1910 News
History > Newspaper Stories 1900 - 2000 > 1910-1919
01 Jan 1910 Sydenham, Forest Hill & Penge Gazette
Mr Jabez Martin
"We regret to announce the death of Mr Jabez Martin, of Brockley Lodge, Brockley Road, who passed away yesterday (Thursday) morning, at the age of 54, after a month's illness. The deceased gentleman was the principal partner of the firm of Messrs J & B Martin, the well known contractors to most of the municipal bodies in London for the supply of road material. The firm had flint and brick works at Fawkham, Kent, and also gravel and sandpits at Crayford. Mr Martin, who was widely respected, leaves a widow, one son and 2 daughters."
08 Jan 1910 Gravesend Reporter
Gravesend Hospital
"Collections per the Rev E Smith MA Longfield - Longfield Church £1 5s 6d; Longfield Mission £1 7s 9d; Mr J J Hickmott £1 1s; employees of Martins Brickfields £1 1s; employees of Southwark Siding 19s; box at Green Man 5s; Mr Gilham's box 5s; sums under 5s - 5s 9d"
22 Jan 1910 Kent Messenger
Application for a License
"Mr Clinch applied for the temporary transfer of the Fine Old English Gentleman, Tovil, from Louis M Horton to Demetrius Semark. He said that but for a special circumstance in the case he should not have appeared. For 1900 to 1905 Mr Semark kept the Railway Tavern, Longfield, and on July 31st 1903, he was convicted by the Dartford Bench of permitting drunkenness on his licensed premises. He (Mr Clinch) had the honour of defending Mr Semark, and whether it was due to his defence that he was convicted he would not then discuss (laughter), but he had to pay the nominal penalty of 10s and costs. The circumstances connected with the prosecution were that a drunken man, who was service with nothing in the house, got into a part of the licensed premises over which the landlord had no supervision, and was discovered there by the police. The chairman of Magistrates intimated that he hoped no notice would be taken of the conviction at the next Brewster Sessions, and in order to obviate any further trouble from this particular part of the house, it was altered so as to give better supervision. Although the conviction was obtained on July 31st 1903, the license was renewed to Mr Semark by the same magistrates at the Brewster Sessions in 1904 and 1905. In the latter year he invested the money he had saved in the farming industry, and lost a great portion of it. He now asked the Bench, notwithstanding the slight blemish to give him the opportunity of taking this house...
The Chief Constablesaid the Dartford Police spoke most highly of Mr semark since the conviction, and stated that if he were to apply for a license in that division they should make no objection. Mr Semark presented among other references one from Mr G F Hohler [MP for Chatham]. The Deputy Mayor: That ought to be good enough (laughter). Mr Clinch: Mr Semark is not a voter in Chatham, so that would not be the reason he got it (laughter). Asked as to why he went in for farming, Mr Semark said he had the misfortune to lose his wife, and his daughters were not old enough to assist him in the licensing business. The application was granted."
The Fight at Dartford
first election of 1910. Conservative Candidate W Foot Mitchell spoke at Longfield (local chairman F Auld). Liberal Candidate James Rowlands will have Winston Churchill speaking at the Dartford Tramway Depot on the eve of the poll.
28 Jan 1910 Kent & Sussex Courier
General Election - Dartford
Conservatives from Tunbridge Wells bussed into Dartford to campaign in election
01 Feb 1910 South Eastern Gazette
General Election - Dartford
Conservatives gain Dartford Constituency with a majority of 817
05 Mar 1910 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Rev J T Matchett
"Vicar of St Michael-at-Thorn, Norwich, has been selected to succeed the Rev T Blackall as Rector of Fawkham near Longfield. Mr Matchett was ordained in 1894 by the Bishop of Norwich, and after holding the curacy of Heigham for 8 years was made Vicar of St Michael, the income of which is £145 gross and £137 net. The value of Fawkham is returned at £177 gross and £135 net."
