1905 News - Hartley-Kent: Covering Hartley, Longfield & District

06 Jan 1905 Times

Family Notice

Birth of son to Mr & Mrs Morton of Hartley Manor

13 Jan 1905 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Church Service Times and Preachers for 15 January

Ash (Rev E Lambarde) 11; Fawkham (Rev Thomas Blackhall) 11; Longfield (Rev E Smith) 11 and 6.30.

18 Feb 1905 Northfleet Standard

Cruelty to a Horse

(Gravesend Magistrates) "John Grieve farmer of Fawkham, was summoned for cruelty to the horse by working it while it was unfit.  The animal, drawing a cart, was seen on the Clifton Marine by Constables Bury and Keeler, who noticed several sores on its body from which it was evidently suffering much pain.  The constables gave evidence, as also did Mr H Wilson, veterinary surgeon and Inspector Keast, representing the RSPCA.  The case was not regarded as a very serious one, and the defendant was fined only 5 shilllings, wiht £1 14s 6d costs."

24 Mar 1905 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Drunkenness

John Fulker of Crayford and John Fulker, his son, of Longfield were charged at Dartford on Wednesday, with being drunk and disorderly in Dartford Road [Main Road] Longfield on Tuesday.  Sgt Fright [Fread?] stated that at half past five he saw the two prisoners come from the Railway Tavern, where they had been refused drink.  They were very drunk, and he advised them to go away.  They went down the road for a short distance but returned and as they persisted in making use of bad language they were arrested.  PC Smeeth corroborated...." Fined 5s and allowed 14 days to find money.

08 Apr 1905 Canterbury Journal

The See of Rochester - A Plea for the Restoration of her Ancient Inheritance

Lengthy article about the history of the boundaries of Rochester Diocese from early times, to various Victorian reorganisations.

08 Apr 1905 Daily News

Bankruptcies

Extract from London Gazette mentions receiving order against Walter Wright, Nurseryman's Manager, of Longfield, Kent.

06 May 1905 Chatham Observer

Ripe Affection

(Rochester Bankruptcy Court) "Mr Walter Wright, nurseryman's manager of Longfield, was publicly examined by the Official receiver (Mr R T Tatham).  Debtor's statement of affairs showed gross liabilities amounting to £329 1s 9d, or which £265 17s 5d is unsecured; deficiency £297 2s 3d.  Mr F M Abrahams was counsel for the petitioning creditor Mr Popham.

Replying to the official Receiver, debtor said his failure was due to an action brought against him respecting a right of way by Mr Popham, and building not having been proceeded with in the neighbourhood as rapidly as he anticipated.  He commenced business as a nurseryman on the 1st Jan 1902 at Longfield Nursery, with a capital of £20.  The Official Receiver reminded debtor that in a letter to Messrs Rutter, land agents to Mr Popham, in October 1901, he stated that he had a capital of about £200.  Debtor said he really hadn't that amount of money, but he could command it if it was required.  He purchased a piece of land from Mr Popham for £200 and paid £100 deposit, the balance remaining on mortgage.  This was shortly before January 1st 1902, and just previously he borrowed from Miss Klein £150.  In December 1903, the mortgagee gave him notice to pay off the mortgage, and to enable him to do so he borrowed further money from Miss Klein.  He also paid £24 for crops on the land.  In March 1903, Miss Klein advanced him a sum of £50 to pay for the cost of building a greenhouse.  By Mr Abrahams: When he wrote the letter to which the Official Receiver had referred he knew he could command £200.  Miss Klein lend him the money free of interest.  It was lent simply out of affection.  Mr Abrahams: How many years has this affection been going on? - About 14 years.  It was very ripe? - Yes (laughter).

Replying to further questions, debtor said the nursery was made over to Miss Klein in November 1903.  Debtor was now her manager, his salary being 24s a week.  He did not part with the nursery because of the action of Mr Popham.  The Official REceiver said an examination of the books in the possessio of Miss Klein was absolutely necessary, and there must be an adjournment.  The examination was adjourned for a month."

