1904 News - Hartley-Kent: Covering Hartley, Longfield & District

16 Jan 1904 Gravesend Standard

A Michaelmas Hiring

"At Dartford Petty Sessions on Friday, Thomas Morton of Hartley Manor, Longfield, was sued by Walter Kitchener, a waggoner, for a week's wages in lieu of notice, and also for 12 shillings 'back money'.  Kitchener stated that he asked for a holiday on Christmas Day, and was told he could please himself.  He did not work Christmas Day, and when he appeared on Boxing morning the foreman said 'You have another day off, and also pack up everything you have in the stables and finish.'  In answer to Mr Clinch, who defended, Kitchener said that it was arranged at Michaelmas that he should have £1 per week and cottage free.  A shilling a week was deducted, to be paid him next Michaelmas if he conducted himself satisfactorily.  Mr Clinch stated that as the land was in a very backward state in consequence of the heavy rains it was vry desirable that the work should be done when the weather was favourable.  In further cross-examination, Kitchener admitted that he went into a Public House on Boxing morning.  Mr Clinch: How long did you stop?  Kitchener:  About the matter of an hour.  Mr Clinch: Did you have sufficient to make you incapable?  Kitchener: Well, I was sober enough.  I don't think I was the worse for drink.  Mr Clinch: You seem in doubt about it.  Kitchener said he only had a rum and beer because he had a cold.  Mr Clinch: And the rum and the beer, and, of course, your cold was too much for you on Boxing Day.  Kitchener: I got home alright.  Edward Colson [Coulson], the bailiff, having given evidence, and stated that the 12s had been allowed, the summons was dismissed."

19 Jan 1904 Northfleet Standard

Death of Mr W Andrus

"We regret to announce the death of Mr William Andrus, which took place at his residence, Longfield Hill, on Saturday.  For several months the deceased gentleman had been indisposed, and a week prior to his death was seized with a more severe illness, from which he did not recover.  The inhabitants of Southfleet and the immediate vicinity had long since recognised his genial manner and his generosity.  He was alway ready to give assistance to the working man.  On Wednesday the remains of the deceased were interred in Longfield Churchyard.  At the service and graveside there were many relations and friends of the deceased gentleman to pay a last tribute to the respet in which he was held.  Several beautiful wreaths were sent by sympathetic friends.  Mr Andrus leaves a son and a daughter."

29 Jan 1904 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Fawkham or Longfield

(Dartford RDC) "It was agreed ont the application of the Longfield Parish Council, to affix an arm to the finger post at Whitehill directing the way 'To the Railway Station'.  Cllr Gilham thought the station had been incorrectly named Fawkham.  It should have been Longfield, for many people naturally went to Fawkham for Fawkham Station.   He thought the railway company should be induced to change the name of the station.  The council however, consider this too big an idea to be entertained."

>Fruit Growers' Meeting at Swanley Junction

Meeting of North Kent Fruit Growers and Market Gardeners' Association.  They want telephone at Swanley.  Post office say they hope to finish the swanley Junction and Hextable exchanges within a few months.  They discussed rail shipments of manure.  SE & C railway "At Blackfriars tehre is an upperand lower level (road and train level) at which manure is loaded, most of it into truck below under cover, and raised by lift to train level, whence it runs onto the weighbridge.  There are two lifts and two weighbridges, and the weighing is done at the end of the day before the train is made up."  November's figures for manure were to Swanley (739 tons), Southlfeet (686), Fawkham (444), ST Mary Cray (410), Otford (199), Eynsford (181 and Farningham (45).  "Walworth Road Depot belonging to Southwark (formerly Newington Vestry) forms a large station and sidings belonging to the council, which during the year ending March 31st 1903, despatched 71,568 tons of dung mixture, rough dust, breeze and ashes.  At the depot the dung and road sweepings comprising the mixture are placed in large bins, where it drains for about a week before being put in trucks.  The trucks are loaded below and brought up to the train level by lift, adjoining which is a self registering weighbridge which prints the weight of the truck and dung on the ticket, the number of truck and weight of empty truck (painted on truck) being noted.  Mr Dunham thought the maximum loss of weight on a journey of a truck of mixture would be 4 or 5 cwts.  The stations receiving the largest quantities of manure mixture last year were: Swanley with May's siding (5,273 tons), Farmingham 2,008, Longfield 1,572, Eynsford 881, St Mary Cray  543."

