Newspaper Stories 1915
02 Jan 1915 German plane spotted over Gravesend. Gravesend Reporter
German plane spotted over Gravesend.
02 Jan 1915 The new Hartley Agricultural Colony is making satisfactory progress Kent Messenger
Village Industry
The new Hartley Agricultural Colony is making satisfactory progress. The Rural Development Company has taken over the business of Small Owners Limited, on the Fairby Farm and Hartley Manor Estates, is providing additional facilities for the promotion of local industries, including poultry farming, pig-keeping and a bacon factory. The colony has, of course, been somewhat affected by the war, 14 of the residents and the company's staff have joined the colours, but there is a good prospoect of business being greatly developed by the increased demand for produce of all kinds. The projected Fairby Fair had to be indefinitely postponed, but a poultry conference is to be held on January 4th. The social side is not by any means overlooked, as the Cooperative Society and the Ladies' League and the Social Club are all flourishing. In spite of the war, several newcomers have taken up residence during the last few months.
02 Jan 1915 Evening Classes Kent Messenger
Longfield - 8 of the 10 ladies who took the nursing exams passed.
02 Jan 1915 Longfield Air Raid Kent Messenger
"The worshippers on leaving Longfield Church on Christmas Day were startled in seeing the German aircraft gliding above the Thames. The Taube was soon seen to turn back followed by a British plane…"
09 Jan 1915 Longfield Roll of Honour Kent Messenger
"Longfield - Roll of Honour: The following is a list of men who have left the parish to join the colours - R Adams RWK; G Allchin RWK; T Andrews RN; I Arrows RFA; Percy Bevan RN; R Bleakley WKY; W Bristow RWK; Fred Brooks RE; Frank Brooks RE; H Brooks RE; H Caller RWK; J Caller RWK; J Chapman; Louis Coleman WKY; F Cooper HMS Falcon; H Crouch RWK; W J Crouch NF; F Day 18th Hussars; G Day RWK; S Day RWK; W Day; D Drury-Lowe WKY; N Flint RGAT; G Goodwin RGAT; M Hannigan RFA; R Dilworth-Harrison RF; A Heaver RFA; B Heaver RWK; G Hickmott RFA; H Hickmott MIY; S Hickmott RWK; A Hollands RWK; J Jenkins RWK; N Latter RE; A Letchford RWK; E Longhurst RGA; J Martin RA; ___ Martin RA; M Newcombe WKY; F Pankhurst RN; P Pankhurst RWK; G Reid; A Remington ASC; E Remington ASC; G Remington ASC; G Rich RWK; S Seager HMS Cyclops; CEBM Smith 28th London (artists); EM Smith IOC OTC; A Streatfield RN; H Swan RWK; E Tomlin 7th Hussars; R Tomlin RGA; T Young" Another article in same paper - "The Rector of Longfield's eldest son, Mr E M Smith is now in training in the Inns of Court OTC, but is hoping to be shortly transferred to the Royal Engineers with a commission. His brother Mr C E B U Smith, has jusst gone out with a draft of the 28th London (Artists') to join the 1st battalion a the seat of war, and his friends have heard that the journey has been accomplished safely." [then Longfield Rectory was in the parish of Hartley]
09 Jan 1915 Hartley Road, Longfield Kent Messenger
"The widening of Hartley Road is now almost finished, and is a great improvement. The hope is expressed that the railway company may soon come to an arrangement for its completion"
09 Jan 1915 Longfield Council Housing Kent Messenger
Longfield Parish Council concerned about deficiency of house accommodation in parish, looking at whether they have powers to build on Whitehill field.
09 Jan 1915 Fairby Farm Sale Kent Messenger
Sale at Fairby by Rural Development Company who have taken over farm from Smallowners. Includes motor tractor, poultry houses, 3 cart horses and carts
09 Jan 1915 Rural Development Poultry Conference Kent Messenger
Rural Development Poultry Conference to be held at Fairby Farm 30 January
15 Jan 1915 Industrial Injury Death at Crayford Dartford Chronicle
Miss Ethel Hawkins of Crayford (19) died after working 5 months as seamstress at Vickers, from poisonous fumes from canvas used to make aeroplane's wings. Factory at hendon has now installed ventilators (another similar death noted in Chronicle 5.3.15)
16 Jan 1915 Ash Road, Rubbish Dumping Gravesend Reporter
Complaint that refuse has been dumped just inside a gate between Fairby and the Black Lion.
16 Jan 1915 Concert for Servicemen's Families at Longfield Kent Messenger
Concert for families of local servicemen at Longfield Club Room. Singers include Misses Newcombe, Holmes, Day; Messrs Tate and Harris
16 Jan 1915 Gravesend Volunteer Corps Kent Messenger
Gravesend Volunteer Corps hope to get uniforms soon
22 Jan 1915 Air Raid Precautions Dartford Chronicle
Air Raids - no detailed advice but police say stay indoors. Wilmington PC decide to turn off street lights at 10pm. Aircraft engines heard over Swanley proved to be our planes. No outside lights at night. Special constable patrols at 7pm
23 Jan 1915 George Day Wounded Kent Messenger
Longfield - George Day previously listed as missing has been found in a hospital in Rouen. Hearing affected by guns
29 Jan 1915 London and District Electricity Supply Bill Dartford Express
London and District Electricity Supply Bill promoted by LCC would give new authority power to supply DRDC and other areas, 27 member committee, 18 LCC, 1 DRDC. To be opposed by DRDC.
30 Jan 1915 Poor Treatment of Serviceman's Wife Kent Messenger
Farmer evicts wife of serving solider at Godmersham for replacement worker. Paper said "such is our gratitude to our patriots"
30 Jan 1915 Fall in Number of Benefit Claimants Kent Messenger
Dartford Board of Guardians report that number of casual relief cases fell in 2nd half of 1914 to 922 from 1,349 in the same period of 1913
30 Jan 1915 Hartley in Olden Times Kent Messenger
"Hartley in Olden Times" lecture by J F Kirk at Fairby Club Room. Long details. Claims stone age man spread southward from Northfleet. Origin of name. Says Hartley is on plateau easily defended on 3 sides, parish boundaries run along lines of defensive embankments on the slopes of the 3 sides. Circular hut depressions seen in gap in embankment at north, Parkfield, Foxborough and Hartley Woods have many hut circles, as does large open field by Manor House. Says many tracks converge on Hartley Church, and postulates it may have been site of ancient shrine. Details of tenants in chief after conquest and patronage of church. "we may hope that Hartley has entered upon a new and prosperous epoch in its history under the auspices of the Small Owners and Rural Development Companies".
30 Jan 1915 Harrassment of Medically Unfit Kent Messenger
Letter from someone rejected by army as unfit for badges for them to stop them being called shirkers
30 Jan 1915 Evening Classes Kent Messenger
"Fairby Classes: the class for first aid for Women before Christmas was so well appreciated, and the students made such a good shwo at the examination that it is now to be followed up by a course in Home Nursing at Hartley, where also a further course in Market Gardening is just starting."
30 Jan 1915 George Day Wounded Kent Messenger
"War Notes: Many cases of deafness resulting from the firing of the big guns seem to have occurred amongst the infantrymen at the front, and perhaps they have not hitherto seen the necessity for precuations against it so much as the artillerymen have done. George Day, who was last week reported as being in hospital with the disorder, has returned home with a month's leave to assist his recovery. The Rector's [of Longfield] son, Mr E M Smith, has now obtained his commission, in the Royal Engineers, and is stationed at Aldershot to carry on his training until he is required in the fighting line."
01 Feb 1915 Rural Development Poultry Conference Times
Conference organised by Rural Development Company on poultry
01 Feb 1915 The Despatch Rider (story) Gravesend Magazine
(Feb 15) "The Despatch Rider" by Eric Deane, short story about imagined German invasion of Gravesend.
01 Feb 1915 Rural Development Poultry Conference Times
Fairby Poultry Conference, Will Hooley's speech
05 Feb 1915 Germans Cannot Win Says Paper Dartford Chronicle
6 months into war, paper admits Germans fight with determination and valour, but cannot win. Paper shocked at attacks on mercentile and hospital ships.
