1902 News
History > Newspaper Stories 1900 - 2000 > 1900-1919
11 Jan 1902 Birmingham Weekly Post
Death of Sir Jas T Chance - A Great Lighthouse Engineer
"Sir James Timmins Chance died at Brightonon Monday night, after a long illness. Sire James Timmins Chance, who was created a baronet in 1900, was the eldest of 6 sons of the late Mr William Chance Jp of Spring Grove, Birmingham, who in 1829 and 1830 was high bailiff of the city. Having been placed 7th Wrangler in Cambridge Mathematical Tripos of 1838, he decided to devote his special attainments to the development of the business which his father and uncle had established in Spon Lane. Mr Chance was able in various ways to improve and perfect the machinery in use, but his gratest achievement was in connection with the building of lighthouses. In the early days of the century only 2 or 3 French firms were able to make the dioptric apparatus used. It required the direction of a mathematician of no mean order. The lenses must be ground with minute accuracy to the various angles and surfaces required by the position for which it is designed in the lighthouse. Mr Chance surmounted the difficulties, and the firm succeeded not only in makin glighthouse building a local industry, but in 1867, at the Paris Exhibition, Mr Chance's work was adjudged to be superior to that of the French firms who were competing against him. Furhter, through his assiduous labours the firm became the only one in the world capable of producing every portion of a complete lighthouse, and to this day the lighthouses of the world are made either at Oldbury or Paris. The success which he accomplished brought Mr Chance many honours. For a paper on the subject of 'Lighthouse Apparatus' the Institution of Civil Engineers awarded him in 1857 the Telford Prize and Gold Medal and elected him an associate; while the Royal Commission appointed by the Government of 1858 to enquire into the condition of the lighthouses, buoys and beacons on the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland turned to him for advice and assistance. His chief colleagues in the work were the then Astronomer Royal, Sir George Airy, and Professor Michael Faraday, scientific adviser to Trinity House. As the result of the work done for the Commission, Trinity House asked him to inspect all the dioptic apparatus under their charge, with the result that readjustments were carried out at several of them. Amongst the achievements of the firm were lenses for searchlights on war vessels, and what is known as the group flashing light on lighthouses - the latter being designed by Dr John Hopkinson, but first constructed by Messrs Chance. Amongst the lighthouses for which dioptic lights were constructed by the firm may be mentioned the Long Ships, the Wolf Rock, Flamborough Head, Hartland Stack Rock, Eddystone, the Casquets, South Stack Rock and others. Outside the scope of his business, however, Mr Chance rendered many services to the public. Long before the days of education Acts he was a pioneer in elementary education. His father and uncle out of a philanthropic regard for the children of their workpeople and those of the industrial classes of the neighbourhood, decided to establish elementary day schools at Spon Lane, and later at Oldbury, an dthe development of the idea was entrusted to Mr Chance. He continued to be chiefly responsible for the Spon Lane schools for 40 years. His interest in the welfare of the inhabitants of the locality has been displayed in another way - by the gife and endowment of West Smethwick Park, at a cost of about £30,000. As a governor for 34 years, he did good work on behalf of King Edward's School, Birmingham. Another thing which claimed his interest was the formation of the rifle Volunteer corps, and as a matter of fact he was mainly responsible for the establishment of the first in the Midlands, then called the 'Handworht Volnteer Rifle Corps.' For many years he was a director of hte London and North Western Railway. From 1881 to 1890 he sat on the Council of University College, London, giving particular attention to the Slade School of Art and the hospital. He was a justice of the peace and Deputy Lieutenant for both Staffordshire and Worcestershire. It was at one time stated tha thte late baronet was the anonymous donor of a munificient gife to £50,000 to the funds fo the Birmingham University, but subsequent enquiries tended to show that this supposition was not correct. Mr Chance, who more than once declined to stand for Parliament, married in 1845 a daughter of Mr George Ferguson of Houghton Hall, Carlisle, and had 10 children. He lived for many years at Browne's Green, Handsworth; for a further period at Four Oaks Park, Sutton Coldfield; and afterwards at Prince's Gate, London and Grand Avenue, Brighton."[James Timmins Chance bought Fairby and Hartley Court in 1899]
13 Feb 1902 Hansard
Problems at Longfield Station
"Mr Bell - I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to a number of cases which have recently occurred in which goods trains have become divided when running between Fawkham and Farningham on the South Eastern and Chatham Railway resulting in damage; whether he has yet consulted the inspecting officers of the Board of Trade with reference to the general question of breakaways; and whether he proposes to publish Reports from the inspecting officers with regard to the matter.Mr Gerald Balfour - Since the beginning of 1901 only two such accidents as are referred to by the hon. Member have occurred, so far as the Board of Trade are aware, viz., on the 5th December and the 9th of last month. The general question of breakaways is now under the consideration of the Board's Inspecting Officers of Railways, and when I obtain their Report I will consider the question of publication."
