltd, Fairby Farm, Hartley, Longfield, Kent are buyers of same in large or small quantities, delivered at Fawkham Station, or at their jam factory at the above address.


09 Aug 1918 Rochester Clergy and the War Dartford Chronicle
Rochester Clergy 350 of whom 148 are under 51.  Of these 27 didn't volunteer, 8 working for government, 1 invalided from army, 16 army chaplains, 3 combatants, 2 hut work, 2 special work in munitions, 73 allowed to remain in parishes and 6 doing additional work in parishes, 4 cases undecided, 5 have left for other dioceses


10 Aug 1918 Cornelius - Stoneham Wedding Kent Messenger
Marriage of Miss Mary Cornelius of Middleton's Farm,  to Pte E Stoneham of Southfleet at Longfield Parish Church.  Details


10 Aug 1918 Longfield Village Fete Kent Messenger
Longfield Village Fete in Rectory Meadow.  RAMC Band from Darenth, Maypole Dances by Southfleet Guides, Tug of War, Baby Show, successful and riased money for wounded soldiers and sailors.


10 Aug 1918 Groom v Lawrence, damage to House Kent Messenger
"Gravesend County Court: Rose Ellen Groom of Snodland, sued Alfred Ernest Lawrence of Hartley Court, Longfield, for £3 15s 3d damage to a dwelling house, known as Sunrise, Istead Rise.  Plaintiff's husband conducted her case, and Mr Clinch appeared for the defendant.


Plaintiff's case was that when defendant took the house there were certain fixtures, and as defendant did not like them, he removed them for his own.  Now defendant had left the house plaintiff's fixtures had also gone.  There was also a broken fence.  There was an agreement but unfortunately witness tore it up.


Mr Clinch said defendant was a munition worker at the Arsenal and was unable to be present.  He understood the tenancy was subject to reasonable wear and tear, but what damage had been done by the new tenant he did not know.


His honour gave judgement for 2 guineas and costs on that amount."



17 Aug 1918 Longfield Man POW Kent Messenger
Longfield - H Jenkins is a POW in Germany


17 Aug 1918 Fairby Jam Factory Kent Messenger
Allens Confectionery Company, Fairby Farm, wants plums, apples, damsons for jam making


22 Aug 1918 Wanted Book on Bee Keeping British Bee Journal
Wanted Roots 'Bee Culture' - Denys Millwood, Fairby


22 Aug 1918 Longfield Race Horse Patriot Harrisberg
World record for horse mile said to be 1 min 33.2 sec by 4 year old horse Colman at Longfield in 1900.


24 Aug 1918 Fairby Grange Sold Times
Fairby House has been sold privately by Hampton & Sons


28 Aug 1918 Scouting Kent Messenger
"Boy Scouts Sports and Rally: The postponed sports coupled with displays and a grand rally of the scouts of Central North Kent, were held at Hesketh Park, Dartford, on Saturday…"  List of troops attending included Hartley Scouts under Acting Scoutmaster Wildy.  About 380 present.  In the sports, Scout Bance of Hartley won 2nd prize in the obstacle race.  District Scoutmaster A Tutton is promoted to district commissioner.  He and others "were the pioneers of scouting in the district over 10 years ago, and were instrumental in forming the Central North Kent Association."  Because this association has become too large it is being split into Dartford and Gravesend District Associations.


29 Aug 1918 Wanted Healthy Hybrids British Bee Journal
Wanted healthy hybrids - Bee Keeper, Fairby


30 Aug 1918 Anti-Pacifist Letter Dartford Chronicle
"A working man" writes to criticise Labour for nominating a pacifist for parliament.  Calls for protectionism and help for wounded "Our wounded soldiers and sailors are an abiding evidence of the price we are paying for the protection of hearth and home..."


