Dartford Rural District Council Minutes 1899-1919 - Hartley-Kent: The Website for Hartley

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Dartford Rural District Council Minutes 1899-1919

Index

Allotments at Longfield    21 Jan 1919, 04 Mar 1919, 16 Apr 1919
Ash Sanitary Committee    16 Apr 1907
Ash School    08 Sep 1903, 20 Oct 1903
Ash: Road Flints    21 Jan 1919
Baby Show at Longfield    30 Jul 1918
Best's Cottages, Hartley    10 Feb 1903, 10 Mar 1903
Billeting of Civilians Act    01 Oct 1918
Boundary changes     10 Mar 1903
Census    02 Dec 1902
Cesspool Emptying and Scavenging in Outlying Parishes    16 Apr 1907, 30 Apr 1907, 14 May 1907, 06 Aug 1907, 17 Sep 1907, 15 Oct 1907, 29 Oct 1907, 12 Nov 1907, 26 Nov 1907, 10 Dec 1907
Cesspools    1899-10-22
Coal Price    09 Jul 1918
Coal Purchase by Council    30 Jul 1918
Council Housing    16 Apr 1918, 29 Oct 1919, 16 Dec 1919
Council Housing: Butler's Place, Ash    29 Jul 1919
Damage to Roads at Ash and Ridley    22 May 1900
Dartford County School for Girls    13 May 1919
Diptheria at Hartley    29 Jul 1919
Dust Nuisance on Roads    03 Mar 1908
EC Powder Works, Longfield    18 Mar 1919
Elections    24 Apr 1900, 21 Apr 1903
Electricity Supply    27 Jan 1903, 30 Apr 1907
Exedown Reservoir    06 Aug 1907
Fairseat Lane, Ash    10 Dec 1907
Fawkham Road, Longfield: Pond    16 Apr 1918, 14 May 1918
Fawkham: Road Widening    09 Jul 1907, 06 Aug 1907
Fire Hydrant, Hartley    29 Oct 1919
Flint Quarry at Longfield    26 Nov 1918
Fuel Overseers    30 Jul 1918
Green Street Green Road, Horton Kirby    11 Jun 1919
Hartley Bottom Road    24 Mar 1903, 16 Jan 1900, 1899-11-07, 1899-12-05
Hartley Manor: Drainage    19 May 1903, 16 Jun 1903, 28 Jul 1903
Hartley Road, Longfield    09 Jul 1907, 10 Dec 1907
Health Visitor    18 Feb 1919, 29 Jul 1919
Hoselands Hill, Ash Road, Hartley    07 Jan 1908, 21 Jan 1908, 18 Feb 1908, 17 Mar 1908, 14 Apr 1908
House numbering    23 Apr 1901
Housing Needs    16 Dec 1919
Hydrants for Longfield    10 Sep 1901, 03 Dec 1901
Infectious Disease: Longfield    10 Feb 1903
Influenza Outbreak    29 Oct 1918, 26 Nov 1918, 17 Dec 1918
Inspector of Nuisances    16 Apr 1907
Land Purchase at Longfield    09 Jul 1918, 30 Jul 1918
Land Purchase at Longfield from Mr. G Pearce    30 Jul 1918
Longfield Allotments    09 Jul 1918
Longfield Club Room    16 Apr 1919
Longfield Station: Manure Nuisance    25 Jun 1907, 09 Jul 1907, 23 Jul 1907, 06 Aug 1907, 20 Aug 1907, 15 Oct 1907
Main Road, Longfield: Pavement    22 Apr 1902
Main Road, Pescot Hill, Longfield    30 Apr 1907
Maternity Clinic, Longfield    29 Oct 1918, 11 Jun 1919
Maternity Clinics    26 Nov 1918, 18 Mar 1919
Measles Outbreak    02 Dec 1902
Milk Scheme    25 Nov 1919
Notifiable diseases    19 Jun 1900
Nuisances    03 Jul 1900
Obstruction of roads at Ash by Mid Kent Water Co    06 Jul 1901, 13 Aug 1901
Peace Celebrations    08 Jul 1919
Pescot Avenue, New Barn    30 Apr 1907
Petrol Licences    21 Jan 1919
Pickers' Huts at Ash    16 Dec 1919
Pinden Rubbish Tip    16 Apr 1907
Pond at Longfield Hill    14 Apr 1908
Pond at Whitehill Crossroads, Longfield    26 Nov 1918
Ponds    01 Oct 1918
Postal Service: Ash    14 Jul 1903
Queen Victoria    29 Jan 1901
Rail fares    02 Jun 1903
Railways: Electrification    29 Jul 1919
Reservoir of Mid Kent Water Company at South Ash (Exedown)    18 Nov 1902, 02 Dec 1902
Road Expenditure    24 Mar 1903, 28 Feb 1902, 22 Mar 1900
Roads    16 Jan 1900
Roads at Ash    16 Apr 1919, 08 Jul 1919
Roads at Fawkham: Drainage    29 Oct 1918
Roads at Hartley    18 Feb 1919, 16 Apr 1919
Roads at Longfield    30 Jul 1918
Roads Maintenance: Longfield    10 Dec 1907
Roads: A20 Called for    17 Dec 1918
Roads: Ash    15 Dec 1903, 12 Jan 1904
Roads: Classification    16 Apr 1918
Roads: Complaints, Longfield    17 Mar 1908
Roads: Damage at Longfield    26 Jan 1904
Roads: Expenditure    29 Jul 1919
Roads: Fawkham    28 Jan 1902
Roads: Hartley Road, Longfield    17 Jul 1900
Roads: Hodsoll Street    19 Jun 1900, 26 Feb 1901, 26 Feb 1901
Roads: Horton Kirby    16 Jun 1903
Roads: Longfield Hill    24 Apr 1900
Roads: Longfield Hill, Ridley    14 Aug 1900
Roads: Main Road, Longfield    11 Sep 1900
Roads: Ridley    14 Jul 1903, 06 Jul 1901
Roads: Scavenging    17 Mar 1908
Roads: Speedgate Hill, Fawkham    04 Dec 1900
Roads: Tarring    14 May 1918
Roads: Tarring at Longfield    09 Jul 1918
Salvage    30 Jul 1918
Scarlet Fever at Hartley    25 Jun 1907, 29 Oct 1919
Scarlet Fever at Longfield    10 Mar 1903
Scavenging and cesspool emptying    16 Jun 1903, 08 May 1900, 03 Jul 1900, 07 May 1901, 06 May 1902, 17 Jun 1902
School closure    1899-11-21
Schools: Fawkham    16 Apr 1907
Sewage Van Emptying at Longfield    30 Apr 1907, 09 Jul 1907
Shop Openings: Require Licence    16 Apr 1918
Southwark Rubbish Tip, Longfield    16 Apr 1907, 30 Apr 1907, 28 May 1907
Stage Plays at Ridley    16 Jun 1903
Stage plays at Ridley and Longfield    17 Dec 1901
Station Road, Longfield    27 Jan 1903, 24 Feb 1903, 18 Feb 1919, 08 Jul 1919
Station Road, Longfield: Making Up    28 Jan 1902
Summer Time    11 Jun 1919
Telegraph Lines, Ash    10 Dec 1907
Telegraph Lines, Longfield    15 Oct 1907
Telegraph Office, Ash    27 Jan 1903, 1899-11-21, 04 Dec 1900
Telephone Lines, Ash    26 Nov 1907
Traction Engines    11 Jun 1918
Typhoid at Longfield    21 Jan 1919
Valley Road, Fawkham    13 May 1919, 11 Jun 1919, 29 Oct 1919, 25 Nov 1919
Van Dwellers at Longfield    10 Feb 1903, 10 Mar 1903
Vehicle Lighting    30 Apr 1907
Venereal Disease    29 Jul 1919
Water Supply    10 Feb 1903
Water Supply to Ash    18 Nov 1902, 02 Dec 1902, 16 Dec 1902, 08 Sep 1903
Water Supply to Fawkham    13 Aug 1901
Water Supply to Green Street Green    20 May 1902
Water Supply to Hartley    21 Apr 1903, 19 May 1903, 02 Jun 1903, 30 Sep 1919
Water Supply to Longfield    07 Oct 1902, 16 Dec 1902, 19 Nov 1901, 03 Dec 1901
Water Supply to New Barn    29 Jul 1902
Water Supply to Ridley    05 Nov 1901, 26 Aug 1902, 23 Sep 1902
Whitehill Road, Longfield    26 Jan 1904, 16 Apr 1918
Wood Fuel    25 Nov 1919



1899-10-22 Mains Water at Hartley etc
Ash Parish Council and Fawkham Parish Meeting are in favour of Mid Kent scheme with water charges to go on the rates.


1899-10-22 Cesspools
Council resolve to have a register of cesspools


1899-11-07 Hartley Bottom Road
Complaint by owner of Idleigh Court about unkempt hedges in Hartley Bottom Road from Longfield Siding past Red Cow Farm to Small Grains Cottages. Surveyor will talk to owner Mr S Allen.


1899-11-07 Mains Water at Hartley etc
Longfield PC have written to say they want to join the proposed Mid Kent Water scheme.


1899-11-21 Mains Water at Hartley etc
Council discussed the proposal for mains water at Ash, Longfield. (West) Kingsdown are in favour but don't want to pay a guarantee. Council decided to write to Mid Kent Water to ask for their terms in supplying mains water and told Kingsdown they were an area of known water scarcity and it was up to the district council to decide what was best.


1899-11-21 Telegraph Office, Ash
Post Office invoices the council £5.17.1 in respect of their guarantee. They agreed to pay and then invoice Ash PC.


1899-11-21 School closure
Ash was closed from 27 March to 10 April 1899 due to diptheria in the area.


1899-12-05 Hartley Bottom Road
Mr W Allen had said the dangerous hedges were owned by his father Mr J Allen, but he would attend to them. Surveyor says he hasn't yet.


1899-12-19 Mains Water at Hartley etc
Council noted no provision had been made for Hartley and told the clerk to include the parish in the proposed scheme when corresponding with Mid Kent Water.


16 Jan 1900 Hartley Bottom Road
Hedges still not cut so council threaten Mr Allen with legal action.


16 Jan 1900 Roads
Mr Kidd to put fence round his pond at Fawkham


22 Mar 1900 Road Expenditure
Council publish the amount spent on general repairs to district highways over the previous 12 years, including steam rolling, as let by contract. Figures are rounded to nearest pound for years ending 25 March:
1888 £7,019
1889 £6,992
1890 £7,208  
1891 £6,785
1892 £6,734
1893 £7,446
1894 £7,224
1895 £6,787
1896 £6,942
1897 £7,196
1898 £7,307
1899 £7,300
1900  £7,316


24 Apr 1900 Roads: Longfield Hill
Sump at Longfield Hill to be cleaned out.


24 Apr 1900 Elections
Rev Edward Smith of Longfield Rectory elected unopposed on 6 April for Hartley Ward. The council elected by thirds and none of the other wards up for election (Eynsford, Farningham, Fawkham, Horton Kirby, Longfield) were contested either. (West) Kingsdown had no valid nominations at all.


24 Apr 1900 Mains Water at Hartley etc
Mid Kent sent a guarantee form for the council to sign but they didn't want to do so until they knew what the water charges would be.


08 May 1900 Scavenging and cesspool emptying
"The clerk reported that the contracts for the scavenging of and the emptying of cesspools in the parishes of Ash, Fawkham, Hartley, Kingsdown, Longfield and Ridley.... would expire on the 24th prox.... It was resolved that the clerk [enquire] of Mr Haygreen whether he would be prepared to continue his existing contract for the parishes of Ash etc.... for another year from the 24th prox. on terms similar to those at present in force."


22 May 1900 Damage to Roads at Ash and Ridley
Extraordinary damage to roads in Ash and Ridley "in consequence of the passage of some traction engines belonging to Messrs Chittenden and Simmons of West Malling, drawing heavy loads of flints from Stansted into the Rochester Rural district." Clerk to write to them to say they will have to pay for repairs to the roads concerned.


05 Jun 1900 Mains Water at Hartley etc
The clerk read a letter dated 25th ultimo from Mr J L Ball, secretary to the Mid Kent Water Co, stating that to lay mains in the parishes of Ash, Fawkham, Hartley and Longfield, the company would require a guaranteed annual income of £481 and to lay mains in the parish of Kingsdown, a further annual sum of £160. Mr Ball stated that these amounts were in excess of those quoted to the several parish councils concerned, but that the proposed line of pipes was greater thant he company were at first asked to consider, and that the price of materials had risen since the matter was first brought to their notice. It was resolved. That consider of the letter be adjourned until the next meeting. And that in the meantime the clerk obtain and furnish to the Rural District Councillors for each of the parishes to ber included in the proposed scheme, a copy of the Company's scale of charges, and the appropriate share of the annual sum to be received by the company from each such parish." Rev Warland, secretary to (West) Kingsdown parish council wrote to complain that the medical officer's report for 1899 referred to unsanitary conditions in the parish.


19 Jun 1900 Roads: Hodsoll Street
Council give permission to Higham and Hundred of Hoo Water Company to lay mains to Holywell Park, Hodsoll Street, subject to the roads being restored afterwards.


19 Jun 1900 Mains Water at Hartley etc
"The council resumed consideration of the letter dated 25th ultimo from the Mid Kent Water Company, setting out the terms upon which they would be prepared to lay on a supply of water to the parishes of Ash, Fawkham, Hartley, Kingsdown and Longfield. The following letters were also read upon the same subject.

(a) dated the 18th inst from Mr A E Dobbs of Hartley Manor, the chairman of Hartley Parish Meeting, suggesting that the Council should delay taking action in regard to that parish until the parish meeting of Hartley were in possession of further information and were able to come to a decision in the matter.

(b) From Rev F W Warland of the Rectory, Kingsdown, the clerk to the Kingsdown Parish Council, dated the 18th inst, suggesting alterations in the proposed line of pipes in that Parish.

(c) From Rev E Smith, the District Councillor for Hartley Parish, dated 18th inst, suggesting that the contribution of the parishes toward the pipes in each parish, should be charged according to mileage and not according to the rate able value.

(d) From Mr W Robson, the clerk to the Longfield Parish Council, forwarding copy of the resolution of the Parish Council, to the effect that the amount to the paid by each parish should be calculated upon the mileage of pipes and that the amount per annum which the water company required as a guarantee as excessive.

After discussion, it was resolved that the District Surveyor be instructed to inspect the five pariswhes in question, and prepare a plan showing the line of pipes which, in his opinion, would meet the requirements of each parish, the remuneration to be made to him in respect of the matter to be determined hereafter."



19 Jun 1900 Notifiable diseases
Medical Officer of Health "reported that in consequence of a number of cases of diphtheria at Hartley, the managers had closed the school there, and he suggested that a formal notice to close the school for 3 weeks should be given. The necessary notice was accordingly signed by members of the council."


03 Jul 1900 Mains Water at Hartley etc
"The Chairman suggested that in view of the divergence of opinion among the representatives and ratepayers of, and others who were connected with, the five parishes, for which it was proposed to furnish a supply of water, a committee consisting of the rural district councillors for such parishes, should be appointed to consider the question of the probable requirements of each such parish, the most equitable basis upon which the annual cost of the scheme should be fixed, and that such committee have authority to obtain the opinion of an expert upon the matter, if it should be deemed necessary...."


03 Jul 1900 Scavenging and cesspool emptying
J Haygreen paid for the Ash, Hartley, Longfield etc contract £17.16s

[apparently a monthly payment]



03 Jul 1900 Nuisances
Edward Longhurst of Station Road, Longfield appointed inspector of nuisances and building inspector for parishes of Ash, Farningham, Fawkham, Hartley, Kingsdown, Longfield, Lullingstone, Ridley and the Eynsford ward of Eynsford parish, at an inclusive salary of £150 p.a.