22 Feb 1902 Northfleet Standard
Gravesend Hospital
Hospital acknowledges gift of 2 guineas from the Loyal Hearts of Oak Oddfellows lodge by Mr W Gilbert, Ash.22 Mar 1902 Northfleet Standard
The Value of a Good Character
"Frederick Cooper, a young man, residing at Hartley, was summoned at Dartford Sessions on Friday for using obscene language at Station Road, Longfield, on Sunday 2nd March. The Overseers for the parish of Hartley wrote to the Bench giving defendant an excellent character. The Chairman (to defendant): No doubt you are a respectable young man. I hope this will be a warning to you. Be off. Defendant: Thank you sir."Fisticuffs at Southfleet
"At the Dartford Sessions last Friday, Albert Marchant and Henry Allen, both of Station Road, Longfield, were summoned for disorderly conduct at Swanscombe Road, Southfleet on 2nd March. Marchant did not appear. PC WJ Fuller deposed that defendants were fighting and using bad language. He told them to go away, which they did, but returned and started fighting again. Some females who were passing complained to witness about defendants fighting. The Chairman, Mr A Waring, told Allen that the Bench did not intend to be severe in this case. No doubt defendants were having a bit of a spart on the public highway, and that was not allowed. Each would have to pay 6 shillings, which included the costs of the case."
24 May 1902 Chatham Observer
Auction of New Barn Farm
"To fruit growers, Corn merchants and others, New Barn Farm, Longfield, Kent. 1¼ miles from Fawkham station….. Messrs Rutter have received instructions to sell by auction upon the property on Wednesday June 4th 1902 at 2 o'clock precisesly the valuable growing crops of over 200 acres consisting of splendid growing wheat, oats, red clover; also 47 acres of fruit comprising raspberries and strawberries, together with a plantation, including apples, pears red and blackcurrants, gooseberries etc. May be viewed on application to W Allen esq, New Barn Farm...."31 May 1902 Gravesend Standard
Gravesend Hospital, Gifts
Hospital acknowledges gift of vegetables from Mrs T J G Duncanson of Hartley Court05 Jun 1902 The Guardian
New Rector of Hartley
Rev Charles Gerald Winstanley Bancks, currently curate in charge of Green Street Green, near Dartford to be rector of Hartley. Patron - Bishop of Rochester (by lapse)08 Jul 1902 Dartford Chronicle
"Coronation" Festivities at Longfield
Sometime ago it was proposed by Mr Robson, at a parish council meeting, taht a committee should be formed to carry out the above, and a meeting of the parishioners was called together for that purpose, and resulted in the most successful fete ever held in Longfield.A procession was formed at the Post Office at 12.30pm and , headed by the Arethusa Band paraded the village, afterwards marching to the Parish Church, where a short service was conducted by the Rector (Rev E Smith). The procession was then reformed and , still preceded by the inspiring strains of the band, marched to the Briars, whre they were received on the lawn by Mr Percy Waterer, who had placed his beautiful grounds at the disposal of the committee.
