Newspaper Stories 1895-1899 - Hartley-Kent: The Website for Hartley
Newspaper Stories 1895-1899
1895-02-15 Business for Sale at Longfield Bromley Times
"Absolute Sale - Donald Fraser deceased - Fawkham Kent
Adjacent to the station, 5 miles from Dartford and Gravesend. The goodwill of the steam threshing, milling, coal, beer and general business together with the nearly new steam tackle, threshing machine, chaff cutters, grinding mills, railway and road coal waggons, oil tanks, horses, carts and numerous effects, in one lot, as a going concern. The business was carried on by the late Mr Fraser up to November last, and since then by his representatives.
Lot 2 - the Freehold wellbuilt residence, placed in a good pleasure and walled kitchen garden with greenhouse, together with a range of buildings comprising stables, coachhouses, stores, warehouse, loft, and other business premises; also a valuable fruit plantation and building land, possessing extensive frontage both to public and private roads, and comprising in all about 3 acres. The property offers a rare opportunity to an energetic man to secure, at a moderate price, a business and premises capable of producing a good and increasing income.
Messrs Baxter, Payne & Lepper will sell by action at the Mart, Tokenhouse Yard EC on Wednesday April 3, 1895 at 1 for 2 precisely."
1895-02-28 Obituary: Rev Richard Salwey Maidstone Journal
"We have to record the death, at 94, of the Rev Richard Salwey, one of the oldest clergymen of the Church of England, which took place on the 6th inst. At Stonehouse, Shropshire, where he was living with his son, having previously lived for a few years at Clifton. Richard Salwey, 11th child of Theophilus Richard Salwey and his wife Anna Marie, daughter of Mr Thomas Hill MP of Court on Hill, Salop, was born September 1st 1800, at the Lodge, Ludlow, at which house and others in the neighbourhood the family have been owners of property for some centuries. His education was begun at 'Faithfuls' the well known preparatory school at Warfield Berks, whence he and his 3 brothers went to Eton, where he was for 9 years, leaving as captain of the school. During the well known visit of the 'Allied Sovereigns' to windsor in 1814, young Richard's eldest brother being in Coldstream Guards, quartered there he was invited up to the Castle to meet these renowned warriors, emperors, and kings, at luncheon at the Castle. At the age of 19 Richard Salwey went to Christchurch Oxford, where his schoolboy acquaintance with E B Pusey ripened into a warm friendship, and when, finally Pusey decided to remain on at Oxford, where he felt his duty lay in the strife and disruption of the day, the family living of Fawkham or Facom, Kent was givne by the Puseys to R Salwey. He held this some years, with the living of Ash, Sevenoaks, which was presented him on his marriage with Mary, youngest daughter of Multon Lambarde, of Sevenoaks, the patron of the living. He had 5 children, 2 of whom died young. Captain Salwey, late 26th Cameronians, pre-deceased his father; one daughter, Mrs Howard and one son E R Salwey, living at Stonehouse Court, survive him. The Rev Richard Salwey held the living of Ash for 54 years, but was obliged to give up duty during the last years of his life, owing to blindness, though he retained to a remarkable degree, to the day of his death, his clear intellectual faculties, and interest in every subject, whether religious, political, or social. His joy was great, only a few days before his death, when the favourable result of the Evesham election was told him, for which he had been anxiously waiting and inquiring. His affection for the church made him equally anxious as to the appointment of a new Bishop of Hereford; but that result, which would have satisfied him less well, was only announced on the day of his death. The Rev Richard Salwey was laid to rest in the churchyard of Richard's Castle, Salop, where his family have been buried for many generations. The solemn funeral procession left Woofferton Station in the following order: - An open car containing the coffin, covered with beautiful white wreaths. First mourning coach: Mr Edward R Salwey (son), Mr and Mrs Howard (son in law and daughter), and the Rev J D Stephens. Second mourning coah: Mr H A Salwey (Runnymede Park, Staines), Mr Roger Salwey (Overton), Mr T J Salwey, and Miss Salwey (the Cliff). The carriages of Mr Alfred Salwey, Mr Betton etc followed, as also did several of the tenant farmers of the Salwey Estate. The burial service at the old church was most impressively read by the Rev JD Stephens of St George's, Brandon Hill, Bristol. The coffin, which was of polished oak with massive brass fittings, bore the following inscripton: 'Richard Salwey, priest, born September 1st, 1800, died February 6th 1895.' Many beautiful wreaths and crosses were added to those already placed on the coffin, sent by absent members of the family unable to be present in consequence of the intense severity of the weather. [list of some of the wreaths] At the time of the burial service muffled peals were rung in the church of Ash, and on the previous Sunday also, when Mr Meyers, the schoolmaster, draped the church in black, and the Rev Charles Lambarde made appropriate and feeling reference to the death of the aged late rector, who had been pastor there for 54 years."