05 Feb 1915 Profit from poultry - Conference at Fawkham Dartford Chronicle
"Profit from poultry - Conference at Fawkham". Rural Development Company conference, speaker W Hooly said with intensive methods, one man could keep 2,400 chickens. He reckoned on profits of £40-120 per acre
06 Feb 1915 Rural Development Poultry Conference Gravesend Reporter
"Scheme to employ maimed soldiers" At the Rural Development Company's Conference at Longfield on Saturday, a practical scheme was put forward for the benefit of disabled soliders, who are unable to return to their former employment. The suggestion is that the men should take up poultry farming.....
06 Feb 1915 The Lure of the land - Kentish Small Holdings Operation in Operation Kent Messenger
"The Lure of the land - Kentish Small Holdings Operation in Operation - The Rural Development Company at Hartley - Poultry boom conference". Big feature on scheme. Cuthbert Lambton and Georga H Humphrey act as financiers and guiders to "budding farmers who are constantly throwing in their lot with the scheme". Hartley Court Estate soon snapped up by men doing well as smallholders so the adjoining estate was purchased, bringing total to 1,000 acres of which 200-300 are still available on easy terms, in the meantime it is being capably farmed by the company. "In looking over the estate as its stands at present, the visitor must be prepared to shut the aesthetic eye to some extent, and be content with the utilitarian aspect. One hopes, however, that the opportunity will not be permanently lost of making Hartley a model village in its appearence as well as its resources." Some defects in design down to predecessors that they hope new company will remedy. Current farmers are drawing a satisfactory income after just 1-2 years experience, number of settlers number nearly a hundred. Company has built a demonstration American home and has another under construction, paper not sure about design but admits they are labour saving for those who live in them. Their use is not compulsory. Report of Poultry Conference, key speakers Will Hooley an expert and Mr Lambton. Mr Lambton reminded listeners that UK imported 8¼ million eggs in 1913. Company's aim is to make available their organisation and experience to everyone. They had jam and bacon factories, demonstration market garden and poultry farms. Residents could hire horses and implements from company to save money. Company also provided general store and village hall where a drill club met and evening classes held in winter with the assistence of KEC. They are starting correspondence courses on poultry keeping with a period of practical work on the farm for those thinking of taking it up but wanting to try first. This could well help injured soldiers.
06 Feb 1915 The Lure of the land - Kentish Small Holdings Operation in Operation Kent Messenger
"The Lure of the land - Kentish Small Holdings Operation in Operation - The Rural Development Company at Hartley - Poultry boom conference".
One of the most promising schemes of rural development which we have peronally investigated is that at Hartley, Longfield, which was brought before the notice of a select number of visitors on Saturday last, by means of a conference and other procedings.
this scheme is that promoted by the Rural Development Company Ltd, whose centre is Fairby Farm, Hartley, Longfield. the proprietors of this company are Mr Cuthbert A Lambton of Hartley Court, and Mr George H Humphrey of Steephill, Fawkham, who on joint stock lines, act as financiers and guides to teh budding farmers who are constantly throwing in their lot with the scheme. The nucleus of the company's property was the Hartley Court estate [actually it was Fairby Farm]. this was soon snapped up, by men who are now doing well as smallholders, especially with their fruit and poultry, and an adjoining estate was purchased which brought the area under the Company's control to nearly 1,000 acres. Two or three hundred of these are still be obtained, on the easy terms prevailing on the estate, but judging by the history of the Company and the present prospects, these will not for long go abegging. Meanwhile, in the hands of the company, they are being capably farmed. In looking over the estate as it stands at present, the visitor must be prepared to shut the aesthetic eye, to some extent, and be content with the utilitarian aspect. One hopes, however, that the opportunity will not be permanently lost of making Hartley amodel village in its appearence as well as in its resources. What is being done now will be the inheritance of succeeding generations, and it would ill become the enterprising and enlightened people connected with the estate to hand down to posterity something which would give it an indifferent opinion as to the taste of the present generation. Granted that some of the defects of design are a legacy from its predecessors, yet the present company has the chance to correct any failings of the past before they become irremediable. From an agricultural point fo view, however, Hartley seems very well favoured. To anyone not himself owning the critical eye, information is plentifully at hand as to the capabilities of this locality. Men fresh to the land are, after one or two years' experience here, drawing incomes with gratify them, and enjoying an Elysian Existence which they would not surrender for gold. The lure of the land has laid hold of them, and the land here responded to their love and care. From time to time conferences, are to be held on subjects of practical interest to the settlers, who by the way, now number nearly a hundred, and the question of the production of eggs and poultry now being a pressing one, the proceedings on Saturday were entitled 'The Poultry Boom Conference.' The Company believes in poultry as a valuable adjunct to the small holder, and it shows the way to success by intself demonstrating on poultry culture. At the moment it has an American house in being and another in course of erection, an possibly an improvement, of the original. Opinions may differ as to whether these eleaborate American houses, which are as minutely and careully planned as to every hygienic detail as a sanitorium, are best fitted for this country. But their use is not compulsory. There they stand as a demonstration, and one can easily see that whatever else may be said for them, they achieve one great object, that of labour saving, which is a consideration to a man who has to make the utmost use of his own time and that of those around him. These houses were on Saturday duly inspected by the visitors, some of whom had come a considerable distance, and afterwards the principles and prospects of poultry farming were discussed in the excellent Village Hall which the Company has provided, and which is the social and educational centre of the community. Mr Will Hooley, a well known authority on the subject, was the principal speaker, but the Chairman, Mr Lambton, also took the opportunity of saying a few words on the topic as well as on the policy of the Company with reference to the small holders. There was no doubt, he said, that now was the proper time to start a poultry farm or to increase the stocks already held. Before the war, 8¼ million pounds' worth of eggs were imported to this country annually from the continent. The war had stopped these supplies and also destroyed the breeding stocks; therefore that 8¼ million pounds' worth of eggs would not be forthcoming either during the war or for a considerable time after. The question we had to decide was therefore: 'Have we the energy and enterprise to secure this market?' Apart from the financial aspect, it was up to us as a nation to put ourselves in the position of being able, at the end of the war, to help rehabilitate the devastated homes of our allies. Now was the time to act. As a Company they (the Rural Development Company) were firm believers in the value of poultry to the small holder as well as in the value of the small holder himself to the nation. That value was dependent on the fact that the poultry must be profitable to their owner. They must be profitable to their owner. They must be profitable as a business proposition, without any aid from Government or financiers, or charity of any sort. Success and a good income could be obtained from poultry. They could be obtained by industry, attention to detail, and common sense, combined with knowledge. Common sense, industry and attention to detail were all points which must be provided by the individual himself. Knowledge could be offered to him from the outside, and it was here that his partner and himself considered that the funds of a joint stock company could be most usefully applied. Therefore they were sparing neither money nor pains so that no settler on that estate at all events should fail for want of experience or advice. It was one of the general aims of the Company that anyone should at all times be able to avail himself of the benefits of its organisation and experience, whether with regard to poultry keeping, fruit, flower and vegetable culture, agriculture or stock keeping, the erection of houses, the purchase of material or the sale of his produce, and at the same time be free to act on his own initiative. The Company had a jam factory to save him from the fluctuations of the fresh fruit market, a bacon factory for the benefit of his pigs, a market garden worked as a demonstration garden in sets applicable to small holders, and a poultry farm showing the system in operation in the United States. From the farm could be obtained horse hire and implements for the heavier cultivation which would save a man from investing his own capital in tose directions; the Company also provided a store where he could obtain all the necessities of his household, not to mention the Village Hall where by means of a drill club, he could learn to defend his home, and where (partly by the assistance of the Kent Education Committee) lectures on suitable subjects were held during the winter. All these things were really of more value to the existing small holder, but Mr Humphrey and he (the speaker) had thought whether they could increase the scope of assistance they were holding out and offer it to people who, while yearning for the land, desired to know more about the subject before they relinquished their present occupations. They had therefore made arrangement to start 3 months' course of instruction in the poultry industry, commencing by correspondence and concluding with practical work on the farm; and he explained that this method, it was hoped, would be of the greatest assistance to some of the thousands of soldiers and sailors who presently, owing to the result of wounds, sickness or other causes, would be unable to continue in the Army or follow their previous occupations. As a beginning they hoped to give a free course to a limited number of such ex-members of the services and be able to find them, there or elsewhere, permanent employment. The Company hoped that ladies and gentlement in other parts of the country would assist in that scheme by offering employment to soldiers and sailors thus prepared for the duties. It would be seen therefore that that conference really marked an epoch in the progress of the Company's policy, and they hoped it would be followed by others on market gardening or other sciences connected with the cultivation of the land. Mr Hooley followed with an informative address, and in the evening gave a lantern lecture. The visitors were hospitably entertained by the Company, and spent a pleasant and informative time."
