1909 News - Hartley-Kent: Covering Hartley, Longfield & District

04 Feb 1909 Flintshire Observer

False Imprisonment

"£250 for False Imprisonment:

At Norwich Assizes, Mr Herbert Edgar Beadle of Cross House, Fawkham, near Gravesend, Kent, brough an action against Mr Henry L Clark, managing director of the Maid's Head and Royal Hotels, Norwich, a justice of the peace and former sheriff of the city, to recover damages for false imprisonment.

On June 19 last plaintiff went to Norwich and put up at the Maid's Head.  He went out during the evening and reached the hotel again shortly after midnight.  When he asked for some whisky and soda, the porter told him the bottle was empty.  Beadle then forced the bar door open with his foot, went in, and took a bottle of whisky and 2 sodas.

Next morning, whilst plaintiff was dressing, Mr Clark came to the room and told 2 policemen to arrest him.  He was removed to the police station and charged with stealing 2 shillings' worth of whisky and soda.  That case was dismissed by the bench, and plaintiff was then summoned for damaging the bar door and assaulting the porter.  He pleaded guilty to the wilful damage, and was fined £5, the charge of assault being withdrawn.

The jury found for the plaintiff, and assessed the damages at £250."

05 Feb 1909 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Main Road, Longfield

(Dartford RDC) "The [Highways] Committee recommended that the road between Four Wents [Whitehill Crossroads] and the Tavern Garden, Longfield be widened and made up, the owner of the adjoining property having agreeed to provide 3 sump holes to the satisfaction of the Council's surveyor, also that the tender of Messrs Martin for the supply of flints required in connection with the work at 3s 1½d per yard be accepted."

12 Feb 1909 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

An appeal to the Charitable

"Sir - Some months ago I appealed on behalf of a man named [Charles] Peters who was then living at the Brickfields, Longfield, who happened to be out of work for a considerable time.  The Salvation Army had then undertaken to emigrate the man to one of the colonies if sufficient funds could be raised to pay his passage money, about £8.  Peters is a teetotaller, and his case is recommended by the Vicar [sic] of Longfield, in whose parish he resided, though he has since moved to Gravesend in order if possible to obtain work.  In response to my appeal in the Kent papers I received a pound in various sums but the season being then advanced it was considered advisable by the Rector and myself to again appeal early this year in order if possible to raise the rest of the sum (£7) for his passage money, and send him out as soon as possible (about March or early in April) in charge of the Salvation Army, who have promised to look after him and find him work in one of the Colonies, and he hopes after he had been out some months to be able to send for his wife and family 6 children.  May I therefore appeal to those who feel for the man and who have not already contributed to the fund, to help us to raise the sum necessary in order to take advantage of the Salvation Army's offer of doing the best they can to help this unfortunate man.  The smallest sums will be thankfully received and acknowledged in the papers or by letter by either the Rector of Longfield (the Rev Edward Smith, The Rectory) or myself.  Mrs Charlotte E Rumble, Wood Lea, Longfield, Kent Feb 9th 1909."

[It seems Mrs Rumble got the money.  On 16 April 1909 a Charles Peters left for Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada on the SS Victorian.  In the 1911 Census his wife Louisa Alice and now 7 children (Alfred conceived just before Charles left) were still living at Gravesend.  It seems she never saw her husband again, as she died at Gravesend in 1930]

25 Feb 1909 Eltham Times

A Longfield 'Chow'

Dartford Magistrates.  "Gerard Jensen of Barnehurst, Longfield, was summoned, at the instance of Thomas Hatch, Rosfern, Longfield, for being the owner of a dangerous dog, and not keeping the same under proper control at Longfield on January 15th.  Mr Clinch for the complainant, said that the dog in question was a 'chow' - a species of Irish Terrier, and was knwon throughout the village as being of most ferocious propensities.  Complainant's wife was passing a fence adjoining the high road, when the animal rushed out, and inflicted a very sever wound on the leg, necessitating Mrs Hatch's confinement to the house for a considerable period.