[Very interesting it the link to Edward Pusey, one of the towering figures of 19th century Anglicanism, who was much less likely to have so much influence, had he taken up the offer of Fawkham instead of remaining at Oxford. The 'Puseyites' helped to found the High Church tradition of the CofE. Rev Salwey was rector of Fawkham 1829-73 and Ash 1841-1895. This was the end of the era when it was thought acceptable for clergymen to be pluralists, which may be why he gave up the living of Fawkham. The article gives a clue as to his beliefs - the election he was happy about was won by the Conservatives, while the bishop he wouldn't have liked was a low church liberal]
1895-03-02 Marriage of Miss Hartley Rochester Journal
"The marriage of Dr Percival Horton-Smith MA, MB, MRCP, Fellow of St John's College, Cambridge, eldest son of Richard Horton-Smith QC of 53 Queen's Gardens, Hyde Park, W, and Miss Lucy Josephine Hartley, only daughter of Lieut-Colonel J Hartley DL, JP, LLD of the The Old Downs, Hartley, took place at the parish church of Hartley on the 23rd February. The Rev W Whitton Allen officiated, assisted by the Rev SB Browne, rector of Plumtree, Nottingham, godfather of the bridegroom, and the Rev Salter Hartley, brother of the bride. The hymns sung during the service were 'Thine for ever God of love', and 'The Voice that Breaketh o'er Eden'. The bride, who was given away by her father, was dressed in a gown of ivory white satin adorned with rich Honiton lace (the gift of her mother) on the full square train, the lace being draped with sprays of orange blossom in the front. She carried a beautiful bouquet of white roses and lillies of the valley, the gift of the bridegroom. The bridesmaids were Miss Hartley, cousin of the bride, the Misses Horton-Smith, sisters of the bridegroom, and the Misses Meadows-White, cousins of the bridegroom. They wore dresses of eau-de-nil crepon with slashings of pale pink silk and coffee coloured quipure lace, large white straw hats, trimmed with white ostrich tips and lace. They carried bouquets of lillies of the valley and asparagus fern, and wore gold knot broaches, the gift of the bridegroom. The best man was Lionel Horton-Smith, brother of the bridegroom. After the ceremony Colonel and Mrs Hartley received the wedding party and other guests at their house, and in the course of the afternoon Dr and Mrs Percival Horton-Smith left for Dover en route for Vienna."
1895-05-17 A Lesson to Drivers Bromley Times
"George Winkworth, a driver of a farm van belonging to Mr Pink, of Kingsdown, was summoned by the police for failing to have proper control of the horse and van which he was driving on April 27th. Instructing Constable Ellis (Hartley) stated the facts, and from his evidence it transpired that the defendant was asleep, and that he had been drinking, although he was not really drunk. Defendant allowed his van to be drawn upon the footpath, and slight damage was done ot property in the vicinity. The justices inflicted a fine of 10 shillings and the costs 3s 6d, or in default seven days' hard labour. Accused said he was very sorry for what had occurred, and paid part of the fine, a week being allowed for the payment of the balance."