06 Sep 1918 Women's Day Parade Dartford Chronicle
Women's Day Parade in Dartford (photocopy)


06 Sep 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - Rev Stanley Morgan criticises army medical exams that have swept unfit men into the army over last 3 years.  Wm P Mansfield (41) Woodview Cottage, H Green dismissed from Woolwich Arsenal as being unfit, grade 3, not doing agricultural work.  Given 6 months exemption


07 Sep 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Kent Messenger
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - W Mansfield (41) of Hartley Green, actor, 6 month's exemption


07 Sep 1918 Female Farm Workers Kent Messenger
800-900 women threshers in Kent, manning 200 machines


07 Sep 1918 Longfield Village Club Kent Messenger
Longfield Village Club decided to keep feeding pigs and rabbits for a month before considering killing them


07 Sep 1918 Longfield Schools Close for Hop Picking Kent Messenger
Usual closure of Longfield schools for hop picking holiday


07 Sep 1918 War Savings - Ash Kent Messenger
Ash and Ridley War Savings Association has now raised £378,0.3 from Ash and £50.7.6 from Ridley.  23 new members


07 Sep 1918 Fairby Jam Factory Kent Messenger
Fruit wanted for jam factory (see article)


13 Sep 1918 Auction of Livestock at Fawkham Dartford Chronicle
Court Lodge Farm, Fawkham - sale of livestock


13 Sep 1918 Discharged Servicemen Dartford Chronicle
Discharged servicemen's meeting at Dartford (photocopy)


18 Sep 1918 US Wounded Arrive at Longfield Station Burlington Gazette, Iowa
Picture and report of US wounded arriving at Longfield Station


24 Sep 1918 J Rich Wounded Weekly Casualty List
L/Cpl J Rich of Hartley, 129624 Machine Gun Corps, wounded


27 Sep 1918 Lyndhurst, Longfield for Sale Dartford Chronicle
For sale - Lyndhurst, Longfield


27 Sep 1918 Paper Shortage Dartford Chronicle
Restrictions on the import of wood pulp in favour of food has created serious paper shortage. Chronicle will pay 1s 5d per 14lb of waste paper brought to their offices


04 Oct 1918 Coal Shortage Dartford Chronicle
Coal controller says village squire or vicar can hold a reserve supply of coal for distribution if usual supplies fail


05 Oct 1918 Accident in Longfield Kent Messenger
Albert Marchant (14) of Essex Road, Longfield, fell from hay cart and broke arm.  Taken to Gravesend Hospital.


11 Oct 1918 Trading Standards - Sutton at Hone Dartford Chronicle
Police court - Sutton farmer fined £2 for milk 11% short in fat. Dartford shopkeeper fined £15 for selling extra food without coupons


12 Oct 1918 Longfield War Shrine Kent Messenger
On Sunday war shrine dedicated, fixed to front wall of school.  Made of oak by R W Gilham to design of Miss Crook, head teacher of Church Schools, with funds raised in village and parish.  Crucifix in centre, adorned with brass flower vases and with Biblical texts "Greater love hath no man than this" and "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord", Roll of honour.  Details of service and attendees.


18 Oct 1918 POW Farm Workers Dartford Chronicle
Horton Kirby farmer complains that his 10 Germany POW workers were suddenly withdrawn even though still required.  Told all were sent home "to roost" on 1 October, apparently because of poor quality lodgings.


25 Oct 1918 Philip Pankhurst of Fawkham, MM Dartford Chronicle
Private Arthur Philip Pankhurst of Fawkham Green awarded military medal (picture)


29 Oct 1918 Sale of Potatoes at Wellfield South Eastern Gazette
"Mr Philip Champion has received instructions from the Kent War Agricultural Committee to sell by auction on the ground at Payne Trapps Building Estate, Hartley, on Wedneday 30th October 1918, at 10 o'clock am precisely, the crop of growing potatoes, as follows:


Lot 1 - about 2 acres President (grown from Scotch seed)


Lot 2 - about 1 acre Lochar (seed one year from Scotland)


Lot 3 - about 3½ acres King Edward VII (ditto)


Lot 4 - about 4 acres Arran Chief (Scotch seed)


The above lots will be sold with the pemission of the Ministry of Food, subject to the Forward Contract No 2,659, dated 10th May 1918.  Under the above contract all the Ware potatoes dressed over 1 5/8 in riddle will be taken by the Ministry at a minimum price of £6 per ton or at the controlled price whichever is the higher.


Lot 5 - about 1½ acres King George and King Edward VII, not subject to the above regulations....


[The uncultivated land at the Payne and Trapps estate in the Wellfield area was requisitioned by the War Agriculture Committee.]