Mrs Ellen Hatch, wife of the complainant, bore out these statements.  She was bitten by both the upper and lower jaw teeth.  The wound bled considerably.  She had done nothing to aggravate the dog.  Witness cried out, but neither Mrs Jensen or her daughter came to her asistance, although only a short distance away.  She would be afraid to go near the spot again.  By Mr Chancellor: witness denied that she was in the habit of cutting at the dog with a whip.  In fact, she never carried a whip.  Mrs and Miss Jensen were about 50 yards away at the time, and did absolutely nothing for her.  Whenever witness went down the road the dog would rush out at her.  Complainant, a civil engineer, said the defendant's house lay about a quarter of a mile distant.  He spoke of the dog's fierceness. After the accident, witness called upon the defendant, who was not at home. Later, he received a letter from Mr Jensen, apologisign for the accident, and promising that hte animal should be in future kept under proper control.  Witenss had taken these proceedings, as the animal had not only attacked his wife, but was a menace to the neighbourhood.  By Mr Chancellor: He had never made any complaint about the dog.  He did not know that the animal was under contract for sale at 12 guineas.  After further discussion, the chairman remarked that perhaps Mr Clinch would have no objection, as he was under contract to send the animal out of the district.  Mr Clinch submitted that his client was taking the proceedings in the interests of the public, and it was unfari that the animal shoudl be transferred to a district where its propensitites were not so well known.  Albert Toger, Newburn Cottage, Longfield, market gardener, spoke to knowing both parties.  One day hew as in the Jensen's grounds, and the dog 'flew' at him, and would certainly have bitten him.

For the defence Mr Chancellor argued that hte bitten party would naturally believe the dog to be dangerious, and submitted that before s dog could be proved to be dangerous it had to be shown that it was a habit.  ON the other hand, he would bring witnesses to show that it was a most docil animal.  Defendant stated that he was a civil engineer, and owner of the 'chow' dog, which was 2 years old.  The animal was now on sale for 12 guineas.  It would be in February deilvered abroad.  The dog was perfectly docile, the only chow which allowed strangers to handle him.  He had received no complaints from anyone.  The animal was putunder lock and key immediately after the occurrence.  He also gave instructions that the animal should not be allowed out, except on a lead.  One of the points of a chow was its naturally savage expression.  Mr Vinson, referring to the defendant's remark as to the animal being the only chow which allowed strangers to handle it, asked was it an inference, then, that chows were savage dogs?  Defendant: No.  The inference is that chows are of a docile and retiring nature, and will not permit strangers to approach.  James Jenkins, gardener in the employ of hte defendant, said he had never known the dog to interfere with anone.  Witness noticed tha tMrs Hatch frequenly beat the chow with a whip.  By Mr Clinch: I've come here of my own accord.  I'm not being paid for coming here.  (Laughter).  Mr Clinch - I did not suggest that.  Mrs Margaret Swann, Station Road, Longfield, said she knew the dog which frequently came home with her, past the schoolchildren, and had never molested anyone.  He was like a child.  Helga Jensen, defendant's little daughter also gave evidence.

The chairman, after a lengthy retirement, found the dog to be a dangerous dog, and gave an order for its destruction.  Mr Chancellor asked that the order might be postponed so that the dog might be sent abroad.  Mr Clinch: Why should it bit the Germans?  The request was disallowed, and an order was made for one guinea and court costs."

09 Apr 1909 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Leaflet Deliveries

"Bills, circulars etc distributed personally, house to house (any district), 2s 9d per thousand - Lorne, Longfield"

10 Apr 1909 Gravesend Reporter

At owner's risk - George Day v the SE & C Railway Company.  

"This was a claim for £9 17s for damages sustained by the plaintiff, who is a fruit grower at North Ash, near Wrotham, through negligence of the Company's servants.  Mr E Lovell solicitor, appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr H E Fraser for the Company.