17 Jul 1900 Roads: Hartley Road, Longfield
Surveyor to clean out pond at bottom of Hartley Hill, Longfield

[likeliest candidate is Court Pond, Main Road, Longfield]



14 Aug 1900 Roads: Longfield Hill, Ridley
Surveyor ordered to clean out ponds at Longfield Hill and opposite Rectory Cottage at Ridley. Council also give him authority to do the same in future without reference back where necessary to the upkeep of the roads.


11 Sep 1900 Mains Water at Hartley etc
"The Chairman reported that the committee appointed in connection with the matter of providing a water supply for the parishes of Ash, Fawkham, Hartley, Kingsdown and Longfield had in pursuance of the resolution of the council of 3 July last instructed Mr A C Hartgig of 2 Queen's Square Place, Queen Anne's Mansions, Westminster, to prepare a report as to the cost of the proposed scheme and as to the reasonableness or otherwise of the amount of the annual guarantee required by the Mid Kent Water company. The Chairman also stated that Mr Hartgig's report had only just been received and had not yet been considered by the committee."


11 Sep 1900 Roads: Main Road, Longfield
150 feet of kerbing to be laid by Longfield School at a cost of £8.


23 Oct 1900 Mains Water at Hartley etc
"The clerk stated that the report by Mr Hartgig in regard to this matter would probably be received in time for the special committee to report to the council thereon at the next meeting.

He stated that an alternative scheme for supplying with water the parishes affected had been formulated by Mr A E Dobbs of Hartley Manor. It was resolved that Mr Hurtgig be directed to report thereon in addition to the original scheme prepared by the Mid Kent Water Company."



23 Oct 1900 Railways
The council heard too late of a meeting of all Kent District Councils and Corporations "with a view to united action being taken in regard to the unpunctuality of passenger and goods traffic on the South Eastern and Chatham Railway."


06 Nov 1900 Railways
Horton Kirby Parish Meeting passes resolution "against the condition of the passenger and goods traffic on the South Eastern and Chatham Railway"

[this will no doubt refer to Farningham Road station on the Longfield line]



06 Nov 1900 Mains Water at Hartley etc
"The Committee appointed to consider the question of providing water to the parishes of Ash, Fawkham, Hartley, Kingsdown and Longfield reported that Mr Hurtzig, the engineer whom they had consulted in regard to the matter had, subject to the approval of the council, agreed to the following terms with the Mid Kent Water Company:

The council to guarantee a minimum payment to the company of £405 per annum until the quantity of water supplied reached 15,000 gallons per day, and that after the supply reached such quantity, the guarantee should be increased by £9 per annum for each thousand gallons per day up to a maximum of 30,000 gallons; the maximum annual guarantee being ultimately £540 and the company to bear the cost of maintaining the pipes and other machinery and of the collection of water rates.

The committee also reported the receipt of Mr Hurtzig's observations on Mr Dobbs' alternative scheme of water supply for the parishes concerned, which observations were to the following effect:

(1) That in order to form a company as suggested by Mr Dobbs, to carry out the necessary works, either a provisional order or an Act of Parliament would be required, which would result in considerable delay.

(2) That the Mid Kent Water Company would probably refuse to supply water in bulk to another company.

(3) That the terms offered by Mr Dobbs were not so favourable as to the amount of the annual guarantee as those submitted by the Mid Kent Co.

The committee recommended that the terms provisionally agreed to between Mr Hurtzig and the Mid Kent Water Company be (subject to the preparation of a proper agreement between the Council and the Company) accepted and further that Mr Dobbs' alternative scheme be not entertained.

It was resolved on the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr Day. That the report be received and that the recommendations therin contained be approved and adopted. It was also resolved on the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr Sugden. That the clerk be empowered to consult council in connection with the preparation of the above mentioned agreement with the Mid Kent Water Co. It was further resolved that in the event of any deficiency arising out of the supply of water to the parishes concerned, it be borne in proportion to the rateable value of each parish."



20 Nov 1900 Railways
Resolved "That the Rural District Council of Dartford hereby record their energetic protest agains the chaotic and disastrous condition of the passenger and goods traffic on the South Eastern and Chatham Railway, whereby very serious loss and inconvenience are caused to the community, and call upon the directors forthwith to take such steps as may be necessary to remove the serious causes of complaint which now exist." MP for Dartford and county councils of London, Kent and Surrey also asked "to render all assistance in their power to bring home to the Directors as sense of the responsibilities consequent upon the monopoly which has been granted to the company by Parliament".


04 Dec 1900 Mains Water at Hartley etc
"The clerk read a letter dated 3rd inst from Revd E Smith (District Councillor for the parish of Hartley), forwarding a letter and further alternative proposal received from Mr A E Dobbs, for supplying water by a limited company to be formed by him, to the parishes of Hartley and Longfield, Fawkham, Ash and Kingsdown. After discussion it was resolved on the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr Day. That the decision of the council to take the supply from the Mid Kent Co be adhered to.

The clerk submitted a copy of the public notice, which had been given of the intention of the Mid Kent Water Company, to apply to the Board of Trade for a Provisional Order to extend their limits of supply so as to include the five parishes above mentioned."



04 Dec 1900 Roads: Speedgate Hill, Fawkham
Cyclists given permission to erect warning sign on hill leading from near Speedgate to Fawkham.


04 Dec 1900 Telegraph Office, Ash
Ash Telegraph Office - council receive bill for £4.8.7

[Meeting of 18/12/1900 agreed  Ash Parish Council to be precepted for the £4.8.7 bill that DRDC received in December 4th meeting]



18 Dec 1900 Mains Water at Hartley etc
Council decide to petition against the Mid Kent Water Scheme for Hartley and area

[This appears to be a technicality as they say it is "to preverve their position". It is almost certain that the council hadn't suddenly changed their mind]



29 Jan 1901 Queen Victoria
Council expresses its "deep sense of loss", and wishes the new King Edward VII well.


29 Jan 1901 Roads: Longfield
Council have received a letter from Superintendent Sharp that one of his PCs had been injured by falling on barbed wire by the highway at Longfield.


26 Feb 1901 Roads: Longfield
Council agrees to the erection of the following iron direction signs - (a) At the branch roads leading to Longfield Hill near Longfield siding (b) at Longfield village where the branch road leads to Hartley and Ash. Council also agreed to iron 4 arm post at Lanes End, Darenth by the green.


26 Feb 1901 Roads: Hodsoll Street
Council sign agreement with Higham and Hundred of Hoo water company to allow them to break up certain roads in Ash parish, to bring mains water to Hodsoll Street.


26 Feb 1901 Mains Water at Hartley etc
Council agree to sign agreement with Mid Kent water for the Hartley scheme. "It was resolved that the consent of the Dartford Rural District Council be, and is hereby given to the Mid Kent Water Provisional Order, now pending before the Board of Trade, by which it is proposed to supply water in the parishes of Ash, Longfield, Hartley, Ridley, Kingsdown and Fawkham in the county of Kent."


26 Mar 1901 Mains Water at Hartley etc
" The clerk read a letter dated 21st inst from Mr Ball, the secretary to the Mid Kent Water Company, stating that if the company were confined to laying vertically cast iron water pipes as specified in the agreement with the council, delivery by the makers would be slow, but that one firm had nearly enough pipes cast at an angle of 45 degrees, in stock to satisfy the council's requirement.

Mr Ball stated that the last named pipes would be tested to the pressure mentioned in the agreement and that the Company would be content to use them, and he enquired whether the council would consent to their being substituted for vertically cast pipes.

The clerk reported that he had brought the matter to the attention of Mr Hurtzig from whom he read a letter, dated 23rd inst, stating that the council would be safe in accepting pipes cast at an angle of 45 degrees.

It was resolved that Mr Ball be informed that the council would prefer the pipes specified in the agreement and that he be asked whether any (and if so what) substantial saving of time would result, if the alteration suggested by the company were permitted."



23 Apr 1901 House numbering
Stone parish council have requested householders to number houses where necessary, and ask Dartford RDC for compulsory powers if not complied with.


23 Apr 1901 Mains Water at Hartley etc
"A letter dated 19th inst was read from the Mid Kent Water company, stating that the shortest time quoted for the delivery of vertically cast pipes required in connection with this matter was four months, but htat more than half the pipes not vertically cast could be obtained from stock. They stated that in view of the considerable saving of time to be effected b adopting the last named kind, they were proceeding with the work using that description of pipe.

It was resolved that this be agreed to. The clerk produced engrossment of the agreement between the Council and the Mid kent Water Company, providing for the restoration of the roads to be broken up by the company in connection with this matter, in the event of their failing to obtain the Provisional Order now before the Board of Trade. It was resolved that the common seal of the Council be and the same accordingly was affixed thereto."



07 May 1901 Scavenging and cesspool emptying
Clerk reminds council that contract for cesspool emptying and scavenging at Ash, Fawkham, Hartley, Kingsdown and Longfield would expire on 24th June next.


21 May 1901 Mains Water at Hartley etc
Council agree to supply a copy of their agreement with Mid Kent Water Company, to Sir J T Chance, the owner of Hartley Manor.


02 Jul 1901 Mains Water at Hartley etc
"The chairman drew attention to the slow progress being made by the Mid Kent Water company in carrying out the extension of the water mains in the parishes of Ash, Fawkham, Hartley, Kingsdown, and Longfield under the agreement between the Company and the Council.

It was resolved on the motion of the chairman, seconded by the vice-chairman that the clerk request the company to expedite the execution of the work as much as possible, in order that it might be completed within the period stipulated in such agreement."



06 Jul 1901 Obstruction of roads at Ash by Mid Kent Water Co
"The surveyor reported that the Mid Kent Water Co had in connection with the laying of water mains in the parish of Ash, completely blocked some of the roads there, thereby causing considerable inconvenience to persons using the highways in that locality. He also called attention to the way in which the same company had temporarily deposited water pips by the roadside in that parish and in the other parishes in which they were about to lay mains.

The clerk was directed to request the company to so carry out the work they ahd in hand, so as to cause the least possible inconvenience to the public at large.



06 Jul 1901 Roads: Ridley
Surveyor reports a direction signpost has been erected at Ridley between the Church and the Rectory on land belonging to Rev H B Hennell, who had insisted the council take it away if he gave them 7 days' notice.


16 Jul 1901 Mains Water at Hartley etc
Further to the council meeting of 6 July, Mid Kent Water reply they are doing their best to meet the deadline in the agreement.


13 Aug 1901 Obstruction of roads at Ash by Mid Kent Water Co
"With regard to the council's recent complaint as to the above, a letter dated 2nd inst was read from Mr J L Ball, Secretary to the Mid Kent Water Co, stating that owing to some of the roads in the parish of Ash being narrow, it had been impossible to carry out the work which the company had in hand, without closing the roads to traffic, but that all had been done to avoid inconvenience to the inhabitants of the locality."


13 Aug 1901 Water Supply to Fawkham
"The chairman reported that Mr H B Hohler of Fawkham Manor, was of opinion that the water pipes which the Mid Kent Water Co were about to lay in the parish of Fawkham, would not be large enough to provide his property there with a sufficient supply of water, and that he (Mr Hohler) suggested that the following alterations in the size and route of the pipes, as originally determined would be made:

The proposed line of 1½" pipes from the Smithy near Ebenezer Chapel to West Yoke done away with, and a pipe laid in lieu thereof between West Yoke and Turner's Oak and that the whole of the pipes between Turner's Oak via West Yoke as far as the entrance lodge of Fawkham Manor should be 3" in diameter.

A letter dated 12th inst was read from Mr Ball, the secretary to the Mid Kent Water Co, stating that the company would be prepared to lay a 3" in lieu of a 1½" pipe as far as West Yoke Farm, and a 1½" pipe from that point to the lodge of Fawkham Manor. The Company also stated that they would prefer to take the 3" main from West Yoke to the Smithy, as originally arranged, as if it were laid from West Yoke to Turner's Oak, it would necessitate cutting the main and would involve additional expense.

It was resolved that the company's proposals be agreed to."



10 Sep 1901 Hydrants for Longfield
"Mr Gillam reported that the Longfield Parish Council desired that 6 fire hydrants in addition to the two which the Mid Kent Water Company would supply, should be provided in the parish. It was resolved that the request be acceded to and that application be made to the Local Government Board for the issue of an order investing the District Council with the powers of an Urban Authority under section 66 of the Public Health Act 1875 in regard to the provision of fire hydrants in the said parish and declaring the expenses to be incurred by the District Council in the execution of those powers to be special expenses. It was further resolved that when the necessary powers had been conferred upon the District Council, the Mid Kent Water Company be requested to fix such 6 hydrants in positions to be determined by the Parish Council."


05 Nov 1901 Water Supply to Ridley
"The clerk read a letter dated 24th ultimo from the Rev H B Hennell, forwarding copy of a resolution passed at a recent meeting of ratepayers of the parish of Ridley, requesting that a supply of water should be laid on to the parish, provided the cost thereof did not exceed £28 per mile of pipes laid. A letter dated the 26th ultimo was read from the Mid Kent Water company, stating that if the Company laid their mains in the parish, they would require a guarantee of about £35 per mile of mains. The clerk was directed to send a copy of the Company's letter to Mr Hennell."


19 Nov 1901 Water Supply to Longfield
Longfield Parish Council complain that Mid Kent Water Co is delaying laying mains to Longfield Hill. Company replies they will do it as soon as possible.


03 Dec 1901 Hydrants for Longfield
Council has received the necessary order from the Local Government Board to empower the provision of the hydrants.


03 Dec 1901 Water Supply to Longfield
"Complaint having been again made of the delay of the Mid Kent Water Co in laying on a supply of water to the parish of Longfield, the clerk was directed to urge upon the company the importance of such work being carried out at once."


17 Dec 1901 Stage plays at Ridley and Longfield
Rev H B Hennell wrote to ask if the council would waive the sureties required for the license previously granted for the parish room Ridley, as he is having difficulty raising the sum to. The council replied they would not. The council also considered an application by Rev E Smith for a license to hold stage plays at the Longfield Schools for 1 month.


14 Jan 1902 Mains Water at Hartley etc
"A letter dated 30th ultimo was read from the Mid Kent Water Company, stating that with the exception of a piece of main extending from Longfield Station to Red Cow Farm, they had completed the laying of the whole of the mains in the parishes of Ash, Fawkham, Hartley, Kingsdown and Longfield."


28 Jan 1902 Station Road, Longfield: Making Up
"A letter dated 22nd inst addressed to the surveyor was read from the Engineer of the South Eastern and Chatham Railway, for the Swanley Junction district, stating that he had been instructed to prepare an estimate of the cost of making up the company road leading from the gates of the Goods Yard at Fawkham Station to the Railway Tavern, and enquiring whether the council would consent to take it over after it had been made up. It was resolved on the motion of Mr Day, seconded by the Rev E Smith that the Railway company be informed that if they would make an outlet for the road into Hartley Lane (Hartley Road), the council would be pleased to favourably consider the taking over thereof."


28 Jan 1902 Roads: Fawkham
Council to claim against Messrs Wall and Johnson for damage to roads in Fawkham, due to traffic from their flint quarries to Longfield Station.


28 Feb 1902 Road Expenditure
In 1901-2 the council paid £135 for repairs to Hartley's 7 miles of roads, with a further £9.12.6 for steam rolling. Quotations for road repairs for 1902-3 were T Haselden (£167.5.0), H Smith (£152.18.0), Road Maintenance and Stone Supply Co Ltd (£122.10.0 accepted), Chittenden & Simmons (£167.15.0).

Quotations for steam rolling were Chittenden & Simmons (£9.12.6 accepted), T Wood & Sons (£10.10.0), T Haselden (£10.10.0)

Winning quotes for Ash (16½ miles) were H Smith (Repairs £237.12) and Chittenden & Simmons (Rolling £25), and Fawkham (6 miles) were T Haselden (Repairs £167.17.6) and T Wood & Sons (Rolling £13.10.6).