01 Nov 1918 Influenza Epidemic Dartford Chronicle
Flu epidemic, DRDC has already closed 20 of 27 schools and now orders all closed until 18/11


01 Nov 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - Charles English (28), grade A, corn merchant - 6 months' exemption


01 Nov 1918 Influenza Epidemic Dartford Chronicle
Flu - all DRDC schools closed until 18 November (largely same as KM 2&9 Nov)


02 Nov 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Kent Messenger
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - Charles English (28), grade A, corn merchant - 6 months' exemption


02 Nov 1918 Jurors' Lists Kent Messenger
Longfield - complaint by resident that they had to travel 1 mile to see juror's list and no details of how to object as to inclusion


02 Nov 1918 Influenza Epidemic Kent Messenger
Flu - DRDC has closed 20 of 27 schools and remainder to be closed now.  Gravesend BC closed schools for 3 weeks, asked cinemas not to admit under 14s.  Swanscombe - 6 deaths (3 children, 3 adults) and 4 others down with flu.  Greenhithe - 1 death (child) with sibling very ill too.  Doctors greatly overworked, many severe cases especially among children


02 Nov 1918 Wounded Servicemen Fundraising Kent Messenger
Accounts of Longfield Wounded Soldiers and Sailors Relief Fund: has raised £115 1s 5d including donations from Hartley, Fawkham, Southfleet Guides, Entertainments at Longfield and Southfleet.


09 Nov 1918 Arthur Munday Memorial Service Kent Messenger
Longfield - memorial service for Arthur Munday, died in hospital from gas poisoning


09 Nov 1918 Influenza Epidemic Kent Messenger
Flu - all DRDC schools closed until 18 November.  Greenhithe - 2 more deaths and many cases


09 Nov 1918 Longfield PC v Wright Kent Messenger
Longfield PC v Walter Wright, 3 day case in Chancery Division of High Court as to whether council had really sacked him.  He was appointed in 1913.  By 1917 council split on issue of stone quarrying on allotments.  At meeting held on 5.4.17 with George Thomas Lynds in chair and only 2 others present, they voted to sack Mr Wright.  In court Wright's barrister reminded them Lynds had been involved in scandal of underassessing properties that led to Mr Robson, Wright's predecessor being sacked and the assessment on one of Lynds's properties being increased from £3.15s to £18.


Mr Wright said he had often agendered items to try and recover the back taxes owed by Mr Lynds.  Judge said sacking of Mr Wright at meeting of 5.4.17 was invalid because it wasn't on the agenda, but later resolution to appoint Mr Judge impliedly sacked Mr Wright was valid.  In view of "somewhat unfair" treatment of Mr Wright he said LPC should pay their own costs.  He commented "The people there seemed to have occupied themselves during the period of the war with a considerable amount of civil war among themselves".  Mr Wright said he was a nurseryman and estate agent at Longfield before war, and is now a clerk at Vickers Works, Crayford



09 Nov 1918 Wanted Goats Kent Messenger
Wanted nanny goats in milk - Webb, Fairby


11 Nov 1918 Influenza Epidemic Kent Messenger
Flu - Greenhithe 9 flu deaths in last week (3 children, 3 aged 18-20, 3 adults)


16 Nov 1918 End of the War Kent Messenger
News of peace reached KM offices at Gravesend at 11am on Monday.  Local streets thronged with crowds, sounds of hooting from factories and ships.  "Just as though someone had pressed an electric button, flags and streamers appeared everywhere".  Continued into the night with fireworks and burning of the kaiser's effigy.  "Then to bed with no fear of an air raid.  What a relief!"


16 Nov 1918 Influenza Epidemic Kent Messenger
Dartford medical officer says flu is abating but has probably claimed over 100 lives


22 Nov 1918 Ancient Rhyme Dartford Chronicle
Paper quotes 'ancient rhyme' - "Sutton for mutton, Kirby for beef, Dartford for a pretty girl, Farningham for a thief"


22 Nov 1918 End of the War Dartford Chronicle
Peace Sunday (17th). Thanksgiving in churches, procession in town


30 Nov 1918 Longfield Concert for the Wounded Kent Messenger
Longfield holds concert for wounded of village.  Raised £14, bringing total to £100


