Newspaper Stories 1918 - 1919
04 Jan 1918 Always in Stock (poem) Dartford Chronicle
"Always in Stock" by CEB "I said I want a little tea/A couple of pounds will do/And sugar and bacon and butter and lard/But the shopman said N?????/We stock the things that you ask about/But just at the moment we've quite run out//I said 'Then get me some margarine'/And he answered with utmost pride/'We are selling that by the quarter ounce/Will you join the queue outside'/But having no more than an hour to spare/I tried with no better luck somewhere//But as I jogged home I clinked my coins/Which I hadn't a chance to blow/And while I was reckoning which I'd saved/The Post Office hove in view/'War Bonds' I asked and I got 'em pat/They've never run out of things like that!"
05 Jan 1918 Female workers in previously male jobs Gravesend Reporter
General postmaster praises extra women taken on for Christmas post.
05 Jan 1918 Parliamentary Boundary Commission Kent Messenger
Map of new Kent constituencies
05 Jan 1918 Gravesend Introduces Rationing Kent Messenger
Gravesend first town in country to introduce meat rationing - 2 lb pw for adults 1 lb for children aged 3-13
05 Jan 1918 Food Shortages - Longfield Kent Messenger
Longfield - "Food - a correspondent writes: The parishioners are feeling the pinch of food restriction, as they are not entitled to the full benefit of the food economy arrangements in force at Gravesend, where so many of them were accustomed to do their shopping, but it is hoped they many soon benefit by arrangements to be made by their own district and parish committtees."
05 Jan 1918 Fundraising at Longfield Kent Messenger
Longfield - collections at church services for King's appeal and Red Cross. Longfield Hill mission church have only had infrequent services because of difficulties getting there by train for visiting preachers. Concert for wounded and POWs at Club Room raised £11.1.4½ (See article)
05 Jan 1918 Parliamentary Boundary Commission Kent Messenger
Boundary Review - Hartley, Longfield and Ash to be in Chislehurst Constituency (map)
05 Jan 1918 Land to Rent at Hartley Maidstone Telegraph
"To let, 3 acres excellent sheep feed; few hurdles necessary - Watson c/o Webb, Hartley, Longfield, Kent."
11 Jan 1918 Food Shortages - Dartford Dartford Chronicle
Rural Food Control Committee (RFCC) (Poor state of film) Claims that local shops were only getting 60% of sugar supply when Food Controller said it was 75%. Concerns that distribution in rural areas, more difficult than urban. Milk shortages in Swanscombe and Stone
11 Jan 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - HG Green (41), boot repairer and market gardener. Said to have been rejected by medical. Conditional exemption
11 Jan 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - Charles English (27) said if he was taken people would go hungry. Nearest other corn business is in Dartford. 3 months' exemption
12 Jan 1918 Sale of Livestock at Manor Farm, Ash Gravesend Reporter
Sale of livestock at Manor Farm, Ash
12 Jan 1918 Profiteering Gravesend Reporter
Fed up of Gravesend complains of price of milk and rabbits (4s with butchers meat scarse) "I hate being poor in order to make somebody else rich".
12 Jan 1918 Gravesend's Meat Lorry Breaks Down Kent Messenger
Gravesend's supply of meat supposed to arrive at 7.30pm on Friday but didn't get there until 4am Saturday. Frantic phone calls discovered lorry had broken down at Charlton. DRDC report shortages of meat and milk in rural areas.
12 Jan 1918 Entertainment in Longfield Village Kent Messenger
"Two successful entertainments given by Mr and Mrs Fielder and their friends, in the Village Club Room, realised £11 1s 4½d on behalf of the Local Wounded Sailors' and Soldiers' Fund and the Kentish Prisoners of War in Germany. The room on each evening was well filled, and it must be gratifying to the promoters to see teir efforts on behalf of such a good cause so well supported. The programme was a lengthy one. Each item was very efficiently rendered and gained well merited appluase from an appreciative audience. Although it would be invidious to specially refer to any individual artiste, mention may be made of Miss Jessie Moon, who gave great assistance as pianist. The programme consisted of mandolin duiet by Mrs Trevillian and friends; pianoforte solo Miss Ridgers; songs by the Misses Goodwin and Wells, Mr Fielder and Gunner Ball; children's sketch "The Green Dwarf", the Misses Leigh, Fielder, Caller, Longhurst and Robinson and Masters Longhurst, Caller, Richard Fielder, Simes and Foster; sketch "Doing our Bit", Mesdames Fielder and Allen, and the Misses Grenby, Peacock and Grant; sketch "The Railway Waiting Room", Mrs Fielder, the Misses Grant, Peacock, Harris and Morris, and Messrs T and R E Fielder."
12 Jan 1918 Longfield Church Kent Messenger
"Last Sunday there wre unusually large ongregations at the church intercession service in response to the King's appeal, and the offertories to the Red Cross Fund were large and generous. Services were held at the Mission at Longfield Hill, conducted by Mr Thurnell. The services there have been very infrequent for some time past, as the railway arrangements have made it very inconvenient for preachers to get here, but it is hoped that the services may be held more often in the future. The choir Christmas Tree was held on Wednesday at the house of Mr Cromer (?Cromar), and was greatly enjoyed and appreciated by the youthful choristers."
18 Jan 1918 Dartford Rural Food Control Committee Dartford Chronicle
RFCC (Poor state of film) - complaints about potatoes in bread. Coal supplies better than last year. Some issues of distribution between Dartford UDC and Dartford RDC
19 Jan 1918 Profiteering Gravesend Reporter
Fed up writes again to question why price of sprats are 4 - 7d per lb and herings 2½ - 5d each when government says there is a glut of them. Dried smoked haddocks before the war were 3½d each, now 1s 5d. Who is profiteering. Has heard wealthy lady say she'd tried herring for the first time and liked it. If rich are buying food reserved for the poor, the price will be kept up.
19 Jan 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Ash Kent Messenger
LV Debenham of Ash writes re report of his DRT Appeals Against Conscription case in paper of 29.12.17. Says he has been rejected by army on medical grounds 6 times. Feels he needs to prove point to "busy bodies", who would like to have him a soldier
25 Jan 1918 Food Shortage - Rural District Dartford Chronicle
RFCC (Poor state of film) - Fawkham and Swanscombe hold meetings in connection with Food Economy Campaign. WT Tunstall proposed and F Lynds seconded that rationing be introduced to the DRDC area from 18 February when the cards would be lodged with retailers. 224 lambs distributed in DRDC after Vickers alterted the committee to a serious meat shortage in Crayford.
26 Jan 1918 Rationing - Gravesend Gravesend Reporter
Normal meat ration for Gravesend is 2s 6d (adult) and 1s 3d (child 3-13) but committee late on Wednesday had to halve it due to temporary shortages in district, also had to put corned beef on ration. Taken over supplies to secure distribution.
26 Jan 1918 County Wide Pigeon Shoot Kent Messenger
Kent War Agricultural Committee arranging county wide pigeon shoot on 30/1, 6/2 and 13/2 from 2pm to dusk
26 Jan 1918 Corporal Honoured Kent Messenger
"Corporal F Shambrook, Royal Engineers, of the Green, Hartley, has just returned to France after being home on leave for 14 days. He has been awarded the Belgian Medal Militaire for devotion on duty and distinguished conduct under heavy shell fire during the battle of Arras. The gallant corporal, who was formerly employed by the EC Powder Company, enlisted in November 1914, and has served in France for 2½ years."
01 Feb 1918 A Quest for Chops - A shopping experience in Dartford Dartford Chronicle
The butchers' shops now open sometimes and when they are open look strangely like the little toy shops which used to annoy my childhood days - big ???? and only about 5 little joints to stock each! // I was sent out to buy the Sunday's joint on Saturday evening. It was a vain search. I could not find a shop let alone a joint. At last I came upon a beautifully appointed shop. The blind was drawn but a cheerful light streamed from the open door. I took my place amid 33 other doleful loking men and ????? looking women, and in the course of 45 minutes came to the door of the shop. // I glanced hungrily around that shop. On the slabs in sundry dishes, looking miserable and bereft, were 11 chilled kidneys, 2 bullock's hearts, 3 sheep's hearts and a piece of chilled salmon. And in front of me were still 8 persons, as did the people in Paris in 1871. // "Last day of the sale, remnant day" said a man in front of me, trying to hide the horrible fear that possessed him that even those kidneys and hearts could vanish before he could get to them. // "Hearts are poison for weak digestions" he whispered to me loud enough for those in front to hear. I knew at once that he had his eye on a heart. // "Kidneys are the very devil at 5 pence each" I said. // "Hard for you" he said as a ???? matron in front scooped up the last of the kidneys. // We grinned at each other miserably as the salmon was wrapped up for a weedy youth, who had evidently ????? that day. And now 2 hearts remained, and as we stood our ground the tail of the queue kicked the counter and melted away. // As the butcher handed the last but one heart to a lady who looked as though nothing in the world would poison her, my friend turned to me and said "I'm sorry old man, but I must have it". // "But it is poisonous" I said "You yourself said so" // "All I .....??? except the homely carrot" He said "And I am fed up with carrots. I am afraid it's no good you waiting" // I have asked myself since why I waited in that empty shop. I saw him seize his heart and go away with a shamefaced grin. Then the butcher turned to me and waved his knife round the empty shop. // "Is there any hope" I said "Must my children starve?". // He said "How did you know it was here? You must have a nose like a dog!" He pulled out from under the counter 4 of the prettiest loin chops my eyes ever beheld. // "I put these by for a customer" he said "And when she saw the salmon she had that instead". // "Thank heaven for the caprice of women" I said as I paid 3s 8d for the 4 chops. // I arrived home, weary but proud. I had my trophy on the table. "Aren't they beautiful" I said "Yes" said Janet, "How much" "What!!! 3 shillings and 8 pence for 4 chops. You must be mad!". // And I was. JS
02 Feb 1918 Food Shortages - Gravesend Gravesend Reporter
"Fair Ration" writes to ask why if there is enough for the ration, that they have to queue from 8am for 2-3 hours. Very difficult for women with children or women doing their bit in munitions factories.
02 Feb 1918 Longfield Food Committee Kent Messenger
Longfield to set up local food control committee, Rev E Smith chairman
08 Feb 1918 Food Shortages - Dartford Dartford Chronicle
Rector of St Albans, Dartford, talks of the importance of agricultural labour in sermon. Food queues began about a year ago for potatoes, people in those queues probably looked down upon the women who planted or gathered potatoes. "As long as the new world supplied England with food, no-one cared whether it paid to grow food or not, and acres of ground went out of cultivation".
08 Feb 1918 Food Shortages - Dartford Dartford Chronicle
RFCC report enough meat for weekend to meet the 50% standard.