22 Apr 1902 Main Road, Longfield: Pavement
Public Footpath adjoining Longfield Churchyard to be kerbed for 300 ft at cost of £17.10.0

[extended a further 12 yds at meeting of 20.5.1902]



06 May 1902 Scavenging and cesspool emptying
Council review the arrangements. They say that in the more urban parishes scavenging ("that is to say, the emptying of ashpits, and the removal of house refuse") to be at least every 2 weeks, elsewhere (including Hartley, Longfield, Ash, Fawkham) to be at least every 4 weeks. Emptying of cesspools to be done at night and include digging out of all solid matter which cannot be pumped out. All places of deposit of sewage of house refuse to be approved by the inspector and must be at least 100 years from houses and roads or footpaths.


20 May 1902 Water Supply to Green Street Green
Kent Water Company to lay mains along road from Green Street Green to Longfield


17 Jun 1902 Mains Water at Hartley etc
"The surveyor reported that he had received several applications for permission to break up roads in the parishes of Fawkham, Kingsdown and Longfield, in connection with the laying on of supplies of water to premises therein, from the mains of the Mid Kent Water Company. He was directed to take steps to have such highways properly reinstated on completion of the work." The council has also received a request from the developers of the New Barn Estate to connect with the mains in Longfield, council defers a decision.


17 Jun 1902 Scavenging and cesspool emptying
Contracts for Ash, Fawkham, Hartley, Kingsdown, Longfield and Ridley awarded to Mr J Haygreen of West Yoke, Ash. The rates are 7/6 per day for horse and man for scavenging; and 14s per day for 2 horses and a man for cesspool emptying.


29 Jul 1902 Water Supply to New Barn
The clerk read a letter, dated the 25th inst, from Mr F L Ball, Secretary to the Mid Kent Water Company, stating that if the council would grant Mr Popham, the owner of the above estate, the necessary permission to open the roads and lay mains to supply the estate with water, the Company would credit the guarantee account of the 5 parishes of Ash, Fawkham, Hartley, Kingsdown and Longfield, with one quarter of any sums received for water supplied to any houses on the estate. It was resolved that the terms be accepted, with the exception that the sums to be received for water must not be confined to the houses on the estate, but include the sums received in respect of all premises supplied from the mains laid."


26 Aug 1902 Water Supply to Ridley
Ridley parish meeting said the price quoted was too high. Council to enquire whether any alternative cheaper scheme was available.


23 Sep 1902 Water Supply to Ridley
Rev H B Hennell wrote to say there are only 4 or 5 cottages who were really short of water, but the cost of supply would be prohibitive. Council agreed to take no further action, but to let Kent County Council know.


07 Oct 1902 Water Supply to Longfield
Rev E Smith reported that Mid Kent Water were extending their mains from Longfield Hill to Nurstead. Surveyor to ascertain facts.


07 Oct 1902 Precept
Hartley's precept to be £214, with an rateable value for the parish of £4,630 this works out at a rate of 11d in the pound. Other parishes - Ash (£100 precept, RV £2,145), Fawkham (£63 precept, RV £1,348), Longfield (£280 precept, RV £5,804). No special expenses against the local parishes.


18 Nov 1902 Water Supply to Ash
"Mr Day gave notice of his intention to move at the next meeting of the council - that application be made to the Mid Kent Water Company, to extend their water main in the parish of Ash, from near North Ash Farm to Young's Cottages."


18 Nov 1902 Reservoir of Mid Kent Water Company at South Ash (Exedown)
"The Medical officer of Health reported that on recently visiting the reservoir of the Mid Kent Water Company at South Ash, he found the bottom of it covered with a quantity of black mud, and expressed the opinion that the reservoir should be cleaned out and covered in." Clerk to send report to company.


02 Dec 1902 Census
Registrar General asks council if they would like information about their district which was not included in the census report. Council said no.


02 Dec 1902 Reservoir of Mid Kent Water Company at South Ash (Exedown)
"The Clerk read a letter dated the 25th ultimo, from the Mid Kent Water Company, stating that they would have their reservoir at South Ash cleaned out shortly, and that the matter of covering it in would be brought before the directors of the company in due course."


02 Dec 1902 Water Supply to Ash
Mid Kent Water said they will extend the mains without additional guarantee, provided all the cottages on the route were connected to the mains. Cllr Day withdrew his motion and council promised to do all they can to meet Mid Kent Water's requirements.


02 Dec 1902 Measles Outbreak
Longfield Schools closed for 3 weeks due to measles.


16 Dec 1902 Water Supply to Ash
Mid Kent Water confirm they will extend mains from North Ash Farm to Young's Cottages as soon as possible.


16 Dec 1902 Water Supply to Longfield
Mid Kent Water said the works at Nurstead were being carried out in connection with the New Barn extension, sanctioned by the council.


27 Jan 1903 Station Road, Longfield
"Attention having been called to the defective condition of the approach road to Fawkham Railway Station, and to the nuisance arising from manure and other filth being allowed to lay there. It was resolved: That the clerk request the South Eastern and Chatham Railway to repair the road, and to abate the nuisance referred to, and that he enquire whether they have arrived at a decision in regard to the Council's suggestion that an outlet from the road should be made into Hartley Lane."


27 Jan 1903 Telegraph Office, Ash
Ash Parish Council to be precepted £5.4.0 for expenses in connection with the guaranteed telegraph office for the year ended October 1902.


27 Jan 1903 Electricity Supply
Council are opposed to the Kent Electric Power Syndicate Limited's proposed order to authorise the supply of electricity in the Dartford Rural District, and refuse to speak to the applicants.


27 Jan 1903 Mains Water at Hartley etc
Council receive bill under guarantee from Mid Kent Water Company.


10 Feb 1903 Infectious Disease: Longfield
"Complaint having been made of delay in the removal to the Isolation Hospital of a person residing at Longfield, who was suffering from infectious disease". Council to ask Joint Hospital Committee for comments.


10 Feb 1903 Best's Cottages, Hartley
"Premises unfit for habitation. The Medical Officer reported that 4 cottages at Hartley, known as 'Best's Cottages', belonging to Sir William Chance of Godalming, appeared to him to be in a state so injurious to health as to be unfit for human habitation. It was resolved: That the Clerk serve a notice upon the owner requiring him within a period of 28 days, to make the houses fit for human habitation, and failing this, that further proceedings be taken with a view to the premise being closed."


10 Feb 1903 Van Dwellers at Longfield
"The Medical officer reported that a nuisance had arisen in a field at Longfield siding, occupied by Mr G Blackman of Longfield Hill, from an encampment therein of van dwellers. It was resolved: That the Clerk request Mr Blackman to cause such persons to be removed."


10 Feb 1903 Water Supply
14 dwellings called "Lincolnshire Terrace do not have a proper supply of drinking water. Owner, Mr J Eastwood, told to remedy this.


24 Feb 1903 Station Road, Longfield
"The clerk read a letter, dated the 3rd inst, from the District Engineer of the South Eastern and Chatham Railway Company, at Swanley Junction, stating that he would have the approach road to Fawkham Station cleaned up, and suggesting that the question of making an outlet for the road into the main road, was one in regard to which the General Manager of the Company should be communicated with. The clerk reported that in accordance with the suggestion made, he had communicated with Mr Vincent Hill, the Manager of the Company, on the subject, but had not yet received his reply."


10 Mar 1903 Boundary changes  
Parish of East Wickham to be transferred from Dartford RDC to Bexley Urban District, by County of Kent (Bexley and East Wickham) Confirmation Order 1902.


10 Mar 1903 Best's Cottages, Hartley
"Insanitary premises at Hartley. The Clerk read a letter, dated the 20th ultimo, from Mr F B Cobb, of Brogdale, near Faversham, Agent for Sir William Chance, stating that 3 of the 4 cottages known as 'Best's Cottages' at Hartley, had been vacated by their tenants, that the remaining cottage would be closed shortly, and that it was not intended to repair the property but to demolish it."


10 Mar 1903 Van Dwellers at Longfield
"The Clerk read a letter, dated the 26th ultimo, from Mr G Blackman of Bellcroft House, Longfield Hill, denying that he had permitted van dwellers to encamp in this field near Longfield Siding."


10 Mar 1903 Scarlet Fever at Longfield
Hartley and Longfield schools to be closed for a "further" period of 14 days due to the continued prevalence of scarlet fever in Longfield.


24 Mar 1903 Road Expenditure
Several payments under road contracts. One that appears to relate to Hartley is a contract payment of £63.5.0 to Road Maintenance & Stone Supply Co Ltd, made up of £42 manual labour, £12.10.0 team labour and £8.15.0 materials.


24 Mar 1903 Hartley Bottom Road
"The surveyor reported that a portion of the road between Red Cow Road (presumably Hartley Bottom Road) and Longfield Hill had recently subsided, owing, in his opinion to the owner of the property abutting, having excavated his chalk quarry too close to the road. He submitted a letter, dated the 12th inst. from Mr O B Doherty of the London and County Bank, Stratford, London E, the owner of the adjoining land, stating that the subsidence has been caused by the opening of the road by the Mid Kent Water Company for the purpose of laying a water main there. He also read a letter, dated the 16th inst., from the Secretary of the Water Company, dissenting from this. The council being of the same opinion as the surveyor, resolved: That the Clerk inform Mr Doherty that they will look to him for repayment of the expenditure incurred for the reinstatement of the road."


21 Apr 1903 Elections
7 April elections see Edward Smith reelected unopposed for Hartley and Robert Willaim Gilham elected unopposed for Longfield. No other election was contested and Kingsdown had no valid nominations at all.


21 Apr 1903 Precept
Hartley (RV £3,966, Precept £173, Special Expenses for water £38), Longfield (RV £5,050, Precept £221, Water £49), Ash (RV £2,145, Precept £94, Water £20), Fawkham (RV £1,348, Precept £59, Water £13) (the total special expenses for Hartley and the other 4 parishes in the scheme for water was £149.

[Since the guarantee made to Mid Kent Water was for a minimum water rate income of £405, it would suggest significant take up since this would imply water rate income in the 5 parishes of £256]



21 Apr 1903 Water Supply to Hartley
"The Rev E Smith reported that the Mid Kent Water Company were laying on a supply of water to Hartley Manor, by means of a supplementary main to that laid down under the council's guarantee in respect of the provision of a water supply to the parishes of Ash, Fawkham, Hartley, Kingsdown and Longfield, and suggested that the Company should be requested to credit the rents received by them for water supplied through such supplementary main, to the council's guarantee account. It was resolved: That the suggestion be adopted and that the Clerk communicate with the Company accordingly."


19 May 1903 Hartley Manor: Drainage
"Letters dated the 7th and 8th inst., from Mr F B Cobb of Brogdale, Faversham and Mr T Morton, the agent to the owner, and the tenant respectively, of Hartley Manor, with reference to the drainage of that property, were read. Inspector Tiley also submitted a report upon the matter, to the effect that he was unable to ascertain definitely whether the drainage was sound until the drains had been opened up. It was resolved: That further consideration of the matter be deferred to enable the Medical Officer of Health to meet Mr Cobb, and make an inspection of the drain."


19 May 1903 Water Supply to Hartley
Mid Kent Water confirm they will credit the council's guarantee account with the receipts from supplying water there.


02 Jun 1903 Rail fares
Council decide to support Croydon Corporation's campaign to lower return fares on South Eastern & Chatham Railway to levels seen in Scotland.


02 Jun 1903 Water Supply to Hartley
"Letters dated the 23rd and 30th ultimo respectively, were read from Mr T Morton of Hartley Manor, stating that 2 of his children had become ill, which his medical practitioner attributed to the defective condition of the drainage of the property. The Clerk read a letter, dated the 27th ultimo from Inspector Tiley, stating that he had made a partial test of the drains, which did not appear to be sound. It was resolved on the motion of Mr Gales, seconded by the Rev P McKenna: That a notice be served upon the owner of the property, to cause the drains to be made good where defective."


16 Jun 1903 Roads: Horton Kirby
"the Surveyor was directed to provide a new length of iron pipe in the drain at the entrance to Rabbit's Road Pinden, and if suitable, to remove the present pipe there to outside the entrance of the Chapel at West Yoke."


16 Jun 1903 Scavenging and cesspool emptying
Council considered quotations for this. For District 1 (Ash, Fawkham, Hartley, Kingsdown, Longfield, Ridley) the quotes were (a) Mr J Haygreen, West Yoke (Scavenging 7s 6d per day and cesspools 13s 6d per day accepted; (b) Mr H J Smith, Ash (10s 0d and 24s 10d per day)


16 Jun 1903 Stage Plays at Ridley
Granted to Rev H B Hennell for 12 months in Ridley Parish Room if it meets council's requirements as a venue.


16 Jun 1903 Mains Water at Hartley etc
Council discuss the apportionment of the payments to Mid Kent Water under the guarantee, but decide to adhere to the resolution of 6 November 1900.


16 Jun 1903 Hartley Manor: Drainage
"The Clerk read a letter, dated the 10th inst. from Sir William Chance bart. the owner of Hartley Manor, stating that he considered that under the circumstances of the case, the council were not justified in requiring him to open up the drains of those premises, and that he hoped to settle the matter with his tenant, Mr Morton, without the intervention of the council. It was resolved: That the clerk request Sir William Chance to have the drains of the property opened, in order to ascertain whether, and if so, in what respects they are defective."


14 Jul 1903 Postal Service: Ash
"A letter, dated the 8th inst., was read from the Postmaster of Sevenoaks, asking the permission of the council to affix a small iron letter box to the sign-post at Wallace's Corner, Ash, for the convenience of people residing in that district." Council agree, provided Post Office remove it if asked to.


14 Jul 1903 Roads: Ridley
"Council to send Messrs Chippenden & Simmonds a bill for the damage to the roads in Ridley caused by their traction engines.


28 Jul 1903 Hartley Manor: Drainage
"A letter, dated the 23rd inst., was read from Inspector Tiley, stating the he had tested the main drain at Hartley Manor, and had found the same defective. The Medical Officer reported that he was present when the drain was tested, and confirmed the statement of the inspector. It was resolved: That the notice given to Mr Morton, the occupier, to repair and make good the said defective drainage, be adhered to."


08 Sep 1903 Water Supply to Ash
Ash Parish Council want to see the agreement dated 25.4.1901 between Dartford RDC and Mid Kent Water. Council say they can as long as they pay for the cost of copying.


08 Sep 1903 Ash School
Medical Officer lists the following properties as not having a supply of wholesome water: 2 cottages at Ash Street, Ash owned by Richard Rogers of Ash Street, Ash; 5 cottages at Ash Street, Ash owned by Leonard Russell of Meopham; 4 cottages at Ash Street, Ash owned by A Hall of Ash; Ash school and schoolhouse owned by the school managers. Council to serve notice to provide a proper water supply.


06 Oct 1903 Precept
Council agrees the following precept for the half year ending 31 March 1904 - Hartley (Rateable value £3,966, precept £208), Longfield (RV £5,050 - £262), Ash (RV £2,144 - £111), Fawkham (RV £1,348 - £70).


06 Oct 1903 Roads: General
Cyclists' Tourning Club complain about the amount of hedge clippings on the highways in the district, council ask surveyor to sort this out. Surveyor says the roads in New Barn taken up for mains water works have been reinstated satisfactorily, owner to be refunded £50 deposit. He also was allowed to empty the sump hole at Longfield Hill to have the same enlarged and sealed.


20 Oct 1903 Ash School
School managers say there is a supply of wholesome water to the school, so there is no need to connect to the mains. Council decides to take no further action.


03 Nov 1903 Roads: Longfield
Mr William Andrus of Manor House, Longfield Hill complains the road there has been flooded again. Surveyor says he has since cleaned out and deepened the surface water pond there, so there was now no cause for complaint.