26 Feb 1904 Dover Express

Want Position

"Groom-coachman seeks situation; can ride and drive well, and well up in all stable duties; good character - H Cole, the Stables, Hartley Manor, Longfield, Kent."

05 Mar 1904 Gravesend Reporter

Shall We Unite?

Gravesend Councillor A Tolhurst proposes that Gravesend Borough and Northfleet Urban District should merge into one council.  He said this would avoid duplication of staff, he reckons Gravesend's council staff could run the larger area on their own.  He thinks it will bring trade to the town "Though having an excellent railway connection with the various parishes near at hand, it is neglected to by them in the matter of trade simply because people get in the way of purchasing their goods from the place that is the administrative centre."  He also proposes the enlarged town become a "magisterial centre" taking over area encompassing Longfield, Ash, Southfleet, Meopham, Cobham, Higham, Shorne, Isle of Grain [currently served by Dartford and Strood Magistrates' Courts].  Paper supports idea on the grounds of economy.

10 Mar 1904 Welsh Gazette

Rail Accident at Fawkham

"The boat express to Dover on Saturday ran into a pack of hounds at Fawkham.  The pack was in full cry, and 2 hounds were killed before the train could be pulled up."

11 Mar 1904 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Longfield Parish Council

(1) Election.  Five candidates for five places deemed elected - R W Gillham, G Pankhurst, G T Lynds, J Hyde, L Dunmall.  (2) Churchyard, extension required.  Rector said he would speak to Mrs Hickmott.

18 Mar 1904 Woolwich Gazette

A Lengthy Married Life

"Mr and Mrs J T Smith of Fairby House, Lee Green, have just celebrated the 72nd anniversary of their wedding.  Mr Smith, who is 96 years, carried on business at Deptford, lately as the principal member of Messrs Smith, Shepherd and Adams, Sun Wharf.  Mr Smith, a Woolwich tradesman was the last person to be buried in the churchyard of St Pauls Deptford.  A dinner party held recently in Mr and Mrs Smith's honour was presided over by Mrs Smith, her husband being confined to bed by illness."

19 Mar 1904 Gravesend Standard

Theft at Longfield

"Dartford Magistrates.  Peter Maynard, a labourer, of Longfield, and Edward Martin, a shepherd, were charged with stealing 2 bushels of oats from John Foster, a contractor of Longfield - William Foster son of the prosecutor, stated that Martin had been employed by his father - Evidence was given that Martin was seen taking a sack of oats towards Longfield, and Constable Liseaman spoke to finding a sack of oats in Maynard's stable.  Maynard asserted that he had bought the oats from a man at Stone.  He was taken to Stone and confronted the man he stated was the vendor, but the man denied having sold Maynard any oats - The prisoners were remanded until Friday."

08 Apr 1904 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Liberal Party Advert

"To protest against Chinese Labour, Food Taxes and the Education Acts.  Open Air Meetings will be held with the Liberal Van….. Tuesday April 12th, Station Road, Longfield…..."  

>(22/4/1904 ediiton) Liberal Meeting at Wilmington

Report of tour "..... on the following day the van was at Longfield where Mr R W Gilham presided over an enthusiastic meeting....." REport of speeches by Mr J R Creasy of Sidcup and Mr Withers at the Wilmington meeting.  They said the sitting Dartford MP Sir William Hart Dyke had done very little for working people even though he claimed to.  Even introducing free education, "the parson and churchwardens ruled everything, but they took non-conformists' money."   Importing Chinese labour to South Africa was part of an attempt by mine owners to reduce the wages of black workers by 50 per cent.  The only people who benefitted were the few millionaires they said Sir William really worked for.  They urged people support their candidate Sir James Rowlands, who was a working man himself [he started out as a watchmaker's apprentice].

