1906 News - Hartley-Kent: Covering Hartley, Longfield & District

26 Jan 1906 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

The General Election - Remarkable Liberal Triumph

Whole page article on the election.  Result - James Rowlands (Liberal & Labour) 9,532, Sir William Hart Dyke (Conservative) 6,728, [Spoiled ballots 84].  Liberal/Labour Gain.  Poll was on Friday, Counting done on Saturday with the result at 12.57pm.  Sir William had been MP since 1865.  At the last contested election for Dartford in 1895 he got 5,699 votes to the Liberal candidates 4,722.   Around 7,000 more on electoral register since then.

Report of election day.  Liberal light blue was everywhere, someone even dyed his dog that colour.  Rotten eggs, soot and flour thrown at those showing Conservative violet and orange.  Shop owners in Dartford and Stone found posters for their preferred candidate had been pasted over with the other side's posters overnight.

Overall the turnout was 16,344 (81.0%), but the paper breaks this down further by polling districts.  Longfield (Longfield, Hartley, Fawkham) turnout 190 of 231 registered voters (82.25%); Ash (Ash, Ridley, West Kingsdown) turnout 159 of 228 voters (69.73%).  Highest turnout St Mary Cray 87.96%.

[Paper of 19/1/1906] lists polling stations.    Each district only has one polling station.   Longfield - Longfield Primary School, presiding officer A A Reid of London; Ash - Ash Primary School, presiding officer W F Holroyde of Bromley.

24 Feb 1906 Gravesend Reporter

New accident patients at Gravesend Hospital

"Accidents admitted: on Saturday, Henry Holderness (50), sweep, of 8 Barrack Row, Gravesend, overcome by heat while cleaning boiler flues at the Gravesend Sanitary Laundry.  Tuesday, Alfred Martin (42), builder's labourer, of 72 Angel Road, Edmonton, scalp wound and fracture of the nasal bones, caused by a fall of a frame while working for Messrs Sheffield Bros, at Hartley.  On the same day Thomas Harvey (22), ironmoulder, of 29 Alfred Road, Gravesend, severe burn of eyeball, caused by a splash of hot metal at the works of Messrs E.A and H Sandford.  Wednesday, George Longman (9), schoolboy, of 4 Herbert Road, Swanscombe, broken thigh, from a fall while at play."

[A week's worth of accidents requiring hospital treatment.  The building works going on at Hartley was most likely to be the building of Grafton House, Ash Road.]

16 Mar 1906 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Dartford Rural District Council Elections

No contested elections.  Hartley - Rev Edward Smith of Longfield Rectory nominated by Alfred W Cromar, Seconded by Gerard Bancks, also by Thomas Morton and George Wansbury.  Longfield Robert William Gilham, Station Road, builder.  Proposed by George Thomas Lynds, seconded by Lancelot Dunmall.  Fawkham, Rev Thomas Blackall, Fawkham Rectoy.  Proposed by Thomas Hazelden, Seconded by William W Judge.

17 Mar 1906 Gravesend Reporter

In Pursuit of Conies

Charles Lynes and George Laws of Gravesend fined 10 shillings each for trespassing in pursuit of rabbits on land of Frederick Fisher at Hartley.

23 Mar 1906 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Dartford Rural District Council

Council to look into issue of flooding in Longfield Hill on road leading from Green Man to Longfield Manor House.

24 Mar 1906 Gravesend Reporter

Station Road: Land for Sale

"By order of the executors of William Moss (deceased), and by order of the mortgagees.  Longfield, Belvedere and Stone

Messrs Porter Putt & Fletcher have received instructions…... To sell by public auction at the Bull Hotel, Dartford, on Tuesday, the 10th April 1906 at 5 o'clock precisely, the following valuable property and building land, the two freehold dwelling houses, forge or warehouse and stabling, situate in Station Road Longfield, and in the occupation of Messrs Lynds and Martin......"