09 Feb 1918 Food Shortages - Gravesend Gravesend Reporter
"An onlooker" writes that Gravesend Food Committee are not as good as they claim. His family of 3 has had 18 meatless days. He knows of dockworker and lady munitions workers who have not eaten meat for a fortnight. He's seen some shops with plenty of meat but his butcher is sold out by 9.30 am
15 Feb 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - M Webb (31) of Hartley Wood, manager of smallholding, said he cultivated 4a of fruit. Adjourned 1 month for medical examination. Told to go before agricultural board.
15 Feb 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - P Harris (42), C2, of St Margarets, formerly organ builder, now fruit, vegetable and poultry farmer. Conditional exemption.
15 Feb 1918 Food Shortages - Dartford Dartford Chronicle
Paper claims 50% of ration delivered to town. Those who said they were meatless at weekend bought some earlier in the week. It is right that rural customers should continue to buy in town, and they support the decision of the Dartford Food Committee to uphold this. Dartford's quota was based on supply last October, when it would have included the rural customers. "As the mother town and shopping centre of a large rural area, the town has for years had the benefit of trade from the neighbouring villages". Ration will be reduced to 1s 2d and 7d from 1s 4d / 8d to ensure supplies.
15 Feb 1918 Food Shortages - Dartford Dartford Chronicle
RFCC - 50% standard for margarine to be met this week. 200 to 300 men went home (from work?) because they objected to corned beef from caterers. Most issues seem to be in urban areas of Crayford, Swanscome and Slade Green
16 Feb 1918 Food Shortages - Dartford Gravesend Reporter
Reply by Food Committee (photocopy)
16 Feb 1918 Gravesend Yacht Club VAD Hospital Kent Messenger
Longfield - entertainment at school raised £8.19s for Yacht Club VAD hospital
16 Feb 1918 Longfield Village Society Founded Kent Messenger
Longfield Village Society founded to be affiliated to Federation of Allotment Holders. President Rev E Smith, T C Allchin vice president, Mrs F Brooks secretary and treasurer.
16 Feb 1918 Bungalows for Sale at Hartley Kent Messenger
Small Owners Ltd have 2 bungalows for sale, with 4 or 9 acres of land
22 Feb 1918 Council Buy Land at Pinden Dartford Chronicle
DRDC - purchase land in Pinden, Horton Kirby for road engines and other plant, councillor who objected to cost was overruled
23 Feb 1918 War Savings - Longfield Kent Messenger
Longfield - considering setting up local war saving association, lantern slide talk on subject to be given. 9 requests for allotments at Longfield Hill
01 Mar 1918 Queues Caused by Lack of Deliveries Claim Dartford Chronicle
Paper criticises Dartford butchers who won't deliver meat, forcing hundreds to stand in queues and disadvantaging rural customers who can't get there as early. False economy on labour. Notwithstanding the RFCC concerns it is better to have a number of tradesmen serving one street than many more queuing
01 Mar 1918 Sugar for Jam Making Dartford Chronicle
RFCC - told sugar will be available for private growers to make jam. Sutton baker applied for more petrol, as he had further to go to make deliveries. Committee member Mrs Golding said they should avoid overlapping areas. 4 houses in one street she knew served by different bakers. Tea shortage in Swanscombe, match shortage in Crayford.
02 Mar 1918 House to Let Kent Messenger
To let 10 roomed house, 2 acres of gardens, £75 per annum - A Humphrey, Fairby Farm
02 Mar 1918 Plots for sale at Hartley Kent Messenger
For sale 1-5 acre plots good arable land, 6 acre cherry orchard - Small Owners Limited
08 Mar 1918 Wanted Female Health Visitor Dartford Chronicle
DRDC - advert for female health visitor to advise mothers on proper nurture, care and management of young children. Salary £120.
08 Mar 1918 Rationing Guide Dartford Chronicle
Ration Guide for Householders - meat card has 4 coupons per week which must be used that week. Only 3 can be used for fresh meat at shop they have registered with. One 5d coupon will get e.g. 3oz of rump steak, 6½ oz brisket, 4oz beef suet, 5oz shoulder lamb/mutton. Non fresh meat coupon buys e.g. sausages (50% meat) 8oz, poultry w/o offal 8oz, tinned meat 2½oz, meat pies 2½oz. Coupons will also be needed for meat meals in restaurants. Margarine/butter is 4oz per week.
09 Mar 1918 Wanted Man for Market Garden Kent Messenger
"Wanted man for market garden; some glass; cottage close work - apply A Humphrey c/o Small Owners Ltd, Fairby Farm, Longfield, Kent"
23 Mar 1918 Apology to Land Girl Kent Messenger
Fanny Jenkins widow of Wilmington apologises and pays indemnity to land girl Victoria Coleman of Hawley. She was friendly with her employer Mr Moss? Dairy farmer and FJ had made allegations about the child being brought up by Miss Coleman's grandparents
23 Mar 1918 Vegetables etc for Sale Kent Messenger
"For sale seed - dwarf beans, purple sprouting broccoli, brussels sprouts; exchange wire stakes. R Weston, market gardener, Hartley Hill, near Longfield." [Hamilton, Church Road]
29 Mar 1918 Belgian fined for Keeping Pigeons Dartford Chronicle
Donat Drissons, Belgian refugee, fined £25 or 3 months for keeping pigeons. Expert said no licence to keep pigeons ever granted to an alien. Apparently they can be sold to anyone though
30 Mar 1918 Women's Land Army Kent Messenger
Successful women's land army recruitment day at Gravesend
01 Apr 1918 Belgian Refugees at Hartley Dixmude en omstreken
Death of refugee Leonie Ketele at Hartley
05 Apr 1918 Pro Publico Bono Dartford Chronicle
Editorial "Pro publico bone" supportive of farmers - vital industry, not profiteers as their costs have risen due to wage competition from munition works.
12 Apr 1918 Fined for Feeding Bread to Horse Dartford Chronicle
Belvedere man fined 20/- for giving bread to horse
19 Apr 1918 Rationing - Heavy Workers Dartford Chronicle
RFCC - concern over issue of heavy worker forms by som factories to get extra ration. One member said it was 'bunkum' everyone claimed to be heavy workers. Committee told by Food Controller that only those who grew fruit could have sugar for jam, not those who buy it.
20 Apr 1918 Obituary of Donald Baker of Longfield Kent Messenger
Longfield - obituary of Donald Baker (16) of Fern Lodge
26 Apr 1918 Supplementing their ration Dartford Chronicle
"John Tidy (16) and Edward Tidy of Ash bound over for 12 months for stealing duck from George Orpin of Ash. Father said he has to work 6 am to 6 pm and has lost control of them.
27 Apr 1918 War Casualties - Longfield Kent Messenger
Longfield - death of 2nd Lt Douglas Roy Dilworth-Harrison (34) killed in action between 27/3 and 7/4
03 May 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - Charles English 28, A grade, given 3 months exemption
03 May 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Longfield Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - "To serve". Fortunatus Lynds, 24, B1 of Essex Road, Longfield, married. Application dismissed.
03 May 1918 Rationing - Transfer Applications Dartford Chronicle
RFCC - large number of applications to transfer trade due to incivility by shopkeeper, all granted. Committee recognised difficulty of small shops getting supplies from wholesalers
04 May 1918 Longfield News Kent Messenger
Longfield - attempt to start pig club; Longfield girls in Southfleet girl guide concert raising over £14 for wounded.
11 May 1918 Conscientious Objectors - Quakers Kent Messenger
Roderick Clark and Robert Mannell, quakers, accused again of refusing army orders, 6 months after release for similar offence at Gravesend
18 May 1918 Properties for Sale by Small Owners Kent Messenger
"Small Owners Ltd have several cottage and bungalows with 4 acres of land upwards, also fruit land and arable land, for sale on their Hartley estate, 1½ miles from Fawkham Station. Full particulars, apply Empire House, 175 Piccadilly W"
24 May 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - P C Elphick of Annlea, Engineering Clerk, has been to Woolwich for medical exam, deferred until July 10th.
25 May 1918 War Casualties - Longfield Kent Messenger
Casualty list - killed Pte 735 Royal West Kent P Pankhurst MM (Longfield); wounded Pte 125027 London Regt JT Bennett (Longfield)
31 May 1918 Conscription extended to 45-48 Year Olds Dartford Chronicle
Men of 47 and 48 to be called up, those of 45 and 46 called up 2 weeks ago.
31 May 1918 Pacifism at Dartford Dartford Chronicle
Letter re Dartford Cooperative meeting - motion to support committee's stand in rescinding the decision to ban "pacifist" ILP from using Coop hall. Committee said hall cost £1,000 and they were worried about damage as they had received threats of trouble if the meeting went ahead. Motion lost 10-17. Writer thinks ILP want to take over Cooperative movement which he thinks should not be politicised
08 Jun 1918 Longfield Village Club Kent Messenger
Longfield Village Club - Miss Capper volunteers to register local garden crops with Kent War Agriculture Cttee. Pig and rabbit clubs going well.
08 Jun 1918 War Casualties - Longfield Kent Messenger
Casualty list - wounded - Gunner 147580 FJ Smith, Royal Garrison Artillery (Longfield)
15 Jun 1918 Gravesend By Election Kent Messenger
Gravesend Parliamentary bye-election - Richardson (official coalition) 1,312; Davis (Ind Coalition) 1,106; Hinkley (Independent Labour) 562. Winner new to Gravesend, Davis said Hinkley split anti-coalition vote
22 Jun 1918 War Casualties - Longfield Kent Messenger
Casualty list - missing - Pte 1935 Royal West Kent H Jenkins (Longfield) in March offensive by Germans
22 Jun 1918 War Casualties - Longfield Kent Messenger
Longfield - reports that Charles Saxton has been wounded and Roland Pankhurst has died of wounds
26 Jun 1918 General Election Dartford Chronicle
Sir A W Smithers adopted as Conservative candidate for Chislehurst. Born 1850, educated Lewisham Grammar. He is a stockbroker, involved recently in financial dealings between the UK and US. Lives Knockholt, claims to have been instrumental in getting water laid on there.
26 Jun 1918 Archbishop at Dartford Dartford Chronicle
Archbishop preaches at Dartford as part of Dartford - Erith "Crusade". Chairs meeting discusing how to prevent future wars.
29 Jun 1918 Mr and Mrs Mills of Hodsoll Street, Diamond Wedding Kent Messenger
Ash - diamond wedding of Mr and Mrs John Hills of Hodsoll Street. Mr Hills is 84 and still walks 3 miles to work every day. He has lived all his life in Ash
05 Jul 1918 Conscientious Objectors - Hartley Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - W Bradford (44), fruit grower, applied as conscientious objector. 6½ acres to farm, did insurance work in spare time, widower with 4 children under 8. Refused non-combatant work. 1 month's exemption. George Holloway 47 Johns Cottages, Longfield, plasterer at EC Powder works applied for by Mr Lynds - 6 month's exemption.