23 Apr 1904 Northfleet Standard

Local News in Brief

Dartford Magistrates.

"Fighting in the street…  "Willliam Thomas Saxton and William Thorne, young men, of Longfield, were summoned for disorderly conduct - Constable Lessaman stated that the defendants fought in the street and caused a crowd to assemble.  It appeared Saxton was the aggressor, and he was fined 5 shillings and costs.  Thorne was discharged.

The Swine Fever Order

"... William Foster, of Station Road, Longfield, was charged with making a false declaration under the Swine Fever Order.  The order requires that swine shall not be removed without a licence, and to obtain this a declaration has to be made to the police that the swine would remain at least 28 days in one place, and that no other swine had been recently brought to the place.  The defendant applied to Constable Lissaman at Longfield, and made a declaration in this form for the 3 pigs at Hartley Court.  It happened that the defendant's father had applied to Sergeant Fright for a licence to take the 19 pigs to Hartley Court, and that these animals had recently arrived at Hartley Court, when the defendant made his declaration to Constable Lissaman.   Defendant declared that he knew nothing about the arrival of these pigs at Hartley Court, nor did he fully understand the terms of the declaration.  The chairman remarked that it was evident by the particulars he gave, for the declaration to be made, that defendant knew the condition.  Defendant was fined £2.  The Chairman remarked that, making such a decalaration was similar to taking an oath in court.  The defendant had lightly made this declaration knowing, as he must have done, about his father's pigs going to the place.  It was such people as the defendant who kept swine fever about the country."

29 Apr 1904 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Obscene Language at Longfield

"Frederick Ward and Ernest Gear, both of Longfield were each fined 10s and costs, with the alternative of 14 days, for using obscene language in Dartford Road [Main Road] Longfield on April 4th.  Nothing is known against either of the defendants."

06 May 1904 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

A Foolish Woman

"A foolish act cost Mary Payne of Longfield, 10s and costs with the alterative of 14 days' imprisonment.  On April 9th, PC Lissaman has a woman in custody, when Payne interfered and used obscene language in Dartford Road [Main Road] Longfield."

03 Jun 1904 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Egg Stealing at Longfield

"Charles Ward of Longfield, was charged with stealing a quantity of eggs, valued at 2s 6d, the property of James Crouch, a coal merchant of [Salts Farm] Longfield on May 25th.  He pleaded guilty.  Frederick Crouch saw prisoner leaving the chicken house.  He had a red handkerchief with something in it.   Witness went to the chicken house and missed the eggs.  Prisoner dropped the eggs (produced).  Prisoner said he was going after a man who had stolen some of his money.  He was in drink and did not remember taking the eggs.  One previous conviction was recorded against prisoner for stealing  a piece of pork in 1895.  The police said prisoner was a working man and had a wife and family.  The chairman said that as prisoner had been locked up two days, he would only be fined 5s, otherwise it would have been 10s."

01 Jul 1904 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Only 'Nodding'

Walter James of Red Cow Farm fied 5s or 7 days for being asleep while in charge of a horse at High Street, Welling.  Said to constable 'All right governor.  Let me off this time; I was only nodding.'

02 Jul 1904 Gravesend Standard

Telegraph Line Laying

Public Notice: "Post Office Telegraphs: Purusant to the provisions of the Telgraph Acts 1863 to 1892, notice is hereby given that His Majesty's Postmaster General, having obtained the consent in that behalf of the bodies having control of the public roads between Darenth and Cuxton, via Green Street Green, Longfield, Nurstead Hill and Gold Street, intends to place a telegraph over and along the said public roads and for that purpose to erect and maintain posts in and upon the said public roads under the powers conferred on him by the Telegraph Acts above mentioned.  H Babington Smith Secretary.  General Post Office, 29th June 1904."