31 Mar 1906 Barnet Press

Barnet Bankruptcy Court

"George Jame Child, 2 Sydney Road, Friern Barnet, described as a 'gentleman of no occupation,' appeared before the Registrar (Dr Boyes) at the Barnet Bankruptcy Court on Thursday, for his public examination.  The Official Receiver (Mr Cecil Mercer) was present, and the bankrupt was represented by Mr Crowe (Hulbert, Crowe and Hulbert).  The statement of affairs showed one unsecured creditor ofr £70 2s 9d, the total liabilities, and assets nil.  The bankrupt, who was examined by the Official Receiver, said Messrs Colyer and Colyer, solicitors were his only creditors.  He denied owing them the £70 2s 9d, but they obtained a judgement against him in the High Court for the amount, and he was ordered to pay it in instalments of £4 a month.  He was absolutely without means, and therefore did not pay the instalments.  A commital order was made, and it was in consequence of that he filed his petition.  The Official Receiver: Your wife claims a freehold house at Longfield, Kent, and the furniture?.  Bankrupt: Yes.  The Registrar: Another 20 years and no married man will have anything.  The Official Receiver: It is not only wives who claim furniture and things of that kind, but sons and daughters claim, and there will be babies in arms claiming in a short time.  The bankrupt said he was formerly general manager of the Marza Medicated Wine Co but left 10 years ago, since when he had done nothing, and lived on the help of friends.  He had a weak heart, and could not stand exertion or worry.  The examination was adjourned till April 26th."

21 Apr 1906 Gravesend Standard

Longfield Hockey Club

"Mr P J Hickmott's XI v Bromley Wanderers - This match, which was played at Longfield on Easter Monday, after a very fast but evenly contested game ended in a draw, neither side being able to score.  Dr Anderson played a fine game in goal.  Mr Hickmott's XI: Dr Anderson, I H T Priestman and P J Hickmott; W Prattent, F Ladds and A E Hickmott; F L Hickmott, R Hassel, H C Hickmott, B French and S H Hickmott.  Mr Hickmott's team was mostly comprised of members of the Meopham and Longfield HC who have had a very successful season, the result of which was as follows: Won 7 and lost 1, goals for 49, against 16; mixed: played 3 of which they have won all, with 25 goals to 1 against."

11 May 1906 Leeds Mercury

Want Position

"Groom-coachman, experienced, age 32, married, ?????, good refs.  Edwards, Hartley Wood, Longfield, Kent."

11 May 1906 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Vocal 'Music' at Longfield: A Complete Nuisance

"Albert Remmington, Ernest Seager, William Parker and Francis Parker, labourers of Longfield were summoned for singing and shouting at Dartford Road, Longfield on April 22nd.  They pleaded guilty.  Sgt Fright stated that on the Sunday night in question, at about 11 o'clock, defendants with others were proceeding in the direction of Green Street Green.  They were singing and shouting at the 'top of their voices'  They were singing indecent songs.  Witness said this sort of thing was a complete nuisance every Sunday evening.  Seager had been previously convicted of obscene language." Each fined 5s or 7 days.

More Vocal Effects Unappreciated

George Simes, Walter Sexton and Henry Bance labourers of Longfield, were summoned for similar offence at Longfield on the same date.  They pleaded guilty.  Sgt Fright heard the defendants singing and shouting, despite the fact he had previously cautioned them."  Each fined 5s or 7 days.

12 May 1906 Northfleet Standard

A Nurseryman's Bankruptcy

"Walter Wright, nurseryman's manager of Longfield Nurseries, Longfield, applied for his discharge from bankruptcy at Rochester County Court on Wednesday.  Mr R W Cave appeared for the official Receiver, and Mr L A Goldies for the applicant.

The Official Receiver reported that the receiving order was made on the 3rd April last year.  Gross liabilities were estimated at £319 1s 9d, but proofs were actually admitted for £250 11s 3d.  The assets were estimated to produce £21 19s 6d, whereas they only realised £5, which was £27 less than was required to meet the expenses of the bankruptcy.  The main reason for the debtor's failure was an action brought against him by petitioning creditors in respect to a right of way.  The Official Receiver reported that debtor's assets were not equal to 10s in the £, and that he had omitted to keep proper books of account.  The attention of the court was also directed to the manner in which he had divested himself of assets after receiving a writ.

Debtor stated that he was now a journeyman earning 24 shillings a week.  He could make no offer to his creditors.  Judge Shortt considered the expenses of the bankruptcy should be met by the debtor, and adjourned the application to September court to give him an opportunity of finding the £27.  His Honour intimated that the discharge would then be granted after a certain suspension."

14 May 1906 Times

Hartley Manor to Let

"To be let on lease from Michaelmas 1906; 3 reception, 10 bedrooms, bathroom, greenhouse, stabling and outhouses, good garden, modern sanitation and company's water.  If desired 50 or less acres of land surrounding the house, 2 cottages and farmery can be had.  Apply F B Cobb, Newton Road, Faversham.  No agents."