1895-06-08 The Dean at Longfield Rochester Journal
"On Tuesday in last week the ancient parish church of St Mary Magdalene, Longfield, was the scene of an interesting ceremony, in the dedication of the new organ by the Very Reverend SR Hole, Dean of Rochester, on behalf of the Bishop of the Diocese. The officiating clergy also included the Revs AJW Thorndike, Edward Smith (rector), Dr Robins (Gillingham), Whitton Allen (Hartley), L Lewis (Meopham), Warland and GW Bancks. The sacred edifice was well filled by the congregation. The Rev AJW Thorndike intoned the service, the Revs L Lewis and Whitton Allen reading the lessons. Dean Hole preached a very impressive sermon from the text 'Neither will I offer to the Lord my God of that which costs me nothing,' 2 Samuel 24.24, and in the course of his remarks referred to that pleasing ceremony. He then spoke of the spiritual improvement of the country. Half a century agoa foreigner who visited this country, wrote his impressions of it, and said that what pleased him most was to see the spire of God's house rising in every city, town and village, but when he got inside of what should have been the most beautiful house in the place he found it to be the most dreary and deserted of all. The church was locked up from Sunday to Sunday, and the parson lived far away from his congregation. That was the time when the shepherds ate of the fat, and clothed themselves of the wool, but left the flock to take care of themselves. But if that stranger was to revisit the country now, he would find that a change had been effected. Churches and churchyards had been opened and beautified, and the shepherds would be found tending their sheep. Having referred to the fable fo the Palace of Truth, where everyone had to speak the truth whether they wanted to or not, he asked them to suppose that the Saviour was again on earth, and standing at the door of the house of God, and asking those who came in, 'Friend, wherefore art thou come?' What would be their answer? Some would have to say, 'I come because my father and mother came,' some, 'Because my best customers come,' others, 'To hear the music,' and perhaps some, 'To hear the sermon.' It was a good thing to come and hear the word of God preached, but a sermon was only like a prescription, telling them the way but not taking them, to heaven. Some would have a far better reason, and would say, 'I come to pray.' They were sent into this world to prepare themselves for heaven. If they did not praise the Lord on earth, how could they expect to sing his praises in heaven? There was a good sermon in the story of the poor negro slave who, when told taht his master was dead, said he wished he could hope he was gone to heaven. On being asked why, he replied, 'I never knew him speak about it or prepare for it as he would any other journey. I never saw him in the house of God, or at the Holy Communion, or even with a Bible in his hand. I pray that God may be more merciful to him than he ever was to me.' They prayed or ought to constantly, 'Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.' How was it done there? Joyfully, eagerly and reverently. Everything that was done for God, should be done in that spirit. What they gave should be given cheerfully. St Ambrose hasd said, 'God sees not only what you give, but what you keep back.' In conclusion, the reverend gentleman exhorted them to have faith in the Heavenly Father, and to remember that all they could hold in their cold dead hands would be what they had given away. Mr J Hopkins (organist of Rochester Cathedral) officiated at the new organ, and at the conclusion of the service gave a very pleasing organ recital, during which the capacities of the instrument were shown to great advantage. The organ, which is a second hand two manual instrument, has been provided by voluntary contributios, in place of the harmonium previously used, and has been entirely reconstructed and renovated for its present position."
1895-06-28 The Effects of Drink Bexleyheath Observer
"Maud Wells, well known to the police at Gravesend and Dartford, was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Hartley on the 24th last. PC Ellis proved the case.
Prisoner complained in an excited way of the Constable using excessive and unnecessary violence to her, and she showed the Magistrates bruises which she alleged to have been done by the officer. She then left the box and wanted to show the Magistrates some bruises she had on her legs. Mr Tasker: I don't want to see them. Prisoner said when she was brought into court the constable beat her with a stick. She called as a witness George Lane, a man she had been living with for the past 9 years, and he said he left prisoner at 2 o'clock on Monday and she had no bruises about her at all. Supt Webster gave the woman a very indifferent character, saying both Lane and herself were very violent characters, and the Magistrates after showing great patience with the woman, fined her 10 shillings and 8 shillings costs, or in default a month in prison."