06 Feb 1915 Longfield Collection for Belgian Refugees Kent Messenger
Longfield - £4.12.8¼ collected for Belgian Refugees to go on rent, provisions and £2.10.0 allowance for Mr de Proost, will try and find job for him. Belgian Children in National Schools.
12 Feb 1915 Alice Gasson Inquest Dartford Chronicle
Inquest on Alice Flora Gasson (42) of Woodlands Cottages, Longfield - natural causes
13 Feb 1915 Belgian Refugees at Longfield Gravesend Reporter
Belgian refugee family housed in Essex Road, Longfield on 18 Jan
20 Feb 1915 Woodward's Farm Fire Kent Messenger
Fire at Woodwards Farm, Longfield Hill. Dartford Fire Engine arrives in half an hour
20 Feb 1915 Alice Gasson Inquest Kent Messenger
Inquest on Alice Flora Gasson (42) of Longfield Hill - natural causes
26 Feb 1915 Dartford Roll of Honour Dartford Chronicle
Paper prints roll of honour with over 3,000 names and more to add to answer accusations that Dartford was behind in recruiting. Covers Dartford Union. Remember too that Dartford and Erith have many munitions workers, equally valuable. Still many able bodied men left, whom they urge to joing up asap.
26 Feb 1915 Fawkham Valley Road Dartford Chronicle
Dartford RDC - poor state of roads at Fawkham Church raised. Roads in district said to be never worse due to weather and exceptional traffic.
27 Feb 1915 Bertie Puddephatt Inquest Kent Messenger
Inquest at Longfield Club Room on Bertie Leonard Puddephatt (6m) of Hillside Cottages, Fawkham - death from asphyxia due to convulsions
01 Mar 1915 Gravesend Volunteer Corps Gravesend Magazine
(Mar 15) Volunteer Training Corps monthly notes - membership down due to requirement that younger men join forces, leaving corps over officered, meaning some had to join ranks. Ad says they drill twice a week, and have a route march after Sunday Church Parade. They have miniature rifle range by canal and rifles for training but not for general issue.
01 Mar 1915 Pressure to Join Up Criticised Gravesend Magazine
(Mar 15 - Shrimpers Net) "I and possibly a few others would much like to know who are the self appointed people that propose to visit each house in the district as amateur recruiting sergeants. Since the war began there has been too much officiousness by a lot of busy bodies who, not having sufficient intelligence to do some practical work for the country, imagine they are called to dictate to others. It is a piece of the grossest impertinence to suggest such a thing, and I trust that if any self constituted commitee, whater tite it may give itself, does make a house to house visitation, the callers will receive the reception they deserve" He adds while you have a voluntary system, joining up must be left to each person's conscience. "Many are patriotic at other people's expense" Cites case of wealthy man telling his gardener of 25 to join up or leave. He replied he would if he received wages in support "The employer's patriotism did not go as far as that, when it touched his pockets it vanished; the young man left and obtained a better situation".
12 Mar 1915 Registration of Births in Dartford RDC Dartford Chronicle
Dartford RDC - heated debate on whether to adopt Notification of Births Act, carried 6-4 (Day of Ash and Matchett of Fawkham in favour, Rev E Smith of Hartley was not against but thought County Council would do a better job. Ultimately this will entail appointment of health visitor. Arthur Mee had written to criticise the previous decision to oppose 6-3 as "a sentence of death for children whose lives might be saved". Those against thought health visitors might clash with parish nurse, and that nurses give lectures on the dangers of flies in sugar etc. Mover Rev Stanley Morgan suffered a number of personal attacks by Cllr Snell, opposing.
12 Mar 1915 William Hooley Poultry Expert Poultry World
William Hooley answers enquiries, "new address" is Ashliegh, Hartley
13 Mar 1915 Annual Rates Gravesend Reporter
Hartley - county rate to be £147.18.8 (up 1¼ d in the pound)
20 Mar 1915 Stansted Fire Gravesend Reporter
Fire at Stansted. Dartford Fire Brigade attend 5 minutes before Sevenoaks
20 Mar 1915 New Motor Bus between Gravesend and Meopham Kent Messenger
North Kent Motor Services - new motor bus Gravesend to Meopham Green (G - 9am, 12pm, 3pm, 7pm; MG 10am, 1.30pm, 4pm, 7.30pm) Similar route to 308
26 Mar 1915 Explosives Factory at Joyce Green? Dartford Chronicle
Plans for explosives factory at Joyce Green
27 Mar 1915 Balloon Story from Hartley Kent Messenger
"Balloon story from Hartley: A few afternoons ago, a balloon containing a military party was observed descending at Hartley. The occupants inquired of some who were working near 'What place is this? Where are we?' and the reply was 'Hartley'. The aeronauts then asked 'Where is Hartley?' Instead of giving the desired instruction in Kentish geography, the workers called out 'Are you Germans?'. The balloonists, thinking perhaps to play a joke upon the yokels, replied 'Yes.' The yokels, thereupon, seized the grappling apparatus and secured it to a telephone post, with the result that the occupants had to get out and pack up the machine and taken it home by rail. At the station they complained of being tired and hungry, having been out from early morning, but they declined some cakes which were offered to them, and recovered their good spirits before starting for home."
01 Apr 1915 Gravesend Volunteer Corps Gravesend Magazine
(Apr 15 Shrimper's Net) Amused at antics of volunteers, who are prepared to have a laugh at themselves. He saw a corps extending out in firing line "The advance was quite all right, but when the order to 'halt and lie down' was given, one could not repress a smile. Some carefully hitched up their trousers before bending down on one knee, others gently laid down their 'rifles' before getting to mohter earth, whilst those who possessed more than their pound of flesh were extremely careful in their movements, and also on their return to the upright. It must be understood that the enemy was firing at 500 yards, so that by the time the man had hitched up his trousers to save baggy knees, he would have been in that land where such garments are not wanted". However he praises the new fitness of the volunteers. "It's making young men out of old".
02 Apr 1915 Baloon Lands at Hartley Western Gazette
Soldier's Joke - balloon lands at Hartley
According to a local journal, a farm labourer at Hartley, Kent, captured a military balloon, but the only reward he received for his bravery has been ridicule. Whilst at work he heard voices overhead, enquiring the position of Hartley. At once, imagining that enemies were upon him, he asked "Are you Germans?" "Yes" replied the occupants of the balloon in chorus, whereupon Hodge at once seized the rope hanging from the aircraft and secured it round a telephone post, and made off for help. The occupants however, were British soldiers, who were forced to deflate the balloon and return by rail!
02 Apr 1915 Baloon Lands at Hartley Kent Messenger
Hartley farm labourer Hodge finds military balloon, occupants fool him into believing they are Germans
09 Apr 1915 Joseph Ketele Belgian Refugee De Stem Uit Belgie
Joseph Ketele and his family from Dicksmuide is at Hartley
10 Apr 1915 Longfield Election Gravesend Reporter
Longfield DRDC election - Fortunatus Lynds (sitting member) 58, his brother G T Lynds (contractor) 10, J Dudley Martin 49. Electorate 198. 4 cars used but not by winner.
17 Apr 1915 Longfield Rifle Club Gravesend Reporter
18 members of Longfield Rifle Club at competition. Bell medal won by Mark Webb
23 Apr 1915 Joseph Ketele Belgian Refugee Het Volk
Joseph Ketele and his family from Dicksmuide is at Sacristy Cottage, Hartley
24 Apr 1915 Fairby Stores Want Delivery Man Kent Messenger
"Wanted a smart man to drive grocery van, deliver and solicit, age not essential. Apply The Manager, Fairby Stores"
01 May 1915 Agricultural College at Meopham Kent Messenger
New agricultural college at Homestead, Meopham to teach ladies fruit and poultry farming
08 May 1915 Local Soprano Winifred Firth Kent Messenger
Picture of soprano Winifred Firth, daughter of George Firth, doctor
14 May 1915 3,000 in Dartford Said to be doing no war service Dartford Chronicle
Paper says they are in a position to state that 3,000 single men are doing no war service. Likely to be worse since 30 is not the maximum age for joining up. They exempt Longfield and Wilmington from criticism. Dartford has 500 eligible unenlisted men, Swanscombe/Stone/Darenth (? does this include rest of rural district?) with practically no war work have 500, if you add Crayford and Bexley then it is about 3,000. "Is it not the duty of every town and village in the Dartford Union to send every available man". They put it down to ignorance of the need or selfishness. Some will be munitions workers. Highly critical of group of workers on Dartford tram who were discussing a strike for an extra 1d per hour. Passenger protested that soldiers couldn't strike, to be told "that's their look out, if they are fools enough to go they must put up with it". Not joining up when they have well paid jobs.