The plaintiff's case was that on Friday the 10th July, he received a telephone message from the stationmaster at Fawkham, inquiring whether he knew that the special early morning fruit train had been taken off, and asking whether he had any strawberries to send to the London markets the next day.  Plaintiff replied that he had 200 pecks, and the stationmaster thereupon offered to despatch them by early morning passenger trains on the Saturday.  Plaintiff accordingly sent 191 baskets to the Fawkham Station, but they were not despatched to London by the trains indicated, with the result that when the strawberries arrived at the markets they only fetched 1 shilling to 1s 6d a peck, whereas had they got there earlier they could have realised from 3 shillings to 3s 6d.  This loss was alleged to be due to the negligence of the stationmaster, and hence the claim for damages.

The defence was that the plaintiff signed the ordinary contract note sending the fruit to the station for delivery by the company in London at owner's risk, and that therefore, the company were not actionable.

His honour agreed with Mr Fraser's contention, and ruled that the action must be dismissed."

10 Apr 1909 Army & Navy Gazette

Obituary of Col Godfrey Hildebrand

"Col Godfrey Hildebrand, retired pay, late RE, died suddenly of heart failure on the 27th ult at Hartley Court, Longfield, Kent, aged 64.

Obtaining his commission as Lieutenant Oct 18, 1864, he became captain, Dec 5, 1877; Major Oct 18, 1884; and Lieutenant Colonel half pay Oct 18, 1891.  Becoming Lieutenant-Colonel RE Dec 31, 1891, he was appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Fortifications July 1, 1894, being reappointed to that post on the expiration of his 5 years as regimental Lieutenant-Colonel.  He received the brevet of Colonel Dec 31, 1895, and the substantive rank Nov 8, 1897, when he was appointed Deputy Inspector-General of Fortifications, a position he held until he retired June 1, 1902.  Col Hildebrand, who acted for some time as joint secretary to the Joint Naval and Military Committee on Defence, was granted a Distinguished Service Reward March 28, 1903."

14 May 1909 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Essex Road, Longfield

(Dartford RDC Highways Committee) "The committee received replies to the Clerk's letters to Longfield Parish Council with reference to the making up of Essex Road, Longfield.  The Parish Council, having regard to the fact that a considerable difference of opinion exists amongst the various owners of property adjoining the road as to the making of it up, decline to offer any suggestion in regard to the matter.  The committee therefore recommended that application be made to the Local Government Board for an order investing them with the powers of an urban authority, under sections 150 and 151 of the public Health Act 1875, and section 41 of the Public Health Acts Amendment Acts 1890, with a view to taking the necessary steps for having the road properly made up."

15 May 1909 Gravesend Reporter

Castle Hill

"Dartford RDC - The Highways Committee having received an application from the chairman of the Hartley Parish Meeting as to the alleged unsatisfactory state of the road from Hartley Green to the top of the hill leading down the Fawkham Road, and also to the fence in front of the pond at the green, the Surveyor was instructed to reinstate the latter.  The Surveyor had reported that the road referred to would be repaired next season."

21 May 1909 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Working an Unfit Horse

"George Day, Longfield, was summoned for ill treating a mare by working it while in an unfit state on April 23rd, and Harry Shipp, Pinden End Farm, was summoned for causing a mare to be worked.  The case against Day was heard last week, and adjourned in order that Shipp might be brought in as a defendant, as it was alleged that Shipp as the horse foreman, gave instructions for the mare to be worked.

Inspector Beesley, RSPCA, repeate his evidence, and said that when he saw Shipp he said that he did not examine the horses and Day did not tell him the mare's back was sore when he sent it out.  He also said they had notices in the stables to the effect that soreness must be reported.  Witness afterwards saw Day and Shipp together, and Day said that Shipp never saw the mare.  He said what he did at first to defend him.  Mr A Gill, veterinary surgeon repeated his evidence.