1895-06-29 Adder at Longfield Hill Gravesend Reporter
Local farmer kills 5 foot long adder snake at Longfield Hill.
1895-09-27 Longfield Tip Dover Express
Dover Council consider whether to send rubbish to Longfield by rail. Newington Vestry said they would be willing to take it if the council paid carriage and 9d per ton for unloading. They decided however to ditch the heavier material into the sea instead.
1895-10-05 Theft at Meopham Rochester Journal
Rochester Magistrates: "He did it: Thomas George Martin, 17 of Hartley, was charged with stealing a tweed jacket and a pruning knife, value 18s, the property of Thomas Carter, at Meopham, on the 16th inst - Thomas Carter, gardener to Sir Sidney Waterlow, siad the jacket and knife were stolen from his employer's plantation - John Spark, a gardener of Addington, deposed that on the 17th inst, prisoner offered him the knife produced for 1s. Witness eventually gave him 9d for it. Prisoner was a stranger to witness, and said he was hard up - PC Summers deposed that from information received and enquires he had made, he went to prisoner's father's house at Hartley Green. He saw prisoner, and said to him 'Where is the coat you were wearing at Vigo a few days ago?' Prisoner said 'In the oven,' and went to the oven and got it. In reply to other questions, prisoner said 'I didn't steal it, I bought it from a man on the road to Town Malling. I found a knife in the pocket, and sold it at Addington.' Prisoner elected to be dealt with summarily and pleaded guilty - Superintendent Lacy said they knew nothing of prisoner, but had himself told them he had had 2 months' at Dartford. They had not time to verify this statement. The magistrates sentenced prisoner to 1 month's hard labour."
1895-11-14 Dog Licence not Transferrable Maidstone Journal
Malling Magistrates: "Edward Bignell was summoned for keeping a dog without a licence on September 26th - IC Trill deposed to seeing defendant, a dealer, outside of the Borough Green Hotel, Wrotham. He had with him a dog, which had bitten another person, but he refused to show witness the licence, which, however, he said he had. PC Hogwood said defendant showed him a licence taken out in the name of Samuel Cox. Subsequently witness found out that defendant's name was Bignell - Samuel Cox, living at Hartley Green, deposed to selling the dog in question to defendant, and also giving him the licence - Bignell who said he thought Cox's licence would do for him as well, being in respect of the same dog, was let off on paying the costs 13s 6d."
1895-12-06 Threats at Longfield Bromley Times
Dartford Magistrates: "A young Longfield woman, named Briggs, obtained an order against a man with whom she had for a short time lived, named Pearce Edmeads, also of Longfield, calling upon him to find 2 sureties for his good behaviour towards the complainant, who said he had abused and threatened her, and all her Majesty's subjects for 6 months."
1895-12-27 A Sleepy Driver Bexleyheath Observer
"Albert Wooding of Hartley Bottom, pleaded guilty to being asleep whilst in charge of a horse and van on West Hill, Dartford, on December 10th."
1896-02-21 Dog Muzzling Order Bromley Times
Percival Geary of Hillside House, Fawkham fined 7s 6d for contravention of dog muzzling order.
1896-02-24 Inquest on Margaret Crawley Dartford Chronicle
Sad Burning Fatality - The Inquest
"At the Dartford Union Workhouse on Friday afternoon, Mr E N Wood held an inquest, touching the death of a woman named Margaret Crawley, of no fixed abode, which occurred at the Dartford Union Infirmary, on Tuesday last. Mr J Snell was chosen as foreman of the jury.
Dennis Mc Carthy, a labourer, residing at Longfield said he had known deceased for 6 or 7 years. He believed she had had a husband, but whether he was living or not he could not say. Deceased came to his place about quarter to ten on Thursday evening, 5th inst, and made an enquiry for a woman, and he said she did not live there; she asked witness to lend her a jacket to keep her warm. She said she had burnt all her clothing with the exception of her chemise and skirt. He lent her a jacket and she went away to get a policeman to take her to Dartford. Deceased looked black.