06 Jul 1918 Grammar School Scholarship - Ash Kent Messenger
Ash - Claude Costen (10) of Ash CofE school wins scholarship to Maidstone Grammar
06 Jul 1918 Weddings at Longfield Kent Messenger
Longfield - marriages of William Thomas Goodwin RN to Miss Florence Mary Vigor; and Edward Thomas Allen RAF to Dora Lavinia Langford of Longfield Hill
06 Jul 1918 Wanted - Cook at June Hill Kent Messenger
Wanted cook general, wages £26 - Mrs Bourdillon, June Hill
09 Jul 1918 East Farleigh Inquest South Eastern Gazette
Inquest on Stephen Boorman of East Farleigh, body identified by brother John Boorman of Hartley Court Cottages
12 Jul 1918 Women in the Workforce Dartford Chronicle
Ministry of Labour Dartford Advisory Committee - "despite the enormous call upon women labour, the supply does not yet appear to appraoch the point of exhaustion" Land Army, QMAAC and WRAF is proceeding satisfactorily but large numbers required as domestics and clerks for QMAAC.
13 Jul 1918 War Casualties - Longfield Kent Messenger
Picture of Pte H Marchant of Longfield of Wiltshire Regiment, killed in action on 10 April aged 19, had only been in France for 8 days.
13 Jul 1918 War Savings - Fawkham Kent Messenger
Fawkham - war weapons week. Buy war savings at Fawkham Green War Savings Association War Savings Week 13 - 20 July
19 Jul 1918 Fined for Bringing Matches to Explosives Factory Dartford Chronicle
Frederick Baker of Longfield and Henry Bennett fined £3 each for bringing matches into explosive factory. Firm sorry to bring charges but it is extreme danger. Notices on each shed and gate
19 Jul 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - PC Elphick, Annlea, grade 4, discharged from Army Service. Harry W Ellis 46 Holly Buch Cotttages, Longfield Hill, employed at EC Works, case adjourned.
26 Jul 1918 Cleared of Spreading Dissension Dartford Chronicle
Dartford Magistrates dismiss case against Coll McDonald under DORA of spreading disaffection, after accuser found to have a grudge against him. Alleged to have said Germans had more right, and that Britain and France would have invaded Belgium if the Germans hadn't etc.
26 Jul 1918 Volunteers for Agriculture Dartford Chronicle
Kent War Agricultural Committee says volunteer men are available
27 Jul 1918 War Savings - Meopham Kent Messenger
Meopham war savings week involves Meopham, Fawkham, Luddesdown, Cobham, Trosley. Has raised at least £6,000. Ash holding one on 20-27 July
27 Jul 1918 WOSCO Kent Messenger
"WOSCO soling material is cheaper than leather and wears longer. Men's sample 7s 6d for two pairs. Women's sample 3s 9d for two pairs - F Lynds, Essex Road, Longfield."
03 Aug 1918 War Savings - Meopham Kent Messenger
Meopham War Weapons Week - Fawkham raises £12.8.0, Kingsdown £300, Moepham £1,570. Total £5,808. Ash results awaited.
03 Aug 1918 Scouting Kent Messenger
3rd annual Gravesend District Scout Sports Day at Rosherville Gardens. 420 Scouts and Cubs attended as well as a small contingent of Girl Guides and Camp Fire Girls. List of troops and their scoutmasters - Gravesend (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th*, 5th, 7th*, 8th*, 9th), Dartford (3rd*, 5th*), Sutton at Hone*, Darenth*, 3rd Northfleet, Wilmington, Hartley (SM Debenham), Stansfield*, Southfleet (SM Burrows). Starred troops had scouts and cubs, others were scouts only. List of winners did not include any scouts from Hartley.
07 Aug 1918 Fruit Wanted Kent Messenger
Plums, apples, damsons, marrows, rhubarb and blackberries - Allen's Confectionery Co Ltd, Fairby Farm, Hartley, Longfield, Kent are buyers of same in large or small quantities, delivered at Fawkham Station, or at their jam factory at the above address.
09 Aug 1918 Rochester Clergy and the War Dartford Chronicle
Rochester Clergy 350 of whom 148 are under 51. Of these 27 didn't volunteer, 8 working for government, 1 invalided from army, 16 army chaplains, 3 combatants, 2 hut work, 2 special work in munitions, 73 allowed to remain in parishes and 6 doing additional work in parishes, 4 cases undecided, 5 have left for other dioceses
10 Aug 1918 Cornelius - Stoneham Wedding Kent Messenger
Marriage of Miss Mary Cornelius of Middleton's Farm, to Pte E Stoneham of Southfleet at Longfield Parish Church. Details
10 Aug 1918 Longfield Village Fete Kent Messenger
Longfield Village Fete in Rectory Meadow. RAMC Band from Darenth, Maypole Dances by Southfleet Guides, Tug of War, Baby Show, successful and riased money for wounded soldiers and sailors.
10 Aug 1918 Groom v Lawrence, damage to House Kent Messenger
"Gravesend County Court: Rose Ellen Groom of Snodland, sued Alfred Ernest Lawrence of Hartley Court, Longfield, for £3 15s 3d damage to a dwelling house, known as Sunrise, Istead Rise. Plaintiff's husband conducted her case, and Mr Clinch appeared for the defendant. // Plaintiff's case was that when defendant took the house there were certain fixtures, and as defendant did not like them, he removed them for his own. Now defendant had left the house plaintiff's fixtures had also gone. There was also a broken fence. There was an agreement but unfortunately witness tore it up. // Mr Clinch said defendant was a munition worker at the Arsenal and was unable to be present. He understood the tenancy was subject to reasonable wear and tear, but what damage had been done by the new tenant he did not know. // His honour gave judgement for 2 guineas and costs on that amount."
17 Aug 1918 Longfield Man POW Kent Messenger
Longfield - H Jenkins is a POW in Germany
17 Aug 1918 Fairby Jam Factory Kent Messenger
Allens Confectionery Company, Fairby Farm, wants plums, apples, damsons for jam making
22 Aug 1918 Wanted Book on Bee Keeping British Bee Journal
Wanted Roots 'Bee Culture' - Denys Millwood, Fairby
22 Aug 1918 Longfield Race Horse Patriot Harrisberg
World record for horse mile said to be 1 min 33.2 sec by 4 year old horse Colman at Longfield in 1900.
24 Aug 1918 Fairby Grange Sold Times
Fairby House has been sold privately by Hampton & Sons
28 Aug 1918 Scouting Kent Messenger
"Boy Scouts Sports and Rally: The postponed sports coupled with displays and a grand rally of the scouts of Central North Kent, were held at Hesketh Park, Dartford, on Saturday…" List of troops attending included Hartley Scouts under Acting Scoutmaster Wildy. About 380 present. In the sports, Scout Bance of Hartley won 2nd prize in the obstacle race. District Scoutmaster A Tutton is promoted to district commissioner. He and others "were the pioneers of scouting in the district over 10 years ago, and were instrumental in forming the Central North Kent Association." Because this association has become too large it is being split into Dartford and Gravesend District Associations.
29 Aug 1918 Wanted Healthy Hybrids British Bee Journal
Wanted healthy hybrids - Bee Keeper, Fairby
30 Aug 1918 Anti-Pacifist Letter Dartford Chronicle
"A working man" writes to criticise Labour for nominating a pacifist for parliament. Calls for protectionism and help for wounded "Our wounded soldiers and sailors are an abiding evidence of the price we are paying for the protection of hearth and home..."
06 Sep 1918 Women's Day Parade Dartford Chronicle
Women's Day Parade in Dartford (photocopy)
06 Sep 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - Rev Stanley Morgan criticises army medical exams that have swept unfit men into the army over last 3 years. Wm P Mansfield (41) Woodview Cottage, H Green dismissed from Woolwich Arsenal as being unfit, grade 3, not doing agricultural work. Given 6 months exemption
07 Sep 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Kent Messenger
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - W Mansfield (41) of Hartley Green, actor, 6 month's exemption
07 Sep 1918 Female Farm Workers Kent Messenger
800-900 women threshers in Kent, manning 200 machines
07 Sep 1918 Longfield Village Club Kent Messenger
Longfield Village Club decided to keep feeding pigs and rabbits for a month before considering killing them
07 Sep 1918 Longfield Schools Close for Hop Picking Kent Messenger
Usual closure of Longfield schools for hop picking holiday
07 Sep 1918 War Savings - Ash Kent Messenger
Ash and Ridley War Savings Association has now raised £378,0.3 from Ash and £50.7.6 from Ridley. 23 new members
07 Sep 1918 Fairby Jam Factory Kent Messenger
Fruit wanted for jam factory (see article)
13 Sep 1918 Auction of Livestock at Fawkham Dartford Chronicle
Court Lodge Farm, Fawkham - sale of livestock
13 Sep 1918 Discharged Servicemen Dartford Chronicle
National Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers meeting at meadow off Bullace Lane, Dartford. The photocopy I have is very poor. It is a long description of the meeting. The main speakers were Mrs Nora Dacre Fox, who railed against what she claimed were German influences in the government, and local politician Rev Stanley Morgan, who called for proper pensions now as he said the public's gratitude would be short lived. He was against women being on servicemen's pensions committee. He said "there was no such thing as equality of the sexes and it was nonsense to talk of it." // Rev Morgan's attitude to women in authority is surprising, since he was a Labour supporter, and the party supported female suffrage. He was also sharing a platform with Mrs Dacre Fox, who was a leading member of the sufragettes. However by the 1930s she had joined the Conservative party, only to leave and join Oswald Moseley's fascists. Like many fascists she was interned in the war. The NFDSS joined with other ex-servicemen to form the British Legion in 1921, it is suggested there was a concern to bring left leaning organisations such as them under the establishment.
18 Sep 1918 US Wounded Arrive at Longfield Station Burlington Gazette, Iowa
Picture and report of US wounded arriving at Longfield Station
24 Sep 1918 J Rich Wounded Weekly Casualty List
L/Cpl J Rich of Hartley, 129624 Machine Gun Corps, wounded
27 Sep 1918 Lyndhurst, Longfield for Sale Dartford Chronicle
For sale - Lyndhurst, Longfield
27 Sep 1918 Paper Shortage Dartford Chronicle
Restrictions on the import of wood pulp in favour of food has created serious paper shortage. Chronicle will pay 1s 5d per 14lb of waste paper brought to their offices
04 Oct 1918 Coal Shortage Dartford Chronicle
Coal controller says village squire or vicar can hold a reserve supply of coal for distribution if usual supplies fail
05 Oct 1918 Accident in Longfield Kent Messenger
Albert Marchant (14) of Essex Road, Longfield, fell from hay cart and broke arm. Taken to Gravesend Hospital.
11 Oct 1918 Trading Standards - Sutton at Hone Dartford Chronicle
Police court - Sutton farmer fined £2 for milk 11% short in fat. Dartford shopkeeper fined £15 for selling extra food without coupons
12 Oct 1918 Longfield War Shrine Kent Messenger
On Sunday war shrine dedicated, fixed to front wall of school. Made of oak by R W Gilham to design of Miss Crook, head teacher of Church Schools, with funds raised in village and parish. Crucifix in centre, adorned with brass flower vases and with Biblical texts "Greater love hath no man than this" and "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord", Roll of honour. Details of service and attendees.