Mr Clinch, defending Shipp, contended that there was no evidence against him, and that it had never been any part of his duties to examine the horses.  He called Shipp, who denied on oath that he had anything to do with the horses.  Cross examined by Mr Polhill, who prosecuted, witness said there was no-one over the carmen to see that they properly looked after the horses.  The carmen looked after their own horses. There was some risk if a man reported his horse as being unfit, of his being knocked off work, if there was no work.

George Day (17), carter in the employ of Messrs Martin, stated that on April 23rd he was ordered by Shipp to deliver certain goods to Crayford.  Shipp did not see the horse before he started, and he had not seen him examine the horses.  He had not given any notice that there were sores on the animal.  What he told the inspector about Mr Shipp was untrue, and he said it to defend himself.  By Mr Polhill: The sores had been on the horse about a week, but he had worked the horse in spite of that, and the notices which were exhibited.  He did not speak to anyone about the sores.  Why did you mention Mr Shipp's name in preference to anybody else?  - Because I did (laughter).  Why did you not report it to Mr Martin; why mention Mr Shipp's name? - I did not know who to say.  Further questioned defendant said he had entire control of the horse.

James Martin of the firm Messrs J and B Martin of Pinden Farm, stated that Shipp was foreman of the brickfield and stone quarries and the work of the siding.  It was not part of Shipp's duty to superintend the horses; it was his (witness's) duty.  Notice of anything to do with the horses had to be reported to him (witness).  Cross-examined: He though it was proper to leave the horse in control of a boy of 17.  It was not reported to him that there were sores on the animal.  He frequently went round the farm and looked at the horses.

Supt Poole informed the Bench that on January 25th 1907, Shipp was convicted of cruelty to two geldings, and fined £1 and costs in each case.  The boy was dismissed, and Shipp was fined 40s and costs including veterinary's fee."

28 May 1909 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Sanitary Matters

(Dartford RDC) "The report of the Chief Inspector of Nuisances contained the following.

Longfield Hill Siding - a few loads of crushed refuse have been unloaded daily.

Fawkham Station Siding - A small quantity of manure is being unloaded daily.

Pinden Siding - There has not been any refuse unloaded at this siding since April 30th; the heaps in the stone pits have been covered with earth about 12in in thickness and the covering is satisfactory."

08 Jun 1909 Gravesend Standard

A Gravesender and his Horses

Dartford Magistrates: "Frederick Hawkins, Gravesend, was summoned for cruelty to two horses.

PC Swan said that at 5.40 pm on the 17th of last month, he saw defendant coming towards him on the Dartford road, Longfield.  Defendant was riding one of the horses, and he struck each of them with his whip.  They were both very poor, and lame.  When witness spoke to defendant he said: 'All right guv'nor; they aren't very bad.'  By Mr Clinch (who defended): These animals were only walking? - Yes; but he was uring them along and they were very lame.

George William Milner said he saw the officer stop defendant.  The horses were almost too weak to walk.

Albert REmington, also of Longfield, said the horses were both poor and lame.

Florence Stewart said she saw the animals near her house, and considered the animals to be only frames of horses - not horses at all, as they ought to be.  It was pitiable to see them.  This was also agreed to by Mary Tilson, of Longfield.

Defendant, called, said the horses were in good condition, and he had exchanged a pony for them from a person at Hartley, and was walking them along the road home, when he saw the officer.  It was quite untrue the horses were lame.

George Ives, horse dealer, said he gave £10 for the animals, and the only thing that was the matter with them was that they had had 'mud fever' and they 'showed wear'.  He resold the horses, one for £6, and the other for £5 10s.

The Chairman said it was a very bad case, and a fine of £5 and costs, would be imposed."

11 Jun 1909 Church Times

Servant Wanted

"Wanted House Parlourmaid.  Experienced.  5 in family.  5 servants.  Country.  Near Station.  1 hour from London.  Good wages.  Age not under 20 - Mrs Morton, Fairby, Longfield, Kent."

02 Jul 1909 Bromley Journal and West Kent Herald

Middleton Farm for Sale

"Country portion of the estate of the last G M Arnold esqre DL.  Valuable freehold properties…..  Messrs Cobb will sell by auction by auction at the Bull Hotel, Rochester on Tuesday July 6th 1909 at 3 for 3.30 o'clock.