Cross-examined by Mr Snell: She lived in a chalk pit generally, but no-one had lived with her to his knowledge.
PC Alfred Kemsley, stationed at Southfleet said about 10pm on the 5th he was near the Green Man, at Longfield Hill, and saw deceased go the door of the public house; he saw that she had only a chemise on and a jacket, very much burnt. He got some lard and dressed her wounds and conveyed her to Dartford Workhouse. He examined the chalk hole where the deceased had been living. He found a fire and fragment of a tent. She told him she was drying her clothing, when it caught fire. He had seen deceased at Hartley at about 10 o'clock in the morning, and she seemed in her usual health and sober. The chalk pit was on Mr Allen's land.
Cross-examined: He had pulled the tent down, which was made of old rags and other things, about a fortnight previous.
Dr Richmond R Allen said he saw deceased immediately after her admission on the early morning of the 6th inst. She was suffering from shock and burns on the hands and right leg. She was conscious. She stated that she was drying her clothes and they caught fire. She did fairly well under his treatment until the 15th, when congestion of the lungs set in and finally she died of inflammation of the lungs on the 17th.
The coroner said the case showed a sad state of affairs. There was no doubt he thought, the unfortunate woman was drying her clothes in the tent, when they caught alight and had since died. Since her admission to the Workhouse Infirmary, she seemed to have received every possible care and attention.
The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence."
1896-04-02 Hartley Parish Meeting Maidstone Journal
"The annual parish meeting was held on Thursday in the schoolroom, and Mr Frederick Dallas Barnes JP of Hartley Manor, was re-elected chairmman for the ensuing year. Mr Wansbury and Mr Mabe were re-elected overseers, Mr Bance being appointed to the office of assistant overseer. The meeting was informed that the villag club which had been established was evidently supplying what had been felt to be a want, no less than 60 members having already joined. The chairman of the meeting also informed those present of the correspondence which had passed with the Dartford Rural District Council as directed at the last meeting, protesting in the name of the parish against the action of the District Council in swamping hartley parish in their scheme for scavenging and rate collecting. The meeting continued of the opinion that the action taken by the District Council in both these matters was an attempt to throw further burdens on purely agricultural land for the benefit of populous districts, and was contrary to the spirit of the Parish Councils Act. A vote of thanks to the chairman and overseers concluded the meeting."
1896-06-05 Maintenance Order Bromley Times
Dartford Magistrates: "Reuben Whitehead, of Longfield, who had been convicted at Maidstone for a murderous assault upon his wife, was now summoned to shew cause why he should not contribute towards the maintenance of his wife under a separation order. From the evidence of the wife it transpired that her husband had just suffered 18 months' imprisonment for having attempted to take her life by cutting her throat. The accused said he was 64, and he could not get any work to do, and could not afford to keep his wife. - Mr Elgood said the man ought to be very glad that his wife was alive that day - The wife was granted a separation, and the husband was ordered to pay her 2s 6d a week, together with costs."
1896-07-14 Dartford Chronicle
Dartford Rural district Council accounts y/e 30.9.1895. Hartley parish pays £47.15.2 for highways, Longfield £69.16.7
1896-07-18 Obituary of Adam Tait Sheffield Daily Telegraph
"Mr Adam Tait, one of the managing directors of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, died suddenly on Sunday last at La Comballaz, Switzerland. He entered the company's service in 1864, when he was attached to their Bombay establishment. After serving in several responsible offices in the East, he joined the London management in 1880, and last year became a managing director. He was 59 years of age."
[Adam Tait was the tenant of Hartley Court. His fellow directors paid for the east window of All Saints Church in his memory (see tablet in church).]
1896-09-18 Barnes Family of Hartley Manor Bromley Times
"Mr F D Barnes JP has let Boughton, Bickley to Mr Hays Hammond of South Africa, for the winter months and until April. Mr Barnes and family have just returned from Scotland, and are spending the early autumn at Hartley Manor, Longfield, Kent."