26 Mar 1910 Kent Messenger
Voluntary Schools: Cleaning and Lighting
Meeting of Kent Education Committee. Issue raised about difference in cost of cleaning schools. Brabourne has average attendance is 75 and cost of cleaning £10, compared with Longfield (77 and £27), Chiddingstone (95 and £7) and Dymchurch (91 and £20)
09 Jul 1910 Gravesend Reporter
Dartford Guardians Meeting
Meeting received list of former parishes of Workhouse residents: Ash 5, Bexley 104, Crayford 42, Darenth 6, Dartford 182, Erith 118, Eynsford 11, Farningham 10, Fawkham 6, Horton Kirby 12, [West] Kingsdown 3, Longfield 3, Southfleet 7, Stone 20, Sutton at Hone 36, Swanscombe 62, Wilmington 15, Hawley 0, Lullingstone 0, Ridley 0, East Wickham 0. Hartley is not mentioned.
16 Jul 1910 Gravesend Reporter
Interesting function at Longfield
Lengthy article about presentation to Rev Smith and his wife for their silver wedding at Longfield School, which was decorated with flags and flowers for the occasion. One of the speakers Lieutenant Cory of the 1st Home Counties Field Ambulance said Rector had asked him to organise a boy scout troop, and he had agreed.
23 Jul 1910 Kent Messenger
Canaries for Sale
"Would exchange for chickens. Particulars. Brown. Supply Stores, Longfield" [1 Main Road]
23 Jul 1910 Gravesend Reporter
The University of London Press
"London University has decided to establish an official University Press. One of the directors (Mr Auld) is a resident of Longfield, Kent …..." Paper also mentions that Mr Auld is a member of a firm of Parliamentary agents.
25 Jun 1910 Times
Hartley House sale
"Hartley, Kent. 400 feet above sea level. Within easy access from town. One mile and a half from Fawkham Station on the main line of the SE & C Railway, by which London is reached in less than 40 minutes. Valuable freehold properties, comprising:
Lot 1 - Hartley House, a comfortable house of moderate size with stabling, gardens, orchard, containing together 3a 1r 4p, in a bracing and healthy locality. With possession.
Lot 2 - a small villa residence known as Bay Lodge, with good garden etc. Let on lease at £16 per annum.
Lot 3 - Brick built Cottage, blacksmith's forge, garden etc.
Messrs Cobb at the Mart, Tokenhouse Yard, London EC on Friday, July 1st at 2 o'clock precisely."
27 Aug 1910 Kent Messenger
Village Club Treat
"This annual treat was held on Saturday last. AT one o'clock at Whitehill, headed by the band of the Arethusa boys, and including the Longfield Fire Brigade, the St Alban's (Dartford) Boy Scouts, Longfield Cycle Club, decorated cars, cycles etc. At the meadow opposite the Longfield Schools there was the usual accompaniment of roundabouts, swings and other amusements, and sports and games were held during the afternoon. There was also a display of Japanese fan drill by the schoolchildren....." List of those present "....Tea was served both to adults and children in tents on the ground...... prizes were given for the sports and for the best decorated dresses, fancy costumes and decorated cars and cycles, whilst toys were given to the children....."
The Two Councils
"A public meeting called by Longfield Parish Council, was held on August 18th, in Longfield schools, to consider the action of the RDC relating to Essex Road, Longfield. Mr G T Lynds, chairman of the PC, presided. On behalf of the owners of property in Essex Road, Mr F Lynds narrated what had taken place, and complained of the action of the Highways Committee of the RDC. He read over in detail the notice received from the council by the owners and the specification prepared by the Surveyor setting forth the work required to be done in Essex Road. The sections showed that the work was far too elaborate for a village side road. At the meeting of the council on Tuesday, he said, he had pointed to Mr Hewitt that the depth of stone was about three times more than was usual. Mr Hewitt waived all his objections aside. By a strange coincidence the council were at that very moment repairing the roadway opposite the workhouse. He measured the depth of the rolled stonework of the road there and it was 5 inches. He invited Mr Hewitt and others to go and examine it for themselves, but they took care not to do so. The Essex Road owners had received no notice of the enquiry by the Local Government Board upon which urban powers over Essex Road had been granted by the council. The first notice they got was a copy of the sections of the work, with a request to complete it within 1 month. This period was quite inadequate, as it was a three months' job. The month had nearly elapsed when the council advertised for tenders, having made up their minds to rush it on. He thought they should protest to the Local Government