01 Dec 1903 Roads: Longfield
Mr O B Doherty has paid the council £20.9.6 for reinstating part of the road between Red Cow Road and Longfield Hill. (See meeting 24.3.1903) Mr Andrus has written to say road at Longfield Hill has been flooded again, surveyor told to investigate.


15 Dec 1903 Roads: Ash
Mr Day reports several roads in Ash have recently been flooded. Surveyor told to investigate.


12 Jan 1904 Roads: Ash
"The Surveyor reported that he had, as directed at the last meeting, inspected the roads in the parish of Ash which had been flooded, and stated that it would be necessary to put in a small drain there, at an estimated cost of £5. It was resolved: That the Surveyor be directed to have the work carried out."


26 Jan 1904 Roads: Longfield
A letter, dated the 18th inst., was read from the Clerk to the Longfield Parish Council, calling attention to the periodical flooding of the roadway at Longfield Hill, and pointing out that a piece of land could be obtained, and a footpath made adjoining the road, the difficulty would be obviated. It was resolved: That the clerk be directed to suggest to the parish council that they should approach the owner of the land adjoining the roads referred to, with a view of ascertaining whether he would be prepared to allow the footpath to be made upon the land as suggested."


26 Jan 1904 Whitehill Road, Longfield
"A letter, dated the 16th inst., was read from the clerk to Longfield Parish Council, stating that travellers by train frequently found a difficulty, from want of information, in finding their way to the Railway Station, and suggested that an additional arm should be added to the existing finger post at the cross roads at White Hill, bearing the words 'To the Railway Station'. It was resolved: That the consideration of the matter be adjourned, and that the surveyor be direct to ascertain and report as to the cost of carrying out the work."


26 Jan 1904 Roads: Damage at Longfield
"The Surveyor reported that in consequence of the extraordinary traffic carried on by Messrs J & B Martin and Mr Pearson, in conveying flints and lime from their quarries at Pinden to Fawkham Railway Station, the roads had been considerably damaged, and that it would require about 100 years of extra granite and flints to repair them. It was resolved: That the Surveyor be directed to order the extra material to be supplied and used by the Contractors, and also that the Clerk be directed to consider and report whether the Council could recover the extra cost from Messrs J & B Martin and Mr Pearson. It was further resolved: That the Surveyor be directed to take the necessary steps to obtain statistics of the amount of traffic carried over the roads for the purpose of evidence, if required."


16 Apr 1907 Cesspool Emptying and Scavenging in Outlying Parishes
"A letter dated the 5th instant was read from the Clerk to the Ash Parish Council, forwarding copy of a resolution passed at a special meeting of that council and of ratepayers from the Parishes of Ash, Fawkham, Hartley, Kingsdown and Ridley, held on the 3rd instant, with reference to the work of emptying cesspools and scavenging in those parishes viz: �That we should go back to the position occupied in 1895, that is, that everybody should do their own sanitary work'. A letter, dated the 15th instant, was read from the clerk to the Longfield Parish Council, stating that that council did not consider it necessary that the work of emptying cesspools and scavenging should be done at the public expense, and that they desired a discontinuance of the work in that parish at the expiration of the present contract in September next. A discussion ensued, and ultimately Mr George Day gave notice that at the next meeting he would move: That this council discontinue the work of scavenging and cesspool emptying for the parishes of Ash, Ridley, Kingsdown, Hartley and Fawkham, on and from May the 12th, 1907, subject to the necessary arrangements being made with the contractor."


16 Apr 1907 Southwark Rubbish Tip, Longfield
"A letter, dated the 7th instant, was read from Mr. H. E. Fass, thanking the Council for the prompt attention given to his complaint of an alleged nuisance caused by the deposit of house refuse at the Longfield Railway Siding, and stating that the stench from the refuse was unabated.

A Report was read from the Chief Inspector of Nuisances, stating that on the 28th ultimo, he had in conjunction with Inspector Longhurst inspected the deposits of house refuse complained of, and found that the refuse had been scattered over a field adjoining the Railway Siding, and then raked. He stated that the field was about 200 yards from Mr. Fass's House.

It was reported that a Committee from the Borough Council of Southwark, would visit the Siding on the 17th instant, at 2 p.m., to consider the matter, and that they invited Representatives of the Rural Council to meet them there.

It was Resolved: That the farther consideration of the matter be adjourned until the observations of the Borough Council of Southwark in regard to the matter had been received."



16 Apr 1907 Inspector of Nuisances
He reported that Fawkham Schools were disinfected on 26 March, and that Mr Haygreen the contractor has no objection to the proposed changes to cesspool emptying and scavenging in Ash etc. He also stated "Refuse Heap, Pinden.  'I have visited the refuse heap in the stone pits twice since the last meeting. There have been 50 trucks unloaded at the siding; most of this has been deposited in the stone pit. A small portion of the surface has been covered with earth, and lime has been sprinkled over the exposed surface. A foul smell was arising from the heap, but could not be defected from the road when I was present."



16 Apr 1907 Cesspool Emptying Statistics
Statement as to cesspool emptying and scavenging, two weeks to 6 April

Hartley - none
Ash - cesspool emptying 1, privy emptying 1, total loads 8, day's work 1
Longfield - cesspool emptying 5, privy emptying 0, total loads 19, day's work 2
Fawkham - cesspool emptying 3, privy emptying 7, total loads 15, day's work 1½



30 Apr 1907 Cesspool Emptying and Scavenging in Outlying Parishes
"A letter, dated the 20th instant, was read from the Southfleet Parish Council, forwarding copy of a Resolution passed by them, requesting the Rural Council to discontinue the work of cesspool emptying and scavenging in that Parish on the same date as in the Parishes of Longfield, Fawkham, Hartley, Kingsdown, and Ridley.

A letter, dated the 27th instant, was read from the Chairman of the Hartley Parish Meeting, also requesting that the work of cesspool emptying and scavenging might be discontinued in that Parish.

A letter, dated the 24th instant, was read from the Longfield Parish Council, suggesting that Longfield was a convenient centre for the stationing of a sanitary van, in connection with the proposed new arrangements for cesspool emptying and scavenging.

Mr. George Day moved in pursuance of notice �That this Council discontinue the work of scavenging and cesspool emptying for the Parishes of Ash. Ridley, Kingsdown, Hartley, and Fawkham on and from May 12th, 1907, subject to the necessary arrangements being made with the Contractor.' The motion was seconded by the Rev. H. B. Hennell. Mr. Pankhurst proposed, as an amendment, that the proposed discontinuance of the work be postponed until the 30th June next, and that in the meantime the Sanitary Committee be requested to formulate Bye-laws, and make arrangements for the purpose of enabling the parishioners to carry out the work themselves, subject to the approval of the Council. The amendment was seconded by Mr. Macpherson, and upon the votes being tacken, nine members voted for it, and seven against it. The Chairman thereupon declared the amendment carried.

It was also Resolved: That the following motion of Mr. R. W. Gilham. notice of which had been given to the Council, be deferred, and that the subject thereof he included in the reference to the Sanitary Committee above mentioned, viz; that the Parish of Longfield be allowed out of the present system of cesspool emptying and scavenging at the end of September next, or as early as can be arranged by the Council."  



30 Apr 1907 Sewage Van Emptying at Longfield
"A letter, dated the 17th instant, was read from the Clerk to the Longfield Parish Council, calling attention to the fact that the Sanitary Van from Southfleet and Betsham made a journey to White Hill, Longfield, to dispose of its contents, and inquiring whether a site nearer to the work could not be obtained. A report, dated the 26th instant, was read from Inspector Longhurst, stating that he was constantly trying to obtain a site nearer the work, but with the exception of a few loads occasionally, he was unable to do so. it was resolved: That the Longfield Parish Council be so informed, and that they be asked to furnish particulars of any site which they might know to be available."


30 Apr 1907 Southwark Rubbish Tip, Longfield
"A letter, dated the 27th instant, was read from the Town Clerk to the Borough Council of Southwark in reply to the Clerk's letter, forwarding copy of a communication received from Mr. H. E. Fass, of Hartley Manor, complaining of an alleged nuisance arising from the house refuse at Longfield Siding, stating that they had always used their utmost endeavours to prevent any nuisance arising from the Depot there, and would continue to do so, and that the Committees of the Council which have from time to time visited the place, were unable to observe any nuisance arising from the refuse. He further stated that with reference to the complaint as to the deposits by farmers in the immediate neighbourhood of the Depot, of dust on their fields, his Council could not be responsible for the use made by farmers of material purchased from them."


30 Apr 1907 Cesspool Emptying Statistics
Statement as to cesspool emptying and scavenging 6-20 April

Hartley - none
Ash - cesspool emptying 31, privy emptying 23, total loads 92, day's work 12
Longfield - cesspool & privy emptying 0, scavenging 12 loads, day's work 2½
Fawkham - cesspool emptying 1, privy emptying 0, total loads 4, day's work ½



30 Apr 1907 Main Road, Pescot Hill, Longfield
Kent County Council announce new bye-law making it compulsory for cars to carry lights at night. In Longfield Mr J M Dobson of Pescott has offered land for road widening there if the council will close the footpath that runs across his land. Longfield Parish Council say its closure would greatly enhance the value of Mr Dobson's property and as he won't pay towards the improvements, then consent should be refused. Council decide to send PC's comments to Mr Dobson for his views


30 Apr 1907 Electricity Supply
"A letter, dated the 15th ultimo, was read from Mr E D Greatbatch of New Barn, Longfield, asking the council to give him permission to lay an electric light cable across the public road there. It was resolved: That the application to remain in abeyance until the draft agreement had been received from Messrs Rutter in regard to their proposal, provisionally assented to by the council, for the installation of an electric plant for the purpose of supplying current to residents on the estate."


30 Apr 1907 Pescot Avenue, New Barn
"A letter dated the 24th ultimo, was read from the Clerk to the Longfield parish Council, stating that a committee of that council had inspected the proposed new road on the New Barn Estate, Longfield, and had reported that they found that the proposed road did not follow the parish boundary, as shown on the plan which had been submitted; that it encroached on the previously existing right of way; and that at the western end, although a road was shown on the plan connecting the new road with the Main Road which passed the school, no provision appeared to be made for the connection, and the proposed new road apparently terminated in a dead end. It was resolved on the motion of Mr Waring, seconded by Mr Fuller: That a committee consisting of the chairman, the Rev E Smith and Mr Gilham, be appointed to meet the Surveyors of the Estate on the spot to discuss the proposal, and report to the council".


14 May 1907 Cesspool Emptying and Scavenging in Outlying Parishes
"Report of a Meeting of the Sanitary Committee, Held on the 6th Day of May, 1907.

Present :- Mr. W. Chambers, Mr. G. W. Atkinson, Mr. J. J. Hewitt, Mr. G. Day, Mr. J. Snell, Mr. R. W. Gilliam.

In accordance with the reference to them by the Council, your Committee have considered the question of the Council discontinuing the present system of Cesspool Emptying and Scavenging in the country parishes in the District.

They have carefully perused the Model Bye-Laws issued by the Local Government I Board, relating to the removal of House Refuse, and the cleansing of Earth Closets, Privies, Ash-pits, and Cesspools.

They recommend that the following Bye-Laws be adopted, and that application be made in due course to the Local Government Board for their approval thereto, viz. :-

BYE-LAWS made by the RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL for the RURAL DISTRICT OF DARTFORD, with respect to the REMOVAL OF HOUSE REFUSE, and the CLEANSING OF EARTH CLOSETS, PRIVIES, ASH-PITS, and CESSPOOLS, in that portion of the RURAL DISTRICT OF DARTFORD, which comprises the contributory places of ASH, FAWKHAM, HARTLEY, KINGSDOWN, LONGFIELD, LULLINGSTONE, RIDLEY, AND SOUTHFLEET.

The removal of house refuse from any premises.

1. The occupier of any premises shall, when necessary and at least once in every three months remove or cause to be removed the house refuse from such premises. Provided that this byelaw shall not be deemed to prohibit the use or disposal of house refuse on any premises by the occupier in any case where such refuse is so kept, used, or disposed of, as not to be a nuisance, and not to render liable to pollution any well, spring, or stream of water used or likely to be used by man for drinking or domestic purposes, or in any daily, or for manufacturing drinks for the use of man.

The cleansing of earth closets, privies, ash-pits, and cesspools belonging to any premises.

2. The occupier of any premises shall, when necessary and at least once in every week, cleanse every earth closet belonging to such premises. Provided that in the case of an earth closet which is detached from any dwelling house, or public building, or any building in which any person may be, or may be intended to be employed in any manufacture, trade, or business, and which is furnished with a properly constructed fixed receptacle for faecal matter and with suitable means or apparatus for the frequent and effectual application of dry earth to such matter, and where dry earth in sufficient quantity is actually supplied and so used, it shall suffice if such earthcloset be cleansed at least once in every three months.

3. The occupier of any premises shall, when necessary and at least once in every six months cleanse every privy belonging to such premises and furnished with a fixed receptacle for faecal matter.

4. The occupier of any premises shall, when necessary and at least once in every week, cleanse every privy belonging to such premises and furnished with a movable receptacle for faecal matter.

5. The occupier of any premises shall, when necessary and at least once in every thru months cleanse every ash-pit belonging to such premises and used only as a receptacle for ashes, dust and dry refuse.

6. The occupier of any premises shall, when necessary and a least once in every three months cleanse every ash-pit belonging to such premises and used in connexion with a privy as a receptacle for faecal matter, together with ashes, dust and dry refuse.

7. The occupier of any premises shall, when necessary and at least once in every six months, cleanse every cesspool belonging to such premises unless other adequate provision is made for the disposal of the contents of the cesspool.

Penalties.

8. Every person who shall offend against any of the foregoing byelaws shall be liable for every such offence to a penalty of five pounds. Provided nevertheless, that the justices or court before whom any complaint may be made or any proceedings may be taken in respect of any such offence may, if they think fit, adjudge the payment as a penalty of any sum less than the full amount of the penalty imposed by this byelaw,

Your Committee have also considered the question of facilitating, as far as possible} the carrying out of the work by the Owners and Occupiers of premises in the Parishes referred to, and recommend that the Sewage Vans and Tackle at present used in the Districts, be handed over to Committees to be appointed by the Parish Councils and Parish Meetings of the Parishes affected, and for such purpose that the Parishes be grouped as follows:- One set of tackle and a Sanitary Van to be left for use in each of the Districts

District No.1. Parishes of Ash, Fawkham, Kingsdown, Hartley, and Ridley.
District No. 2. Parishes of Longfield and Southfleet.
District No. 3. Parish of Lullingstone.

Your Committee further recommend that on and after the new arrangements coming into force the Council incur no responsibility in respect of the Vans and tackle or the carrying out of the work, and that the services of the present Sanitary Foremen be dispensed with.

It was RESOLVED on the motion of Mr. Day, seconded by Mr. Gilham 'That the report and recommendations of the Sanitary Committee be approved and adopted, and that the Clerk be directed to proceed to obtain the confirmation of the proposed Bye-laws by the Local Government Board.' "

The council received a letter from Mr R H Foa of Holywell Park, Hodsoll Street, strongly opposed to the above scheme, whereby the council will have no responsibility for cesspool emptying or scavenging.



14 May 1907 Cesspool Emptying Statistics
Statement as to cesspool emptying and scavenging For period 20 April - 4 May.

Hartley - cesspool emptying 7, privy emptying 5, total loads 28, day's work 2¾
Ash - cesspool emptying 2, privy emptying 1, total loads 7, day's work ¾
Longfield - cesspool emptying 8, privy emptying 0, total loads 35, day's work 5
Fawkham - cesspool emptying 8, privy emptying 7, total loads 32, day's work 3½



28 May 1907 Cesspool Emptying Statistics
Report for period 14-28 May:

Hartley - cesspool emptying 1, privy emptying 0, total loads 3, day's work ¼
Ash - cesspool emptying 0, privy emptying 2, total loads 3, day's work ½
Longfield - cesspool emptying 23, privy emptying 5, total loads 64, day's work 9
Fawkham - cesspool emptying 3, privy emptying 13, total loads 26, day's work 3



28 May 1907 Southwark Rubbish Tip, Longfield
"The Medical Officer of Health submitted and read the following report with reference to the deposit of house refuse at Longfield Siding, viz:

27th May REPORT ON THE SANITARY CONDITION OF LONGFIELD SIDING. I have again visited Longfield Siding (27th May) and find it in much the same condition as on the last occasion of my visit with the Rev. E. Smith, a month (17th April) when we met the Committee of Southwark Vestry.