15 May 1915 Anti-German Rioting at Gravesend Gravesend Reporter
Anti-German rioting at Gravesend last Thursday, shop of Shulz & Son in Milton Road smashed, despite brave attempt to prevent this by CP Marshall, secretary of local volunteers, who stood in front of the shop to stop them "under a torrent of an unmerciful downpour and a torrent of abuse that would daunt most men..." Many ringleaders were women.
15 May 1915 Spend Whit Monday at Hartley's Sports Grounds Kent Messenger
"Spend Whit Monday at Hartley's Sports Grounds near Fawkham Station - Sports, Dancing, Prizes - Soldiers and Sailors Admission Free - Admission to the Public 2-5pm, 1s including tea; after tea 6d - Entry forms, stamped envelope, A Humphrey, secretary Hartley Sports Club, Near Fawkham, Kent." [subsequently cancelled]
15 May 1915 Gravesend Volunteer Corps Kent Messenger
Gravesend Volunteer Corps - due to demand by government that military age men agree to join up when called for, numbers fall from 500 to 130.
15 May 1915 Anti-German Rioting at Gravesend Kent Messenger
Gravesend Riots - began 6.45pm, so bad by 9pm that Middlesex Regiment called out with fixed bayonets. Paper deplores attack on Mr Schulz, a former member of the town council
15 May 1915 Spring Cabbage for Sale Kent Messenger
3,000 - 6,000 flower spring cabbage for sale - Stobbs, Hartley
21 May 1915 Strike at Vickers, Crayford Dartford Chronicle
Strikes at Vickers, Crayford, settled with offer of 4s per week bonus to meet cost of living. 500 went out on strike when management tried to put them on piece work. Strike at Halls also.
21 May 1915 Anti-German Rioting at Dartford Dartford Chronicle
Anti-German riots on Friday. Police prevent attack on German national J Gunter's shop at Spital Street. Englishman Mr Willimont of Colney Road sought police protection after children and louts made trouble outside his shop. Police prevent damage and escort him to safety. Names were circulated round the town. Paper highly critical of attacks - "mob law in Dartford".
22 May 1915 Obscene Language at Hartley Gravesend Reporter
Elizabeth Wicks of Runley Farm, Ash fined 20/- for obscene language at Hartley. "Guilty I expect" she said
22 May 1915 Anti-German Rioting at Gravesend Gravesend Reporter
Heavy sentences in Gravesend Police Court for rioters (see 15/5)
22 May 1915 Anti-German Rioting at Gravesend Kent Messenger
Gravesend Mayor says there are no Germans in the town, the distubances have "hurt the good name of Gravesend". Paper says both Mr Glasson and Mr Schulz were born in England to parents born in England. Thos Schulz writes to paper to thank people for the many expressions of support he had received.
22 May 1915 Spend Whit Monday at Hartley's Sports Grounds Kent Messenger
Hartley Whit Monday event indefinitely postponed
28 May 1915 Wots the Matter with you (poem) Dartford Chronicle
Poem "Wots the matter with you", critical of strikers by "A Kentish Workman".
29 May 1915 Gravesend Recruiting Campaign Gravesend Reporter
Week long recruiting campaign gets 51 recruits from Gravesend and Northfleet.
29 May 1915 Anti-German Rioting at Gravesend Gravesend Reporter
In response to rumours in the town, the mayor of Gravesend issues statemetn that there are no enemy aliens in Gravesend, all were "sent away" about 6 months ago. Paper refuses to publish letter criticising the police over riots because it wasn't signed. Town council praises the volunteer corps and special constables. Losses suffered at warehouse of JR Glason and shop of T Schutz. Many fined for looting. Charles Turner(?) said to be ring leader, jailed for 3 months for breaking plate glass of Mr Glason.
29 May 1915 Wanted Waggoner for New House Farm Kent Messenger
Waggoner wanted - £1 with "harvest money and some fuel, good cottage and garden" - Thornton, New House Farm
04 Jun 1915 Dartford UDC Support Lord Kitchener Dartford Chronicle
Dartford UDC pass motion of support for Gen Kitchener and criticise the Daily Mail
05 Jun 1915 Kent Road Longfield Gravesend Reporter
Fire hydrant at the corner of Kent Road and Station Road being repaired
05 Jun 1915 Gravesend Recruiting Campaign Gravesend Reporter
Call for more recruits. In last fortnight 90 have joined but Gravesend's quota is 300.
05 Jun 1915 Zeppelin Raid at Gravesend Gravesend Reporter
Zeppelins Again - paper reports government communique without saying the town was bombed.
05 Jun 1915 Longfield Recruits Kent Messenger
Longfield - 2 more recruits, including FJ Kirk, retired Civil Servant who has joined the War Office to release someone for the front
05 Jun 1915 Gravesend Volunteer Corps Kent Messenger
Gravesend Volunteer Corps - still no uniforms, that had to turn out to recent riots in civilian clothes and armed with walking sticks.
11 Jun 1915 Fire at Manor Farm, Ash Dartford Chronicle
Fire at Mr Dunlop's Manor Farm, Ash, in stack. Dartford Fire Brigade arrive after ½ hour of call in motor engine. They prevent fire from spreading to tarred wood nearlby by taking flaming straw to next field. They were hampered by lack of water.
11 Jun 1915 Ramble to Longfield Evening News
The Footpath Way - No. 14 The Land of Shrimps, Apples and Hops
On leaving Gravesend Central Station you will probably wish to spend some time in exploring the picturesque purlieus of the town. The narrow High Street and the riverside district are full of character.
You will pick up the walk by returning to the ain road that runs parallel wiht the river, then either walk or (better still) take the tram ot Northfleet Church. Getting off here, go through the churchyard left of the building and, turning left when out of it, another path will be found that continues to Springhead. At first it is not inviting. But it soon improves, and runs alongside the stream running down from Springhead.
When you come at last to a road there is an open path opposite which should be noted as continuing the walk.
But you may care first to turn a few yards to the right and get some light refreshments at the house beyond, which is famous for its fare and is much patronised by the Gravesend folk. It has pleasant gardens, watercress beds, a monkey house, an ancient giant of a willow tree, and bubbling waters of the spring that gives the place its name; in all sufficient attractions to make it almost worthy to adopt the phrase of Rosherville Gardens as its motto: The Place to spend a happy day.
But suppose we get on with the walk. Take the aforesaid path and continue along it to a crossroad. The follow the Betsham road rightwards (sign-posted) to that hamlet at another crossroads.
Here turn to the left and go up the Longfield and Fawkham Road, through hopfields and apple orchards, till you reach the next crossroad at the oddly picturesque corner by the thatched public house, the Old Wheatsheaf.
A land of small holdings
Turn to the right past this a little way to a stile on the left, and over it, take the left path forward and down to the road in the valley below. If you like to follow the indicated route on the map from this point to Fawkham church, which I took, it will be easy to pick up.
The path is signposted from the lane ahead. But I do not advise it. There is little of interest at Fawkham Church, and the land between it and Hartley, to the Black Lion, is cut up in small holdings. However flourishing these may be they do not add to the beauty of the landscape.
It is better to turn along the road leftwards, instead of going on to Fawkham church (The SE and C Railway station lies to the right as you pass the Railway Hotel).
Note when just beyond the second right turning, a signposted footpath on the left ('To Southfleet'). This rises sharply up an unfenced, stiffish hillside, almost opposite Longfield Church in the valley.
A good view point
This path is to be followed. It commands fine views when the crest of the hill is reached, over rolling fields, orchards, and in the distance the river.
It ends at length in a rough cart track. By turning left along this and keeping forward on reaching a road with a better surface, you will come into the very pleasing and pretty village of Southfleet.
A fine grey old church, many gabled ancient cottage, and wide branched trees combine to make Southfleet one of the prettiest villages in Kent.
With a look at the map you will be able to see how to reach Southfleet Station, or to return via Springhead by footpath from the churchyard here.