27 May 1905 Northfleet Standard

London Refuse

"At the last meeting of the Dartford Rural District Council, a letter was read from Mr Newcombe of Longfield, complaining of the continued carting of London Refuse along the highway.  The nuisance was ruining the district as a residential place.  Unless the counicl took steps to stop the nuisance, the landowners would have to take the case in their own hands.  The writer of the letter observed that, unfortunately, the representative of the parish did not represent the wishes of the majority of the parishioners (laughter).  Mr Hohler had also written complaining of refuse.

Mr Gillham, councillor for Longfield, replied that if these gentlemen who were anxious to stop the industry would find other employment for the labourers, he would have no objection.  Otherwise they ought not to stop work for the sake of 2 or 3 'toffs' (laughter) - Mr Wood: Yes; go to London for their breakfasts.

Dr Richmond stated that he had investigated the state of affairs at Longfield.  There were 20 trucks of refuse in the goods yard, and the rubbish came from Lewisham, where smallpox was epidemic.  This state of things was undoubtedly injurious to passengers at the station.  The roads were littered from the uncovered carts conveying the refuse from the station.  He considered the present method of dealing with the refuse was  deliberate neglect of the undertaking entered into with the council.  In the course of the discussion, Dr Richond said that he understood there was some question between Messrs Martin, who imported the refuse, and the SE company in regard to the new siding away from the village.  The nuisance was simply intolerable.  The chairman remarked that the council had given Messrs Martin every opportunity of improving the conditions.  Mr Gales: The contractors have given us promises over and over again.  It was agreed to give Messrs Martin 14 days' notice before proceeding for an injunction."

03 Jun 1905 Chatham Observer

Transfer of a Business

"Walter Wright, nurseryman's manager of Longfield, was further examined b Mr Abrahams for the petitioning creditor, Mr Popham.  Debtor said he told his principal customers of the transfer of the business to Miss Klein, and he produced letters to prove that they were aware of the fact.  He obtained the letters because of the accusations made at the time of the receiving order.  He did not inform Mr Popham of the transfer.  After the change things went on practically the same; only debtor could not do just as he liked.  He was under the directions of Miss Klein.  Mr Abrahams: You were engaged to her.  Debtor: That did not make any difference.  Mr Abrahams: And the engagement was of 14 years' standing (laughter).  Debtor handed the books over to Miss Klein.  He may have altered the date under which an entry was made as to the amount of stock in the nursery.  If he did, it was to bring the account up to date.  The book containing the accounts against customers had been lost.  Miss Klein went through the books occasionally, and he pointed to her signature in several places.  Before the transfer debtor made out accounts in his own name; afterwards 'Longfield Nursery' and signed himself as manager.  The examination was further adjourned."

16 Jun 1905 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

A Drunken Outing

"John William Thorne, a man with 7 previous convictions, was charged at the court on Saturday with having been drunk at Longfield.  His bacchanalian propensities broke out at Dartford, and while in a drunken condidtion he jumped into a trap belonging to Mr Day, grocer, of Great Queen Street, which was standing in St Alban's Road and drove off.  He was next seen at Longfield, near the Railway Tavern, where he was arrested by PC Smeeth for being drunk.  He was fined 20s and costs or 21 days' hard labour.

23 Jun 1905 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Obscenity at Longfield

"For using obscene language in the Dartford Road, Longfield on May 29th, George Seager of Longfield was fined 10s and costs, or, in default of payment, 7 days' imprisonment.  Nothing was known against him."

14 Jul 1905 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

A Child's Death

"An inquest was held at the Dartford Union Workhouse on Friday upon the body of an infant called Jessie Costly, the daughter of fruit pickers living at Longfield.  The child was given a teething powder, but soon after became so ill that it was removed to the infirmary, where it died soon after its admission.  The doctor cold not certify as to the cause of death, and the inquest was adjourned in order that the contents of the stomach might be analysed."