18 Oct 1918 POW Farm Workers Dartford Chronicle
Horton Kirby farmer complains that his 10 Germany POW workers were suddenly withdrawn even though still required. Told all were sent home "to roost" on 1 October, apparently because of poor quality lodgings.
24 Oct 1918 Fairby Grange The Tribunal
25 Oct 1918 Philip Pankhurst of Fawkham, MM Dartford Chronicle
Private Arthur Philip Pankhurst of Fawkham Green awarded military medal (picture)
29 Oct 1918 Sale of Potatoes at Wellfield South Eastern Gazette
"Mr Philip Champion has received instructions from the Kent War Agricultural Committee to sell by auction on the ground at Payne Trapps Building Estate, Hartley, on Wedneday 30th October 1918, at 10 o'clock am precisely, the crop of growing potatoes, as follows: // Lot 1 - about 2 acres President (grown from Scotch seed) // Lot 2 - about 1 acre Lochar (seed one year from Scotland) // Lot 3 - about 3½ acres King Edward VII (ditto) // Lot 4 - about 4 acres Arran Chief (Scotch seed) // The above lots will be sold with the pemission of the Ministry of Food, subject to the Forward Contract No 2,659, dated 10th May 1918. Under the above contract all the Ware potatoes dressed over 1 5/8 in riddle will be taken by the Ministry at a minimum price of £6 per ton or at the controlled price whichever is the higher. // Lot 5 - about 1½ acres King George and King Edward VII, not subject to the above regulations.... // [The uncultivated land at the Payne and Trapps estate in the Wellfield area was requisitioned by the War Agriculture Committee.]
01 Nov 1918 Influenza Epidemic Dartford Chronicle
Flu epidemic, DRDC has already closed 20 of 27 schools and now orders all closed until 18/11
01 Nov 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Dartford Chronicle
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - Charles English (28), grade A, corn merchant - 6 months' exemption
01 Nov 1918 Influenza Epidemic Dartford Chronicle
Flu - all DRDC schools closed until 18 November (largely same as KM 2&9 Nov)
02 Nov 1918 Appeals against Conscription - Hartley Kent Messenger
DRT Appeals Against Conscription - Charles English (28), grade A, corn merchant - 6 months' exemption
02 Nov 1918 Jurors' Lists Kent Messenger
Longfield - complaint by resident that they had to travel 1 mile to see juror's list and no details of how to object as to inclusion
02 Nov 1918 Influenza Epidemic Kent Messenger
Flu - DRDC has closed 20 of 27 schools and remainder to be closed now. Gravesend BC closed schools for 3 weeks, asked cinemas not to admit under 14s. Swanscombe - 6 deaths (3 children, 3 adults) and 4 others down with flu. Greenhithe - 1 death (child) with sibling very ill too. Doctors greatly overworked, many severe cases especially among children
02 Nov 1918 Wounded Servicemen Fundraising Kent Messenger
Accounts of Longfield Wounded Soldiers and Sailors Relief Fund: has raised £115 1s 5d including donations from Hartley, Fawkham, Southfleet Guides, Entertainments at Longfield and Southfleet.
09 Nov 1918 Arthur Munday Memorial Service Kent Messenger
Longfield - memorial service for Arthur Munday, died in hospital from gas poisoning
09 Nov 1918 Influenza Epidemic Kent Messenger
Flu - all DRDC schools closed until 18 November. Greenhithe - 2 more deaths and many cases
09 Nov 1918 Longfield PC v Wright Kent Messenger
Longfield PC v Walter Wright, 3 day case in Chancery Division of High Court as to whether council had really sacked him. He was appointed in 1913. By 1917 council split on issue of stone quarrying on allotments. At meeting held on 5.4.17 with George Thomas Lynds in chair and only 2 others present, they voted to sack Mr Wright. In court Wright's barrister reminded them Lynds had been involved in scandal of underassessing properties that led to Mr Robson, Wright's predecessor being sacked and the assessment on one of Lynds's properties being increased from £3.15s to £18. // Mr Wright said he had often agendered items to try and recover the back taxes owed by Mr Lynds. Judge said sacking of Mr Wright at meeting of 5.4.17 was invalid because it wasn't on the agenda, but later resolution to appoint Mr Judge impliedly sacked Mr Wright was valid. In view of "somewhat unfair" treatment of Mr Wright he said LPC should pay their own costs. He commented "The people there seemed to have occupied themselves during the period of the war with a considerable amount of civil war among themselves". Mr Wright said he was a nurseryman and estate agent at Longfield before war, and is now a clerk at Vickers Works, Crayford
09 Nov 1918 Wanted Goats Kent Messenger
Wanted nanny goats in milk - Webb, Fairby
11 Nov 1918 Influenza Epidemic Kent Messenger
Flu - Greenhithe 9 flu deaths in last week (3 children, 3 aged 18-20, 3 adults)
16 Nov 1918 End of the War Kent Messenger
News of peace reached KM offices at Gravesend at 11am on Monday. Local streets thronged with crowds, sounds of hooting from factories and ships. "Just as though someone had pressed an electric button, flags and streamers appeared everywhere". Continued into the night with fireworks and burning of the kaiser's effigy. "Then to bed with no fear of an air raid. What a relief!"
16 Nov 1918 Influenza Epidemic Kent Messenger
Dartford medical officer says flu is abating but has probably claimed over 100 lives
22 Nov 1918 Ancient Rhyme Dartford Chronicle
Paper quotes 'ancient rhyme' - "Sutton for mutton, Kirby for beef, Dartford for a pretty girl, Farningham for a thief"
22 Nov 1918 End of the War Dartford Chronicle
Peace Sunday (17th). Thanksgiving in churches, procession in town
30 Nov 1918 Longfield Concert for the Wounded Kent Messenger
Longfield holds concert for wounded of village. Raised £14, bringing total to £100
06 Dec 1918 E H Haygreen Missing Dartford Chronicle
E H Haygreen (pictured with wife) reported missing
07 Dec 1918 St Joseph's High School, Hartley Kent Messenger
"St Josephs Hartley, Longfield, High School for Young Ladies, Boarding School for Gentlemen's Sons, 4 to 10 years. Oxford locals, Music, French. Apply Principal"
14 Dec 1918 General Election - Southfleet Kent Messenger
Conservative election rally at Southfleet
21 Dec 1918 Concerns about Starvation in Germany Kent Messenger
Dartford Guardians pass resolution to put the kaiser on trial. 3 opposed including Mrs Ling who spoke of terrible conditions in Germany and starving children there.
27 Dec 1918 Longfield PC v Dartford RDC Dartford Chronicle
Longfield PC v Dartford RDC (Chancery Division) report of case. PC objects to injuction saying their use of allotments for quarry is ultra vires, and to stop works and remove traction engines.
27 Dec 1918 In an Air Raid at Dartford Dartford Chronicle
By 'Gavel Kind' "I saw my first Zeppelins at Dartford on the night of October 13th 1915. The first intimation I had of a visit to my neighbourhood from the air was when all the lights at the railway station wre extinguished. As trains came in their lights were put out and they left the station with their compartments in dartkness. // A crowed collected on the platform, joking light heartedly at the predicament. An old lady with grey hair querulously asked why the lights wre out, and an inspector suggested 'so that the Germans don't see us, I expect'. Girls giggled as they moved along the platform. Men struck matches to find their way about, and one ireverently joked 'Give us light, we beseech Thee, O Lord'. An old gentleman carefully picked his way among the crowd with the aid of an electric torch. There was no confusion. The usual British phlegm, tinged wtih humerous sarcasm was paramount. A girl behind me said 'I don't mind the other lights being out, but I don't think it is right to have the lights in the train out'. Her notions of propriety were outraged, and they ocvercame her realisation of the danger to lighted trains while Zeppelins were overhead. // The train I awaited was announced and I entered a carriage. A seafaring man stumbled in after me, cursing the idiots who had put the station in darkness. What fear had he of Zeppelins! A day or two before, he had perhaps sailed the high seas and laughteed at the German 'frightfulness' of the oceans, the U Boat. A man's head appeared at the open window of the carriage and he began asking about he destination of the train. My seafaring companion answered him, then suddenly burst out with a volloey of oaths, threatening his questioner if he did not go away. #He was putting his hands across my clothes,' explained the saillor to me. // Just before the train started, four girls, some of the many who wwere travelling by the train to start night work at Vickers' Erith Works, entered the carriage followed by two youths. Under cover of the darkness a lively repartee commenced. But when the train reached a cutting a few hundred yards out ot the station, it stopped, the chatter however, went on. // The train waited a quarter, a half, three-quarters, a whole hour. It was tiresome waiting. Choruses swelled out from other coaches, and girl's and men's voices sounded in laughter and coarse joking. No-one had serious thoughts, or thoughts of danger; only irritation at the train's standstill. // Another hour passed slowly by. The monotony of waiting, and the energy used in singing had dulled the excitement in the breasts of most of the passengers. the carriages became stuffy, people's heads ached and they wanted to go to sleep. If they looked out of the window they could only see the banks of the cutting, and above, the bright stars glittering in the night. // It was now about midnight. The whirring of an aeroplan engine had been heard before, but now I heard a louder, heavier noise. It was, I anticipated, from a Zeppelin engine. A little later I heard two dull booms. Those I imagined were the bursting of bombs. Carriage doors were opening, and men were getting onto the line. Two men had climbed the steep banks of the cutting and were talking eagerly together and pointing to the sky. I climbed down from my carriage and joined them trembling with cold and with excitement. I had to be instructed by my companion before I could discern the monsters of the air. // My position on the high cliff commanded a complete view of the drama that was about to take place. The River Thames lay in front, with about two miles of marsh land between, the same flat country stretching away on my left, searchlights stabbged the sky with beams of light which concentrated at three different points; two close together, directly opposite, over Essex and one over London. As my eyes followed the course of the beams and searched in the light at their junction, I saw the Zeppelins, one at each of the three points. // The gas bags showed up a slivery white in the diffused light that clung around them. They were all a long way off and terribly high. They were but elongated specks of white in the sky, like stars that had been smeared over, and thus deprived of their brilliancy. // A rocket soared and burst into a bright white light; the searchlights hung dog like about the airships and then the anti-aircraft guns barked out. the curtain of black sky that hung before me was then sprinkled with the momentary flashes of the bursting high explosive shells. Just as there were many searchlights, so there wre many guns firing from all directions. The bombardment of the sky went on, and it could be seen the Zeppelins were hurrying eastward at a great height. // I saw two brick red flashes rise up from the horizon, and heard the dull booms which betokened the dropping of bombs. // The two Zeppelins over Essex were soon lost to the searchlights, but that over London was kept observed for a longer period. It seemed to be coming towards Dartford, but it turned in a more northerly direction in the wake of the others. As I watched, a tense excitement gtripped me, and I prayed that a shell would burst against the white cae and cause it to explode before my eyes. But the monster bore a charmed life. It turned, and with increased speed, fled away into the darkness of the night. In a little while the guns were silenced, the searchlights covered, and the raid had ended. // I climed down the steep bank, slipping on the dewy grass and stumbling over the signal wires by the side of the track, and climbed into a carriage. It was not the one I had left, but was filled with terrified girls, I hastily retreated and found a seat in another carriage, occupied by a National Reservist, who wondered what his 'old man' would say when he arrived three hours over leave at Erith. The train continued its interrupted journey, having stopped in the outing in darkness for almost 4 hours. // The newpapers announced next morning that 56 people had been killed and 114 injured as a result of the raild."