06 Dec 1918 E H Haygreen Missing Dartford Chronicle
E H Haygreen (pictured with wife) reported missing


07 Dec 1918 St Joseph's High School, Hartley Kent Messenger
"St Josephs Hartley, Longfield, High School for Young Ladies, Boarding School for Gentlemen's Sons, 4 to 10 years.  Oxford locals, Music, French.  Apply Principal"


14 Dec 1918 General Election - Southfleet Kent Messenger
Conservative election rally at Southfleet


21 Dec 1918 Concerns about Starvation in Germany Kent Messenger
Dartford Guardians pass resolution to put the kaiser on trial.  3 opposed including Mrs Ling who spoke of terrible conditions in Germany and starving children there.


27 Dec 1918 Longfield PC v Dartford RDC Dartford Chronicle
Longfield PC v Dartford RDC (Chancery Division) report of case. PC objects to injuction saying their use of allotments for quarry is ultra vires, and to stop works and remove traction engines.


27 Dec 1918 In an Air Raid at Dartford Dartford Chronicle
By 'Gavel Kind' "I saw my first Zeppelins at Dartford on the night of October 13th 1915.  The first intimation I had of a visit to my neighbourhood from the air was when all the lights at the railway station wre extinguished.  As trains came in their lights were put out and they left the station with their compartments in dartkness.  // A crowed collected on the platform, joking light heartedly at the predicament.  An old lady with grey hair querulously asked why the lights wre out, and an inspector suggested 'so that the Germans don't see us, I expect'.   Girls giggled as they moved along the platform. Men struck matches to find their way about, and one ireverently joked 'Give us light, we beseech Thee, O Lord'.  An old gentleman carefully picked his way among the crowd with the aid of an electric torch.  There was no confusion. The usual British phlegm, tinged wtih humerous sarcasm was paramount. A girl behind me said 'I don't mind the other lights being out, but I don't think it is right to have the lights in the train out'.  Her notions of propriety were outraged, and they ocvercame her realisation of the danger to lighted trains while Zeppelins were overhead.


The train I awaited was announced and I entered a carriage.  A seafaring man stumbled in after me, cursing the idiots who had put the station in darkness.  What fear had he of Zeppelins!  A day or two before, he had perhaps sailed the high seas and laughteed at the German 'frightfulness' of the oceans, the U Boat.  A man's head appeared at the open window of the carriage and he began asking about he destination of the train.  My seafaring companion  answered him, then suddenly burst out with a volloey of oaths, threatening his questioner if he did not go away.  #He was putting his hands across my clothes,' explained the saillor to me.


Just before the train started, four girls, some of the many who wwere travelling by the train to start night work at Vickers' Erith Works, entered the carriage followed by two youths.  Under cover of the darkness a lively repartee commenced.  But when the train reached a cutting a few hundred yards out ot the station, it stopped, the chatter however, went on.


The train waited a quarter, a half, three-quarters, a whole hour.  It was tiresome waiting.  Choruses swelled out from other coaches, and girl's and men's voices sounded in laughter and coarse joking.  No-one had serious thoughts, or thoughts of danger; only irritation at the train's standstill.


Another hour passed slowly by.  The monotony of waiting, and the energy used in singing had dulled the excitement in the breasts of most of the passengers.  the carriages became stuffy, people's heads ached and they wanted to go to sleep.  If they looked out of the window they could only see the banks of the cutting, and above, the bright stars glittering in the night.


It was now about midnight.  The whirring of an aeroplan engine had been heard before, but now I heard a louder, heavier noise.  It was, I anticipated, from a Zeppelin engine.  A little later I heard two dull booms.  Those I imagined were the bursting of bombs.  Carriage doors were opening, and men were getting onto the line.  Two men had climbed the steep banks of the cutting and were talking eagerly together and pointing to the sky.  I climbed down from my carriage and joined them trembling with cold and with excitement.  I had to be instructed by my companion before I could discern the monsters of the air.


My position on the high cliff commanded a complete view of the drama that was about to take place.  The River Thames lay in front, with about two miles of marsh land between, the same flat country stretching away on my left, searchlights stabbged the sky with beams of light which concentrated at three different points; two close together, directly opposite, over Essex and one over London.  As my eyes followed the course of the beams and searched in the light at their junction, I saw the Zeppelins, one at each of the three points.  