20 Jul 1905 Daily Mirror

The Cruellest Sport

"We are condemning bull fights in Spain severely enough just now, but to my mind pigeon shooting, as practised in this country, is the cruellest form of sport.  I have had occasion more than once to witness a pigeon shoot.  The pigeons, half tame, are placed in a box trap arrangement.  A few paces from the trap stands a man with a double barrelled gun.  By means of pulling a cord the trap is opened, the bird flies out, and hovers about in a sort of half-dazed condition.  Off goes the gun, and the bird is generally blown to pieces.  At one pigeon shoot the bird sat on the trap; on examination the wing was found to be broken.  However it was thrown high in the air, and as it fell some bulldog looking fellow fired at it and put the poor creature out of its misery.  This so-called sport ought to be put down.  J H C Woodruffe, Longfield Hill, Kent."

22 Jul 1905 Times

John Hickmott of Longfield Court

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

28 Jul 1905 Bromley Journal and West Kent Herald

Shocking Murder at Wrotham

"A Woman Stabbed - An arrest: Accused's Demeanour - Inquest and Verdict.

Much consternation was aroused in the district this week when it became known that a shcoking murder had been perpetrated at Wrotham.  The victim is a woman named Alice Glover, and a man named Samuel Curtis, who formerly lived with her, has been arrested for causing her death.  It seems that separated some time ago, but coming into the district for fruit picking, accidently met, with such tragic results.  Curtis apparently does not recognise the gravity of his position, judging by his demeanour at the inquest on Wednesday afternnon.....   The first witness called was Edwon Barns, residing at Tenterden, who stated that h knew the deceased.  He did not, however know her name, neither did he know her age.  She told him that her home was in Yorkshire, and that she was a singlewoman.  He had known her for 2 months, first meeting her in the Running Horse at Maidstone.  Since then they had both worked together at Longfield, cabbage planting, but she left him about amonth after he first met her.  Last Saturday evening, however, he met her in the Three Post Boys at Wrotham, between 8 and 9.  She was sober and very quiet the whole time he was n the house, which he left to go up the street.  Deceased's name was, he believed, Alice Glover, and she had previously lived with Samuel Curtis - the man now in custody charged with her murder.  She told him that she left Curtis owing to his gross cruelty to her...."

Lengthy description of proceedings, jury return verdict of wilful murder against Curtis, who had apparently confessed to the police when arrested.  [This was not a conviction merely an indictment to stand trial]

03 Aug 1905 Daily Mirror

Trapping the Rabbit

"Trapping rabbits and other animals by means of steel traps is a cruel practice, and inflicts terrible torture and suffering.  I have seen different birds hopping about on one leg; often I have seen rabbits and hares minus a limb or two.  I remember well the last poor creature I liberated; it was a hedgehog.  The pitiful screams of the poor animal resembled those of a child.  No doubt it had been in the trap for hours; the flesh was torn and the poor creature had gone mad with pain.  After its release from the trap it died in agony.  I am fully aware that rabbits and other vermiin that infest our land must be checked, but let us do it with clean hands.  J H C Woodruffe, Longfield Hill, Kent."

04 Aug 1905 Bromley Journal and West Kent Herald

The Quality of a Crop

(Kent Summer Assizes) "The case of Popham v Hubbard, an action for £95, arising out of crops bargained and sold, was heard before the special jury.  There was a counterclaim for misdescription for £373.  Mr Pollock KC and Mr Heber Hart appeared for plaintiff, and Mr Witt KC and Mr Mallinson for the defendant.

Mr Pollock explained that the plaintiff, Mr Benjamin Francis Popham, lived at Thetford in Norfolk, and advertised growing clover, sainfoin, fruit etc for sale.  Defendant (Mr G A Hubbard, Heathfield, Crayford) purchased these crops for £700, giving a cheque for £600, the balance to follow.  On being asked for the odd £100 he refused to pay on the ground that the clover was nothing but weeds, and all the rest of the crops of no good.  The claim was for £95, as some crops to amount of £5 had been sold.