In Longfield - Lot 1 - Middleton Farm, a desirable dairy and poultry holding, comprising 26a 2r 30p of productive arable and pasture land with recently erected house, 2 cottages, cow house and buildings, producing £70 10s 0d per annum...."

Also Church House and 3 cottages at Southfleet; The Old Rectory, Northfleet and cottage; Denton Court, Denton; and many properties in Cliffe.

10 Jul 1909 Chatham Observer

Property Sales

"One of the most important sales of property that has been held in this district for a long period was conducted on Tuesday afternoon by Messrs Cobb at the Bull Hotel, Rochester.  Mr H M Cobb, who wielded the hammer, explained that the property offered was the country portion of the estate of the late Mr G M Arnold DL who was a remarkably good judge of a sound commercial investment.  Mr Cott also paid a tribute to the interest the deceased gentleman took in archaeology, and referred to the money he spent on some of the old buildings which came into his possession.  There was a large attendance at the sale and a fair amount of business was done.  The properties sold were as under:

Middleton Farm, a small dairy and poultry holding, comprising 26a 2r 38p of arable and pasture land, with a recently constructed farmhouse, a pair of cottages, cowhouse and buildings, situate in the parish of Longfield; total rental £70 16s per annum; purchased by Mr W J Woodward for £1,050......."

Among the others sold were Church House, Southfleet and shop adjoining £450.  House and grocer shop at Red Street, Southfleet £250.  1, 2, and 3 Gold Cottages, Petticoat Lane, Chalk £180.  Vine Cottage, Lower Gravesend Road, Chalk £135. 4 cottages at Rye Street, Cliffe, £280.

23 Jul 1909 Gravesend Standard

Gravesend Hospital

List of recent donors includes 6 shillings from the employees of Mr T E Morton, at Hartley.  Also 10 guineas from Mr HB Hohler of Fawkham Manor.

23 Jul 1909 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Bad Language

George Powell and Elizabeth Powell of Longfield fined 1s or 7 days for obscene language in Dartford Road, Longfield.



St Mary Cray and Swanley express claims largest circulation in Dartford and Swanley area, available Friday evening from named agents at Swanley, Crockenhill, Eynsford, Farningha,, St Mary Cray, Hextable.

06 Aug 1909 St Mary Cray & Swanley Express

Motor Speed

(Dartford RDC) "Mr Colditch [I think Cowlrick is meant] of Eastdene [Fawkham Road], Longfield, referred to the danger of motor cars which went along a narrow and tortuous road just outside his gateway at an excessive speed, and he asked that a notice might be place at the point.  There was a terrible accident there recently, and a month ago a dray, in trying to avoid a car was upset.  Cllr J J Hewitt thought the matter had more to do with the police than the council.  It was thought that the attention of the police might be called to the matter, and the Surveyor was also asked to look into it."

13 Aug 1909 Eltham Times

An Explanation Needed

Dartford Board of Guardians.  "Mr Vinson referred to the motor accident at Longfield.  A child was run over by Mr Vinson's car, but the driver was exonerated from blame.  Mrs Vinson having it conveyed to the cottage hospital.  She accompanied the child, and she explained that she was quite prepared to pay for the attention at the hospital.  She twice made the offer to pay, but the hospital people declined to treat the child, on the ground that it did not belong to Dartford parish.  Following this refusal, the child was admitted to the infirmary.  Mr Vinson asked what was the use of the hospital if help was refused in cases such as this.  Mr Turpin said he was surprised at the action of the hospital people.  The doors of the institution should be open to receive anyone suffering from an accident.  The Rev E Smith said that a great deal of feeling had been created at Longfield by the procedure in regard to the injured child.  He was told that Mrs Vinson desired the hospital people, after the refusal to admit, just to do up the child's wounds, to make it comfortable, and even this they refused to do.  Mr Tomlinson felt sure tha tthe matter was capable of satisfactory explanation.  He knew that they had a splendid matron, officials and committee.  The accommodation was limited, and sometimes all the wards were full, so that they were unable to take in all the patients.  Mr Tomlinson promised to have the matter thoroughly investigated."