The gas bags showed up a slivery white in the diffused light that clung around them.  They were all a long way off and terribly high.  They were but elongated specks of white in the sky, like stars that had been smeared over, and thus deprived of their brilliancy.


A rocket soared and burst into a bright white light; the searchlights hung dog like about the airships  and then the anti-aircraft guns barked out.   the curtain of black sky that hung before me was then sprinkled with the momentary flashes of the bursting high explosive shells.  Just as there were many searchlights, so there wre many guns firing from all directions.  The bombardment of the sky went on, and it could be seen the Zeppelins were hurrying eastward at a great height.


I saw two brick red flashes rise up from the horizon, and heard the dull booms which betokened the dropping of bombs.


The two Zeppelins over Essex were soon lost to the searchlights, but that over London was kept observed for a longer period.  It seemed to be coming towards Dartford, but it turned in a more northerly direction in the wake of the others.  As I watched, a tense excitement gtripped me, and I prayed that a shell would burst against the white cae and cause it to explode before my eyes.  But the monster bore a charmed life.  It turned, and with increased speed, fled away into the darkness of the night.  In a little while the guns were silenced, the searchlights covered, and the raid had ended.


I climed down the steep bank, slipping on the dewy grass and stumbling over the signal wires by the side of the track, and climbed into a carriage.  It was not the one I had left, but was filled with terrified girls, I hastily retreated and found a seat in another carriage, occupied by a National Reservist, who wondered what his 'old man' would say when he arrived three hours over leave at Erith.  The train continued its interrupted journey, having stopped in the outing in darkness for almost 4 hours.


The newpapers announced next morning that 56 people had been killed and 114 injured as a result of the raild."



31 Dec 1918 General Election - Chislehurst South Eastern Gazette
Chislehurst constituency election result: Alfred W Smithers (Con Coalition) 8,314, Capt A Edmunds (National Party) 2,507.  Electorate 26,801 of which women 10,996.  Dartford constituency had an electorate of 46,000


03 Jan 1919 General Election - Chislehurst Dartford Chronicle
Election - Chislehurst: Sir Waldron Smithers (Coalition Unionist) 8,314; Capt A Edmonds (National) 2,507.  Majority 5,807.  Count was at Dartford, Little reaction to result as few supporters there.  Dartford: James Rowlands (Coalition Liberal) 15,626, William Ling (Labour) 6,506.  Majority 9,120.  Mr Ling met with somewhat hostile reception, one voice called him "Pro-German".


04 Jan 1919 Lest We Forget Kent Messenger
Letter by "Englishwoman" of Gravesend.  Shocked to find veteran having to sell lavender door to door because pension of 10s 2d doesn't feed him, wife and 4 year old child.  He had 2 gold stripes and 4 chevrons.  "Is this the best a grateful (?) country can do for its heroes".  Germans should pay for decent pensions.


11 Jan 1919 Longfield Prize Winner Kent Messenger
Gravesend tombola for discharged servicemen's fund.  145th prizewinner (clock worth 17s 6d) Mr J Roland, Longfield Siding (11,806)


11 Jan 1919 Women in the Workforce Kent Messenger
Lillie Ross Cline write to call for women to give up their jobs to men.  Quite a few kept on not through efficiency but because they were needed.  Shouldn't be prejudiced against domestic service.  Cites case of girl earning £3-4 pw, paid mother 14s and spent rest on clothes.


11 Jan 1919 Soldiers Call to be Discharged Kent Messenger
Protests by soldiers in Folkestone, Dover and Maidstone to call for discharge.


18 Jan 1919 History of Air Raids Kent Messenger
"The Greatest of Wars" article on air raids in Gravesend.  Some had dug shelters, people in Northfleet sheltered in tunnels in chalk quarry.  Luckily no-one was killed in town, near miss on 31/10 - 1/11/17 when 14 Prospect Place hit by incendiary which ignited bed where 4 children were sleeping, matress thrown out of window.


24 Jan 1919 Railway in the War Dartford Chronicle
Extract from article in Times about SE&CR in wartime.  7,515 special ambulance trains carrying 1,215,896 wounded


31 Jan 1919 Day - Eubank Wedding Dartford Chronicle
Marriage of daughter of George Day of North Ash to William Allen Eubank of Bean at Ash Chapel.  Picture, list of gifts.