[Advertised again in Sussex Agricultural Express 15.9.1906]

19 May 1906 Northfleet Standard

Popular Concert

"A concert, under the auspices of the Longfield and Distrit Choral Society, took place on Friday at the schools  The front seats were well filled by an appreciative audience, but even the extremely small charge for admission failed to bring a response from the working classes...."  Details of singers and songs from programme followed.

01 Jun 1906 South London Chronicle

Fawkham as a London Suburb

"Messrs Payne Trapps and Co, whose name is so well known in connection with estate developing, have made what we believe will prove another lucky hit.  They have purchased a considerable estate at Fawkham, in Kent, cut it up into plots, and hold the first sale on Thursday next.

Fawkham is a district well known to that large section of Newington and Walworth which has been connected directly or indirectly with local Government in the district in the last 30 years.  It is close to the Kent district where old Newington vestry started carrying its street refuse for manipulation and sale to farmers and brickmakers.  Hundreds and hundreds of readers have from time to time been down to these parts, well knowing the lovely nature of the country down there, its accessibility, and will agree that it is likely to prove a favourit sport for the residences of town businessmen.

We are inclined to think Messrs Payne Trapps & Co rather overstate the case when they say Fawkham is 23 miles from London, from Victoria, at any rate, unless memory deceives us, the distance is only 19 miles.  Almost adjoining Fawkham Station, very close to Meopham and Sole Street Stations, 7 miles from Gravesend, 8 from Dartford, and 10 from Chatham, with Farningham, Swanley, St Mary Cray, Chislehurst and Bromley not far away on the town side, Fawkham Park Estate, though situate in fine open country, with sylvan woods and fruit laden orchards all around, is very accessible indeed, and a season ticket only comes to about a shilling a day.  Rates down there are very low compared with London, the land is 300 feet above sea level, it is suitable for residential, poultry rearing, or market garden purposes, and the outlook for the venture is a bright one.

Messrs Payne Trapps and Co are themselves forming 40 feet roads throughout the estate, and as the building line will be set back 25 feet from the frontage, there will be a total space of 90 feet between the windows of the dwellings on either side of the road.  As town workers set great store on privacy when they retire into the country, this exemption from any overlooking by the neighbours on the other side of the way will be greatly appreciated.  Most of the plots are 25 feet by 200 feet, but some are 40 feet by 120 to 150 feet.  Of course, it is open to anyone to purchase a couple of plots on which to erect a single house.  We give herewith a couple of views of the country round about, and shall report the result of the first sale later."

02 Jun 1906 Gravesend Reporter

Obscene Language at Hartley

"John and Mary Elliott, husband and wife, of Hartley, were fined 10 shillings and costs, for using obscene language at Hartley."

15 Jun 1906 South London Chronicle

Fawkham as a London Suburb

"Fawkham, about 20 miles from London, in the prettiest part of Kent, is being opened up as a suburban residential part of London.  Messrs Payne Trapps and Co have bought a considerable estate there, and held the first sale a few days ago.  A large number of people were there, including many Newington and Walworth folk.  Nearly £1,500 worth of plots were sold, which we should consider a very fine start for a new venture.  But the country is so fine, the rates so low, and the railway service so cheap, while London living is so dear, that no-one can wonder at the exodus from the boroughs near the Thames."

16 Jun 1906 Gravesend Reporter

Payne and Trapps Estate

"Sales by Auction - Fawkham, near Gravesend, Kent: The Fawkham Park Estate, close to station, a splendid and profitable investment

"Messrs Payne Trapps and Co beg to announce that the next sale of 125 freehold sites, averaging 25 feet frontage, by a depth of 220 feet, will take place in a marquee upon that estate on Monday June 25th, 1906.  Intending Gravesend purchasers will leave the Royal Mews, New Road, Gravesend on day of sale by brake at 11.30 o'clock; luncheon provided....."

23 Jun 1906 Bromley and West Kent Telegraph

School of Domestic Economy, Bromley

"Distribution of Prizes and Certificates

There is only one school of Domestic Economy in Kent and that is the school at Springhill, College Road, Bromley.  It is carried on with considerable success under the aegis of the Kent Education Committee.  The work during the past year has been exceptionally good in all the branches.  Excellent results have been achieved in every department, showing that the girls of the school receive most efficient training under the able superintendence of Miss Isabel Duncan.