The large heap of coarse refuse is still there, but much of the paper has disappeared.

It is gradually carted away by a farmer named Foster, and is deposited on some land in Hartley, as I am told to be ploughed in immediately. This heap is one of the smaller bins and causes no nuisance and very little smell, the bulk and centre of the heap being perfectly dry.

In two of the large chambers there is a certain quantity of ground refuse which cannot cause any nuisance, confined as it is within these chambers,

All fresh stuff, which is brought down in covered waggons at the rate of from two to five loads per day, is carted direct to the deposit ground in the Valley without leaving the premises.

Everything is conducted methodically with the least possible annoyance to anyone and I can hardly think that any fumes can be carried over a quarter of a mile, at which distance the nearest house is situated.

It seems to me that the question of any possible nuisance must be considered under these two headings

(1) Nuisance, if any, from the refuse in the Chambers at the Siding and from the deposit ground in the Valley.

(2) As an agricultural question, in the matter of the farmers' carting away the stuff for agricultural purposes.

(1st) As regards the siding I am of opinion that it is not a public nuisance, and my opinion is founded on repeated inspections extending over a period, of twenty years, both in company with the Inspector and alone.

{2nd) I am of opinion that this manure is a necessity for the farmers, and if any slight nuisance at times may be occasioned it is accidental, and that on the whole they endeavour to be as careful as possible in not causing unnecessary inconvenience to any residential property.

S. RICHMOND, M.P, Medical Officer of Health to the Dartford Rural District Council

The Report was supported by the Rev. E. Smith.

It was RESOLVED That the report be forwarded to the Local Government Board."



11 Jun 1907 Cesspool Emptying Statistics
Report for period 18 May - 1 June:

Hartley - cesspool emptying 1, privy emptying 0, total loads 5, day's work ½; Scavenging 8 loads, 1¼ days.
Ash - cesspool emptying 10, privy emptying 8, total loads 39, day's work 4½; Scavenging 10 loads, 2 days
Longfield - cesspool emptying 11, privy emptying 2, total loads 40, day's work 6; Scavenging 16 loads, 3 days
Fawkham - cesspool emptying 4, privy emptying 0, total loads 11, day's work 1½; Scavenging 10 loads, 1½ days



25 Jun 1907 Cesspool Emptying Statistics
Report for period 1-15 June:

Hartley - cesspool emptying 8, privy emptying 4, total loads 30, day's work 3¼;
Ash - cesspool emptying 20, privy emptying 19, total loads 62, day's work 6½
Longfield - cesspool emptying 6, privy emptying 0, total loads 17, day's work 3;
Fawkham - cesspool emptying 7, privy emptying 3, total loads 19, day's work 2¼



25 Jun 1907 Longfield Station: Manure Nuisance
"A letter, dated the 11th instant, was read from the Clerk to the Longfield Parish Council, calling attention to the cartage of manure containing decomposing fish and animal matter through the Parish, and that in view of the outbreak of scarlet fever in that neighbourhood, that Council were of opinion that steps should be taken to bring about an abatement of the nuisance. The Rev. E. Smith and Mr. Gilham supported the complaint. It was Resolved: That the Chief Inspector of Nuisances be requested to report to the Council in regard to the matter."


25 Jun 1907 Scarlet Fever at Hartley
Council orders closure of Hartley School for one week, due to 2 cases of scarlet fever among the schoolchildren.


09 Jul 1907 Fawkham: Road Widening
"A letter, dated the 13th ultimo, was read from Mr. H. B. Hohler. of Fawkham Manor, Fawkham, calling attention to the inconvenience caused by a traction engine and trucks belonging to Messrs. Thomas Wood & Sons, which were conveying manure from Fawkham Railway Station to Mr. Pink's Farm at Kingsdown, and pointing out that the engine and trucks made the narrow roads impassable tor other vehicular traffic. The Surveyor reported that the extraordinary traffic had been principally confined to Crowhurst Lane, Fawkham Bottom Road and Brandshatch Road, but that it had now ceased. He stated that some damage had been done to the roads. It was resolved: That in as much as Mr Hohler owned the land on both sides of Fawkham Bottom Road, that he be asked if he would give up sufficient land for the purpose of widening the road in the event of the council deciding to execute the necessary work."


09 Jul 1907 Hartley Road, Longfield
"Mr Gilham called attention to the condition of the footpath in Brickfield Road, Longfield, and suggested that about 200 yards of the path from the Church towards Hartley, be tar painted." Council reject suggestion


09 Jul 1907 Longfield Station: Manure Nuisance
Chief Inspector J E Gorham reports "On making enquiries with reference to this complaint, I find the nuisance complained of previous to the last meeting was probably caused through one truck of manure containing rotten eggs, decayed onions, and a quantity of hop refuse. I made two inspections since the last meeting and found no nuisance; the manure then being removed consisted chiefly of stable refuse. I have given instructions to the Inspector to report to me at once when there is an offensive truck being unloaded, and I shall continue to inspect occasionally."


09 Jul 1907 Sewage Van Emptying at Longfield
Chief inspector reports "On visiting the field where the sewage vans were emptied, I was informed that the contents of the vans were immediately ploughed in, and the vans were emptied there without the permission of the Inspector.


09 Jul 1907 Pinden Rubbish Tip
Chief Inspector reports "I have visited the refuse heap twice since the last meeting and lound no alteration regarding the heap near the sleeper roadway. There have been three trucks of refuse unloaded at the siding since the last meeting, and this has been deposited on the heap in the stone pit near the lime-kilns. The top of "this heap has been covered with about 18 inches of earth, leaving the sloping part I uncovered."


23 Jul 1907 Pinden Rubbish Tip
Deposit of house refuse at Pinden by Messrs J & B Martin The clerk reported that he had received a letter, dated the 12th instant, from the solicitors for Messrs J & B Martin, offering terms for the settlement of the present proceedings taken against them for non-compliance with their undertaking to cover the refuse deposited by them at Pinden with 18 inches of fresh top soil, and that he had called a meeting of the council in committee to consider them. The meeting was held on the 17th instant when upon the proposition of Mr. Pankhurst, seconded by Mr Snell, it was unanimously resolved that the terms therein referred to be recommended for acceptance by the Council, on condition that the Council's rights to enforce the terms of the original undertaking in the event of the proposed terms not proving effectual, were not prejudiced.

It was RESOLVED That the action of the Clerk and the recommendation of the Committee be approved and confirmed.

The Clerk reported that at the adjourned hearing of the Motion against Messrs. Martin, he had arranged for the terms proposed by them to be embodied in an Order of Court, and that the following Order had been made, viz. :- Subject to the consent of the Attorney-General being obtained. And the Defendants requesting the Plaintiffs to modify the said Undertaking, No. 5 in manner hereinafter mentioned, alleging that such modification will not result in any nuisance. And the Plaintiffs being willing to give such modification a temporary trial in order to ascertain whether the allegation of the Defendants is well founded. And the Defendants accordingly undertaking that from and after this date, and up to and including the 21st of October, 1907, they will twice at least in each week disinfect the sIoping surface of the heap of refuse in the Lime-kiln Field (part of Pinden Farm) with Jeyes' Disinfecting Powder, and will keep the said sloping surface completely with tarpaulin, except during the actual process of tipping the refuse, and will cover the refuse when levelled in the pit (but not the sloping surface for the time being) with 12 inches of fresh soil. And the plaintiffs undertaking not to bring on the pending action for committal or make any new application to enforce the said undertaking number 5, before the 21st October 1907, if the defendants shall carry on the modified undertaking given by this order to the satisfaction of the plaintiff council. And the plaintiffs and defendant agreeing that this order is to be without prejudice to the plaintiff's right to enforce the said undertaking No. 5, after the 21st October 1907, or before that date if the above modified undertaking is not carried out to the satisfaction of the plaintiff council, and without prejudice to the Deed of Covenant of the 14th September 1906. Let the motion stand over until the 21st October 1907 and be retained by his lordship Mr Justice Kekewich. Note: The plaintiffs cannot pledge themselves to permanently modify the undertaking no.5, but if the modification works well they will certainly favourably consider an application to continue with the modification. The costs must be Solicitor and Client Costs; including Costs of negotiating this compromise and obtaining the consent of the Attorney-General. If the modified undertaking is carried out to the satisfaction of the Plaintiff Council, they will not ask for a committal of Defendants on this Motion, whether the modified undertaking is continued or not, but will only ask for costs as above agreed, and can then only launch a new Motion for any fresh breach after October 21st, 1907.

A letter, dated the 22nd instant, was read from the Solicitors for Messrs. Martin, asking the Council to direct the Chief Inspector of Nuisances to make the periodical inspections of the locus in quo in preference to Mr. Longhurst, with a view of saving any friction that might be caused owing to Mr. Longhurst living in the neighbourhood of the deposits.

It was RESOLVED: That the manner in which the periodical reports were at present made to the Council be continued."

(Inspector of Nuisances Report) "Refuse Heap, Plnden: I have visited the refuse heap twice since the last meeting. The refuse heap near the sleeper roadway is in the same condition as previously I reported. There have been six trucks of house refuse unloaded at the siding since the last report, and the refuse has been deposited in the stone-pit near the lime-kilns; the top part of this heap has been covered with about 18 inches of earth; a foul smell was arising from the sloping part which had not been covered."



23 Jul 1907 Longfield Station: Manure Nuisance
"The Rev. E. Smith called attention to the remarks of the Chief Inspector ol Nuisances in his fortnightly report, with reference to the offensive character of the consignments of manure and refuse at the Fawkham Railway Station, and stated that since the Officer's inspection, further objectionable matter had been brought there, and suggested that representations be made to the Railway company in view of the congested state of traffic on the siding and the close proximity of dwelling houses, as to the desirability of a new siding for manure only, being constructed at such a distance from any habitations as would give no cause for complaint. It was resolved that the suggestion be approved and adopted."

(Inspector of Nuisances Report) "Manure at Fawkham Railway Station Siding. A large quantity of manure has been removed from the siding since the last report. I have inspected the siding and the consignments when visiting the district, and found the manure consisted of stable refuse and was not offensive."



23 Jul 1907 Cesspool Emptying Statistics
Report for period 18 May - 1 June:

Hartley - cesspool emptying 2, privy emptying 9, total loads 16, day's work 1¾
Ash - cesspool emptying 28, privy emptying 26, total loads 81, day's work 9¾
Longfield - cesspool emptying 30, privy emptying 1, total loads 91, day's work 10
Fawkham - cesspool emptying 0, privy emptying 4, total loads 7, day's work ½



06 Aug 1907 Fawkham: Road Widening
"A letter dated the 22nd ultimo, was read from Mr. H. B. Hohler of Fawkham Manor, stating, in reply to the Clerk's letter, that he could not see his way to give the necessary land for the purpose of widening Fawkham Bottom Road, and that in his opinion, the roads did not require widening, as they were wide enough for all ordinary traffic. It was RESOLVED: That no further action be taken."


06 Aug 1907 Cesspool Emptying and Scavenging in Outlying Parishes
"Mr Day, having amended, with the consent of the Council, the Motion of which he had given notice, moved: 'That this Council give notice to the Chairmen of the Parish Meetings and Councils of Ash, Ridley, Hartley, Fawkham, and Kingsdown, that on and after the 30th September next, they propose subject to the approval of the Local Government Board, to cease to empty the cesspools and ash-pits in those Parishes ; and further to ask those Parishes to appoint one Representative from each Parish to meet and make such arrangements as they deem desirable, and to report the result to the Council.' The motion was seconded by the Rev. E. Smith, and on being put to the Meeting was carried" Rev. E. Smith proposed a similar motion for Longfield and Southfleet, which was carried.


06 Aug 1907 Pinden Rubbish Tip
"A letter dated the 3rd instant, was read from Messrs. Huntley & Son, Solicitors to Messrs. J. & B. Martin, asking the Council to re-consider their decision in regard to the inspection of the refuse deposited at Pinden, and stating that, without casting unfair reflection upon Mr. Longhurst, if the Council could see their way to appoint another of their Inspectors of Nuisances to make the periodical inspections, it would, in view of the natural antipathy which they alleged existed between Mr. Longhurst and Mr. J. D. Martin, who was superintending the deposits, obviate the difficulties which would otherwise lie in the way of their clients satisfactorily carrying out the work when they were in constant touch with a man with whom they could not get on. It was RESOLVED on the motion of Mr. Waring, seconded by Mr. Wood 'That the Council adhere to their previous decision."

Report of Chief Inspector of Nuisances said: "Refuse Heap, Pinden. I have visited the refuse heap twice since the last report, there have been four trucks unloaded at the siding, and the refuse has been deposited in the stone pit near the lime-kiln, and the top part of this heap has been covered with about 18 inches of earth, the sloping part has been covered with an old waggon cloth (when the refuse is not being deposited); there was a foul smell from the heap, but this could not be detected from the road when I was present."



06 Aug 1907 Exedown Reservoir
The Mid Kent Company reservoir, which supplies the Hartley area (district 1) has been cleaned out.


06 Aug 1907 Longfield Station: Manure Nuisance
hief Inspector of Nuisances reported "There have been a number of trucks of manure removed from the siding since the last report, but the manure is composed of stable manure. I visited on two occasions since the last meeting, and found no nuisance."


06 Aug 1907 Cesspool Emptying Statistics
Report for period 13-27 July:

Hartley - cesspool emptying 7, privy emptying 2, total loads 27, day's work 3
Ash - cesspool emptying 19, privy emptying 23, total loads 57, day's work 7; Scavenging 9 loads, 1¾ days
Longfield - cesspool emptying 11, privy emptying 1, total loads 34, day's work 3¾; Scavenging 14 loads, 2¼ days
Fawkham - cesspool emptying 10, privy emptying 6, total loads 35, day's work 4; Scavenging 6 loads, 1½ days



20 Aug 1907 Pinden Rubbish Tip
Deposit Of House Refuse At Pinden, By Messrs. J. & B. Martin "A letter, dated the 8th instant, was read from Messrs. Huntley & Son, Solicitors, to Messrs. J. & B. Martin, calling attention to the fact that their Clients had been at the expense of purchasing three new tarpaulin sheets for the special purpose of covering the sloping surface of the heap of house refuse at Pinden, and that they were being utilized at the present time". A further letter, dated the 12th instant, was read from Messrs. Huntley & Son, expressing regret that the Council could not see their way to comply with their Clients request to instruct another officer to inspect the refuse deposited by them at Pinden, instead of Mr. Longhurst."


20 Aug 1907 Longfield Station: Manure Nuisance
"A letter, dated the 7th instant, was read from the General Manager of the South Eastern and Chatham Railway Company, with reference to the complaint made by the Council in regard to the manure brought to the Fawkham Railway Station, pointing out that there were at the present, three sidings away from the Station at which the manure traffic was dealt with, and that everything possible was being done to avoid annoyance to the residents."


17 Sep 1907 Cesspool Emptying and Scavenging in Outlying Parishes
"Report of Sanitary Committee re Cesspool Emptying and Scavenging.