1896-09-19 Theft at Longfield Gravesend Reporter
Dartford Magistrates: "At Dartford Police Court on Saturday, Thomas Martin (19), labourer, was charged with stealing, on the 4th September, a pair of leatehr reins, value 6s, the property of the Kent Road Maintenance Company, at Longfield - John Holland, a carman in the employ of the Company, said he missed the reins on the 4th inst. He had left them on a care in the earlier part of the day - Benjamin Debnam, 16 New Street, Gravesend, a fruiterer, said he saw accused offering he reins for sale. Witness offered 6d and the accused accepted it. Witness put the reins in his stable - The Betsam police constable, who had charge of the case, said on the 7th he proceeded to Gravesend, and as the result of enquiries made arrested Martin at Betsam that night, his father's home, where he was in bed. He then denied he had taken the reins, but on coming out of the house, however, he said, 'I wish I had not seen the reins.' Prisoner was committed to take his trial at the next Quarter Sessions. Martin said 'It's my head which causes me to get into these troubles. I have at times rheumatic fits which prevent me from getting on with my work. I am sorry that I have done this.'
[At the Quarter Sessions he was sentenced to 3 months' hard labour, "Dr Hoar, prison surgeon said prisoner had a feeble mind", Maidstone Journal 29.10.1896]
1896-10-20 After the Conies Dartford Chronicle
"Dartford Petty Sessions. Saturday - Before Mr F Talbot Tasker (in the chair) and Mr H J Bristow with Mr J C Hayward (Clerk)
Pierce Edmeades, a labourer, of no fixed abode, was summoned for trespassing in search of conies on October 3rd, on and in the occupation of Mr Frederick Allen at Hartley. George Cheeseman, in the employ of Mr Barnes, deposed to finding a number of snares in Mr Allen's field at Hartley, on the 2nd October. He concealed himself in the vicinity on the 3rd October, and he saw defendant take possession of the snares. Inspector Sharp said there were a number of previous conviciions against defendant for drink and disorderly conduct. Defendant, who did not appear, was fined 40 shillings or 14 days with hard labour. Inspector Sharp said that in this case he should ask for a commitment order, which the justices accordingly granted."
1897-01-13 Horsetralia Broad Arrow Standard (Western Australia)
"Daimio, the Australian racehorse, ran 3rd in the Weald Steeplechase at Longfield, Kent"
1897-07-02 Buckingham Palace Garden Party Bromley Times
"Among the guests received by the Queen at the garden party at Buckingham Palace, on Monday last, we notice the names of Mr and Mrs FD Barnes, Miss Barnes and Miss Dora Mary Barnes, of Hartley Manor."
1897-07-16 Cleared of drunkenness charge Bromley Times
"Frederick Hollands and George Hollands, of fawkham, were summonsed for being drunk and disorderly at Fawkham on the 30th June. Instructing Constable Wills stated on the day named he saw the defendants drunk on Fawkham Green, and behaving in a disorderly manner. PC Howell corroborated. John Mills of Fawkham, a labourer, gave evidence for the defence, and said that the defendants were in the Rising Sun with him during the evening. The defendant Frederick left about a quarter to ten, and he was then quite sober. The defendant George had been drinking with witness. The case was dismissed."
1897-09-14 Missing Friends Sydney Evening News (Australia)
"The following persons who left the UK for Australia, or were last heard of in these colonies, are enquired for in 'Lloyd's Weekly London Newspaper' of July 18, the editors of which have the addresses of the inquirers….
Blackman (John), left Longfield, Kent, 60 years ago for New South Wales. Sister Harriet asks."
1898-07-23 Obituary of Joseph Hartley Whitstable Times
"The death is announced of Lieut-Colonel Joseph Hartley LLD, DL, JP of the Old Downs, Hartley. In the north he was best known from his long connection with the old 4th West York Militia (now the Prince of Wales' Own West Yorkshire Regiment),a dn until the time of his death was chairman of Hartley, Green & Co Ltd of Leeds. During his residence in Yorkshire he was an active member of the West Riding Bench of magistrate, and was a deputy-Lieutenant of the county. He was also a Jp for the cuonty of Kent. Colonel Hartley, who had been in failing health since the death of his wife will be much missed in the social life of Rochester and the neighbourhood."