The annual distribution of prizes took place at Springhill on Wednesday June 20, for which purpose a large marquee had been erected on the lawn....The chairman in a few introductory remarks said domestic economy, like every other subject, was one which must be studied if they were to practise it with success.  Unfortunately it was a subject in which the English people, as a whole were defective.  Those who had been abroad and travelled in France and other countries, especially France, told them that domestic economy - the art of making the most even of the smallest means - was very muc more widely diffused there than it was in England.  He was afraid it was part of our national character.  Of course, he could not deny that they had been, on the whole, a very successful nation.  Whehter that was owing to their merits or only to luck was another matter.  There was not doubt that they had a great deal of good fortune, but anyway he was afraid that not merely in this subject, but in many others English men and women were too much in the habit of thinking that they could muddle through somehow.  The Japanese had set them an excellent example and shown them the importance in every undertaking of paying attention to the very smallest details.  The School of Domestic Economy was founded for the purpose of remedying what he might call 'a nation defect', and it was therefore, in every way deserving of the highest encouragement (applause)...."

Certificates presented to Ellen E E Wansbury of Hartley and Evangeline Stevens of Longfield among others.  Ellen Wansbury won 1st equal prize for cookery of 7 shillings.  Other prizes awarded for dressmaking, hygiene, and laundry.

14 Jul 1906 Gravesend Standard

Forresters Fete at Sole Street

Local lodges raised £9 0s 9½d to be shared between Gravesend and Rochester hospitals.  This included 7s 5½d from the Hartley Oddfellows

03 Aug 1906 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Paternity Case

Frederick Edwards, a private in the Welsh Fusiliers stationed at Gravesend, was summoned by Edith Alice Bishop of St George's Cottages, Whitehill, Longfield, to show cause etc.  Defendant, who appeared in uniform, denied paternity.  Complainant said she was in a situation at Gravesend where defendant was stationed, and had 'kept company' with him for 2 years.  He promised to marry her at Christmas.  He was the father of her child.  Alice Maud Caller, complainant's mother, having given evidence as to an interview with defendant at the barracks when he admitted liability.  The bench made an order for 2s 6d per week until the child attained the age of 16 years."

04 Aug 1906 Gravesend Reporter

Payne and Trapps Estate

"Messrs Payne Trapps and Co will sell in a marquee upon the estate on Wednesday, August 15th 1906 at 1.30 o'clock 62 choice freehold sites, each 25 feet frontage, and 200 feet in depth or thereabouts, absolutely ripe for the erection of bungalow and villa residences, free of tithe and land tax.  No law costs.  Admirably adapted as a residential district for Londoners.  The railway service is good.  Season tickets 1 shilling per day  The estate presents splendid opportunity for the investment of capital.  Builders and speculators should lose no time in putting up some attractive villas.  A good and profitable remuneration must result therefrom.  The water mains are laid past the estate.  A brake will convey intending purchasers from Gravesend, leaving the Royal Mews, New Road, Gravesend at 11.30 o'clock on day of sale.  Luncheon will be provided.  Full particulars etc may be obtained of Mr E Y Skinner, Estate Agent, Wrotham Road, Gravesend; and of Messrs Payne, Trapps and Co, Auctioneers, 11 Queen Victoria Street EC (telephone 6008 Bank)."

10 Aug 1906 Eltham Times

Property Sale Longfield

Ernest Y Skinner to auction at Bull Hotel, Dartford the following Longfield Properties: (1) Freehold bungalow "Glen Cairn", Longfield Avenue, Longfield with 2a grounds and furniture by Maple; (2) Corner plot of building land at Main Road, Longfield, 75 ft frontage, depth about 480 ft; (3) Detached residence "The Bungalow", Main Road, Longfield with 2a grounds

24 Aug 1906 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Alleged Assault at Longfield

"Thomas Allingham, a foreman contractor and coal merchant of Mile End Green, Horton Kirby, was summoned for assaulting George Hills, labourer, of 7 Whitehill Longfield on August 6th at Longfield.  Mr Clinch appeared for the defence.  Complainant deposed that he was at the bottom of Whitehill at about 10.15pm.  He met defendant and asked him for some money he owed him.  Witness thought the amount was 2s 6d but defendant said it was 3s.  Defendant said, 'I suppose you have brought that stick to ____ well knock it out of me.'  Complainant then threw his stick away and asked defendant if he was going to give him the money, and he replied, 'no'.  Witness alleged that defendant 'punched' him on the head and knocked him down.  Witness was getting him up when he was knocked down again when one of the witnesses told himto let him get up.  When he got up he (witness) hit him in his defence, and defendant smashed a bottle of stout over witness's head.  With the piece of broken bottle produced, witness alleged that defendant stabbed him in the chest.  Defendant then threw it at witness's face.  Witness put his hadn up to stop it and his hand was cut.  Witness was wounded on the head and breast. He added, 'I thought he was mad!'    In answer to the Chairman complainant said he and another man had a gallon of beer between them while harvesting, and at night they had a pint of two each before he saw defendant.