Board, as the whole matter was high handed on the part of the officials and the council, and everything had been hustled through without giving reasonable notice to those who had the misfortune to pay for the work - Mr Sturgis thought the plans should be scrutinised, judging from the sample of the work at Whitehill. Upon several occasions the roadway was entirely flooded, and he thought of asking his neighbour Mr Langford, to build him a boat to ferry across the road - Mr High also complained of being flooded out. He had spoken to Mr Gilham about it, and was told he would require to build a wall to keep the water out - Mr Longhurst said he understood the PC had advised the RDC that nothing could be done at Essex Road as the owners were divided in opinion - Mr Robson, the Parish Council Clerk, stated he had written to the Kent and Essex Land Co. who had declined to interfere in the matter, and nothing could be done without them - Mr F Auld considered there was not sufficient information before them to justify any protest. It would be very unusual if the officals of the Local Government Board and the of the RDC had not given all proper notices. It was quite right for village communities to guard against urban powers being needlessly obtained over any part of a village, but the case of Essex Road was different. All the owners were bound by their title deeds to pay the cost of making the roadway, and everyone admitted it was necessary for something to be done. If they expended £300 or so, the road could be made good, but they would have to keep it up in the future. The Kent and Essex Land Company had reserved power to make up the road, and all the owners were bound to accept the decision of the Surveyor of the Land Company as final. He believed 7s or 8s per foot would be the cost to the owners on each side of the road if the Land Company carried out the work - The Chairman: the promise given by the Land Company when they sold the land was not to exceed 9s per foot on each side. - Mr Auld: Well in that case no-one could complain if they did it for 7s or 8s, while here we have the practical result that the RDC are doing it at 5s 6d per foot on each side. What I wish to know is whether the owners now wish the RDC to carry through the work and relieve them of all liability in the future - Mr F Lynds: Yes, I think we would be safer to allow the RDC to complete the work, if they will do it without extras, for the sum of £539, which is the amount of the tender they have accepted, and if they give us 10 or 15 years to pay up by instalments without interest - Mr Auld: Of course, we all know contractors never have extras (laughter), but in this case it is unlikely the council would allow any. It is best to be reasonable and ask for 5 years to pay, the interest to be 3 per cent - Mr Langford enquired as to the position of Kent Road - Mr T C Allchin thought the matter was not one for the PC but for individual owners, and it would be best for any of the owners to approach the Local Government Board, with the sanction of this meeting, enquiring as to the procedure in such cases. They could also authorise them to approach the RDC, asking for reasonable time to pay at a reasonable rate of interest - Mr F Lynds said he quite admitted the reasonableness of much that had been stated, and he pleasure in seconding Mr Allchin's motion. The chairman having put this to the meeting, it was carried unanimously."
[also mentioned in Gravesend Reporter 27.8.1910]
09 Sep 1910 Gravesend Standard
Oddfellows' Centenary - Dartford District Celebrations
"Members of the Independent Order of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows are this year celebrating the centenary of their order, for which is claimed the proud distinction of being the largest and soundest friendly society in the world, possessing as it does over 1 million members, and a capital exceeding £13,600,000. The members of the Dartford District of the order, not to be behind their confreres in other parts of the kingdom, on Saturday celebrated the centenary by the holding of sports and a fete, at which were present all those in the district who are actively associated with the movement locally, in addition to visitors from a distance. The Dartford District comprises some nine lodges, these, together with their membership, being as follows: Garden of England (Bexleyheath) - 127; Hope of Dartford (Dartford) - 400; Lesney (Erith) - 238; Hope of Eynsford (Eynsford) - 109; Sons of the Darent (Farningham) - 102; Pride of the Thames (Greenhithe) - 117; Hearts of Oak (Hartley, Longfield) - 171; Pride of Stansted (Stansted, Wrotham) - 45; and Good Intent (Sutton at Hone) - 247; total membership 1,555.