L John Rutter, manager of the New Barn Estate, Longfield, near Dartford, deposed that in May last year defendant enquired about the crops and accompanied him over all the estate except one field of 10 acres.  Defendant gave a cheque for £600 promising to pay £100 in the course of a few days.  The crops were in very good condition at the time, while the gooseberries were nearly ready for picking.  Defendant delayed cutting the clover and sainfoin till it was too late to have a second crop.  Cross examined: It was possible without a microscope to see the clover.  The clover was thicker than the thistles.  The thistles were not so thick that the horses drawing the mowing machines refused to face them.  Defendant expressed himself as satisfied with the crops.

William John Allen, agent of the New Barns Estate stated that defendant saw the clover field before purchasing, and it really was clover and grass.  On Friday Mr Allen, the resident manager, stated in reply to Mr Witt that he knew of no rule by which the seller was supposed to cultivate the fruit until it was picked by the buyer.  The farm had been neglected during the last 2 years.  If clover was sown in 1900 or 1901 there would still be clover growing in 1904.

A discussion then ensued as to the contract, the Judge saying that as plaintiff saw the crops, the jury might not be called on to decide.  Further evidence was given that some of the fruit was picked, some shaken down, and some knocked down.  Defendant's evidence was that plaintiff was more anxious to sell him a bungalow than the crops.  On the day he viewed the farm he was shown no clover at all, but was told the clover was on the top of a hill which he did not go up.  Mr Rutter did not tell him he had better see the other fields before he gave his cheque.  On a later visit he could not see a sprig of clover in the clover fields.  After further evidence the jury intimated that they had made up their minds, and returned a verdict for the plaintiff."

19 Aug 1905 Northfleet Standard

Official Secrecy

"The nuisance caused by the accumulation of large masses of offensive filth in the parish of Longfield and alsewhere is causing considerable anxiety, and has, time after time, engeged the attention of the local sanitary authorities, says a writer in the 'Dartford Chronicle'.  The case of dumping down some hundreds of tons of this abominable stuff at Fawkham has been brought before the notice of hte Dartford RDC at various times, and at the meeting of the council 3 weeks ago it was resolved to serve notice upon Messrs Martin to discontinue the practice, and in case of non-compliance that proceedings be taken in order to put a stop to this great and constantly recurring nuisance.  At the meeting of the council on Tuesday it was expected that a report would be made as to what was being done in the matter, and what steps were being taken for safeguarding the healt of the people, but no information was forthcoming, and communications on the same subject with reference to the nuisance arising from a deposit of house refuse at Pinden were ordered to be dealt with in committee.  The public want to know, and have a right to know, what their representatives are doing in such an important matter affecting the health and lives of the people of the district, and it is not right for them to be shrouded in official secrecy."

[At the time people could only attend full council meetings, not committee meetings, so when the councils wanted to exclude the public they simply "went into committee".  Since 1960 they can only exclude the public for a limited number of reasons]