Richard David Crouch, labourer, of Salts Farm, Longfield, spoke to hearing Hills ask defendant for half a crown alleged to be owing him.  Defendant said it was not half a crown it was 3s.  The witness then proceeded to corroborate the previous evidence.  Archibald Pankhurst, farm labourer, of Longfield also gave evidence.

Defendant on oath said he gave complainant a job but as a dispute arose about money witness discharged him.  He denied owing complainant anything.  He admitted striking complainant with a bottle of stout in self defence.  The summons was dismissed."

08 Sep 1906 Gravesend Reporter

Run Over and Killed

"At the Gravesend Hospital on Tuesday the Borough Coroner (Mr G Evans Fennan?) and a jury, of which Mr F Whiddett was chosen foreman, inquired into the circumstances of the death of Henry Marsh, a labourer, aged 54 of Hartley Bottom, Longfield, who was run over by a cart, loaded with stone, on Saturday, and died soon after in the hospital.

Albert Marsh, a labourer, of Hartley Bottom, identified the body as that of his father, who resided with him, and stated that he did not see the accident, which occurred about 2.15pm, but was told of it by Mr Letchford.  He proceeed to the spot, and saw his father lying by the roadside, and deceased spoke his name, but said nothing about what had happened.  A conveyance was obtained and deceased was conveyed to the Gravesend Hospital.  On the way deceased spoke to him and told him he was dying.  They drove as fast as they could into Gravesend, and the Hospital was reached just before 3 o'clock.  Deceased had been a strong, hale, man.

Philip Letchford, of 4 Gladstone Cottages, Essex Road, Longfield, a road labourer, said that on Saturday he was involved in raking stones off the road (Pancake Hill, Darenth) for deceased to pick up, the latter's duties being to take up the stones and put them in a cart.  He was working at the bottom of the hill, while deceased was, at the time of the accident, about 80 yards away from him, and nearly at the top of the hill.  Deceased was coming down with the cart three-quarters full of stones, and was leading the horse; hearing the horse kicking, he (witness) looked up from his work, and saw the animal had bolted down the hill.  He called to deceased to let go the horse's head, but Marsh still held on, with the result that the horse jammed him in between the shaft of the cart and the bank, and he fell down.  The wheel of the vehicle mounted the bank about 2 feet, and then dropped on to deceased, the horse falling down at the bottom of the hill.  Witness picked deceased up.   Marsh was huddled up in a lump, and said, 'let me lay and die quiet.  I shall not live much longer.'  With the exception of a few scratches on the face, witness could see no injuries.

The Coroner: 'What startled the horse, do you think?' - I don't think anything startled the horse at all, replied the witness; the horse, he said, had kicked before.

In answer to a juryman, witness stated that he could not say how long deceased had driven the horse, which was 10 or 11 years old.

Dr FDS Jackson, locum tenens at the Hospital, said deceased was brought to that Institution about 3pm on Saturday, and was then practically dead.  Externally there were a few grazes on the head and the upper part of the left side of the chest was bruised.  Upon making a post mortem examination, witness found that 5 ribs were fractured on the left side, these having penetrated the left lung.  The cause of death was shock following haemorrhage from the lung.  The injuries were consistent with the nature of the accident as described by the last witness.

Willliam Henry Day, a labourer, fo Westwood, Southfleet, said he was working with deceased on Saturday, picking up the stones on Pancake Hill, and was at the top of the hill when the horse started to run away.  Deceased said he could manage the horse, and they commenced to descend the hill with Marsh leading the animal.  About 2 rods from the top the horse started kicking.  He could not say what caused it to do so; it had kicked before, but he had not seen it so bad previously.  The horse was kicking and running away at the same time.  He could not say how long deceased held onto the horse's head.  Witness described the accident which followed, and said he thought deceased would have been alright if he had let go when Letchford 'hollered' to him, but he did not suppose deceased could hear when the horse was kicking.  Nothing could  possibly have stopped it.

The Coroner (referring to the horse) 'Would you mind working with her again?' - I wouldn't mind going with her to a certain extent.

A verdict was returned to the effect that death was accidental."