With regard to the financial position of the lodges in the Dartford District, this is a matter upon which the members have every reason to feel gratified, as their sick and funeral funds amount to between £24,000 and £25,000, while their total assets exceed £31,500, money which, thanks to the business ability of the men who have directed the affairs of the several lodges, has been invested, not only in a thoroughly sound manner, but in a way which brings to the lodges a very satisfactory rate of interest. The invested capital and interest combined give to the Order in the district a security which is a guarantee that those who join this great friendly society locally can do so resting assured that every undertaking given in the actuarial tables in the matter of benefit will be discharged to the uttermost. It is in this fact that the members of the great Manchester Unity, Independent Order of Oddfellows, are able to rest satisfied in the proud consciousness that when the glamour of some, not friendly, but benefit - societies had passed away, their own Unity, like the Ancient Order of Foresters, and one or two other societies of a like nature, will remain as a living demonstration that strict actuarial valuation, based solely upon the contributions of the members, is the only safe policy in such matters, and that even though for a time they may by some be passed by for that which presents a more glittering appearance, yet in the end they will remain unshaken, and enjoy the confidence of those who make provision for sickness and old age. Those present on Saturday included ... Bro W J Davis JP (Chairman of the Dartford UDC), Bro Walter Scanes (Provincial Grand Master of the Dartford District).... A Blackwell, past provincial grand master (Secretary of the Hearts of Oak Lodge, Longfield)...." lengthy report of speeches etc.
21 Sep 1910 Morning Post
Position Wanted
"As first footman valet, or single-handed with help; age 25; 5ft 10in; well recommended; 7 years' character; experienced in all duties; would travel; disengaged; no agents; C Melhuish, Hartley, Longfield, Kent"
24 Oct 1910 Hastings Observer
From Office Boy to Station Master
"Battle residents will be pleased to hear of the success of Mr Frank Norman of Clive Villas, who has been appointed stationmaster of Fawkham, a station between Chatham and Swanley. Mr F Norman, who commences his new duties in January, was a scholar at Battle Schools, entering the service of the SE and C Railway Company as an office boy. As time went on he rose to relief clerk, and then relief stationmaster, the latter position having been held by him for the past 18 months."
05 Nov 1910 Gravesend Reporter
A dog case
(Dartford Magistrates) "Charles Thomas Beal Wallace, of Longfield, did not appear in answer to a summons alleging that he had kept a dog without licence. For the defence, Mr Barrington Ward said the defendant, who had only recently returned to England from Australia, pleaded guilty, and expressed his regret. Since proceedings were instituted, a licence had been taken out. The bench fined the defendant 7s 6d and ordered him to also pay the costs."
17 Dec 1910 South Eastern Gazette
Drink Driving at Gravesend
(Gravesend Magistrates) "Charles T Wallace, Station Road, Longfield, was summoned for furiously driving a horse and cart on December 3rd. Defendant, who did not appear, was represented by Mr Tatham. PC Earl stated that he cautioned the defendant once, but later he was still driving furiously. It was election day and there was great danger to the public owing to the speed at which defendant drove. Defendant was under the influence of drink. PC Ashwell corroborated. Mr Tatham stated that he was not in a position to combat the evidence given by the police, as defendant was away on his honeymoon, but whatever fine was inflicted would be paid. It was true, as the police stated, that it was election day, and defendant, like a good many people, was probably excited. The Clerk - or probably excited in anticipation of his honeymoon (laughter). Mr Jackson - it is a pity he didn't get married before the election day. Fined 10s 6d and 11s 6d costs."
20 Dec 1910 Woolwich Herald
The Dartford Election
"Polling took place on Wednesday in the Dartford division, the candidates being Mr W Foot Mitchell (Unionist) and Mr J Rowlands (Liberal). The weather was most unfavourable, and the Unionists suffered considerably from lack of motor cars and other conveyances. Mr Mitchell was the victim of a number of misrepresentations with regard to the wages paid to the native labour in the Far East by the company with which he is connected. These facts, together with the careful 'nursing' of the constituency by Mr Rowlands since his rejection in January last, were no doubt responsible for the loss of the seat by the Conservative party. The result of the poll was as follows:
Rowlands 9,152
Mitchell 8,198
Majority 954
At the last election Mr Mitchell won the seat by a majority of 817, and the fact that so many votes were turned over to the Radicals makes Dartford election one of the most noticeable among Liberal victories of the present contest."