31 Dec 1918 General Election - Chislehurst South Eastern Gazette
Chislehurst constituency election result: Alfred W Smithers (Con Coalition) 8,314, Capt A Edmunds (National Party) 2,507. Electorate 26,801 of which women 10,996. Dartford constituency had an electorate of 46,000
03 Jan 1919 General Election - Chislehurst Dartford Chronicle
Election - Chislehurst: Sir Waldron Smithers (Coalition Unionist) 8,314; Capt A Edmonds (National) 2,507. Majority 5,807. Count was at Dartford, Little reaction to result as few supporters there. Dartford: James Rowlands (Coalition Liberal) 15,626, William Ling (Labour) 6,506. Majority 9,120. Mr Ling met with somewhat hostile reception, one voice called him "Pro-German".
04 Jan 1919 Lest We Forget Kent Messenger
Letter by "Englishwoman" of Gravesend. Shocked to find veteran having to sell lavender door to door because pension of 10s 2d doesn't feed him, wife and 4 year old child. He had 2 gold stripes and 4 chevrons. "Is this the best a grateful (?) country can do for its heroes". Germans should pay for decent pensions.
11 Jan 1919 Longfield Prize Winner Kent Messenger
Gravesend tombola for discharged servicemen's fund. 145th prizewinner (clock worth 17s 6d) Mr J Roland, Longfield Siding (11,806)
11 Jan 1919 Women in the Workforce Kent Messenger
Lillie Ross Cline write to call for women to give up their jobs to men. Quite a few kept on not through efficiency but because they were needed. Shouldn't be prejudiced against domestic service. Cites case of girl earning £3-4 pw, paid mother 14s and spent rest on clothes.
11 Jan 1919 Soldiers Call to be Discharged Kent Messenger
Protests by soldiers in Folkestone, Dover and Maidstone to call for discharge.
11 Jan 1919 £60 Damages KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Dartford county Court. "Stanley Hickmott, manager of the Longfield Estate, sued Messrs Cannon and Gaze, of Erith for £76 5s for personal injuries and damage to a motor cycle in a collision on November 11th. // For plaintiff it was said that a collision occurred on Hartley Hill between the motor cycle and defendant's motor lorry, by which the cycle was thrown into the hedge and plaintiff was injured. Mr Sims, a passenger in a side car attached to the cycle, ran after the lorry, which went on, the driver apparently no knowing what had happened. The driver of the lorry subsequently said the motor lorry skidded. Plaintiff's leg was crushed and he was laid up for 6 weeks. The lorry, said plaintiff, cut right into the cycle as they were passing - Police evidence was given which appeared to corroborate this evidence, and it was stated the machine would require £34 5s 6d spent on it to make it as it was before the accident. Henry Barnes, 15 Oak Road, Northumberland Heath, the driver of the lorry, said he heard no hooter and did not know anyone was overtaking him. This evidence was corroborated by the stoker, Henry Whitehead of 33 High Street, Erith - Judgment was given for plaintiff however, for £60."
18 Jan 1919 History of Air Raids Kent Messenger
"The Greatest of Wars" article on air raids in Gravesend. Some had dug shelters, people in Northfleet sheltered in tunnels in chalk quarry. Luckily no-one was killed in town, near miss on 31/10 - 1/11/17 when 14 Prospect Place hit by incendiary which ignited bed where 4 children were sleeping, matress thrown out of window.
24 Jan 1919 Railway in the War Dartford Chronicle
Extract from article in Times about SE&CR in wartime. 7,515 special ambulance trains carrying 1,215,896 wounded
31 Jan 1919 Day - Eubank Wedding Dartford Chronicle
Marriage of daughter of George Day of North Ash to William Allen Eubank of Bean at Ash Chapel. Picture, list of gifts.
01 Feb 1919 KCC Vote against Equal Pay for Women Kent Messenger
KCC Education committee votes against equal pay for women. Only 3 of 20 on committee voted for.
01 Feb 1919 Air Raid Precautions - Gravesend Kent Messenger
AJ Philip former organising secretary of Gravesend Air Raid Patrol thanked all those involved, up to 2,700 at one time. First raids led to large numbers leaving town to sleep at night (he said one school had 50 children sleeping in the fields). People quickly stopped doing this when patrols started. ARP stopped when sirens introduced.
07 Feb 1919 Kent Police and the War Dartford Chronicle
Kent Constabulary and war. 217 joined up, 18 killed, 7 incapicitated
08 Feb 1919 Rosherville VAD Hospital Kent Messenger
Last patient leaves Rosherville VAD hospital. Opened 15/11/14 for about a year, reopened 3/3/16. With 126 beds it treated 3,461 people.
14 Feb 1919 Women's Land Army Dartford Chronicle
Women's Land Army at Eynsford
15 Feb 1919 Female Workers Dismissed Kent Messenger
100 women discharged from docks.
22 Feb 1919 History of Air Raids Kent Messenger
Account of air raids briefly mentions 1917 raid on Longfield and Ash
01 Mar 1919 Local News in Brief KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Servant Wanted // "Wanted daily or temporary housework - Apply Gilbert, Hartley Green, Longfield." // Rabbits // "A large stock of high class utility for sale, 6 weeks to 12 months; from 2s 6d to 20s each - Apply Wells, Barncroft, Hartley, Longfield, Kent."
07 Mar 1919 Imprisonment of Cos Streatham News
"Sir, I was pained to see in the last issue of the Streatham News that a Tooting conscientious objector, Fred J Tritton, had been sentenced to a further court martial - his third - for his refusal to obey military orders. It really baffles a matter of fact person to understand what possible motive any Government could have in continuing to persecute these men. In all our prisons today there are men who are determied that th eGovernment shall not exact from them that pinch of incense upon the altar - obedience to a military command, involving as it does to them, a violation of the principle of man's supremacy in the matter of his own conscience. These men have set out on deliberate course of action, and sustained it through many vicissitudes, unknown at present to many in our land. The Government, so far, has failed to break their resolve, and they languish in our prisons and army camps. // Is there sincerity in dispute? Then will any one level the charge that a man who has suffered the indignities and civilised savagery of tribunal, police court, guard room, court martial, and the soulless monotony of the prison cell, is a coward or a shirker? If so, your readers would like to hear further. If not, are they content to sit in armchair tranquility whilst their compatriots and joint heirs of the dignity of Runnymede stagnate in our gaols? Do not these men stand in the direct line with teh conscientious objector of all ages; that persecuted minority whose view point the nation sanctions and adopts when the protagonists themselves are safely dead? // Let Wandsworth men and women not be behind in demanding that the Government shall forthwith release these men and make this a true test of the principles of freedom, to defend which the youth of England rallied to the colours. // Yours etc, Denys R Millwood, Fairby Grange, Hartley, Longfield, Kent. 4th March 1919." // [Denys Brian Millwood (1895-1974) appears to have come from a Christian pacifist family. His brother Phillip Leslie Millwood was secretary of the No Conscription Fellowship and a member of the Brixton and Streatham Free Church Council. He was imprisoned for 2 years in 1917, at his trial Philip said "I am not a solider. I stand for peace, for truth, for liberty and peace at once, and peace forever." (Bayswater Chronicle 14.7.1917)]
08 Mar 1919 Longfield Parish Council v Dartford Rural District Council Kent Messenger
Longfield PC win case in Chancery Division against DRDC that agreement for stone with 18/7/1916 was ultra vires. History of site, rented by PC for allotments in 1908, freehold acquired 1913.
14 Mar 1919 Death of Rifleman E H Haygreen Dartford Chronicle
Rifleman EH Haygreen previously posted missing, now known to have died on night of 28/9/18 when 2/16 London Regiment advanced to take Messines Ridge. Picture
14 Mar 1919 Death of Pte William Pankhurst Dartford Chronicle
Death of Pte William Pankhurst of Mabel Cottages, Longfield. He was listed as a POW 10.8.1917 at Lager Lechfeld in Bavaria. He died on a local farm where he worked, and was buried locally.
29 Mar 1919 Land Army Concert at Ash Kent Messenger
Ash - Land Army Concert.in Ash parish room under supervision of Miss Berkeley the welfare officer. Room filled to utmost capacity, every chair and niche taken, raised £10 8s 5d for Welfare Fund. Mentions thresher gang working in Ash. Assisted by Ash schoolchildren
05 Apr 1919 Peculiar Incident at Longfield Kent Messenger
"Ex-soldier sues for damages. At the Dartford County Court on Wednesday, Albert Haselden of Longfield, late licensee of the Railway Tavern, Longfield, was summoned by Matthew Hannigan, formerly a police constable and later in the army, for £100 in respect of personal injuries. Mr Clinch, for the plaintiff, said his client had been wounded and operated upon. He had enterd into business negotiations with Haselden and went to see him in connection with them on coming out of hospital. A dispute took place and Haselden, it was alleged, assaulted him, with the result that he had to return to hospital and undergo another operation and he had not recovered from the effects of the trouble. // Plaintiff, in reply to Mr Cassal, sai it was not true that when Haselden and he came into contact there was a curtain between them. He was of opinion that Haselden deliberately struck him. // Dr F W Redds, House Surgeon at Guys said plaintiff, having been discharged fro the hospital early in November, returned about the 28th with a new fracture of the thigh, which he said he got from being knocked down. He underwent two operations and aw discharged on January 31st. // For the defence it was urged that Haselden had no quarrel with Hannigan. He found a man named Hollands in the scullery with his wife and remonstrated with him, with the result that Hollands left. Witness went to the door to let him out and stepped against a curtain behind which he supposed Hannigan was standing. He did not assault Hannigan, nor did he know he was behind the curtain. He only heard what had happened to Hannigan the next morning, and even then he did not know he was accused of causing the injury. // Mrs Haselden said when Hollands came into the scullery for water she told him she wished he would go away, because they had all had plenty to drink. When her husband was showing Hollands out, Hannigan went towards the curtain in the private bar and then fell back, but he could not have been struck by any blow aimed at her by her husband. Hannigan was picked up by a customer and went away without making any complaint. // Driver G Day and Walter Hollands, both of Longfield, customers at the bar at the time of the incident , both asserted that there was no assault and no words between plaintiff and defendant. // Judgement was given for plaintiff, however, for £65 and costs."