But my route was to leave the church and follow the land that dips downhill past the Ship Inn and then rises to another lane that opposes it. By turning right here for a little way you will pick up a path on the left (an obvious continuation of another on the right) that leads into Perry Street, a hamlet of Gravesend.
Then, keeping forward by the continuing rough road, and following the same direction when in town, you will come to the tramlines, and can so rach the Central Station. For the curious in gastronomy, Gravesend natives (freshly boiled shrimps) are to be had in the little shops in West Street.
And, mind you, they are not to be despised eaten with thin brown bread and butter and lashings of hot tea at the end of a 12 to 14 mile walk, such as this, through Kentish orchards, hop gardens and cornfields.
Outward: Victoria, Charing Cross etc to Gravesend, 3 shillings return. Or (a cheaper route) from Fenchurch Street, 1s 9d return, including ferry, whichever is convenient.
[The article includes a map and pictures of Southfleet Church, Cottages and the Wheatsheaf Pub]
12 Jun 1915 Longfield Recruits Gravesend Reporter
Longfield - Frank Cooper has joined RNR. FJ Kirk, retired civil servant and people's warden, returns to clerkship in Civil Service for duration of war. (in 1915 he was 66, previously Index-Compiler In General Register Office)
12 Jun 1915 Zeppelin Raid at Gravesend Kent Messenger
Paper urges people not to leave towns as a result of German "frightfulness". On censorship it says "This is not the ideal time for the journalist. There is so much he knows he may not say".
12 Jun 1915 Wanted Ploughman for Fairby Farm Kent Messenger
Ploughman wanted (2 horses), 20 shillings pw - Fairby Farm
18 Jun 1915 Campaign to Stop Child Labour Dartford Chronicle
Editorial calls for stop to prosecutions for using child labour as "being detrimental to nation and individual". This was in reply to NUT resolution criticising KCC for allowing children out of school for agricultural work.
19 Jun 1915 Hartley Water Supply Gravesend Reporter
Hartley parish to pay £20 to meet the balance of the guarantee made in respect of the water supply. Precept on overseers therefore.
19 Jun 1915 Fire at Manor Farm, Ash Gravesend Reporter
Dartford Fire Brigade attend within half an hour of being called to fire at Manor Farm, Ash
19 Jun 1915 High Price of Coal Gravesend Reporter
Coal merchants charging 36/- per ton of best Wallsend Coal and 34/- for kitchen coal
19 Jun 1915 Longfield Parish Council Gravesend Reporter
Longfield PC (1) allotment holders allowed to take 1 foot extra on each side and to dig to a greater depth; (2) Widening of Hartley Road discussed; (3) PC to buy secondhand shed for the Fire Brigade at cost of £10; (4) Poor postal deliveries in New Barn blamed on shortage of staff
19 Jun 1915 House to house collections at Gravesend Gravesend Reporter
Gravesend - quarterly list of donors to house to house collections
19 Jun 1915 Gravesend Recruiting Campaign Gravesend Reporter
Gravesend - recruiting meeting at Clock Tower. Kitchener has called for 300,000 men and Gravesend's quota is 300, only 150 volunteered last month. Only 1 man came forward and he was too old. Paper notes many young men at meeting and that 5,000 men of military age in the town have not enlisted. Women told to remember the women of Belgium and encourage their men to enlist.
25 Jun 1915 Dartford Recuiting Campaign Dartford Chronicle
West Kent Regiment recruiting week in area. Nearest to Hartley is 28/6 at Dartford, Horton Kirby, South Darenth and Sutton at Hone.
25 Jun 1915 Air Raid Precautions Dartford Chronicle
Advert by Kent Police with Air Raid advice. No signal will be given because it will show the enemy they are over a populated area. Stay indoors, keep water/sand to hand to fight fires, windows closed in case of poison gas. Report UXBs to the police.
26 Jun 1915 Belgian Refugees at Longfield Gravesend Reporter
Julius Soelbeit, a Dutchman living at Longfield fined 9/- after he got drunk, fell down and wounded his head.
26 Jun 1915 Blackout Offences Gravesend Reporter
Gravesend - Military captain the borough coroner fined for breaking blackout regulations.
26 Jun 1915 Rosherville VAD Hospital Kent Messenger
Mrs Jones of Longfield a donor to Rosherville VAD hospital
26 Jun 1915 Hospital Supply Depot at Meopham Kent Messenger
Meopham women set up Hospital Supply Depot
01 Jul 1915 Kent Volunteer Fencibles (Gravesend) Gravesend Magazine
(Jul 15 Kent Volunteer Fencibles) Describes 40-50 men who in 85 degree temperature accomplished route march from Gravesend to Meopham on Sunday 4th. Left Dashwood Meadow at 10am in 3 columns kept in communication by cyclists with the idea they should arrive at Meopham Green simultaneously. Western force under Cdr CP Taylor went via Northfleet Green, New Barn, Longfield Siding and Idleigh Court. All three nearly arrived together.
03 Jul 1915 Pinden Rubbish Dump Gravesend Reporter
Mr Newcomb of Longfield complains of rubbish at the Pinden sidings. DRDC find no problem - the rubbish there is being sifted, some for brickfields, others for the pit being covered with lime. Crops growing where other pits were.
03 Jul 1915 Air Raid Precautions Gravesend Reporter
Fears of incendiary bombs on standing corn, farmers urged to organise fire watching.
03 Jul 1915 Fruit Train Derails at Longfield Kent Messenger
On Saturday morning some fruit trains derailed on leaving Fawkham Station on upline, only slight delays as trains rerouted up to Pinden Junction on the down line.
03 Jul 1915 Longfield Schools Close for Fruit Picking Kent Messenger
Longfield Schools closed for fruit picking
03 Jul 1915 2 Gallon Jars wanted Kent Messenger
Empty 2 gallon jars wanted - Rural Development Co, Fairby Farm
10 Jul 1915 Air Raid Precautions Gravesend Reporter
Air Raid Patrol in Gravesend - Emergency Borough Cttee - 12 districts with special constable - section leaders who appoint street patrols. They ring on doors with a raid is imminent, and carry card with addresses of those who don't want to be called up. Householders told to extinguish lights and how they can make anti-chlorine respirators (hypo 3 oz, bicarb soda 2 oz, 1 pt water, but told gas will quickly disperse anyway.
10 Jul 1915 Gravesend Recruiting Campaign Gravesend Reporter
"The appeal made of late to our young men to join the forces have not had the effect that we desired". Bombadier George Webster of Southfleet writes from front to complain of unpatriotic young men not joining up. "If only some of the chaps could see some of the ruined towns out here and the barbarous way in which the Germans are behaving, they would not hesitate before taking a plunge. The Zeppelins ought to be a good advertisement, and if nobody enlisted after taht they want a terrible lot of persuading."
10 Jul 1915 Dartford Recuiting Campaign Kent Messenger
Dartford recruiting campaign gets 100 volunteers
10 Jul 1915 Farm worker wanted at Woodlands, Ash Road Kent Messenger
Man wanted for 14a fruit, poultry and vegetables - Gibson, Woodlands
16 Jul 1915 William Hooley Poultry Expert Poultry World
Mr and Mrs Will Hooley Silver wedding at Hartley
17 Jul 1915 Longfield Parish Council Gravesend Reporter
Longfield - (1) Pond at junction of Hartley Road has been cleaned out; (2) Road by siding damaged by carting of flints (owner of quarry said it was a government contract) and "traffic to the new powder works that is being erected adjoining". Telephone lines to be installed from Southfleet Avenue, New Barn to the siding.
17 Jul 1915 Gravesend Volunteer Corps Kent Messenger
Gravesend Volunteer Corps vote not to disband. Feeling that there is a lack of support from Government and locals
23 Jul 1915 National Register Dartford Chronicle
DRDC advert for volunteer national register enumerators for Hartley and their other parishes for 9-21 August.
24 Jul 1915 Gravesend Recruiting Campaign Kent Messenger
Soldier at front writes to criticise timidity of those who won't visit coast towns. Damage from a "Zepp" is nothing to what he sees in France.
24 Jul 1915 Support for Mary Jungk Kent Messenger
Paper and those attending Gravesend Police Court sympathise with Gracy Jungk who was given 1 month for entering prohibited area as an alien. She married German tailor the day before war broke out. He is interned at Holloway. She gets sacked every time people learn of her name. Nowhere to turn but her parents in Gravesend.