01 Feb 1919 KCC Vote against Equal Pay for Women Kent Messenger
KCC Education committee votes against equal pay for women.  Only 3 of 20 on committee voted for.


01 Feb 1919 Air Raid Precautions - Gravesend Kent Messenger
AJ Philip former organising secretary of Gravesend Air Raid Patrol thanked all those involved, up to 2,700 at one time.  First raids led to large numbers leaving town to sleep at night (he said one school had 50 children sleeping in the fields).  People quickly stopped doing this when patrols started.  ARP stopped when sirens introduced.


07 Feb 1919 Kent Police and the War Dartford Chronicle
Kent Constabulary and war.  217 joined up, 18 killed, 7 incapicitated


08 Feb 1919 Rosherville VAD Hospital Kent Messenger
Last patient leaves Rosherville VAD hospital.  Opened 15/11/14 for about a year, reopened 3/3/16.  With 126 beds it treated 3,461 people.


14 Feb 1919 Women's Land Army Dartford Chronicle
Women's Land Army at Eynsford


15 Feb 1919 Female Workers Dismissed Kent Messenger
100 women discharged from docks.


22 Feb 1919 History of Air Raids Kent Messenger
Account of air raids briefly mentions 1917 raid on Longfield and Ash


08 Mar 1919 Longfield Parish Council v Dartford Rural District Council Kent Messenger
Longfield PC win case in Chancery Division against DRDC that agreement for stone with 18/7/1916 was ultra vires.  History of site, rented by PC for allotments in 1908, freehold acquired 1913.


14 Mar 1919 Death of Rifleman E H Haygreen Dartford Chronicle
Rifleman EH Haygreen previously posted missing, now known to have died on night of 28/9/18 when 2/16 London Regiment advanced to take Messines Ridge.  Picture


14 Mar 1919 Death of Pte William Pankhurst Dartford Chronicle
Death of Pte William Pankhurst of Mabel Cottages, Longfield. He was listed as a POW 10.8.1917 at Lager Lechfeld in Bavaria. He died on a local farm where he worked, and was buried locally.


29 Mar 1919 Land Army Concert at Ash Kent Messenger
Ash - Land Army Concert.in Ash parish room under supervision of Miss Berkeley the welfare officer.  Room filled to utmost capacity, every chair and niche taken, raised £10 8s 5d for Welfare Fund.  Mentions thresher gang working in Ash.  Assisted by Ash schoolchildren


05 Apr 1919 Assault at Longfield Kent Messenger
Albert Haselden of Railway Tavern had to pay £65 + costs to Matthew Hannigan for assault meaning latter had to return to hospital.  Witnesses had said no assault took place and that is was an accident.


12 May 1919 Fairby Grange for Conscientious Objectors Daily Herald
"Dartmoor Settlement for COs - Final statement regarding disposal of cash and property belonging to men in the above settlement at 19th April 1919.


Sent to Fund for the Relief of Dependents of COs.


March 31st - From Canteen Funds (£50)


April 19th - Balance of cash from Canteen (£118 1s 10d)


April 19th - Balance of cash from general funds (£8 5s 3d)


Total £176 7s 1d


Sent to Fairby Grange Convalescent Home


Cash (Donations and Social Com.)(£6)


Surplus stock in canteen value (£29)


All settlers' library, books, magazines sent to Fairby Grange.


All books were duly audited and found to be correct by Samuel Broomfield, of Broomfield and Co, accountants and auditors, Newport.  Balance sheets and books have been deposited with NCF at 5 York Buildings, Adelphi, London, where they may be seen for inspection.  Copy of the final balance sheet may be seen on application to undersigned, the secretary of men's committee in session, at close of settlement.  G B Eddie, 88 Canning Street, Glasgow.


[Many conscientious objectors were sent to prison, and when they were released they were in very poor state, due to the conditions they were kept in.  Dr Salter made Fairby Grange available to them to recuperate. This charity sent money, books etc to the men there.]