08 Jul 1904 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Accident to a Cyclist

Policeman Seriously Injured "A very serious accident befel PC Sidney Lissaman on Saturday last, and the unfortunate man is now lying in a precarious condidtion in Gravesend Cottage Hospital.  The officer was riding on his bicycle down Longfield Hill, the precipitousness of which is widely known, when, presumably, the brakes refused to act, and the machine collided with the bank. The rider was thrown headlong against the bank with such force that he was rendered unconscious.  Mr H B Rashleigh, a barrister, of Horton Kirby who was ascenting the hill and had just passed Lissaman, heard the crash and immediately went to the unfortunate man's assistance.  Dr Childs, a retired surgeon, who resides hard by, also did what was possible, and had the sufferer removed to the Gravesend Cottage Hospital.  Examination there revealed a fracture at the base of the skull and concussion of the brain.  Little hopes are entertained of the man's recovery, he having not regained consciousness last night."

[However Northfleet Standard 9/7/1904 "Accident to a Cyclist" said he is progressing favourably." and he back at work by October 1904]

15 Jul 1904 Bromley Journal and West Kent Herald

Mid Kent Agricultural Association Summer Show

Thomas Morton of Longfield (sic) wins reserve prize for Mares foaled in or before 1900.

22 Jul 1904 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Discharged

"Robert Richardson (16), hut dweller, was charged with stealing a leather strap valued at 5s 6d, the property of Mr Woodward, a farmer, at Longfield on July 12th.  Evidence having been given by Mark Brumley, a foreman in the employ of prosecutor, prisoner was discharged, he having been locked up 4 days."

06 Aug 1904 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 1903, 48, admitted during the year 543; of these 406 have been cured, 86 have been relieved, 5 remained in statu quo, 53 have died, 41 remained under treatment at the end of the year.  These patients came from the following places: Ash 3, Bean 2, Betsham 1, Bromley 1, Chalk 1, Cobham 1, Dartford 2, Denton 12, Erith 1, Eynsford 1, Fawkham 2, Farningham 1, Gravesend and Milton 289, Greenhithe 9, Ifield 2, Kingsdown 3, Longfield 3, Meopham 6, Northfleet 90, Perry Street 11, Plumstead 1, Rosherville 19, Shorne 1, Southfleet 2, Stone 2, Stoke 1, Stansted 1, Swanscombe and Galley Hill 31, Wrotham 1, Chadwell 2, Corringham 1, Grays 14, Linford 3, Mucking 1, Ockendon 4, Romford 1, Stanford le Hope 6, Tilbury 24, Thames Shipping 33, Total 591.  Of the above patients 261 were men, 178 were women and 152 were children.

There have been treated 6,617 out patients, of these 2,914 were general outpatients, 2,330 were casualties, and 1,373 were dental cases.  These out patients came from the places mentioned below: Ash 6, Bean 1, Betsham 20, Chalk 49, Cliffe 8, Cobham and Sole Street 8, Crayford 1, Darenth 2, Dartford 5, Denton 124, Fawkham 2, Grain 3, Gravesend and Milton 3,533, Greenhithe 70, Green Street Green 6, Hartley 2, Henhurst 1, Higham 5, Horton Kirby 3, Ifield 8, Kingsdown 4, Longfield 17, Luddesdown 1, Meopham 24, Northfleet 1,156, Nursted 2, Perry Street 277, Rosherville 102, Shorne 14, Singlewell 12, Southfleet 32, Stansted 2, Stone 31, Sutton at Hone 4, Swanscombe and Galley Hill 349, Sevenoaks 1, Tonbridge 1, Chadwell 5, Colchester 1, Corringham 3, Fobbing 4, Grays 162, Laindon 2, Leigh on Sea 1, Linford 8, Low Street 1, Kynoch Town 5, Mucking 5, Ockendon 19, Romford 1 Southend 1, Stifford 3, Stanford le Hope 25, Tilbury 293, London 10, Thames Shipping 179."  Report continues with details of fundraising and staff changes.