Your Committee beg to report that tliey met on Tuesday the 3rd instant, for the purpose of considering the terms and conditions upon which tenders for cesspool emptying and scavenging in the District, should be invited for the year ending the 30th September, 1908. They have received copies of the following resolutions passed at a Meeting of Representatives of the Parishes of Ash, Fawkham, Hartley, Kingsdown and Ridley, with reference to the work in those Parishes, viz

(i) That the Sanitary Van be taken over by the Joint Parishes and be at the disposal of the Ratepayers; the Inspector to regulate when and where it is used. That a man be appointed by the Joint Parishes with the approval of the Inspector, the said man to accompany the van when in use. That the man be paid 5/- per day and 3/- per half-day, such wages to be paid by the person requiring the use of the van in addition to the supply of horses and extra men. (ii) That a central place be hired for the storage of the van and disinfectants when not in use. (iii) That the Van be insured against fire and accident, and also the man against Employer's liability.

Your Committee have also been informed that resolutions of a similar nature have been passed by a Committee of Representatives of the Parishes of Longfield and Southfleet."

The Committee also prepared a list of places in the remainder of the district which can be used as tips for the contents of sanitary vans and house refuse carts.



17 Sep 1907 Cesspool Emptying Statistics
For 4 weeks ending 7 September 1907. Hartley - 16 cesspools and 7 privies emptied making 57 loads and 6½ days work. Ash - 30 cesspools, 27 privies, 95 loads, 10 days. Longfield - 34 cesspools, 8 privies, 108 loads, 12 days. Fawkham - 11 cesspools, 13 privies, 44 loads, 4½ days. Ridley - 1 cesspool, 7 privies, 11 loads, 1 day.

Scavenging - Longfield - 13 loads, 2½ days work. All other local parishes - nil.



01 Oct 1907 Cesspool Emptying Statistics
For 4 weeks ending 21 September 1907. Hartley, Fawkham, Ridley - nil. Ash - 5 cesspools, 7 privies, 33 loads, 3½ days. Longfield - 2 cesspools, 10 loads, 1 days.

Scavenging: Hartley 3 loads, 1 day's work. Longfield - 12 loads, 2½ days. Ash - 13 loads, 3 days. Fawkham - 9 loads, 1½ days. Ridley - nil.



15 Oct 1907 Telegraph Lines, Longfield
Council grant Post Office permission to erect overground telegraph line from Green Street Green and Longfield to Pinden.


15 Oct 1907 Longfield Station: Manure Nuisance
"A letter, dated the 6th instant, was read from the Longfield Parish Council, acknowledging the receipt of the copy of the letter of the General Manager of the South Eastern Railway Company, with reference to the alleged nuisance arising from manure at Fawkham Railway Station, and pointing out that manure had recently been drawn in large trucks from the railway station premises by a traction engine, and that the trucks had been loaded in such a way as to permit the manure to fall out all along the line of route. The Medical Officer of Health and Chief Inspector of Nuisances reported that they had not discovered any further nuisance arising from the manure at the station."


15 Oct 1907 Cesspool Emptying and Scavenging in Outlying Parishes
Following distribution of printed notices about the new scheme from 1 October, they have received complaints about the council ceasing to empty them, from S Walter Newcomb of Lyndhurst, Longfield and S Jessup of Kingsdown.


15 Oct 1907 Cesspool Emptying Statistics
For 2 weeks ending 5 October 1907. Hartley - 6 cesspools and 5 privies emptied, 27 loads, 2¾ days. Longfield - 9 cesspools, 28 loads, 3 days. Fawkham - 1 cesspool, 2 loads, ¾ day. Ash - 12 cesspools, 8 privies, 28 loads, 3 days. Ridley - nil.


29 Oct 1907 Cesspool Emptying and Scavenging in Outlying Parishes
They have received a further complaint about the council ceasing to empty them, from S Walter Newcomb of Lyndhurst, Longfield. Also the inspector has had to refuse request from Mr G E Holmes of Ash to empty his cesspool.


12 Nov 1907 Cesspool Emptying and Scavenging in Outlying Parishes
Council agree to pay foremen laid off after 30 September in the outlying parishes (Hartley etc), 1 weeks pay in lieu of notice.


26 Nov 1907 Telephone Lines, Ash
"Mr Day reported that an application had been made to the Postal authorities to extend the telephone from the Ash Post Office to the premises of some residents in the parish, and that an application would in due course be made to the council for consent to the placing of the poles along the public highway, and suggested that as it would be a convenience to the residents to have the work completed as soon as possible, the council instruct the clerk to sign the form of consent before the next meeting, provided the poles were placed in positions approved of by the council's surveyor."


26 Nov 1907 Cesspool Emptying and Scavenging in Outlying Parishes
Chief Inspector of Nuisances reports "The new scheme of cesspool emptying is gradually getting into working order, and gives promise of success. In some instances overflows are being dug, and the cesspool treated on the principle of the septic system; this will probably help the work considerably".


10 Dec 1907 Roads Maintenance: Longfield
Surveyor reports that Contractor M Blackman and Sons is behindhand because they have put insufficient labour on the job.


10 Dec 1907 Fairseat Lane, Ash
Council agree to repair road between Fairseat and Horn's Lodge, Ash at a cost of £30


10 Dec 1907 Hartley Road, Longfield
Council agreed to widen the road to help the unemployed this winter, if neighbouring landowners will give up land. They also plan to widen Swan Lane, Crayford for the same reason.


10 Dec 1907 Telegraph Lines, Ash
"A letter, dated the 29th ultimo, was read from the secretary of the General Post Office, requesting the council to consent to the placing of an overground telegraphic line along the side of, over and across the public road from the Ash Post Office to North Ash Farm in the parish of Ash, and forwarding a plan of the route it was proposed to follow. The clerk reported that he had, in accordance with the instructions given him at the last meeting, signed the formal consent to the placing of the line, subject to the poles being put up in positions approved by the council's surveyor."


10 Dec 1907 Cesspool Emptying and Scavenging in Outlying Parishes
Inspector says the new system is working smoothly, pump and tackle used very frequently in Longfield and Southfleet district, with 23 cesspools emptied by night and 17 by day. In the Ash district 26 privy pits and 12 cesspools have been emptied and several overflow cesspools constructed on the hills.


07 Jan 1908 Hoselands Hill, Ash Road, Hartley
"The surveyor, on behalf of the committee reported that they had met at Hoselands Hill, and considered the question of widening the road there, and had employed from 10 to 15 men since the 18th ultimo for 1,159 hours at 3½d per hour, this expense being exclusive of the wages of a working time-keeper and foreman at 35/- per week, and had carried out the work of widening the road adjoining Mr Bancks' property, the total expense incurred to that date being £28 3s 4d.

He also reported that he had been in communication with the owners of the land on the opposite side of the road, with a view to their giving up the necessary land for widening.

A letter dated the 19th ultimo, addressed to the Surveyor, was read from Messrs G Reader & Co, solicitors to the Fawkham Park Building Estate, stating that in laying out the estate there, their clients had reserved a strip of frontage so that the road could be widened 20 feet from its centre, and that in the sales of land their clients had not conveyed any part of the reserved strip except in cases in which they had imposed an obligation on the part of the purchasers to give up the reserved pieces in front of their properties, free of expense, if at any time they should be required for the purpose of road widening. They stated also that their clients would be willing to convey to the council so much of the strip as was reserved to them, but that they must leave the council to deal with the purchasers of the remaining portions of the strip.

The Committee also reported that they had been in communication with the solicitors to Messrs Forrest, with a view to their giving up a piece of land at the same place for road widening, and that they had been informed that Messrs Forrest would be prepared to comply with the committee's request, subject to the approval of their tenant, Mr Morton, if the council would pay their solicitor's fee in the matter, amounting to £1 1s 0d. They further reported that Mr Morton had subsequentty given his approval to the scheme. They therefore recommended that the thanks of the council be conveyed to him therefor, and also recommended that the clerk be directed to communicate with Mrs Hickmott, asking her to give up the necessary land adjoining the railway bridge near Hoselands Hill, for the purpose of widening the road to a uniform width, and to consent to the cutting down and removal of some of the elm trees there.

The committee further recommended that the clerk be authorised to arrange and carry out the conveyances to the council of the land required in the above mentioned cases" (Approved by full council)



07 Jan 1908 Valley Road, Fawkham
Trees overhanging highway in Fawkham Valley Road Mr H B Hohler has not cut them down as promised. Surveyor to remind him.


21 Jan 1908 Hoselands Hill, Ash Road, Hartley
Hoselands Hill, Hartley widening and improvement "The Surveyor on behalf of the committee appointed to carry out the work of widening and improving Hoselands Hill, Hartley, reported that during the fortnight ended the 18th instant, from 11 to 26 men had been employed on the work at the same rate of payment as reported at the last meeting, and that the undermentioned amount had been expended thereon viz:

Manual labour £21.19.0  
Horse Hire £5.18.0
Flints £14.5.0
Amount previously expended £28.3.4
Total expenditure to 18th instant £70.5.4



04 Feb 1908 Cesspool Emptying Statistics
Inspector reported that since the last meeting in No 1 district the following have been emptied by the sewage van: Southfleet 8, Hartley 2, Longfield 10 plus 2 pits. Several others have been emptied by the owners without the van or tip cart. 2 new cesspool overflows have been built. 5 notices to empty cesspools have been served and these have been complied with.


18 Feb 1908 Hoselands Hill, Ash Road, Hartley
Hoselands Hill, Hartley widening and improvement Mrs Hickmott of Longfield Court will not give up land for widening. Deputation from the council, including Rev E Smith to visit to ask her to change her mind. They have yet to hear from the South Eastern and Chatham Railway about the request for them to give up land for widening.

"The Surveyor on behalf of the committee appointed to carry out the work of widening and improving Hoselands Hill, Hartley, reported that during the month ended the 16th instand, there had been from 20 to 32 men employed from various parts of the district, and that the undermentioned amount had been expended on the work viz:

Manual labour £64.12.0
Horse Hire £16.10.0
Flints £13.12.0
Amount previously expended £70.5.4
Total expenditure to 16th instant £164.19.4



03 Mar 1908 Dust Nuisance on Roads
Kent County Council wrote on 29 February to say they will no longer pay anything towards road watering "the council being satisfied that the dust nuisance could be more effectually and economically dealt with by treating the surface of the roads with tar. He forwarded forms of agreement prepared by the county council relating to the tar painting of main roads."


17 Mar 1908 Roads: Complaints, Longfield
Mr J G Jensen of Danehurst, Longfield has written to complain the roads are worse after repairs than they were before.


17 Mar 1908 Hoselands Hill, Ash Road, Hartley
"The Surveyor on behalf of the committee appointed to carry out the work of widening and improving Hoselands Hill, Hartley, reported that during the month ended the 7th instant, there had been about 12 men been employed on the work from various parts of the district, and that the undermentioned amount had been expended thereon viz:

Manual labour £25.1.0
Horse Hire £4.0.0
Materials, steam rolling and sundries £35.1.9
Amount previously expended £164.19.4
Total expenditure to 7th instant £229.2.1

The surveyor also reported that Mr Thomas Morton had done 17½ days team labour free of cost to the council."



17 Mar 1908 Roads: Scavenging
Scavenging of Roads Kent County Council say they currently scavenge the roads every day, but will reduce this to every other day.


14 Apr 1908 Hoselands Hill, Ash Road, Hartley
"The Surveyor reported that no further work had been done since the last meeting in connection with the widening of Hoselands Hill, Hartley. Letters, dated the 23rd ultimo and 3rd instant respectively, addressed to the Surveyor, were read from the Secretary of the London Chatham and Dover Railway Company, adverting to the council's application to them to give up certain land for the widening of Hoselands Hill, and enquiring whether, in the event of their consenting to do so, the council would be prepared to take over and thereafter maintain as a part of the highway, the Station Approach Road at Fawkham Railway Station. It was resolved that the clerk be directed to state in reply that the council could not see their way to accept the terms mentioned and that the consideration of the matter be further adjourned."


14 Apr 1908 Pond at Longfield Hill
Longfield parish council have asked that it be cleaned out and the fence repaired. Sub-committee to look into complaints.


16 Apr 1918 Roads: Classification
Surveyor reports "The county surveyor informs me that the County Advisory Committee have considered my application for the scheduling of the two roads from Longfield through Hartley and Ash, and from Longfield through Fawkham to Portobello, Kingsdown, has not been granted."


16 Apr 1918 Whitehill Road, Longfield
"Longfield. In extending and deepening the pond on the Council's land adjoining the Fawkham Bottom Road, a bed of flints has been uncovered some 4 feet in thickness. These are being quarried out. About 30 yards of ragstone has been put on White Hill Road and rolled in." He also reported that two truckloads of stone had been delivered to Fawkham Station and carted to depot for Betsham Road.


16 Apr 1918 Shop Openings: Require Licence
"Your committee have received a circular letter from the under-secretary of State for the Home Department enclosing copy of an order issued by the Director General of National Service, prohibiting the opening of a new retail trade or business, or a new branch of an existing retail trade or business without a license, the main object of the Order being (1) to protect from unfair competition existing businesses belonging to men on military service which, while struggling against difficulties caused by the absence of their owners, are threatened with the competition of newly established shops in the same line of business; (2) to prevent the waste of manpower involved in opening new retail businesses or branches in non-essential trades."


16 Apr 1918 Council Housing
Council have received information from the Local Government Board about how housing construction for the working classes after the war will be financed. They should raise a loan in the first instance, but the government will provide a grant equivalent to 75% of the cost of the loan.


16 Apr 1918 Precept
Hartley (Rateable value £5,414, Precept £207), Ash (RV £2,734, P £105), Longfield (RV £6,406, P £245), Fawkham (RV £1,518, P £58).


14 May 1918 Fawkham Road, Longfield: Pond
Longfield: Surveyor reports "The enlargement and deepening of the pond on the council's ladn has now been completed, and the inlet for the surface water from the roads is now opened to allow the same to flow into it. I would suggest that the pale fence be continued on the south side of this land as the pond is now so deep as to be a source of danger. In deepening the pond about 100 yards of good flints have been secured and put into depot." Fence approved by council.


14 May 1918 Roads: Tarring
Tar: Council to buy 15,000 - 20,000 barrels of tar at 3d per gallon from the Gravesend and Milton Gas Light Co, and 40,000 gallons from F C Holmes & Co of Northfleet at 4.875d per gallon in the council's barrels.


11 Jun 1918 Valley Road, Fawkham
Fence to pond at Fawkham Bottom Road, Longfield nearly complete.


11 Jun 1918 Traction Engines
Side slip of steam roller led to damage to a wall in Longfield Hill.


09 Jul 1918 Roads: Tarring at Longfield
Surveyor reports Longfield roads being tar painted.


09 Jul 1918 Coal Price
Controller of Coal Mines has increased prices by 2/6 per ton. Prices will now be: Hartley and Fawkham (Brights House Coal 43/6 per ton, Best Kitchen Coal 42/6 per ton), Longfield (42/6 and 41/6), Ash and Ridley (45/6 and 44/6). Householders to pay 1s extra a ton for credit over 1 month or weekly payments.


09 Jul 1918 Land Purchase at Longfield
"The vice chairman produced particulars and conditions of sale of about 15 acres of land situate in the parishes of Longfield and Horton Kirby, and suggested for the consideration of the council the question as to whether it might be advantageous to the council to purchase the land, having regard to the statement in the particulars that there was a bed of flint stone on a portion of the land. After discussion it was resolved that the matter be left in the hands of a committee consisting of the Rev Stanley Morgan, and Messrs G Day and F Lynds to investigate and report."


09 Jul 1918 Longfield Allotments
Case of Longfield PC v DRDC set down for 17 July. Cheque of £150 to be sent to council's counsel.


30 Jul 1918 Land Purchase at Longfield
"The Clerk reported that with the authority of the Highways Committee, the Vice-Chairman had purchased, on "behalf of the Council, about 15 acres of land near White Hill, Longfield, to be used as a Highway Depot, and for such other purpose as might be considered desirable, for the sum of £1,500.  