08 Sep 1905 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

London Refuse at Horton Kirby - Injunction Refused

Dartford RDC v J & B Martin in Vacation Court.  "…..Mr J G Joseph said that in May 1904 the efendants entered into a contract with the Borough of Lewisham to dispose of a portion of their house refuse, and commenced to send the same down to Fawkham Station, where it was unloaded into carts, carried through Longfield, and deposited on part of defendant's land.  Cokmplaints were made of the nuisance cause, and defendantswere calle don to abate it by the Council, whose Medical Officer said it wsa dangerous to health.  Nothing being done, in October 1904 the council served defendants with a writ, when it first asked merely that they be restrained from causing the nuisance by unloading it at Fawkham to their land.  Messrs Martin thereupon undertook to put in a siding to do away with this nuisance, and the council, who he contended had treated the defendants with extraordinary forbearance, agreed not to proceed with the action till it was seen what effect the siding would have.  It was not until May 29th 1905 that it was opened.  The refused was then shot further away from Fawkham, and on June 13th the Medical Officer of Health visited the locus in quo and reported everything as 'satisfactory for the present.'  But by July the heap which was of a slight character in June had greatly increased, till thousands of tons were deposited there.  On July 16th, a letter of complaint was received from Mr Waterfield of Rycrofts, Mr Hohler of Fawkham Manor, and Mr Dean, and as the Medical Officer reported that a serious nuisance existed on July 26th, the Clerk to the Council wrote calling on the defendant to forthwith remove the refuse and get rid of the nuisance.  On July 31st, defendants replied and offered to cover the refuse with gypsum and lime daily, and erect a sifter and dust destructor.  On August 3rd and 5th further complaints were received from Mr Waterfield, Mr Heselrige, a traveller on the line and others, and steps were taken to get an injunction against Messrs Martin.  Affidavits were then read in part by Mr Joseph from Council's clerk, the Medical Officer of Health (Dr Richmond), Mr Longhurst (Sanitary Inspector), Mr Dean, Mr Hohler, Mr Conford, Mr Hickmott and Mr Waterfield, all affirming that the refuse was a heap of putrefying animal and vegetable matter, and filth of all kinds, giving off an intolerable stench, causing a plague of flies, and generally a danger to health and made life unbearable in the district.  The judge elicited from Mr Joseph that no cottager had complained, the later remarking that those near were servants of defendants, and whether they complained or not it was the duty of the Council to safeguard their health.

Mr Campbell, for defendants, urged tha thte clearance of town refuse was a necessary proceeding, a place must be found for it somewhere, and the Pinden land, being a long distance from any road or building was especially suited for it.  He put in photographs of the deposits and the surrounding country to prove this.  The defendants, he contended, had always endeavoured, while denying any nuisance, to meet the wishes of the council.  When complaint was made of the unloading at Fawkham and carting through the streets, they got the railway to put in a siding -the cost to the defendants being in all about £1,000 - thus stopping what had been complained of and removing the refuse half a mile futher from Fawkham.  There was the very same kind of heap that had been permitted on the brickfield site from May 1904 to May 1905, and the Medical Officer know that the establishment of a siding would not alter the character of the deposit.  Only afte rthe siding had been put in did hte proceedings recommence.  The agitation was led apparently by Mr Hohler, and doubtless the property owners of the district preferred not to have anything of the kind near them.  But the defendants were under a contract with Lewisham, and must clear the refuse.  Proceeding to contest the statements made as to the character of the refuse, counsel put in an affidavit from defendants, 5 from medical men who had inpsected the refuse (Drs Oldfield, Sunderland, Jones etc), 5 from stationmasters and railway officials who transmit or receive the refuse, and 3 from members of the Rural District Council - Cllrs Pankhurst, Gillham and Tipping.  They denied the presence in the refuse of any animal matter or any considerable quantity of vegetable matter; and material difference in the weekly quantity as compared with formerly; that complaints had been made by travellers on the line; that there was any considerable smell likely to reach a house 500? yards away; that any epidemic had been caused or any illness traceable to the refuse; and that flies in the district were caused by the refuse.  Many of the affidavits attributed both smell and flies to the huge manure heap on the other side of the line.  Counsel also pointed out that defendants, since July 3rd, had daily sprinkled lime over the deposits.  

Mr Justice Lawrence, after putting questions at to the distance of any houses from the deposits, said it was a case where defendants must proceed with the trial.  A number of gentlemen had viewed the deposits and given various opinions upon it and defendants' witnesses had seen the deposits as plaintiffs' had done.   He refused to grant an injunction against defendants, but they undertake to continue to put lime on the deposits.  the costs would be costs in the action."

09 Sep 1905 Gravesend Standard

Fairby Farm Sale

"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.

Comprising 8 Mahogany Dining Room Chairs in leather, 3 mahogany dining room chairs in horsehair, and couch, small dining table, mahogony bagatelle table with turned legs and set of 9 ivory balls, four post and iron bedsteads, feather bed, bolsters, mattresses etc.  Washstands, Folding and Wicker Chairs, Copper Coal Scuttle, 4ft Loo Table, Quantity of valuable Star Cut Glass, Dinner Services (60 pieces), Stuffed birds in caes, abot 50 volumes of books, about a ton of potatoes, and numerous other valuable articles.