12 Aug 1904 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Serious Question for Fawkham

(Dartford RDC)  (1) "A letter was read from the engineer for the borough of Lambeth, with reference to the proposed erection of a dust destructor at Fawkham [sic].  The letter stated that the Corporation had entered into negotiations for the purchase of a piece of land near Pinden Farm, for the purpose of carrying on a 'business' similar to that at Longfield.  It was proposed to erect a dust destructor, and the Corporation were desirous of ascertaining whether any possible objection might be raised to such a proposal.  It was suggested that the 'business' might be appreciated by industrial classes as i would provide employment.

The chairman said personally he would very strongly object to such a nuisance being brought to Fawkham.  Although he was some distance off the Longfield Siding, the deposit of refuse there was a nuisance to him, both by reason of the rats as well as the smells. If the people of Fawkham required the destructor, just for the sake of a little employment it migh give in the way of sorting rags, they must be very short of labour indeed.  Cllr Dalton: Can we prevent it coming? The Clerk: Yes, if it's a nuisance.  It was stated that there would not be such objection if the refuse was shot direct out of the trucks into the furnace, but if the refuse was tipped onto a siding and allowed to remain any length of time, the nuisance would be intolerable.  Cllr Smith [Hartley] said the siding at Longfield had ruined the neighbourhood, and he knew of many people complaining of the vermin the refuse contained.

The clerk was directed to reply that the council would express no opinion as to whether the destructor would be a nuisance or not in order that they might take action in the future if any complaint should arise."

(2) Health report: 1 case of erysipelas at Fawkham.

19 Aug 1904 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Longfield Free Church Mission

Open air meetings at 3.30 and 6.30pm on Sunday.  If weather poor it will be held in Mr Foster's carriage room.

26 Aug 1904 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

A Land of Refuse

(Dartford RDC) "Messrs J & B Martin, of Pinden, wrote, denying that there was any nuisance caused through refuse which he cated along the roads at Longfield being allowed to litter the roads.  In fact he sent boys along the roads twice a week to pick up even every piece of paper (laughter).  All the carts he used for this work were covered with cloths.  Cllr Gillham [Longfield] stated that the nuisance had been considerably abated of late.  The Clerk stated he had received letters from Mr Hohler and Mrs Fleet strongly complaining of the proposal of the Lambeth Borough Council to erect a dust destructor at Pinden.  The clerk suggested that he should see the engineer of Lambeth Council and the Railway Company, to enquire what is intended to be done.  Cllr J J Hewitt [Stone] stated that he had received a letter of complaint from Mr W D Borland, of Bean, upon the same matter.  Already there was an accumulation of foul matter, and he considered it would be the duty of the council to deal with the nuisance forthwith.

Dr Sharples, in reporting upon a visit he had paid to Longfield, said there was a large quantity of London refuse being carted by Messrs Martin from Fawkham Station to Pinden Bridge.  At the station the refuse gave rise to a serious nuisance.  A large quantity of refuse, which consisted of ashes, paper, decaying vegetable matter, fish etc being littered about, and giving rise to the most offensive odour.  A great deal was left lying in the ditches, and could be seen in little piles along the roadway.  Some of the refuse was placed in a hole and covered with earth, while quantities were sifted and burned, the fumes causing much annoyance.  The flies were innumerable, while he had heard that so many as 500 rats had been killed in one day.  Cllr Wood [Lullingstone]: Mouths can speak a good many languages.  Dr Sharples added that there were between 1,000 and 2,000 tons of refuse in that locality.  Cllr Wood: You being a young man your power of smell is stronger than an old man's.

Cllr Hewitt said the refuse might be very useful to certain people in the district, but it was their duty to look after the health of the neighbourhood.  A nuisance existed already, and he thought they might take steps at once.  Cllr Dalton [Horton Kirby] enquired if the medical officer and Sanitary Inspector were of opinion that a nuisance already existed, and both replied in the affirmative.  The council left it with the clerk to deal with the matter."