24 Jul 1915 Defending Longfield Gravesend Reporter
Defending Longfield - Sunday walker comes across detachment of the Gravesend Volunteer Training Corps on exercise to repel an invasion
24 Jul 1915 National Register Gravesend Reporter
National Register - Issue of Forms: Details of form to be filled on Aug 15th. Men 15-65 must say if they have dependents, what profession or other skills they have and the address of their employer
31 Jul 1915 EC Powder Works Longfield Gravesend Reporter
DRDC Medical Officer visits the building works at Longfield Hill. It has a marquee accommodating 50 men, supplied with water by Mid Kent Water and an artesian well. 14 wooden buildings are under construction but concerns about them being top heavy and vulnerable to the high winds in the valley.
31 Jul 1915 High Price of Coal Gravesend Reporter
AE Parsonson writes to say something should be done about the price of coal which at 34-37/- per ton is 12-14/- higher than in 1914. He accuses merchants of exploitation and excessive profit.
31 Jul 1915 Child Workers in Agriculture Kent Messenger
116 children in DRDC area released on licence to go into agriculture as of June 1915, 2nd highest in Kent (1,276 in all)
31 Jul 1915 Keeping Pigeons without a Licence Kent Messenger
3 Crayford residents fined by Dartford magistrates for keeping pigeons without a licence
31 Jul 1915 Support for Mary Jungk Kent Messenger
Mrs Jungk released after case raised in Parliament, Home Secretary orders her release and refunded the fine collected by her husband's fellow prisoners. She has received offers of help from several quarters including a titled lady.
31 Jul 1915 Gravesend Volunteer Corps Kent Messenger
Gravesend Volunteer Corps now have some rifles and men can buy their uniforms
31 Jul 1915 Support for Mary Jungk Kent Messenger
Mary Jungk arrested for visiting parents in Gravesend
01 Aug 1915 German Books in Gravesend Library Gravesend Magazine
(Aug 15 Shrimper's Net) Library criticised by Town councillors for accepting gift of works by Schiller and Goethe. He says they belong to the world, reminded them of Schiller "The Invincible Armada" says England is "the stronghold where the tyrant comes in vain", and that both disliked Prussian militarism. "I suppose limericks, nursery rhymes, and the doggerel effusions of old maids (both sexes) are thought more suitable for the intelligence of the burgesses of the borough" ("The Wanderer")
06 Aug 1915 Hartley Roll of Honour Dartford Chronicle
Roll of Honour: Hartley - Army: Charles Henry Baines, Edward Cheary, Capt David Copus, William Elliott, J Gardiner, Alfred Hodges, Robert Rose, T Rose, Frederick Shambrook, William Thornton, Maj C E Tristram, Edward Woodward. Longfield - Navy: T Andrews, Percy Bevan, F Cooper, Frank Cooper RNR, Percy Goodwin, Frank Pankhurst, Sidney Seager, Alfred Streatfield. Longfield - Army: R Adams, G Allchin, L Arrows, R Bleakley, W Bristow, Fred, Frank & Harold Brooks, H J and F Coller, J Chapman, L Coleman, Harry, WJ and Helwyn Crouch, Geo Wm Dark, T Davis; G, F, S, C and W Day; D Denry-Lowe, Frederick C Duvall, N Flint; F and W Ganden; E Goodwin; M & W Hannigan; R Bilworh Harrison; A and B Heaver; George, henry and Stanley Hickmott; A Hollands; Fred Inkpen; JF, RE & RO Kirk; N Latter; A & E Letchford; E Longhurst; J, RA & ? Martin; Alfred and Arthur Munday; M Newcombe; P Pankhurst; G Reid; A, E & G Remington; Geroge Rich; FE Shambrook; CE adn RM Smith; H Swan; E & R Tomlin; T Young. Longfield - Territorials: Arthur F Hollands, WH Thompson. Total: Hartley 12, Longfield 74
06 Aug 1915 Blackout Offences at Hartley Dartford Chronicle
The Lighting Order - Rector of Hartley fined (faded microfilm)
06 Aug 1915 Blackout Offences at Longfield Dartford Chronicle
Alice Bevan of Hope Villa, Station Road, Longfield fined for blackout regulations
07 Aug 1915 Blackout Offences at Hartley Gravesend Reporter
The Rectory Lights - "At the Dartford Petty Sessions on Friday, the Rev CGW Bancks of Hartley Rectory was summonsed under the Defence of the Realm Regulations for not keeping his windows obscured during prohibited hours on July 18th. He pleaded guilty. PS Binfield stated he asked the defendant to cover the windows, after he had them under observation for a quarter of an hour. Witness had spoken about the defendant's lights on previous occasions. Mr Bancks knew of the order. Defendant - 'I have no recollection of being warned about the lights.' He went on to say that the light which formed the subject of the summons was only a momentary one. He was fined £1."
07 Aug 1915 Blackout Offences at Longfield Gravesend Reporter
Alice Bean of Hook Villa, Station Road, Longfield fined £1 for blackout offence on July 19th
07 Aug 1915 Anniversary of War Gravesend Reporter
Gravesend - procession and meeting to mark anniversary of the war.
07 Aug 1915 Blackout Offences at Hartley Kent Messenger
"Rectory Lights - the Rev CGW Bancks of Hartley Rectory was summoned for failing to keep the windows of the Rectory shaded as required by the order of the Secretary of State. // PS Binfield said at 11pm on July 18th he saw a bright light from a bedroom window. He kept observation for a quarter of an hour. He then went to the house and complained, whereupon a dark curtain was drawn over the window. He had spoken about the lights in the Rectory before. // Mr Bancks said he did not understand that he had been warned at all, and the sergeant explained that he had on one occasion drawn attention to a ray of light between two heavy curtains. // Defendant said he was under the impression that all precautions were taken. The lights wre only visible while curtains were being drawn, and he thought he would have been warned definitely before a summons was issued. // Fined 20s.
07 Aug 1915 Blackout Offences at Longfield Kent Messenger
Case of Alice Bean (v Reporter 8/7/15), she said light was a ½d candle.
13 Aug 1915 Dartford Recuiting Campaign Dartford Chronicle
Recruiting Advert - "standards have been lowered". Arrangements to receive and train all who enlist.
13 Aug 1915 Blackout Offences at Hartley Kent Messenger
The Lighting Order - More Summonses
Several summonses under the Lighting Order were heard at Dartford on Friday.
Percy Dennis of Hartley, was summonsed at the person in charge for not keeping the lights at the Hartley Social Club's premises effectively shaded on July 18th. Harold Bare and Albert Humphreys, two other officials of the club, were also summoned in respect of the same offence.
Police Sergeant Binfield said he saw a bright light coming from a billiard room occupied by the club. He went to the room and found Dennis and Bare playing billiards. There were 6 acetalyne lights over the table, and the windows were only shaded by linen blinds Bare told witness when the Order came in he had the blinds put up, and if they were not sufficient he would have some of darker material supplied at once. Witness replied that he would be reported.
Bare said he had no intimation from the police that the curtains were not sufficient, though they had been in use for a long time. 30 or 40 people used the room.
Humphreys, the owner, said until the officer called he had not the slightest idea the lights were not sufficiently obscured. He immediately ordered the club to be closed, and this was done. Had they been notified they would have covered the windows at once.
The case was dismissed.
Annie Sales, Minchin Cottage, Hartley Road, was charged with a similar offence on the 19th and pleaded guilty.
Police Sergeant Binfield said he saw a light pass the front door and go upstairs lighting 4 windows. He told defendant there was too much light, and she put the light out in all but one window, and that was darkened by a cloth.
Mrs Sales said she had to have a light for the baby.
Defendant's husband, it was stated, had enlisted, and she and a sister occupied the house.
Fined 5 shillings.
13 Aug 1915 Keeping Poultry Lessons at Hartley Poultry World
Waverley Poultry course run by Mr Hooley includes practical at Hartley
13 Aug 1915 Blackout Offences at Hartley Kent Messenger
Blackout regulations - Social Club cleared; Annie Sale of Minchen fined 5 shillings
14 Aug 1915 Blackout Offences at Hartley Gravesend Reporter
Soldier's wife fined - Alice Sale of Minching Cottage fined 5/- over blackout regulations on 19 July. PS Binfield said the windows were covered with white material; she then put out 4 lights and covered another window with dark material. Said she had been attending to her baby.
