BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1924

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 3RD JANUARY 1924

MILITARY NOTES-DEPOT NOTES

Lt. J. Watt, M.C., has taken over the duties of Adjutant at the Depot in succession to Capt. B. C. Lake, who has been appointed Officer in Charge of training at the Depot. Capt. E.W.T. Agar, M. C., has also arrived and takes over the position vacated by Capt. Campbell, who has gone to the War Office. Capt. Agar is from the 1st Battalion, and the new Adjutant from the 2nd.

Sergt. Abbot has returned to the Depot after his course at Hythe and he appeared once more in the orchestra at the Hogmanay dance given by the Sergeants in the Gymnasium. The hall was tastefully decorated, and everything went through without a hitch. Excellent music was provided at the dance by Mr N.P. Allan’s orchestra and there was abundance in the way of light refreshment. The New Year, as is customary, was “piped” in and the company sang “A Guid New Year” and “Auld Lang Syne.” The dance was voted a great success by all who took part in it.

On New Year’s night, the Sergeants and honorary members of the Mess had their new Year dinner and social evening. There was a full attendance, and the evening was pleasantly spent with song, reminiscence, and toasts.

Colour Sergt. McKellar has been promoted C.S.M. and has been posted to the 1st Battalion. He will be leaving the Depot shortly and his going is regretted by all.

LOCAL NEWS

Christmas has come and gone, but it has left happy memories with some 400 poor children in the town, who on Friday, 28th December, were entertained in Wallace Green Hall. The ladies who promoted the treat wee Mrs Fulton, Miss McConville and Misses McAdam, and they had the assistance of a large band of willing workers, male and female. The tea tables were heavily laden with good things, and it was found necessary to have two sittings for tea as many more children turned up than were at first expected. Tea over, a lengthy programme of music, song and dancing was gone through to the delight of all present.

Still standing, St Andrew’s church (Church of Scotland), Wallace Green, Berwick-upon-Tweed. © Author: mattbuck, Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic license.

When father Christmas appeared in the Hall to dismantle a large Christmas tree, heavily laden with gifts and illuminated with coloured lights, the scenes of enthusiasm were such as to make the heart glad. Every child received a present and, judging from the happy faces, every child was perfectly satisfied. After the tree had been dismantled Mr Seals called for three cheers for the ladies who had given the treat, these were given with great gusto. The following contributed to the programme during the evening: – Dancers; Misses Black, Elder, Isaac, Crow, McLaren, Whittle, King and Casey. Pipe selections were given by Mr Heckles, and comic songs were sung by Mr Dudgeon. Miss Todd and Miss Wilson played the accompaniments, and Mrs Thompson led the children in singing all the latest songs. As the children retired each received an apple, orange, toffee, and cake. The promoters thank all who helped in gifts and in service, and thanks  are also due to Messrs Knox, Bridge Street, who did the lighting arrangements, and the trustees of Wallace Green Church for the use of the hall.

GOSWICK

On Christmas Eve upwards of seventy children and adults from Goswick Station, Goswick Farm, Windmill Hill, Cheswick, Cheswick farm, and Broomhouse, were entertained to a tea and Christmas tree in the E.P. Church, Goswick. After an enjoyable repast each child was handed a present from the Christmas tree. Mr Stinton, Wireless Station, acting as Santa Claus in a most appropriate way. Thereafter games were indulged in and songs and recitations by the following ladies and gentlemen added to the enjoyment of the evening: – Messrs Beattie, Wilson, Stinton, and Moffatt, Mrs Wye, and Miss Beattie. Miss Wedderburn contributed a violin solo. A doll given by Mrs Ash was raffled and won by Miss Olive Grahamslaw. Mrs Chirnside presided at the organ. Those responsible for the organisation of the affair were: – Mrs Whye, Mr and Mrs Chirnside, Mrs J. Grahamslaw, Mr and Mrs Beattie and others.

BERWICK TOWN COUNCIL

A special meeting of Berwick Town Council took place in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall, on Friday evening, when the Mayor (Ald. Wilson) presided, and there were also in attendance Aldermen Boston, Maclagan, and Cowe, Councillors Redpath, Stuart, Morrison, Dudgeon, Campbell, Dickinson, Davis, and Anderson; along with the Town Clerk (Mr J. W. Porter) and the Borough Accountant (Mr Jas. Gibson).

The Mayor announced that the only business which had brought them together was to consider and if necessary pass a resolution, “That an emergency having arisen through an outbreak of small pox the Council make a temporary order that for a period of three months the Infectious Diseases (Notification) Act 1889, shall apply to cases of chickenpox within the borough of Berwick, and that the order shall come into operation at the expiration of one week from the publication of the advertisement viz., on the 5th day of January, 1924.

Berwick Town Hall early 1900’s. BRO 426-294

Alderman Maclagan – As chairman of the Public Health Committee I beg to move the adoption of this resolution. You will know that there have been five cases of smallpox at Morpeth area, and that is rather near to us. Norham and Islandshires made chickenpox notifiable some time ago and now they have made it notifiable for twelve months. If I had been consulted before the motion was framed, I would have been in favour of making it notifiable here for six months, but I am afraid it is too late now for moving that. I have discussed it with the Medical Officer, and he agreed with me six months would be much better than three, but it was thought best by reason of expense to limit it to three months. This period proposed would end in April, and it was usually April and May when outbreaks of infectious disease occurred, but in the end of March if it was necessary notice could be given to extend the period for another three months. The idea of making chickenpox notifiable was that mild cases of smallpox resemble chickenpox closely, and if notified and seen by a medical man he was able at once to distinguish between the two and so stamp out smallpox as soon as it appeared.