(Editorial comment) "Back to the land! is the cry today, but I should think the vicinity of Longfield would be a difficult district to repopulate.  It is fast becoming the dust heap of London, and I am not surprised that the geneal inhabitants are discontented at seeing one individual becoming fat on a business which causes annoyance to everyone else....."  Suggests local fox hunters have changed "in favour of the more exhilarating sport of rat stalking."

30 Sep 1904 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Some Generous Donations

Thomas Wood gave £50 for new organ for Union Church [Crockenhill] and £25 to do with as the pastor liked, who gave it to the Longfield Mission.

01 Oct 1904 Gravesend Reporter

Longfield Meeting: Nuisance Complained of

"A meeting of the ratepayers and property owners of the parishes of Longfield, Fawkham, Hartley, Horton, Ridley and district, was held in Longfield schools on Thursday week to discuss the question of a nuisance arising from the importation of London house refuse, and to consider what steps were to be taken to prevent a continuance of the nuisance.  Mr H Booth Hohler JP was unanimously elected chairman, and among those present were Rev E Smith, Rev R W Gilham. Messrs Thos Morton, J J Hickmott, S W Newcomb, R French, H Dann, W Robson, W Allen, R Priestman, E Longhurst and W High - The Chairman protested against the nuisance caused by the dumping of London house refuse in the neighbourhood; it was unloaded at Fawkham Station, carted through the village and used for filling up the empty stoneholes in Horton Kirby.  Unless the stench from this traffic were abated serious depreciation in the value of property might result to say nothing of depopulation.  Addressing himself to the working men present and who were, for the most part, agains any action being taken in the matter, he pointed out that in consequence of the stench, in their houses and shops were millions of flies which carried disease and pestilence, and the effect would be taht they would be driven to such towns as Gravesend to obtain provisions.  He hoped, therefore, the working men would support the protest and thus strengthen the hands of the Rural Council who were taking steps in the matter. - Mr S W Newcomb, hon clerk, having produced letters for and against the protest, the Rev R W Gilham spoke against any action being taken.  He had lived in the Station Road 30 years and the smell from the refuse was not so bad as it used to be before the station was opened, when there were smells from the brickfields, fish manure and rotten onions. - The Chairman said he was the instigator of the station being built at Fawkham, and he denied that the stench was worse prior to that taking place - Mr Gilham said a great bother was being made about this stench whereby they were trying to take the bread out of the children's mouths; if this work were stopped they would see the children going hungry, and barefooted to school.  They taught the children to say 'Give us this day, our - ' The chairman (interrupting): we did not come here to hear you preach. - Mr Gilham: You are trying to stop work being brought into the neighbourhood - The Chairman: I have now on my estate 16 to 20 men from Gravesend, because I cannot obtain suitable men here - Mr T Morton seconded the chairman's proposition in favour of action being taken to secure an abatement of the nuisance. - Mr Robson said he undertood the existing contract would finish in about 3 months' time, and Mr Priestman hainv strong condemned the importation of this filth into the neighbourhood, the motion was put and carried in these terms 'That this meeting protests against the introduction of London house refuse into the district and asks the Railway Company to discontinue the traffic to Fawkham Station, and depositing it in the neighbourhood.  The meeting also requests the District Council to take steps against the traffic being continued.'  It was explained by the Chairman that the District Council had taken proceedings in the matter but, owing to the vacation at the Law Courts, the matter was delayed for the present. - Mr Hales: Have the ratepayers been consulted about hte costs of these proceedings? The Chairman: Are you a ratepayer? Mr Hales: Yes.  The Chairman: Why are you not in favour of the protest?: - Mr Hales: Because I have had a lot more trade at my shop since this work has been going on. - Mr Gilham: I do not consider this a legal meeting, as there have not been any bills printed. - Mr SW Newcomb stated that to his knowledge, every ratepayer and owner had received a notice - A vote of thanks was then passed to Mr H Booth Hohler, on the proposition of Messrs Thos Morton, seconded by Mr W Robson."