Also at the same time and place will be sold by order of Thomas Morton esq (a portion of his land having been disposed of), a quantity of surplus live and dead farming stock, comprising: 3 valuable cart horses and a brood mare, a chestnut gelding, suitable for hunder or brougham.  An Elevator (by Innes), Largest size, 35ft pitch, nearly new; 3 waggons, dung cart, horse hoe, pair York Harrows, 2 Ox Harrows, Large stack cloth with poles, ropes and pulleys complete, and other useful effects.

Catalogues by be obtained of the auctioneers, 3 Market Buildings, Maidstone and 5 Spital Street, Dartford."

09 Sep 1905 The Garden

Gardeners and Railway Tariffs

"Sir - much has been said regarding the treatment gardeners and fruit growers receive at the hands of various railway companies.   We cannot expect them to handle small consignments at the same rates as those by which whole train loads of produce are carried.  When we can senddifferent stuff by the truckload there is far less cause for grumbling, but very few boons are granted by the companies without great pressure being brought to bear upon them; it is no use to grumble among ourselves, grumbling will not bring about the much needed reforms.  Competition always lowers rates, and to my mind the motor car will soon be a formidable rival to railway companies, and will in time place us on a proper footing.  J H C Woodruffe, Longfield HIll, Kent."

20 Sep 1905 Northfleet Standard

Property Sale Longfield

Advert for sale of villas called 1&2 Station Road, Longfiled and freehold building land adjoining with frontage of 57 feet to Station Road and a depth of 96 feet.

06 Oct 1905 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

A Drunken Traction Engine Driver

"Frederick Grant, an engine driver of Birchwood, was charged at Dartford on Saturday, with having been drunk whilst in charge of a traction engine at Longfield…" Fined 15s

07 Oct 1905 Gravesend Reporter

Assault Cases

"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 Gravesend Reporter

Obscene Language at Hartley

"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 Sevenoaks Chronicle

Accident to a Painter

"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."

20 Oct 1905 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Dartford Rural District Council

(1) "The Local Government Board submitted to the council for their observation thereon a letter they had received from Mr Newcomb of Longfield with reference to the refuse heap at Pinden.  Mr Newcomb, a resident and property owner near Fawkham Station [16 Hartley Road], asked the Local Government Board if they could put a stop to the vile nuisance to which he and his neighbours were being subjected.  Some persons were bringing down thousands of tons of refuse which three medical officers has condemned as prejudicial to public health.  The refuse was full of decomposing matter, and several cases of typhoid fever had occurred.  It was scandalous, he concludude , that a usually healthy locality should have been allowed to become affected by the deposit of filth.  Dr Richmond confirmed the statement as to the cases of fever, four cases of typhoid fever with one death having occurred at Longfield, while another case at Green Street Green had been directly attributed to picking strawberries in a field adjoining the refuse heap.  The refuse had been condemned as injurious to health.  The Medical officer was directed to forward a report upon the matter to the Local Government Board, and the clerk stated that the matter would again come before the court after the vacation.

The clerk added that the fact that one or two councillors had put in affidavits against the council had rendered his work more difficult.  He did not wish in any way to complain, but when a resolution was carried by a council, and carried by a large majority, it was usual for the minority to accept it.  Cllr Pankhurst [Crayford] who, when the council's application for an injunction was before the court, put in an affidavit in opposition to the Council's contention that the refuse created a nuisance stated he was unable to accept the report of the Medical Officer, and he went and visited the spot himself.  Cllr Conford [Darenth]: And do you mean to say there was no nuisance?  Cllr Pankhurst: There was no nuisance.  Cllr Macpherson [Swanscombe] did not consider it fair at all for a memeber to fight against a resolution of the council.  Cllr Pankhurst contended that the council had been misled by the report of the Medical Officer.  He could not prove that the Medical Officer's report was not correct with regard to the cesspools at Slade Green.  Dr Richmond expressed the opinion that his report was a very mild one.  He considered that if exception were taken to his report the matter ought to have been discussed before the whoel council and the question of its accuracy settled then."  (2) Council to apply for urban powers to be able to number houses at Crayford.