1898-12-23 House to Let at Longfield Kent & Sussex Courier
"Pretty house to let, well furnished, 4 bed, 2 reception, roomy hall, good kitche and cooking range. Two minutes of Post Office, church, shops, station, main line LCD, business trains, 45 minutes City. Excellent situation, water, drainage. Long garden. £1 weekly (or arrangement) - Occupier, Court Villa, Longfield, Kent."
1899-06-23 Royal Agricultural Show Sevenoaks Chronicle
This is the 61st year of the show and it is being held at Maidstone this year. Local exhibitors included
G Day (Ash) - Poultry 6, Honey 2
CJG Hulkes (Ash) - Sheep 4
Mrs Longhurst (Longfield) - Honey 12
JH Seabrook (Longfield) - Honey 4
Mrs Longhurst won 2 firsts, 2 seconds, 2 thirds and 1 fourth with her hive and honey exhibits.
1899-07-29 The Excessive Heat Gravesend Reporter
Gravesend Coroner's Court: "The first had reference to the death of George Alexander Higgs of 34 New Street, Gravesend, whose death took place about noon on Wednesday, after a short illness. Annie Laura Higgs, identified the body as that of her husband, who was 33 years of age and was a mineral water traveller in the employ of Mr J Nash, Harmer Street, Gravesend. He left home just after one on Tuesday to go back to work, also telling her he was going to [West] Kingsdown. He was in his usual good health. About a quarter to twelve that night hew was brought home by Herbert Ennis, the lad who travelled with him, and appeared unconscious. Ennis told her that deceased fell of the van whilst coming from Hartley and that the wheel went over him. She did not send for a doctor then, thinking that he had been drinking. The next morning he was still unconscious, so she sent fro Dr Bryden, that being about 10.30 and death took place while he was there. - Herbert Ennis, aged 15 of 35 New Street, and employed by Mr Nash, deposed to accompanying deceased to Kingsdown in a four wheel van. They completed the round and left Stansted at 10.15pm for home. He did not consider him in drink. When nearling the top of the hill at Hartley Bottom witness asked him if he should 'skid' the wheel so as to give the horses a 'blow', but deceased did not answer. The wheels then seemed to pull on to the bank, and deceased and two boxes of empties fell off. He thought the two off wheels went over his body. Hearing the boxes fall, teh horses started running away, but witness stopped them and then went back to him. He shook him and called him, but he appeared unconscious. Witness got him into the van with the help of a man who happened to pass, and drove him home. Witness considered he fell through having a fit. - Dr RJ Bryden, of Harmer Street, stated that on being called he carefully exaimined deceased's head, but could find no bruise or swelling whatever, and came to teh conclusion that he was suffering from apoplexy. Witness sent for some ice, but just as that arrived, he breathed his last. Witness made a post mortem examiniation, and found a large bruise on the middle part of the upper left arm, one on the left hip and on the inner side of the left knee, but none on the head. On the right side of the brain there was a very large clot of blood, and in his opinion death was caused by apoplexy, due most probably to the excessive heat. When the blood vessel gave way he no doubt became faint and fell off the van. - The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony."