Mr Waterer welcomed the people in the following terms: Friends and neighbours, at the time the announcement was made that a fete would be held here today (Saturday June 28th, 1902) to celebrate the coronation of our king, itw as expected that the ceremony would have alrady takn place, but he suddden and very serious illness of the king, that has been such a shock to the whole world, made it impossible for it to be held, and almost on the eve of the celebration the Earl Marshal announced the king's commands postponing the coronation, and consequently all festivities in London; but at the same time he also announced that it was the king's fervent wish that the celebrations in the country should be held as already arranged. It is characteristic of British royalty to think of the welfare and happiness of their subjects, rather than study their own convenience. But when we consider the alarming condition of the king, and the matters of vast importance that had to received immediate attention, his fireact - to prevent the disappointment of the villagers - was a graciou act indeed. I shall only echo the prayer of every loyal subject in saying that it is our most hearty wish that the king may speedily recover, and live long to carry on the ???? of this mighty empire in the same able manner taht they were conducted for over 60 years by his illustrious mother (loud cheers). Knowing that the parishioners would be anxious in regard to the condition of the king, I wired to Sir Francis Knollys, stating that we were holding a large fete in honour of the king, and should be very pleased to announce any favourable news. I will now read you his reply just to hand "General condition satisfactory. Good night. Out of immediate danger". (cheers)
The wire was posted on a board in the grounds, and was read by hundreds of people from all parts. Every child was provided with a box of chocolate, embossed with a portrait of his majesty, which had been kindly sent by a friend of Mr Waterer; and an adjournment was then made to the field, wher a capital programme of sports was carried out amid great celebration.
An excellent tea was provided by the committee for all comers, and was splendidly served by the ????? band of helpers. Swings, cocoa-nut bowls etc were immensly popular until 8 o'clock, when the.......”(the rest of the photocopy is too difficult to read)
12 Jul 1902 Gravesend Standard
Gravesend Hospital AGM
Extract of annual report: "The number of patients treated during the year is as follows: Patients in the hospital on 1st April 1901, 37, admitted during the year 449; of these 298 have been cured, 76 have been relieved, 11 remained in statu quo, 47 have died, 54 remained under treatment at the end of the year. These patients came from the following places: Ash 1, Bean 1, Bexley 1, Chalk 4, Cliffe 1, Cobham 5, Cooling 1, Darenth 1, Denton 16, Galley Hill 5, Gravesend and Milton 223, Grays 10, Greenhithe 17, Hartley 1, Highham 1, London 4, Longfield 1, Luddesdown 1, Maidstone 1, Meopham 3, Mucking 1, Northfleet 68, Nursted 2, Ockendon 3, Perry Street 23, Rochester 3, Rosherville 13, Shorne 3, Singlewell 4, Southend 1, Southfleet 9, Stanford-le-hope 4, Stansted 1, Swanscombe 12, Tilbury 17, Thames Shipping 24, Total 486. Of the above patients 219 were men, 151 were women and 116 were children.There have been treated 5,775 out patients, of these 2,723 were general outpatients, 1,941 casualties, and 1,111 dental cases. These out patients came from the places mentioned below: Ash 13, Betsham 14, Chalk 39, Chatham 10, Chadwell St Mary 8, Cliffe 10, Cobham 7, Crayford 1, Darenth 3, Dartford 2, Denton 104, Eynsford 1, Fawkham 5, Fobbing 2, Galley Hill 42, Gravesend and Milton 3,235, Grays 152, Greenhithe 34, Green Street Green 4, Hartley 7, Higham 4, Horton Kirby 2, Ifield 7, London 32, Longfield 24, Low Street 3, Luddesdown 1, Meopham 16, Mucking 3, Northfleet 828, Nursted 2, Perry Street 260, Port Victoria 3, Purfleet 4, Rosherville 245, Sharnal Street 4, Shorne 29, Singlewell 2, Southfleet 50, South Ockendon 17, Stansted 1, Stanford-le-hope 19, Stone 42, Swanscombe 169, Thames Shipping 66, Thong 3, Tilbury 246, Total 5,775." Report continues with details of fundraising and staff changes.