26 Jun 1919 Cricket: COs v Wounded Soldiers Tribunal
The cricket field at Fairby Grange was last week the scene of an interesting and ultimately exciting game between the local Hartley team composed of discharged and wounded soldiers and the Home team made up of Conscientious Objectors, who are temporarily recupera­ting at Fairby from the effects of terms of imprisonment. A keen finish ended in a draw: Fairby 65 (Webb, 17; Humphrey 7 for 24); Hartley 57 for 8 (Humphrey, 19; Scott 4 for 6).


29 Aug 1919 Business Wanted Chelmsford Chronicle
Business wanted by Sheppard of Grafton House, Hartley


05 Sep 1919 Bennett - Newcomb Wedding Times
Marriage of Walter Mervyn Bennett only son of Mr & Mrs S Walter Newcomb of The Gables, Hartley at Epping


13 Sep 1919 Treadwell Engagement The Australasian (Melbourne)
Notice of engagement of Frank Sinden Treadwell, son of Mr E C Treadwell of Fairby, York Street, St Kilda.


10 Oct 1919 Fairby Construction Company tender Building News
Fairby Construction Company bid to build 150 houses at Blackley for Manchester Corporation accepted


11 Nov 1919 Adam Grimaldi & Co Hull Daily Mail
Launch of Albert Car by Adam Grimaldi & Co


21 Nov 1919 Drakes for sale at Stocks Farm Dover Express
Drakes for Sale from Stocks Farm


03 Dec 1919 Bankruptcy of George Harold Humphrey Aeroplane
George Harold Humphrey, director of public companies, 23 Hangar Lane, Ealing, and late of 4 Ellison Place, Newcastle on Tyne.


The first meeting of creditors under a receiving order made against this debtor on his own petition was held on November 27th at the London Bankruptcy Court.


Mr F T Garton, Official Receiver, who presided, said that a statement of the debtor's affairs had been lodged showing gross liabilities £8,500, unsecured £17,770 and contingent debts £58,500, which were not expected to rank for dividend. The assets were valued a £10,065.  The debtor had stated that in August 1914, he and another person formed the Rural Developments Co Ltd, of which he was appointed managing director.  The comapny was successful until November 1915, but two years later went into voluntary liuidation.  In June 1914, a company in which he had been interested having given up certain works near Fawkham, Kent, he registered the Fairby Construction Co Ltd, to work in conjunction with the Rural Development Co in building cottages on the Fairby Farm Estate.  He was appointed managing director and acted in that capacity until 1917 when he became an ordinary director.  In January 1917, at the suggestion of a representative of Armstrong Whitworth and Co who promised him contracts, he took the Victoria Works, Newcastle on Tyne, and formed John Dawson and Co (Newcastle on Tyne) Ltd, to take over his interest and manufacture aircraft wings.  The nominal capital of the company was £10,000.  The debtor became managing director and took up the issued capital of £2,100, but later he transferred some of his shared to other persons who became directors. The company was financed by payments made on account of contracts with Armstrong Whitworth and Co until December 1917, but afterwards the company made contracts direct with the government, who paid week by week  The company was very successful until the Armistice, when notice was given terminating the contracts, and differences arose between the company and the Government as to the amount due to the company.  Pending the settlement of these differences the debtor endeavoured to sell his interest in another company (Allan Jones and Co (1918) Ltd) to George Clare and Co Ltd, and out of the money so raised he paid the accounts and financed John Dawson and Co.  On June 4th last the Government settled the claim for £30,000, which was less than the amount expected. The debtor then endeavoured to amalgamate the company with Allan Jones and Co (1918) Ltd, a company of which he was governing director, which carred out contracts for aircraft parts.  In anticipation he guaranteed debts of John Dawson and Co to the amount of £15,000.  Eventually the amalgamation fell through and John Dawson and Co went into liquidation. The debtor was pressed on his guarantees and decided to file his petition.  He attributed his insolvency to the failure of the company, of which he claimed to be a creditor for £10,000.


The creditors appointed Mr Oliver Sunderland, accountant, as trustee of the debtor's estate.  A committee of inspection was also nominated.


[G H Humphries was a key figure in the development of Hartley, as the managing director of Small Owners Limited.  Later he went into the aircraft industry, but said his financial troubles were down to the end of the war.]



15 Dec 1919 Training Position Wanted Farmer & Smallholder
Training position wanted by Maurice Webb, Fairby


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