He produced the Contract, and it was Resolved that the purchase be approved and confirmed, and the Clerk be authorised to sign the Contract on behalf of the Council, and instructions given to Messrs. J. & J. C. Hayward, Solicitors, Dartford, to carry the matter through to completion.

[This is the land which later included the council's Longfield Depot and is now Rowans Close]



30 Jul 1918 Baby Show at Longfield
As part of national baby week, Medical Officer of Health to attend show on 5 August.


30 Jul 1918 Salvage
Director of National Salvage has asked councils to collect fruit stones and hard nut shells for "an urgent war purpose". To be sent to Munitions Department, Southend Gas Works.

[The purpose of this was to make filters for Gas Masks, see Bowes Museum website]



30 Jul 1918 Roads at Longfield
Tar painting and pale fence on south side of council's land adjoining Fawkham Bottom Road complete. Following complaint by Longfield Parish Council, surveyor told to have ponds at Longfield Hill near Mission Hall and near Mr Hickmott's fence in the village cleaned out.


30 Jul 1918 Land Purchase at Longfield from Mr. G Pearce
"Your Committee have received a letter from the Council's Solicitors stating that the Vendor had finally objected to the elimination from the draft contract of the clauses providing for the payment of the Vendor's costs and increment value duty in respect of the sale, and an intimation from his Solicitors to return the draft if the Council did not propose to proceed with the purchase. Your Committee could not see their way to agree to the clauses referred to remaining in the draft, and they have therefore given instructions to tlio Council's Solicitors to return the draft, with an intimation that the Council did not propose to proceed further with the matter."


30 Jul 1918 Fuel Overseers
Appointment of Local Fuel Overseers "Your Committee recommend that in connection with the new coal rationing scheme. Inspectors Ellis, Miles and Munns be appointed Local Fuel Overseers for those parishes in the Rural District which are not included in the Metropolitan Area under the Household Fuel and Lighting Order 1918, as follows, viz:

Inspector Ellis (parishes of Soutlifieet and Swanscombe); Inspector Miles (Parish of Horton Kirby); Inspector Munns (Parishes of Ash, Eynsford, Farninghatn, Fawkham, Hartley, Kingsdown, Longfield, Lullingstone and Ridley)."



30 Jul 1918 Coal Purchase by Council
Purchase and Storage of Coal in bulk by Council "Your Committee have had under consideration the question of the desirability of purchasing coal in bulk to be stored in central depots in the Council's district to meet a possible shortage of supplies to consumers during the ensuing winter. Your Committee have in mind the hardship created last winter by the difficulty experienced by small consumers in various parts of the district, and they desire to take steps to remove, as far as possible, similar difficulties this winter.

They recommend that the following quantities of household coal be purchased and stored at the following depots, viz: 150 tons (Sanitary Depot, Greenhithe); 100 tons (Sanitary Depot, Swanley); 100 tons (Fawkham).



01 Oct 1918 Longfield Depot (future Community Park)
Longfield Flints Surveyor reports "Trial holes have been Bunk in the Council's newly purchased piece of laud in this parish. It has been ascertained that on about half of the 15 acres a most excellent bed of flints exists, in many cases of great depth, good quality and almost freo of any mixture of soil or unusable matter. I consider there is undoubtedly a sufficient quantity of flints in this land to answer the requirements of the Council for very many years."


01 Oct 1918 Ponds
Roads Hartley: roadside ponds near School and 2 on Stocks Road (Church Road) cleaned out. Ash: Dilapidated fence around pond in village by Billet Road replaced. Longfield: The portion of the pond adjoining the highway at the junction of Hartley Road has been cleaned out.


01 Oct 1918 Billeting of Civilians Act
A canvas is being undertaken of the Dartford area to prepare a register of available accommodation for those imported to Dartford on work of national importance.


29 Oct 1918 Influenza Outbreak
"A circular letter dated the 22nd instant was read from the Local Government Board, forwarding copy of a memorandum on epidemic catarrh and influenza, prepared by their Medical Officer in view of the prevalence of influenza in many parts of the country, suggesting to medical officers of health the desirability of preparing for use in their districts some precautionary instructions based on the paragraphs in the memorandum specially marked.

The clerk produced price lists of posters and leaflets for cicularization for the information of the council.

The Medical Officer of Health reported that out of the 27 weekday schools in the district, 19 had been closed.

After discussion it was unanimously resolved that the whole of the schools, both weekday and Sunday, be closed until the 18th instant.

The question of closing of cinemas was also discussed. It was proposed by the Rev H B Hennell, seconded by Mr Snell, that the council do not issue the licenses granted that day until after the expiration of a fortnight.

An amendment was proposed by the Rev Stanley Morgan, and seconded by Mr Lee, that the licenses be issued, but that a condition be attached to each to the effect that children under 16 years of age be excluded from the entertainments until the 18th instant, or for such further or extended time as might be necessary.

Upon the votes being taken, there voted for the amendment, the Revs, j T Matchett and Stanley Morgan, and Messrs. W. Ames, S. Lee and G. Norris (5); and against it, the Rev. H. B. Hennell and Mr. Snell (2). The Chairman declared the amendment carried, and it was Resolved accordingly.

With a view of obtaining uniformity of action, and acting in cooperation with the adjoining Local Authorities, it was Resolved that the Clerk be directed to communicate with the Local Authorities of Dartford, Northfleet and Gravesend, suggesting the desirability of the cinemas in their area being dealt, with in the same way as the Council had decided to deal with the cinemas in the Rural District.

It was further Resolved not to purchase posters or leaflets containing precautionary instructions in regard to the epidemic for distribution in the Council's area.

In response to enquiries, the Medical Officer of Health gave particulars of cases of the disease in Ingress Terrace, Swanscombe, and attention was called by the Local Representatives to the bad condition of the property.



29 Oct 1918 Maternity Clinic, Longfield
Medical Officer reports "I have completed all arrangements for holding a fortnightly Baby Welfare Meeting at the Chapel in Essex Road, Longfield. These meetings will be supported by a Ladies Committee with the help of the local midwife, Mrs Weaver, under the superintendence of Nurse Lockhart, the Health Visitor. I shall attend any special cases by calling on my way back from the Ash Welfare. The first meeting is to be held on Monday the 14th October.

Attendance at Ash and Fawkham Baby Welfare Meetings: Sept 16th - 8 babies, Sept 30th - 3 babies.



29 Oct 1918 Pinden Rubbish Tip
Deposit of Refuse at Pinden "Your committee have had their attention called to the uncovered state of some of the deposits of refuse by Messrs J & B Martin (Fawkham) Ltd at Pinden. They have instructed the clerk to communicate with Messrs Martin and insist upon the whole of the deposits being more sufficiently covered with earth."


29 Oct 1918 Longfield Depot (future Community Park)
Longfield: Surveyor reports "I have met the Committee on the newly purchased land in Longfield, and it was agreed to recommend that a base should be made on the south-eastern boundary adjoining the railway embankment and abutting on the Fawkham Bottom road, for the erection of engine, implements and store sheds, and that a flint quarry should be opened at the north-western boundary of the land adjoining the Longfield to Green-Street-Green road."


29 Oct 1918 Roads at Fawkham: Drainage
"Your committee have received a letter from Mr E T Hohler, Fawkham Manor, offering the council an old well at a nominal rent of 5/- per year as an overflow from the surface water pond in the vicinity of Hartley Hill [probably Castle Hill is meant here], which constantly overflowed in wet weather. Your committee recommend that the offer be accepted, and that the Surveyor be directed to carry out the necessary work in laying the short length of drain to the well from the pond."


26 Nov 1918 Influenza Outbreak
Medical Officer of Health reports "This fatal epidemic of influenza is of quite recent occurrence. Only 3 deaths due to influenza have been notified, prior to October, for the past 6 months, 1 in Stone in June, and 2 in July (1 Wilmington and 1 Swanscombe). For many months the deaths from all causes have been very few, but during October and up to date the deaths from influenze have been very numerous and are still continuing throughout the district.

From the returns of the Registrar of Deaths for Crayford, out of 24 deaths, 16 are from influenza or pneumonia; for the Farningham districts from October 18th, when the first case was notified, to November 1st, out of 20 deaths, 16 were from Influenza. I have not received the returns for Swanscombe, Stone and Wilmington, but the disease has been equally fatal in thise parishes.

The Brent School has been closed with all the other schools in the Rural District on account of the epidemic of influenza, which still continues with unabated virulence. The closure of the schools is to continue for another week to the 18th November, but at present the disease shows no signs of abating, and the closure will probably have to be continued for a further period. I am distributing leaflets throughout the district giving advice as to precautions to be taken to avoid infection. I have been ill myself for some days, but I hope to be able to attend the meeting of the committee on Tuesday."



26 Nov 1918 Maternity Clinics
Attendance was Ash (14th Oct - 6); Longfield (14th Oct - 9, 28th Oct -12).


26 Nov 1918 Pond at Whitehill Crossroads, Longfield
Surveyor reports "As the pale fence around the council's land adjoining the pond at the junction of Fawkham Bottom and Longfield roads is continually requiring repairs. I would suggest that a quick fence should be placed around the same."


26 Nov 1918 Flint Quarry at Longfield
"The digging of flints was started on the newly purchased land in this parish at the north-western corner on the 23rd of October last, and 126 yards have been dug and carted away from there to this date. A very good bed of flints has been disclosed at this spot. Some light rails with skips may be obtained for the removal of the top soil at the new flint pit. The purchase of these would effect a great saving in horse labour."


17 Dec 1918 Influenza Outbreak
Medical Officer of health reports "The number of deaths from influenza for the week ending 23rd November were 15. They were 18 for the week ending 16th November against 49, 56 and 7 for the previous weeks. The epidemic is evidently oln the decline although very many cases still continue to occur."


17 Dec 1918 Roads: A20 Called for
Reconstruction and improvements of Roads. Hartley Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd "A letter dated the 14th instant was read from the secretary of the Hartley Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd, adverting to the proposals of the Reconstruction Committee of the Kent County Council, and stating that these had been discussed by the Society, and as a result they were desirous of expressing the opinion that it was of urgent importance to that locality that there should be an improvement of road connection with London, as the existing roads did not provide means for utilising motor transport to the Metropolis. The Society suggested that a main road linking Swanley with Rochester would give to a number of villages the direct access to London now lacking. They also called attention to a matter of local urgency, viz. the question of an improved access to Fawkham Station. The chairman reported that the latter question was already before the Highways Committee and that a scheme had been proposed. It was resolved that the letter be referred to the Highways Committee to consider and report upon".


21 Jan 1919 Typhoid at Longfield
One case of typhoid at Longfield. Attendance at Maternity Clinics was Ash (Dec 9th - 3), Longfield (Nov 11th - 5, Nov 25th - 4, Dec 9th - 9).


21 Jan 1919 Petrol Licences
Granted to John Sims of Station Road, Longfield (20 gallons), George Day of North Ash Farm (200 gallons)


21 Jan 1919 Valley Road, Fawkham
Fawkham - surveyor reports "Mr Hohler is having the trees cut down as agreed so that the road by the Church may be widened and improved as arranged."


21 Jan 1919 Longfield Depot (future Community Park)
Longfield - in December 299 yards of flints and 130 yards of ballast taken from council's quarry. Surveyor says "I have been in correspondence with Mr Tempest, the Chief Engineer to the South Eastern & Chatham Railway, as to the proposed new entrance from the Hartley Road to Fawkham Station Yard. He suggests that Mr Day and myself should meet his District Engineer on the spot so that he may have a report from him on any fresh points which may have arisen.


21 Jan 1919 Roads: General
Surveyor has requested from the County Surveyor 3,800 tons of granite, 1,500 yards of ragstone and 200 tons of tarred material.

"During the months of October and November, the Council's engines carted for Mr High, of Longfield, a quantity of coal from Fawkham station to Darenth Asylum, the engine with 3 men were at work for 22½ days at £3 per day, as arranged by the Works Foreman, amounting to £67 10s 0d."



21 Jan 1919 Ash: Road Flints
"Your committee have received an application from Mr H Smith, Contractor, Ash, asking for an advance of 1/- a yard for the supply of flints, viz. from 5/- to 6/- a yard, on the ground of the difficulty of obtaining flints and the mileage he had to haul them. Your committee recommend that under the circumstances the increased price of 6/- a yard be paid.


21 Jan 1919 Allotments at Longfield
Longfield: "Your committee have received an application from Messrs P Letchford and C Heaver, two of the council's roadmen, to be allowed to cultivate a portion of the land purchased by the council at Longfield, in connection with surface water drainage, as allotments. Your committee recommend that their application be acceded to, and that they be allowed to cultivate certain quantities of ground to be marked out, and that they be charged a nominal rent of 1/- a year each, the arrangement being on the distinct understaning that the council were free to determine the arrangement at any time without notice and without payment of compensation for growing crops etc."


18 Feb 1919 Health Visitor
Health Visitor, Ash District Mrs Edge to be appointed as successor to Miss Budge at £25 p.a., appointment to run concurrently with that of district nurse.


18 Feb 1919 Valley Road, Fawkham
Road by Fawkham Church Surveyor reported "Frosty weather having set in and released some of the men from other work, a start at the widening of the road by Fawkham Church has been commenced, and Mr Hohler has had the fence on the west side taken up an dset back for the agreed width of road to be made up."


18 Feb 1919 Roads at Hartley
Surveyor said "Five truck loads of granite have been put on the roads in this parish and rolled in."


18 Feb 1919 Longfield Depot (future Community Park)
"The committee having met on the Council's land, and agreed that the site most desirable for the erection of engine and store shed was at the south-eastern corner of the field adjoining the railway embankment. Accordingly the bank adjoining the Fawkham Bottom Road has been removed and spread on the field, and the site is being levelled for the erection of the buildings." Also "the chairman reported that a sub-committee of the Highways Committee had met on the spot complainants to the proposed site of the Engine and Road Plant Sheds on the council's land at Longfield, and had agreed that the site could be selected a further 50 feet from the property of the complainants, but that this did not entirely meet the objections raised. The question of purchasing a partly erected shed at the American Base Hospital, Darenth, for removal to and re-erection at Longfield Depot was discussed, and the chairman reported that a number of councillors had inspected the shed and decided to recommend the council to make a first bid of £150 for the material, and if that figure was not accepted to increase the bid to a figure which was not publicly disclosed."


18 Feb 1919 Station Road, Longfield
"Also the committee met the Sectional Engineer to the South Eastern & Chatham Railway, and inspected the site of the proposed entrance from Hartley Road to Fawkham Station Road. He suggested that the company were now awaiting any proposals with the council may desire to make. Two truck loads of granite have been put on the roads in this parish and rolled in. In regard to the question of the suggested new approach road to Fawkham Station under consideration by the highways committee, it was resolved (Rev Stanley Morgan dissenting) that a committee consisting of the Rev E Smith and Mr Day be appointed to interview Mrs Hickmott, the owner of the land required for carrying out the improvement more effectively, with a view to inducing her to give up the land desired."


04 Mar 1919 Allotments at Longfield
Longfield Allotments: Flint Quarry "A letter dated the 28th ulimo was read from Messrs J & J C Hayward, the council's solicitors, stating that Mr Justice Younger had given his judgement in the case brought by the Longfield Parish Council against the Rural Council in regard to the Longfield Allotment Ground, and that he had made a declaration that the agreement entered into between the two councils was ultra vires and an order for it to be delivered up for cancellation. He further ordered an enquiry to be made as to the quanity of stone and other metal taken out of the allotment ground by the District Council during the six months prior to the commencement of the proceedings and that the District Council should pay for the same at the selling price, the enquiry to be made by the Master of the Court, who was directed to fix a fair and proper royalty, having regard to the value of the stone and gravel at the time, the amounds paid by the District Council during that period to be treated as a set-off. Mr R W Jackson, representing Messrs Hayward, was present at the meeting and gave the council additional information on the points raise and argued at the hearing of the action, to assist them in forming a judgement as to the expediency of appealing against the judge's decision. After careful consideration, it was resolved that the council do not appeal against the decision."