27 Aug 1909 Gravesend Standard

Longfield Village Treat

"Brilliant Gala.  After a rest of 5 or 6 years, Longfield Village Treat was revived in a most successful way on Saturday.  The arrangements for again holding this pleasant event were due to the suggestions of Mr W R Robson, and a band of earnest helpers worked wih such will taht with the aid of the weather success was assured.  The elaborate programme, which enabled almost a thousand of the adults and youngsters of Longfield to join in the festivities was well carried through, and reflected credit on the organisation of Mr T J Simons (the hon secretary), Mr Crook (the treasurer) and others.  The events commenced with a carnival procession, headed by Mr Frank Robson, with a 'flying machine' cycle, bringing Longfield up to date.  The chief marshal was Mr Tomlin, and with him was Mr Archie Robson; both were mounted.  The band of the Arethusa enlivened the march, and in their wake was the Longfield Fire Brigade, with Captain G Lynds and Vice-Captain Harris.  After the brigade was the special banner 'Longfield Village Treat'.  The interest of Miss Crook, headmistress of Longfield School, and her staff, great promoted the success of the decorations etc of the procession.  Besides encouraging the excellent display generally, Miss Crook and her staff arranged the Britannia Car, with Britannia in the centre, surrounded by 4 girls and a guard of lads.  Amongst the adults in fancy costume were: Mr Baker as Uncle Sam; Mr Simons as Folly; Messrs Shipp, Gennett and W Crouch as clowns; Mr W Hever as a n******; Mr Arthur Tomlin, Wild Indian; Mr Harry Bance, policeman; Mr Keller, convict; Mr J Bartholemew, sailor; and Mr Walter Robson jun, clown.  The effective group of Japanese Girls was also due to Miss Crook and staff.

Amongst other characters were Masters Fred  Smith and George Tyler as Chinamen; Daisy Coppings and Mabel Goodwin as Gipsy Girls; 'Where are you going to my pretty maid?' was daintily represented by George Peacock and Phyllis Latter; and three Quaker girls, the Misses Lillie McCarthy, Jessie Rowland and Elsie Wain.

Decorated mail carts and decorated bicycles were well in evidence.  One of the most pleasing items was a number of Longfield infants as little gipsies, with tambourines and baskets of pegs for sale.  The procession started from Mr Tomlin's shop in Station Road, and after proceeding to the Court, the residence of Mr Hickmott, went to Mr Foster's meadow, where the sports commenced.

Tea was provided for nearly a thousand of the parents and children of Longfield, and many from the neighbouring parishes were hospitably entertained.  These treat arrangementws were in charge of Mr J Crook, who was assisted by a large staff of ladies.

The prizes were distributed by Mrs Hind Smith, and her husband took the opportunity of remarking that after being all over the world he had to give the children of Longfield the credit of being some of the best conducted youngsters he had seen.

In the evening an enjoyable concert was given, the programme including a duet by the Misses May and Fane, fan drill by children under Miss Crook, comic songs by Adelbert Walkling and the always popular Harry Quinton, Miss Freeborn and party dances.  Mr W R Robson kindly provided the band, whilst Mr Tomlin was responsible for the band boys' dinner, and Mr Foster sent the conveyance for the boys.  Mr Purvey of Dartford, gave the prizes for the fire brigade competitions, and Mr Cotton of Dartford, the prizes for the cut flower and floral baskets brought by the children.  Many kind friends contributed, the donors including Messrs Tomlin, Fenner, W W Judge, Dudley, Martin, Mrs Langford, Mrs Cornelins, Mrs Stewart, Mr Brown, Mr Hicks, Mr Gilham, Mr G Lynds, Mr Dobson, Mr Boys and Burton's Stores, High Street, Gravesend.