14 Aug 1915 Fined for Serving Drinks to Soldier Kent Messenger
DORA - Plaxtol landlord fined £5.5.0 for serving soldier a drink, Bench said they wouldn't be so lenient next time
14 Aug 1915 Blackout Offences at Hartley Kent Messenger
Cases of Alice Sale and Hartley Social Club. Summons to club was to Percy Dennis, Harold Bare and Albert Humphrey, club officials
21 Aug 1915 Road Maintenance Costs Gravesend Reporter
Increase in costs in road maintenance put down to more military traffic, buses and cars
21 Aug 1915 Tuberculosis in Dartford RDC Kent Messenger
94 cases of TB in DRDC area in 1914 above 5 year average of 45
21 Aug 1915 Female workers in previously male jobs Kent Messenger
Female nurses being used in male wards of mental hospitals (national story, not specifically local)
28 Aug 1915 EC Powder Works Longfield Kent Messenger
Matthew Gristwood of The Tents, Longfield, worker at Powder Mills, finded 9s for being drunk and disorderly at Meopham Road, Longfield. PC Rich said he violently resisted arrest.
28 Aug 1915 Boar Club at Hartley Kent Messenger
Hartley agricultural cooperative society decide at a largely attended meeting to form Boar Club to lace a purebred middle white boar at service of members. Hope to improve pig breeding in district.
28 Aug 1915 Poultry Keeping for Blind Soldiers Birmingham Daily News
Blind soldiers from St Dunstans receive instruction at Fairby
01 Sep 1915 Keenest on Conscription are over fighting age.. Gravesend Magazine
(Sep 15 Shrimper's Net by the Wanderer) Wonders why some councillors in favour of conscription have not joined the Volunteers. "By the way, is it not curious how many of the people who favour compulsory service are over the fighting age?"
03 Sep 1915 Blackout Regulations Dartford Chronicle
Paper says Lighting Order is confusing and relies on the opinion of police officers who apply it differently. Better to warn householder first.
03 Sep 1915 Poultry Keeping for Blind Soldiers Poultry World
Poultry farming for blind soldiers - a visit to Fairby Farm
04 Sep 1915 Paper Calls for Pessimists to be Interned Gravesend Reporter
Editorial rails against pessimism and calls for internment for such people
04 Sep 1915 Poaching at Fawkham Kent Messenger
Leonard Gear, Bert Hever, William Saxton, Charles Saxton, William Caller cleared of trespass in search of game at Fawkham
04 Sep 1915 Blind Soldiers and the Poultry Industry Kent Messenger
"The Rural Development Company Ltd received at Fairby Farm, fawkham, on Friday last, a most interesting party in the persons of Captain Pierson Webber and over a dozen of his pupils from that excellent institution, St Dunstan's Hostel, Regent's Park. This hostel, under the patronage of her Majesty, is devoted to soldiers blinded in the war, who are not only nursed thorugh the shock of their affliction but are prepared for such occupations as are possible to thiem. Captain Webber, who lost his sight in teh Boer War, is in charge of teh country life section of the hostel, and is training a number of the men in the art in which he himself is an expert, that of poultry keeping, surely one of the last occupations in which one would expect the sightless to achieve success. Captain Weber however, is a standing example of the skill with which this vocation can be taken up by those without sight. 'Of course', he says, 'I make use of all the sighted assistance that I can, but with the aid of the Braille type, and of the sense of touch and hearing, it is possible to do a good deal. The secret is to know your subject, the rest is easy. Having little to distract him, the blind man soon concentrates the mind on a thing, adn memory, touch, and hearing are alike developed. It took me a year to get over the shock after I was 'knocked over', but these poor fellows recover in a few weeks, thanks to the care and attention bestowed on them, and many of them are making progress in this branch of outdoor work. I love the work; it is charming. It has given me the happiest 12 years of my life.' Certainly the Captain was among the cheeriest persons in the select party who were present on the occasion, comprising the Directors of the Company, the enthusiastic lady pupils, the Manager (Mr Will Hooley), and several friends. And he had infected the men with his own buoyant spirits, so that they were even merry throughout the whole proceedings. With him were Capt Owen, who lost his sight in the fighting under General Botha, members of the Rifle Brigade, the Scots Guards, Coldstreams, and others, all of whom had been injured in the eyes by shrapnel, this accounting for perhaps 90 per cent of the blindness among our wounded. They were invited to take part5 in a competition by identifying the breeds of poultry and different meals, cereals, etc, placed before them. By the number of the toes, the texture and serrations of the comb, the feather, the weight, the crest an dother distinctive feature of the various breeds they shoed the ability to distinguish such varieties as the Orpington, the Leghorn, the Sussex, the Rhode Island Red and others, although they had comparatively little training. They exhibited teh same sagacity in the identification of foods. Further the men were taken round this up to date farm and introduced to the various labour saving appliances and generally made acquainted with the arrangements. They could not have a better practical demonstration of the possibilities of poultry keeping, for everything here is on advanced principles, and we were informed that the aspiration of the Directors is, in the near future, for the farm to produce a million eggs a year.
The guests, by the bye, were hospitably entertained, and over the tea tables several complimentary speeches were made, in the course of which it was hinted that a course of poultry instruction in Braille was in contemplation, and that very likely several of the blind soldiers would be taken on at Fairby for further training."
11 Sep 1915 Fined for Treating Kent Messenger
Case of treating to drinks at Two Brewers, Dartford. Case against man accused of buying drink for wife dismissed, bench said very difficult to enforce especially when it occurs in crowded bars. Criticism by defence of "police spies" from Maidstone who brought charges.
18 Sep 1915 German Wounded at Longfield Station Gravesend Reporter
Excitement at news of a large number of German wounded were to be detrained at Longfield en route to Gore Farm hospital on Wednesday. "The Red Cross trains arrived shortly after 5 o'clock, and there being a large body of VAD and St John Ambulance helpers, the 96 men were speedily transferred to motor cars and conveyed to their destination." Some were on stretchers, "The majority, whose wounds were not very serious, appeared cheerful and thankful that they had escaped for the present from the tragedies of war". Military escort.
24 Sep 1915 Woodpulp Exports to Germany Dartford Chronicle
Discussion over whether woodpulp exports to Germany should be banned. Is it of use for munitions?
25 Sep 1915 List of Kentish POWs Kent Messenger
Page devoted to long list of Kentish POWs. Number, name, regiment and POW camp
25 Sep 1915 Obituary of Crimean War Veteran Kent Messenger
Death at 91 of one of few survivors of Crimean War in Northfleet
25 Sep 1915 Evening Classes Kent Messenger
Longfield/Hartley - evening classes unlikely to occur this winter. Lace making postponed anyway
02 Oct 1915 Postcards of RN Ships Banned Gravesend Reporter
Traders told not to sell postcards fo Royal Navy Ships
02 Oct 1915 Gravesend Hospital Kent Messenger
Gravesend Hospital Pound Day - Hartley collector Mrs A Fowle
08 Oct 1915 Robson - May Wedding Dartford Chronicle
Marriage of Frank Robson of South Grafton, NSW, 2nd son of W Robson of Grafton House to Evelyn May at Christchurch Cathedral, Grafton, NSW.
09 Oct 1915 Highway Maintenance Gravesend Reporter
Rural Development Company offers the highway surveyor a site west of the road between Hoselands hill and Three Corner Green to store stones. Water inlet at The Gables needs cleaning out, owner written to. Rural Dev Co willing to let land for stone depot at Longfield siding. Draft grant of land by Railway company to widen Hartley Road.
09 Oct 1915 Harrassment of Non-Combatants Gravesend Reporter
Shop worker (aged 45) replies to correspondent saying they are shirkers. It is not just about selling ribbons and tea, his job includes a lot of heavy lifting.
09 Oct 1915 Gravesend Recruiting Campaign Kent Messenger
"Follow the drum" Gravesend recruiting rally. 2,000 thought to have joined from the town already, but can do a lot better. Men of 3rd Gloucester and 10th West Kents attend. Few join immediately but they hope some will join later. Local MP said fact people can get double the wages at Tilbury Docks didn't help.