12 Apr 1919 Local News in Brief KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Horticulture // "Now that peace is in measurable distance of being signed, the subscribers to the Ash, Fawkham, Hartley, Kingsdown, Ridley and Stansted Floral and Horticultural Society have decided to again start activities. A general meeting has been held, and additions made to the committee, while Mr T B Hohler CMG has been approached to act as Joint President with his brother Mr Edwin Hohler. Messrs Ralph Day and John Beavis have been elected Joint Hon Secretaries and Treasurers. It is anticipated that he show this year will be held at Fawkham about the third Wednesday in August." // Charge of Wasting Foodstuffs // "Hedley Symons of Hartley was summoned at Dartford on Friday for wasting foodstuffs. He pleaded not guilty. // Mr Clinch, for the prosecution, said the alleged offence lay in defendant's pigs trespassing on a field and eating a quantity of potatoes from a clamp. Mr Mitchell (from the Bench): but is that not stretching the order? Is it waste of food? If the pigs ate the potatoes, the pigs will be used for food eventually. Mr Clinch: Would it not be a waste if pigs were fed on rump steak? Florence Crouch said the potatoes were in ground belonging to Mrs Golding, for whom she worked. She saw the pigs rooting them out on several occasions. // Defendant denied that there had been any negligence. His pigs had trespassed once or twice, and he had paid for the damage, but Mrs Golding claimed £10, and he wrote and asked why he had not been allowed to see the extent of the damage, and whether it was not a fact that other people's pigs had trespassed on her land. He was surprised when proceedings were taken. The case was dismissed." [Charles Ellerby's book suggests Mr Symons's pigs got out much more than "once or twice"!] // Pigs for Sale // "Four gelts, middle whites, 7 months, ready for service - Villarose, Hartley, Longfield [Villa Rosa]" // Alleged Brutality // Dartford Magistrates. "William Roberts, a dealer, of Hartley, was summoned for ill treating a pony. PS Dearing said that at Longfield on March 24th he saw defendant thrashing the pony. The animal stopped, when defendant took hold of its head and gave it two blows which knocked it down. Defendant did not appear, and a warrant was issued for his arrest."
01 May 1919 The Work of the Convalescent Fund The Tribunal
"At last the Government has been aroused to a sense of the injustice of the repeated imprisonment of the CO and more than half of our comrades are not at liberty. But to the man who has served a sentence of 2 years hard labour, the opening of the prison door is not the end of suffering. // Very early on it became evident that something would have to be done for the many who were being slowly broken down in health by the close confinement, semi-starvation, and the cold of the prison cell, and the CO Convalescent Fund was the outcome. As men were discharged from prison on grounds of ill health they were welcomed into the Convalescent Home at Fairby Grange in Kent, which Dr Salter kindly placed at the disposal of the Fund, and here they have been carefully nursed back to health and strength once more. // In addition to this work, the Fund made a determined effort to be ready for the needs of the whole of the men, should a sudden release take place. Gifts of clothing were appealed for to assist those who had lost their clothes in guard rooms or worn them out in prison. And as it was evident that a large number would be quite unfit to resume work until they had had a period of rest and recuperation, an appeal was made for hospitality in private homes, and funds were collected to assist others to take a holiday of their own planning. Sympathetic friends were found in the neighbourhood of the prisons, and a letter written to each man on his release, telling him of the existence of the Fund and giving an address in the near vicinity of the prison in which he could obtain immediate assistance if needed. // At the request of the Joint Advisory Council, the Fellowship of Reconciliation undertook responsibility for the Convalescent Fund on behalf of all the bodies concerned. The pressure of work following on release has been enormous. Mr Isaac Goss, who had been working hard to perfect the scheme, unfortunately broke down in health just on the eve of release. Once can imagine how keenly disappointed he must have been not to be present to welcome those for whom he had done so much. But the plans he had so carefully laid were carried on by willing workers and the Committee especially desire to thank the No-Conscription Fellowship and teh Friends' Service Committee for the assistance so freely given. // Contributions to the Fund have come from all parts of the globe. Gifts have been received from Malta, from Canada, and from Australia. Trade Unions, Trade Councils, Socialist and Co-operative bodies have contributed. Whist Drives and Sales of Work have been organised in support of the work. Over 100 persons have offered hospitality in their homes, Guest Houses have been thrown open for use of COs, while special low terms for holiday accommodation are being given at a number of sympathetic camps and hostels. The response to the appeal has been generous, but it is already evident that much more will be required. Particularly are further supplies of clothing urgently needed. Branches are urged to do all they can to help on this splendid cause. // The work is now in full swing. At Fairby Grange and other convalescent homes, comrades are receiving medical attention and careful nursing. Already some 200 have been helped to take a much needed holiday, about the same number have been fitted with clothing, while others have received financial aid. May I say what a great privilege and joy it has been to be able to assist in thei work and to see how relieved our released comrades have felt at knowing that their needs have been anticipated and are being met. Lester Smith."
08 May 1919 Want Servant Bromley Chronicle
"House parlourmaid required; good wages; easy situation - Write Mrs Rawlinson, Hartley Manor, Longfield, Kent"
12 May 1919 Fairby Grange for Conscientious Objectors Daily Herald
"Dartmoor Settlement for COs - Final statement regarding disposal of cash and property belonging to men in the above settlement at 19th April 1919. // Sent to Fund for the Relief of Dependents of COs. // March 31st - From Canteen Funds (£50) // April 19th - Balance of cash from Canteen (£118 1s 10d) // April 19th - Balance of cash from general funds (£8 5s 3d) // Total £176 7s 1d // Sent to Fairby Grange Convalescent Home // Cash (Donations and Social Com.)(£6) // Surplus stock in canteen value (£29) // All settlers' library, books, magazines sent to Fairby Grange. // All books were duly audited and found to be correct by Samuel Broomfield, of Broomfield and Co, accountants and auditors, Newport. Balance sheets and books have been deposited with NCF at 5 York Buildings, Adelphi, London, where they may be seen for inspection. Copy of the final balance sheet may be seen on application to undersigned, the secretary of men's committee in session, at close of settlement. G B Eddie, 88 Canning Street, Glasgow. // [Many conscientious objectors were sent to prison, and when they were released they were in very poor state, due to the conditions they were kept in. Dr Salter made Fairby Grange available to them to recuperate. This charity sent money, books etc to the men there.]
15 May 1919 Wanted at Fairby The Tribunal
(Advert) "For CO Convalescent Home. Wanted Deck Chairs, cushions, cricket set, tennis net and racquets, a good gramophone, music (pianoforte and songs). Send to Miss Buckley, Fairby Grange, Hartley, Longfield, Kent."
26 May 1919 COs v Discharged & Wounded Soldiers The Tribunal
"The cricket field at Fairby Grange was last week the scene of an interesting and ultimately exciting game between the local Hartley team composed of discharged and wounded soldiers and the Home team made up of Conscientious Objectors, who are temporarily recuperating at Fairby from the effects of terms of imprisonment. A keen finish ended in a draw: Fairby 65 (Webb 17, Humphrey 7 for 24); Hartley 57 for 8 (Humphrey 19, Scott 4 for 6)."
31 May 1919 Local News in Brief KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Fruit Wanted // Advert. "Jam Making Fruit - Allen's Confectionery Company Ltd, Fairby Farm, Hartley, Longfield, Kent, will be pleased to have prices for Gooseberries, Currants, Raspberries, and Strawberries delivered at their factory or by rail at Fawkham Station." // Entertainment for the Wounded // Southfleet. "A varied entertainment in aid of the Wounded Soldiers and Sailors' Fund was given at Southfleet School on Friday. The artistes emanated from the neighbouring parish of Longfield, and were under the conductorship of Mr Fielder. The company needed no recommendation from the inhabitants; their programme was as usual well rendered, and excellently received by a large audience. Teh object for which the entertainment was given deserves the highest commendation. The parishes of Fawkham, Hartley, Longfield and Southfleet are comprised in the fund. During the war, the wounded of this large district,have all been remembered by a money present. It is gratifying to know that the committee has still a sum at its disposal, which, now hostilities have ceased, will be distributed at discretion."
21 Jun 1919 Local News in Brief KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
The Right Education // "At the [Longfield] parish church on Sunday, sermons were preached for the National Society and the Church Building Society. The Rev C Hyde Brooke made a stirring appeal in the evening for a spiritual education on the lines of the morality of the Church Catechism in preference to the German notion of mere knowledge getting, which had brought such [.....] disaster upon Germany and the world in general." [A truly shocking claim, suggesting that the speaker didn't really believe that poor people should be educated at all.] // Education Development // "On Friday a meeting was held in the Longfield Schools to consider the new Education Act. The Rev E Smith took the chair, and the Revs J T Matchett (Fawkham) and H B Hennell (Ash) were present. A strong desire was expressed that the 6 schools of Ash, Southfleet, Fakwham, Hartley and Longfield should be formed into one centre, and so kept entirely rural. I tw as contended that a rural population had special needs, and that it was most desirable to encourage the inhabitants of villages to fit themselves to the fullest capacity for agricultural work and the enjoyment of a quiet rural life. The managers of the Longfield schools, it was stated, had long felt that their elder boys needed the control of a master; and although the present headteacher, Miss Crook had great command over them, the duty was too onerous to remian the hands of a mistress now Miss Crook was retiring. The meeting passed a resolution that the 6 schools should be formed into one rural centre, and that one should be a central school, which should as far as possible provide technical and secondary education." [Put together with the sermon above, it shows the backward attitudes of many in the Established Church at the time - that they didn't want the working classes to get ideas above their station by having a proper education. Note not all parishes were represented here it seems. This proposal was not accepted but the later of Longfield Secondary School is sort of in line with one of their ideas.]
26 Jun 1919 Cricket: COs v Wounded Soldiers Tribunal
The cricket field at Fairby Grange was last week the scene of an interesting and ultimately exciting game between the local Hartley team composed of discharged and wounded soldiers and the Home team made up of Conscientious Objectors, who are temporarily recuperating at Fairby from the effects of terms of imprisonment. A keen finish ended in a draw: Fairby 65 (Webb, 17; Humphrey 7 for 24); Hartley 57 for 8 (Humphrey, 19; Scott 4 for 6).
19 Jul 1919 Goats for Sale KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
"Two nannies, milking, 2 mated, hornless Billy, good Ferret - Bassano [The Croft], Hartley, Longfield."