18 Mar 1919 EC Powder Works, Longfield
Muniton Factory, Longfield Hill Medical Officer of Health reported "I have to read another letter from Mr Copley Williamson again complaining of the acid fumes given off from this factory. I recommend that he clerk draw the attention of the Central Authority, under section 22 of the Alkali Act 1906, to the nuisance complained of by Mr Williamson, as it has occurred several times and I believe it can be easily remedied." Committee commented "The Rev E Smith reported that he had interviewd the manager of the factory, who had informed him that the provisions of the Alkali Act were being complied with, and he gave the council the information which he had obtained. After discussion, it was resolved on the motion of Mr Day, seconded by Mr Snell, tha the Medical Officer of Health communicate with the Local Government Board, calling their attention to the matter and aske them to instruct one of their inspectors to make an inquiry."


18 Mar 1919 Maternity Clinics
Attendance of babies at recent clinics was Ash (3rd Feb - no meeting, 17th Feb - 5), Longfield (3rd Feb - 10, 17th Feb - 10). Other clinics held at Northumberland Heath, Slade Green, Swanley, Wilmington, Stone, Greenhithe and Swanscombe.


18 Mar 1919 Roads: General
Roads Ash: 154 yards of flints from council's quarry and 32 yards of picked flints put on roads and rolled in. Hartley: 40 tons of granite and 77 yards of flints put on roads and rolled in. Fawkham: surveyor said "Good progress has been made during the frosty weather with the widening of the road by Fawkham Church, and shifting the soil and forming a bank on the lower side of it. I met the committee on the spot, when it was decided to make a road of convex shape and not a one-sided one. Longfield: "The Committee met the objectors to the proposed site of the buildings to be erected at the south-eastern corner of the council's land, and after discussing the matter decided that they should be erected at the spot, but at least 200 feet back from the public highway. 53 yards of ballast have been delivered to the Convalescent Home, Hartley, on the order of Dr Salter, at 6/6 per yard.


16 Apr 1919 Longfield Depot (future Community Park)
Longfield: Council's vacant land ploughed and planted with oats. In last month 364 yards of flint and 182 yards of ballast taken from quarry. 28 yards of flints from council's pit put on roads and rolled in. Also 75 yards from council's pit used on roads in Ridley and 230 yards at Southfleet. Mrs Longhurst has paid £50 towards making up of Essex Road, half of what was agreed. Council agree to consider matter settled on payment of another £10.


16 Apr 1919 Roads at Ash
"95 yards of surface picked flints were obtained from Mr Goodwin, put on the roads in this parish, and rolled in."


16 Apr 1919 Roads at Hartley
Hartley: Surveyor reports "I have examined the pond referred to by Captain Copus adjoining Stocks Road (Church Road), and pointed out to him the council's right of drainage there, which he admitted, and informed him that an acceptable substitute must be provided before the council would consider the filling up of this pond. 35 yards of ballast form the Council's quarry have been delivered to the Hartley Agricultural Society, and 7 yards to a Mr Butler of Hartley." Committee adds "Your committee have received a letter from Captain Copus in regard to the question of the disposal of surface water which he alleged accumulated in front of his premises, Willow Lodge, Hartley. Your committee point out that he council have a right to drain surface water into the pond adjoining, but that if Captain Copus was prepared to lay a drain from the pond to an old disused well nearby to act as an overflow, they recommend the council offer no objection thereto."


16 Apr 1919 Allotments at Longfield
Longfield Allotments Council receives following vote of censure from Longfield Parish Council "for their illegal action in causing destruction of parts of the allotments land, the freehold of the parish, and for attempting to obtain powers to destroy the whole of the allotment ground, also the freehold of the parish, and so deprive the working men of the sorely nee4ded land for the production of food, particularly at a time when strenuous efforts were being made throughout the country to increase the food supply."


16 Apr 1919 Longfield Club Room
Cinema license granted to Mr A Munday, Harrow Cottage, Pinden End for Longfield Club Room


16 Apr 1919 Precept
Hartley £217, Ash £110, Longfield £258, Fawkham £61


13 May 1919 Valley Road, Fawkham
"I have met Mr E T Hohler at the road by the church and arranged for the line of fence leading up to the churchyard fronm the Fawkham Road, he to be at the expense of erecting the same. He also agreed for two more trees to be taken down and the fence further set back and straightened at the entrance to the road from Longfield. The foundation of the road has been shaped and a quantity of flints been put on the same. Following complaints from Ash Parish, surveyor told to make sure men's timekeeping is better. Council accepts tenders of W H Bensted & Son of Maidstone to deliver tar macadam (tar coated ragstone) to Fawkham (20s 8d per truck) and Swanley (21s 4d) per truck. Chittenden & Simmons given contract to deliver to Dartford and Crayford.


13 May 1919 Dartford County School for Girls
Council reject proposal for extension to take on more pupils, where DRDC would have had to pay about 13% of interest charges on the loan, because it charges for education. Rev Stanley Morgan led calls for secondary education to be free for all.


11 Jun 1919 Longfield Depot (future Community Park)
3 acres of the 9 acres the council planted at Longfield has failed, so it has been turned up and planted with potatoes instead,


11 Jun 1919 Valley Road, Fawkham
Good progress on making up of road by Fawkham Church. "I have with the works foreman, met Mr Hohler at the south end of this road, where he complained of the footpath being too narrow. I pointed out to him tha the garden hedge of Churchdown House might be cut back 2 feet, this he agreed should be done in the autumn which will obviate altering the path."


11 Jun 1919 Green Street Green Road, Horton Kirby
Messrs J & B Martin to be reminded they still haven't erected fence on their land at Pinden.


11 Jun 1919 Maternity Clinic, Longfield
Mrs Weaver has been deputising for Mrs Lockhart at the Longfield clinic during her illness, council to pay Mrs Weaver 10s per week in recognition.


11 Jun 1919 Summer Time
Council rejects motion to oppose its reintroduction by 6 votes to 3.


08 Jul 1919 Longfield Depot (future Community Park)
clover and grass cut, haystack to be insured for £100, some orchard fruit will need to be disposed of.


08 Jul 1919 Station Road, Longfield
Railway company agree to pay the cost of tarring Station Road, Longfield at 4½d per yard. Council accepts quote from Chittenden & Simmons to deliver ragstone to Fawkham Station at 14s 10d per truck. Same firm also to deliver to Farningham Road, Southfleet and Swanley.


08 Jul 1919 Peace Celebrations
Councils authorised to spend money on this. Clerk told to buy a flag to fly over the offices.


08 Jul 1919 Roads: General
Ash & Ridley - loose stones rolled in. Fawkham - 120 yards of flints from council's pit put on new road by Fawkham Church. Longfield - tar painting has been going on, including Station Road. Council have used half a ton of sulphate of ammonia on their potatoes at Longfield depot. Longfield Parish Council have been told to repair a stile on footpath near East Dene leading from Fawkham to Longfield. Longfield PC have asked for 6s per yard of flints wrongly mined at the allotments, DRDC say it is unreasonable and offer 1s. Rev E Smith had used council workmen to remove a dangerous tree at Longfield Church, council approve this but say the church will need to pay the workmen's wages.


08 Jul 1919 Roads at Ash
"Your committee have received a letter from the Ash Parish Council calling attention to the bad state of the roads and that two men were supposed to have been at work on the roads during the latter part of last month, but that no-one appeared to have seen them or the results of their work. The parish council desired to bring this to the notice of the District Council. The parish council also asked that the proposed improvement for the widening of Billet Hill might be proceeded with. Your committee have instructed the clerk to furnish the parish council with the dates when the two men were in the parish, and particulars of the work they did, and also to state that the district council deprecated the attitude adopted by the parish council in the matter. In regard to the Billet Hill improvement, your committee are not in a position to arrange for the work being proceeded with at present."


29 Jul 1919 Council Housing: Butler's Place, Ash
Forge Site, Ash Council to ask the Ministry of Health's permission to borrow £10 for legal fees to acquire 1½ acres of land there for housing the working classes. Similar request to acquire ½ acre at Speedgate, Fawkham and to borrow £170 to pay for 1 acre 1 rood 10 perches of land at Whitehill, Longfield.


29 Jul 1919 Health Visitor
Reorganisation of Health Visitor areas means Ash, Fawkham, Hartley, Kingsdown and Ridley will be served by Mrs Edge.


29 Jul 1919 Railways: Electrification
Council calls for electrification of local railways in letter to MP for Dartford.


29 Jul 1919 Roads: Expenditure
Highway expenditure 1916-19 Maintenance figures include manual and team labour.
Parish Length (miles) Year Maintenance Tar Painting Tar Extra Work Granite Ragstone Flints Total
Hartley 7 1916-17 £149.9.4 £14.2.4 £12.0.0 £47.2.0 n/a n/a n/a £222.13.8
.1917-18 £108.12.2 £16.11.9 £9.0.0 £9.10.0 n/a n/a n/a £143.13.11
.1918-19 £110.12.0 - - £4.19.0 £50 - £40 £205.11.0
Longfield 5½ 1916-17 £170.11.8 £100.2.4 £77.0.0 - n/a n/a n/a £347.14.0
.1917-18 £139.13.4 £108.13.2 - £158.10.9 n/a n/a n/a £406.17.2
.1918-19 £70.0.8 £94.17.8 £69.0.0 £78.4.4 £40 - £7 £359.2.8
Ash 16½ 1916-17 £314.11.1 £23.0.4 £17.11.6 - n/a n/a - £355.2.11
.1917-18 £190.9.4 £33.3.3 £23.0.0 £70.17.0 n/a n/a n/a £317.9.7
.1918-19 £173.4.9 - - £6.3.0 - - £123 £302.7.9
Fawkham 6 1916-17 £136.14.5 £9.15.4 £7.0.0 - n/a n/a n/a £153.9.9
.1917-18 £103.9.0 £10.12.2 £5.0.0 - n/a n/a n/a £119.1.0
.1918-19 £76.11.0 - - £70.15.0 - - £13 £160.6.0


29 Jul 1919 Diptheria at Hartley
Health 1 case of diptheria at Hartley. Council refuse to put up KCC notices for VD clinics in district.


30 Sep 1919 Roads: General
Roads Hartley: Tar painting done. Fawkham - post and rail fence by pond at Fawkham Green is rotten and needs replacing, pond by Court Lodge Farm cleaned out. 396 yards of flints and 79 yards of gravel from council's quarry used on new road by Fawkham Church. Longfield - roadside ponds at Longfield Hill and Red Cow Farm have been cleaned out. Foundations for engine shed at depot completed. Parish Council reject 1s per yard offer for flints, both sides agree on 5s 6d. Granite - council to buy 2,000 tons of blue Guernsey granite to be delivered to Dartford Wharf and 2,000 tons of Mansetta Granite, to be delivered to Farningham Road, Southfleet, Fawkham (21s 3d per ton), Northfleet and Swanley railway stations.


30 Sep 1919 Water Supply to Hartley
Extraordinary charges Hartley parish to pay £10 for provision of water supply.


29 Oct 1919 Scarlet Fever at Hartley
3 cases of scarlet fever in Hartley.


29 Oct 1919 Valley Road, Fawkham
New road by Church practically finished except for making up of adjoining footpath.


29 Oct 1919 Longfield Depot (future Community Park)
Longfield - engine and store shed in process of being erected. Council to dig and market potatoes on their land there. "Your committee report that the hay crop on the land belonging to the council at Longfield has on two occasions been damaged by fire caused by sparks from passing engines, and a claim amounting to £9 5s 0d has been made on the railway company. The company have offered, without prejudice, to settle the claim for the sum of £5 6s 0d, and after enquiring into the circumstances, your committee advise the council to accept this offer."


29 Oct 1919 Fire Hydrant, Hartley
Fire Hydrant, Hartley "Your committee have received a letter from Allen's Confectionery Company Ltd, Fairby Farm, Hartley, drawing attention to the absence of a fire hydrant in the locality of their works, and asking that one might be erected. The Company stated that they were informed by the Mid-Kent Water Company that the approximate cost of fixing a suitable hydrant would be from £20 to £25. Your committee recommend that an order be given to the water company to fix the required hydrant."


29 Oct 1919 Council Housing
Housing Council have received approval from the Housing Commissioner for the following sites: Ash (Forge), Darenth (Lanes End), Ridley (near Ridley Wood), Fawkham (Speedgate). Ministry of Health has authorised bank loan of £3,000 to acquire the Ash, Fawkham and Ridley land as well as other sites at Swanscombe and Southfleet. Council pass vote of protest about having to obtain loans in the open market.

Council's preferred design for council houses is living room, parlour, kitchen & WC on ground floor, 3 bedrooms and a bathroom on the upper floor. It was pointed out to the council this is only just above the minimum cubic capacity requirements.



04 Nov 1919 Longfield Depot (future Community Park)
Longfield Depot Council agree to open brick field there to make bricks for council houses. To apply to Ministry of Health for sanction of £7,000 loan.


25 Nov 1919 Valley Road, Fawkham
New road by church now open to traffic. Mr Hohler reminds council they still need to plant on east bank as agreed. Longfield Depot - they have been offered £10 per ton for the potatoes. Council have been asked by W Chambers & Son of Southfleet to quote for 100 tons of flints but they don't have this amount to spare.


25 Nov 1919 Wood Fuel
Wood Fuel "Your committee have received a letter from Mr H J Smith, contractor, Ash, pointing out that in consequence of the shortage of coal there was a great demand in that neighbourhood for wood fuel, and that the demand was more than he could meet owing to his inability to get wood cutters. He pointed out that the wood cutters were working for the council, and he asked them to consider thequestion of releasing some of the men for wood cutting during the winter. The committee recommend that the council inform the wood cutters who were employed by them that if they were willing the council had no objection to their returning to wood cutting work during the winter and that they would take them back into their employ at the end of the season if desired."


25 Nov 1919 Milk Scheme
Milk scheme Council have introduced scheme to give milk (in the first instance for 6 months) to expectant and nursing mothers, and children under 5 years, where the family income is less than 10/- per head. 13 allocations have been made so far. As the health visitor doesn't visit under after a child is 14 days old, they gave midwives authority to order the necessary milk for nursing mothers.


16 Dec 1919 Pickers' Huts at Ash
They allow George Day of North Ash Farm, Ash and 2 others open their huts for occupation in the winter months, so long as it is for adult males only.


16 Dec 1919 Council Housing
Council housing: Council agree B1 type houses should be used in parishes of Ash, Fawkham, Ridley, Hartley and Kingsdown if local councils agree.


16 Dec 1919 Housing Needs
"A letter dated the 13th instant was read from the Commissioner giving provisional approval to the scheme as submitted by the ocunil in the form of survey of Housing Needs as an instalment of a scheme adequate to meet the needs of the council's district, the approval being subject to reconsideration on points of details when more complete particulars were available. He pointed out that the very large increase in population in the district and the still further increase which was anticipated as the result of new industrial developments, made the council's estimate of 1,295 houses required in addition to those likely to be supplied by private enterprise too low, and that as they proposed to build less than three-quarters of that number their programme of building would not satisfactorily solve the Housing problem in the district. He requested that the matter be reconsidered with a view to such amendment of the scheme as would make it adequate, and offering to send down a member of his staff to discuss the matter. It was resolved that the matter be adjourned, and that the commissioner be invited to send down a representative to discuss the matter with the Sanitary Committee."


16 Dec 1919 Roads: General
Ash: landowner Gerald F Hohler has given necessary land to widen road from bottom of Pease Hill, past Berrys Maple towards Stansted, if required by council. Longfield: following complaints about its state, Surveyor to look at road from Whitehill Corner to Pinden Railway Arch.


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