12 Jul 1902 Northfleet Standard
Illegal Sunday Trading at Southfleet - A Police Raid
Prosecution of Arthur Johnson, landlord of the Black Lion, Red Street, Southfleet, at Dartford Magistrates. Police staked out place from 9-11.30am and followed in Mr Russell, a labourer of Brickfield, Longfield, who had claimed he was a traveller to Mr Johnson. Police found 18 people inside, 8 of whom lived within 3 miles. Mr Clinch for defendant said landlord had no way of knowing whether people were really travellers when they said they were. Mr Johnson was fined £3 and was sacked by his employers.17 Jul 1902 Maidstone Journal
Kent County Council Scholarships
As a result of recent exam, William Bell of Fawkham National School wins scholarship to Gravesend Day Science School. No scholarships for Hartley, Longfield or Ash Schools.23 Aug 1902 Gravesend Standard
Everything Legally Protected
"In the Rochester county Court, on Wednesday, Mr Thomas P Shields, described as an independent gentleman, of Longfield, was sued by Mr Alfred George Commin, outfitter, Rochester for £18 10s 6d for goods supplied. It was stated that defendant had a large income, but a letter was read from him stating that 'everything was legally protected'. Judgement was given for the amount claimed by £5 a month."23 Aug 1902 Walsall Advertiser
"Defoe's Cottage"
A small room over the washhouse of a cottage at Hartley is just one of the places said to be where Robinson Crusoe was written, but they think a former house in Church Street, Stoke Newington, most likely.06 Sep 1902 Northfleet Standard
Technical Education in Kent
25 boys and 10 girls passed scholarship exam for Kent, entitling them to 2 years education fro Autumn 1902. One successful candidate was William Bell of Fawkham National School27 Sep 1902 Gravesend Reporter
Sale of Stock at Fairby
"Messrs Cobb will sell by Auction, at Fairby Farm on Thursday and Friday, October 2nd and 3rd 1902 at 11 o'clock precisely each day (by order of Sir W Chance, who has let Fairby Farm and laid the remainder of the property down to pasture), the live and dead farming stock on Hartley Court, The Manor and Fairby Farms.Comprising: 20 active draught horses, two ponies, 6 milch cows, 42 yearling heiffers and steers, 333 Kent and half-bred sheetp and lambs, 10 sows and 50 pigs, about 140 head of poultry.
The implements, which are in excellent condition, include wagons, dung, light and pony carts, shepherd's huts, water barrels, self binders, reapers, mowers, ring and plain rolls, drills, iron and kent ploughs, horse rakes, horse hoes, iron and wooden harrows, brakes, nidgets, cleaning machines, seed barrows, chaff and turnips cutters, iron tanks, stack cloths, poles and ropes complete; iron and wooden sheep troughs, sheep gates, ladders, wire netting, tools etc etc; also the necessary harness and stable utensils for 20 horses.
Note - the first day's sale will include the sheep, pigs, poultry, harness and portion of the implements. The second day's sale the remainder of the implements, the horses and bullocks.
Luncheon will be provided by ticket at 1 shilling per head.
Catalogues may be obtained at the place of sale; "Railway" inn, Fawkham; "Bull" Hotels, Rochester and Dartford, and of Messrs Cobb, Surveyors and Land Agents, 53 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC and at Higham, near Rochester." (also in Maidstone Journal 2.10.1902 which says 377 sheep)
04 Oct 1902 Gravesend Standard
Auction Sale of Longfield Properties
"Messrs Prall and Prall, auctioneers, Dartford and Rochester, conducted a sale by auction at the Railway Tavern, Fawkham [Longfield] on Monday evening. Nos 1 and 2 Hope Villas, Station Road, Longfield, freehold residences, each producing £18 per annum, landlord paying rates and taxes, were sold to Mr E T Whitebread for £375. A piece of freehold building land, adjoining no 1 Hope Villas, and having a frontage of about 57 feet to Station Road, and a depth of 96 feet, or thereabouts was not sold, the reserve price being not quite reached."04 Oct 1902 Northfleet Standard
No Light
Meopham. "Mary Wingate, of Hodsoll Street, Wrotham, was summoned before the County Justices at Chatham on Tuesday, for riding a bicycle without a light in Meopham Street, Meopham, at 8.20pm on the 18th September. She failed to appear, and the case was heard in her absence. PC Biddle, who proved the case, said defendant had no lamp on her machine. A fine of 1 shilling and 9 shillings costs was imposed."