26 Jul 1919 Peace Celebration KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Hartley. "Peace Day was celebrated in Hartley by an interesting and pictureque ceremony, probably unprecedented in the history of the village. The great occasion was marked by the planting of an oak on the Green, in the presence of a large gathering of the inhabitants. Assembling at Middle Farm, the residence of Miss Davies-Cooke at 11am the children formed a simple but exceedingly pretty procession, the girls dressed in white and bearing tall sprays of white lillies, and the boys carrying Union Jacks. In a pretty decorated govern-[missing part of photocopy here] of Hope and Glory as they marched, the children passed round the Green and tehn formed up beside the platform. The Rector, in introducing Major Freeman Jackson, emphasised the point that Hartley's celebrations were specially concerned with the children, who he hoped would live to see the fruits os the Peace that had at length been secured. // Major Freeman Jackson then addressed the children. Speaking as one who had borne his part in the struggle, and bore its scars upon him, his remarks were given added force. This was their day of rejoicing for the long awaited Peace of Victory. To the boys he appealed to remember the sacrifices of their fathers and brothers and to be ready, if need be, to follow their example. The girls, too, must emulate the women of the nation who also played a full part in the struggle. All must be willing to defend and maintain the cause of Right and Religion. The procession then reformed and marched to the site prepared for the tree. The boys speedily set up the tree and trod in the soil. While this was being done the children sang 'Hearts of Oak' and then passed before Major Freeman Jackson, who presented each child with a memento of the occasion. After saluting the flag and singing the National Anthem, the children accorded Major Freeman three ringing cheers, adn similar honours to Miss Davies-Cooke, who had enabled them to share in the national rejoicings by arranging the proceedings." // Longfield. "The Peace Celebration was carried out with great enthusiasm. Most of the parishioners assembled at Whlitehill Corner about 11 o'clock to await the arrival of the Dartford Town Band. After due preparation the Carnival Procession started on its progress to Longfield Hill. Part of the road was rather tough, having just been tarred and gravelled, but this inconvenience was alleviated by the kindness of Mr J Foster, who procured conveyances for the children. Another compensating advantage was that the staff engaged in the roadwork were able to join in the procession and bring their big steam roller and its tender highly decorated. Perhaps this helped to call to mind the 'Russian Steam Roller' which did such splendid execution in the earlier stages of the war. Another striking feature in the procession was a barrow loaded with a small table, chair, bird cage, frying pan and other articles, and bearing the inscription, 'Wanted, house.' There wwere several other cars whose occupants were attired in grotesque and symbolic costumes. // Having returned to the Day Schools, a short service was held in front of the war shrine. The band led the singing and the Rector (the Rev E Smith) gave a short address. Sports followed in the fields opposite, where keen competition and amusement prevailed. Meanwhile the company were regaled with tea, while ample supplies of jame were given by Mr Allen of Hartley. 40 competitors entered for the 8 prizes at teh Italy show. The rain prevented teh dancing being kept up till the lighting of the bonfire which was looked after by the Longfield Hill Troop of boy Scouts, who also formed a guard of honour at the shrine during the service and executed other useful duties during the day under the command of Scoutmaster Debenham. The prizes to babies and sports winners were distributed by Mrs E Smith. // As the people of Hartley were unable to arrange a celebration their schoolchildren were admitted to the Longfield tea and sports, and many visitors from Hartley and other places were present. Especial praise is due to Mr G T Lynds (chairman of the Parish Council) and Messrs T Fielder and F Langford, who assisted him; to Mrs Fred Brooks and her numerous lady helpers and to Mrs Cromar for organising the Baby Show." // [Many reports from villages in this edition but none for Ash or Fawkham]
26 Jul 1919 Rabbits for Sale KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
"Rabbits with young and in kindle; going cheap; clearing stock; exchange for poultry - Jones, Homefield, Hartley, Longfield."
22 Aug 1919 Baby Drowned at 2.30am The Globe
"'God told me to put baby in the tank,' was the reason given by a mother for drowning her 13 months' old son at Fawkham, Kent. Mr Sewell held the inquest today, when the jury returned a verdict of wilful murder against the mother. The father, a grocer's assistant named Landsdell, said that the baby Hugh Thomas was perfectly healthy. His wife went to bed about 11.30 on Sunday night, after having been somewhat depressed during the day, and at about 2.30 he awoke and found his wife sitting up partly dressed. She left the room to get some water, and a little later she said 'I believe there is an air raid.' She saw a bright light and was going downstairs to see what it was. She left the room, and he found her at the rain water tank near the back door. As his wife looked over the tank he heard a splash. He took hold of her and she fell back into his arms screaming. He took her upstairs, and on getting into bed found that the baby was missing. He told his wife that he must go downstairs. But she said, 'No, stop here, don't go.' He found the body of the baby floating face downwards in 18 inches of water. He wife then came downstairs and wanted the baby, and knelt down once or twice and prayed. // Witness added that his wife was 40 years of age, and the mother of 7 children, 6 of whom were alive. She had enjoyed very good health until about a week ago, when she was troubled about a daughter's health, and she also worried at not being able to attend church as she would like to. About 12 years ago she had a nervous breakdown, and was under medical treatment. // Henry James Cutler, the father's employer, said Mrs Landsdell had the idea that the Roman Catholics at Hartley wanted to kill her children, and twice last week she spoke to witness about it. Last Friday night Mrs Landsdell went to witness, saying he was not to take her daughter away. // Sister Edge, a nurse, said that Mrs Landsdell told her she put the baby in the water so that the priest should not have it. // Dr T F Smith of Birmingham said the mother told him she put the child into the tank because someone was coming for it. She stated that it had gone to heaven, where all the other members of the family would go." // [probably Matilda Lansdell 1880-1943; may have been at Broadmoor in 1921 Census - index says she is living in Crowthorne Parish, Berks]
29 Aug 1919 Business Wanted Chelmsford Chronicle
Business wanted by Sheppard of Grafton House, Hartley
30 Aug 1919 Local News in Brief KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Presentation to Retiring Postmistress // "Miss F Phipps, who has for nearly 14 years hold the office of Post Mistress for the district comprising Fawkham, Hartley and Longfield, and portions of Kingsdown and Southfleet, is retiring this week and on Wednesday last, ast a meeting in the Village Club Room, a presentation was made to her consisting of a cheque for £50, in a silver purse. The Rev E Smith of Longfield, in handing the gift to her, said it was given as a memento of the goodwill of all living in the district, who were deeply sensible of her kindness and obliging manner, and of her willingness to give assistance as far as lay in her power. Miss Phipps expressed her sincere thanks to all the subscribers. A suede handbag has also been presented to Miss Phipps from the Special Constables of Longfield, as an expression of appreciation of the ready assistance and courtesy shown them during air raids. Mr Hargoves? has been appointed to succeed Miss Phipps as Post Master, and the Post Office may have to be removed to another house close at hand." // By the Seaside // Longfield "A day's outing took place on Monday of last week, when the parents and families of the Baby Clinic were joined by the choir of the Parish Church in a journey to Southend, where all spent a pleasant time, and returned home greatly pleased with the day's enjoyments."
05 Sep 1919 Bennett - Newcomb Wedding Times
Marriage of Walter Mervyn Bennett only son of Mr & Mrs S Walter Newcomb of The Gables, Hartley at Epping
06 Sep 1919 Local News in Brief KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Death of Miss M Rose // "Much sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs Rose, who have suffered a grievous loss by the death of their daughter Minnie, who had only just reached her 21st birthday, and enjoyed usually such good health that her many friends have been shockced by the news of her untimely end, after a short illness. Scarecely a year ago Mr and Mrs Rose lost a son, sacrificed in the war, and their daughter's death is thus a double bereavement within a 12 month. They have only the sad consolation that their heavy loss is shared by all their neighbours and friends." // Attendance Officer Wanted // Kent Education Committee advertise for attendance officer for Ash, Darenth, Fawkham, Hartley, Horton Kirby, Kingsdown, Longfield, Ridley, [.....ms faded here], Wilmington and Sutton at Hone. Salary £120 pa.
13 Sep 1919 Treadwell Engagement The Australasian (Melbourne)
Notice of engagement of Frank Sinden Treadwell, son of Mr E C Treadwell of Fairby, York Street, St Kilda.
13 Sep 1919 Fete at Longfield KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
"A fete was held in the Longfeild Rectory Meadow on Saturday afternoon, September 6th,in honour of all servicemen of the villages of Fawkham, Hartley, Longfeild and Southfleet, who had seen active service overseas during the war, in charming wather about 300 of these men were pleasantly entertained, nearly 1,500 people foregathering to welcome them. // At 2.30pm a procession moved from Whitehill Corner to the ground. Headed by the youthful but excellent band of St Vincent's Home, Dartford, the column contained the servicemen of the 4 villages, with the Longfield Boy Scout Troop in the rear. A riot of colour ment the eye, the predominant khaki being relieved by the scarlet of full dress, reich tartn hues and dark blue; and it seem that but few units were not represented in a medley of uniforms, where the kilt brushed on one side puttees and on the other naval panaloons; mufti was worn by those whose uniform had been put away, with springs of summer laid between. Perhaps to the men of the Royal West Kent Regiment, who were in largest numbers, is principally due the credit for the splendid march discipline and the ease with which the seaman's roll, the cavalryman's trudge or the rifleman's patter were moulded to the regulation step. Behind the Boy Scout Troop, which proudly bore its gay standards, was the long and motley train of camp followers, who unconcernedly blocked teh road, though jostled by accumulating motor and horsed traffic. With amusement 3 small ducks were noted to bring up the rear, regardless of their responsibility, but through sheer fatigue they fell out at the first pond. // On arrival at the ground the men were welcomed by Mr T C Allchin, whos said that the country could never adequately discharge the great debt which it owed to those who had gone out to fight. That afternoon's entertainment, must seem but a small thing, but is was expressive of the deep gratitude which was felt by those who had stayed at home. He was glad that so many had returned in good health and spirtis from the innumerable hardships adn dangers which they had endured, but he felt he must make special mention of those who had cheerfully suffered disablement for their country's sake. Before wishing them all a most enjoyable afternoon and releasing them to its amusements, he would like to express his deep sympathy with the relations of the fallen, who, on an occasion like this, must feel anew their great bereavement, and he would ask all civilians to uncover their heads while the Last Post was sounded in hnour of the dead. After this had been sounded, the band played The King, and then broke into a cheerful march, while the serciemen were dismissed and proceeded to the amusements which had been provided. // It was a matter of general regret tha the chef d'oeuvre of the fair, the roundabout, was absent owing to a breadkdown at a distant wayside; but the swing boats swayed as recklessly as usual; the coconuts wer as hard as ever to dislodge; and the agile donkeys were tireless through the day. One sentimental driver of artillery seemed to find in them a memory of his long lost mules; and though he kept in the saddle - except for an occasioinal fall - till darkness supervened, he found the donkeys equally recalcitrant, and never made them exceed their short but regulation run. At the lesser sideshows the cogent call of the fair man incited to deeds of daring, skill and strengthy, unwonted prowess earned some of us our money bakc, or won us a plaster mounding of the late Queen victoria or a cake of soap; but as we watched one light hearted stall man dodging ill directed darts as if they had been hostile shell, we could grudge him nothing. Meantime, with the kind permission and supervision of their Captain, Mrs Stokes, the Southfleet Girl Guides Troop performed graceful country dances on the turf; the excellent band played indefatigably throughout the afternoon, an dmade itself the piece de resistance of the fete. The sports, which produced many well contested races, the results of which we tabulate below, proceeded under the able direction of Mr Dudley Martin and his stewards. The tug-of-war, in which the 4 village teams competed, excited considerable interest, Hartley defeating Southfleet in the final round, and later maintaining their unbeaten record against a scratch team which was selected on the ground. The last wevent, a blindfold boxing match, cuased general amusement, A Walker elating his supporter to the pitch of enthusiasm by the terrific force of the blows which he dealt on vacant space. // The sounding of the 'cook-house-call' familiar even to the least soldierly among us, marked the interlude for high tea, which was served int he village schools. Thanks to the generous gifts of flowers and fruit, and the strenuous yet tastful labours of the Ladies' Committee, the tables presentd the most pleasing appearance. The meal to which the servicemen were enttertained proved most substantial, the abundance of provision sbelying any supposed shortage of food; though we hear that the men receivied with ill concealed disappointment the news that their staple diet, corned beef and biscuits, had not been included in the menu. // After tea, Mrs T C allchin handed cheques amounting in all to £57 to the disabled men of the villages, and presented prizes to the winners of the sports.. A vote of thanks to her having been proposed by Mr Dalton of Fawkham, and three hearty cheers given, the band played God save the King, and we left, feeling that a most successful afternoon had been spent. // Among those on the ground were Mr Langley Smithers, who was in conversation with some of the disabled men, his father, Sir Alfred Smithers, the Parliamentary representative of the division, regretting that his absence from England prevented his attendance at the fete, with the objects of which he was so fully in sympathy. // Heartly thanks are due to the Rector of Longfield, who kindly lend the ground; to Mr Fields who had instigated the gathering; and as usual was untiring in its preparation, and to all the helpers, too numerous to mention, who combined so successfully to publicly welcome home the men who had risked their lives for us. // Result of Sports // 220 yards - 1 Saxton, 2 Bristoe, 3 Walker. Three-legged race 100 yards - 1 Walker and G Rich, 2 Ellis and Byatton, 3 Curtis and Ebden. Quarter Mile - 1 Rich, 2 Saxton, 3 Walker. 100 yards threading the needle - 1 Ebden, 2 Lynch, 3 Ellis. Half Mile - 1 Curtiss, 2 Cherry, 3 Rich. Wheelbarrow Race, 50 yards - 1 T Elliott and Applegate, 2 Lynch and Hockley, 3 Walker and Rich. One mile - 1 Curtiss, 2 Rich, 3 Cherry. Throwing Cricket Ball - 1 Lynds, 2 Dennis, 3 Walker. Cake and whistle race, 200 yards - 1 Saxton, 2 Cherry, 3 Bristoe. Tug of War Winners Hartley. Blindfold Boxing, exhibition bout - Rich and Walker."