[The paper's sympathies appear to be with the Conservatives]
24 Dec 1910 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Longfield - Choral Society
"The first concert of the season under the conductorship of Mr James W Lewis was given in the schools on Saturday. The audience, though smaller than usual, was an appreciative one. Rapid strides have been made by the choir under Mr Lewis and the various part songs wre effectively rendered......The society is to be congratulated on its first attempt under the new conductor, and also on the financial support afforded by many ladies and gentlemen in the district, among whom were General Edmeades and Captain Andrus. Mrs Ethel Hickmott kindly undertook the duties of accompanist, and to her the Society, as a vhole, are indebted...."
24 Dec 1910 Gravesend Reporter
Wife given notice to quit
"An extraordinary case was heard by the local magistrates on Wednesday, when a traveller named Josiah Nash, aged 64, was summoned to show cause why he should not be compelled to contribute towards the maintenance of his wife, Emma Clara Nash, aged 56, whom he only married at the beginning of this year........
Mr S R Macarney, who appeared for the complainant, said the parties were married at a West Ham registry office in February of that year, the complainant, who was a cousin of defendant's first wife, having been a widow for over 20 years. She had saved a little sum, and he had no doubt that defendant thought she had a much larger nest egg than she had. That amount had now dropped down to two figures, and from that fact the Bench would probably form their own impression. The complainant had had to pay for her own wedding ring, and also for the warehousing of his furniture and for its removals. Defendant was at that time travelling for a manure company, and later for a firm at Spitalfields, but he never gave her any money. They first lived at Longfield, where complainant was able to keep the home going by taking in lodgers, and later they removed to Campbell Road, where they lived fairly comfortably together until the 22nd October last, when defendant complained of the quantity and quality of the food that was given him for his dinner. Since July he had only given Mrs Nash 10s towards the housekeeping expenses, and she vry properly replied that if defendant supplied her with the money to provide proper food for the table she would do so. Defendant resented that and went out and remained away for the rest of the day, and had not cohabited with her since. Next day defendant left on the table one of the most remarkable documents he had ever heard of - a week's notice to quit. He had heard of wives being sold by public auction, and extraordinary proceedings of that sort, but he had never heard of a wife being given a week's notice to quite before. On November 3rd a carrier's van came to the house and removed most of the furniture, some of which was taken to an auction room and sold, the house being left practically empty. Complainant therefore, had to seek the assistance of the next door neighbour, with whome she had been staying ever since.
Complainant bore out her advocate's statement, and said that defendant left the following letter on the table after the dispute about his dinner: 'Rest Haven, Campbell Road, Gravesend. To Mrs E C Nash, same address. I have come to the final conclusion that I can no longer continue to live with you considering the unhappy lie I have led with you lately and after Saturday's affair. I have decided not to resume cohabitation and nothing in this world will induce me to ever resume it. Your tyrannical, cruel, insolent and belittling behaviour towards me lately is such that no man or one having any pretensions to his self respect will ever tolerate it. Yous say I am lazy, indolent and will not work or get employment, but those who know me can bear witness to the contrary. I will work if I can only get it to do. As I cannot keep uou it will be best for you to return to your friends. I shall give the landlord notice of my intention to quit, and I give you a week's notice from today to pack up and take away all the articles belonging to you, for after that day, October 31st or before, I shall proceed to remove my furniture to a place of sale. Please be careful not to include any article of mine with yours to cause further friction than now exists. You prefer your money to your husband's affection, so keep it. Your husband, Josiah Nash.'
In cross examination, complainant denied that defendant had given her the whole of the money that he had earned. Asked by defendant whether she had always provided him with sufficient and proper food, complainant said she had endeavoured to do so, but his appetite was so puzzling. At times he had had three different courses for his breakfast and four for his dinner, but on the date of the dispute there was only one course.
Defendant said he had paid some of rent. The chairman: you ought to have paid the whole of it. Defendant said he could not get any work, and could therefore make no offer. The chairman said it didn't seem as though he was disposed to do his duty as a husband all the way through. The letter that had been read did not show him in a very good light.
On order was made to pay 10s per week towards the wife's maintenance, and the costs, and defendant was warned what the consequences would be if he failed to comply with the order."