08 Oct 1904 Kent Times

Pony for Sale

"Pony for Sale.  Blue Roan, about 12 hands, rising 5, quiet to ride and drive.  Will exchange for older pony suited for young children.  Morton, Hartley, Longfield, Kent."

27 Oct 1904 Freeman's Journal

Family Notice

Death, aged 93, of James Thomas Smith of Fairby House, Eltham Road, Lee SE [former owner of Fairby]

28 Oct 1904 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

A Bit Stiff' case dismissed

Charles Foster of Hope Cottage, Essex Road, accused by RSPCA of working a horse while unfit with sprained tendons.  James Day, a vet, examined horse and asked for it to be taken to a forge and have its shoes removed.  It turned out to be suffering from bad corns, so case dismissed.

04 Nov 1904 Sevenoaks Chronicle

Longfield Hockey Club

"This match was played on October 29th at Fawkham [almost certainly Longfield] between the Longfield Court Hockey Club and the Sevenoaks Hockey Club.  The match resulted in a win for Longfield Court by 6 goals to 1." [list of Sevenoaks players]

04 Nov 1904 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

New Mission Hall at Longfield

"The new builing for the Longfield Free Church Mission will be opened on Wednesday November 16th by the Rev D J Llewellyn, of the Florence Road New Baptist Church, Preston, Brighton.  The Rev Llewellyn is the vice-moderator of the the Kent and Sussex Baptist Association, and will preach the opening sermon. The organist and choir will be present from the Union Church, Crockenhill with which the mission is connected.  Mr B J Greenwood of Shoreham, has promised to preside at the evening meeting, and others expected are Messrs G H Dean of Sittingbourne and Cllr S J Hart of Chatham."

Station Road, Longfield

Dartford RDC to ask SE & C Railway to repair the road.

03 Dec 1904 Northfleet Standard

Gravesend Hospital

"the Hon Treasurer… thankfully acknowledges the receipt of the following: ….. Mr Thomas Morton, Hartley (£1 1s)….. Longfield Hospital Collection 1904 per Rev E Smith: Harvest Festival Church (£2 3s 11d); Harvest Festival Mission Room (£1 15s 11d); Subscriptions - Mr J J Hickmott (£1 1s 0d), Mr J Woodward (10s 6d).  Boxes: Messrs Martin & Son per Mr Shipp (£3 12s 9d); Mr Hickmott's Brickfields per Mr Stewart (16s 7d); Longfield Siding per Mr Tyler (11s 10d); Mrs Hales (5s 6d); Mrs Tomlin (6s 1d); Mr Collins (1s 6d); Mr Gilham (6s 3d); Mr Heaver (1s 4d).  Total £11 13s 2d......"

11 Dec 1904 Lloyds Weekly News

Bequests to Servants

"Of his estate of £265,828, the late Mr James Thomas Smith, of Fairby House, Lee, Kent, left £4,600 to charities, and to servants he left these legacies: - Caroline Brown (cook) £600, James Fowler (coachman) £600, John Howe (head gardener) £700, Thomas Coulson (bailiff) £1,500, Miss Sewell (his wife's companion) £1,000.  Mr Smith bequeathed 3 years' wages to all servants of 3 years' standing, one year's to those of 12 months' standing, and £5 each to all who had been with him less than 12 months."

[Mr Smith obviously had substantial means, £266,000 in 1904 is worth over £20 million today.  Thomas Coulson had lived at Fairby when Mr Smith owned the farm.  He was exceptionally generous to his staff, the £1,500 bequest to Thomas would be worth over £100,000 today.  Brockley News 11.12.1908 reported the will of his wife Jane Ann Smith, aged 93, estate worth £34,000]

27 Dec 1904 Times

Change of Name

Dr Percival Horton-Smith has assumed the additional surname of Hartley in accordance with his father in law's will (Joseph Hartley of Old Downs).