07 Oct 1919 Profiteering Committee Appointed at Dartford Woolwich Gazette
Dartford RDC committee includes Rev J T Matchett of Fawkham Rectory and Mr F Lynds of Wallace Cottage, Essex Road, Longfield
10 Oct 1919 Fairby Construction Company tender Building News
Fairby Construction Company bid to build 150 houses at Blackley for Manchester Corporation accepted
18 Oct 1919 The Winter Game KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
"A football team has been started at Hartley by Mr Munn for boys from 15 to 18. Their first match was played on Saturday against Stansted, who won by 8 goals to 1. The Club's colours are navy blue and white. All praise is due to Mr Munn for starting such an excellent scheme." // [KM 25.10.1919 said Hartley lost 2nd match to Sutton at Hone 6-0, at Hartley Park Grounds]
25 Oct 1919 Nitro Cotton Manufacture KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Dartford Magistrates. "Considerable interest was shown in an application by the EC Powder Company Ltd, for the Justices' assent to an amending licence for a factory for explosives, situate at Longfield Siding, in the parishes of Hartley and Longfield. // Mr Fletcher (instructed by Mr Hayward) appeared for the applicants. there were 22 objectors, the majority of whom were represented by Messrs McDonald and Stacey). Mr F J Tucker (instructed by Messrs Chester & Co) appeared for Mr J Dobson, Pescot, Longfield. // Mr Fletcher said his clients had a factory at Longfield, which was erected during the war, and they held a permit to manufacture acid there. The present application was merely for permission to manufacture nitro cotton, which was not offensive in any way, and had been made for many years at Bean without any complaints. Thomas C Allchin, manager of the works, said it was practically impossible for fumes to escape in the manufacture of gun cotton. There had been objectionable fumes as a result of the manufacture of nitric acid there. Cross examined: He would be surprised to hear that Mr Dobson had lost, as a result of the fumes, a bay gelding, a cow, mare and 60 fowls in one night, a retriever dog, middle-white sow, a pedigree boar adn other stock. By the Bench: No application for compensation had been made. Colin Ernest Dell BSc, said there were no objectionable fumes. He lived in the neighbourhood, and had suffered no ill effects of fumes from the factory. // Mr Frampton urged that the Bench shoudl proceed as if the factory were non-existent, it having been erected under ermergency legislation as a result of the war. This firm was in a combine with a capital of £16 million, and he contended that it was an imputden application to ask that this factory should be continued in what had been a quiet, residential and agricultural district. // Considerable evidence was called as to the effects of the fumes from the factory on residents, vegetation and stock, and the Bench stated that they were unable to grant the application. Mr Fletcher asked the Bench to state their reasons in writing, as the would probably have to lodge an appeal with the Home Secretary."
01 Nov 1919 Local News in Brief KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Evening Industry // "during the war all the evening classes were abandoned, and the local Committee dispersed. Mr Hope, however has taken the matter up, and arrangements are in contemplation for restarting classes in woodwork, basket making and toy making. Longfield is expected to have one of the new central schools for the senior classes. Evening continuation classes cannot be fixed until the appointment of the new day schoolmaster. It is hoped that classes for lacemaking may be started by Mrs Ainger at Mrs Cromar's house at Hartley; and possibly a second class in Longfield." // The Fruits of the Earth // "An interesting exhibition of fruit and other produce was held on Saturday by the Hartley Agricultural Co-operative Society. The display was remarkable for the high quality of the exhibits, and probably the organisers of the exhibition were as much surprised at their success as the numerous visitors. Last autumn the Society received an award of merit from teh Village Insudtries Exhibition at Maidstone, for a collection of fruit described in the Kent Mssenger as 'easily the best in the show.' One would suggest that the society should made an annual exhibition a regular feature of its work, in view of the successes alrady attained. The exhibitiors, practically all of whom showed apples, and hte other produce staged were - Mr J Balchin (bottled fruit, cauliflowers and cabbages); Mr D Bishop (Pears, Grapes, Honey - sections and jars, jams and jellies); Mr J Brown (bottled plums); Mr P Burr (potatoes); Mr R Crump (Pears); Mr P Dennis (Potatoes); Mr S Ellerby (apple rings - dried); Mr P Elphick (Pears, bottled fruit - cold process); Mr B Greenwood (shallots, bottled fruit adn jams); Mr W Hann (Carrots, turnips, onions, potatoes); Mr D Horscroft (Beets, turnips, tomatoes, cucumbers); Mr F Jackson (bottled fruits); Mrs Lowis (Pears, Bottled Fruit, Jams and jelly, brussels sprouts); Mr H Meddick (Pears, Marrows, Pickles); Mr W H Negus (Bottled Fruit); Mr H Parrett (Onions); Mr F C Robertson (Cob Nuts, Bottled fruit, honey - sections); Mr W Sale (potatoes, marrows); Mr P Smith (potatoes); Mr J Stuart (bottled fruits, potatoes, eggs); Messrs Tate Bros (Walnuts, Bottled fruit) and Mr W G Wood (Potatoes, beets, carrots and lettuce)."
11 Nov 1919 Adam Grimaldi & Co Hull Daily Mail
Launch of Albert Car by Adam Grimaldi & Co
21 Nov 1919 Drakes for sale at Stocks Farm Dover Express
Drakes for Sale from Stocks Farm
22 Nov 1919 Servant Wanted KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
"Wanted for small private school, a strong girl as general; help given; good home and outings [- Principal, Timber Cottage, Hartley, Kent."
03 Dec 1919 Bankruptcy of George Harold Humphrey Aeroplane
George Harold Humphrey, director of public companies, 23 Hangar Lane, Ealing, and late of 4 Ellison Place, Newcastle on Tyne. // The first meeting of creditors under a receiving order made against this debtor on his own petition was held on November 27th at the London Bankruptcy Court. // Mr F T Garton, Official Receiver, who presided, said that a statement of the debtor's affairs had been lodged showing gross liabilities £8,500, unsecured £17,770 and contingent debts £58,500, which were not expected to rank for dividend. The assets were valued a £10,065. The debtor had stated that in August 1914, he and another person formed the Rural Developments Co Ltd, of which he was appointed managing director. The comapny was successful until November 1915, but two years later went into voluntary liuidation. In June 1914, a company in which he had been interested having given up certain works near Fawkham, Kent, he registered the Fairby Construction Co Ltd, to work in conjunction with the Rural Development Co in building cottages on the Fairby Farm Estate. He was appointed managing director and acted in that capacity until 1917 when he became an ordinary director. In January 1917, at the suggestion of a representative of Armstrong Whitworth and Co who promised him contracts, he took the Victoria Works, Newcastle on Tyne, and formed John Dawson and Co (Newcastle on Tyne) Ltd, to take over his interest and manufacture aircraft wings. The nominal capital of the company was £10,000. The debtor became managing director and took up the issued capital of £2,100, but later he transferred some of his shared to other persons who became directors. The company was financed by payments made on account of contracts with Armstrong Whitworth and Co until December 1917, but afterwards the company made contracts direct with the government, who paid week by week The company was very successful until the Armistice, when notice was given terminating the contracts, and differences arose between the company and the Government as to the amount due to the company. Pending the settlement of these differences the debtor endeavoured to sell his interest in another company (Allan Jones and Co (1918) Ltd) to George Clare and Co Ltd, and out of the money so raised he paid the accounts and financed John Dawson and Co. On June 4th last the Government settled the claim for £30,000, which was less than the amount expected. The debtor then endeavoured to amalgamate the company with Allan Jones and Co (1918) Ltd, a company of which he was governing director, which carred out contracts for aircraft parts. In anticipation he guaranteed debts of John Dawson and Co to the amount of £15,000. Eventually the amalgamation fell through and John Dawson and Co went into liquidation. The debtor was pressed on his guarantees and decided to file his petition. He attributed his insolvency to the failure of the company, of which he claimed to be a creditor for £10,000. // The creditors appointed Mr Oliver Sunderland, accountant, as trustee of the debtor's estate. A committee of inspection was also nominated. // [G H Humphries was a key figure in the development of Hartley, as the managing director of Small Owners Limited. Later he went into the aircraft industry, but said his financial troubles were down to the end of the war.]
15 Dec 1919 Training Position Wanted Farmer & Smallholder
Training position wanted by Maurice Webb, Fairby