22 Sep 1906 Gravesend Reporter

Longfield Football Club

"Bean v Longfield

This match was witnessed by a good number of onlookers on Saturday.  Bean won the toss and had a good deal of the opening play, and scored through the medium of Tom Fleming.  The visitors tried hard to equalise, but to no purpose.  At 10 minutes to half time, Frank Hickmott was badly fouled within the home goal, and could take no further part in the game.  Half time arrived, Bean 1 Longfield 0.  On resuming, Bean hotly attached and Didlow put them further ahead.  Longfield then played up with fine determination, and managed to rush a goal.  After this, however, Bean played a rough game - foul after foul being the order of the play.  Later on Didlow twice found the net for Bean, who eventually won 4 goals to 1.  What would have been a good game was marred by the rough tactics of the Bean players, and the uncalled for hooting on the part of the Bean enthusiasts.  On Saturday of this week, Longfield plays Kingsdown at Longfield."

02 Nov 1906 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Longfield Mission

"The mission services being held at the Longfield Free Church Mission are proving most successful.  They are largely attended and brightness and enthusiasm characterise the gatherings.  On Sunday, Mr Lawrence of Sidcup conducted the meetings, addresses being given by Messrs L Glassup and W Coomber of St Mary Cray.  Mr Coomber and Mr Glassup contributed a couple of vocal duets in commendable style, viz 'Bring them in' and 'Almost persuaded'.

09 Nov 1906 South London Mail

Mr George Trapps

"Mr George Trapps, who so ably presided at the Dugdale Baptist Chapel, Dugdale Street, Camberwell New Road, last week on the occasion of the Harvest Festival Concert and Lecture, given by the Pastor (the Rev J F Thompson) on 'The Clerkenwell Explosion', is a member of the firm of Messrs Payne, Trapps and Co, the well known auctioneers and estate agents of 11 Queen Victoria Street EC.  Possessing a  wide experience and a keen business aptitude, Mr Trapps is undoubtedly one of the most successful men in his particular profession to be found in the metropolis, whilst in other spheres he is extremely popular.  He makes an ideal chairman, and his genial presence at all functions of note is always heartily welcomed.  For over 10 years Mr Trapps has taken an active and prominent part in the conduct of the business of the firm with which he is associated, and who are owners of very valuable building estates at Ashford (Middlesex), Fawkham (Kent), Langdon, Whitstable, Margate, Broadstairs, Westgate and Hornchurch, near Romford.  But it is not only in connection with land and a decidedly flourishing City business that Mr Trapps has figured with such conspicuous success, for he had been associated with newspapers ever since he was a lad, and is now one of the principal partners in the firm of Messrs Trapps Holmes and Co, who own a number of highly entertaining periodicals, including 'Smiles', 'Funny Cuts', 'The World's Comic', and 'Larks', all of which have met with popular favour and large and increasing sale." (article includes picture of Mr Trapps)

30 Nov 1906 Northfleet Standard

Estate Sale

"An important sale of building property will be held at the Mitre Hotel on December 5th at 7.30pm.  Messrs Payne, Trapps and Co will offer 45 choice freehold sites, 25 ft frontage with a depth of 200 ft on the Fawkham Park Building Estate, which is close to Fawkham Station, and within 5, 8 and 10 miles respectively of Gravesend, Dartford and Chatham, while Swanley, Chislehurst and Bromley are within easy distance.  The land is free of tithe and land tax, and there are no law costs.  Those desirous of visiting the estate should note that a brake will leave Mr Solomon's Yard, Gravesend, on December 4th at 1.30.  At the sale there will also be offered a new freehold detached double-fronted residence, containing 9 rooms, conservatory and the usual offices.  Full particulars may be obtained of Messrs G Reader & Co, solicitors, Basildon House, Moorgate Street, EC and of the auctioneers, 11 Queen victoria Street, EC, telephone 6008 Bank."

30 Nov 1906 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Dartford Board of Guardians

They had 6 applicants for the job of carpenter to the union, Mr Oliver aged 26 of Longfield was chosen, getting 14 votes out of 21.  Mr Turner [Erith] said he didn't think it right for Guardians to give testimonials to candidates.  He excepted Mr Gilham [Longfield] as Oliver had been his apprentice.  Rev Smith [Hartley] had given Oliver a testimonial as a parishioner of his.  Mr Wood [Lullingstone] commented "There were so many people who gave a bad servant a testimonial in order to get rid of them."  Rev Smith that was not the case here.