1899-07-29 Garden Fete at Longfield Gravesend Reporter
"Last year, a teachers' house was built at Longfield, adjoining the voluntary schools there. The cost of the structure was £300, and of this sum £150 had been raised previous to last week. With the idea of wiping off a portion of the remaining debt, a garden fete took place at the Longfield Rectory (the residence of Rev Edward Smith) last Saturday afternoon. Nestly amongst stately trees and surrounded by charming grounds, the Rectory is an ideal place for holding an event of this description. The lawn situated at the rear of the house presented a picturesque appearence, it being fringed with gaily coloured stalls. Mrs and Miss Hickmott, assisted by numerous helpers, dispensed refreshments from a buffet which was artisticly draped with the national colours, having as a centre piece a shield bearing a picture of the Queen. Teh fancy needlework stall resembled a miniature rainbow, as various and gorgeous were the colours of the articles displayed for sale adn teh trappings on the stall. Mrs Smith and the Misses Hassell, Seabrook and Crook were the presiding ladies here. Mrs Pollock Sheilds and Mrs Newcomb had charge of the country produce stall, which was laden with tasty fruits and draped with art muslin. the pottery stall, containing articles of dainty war, besides two magnificent standard lamps, with silken shades, was under the supervision of Mrs Hildebrand, Mrs Fraser and Miss Buttress. Amber art muslin, over which strpays of ivy were trailed, adorned the front of the stall on which those articles so dear to the hearts of children - toys and sweets were displayed; the Misses Grain and Miss Allen officiated here. Teh stall from which plain needlework was distributed was under the care of Mrs Cromar and Miss Corby. Those desiring their photographs taken placed themselves in the capable hands of Mr J H Seabrooke, whilst an admirable exhibition of children's drill was superintended by Miss Crook. In addition to the before mentioned stalls, there wre also the following amusements: Aunt Sally, Cocoa Nut shies, shooting gallery, and hat trimming and washing competition. These wer attended by the following members of the committee: Messrs Allchin, Newcombe, JA and H Hickmott, Longstreet, Robson, Gilham, Collins, Tomlin, Hyde, Woodward, G Lynds, Carey, Crook, Wymark and Cromar. Teh fete was opens shortly after 3 o'clock, delightful weather favouring the occasion. The Rev Edward Smith briefly explained the object of the fete, and introduced Mrs Colyer-Ferguson of Wombwell Hall, to the company. This lady (who was acccompanied by her husband T C Colyer-Ferguson), in a few appropriate remarks declared the fete open, and wished it every success, a sentiment which, she was sure, would be echoed by all present, who would do their utmost to bring about its accomplishment - In the absence of the Archdeacon of Rochester (who was called away to a presssing engagement in London), the Rev WH Bowers, of St Barnabas Gillingham, moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs Colyer-Ferguson, which was enthusiastically accorded and breifly acknowledged. Business then commenced, and waa carried on brisly until the stalls were despoiled of most of their contents. A portion of the Higham Brass Bankd (Mr F Levy, bandmaster) greatly added to the enjoyment of the proceedings by the performance of programme of instrumental music. Teh amusements attracted constant attention, and kept those who so kindly took charge fully employed. Teh hat trimming may be specialy mentioned as having afforded much amusement to the ladies, who watched the gentlmen trim each his hat with varying taste. It was only with the advent of dusk that the ground was cleared. All who attended seemed well please with their afternoon and evening's enjoyment. The financial result was very satisfactory. After paying all expenses, it is estimated that a sum of between £20 and £25 will be hande over to the treasurer of th schoolhouse building fund, Mr J J Hickmott jun of the Court."
1899-11-02 Assault at Longfield Maidstone Journal
Dartford Magistrates: "Charles Cockell was charged with unlawfully wounding George White, by stabbing him with a knife at Longfield, on October 22nd. The parties reside in huts, and on the day in question quarrell, and subsequently fought. They fell to the ground, and the prisoner stabbed White in the neck. White called out, and a man named Hope went to his assistance. White was covered with blood, and it was found there was a wound on his collar bone nearly half an inch deep. Prisoner was committed for trial."
1899-12-01 Assault at Longfield Sevenoaks Chronicle
Kent Autumn Assizes: "In the case of Charles Cocket, 36, labourer, who was indicted for maliciously wounding George White at Longfield, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty and expressed the opinion that the prosecutor deserved all he got. His Lordship: This is a very happy country for those who use knives. I suppose the jury approve the use of the knife in the settlement of such disputes? The foreman said the jury did not approve of the use of the knife. The prisoner was acquitted and the jury discharged."