09 Oct 1915 Gravesend Hospital Kent Messenger
Longfield - practically every household contributed to hospital pound day, run by Miss Smith
16 Oct 1915 German Spy Peril' Kent Messenger
Talk in Gravesend by Mr Le Queux on "German Spy Peril" well attended
16 Oct 1915 Meopham Scout Troop Kent Messenger
Boy Scouts - Central North Kent Assocation now has 21 effective troops including Meopham. Need someone to run one at Longfield where many boys are willing to join
23 Oct 1915 Imports of German Hops Kent Messenger
Writer shocked that UK imported 1,600 cwt of German hops last week
23 Oct 1915 Gravesend Recruiting Campaign Kent Messenger
"Three Country Girls" write to complain of number of slackers in Gravesend, in the small village where they live all eligible men have joined up
23 Oct 1915 Poultry Keeping for Blind Soldiers Mirror of Australia
"Light in our darkness" - picture of blind soliders at Rural Development Poultry Farm, Hartley
30 Oct 1915 Female workers in previously male jobs Kent Messenger
Mrs E Roberts of Gravesend writes to criticise those Gravesend Guardians who only attend every 6 months because a female (Mrs Jackson) was elected as chairman
03 Nov 1915 The Gables, Ash Road for Sale Bystander
The Gables, Hartley, near Longfield, Kent. For Sale £1,100 Freehold.
This charming little property occupies a very attractive situation on high ground, overlooking one of the prettiest rural districts. Only ¼ mile from station, village and church; 3 reception and 5 bedrooms, bathroom (h & c), and usual offices; motor garage and other out-buildings; tennis lawn and spinney; with well stocked gardens of about 1 acre. For further particulars address 'Owner' as above.
[The advert contains a good picture of the house. The Gables is on Ash Road at the top of Hoselands Hill]
13 Nov 1915 You Ought to be a Soldier (poem) Gravesend Reporter
9 verse poem by Keith Hedden "You ought to be a soldier" addressed to eligible and fit. "Young man you ought to be soldier!/And wear a khaki suit!/Your king is calling!/Can you that call dispute?...."
18 Nov 1915 Gravesend Hospital Kent Messenger
Gravesend VAD hospital thank donations from Hartley Social Club, Southfleet Congregational Church
27 Nov 1915 Obituary of Edward Blackman of Longfield Hill Kent Messenger
Sapper Edward Henry Blackman, Kent Fortress RF of Longfield Hill drowned on HMS Hythe at Dardenelles on 28 October, aged 25
27 Nov 1915 Smith (Longfield) - First (Swanley) Wedding Kent Messenger
Gerald J D Smith of Longfield Rectory and Constance Gwendoline First of Swanley Junction married at Swanley
27 Nov 1915 Longfield Recruiting Campaign Kent Messenger
Longfield PC organises local committee to assist Derby Scheme. "Every effort is being made to secure the enlistment of the few remaining eligible men". Southfleet committee is running canvass and will send results to central committee in Dartford. 6 young men have joined up
04 Dec 1915 Sheep Worrying at Fairby Kent Messenger
Reward to find dogs guilty of sheep worrying at Fairby
04 Dec 1915 Percival Smith-Hartley of Old Downs Kent Messenger
"Dr Percival Horton Smith-Hartley, CVO MA FRCP of the Old Downs, Hartley, celebrated his 48th birthday on Thursday. He married, in 1895, the only daughter and heiress of the late Lieut-Col Joseph Hartley DL, and himself assumed the additional surname of Hartley in 1904. He is a well known medical man, and several works on medical and scientific subjects have issued from his pen."
11 Dec 1915 Theft of Chickens at Stack Lane Kent Messenger
"A Hartley Chicken Case" - Patrick Joseph Golding, a gardener in the employ of Miss Davies-Cooke at Middle Farm was charged with stealing ducks and fowls valued at 15s, the property of Ernest De Vere at Hartley on December 5th.
Henry Thomas Parrett, a gardener, employed by Mr Hill, at Home Cairn, said he missed the birds on Friday morning, when he found three of the fowl house doors open. An examination of the field showed the prints of hobnail boots. Prisoner's field adjoined his master's, and witness went and asked him if he had missed anything. Prisoner said 'No," but added that someone had been to his stable and let his donkey out. PS Binfield was informed, adn later on brought a pair of boots, which he compared with the footprints. Prisoner was a married man, and lived in a cottage belonging to his mistress.
Crossexamined by Mr Clinch (for the defence), witness aid he had no doubt that somebody had let prisoner's donkey out of the stable in which it was kept, because, his (witness's) daughter was present when it was found. It was a fact that hundreds of men in the neighbourhood wore hobnail boots. He was surpised to find suspicion point to the prisoner, whom he had known for some time.
PS Binfield said he went to Middle Farm, Hartley, and saw prisoner. On the premises he found prints of hobnail boots similar to those he had seen in the field from which the birds were missing. Witness asked prisoner to show him his boots, and they corresponded with the prints. Prisoner suggested counting the nails, and this witness did, and found the number to be 13, with one blank space. There were not tips on the heels. The boots also had blood and feathers on them. Prisoner said he got the blood on his boots when he cut his thumb the previous day, but on being shown the alleged place witness replied, 'that did not bleed yesterday.' Prisoner said, 'You don't doubt me do you?' Witness replied 'I have not finished with you yet', whereupon prisoner said 'I told you a lie about the blood on my boots, I had the nose bleed yesterday.' Witness said 'Where?' and prisoner said 'While I was rolling the lawn'. Witness said 'Let us go and see where,' but prisoner replied 'It was raining at the time, and the blood was washed away.' The blood on the boots was congealed, and had got on to the boots while they were dry.
Cross examined by Mr Clinch, witness said he examined prisoner's house, but found no traces of missing birds.
In reply to Inspector Burbridge, witness said that the boots were hob-nailed in a very peculiar way. The prints had 14 nails on one foot and 13 on the other, with a blank space corresponding with a place on the boots where one nail had worn down.
Mr Clinch submitted that there was not enough evidence to hang a dog upon, and that the actions of the prisoner in assisting the police were the actions of an honest man.
Prisoner, in the box, said he scratched his thumb on Friday, adn had the nose bleed on Saturday. The sergeant had said that there were 14 nails on one boot and 13 on the other, and that those corresponded with the prints in the field, but only 13 nails were to be seen in each boot on Sunday. He nailed the boots himself, and he knew absolutely nothing about the theft.
Examined by Inspector Burbridge. He could not explain why the blood was washed off the lawn, but not off his boots.
Prisoner was convicted and fined £3, or one month's imprisonment."
11 Dec 1915 Female workers in previously male jobs Kent Messenger
Kent Women and Agriculture meeting at Sessions House, Maidstone. Agree to set up county, district and parish committees, arrange meetings in each village and keep register of volunteeers, to encourage food production in gardens or allotments. Possibly badges for each volunteer.
11 Dec 1915 Gravesend Recruiting Campaign Kent Messenger
Gravesend BC - Finance Committee recommends that all employees attest.
17 Dec 1915 Belgian Refugees at Hartley De Stem Uit Belgie
Daughter to refugee Paul Ketele at Hartley
18 Dec 1915 Gravesend Recruiting Campaign Gravesend Reporter
Brisk local recruiting - at Milton Barracks under Lt Hiscock this week. The reporter was impressed by the cheerfulness of the crowd. Several hundred attended on each of the 3 days. Gravesend recruiting area covers from Dartford to Isle of Grain and includes boroughs of Gravesend, Northfleet and rural districts of Dartford and Strood (part). Seems to be connected with attestation scheme, men given khaki armband to show they have enlisted (previously several people said they would join when called for)
18 Dec 1915 Female workers in previously male jobs Gravesend Reporter
First of 24 female postladies (letter carriers) started work in Gravesend on Tuesday.
18 Dec 1915 Swanley Recruiting Campaign Kent Messenger
Big rush in Swanley, Farningham and Crockenhill to attest under Lord Derby's scheme. Huge crowds at Milton, in spite of 40-50 volunteers and extra doctor, they had to work until 3am some days.
18 Dec 1915 Swanscombe Recruiting Campaign Kent Messenger
Swanscombe PC reported canvass of men, 771 'cards' returned, 23 outstanding 'shirkers' kept moving house to avoid canvass. Single - 100 would enlist, 158 doubtful or refused, 51 already enlisted. Married 147, 201 and 12. Most cooperated but one canvasser had to call at two houses 10 times.
25 Dec 1915 From a Soldier Kent Messenger
Eccles soldier tells men to join up now to crush "Prussianism" and "the rascals of the Capitalist Class of this country" and women to boycott shops if male assistants don't have khaki armband