Mr W R Robson was the president of the committee, and those with him, who considerably helped were: Mr Simons (the hon Secretary), Mr Crook (the hon Treasurer), Councillor Gilham, Messrs Archie Robson, Harry Shipp, George Lynds, Baker, Tomlin, W Letchford, T Allingham, Hever, H Vance and W Crouch.

The action of the school managers in allowing  the use of the school for the preparation of tea was also much appreciated.  The tea was served under rick cloths, lent by Messrs  W Conford and R French.

The prizes for fancy costumes were won by the following: Children: 1 Eva Lynds (Votes for Women), 2 Daphne Godfrey (Snow Queen), 3 Elsie Tippings (Summer).
Ladies: 1 Miss Ivy Hills (Autumn) 2 Mrs W Lynds (Fire Screen). Special prize: Mildred Allingham (Red Riding Hood) and Edward Allingham (Boy Blue).
Gentlemen: 1 Mr T J Simons (Jester), 2 Mr Baker (Uncle Sam), 3 Mr Tomlin (Redskin).
Decorated umbrellas: 1 Cissie Howard, 2 Gertrude Hever.
Bunch of Wild Flowers: 1 Charlie Saxon.
Garden Flowers: 1 Ronald Pankhurst, 2 William Murray.
Decorated Mailcarts: 1 Miss Ivy Hills, 2 Miss Lizzie Allingham.
Decorated Dolls' Prams: 1 Winnie Stevens, 2 Dollie Tomlin.
Special prize for decorated motor: Bertie High.
Decorated bicycles: 1 Grace Langford, 2 Nellie Colson.
Boys' bicycles decorated: 1 Ernest Grant, 2 John Lynds. Mr W Lynds's decorated bicycle airship (not for competition) was specially commended.
Ladies Decorated Bicycles: 1 Miss Shipp, 2 Miss W Lynds.
Children's Fancy Costumes: 1 Jack Blackman (Clerk of the Weather), 2 Ernest Grant (Clown), 3 Walter Robson (Clown).  Special prizes: Donald Baker (Clown), George Charman (Sailor with a Boat)."  [a thousand attendees was more than the population of Longfield - 824 in 1911.  Some of the costumes were of their time and would not be chosen today, but back in 1909 Black and White Minstrel shows were popular entertainment.]

28 Sep 1909 South Eastern Gazette

Fairby Livestock Sale

"Fairby Farm, Longfield, Kent.  One mile from Fawkham Station LC&SER and 5 miles from Gravesend.

Mr Philip Champion has received instructions from Thomas Morton esq, to sell by auction on Thursday September 30th 1909 at 12 o'clock precisely, in consequence of the termination of milk contracts, the whole of his splendid herd of dairy cows (without reserve).

The sale will include besides 60 excellent cows in full profit (shorthorn, Ayrshire, Dutch and Cross-bred), 2 pedigree Dutch Bulls, about 40 head of young horned stock, 165 sheep and lambs, [...]shire mare and foal and 8 capital draft and nag horses.

Also 24 railway milk churns, and a few surplus implements and effects, including a Barford and Perkins No 8 corn grinding mill.

Lunch will be provided at 1s per head.

A brake will leave Dartford station at 11 o'clock and return immediately after the sale, provided sufficient seats are booked in advance..."

19 Oct 1909 Gravesend Standard

Shops to Rent at Longfield

Advert Alfred Spain & Co of Gravesend: To let - "Two shops, Station Road, Longfield, with residential accommodation, one fitted with baker's oven, and each having stable.  Rents £40 and £35 or £70 the two."

[only bakehouse known to exist then was 1 Station Road (Valuation Office records), so probably 1&2 (odl numbering) Station Road]

12 Nov 1909 Eltham Times

North Kent Agricultural Association Ploughing Match

Mr D L Pattullo of Hartley won 2nd prize in horse jumping competition on "Bobs".  Thomas Morton of Hartley won 3rd prize for Brussels Sprouts.