21 Oct 1905 Gravesend Reporter

Influence of Gravesend

"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.  the 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)

27 Oct 1905 Bromley Journal and West Kent Herald

No True Bill

(West Kent Quarter Sessions) "The Grand Jury returned no true bill in the case of Ephraim Young and James Evenden, charged with stealing a gelding from George Blackman, at Longfield on August 21st."

[The Grand Jury acted like magistrates today, in that they decided whether the case should go to trial, in this case they dismissed the charges.]

03 Nov 1905 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

The Pinden Refuse Heap

(Dartford RDC) "Cllr Gillham asked whether the doctor had attributed 4 cases of typhoid fever to Messrs Martin's refuse heap at Pinden?  Dr Richmond stated that 3 cases of typhoid fever had occurred in Longfield and one at Green Street Green, the latter of which people attributed to the rubbish heap.

Cllr Gillham stated that Mr Newcombe who had complained of the refuse heap, did not think of the nuisance he caused cottagers by the goats he kept.  Mr Newcombe acted on behalf of a few property owners.  He would do anything for money, and would write to the Devil if were asked to (laughter).  The Clerk: I should like to see the reply (laughter)

Mr Jackson of Longfield wrote complaining of the smell arising from the unloading of refuse at Longfield Siding.  Having built his house in Longfield because of the healthy surroundings, such a nuisance became intolerable.  Cllr Gillham [Longfield] stated that the Longfield siding existed before Mr Jackson came into the district, and it would have been just as well if Mr Jackson had not come at all.  The Chairman: He is worse than the nuisance.  Cllr Gillham: he is."

04 Nov 1905 Gravesend Reporter

Gravesend Hospital

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

18 Nov 1905 Northfleet Standard

Gravesend Hospital

3 accident admissions in the last week, including "On Saturday, William Rattle, aged 22 years, 64 Richmond Road, Gillingham, suffering from severe injuries to face and arms, caused by falling from a scaffold at Longfield."

28 Nov 1905 South Eastern Gazette

Sale of Plant at Longfield Brickworks

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 and 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.]

08 Dec 1905 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Longfield Refuse Action in the High Court

Attorney General ex parte Dartford RDC v J & B Martin of Pinden Farm before Mr Justice Kekewich in the Chancery Division.  "…....After several witnesses had been examined for the applicants, a consultation took place between counsel with a view to a settlemen. After half an hour's deliberation, Mr Lawrence said he was pleased to say a settlemen had been arrived at.  Defendants undertook not to leave trucks containing refuse standing on the siding without being covered up; to cover the refuse within 21 hours of unloading in a layer of soil not less than 18 inches in thickness, and not to dig up the land after burial until after the expiry of 2 years; not to permit any rag pickers upon the refuse; and not to deposit any town refuse on the land after April 1909; each party to pay its own costs of the action."

23 Dec 1905 Northfleet Standard

Sale of Stock at Forge Cottage

"Hartley, Kent.  Messrs Champion, Ambrose and Foster have received instructions from Mr Elvey Cooper (who is giving up business) to sell by auction at the Forge, Hartley on Wednesday January 3rd 1906 at 1 o'clock precisely, the contents of the Blacksmith's Shop, comprising the bellows and fittings of 2 forges, several anvils, drills, wire strainers etc, and a large assortment of smiths' and wheelwrights' tools and other effects.

Also the household furniture which, besides the usual contents of a cottage, comprises a few speciments of valuable old carved oak and other antique furniture which have been in the possession of Mr Cooper's family for many years.

Catalogues may be obrained at the principal inns in the neighbourhood, and of the auctioneers, at 3 Market Buildings, Maidstone, and 5 Spital Street, Dartford."