Alderman Boston seconded, and the resolution was agreed to without discussion. The whole proceedings only occupied four minutes-surely a record for Council business.

FORMER BERWICK TRAVELLER

SENT TO PRISON FOR EMBEZZLEMENT

Sheriff Crole passed sentenced of eight months’ imprisonment at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday on a well-dressed young man, Percy Wainwright, in custody, previously residing at 8 Kirkhill Road, Penicuik, who admitted that between April 24th and August 5th, while acting as agent and collector for the Humber Fishing and Fish Manure Company (Limited), Hull, he embezzled sums amounting to £366 6s 6d.

An agent on wainwright’s behalf stated that accused was employed by the Company from June, 1919, and part of his work was to collect accounts. One matter which might have some bearing on the case was that Wainwright seemed to have spent more money on entertaining his customers than he ought to have done.

The procurator-Fiscal said that Wainwright appeared to have been doing quite well for his firm, but had become financially embarrassed. He had certainly made the most of it, for at the time of his arrest he had only 3d left. Except for his disposal of his wearing apparel, he had nothing to live upon.

Wainwright is well known in Berwick. During the latter period of the war and until two years ago, when he left for Loanhead, he worked the Berwick and north Northumberland districts. He resided at the Castle Hotel and attended all the stock and grain markets and as side lines he held agencies for several companies. He was a keen golfer and was often seen on the Magdalene Fields Course. Since removing to Penicuik, he has frequently come back to attend Berwick market and it is only a few weeks ago since he was in the town.

FOOTBALL

EAST OF SCOTLAND LEAGUE

Berwick Rangers (h)….3 Gala Fairydean….1

Jack Frost held sway at Union Park on Saturday. Despite the fact that two tons of sand had been used, the field was in a dangerous condition, melted snow, frozen hard, making the foothold treacherous and even where the sand had been liberally used in the goalmouths the going was none too good. Under the circumstances the teams are to be congratulated on the display given. The game never lacked interest up to the last kick and it was fortunate that no one was hurt, there being no heavy charging indulged in. Brown was accidently kicked on the head by Purves in the second half but after attention and some of the hot drink which the Rangers had at the interval, he was able to resume amid applause.

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 6 JULY 1923

BOYS’ BRIGADE LIFE AT SEAHOUSES

LIEUT.-COL. PARMETER INSPECTS

On the glistening ridge of the Northumberland coast at Seahouses, some three hundred sturdy specimens of British youth, members of the Newcastle Battalion Boys’ Brigade, radiant and ruddy from training under canvas, were on Thursday inspected and congratulated by Lieut.-Colonel N. L. Parmeter, T.D.

The lads, who are under the command of Cadet Lieut.-Colonel Gerald A. France, were drawn up in line as Lieut.-Colonel Parmeter, who was accompanied by Captain Waugh, of the Territorial Association, arrived. The “march past” and saluting of the flag was carried through, and in addition to noting the personal turn-out of the unit, the Lieut.-Colonel witnessed a smart display of battalion drill and a squad exhibition of physical training under Lieut. Tocock.

Seahouses, Main Street c.1900. Reference: BRO 426-1208

Addressing the boys, Lieut.-Colonel Parmeter expressed his appreciation of the efficiency he had discovered upon his first visit as inspecting officer for the county. Such training, he observed, was of fine assistance in after-life, and not the least valuable influence was that of discipline. The brigade was controlled by voluntary officers who, he reminded them, devoted great time and effort towards the welfare and upliftment of the lads, and he urged the latter to realise that fact and to show their appreciation by their actions and behaviour.

Other battalion officers present at the inspection were Cadet major W. Lunn, M. C., Cadet-Captain and Adjutant N. Stewart, and Cadet. Major F. R. H. Laverick (medical officer).

Apart from the essential duties and precautions, the brigade members during the week were granted the maximum amount of freedom. Swimming parties were organised under competent charge, and in the afternoon and evening leave was invariably given. There were multifarious attractions in the camp itself. An inter-company football competition was held. A route march to the picturesque castle at Bamburgh proved a red-letter event, and a small excursion sailed round the Farnes. The inhabitants of the village too were treated to a camp concert in the large marquee.

LOCAL NEWS

An attractive Guide Book to Berwick-on-Tweed has been published under the auspices of the Town Council by Martin’s Printing Works. The guide, which is well advertised and illustrated, hives an interesting historical account of the town, and gives much valuable information to the visitor. There is also a few notes on the industrial side of the town and the necessity of an improved harbour is emphasised.

The Following are the official figures of unemployment in Berwick and district for the past week: Berwick, 288 men ( last week 227),  3 boys ( last week 1 ), 53 women ( last week 26), 3 girls (2 last week); Coldstream, 12 men (13 last week), 2 women ( 1 last week ); Duns, 13 men ( 16 last week), 3 women ( same as last week); and  Eyemouth, 49 men (same as last week), 2 boys ( same), 115 women (same), and 4 girls (same).

How traffic on a railway may become dislocated as a result of a minor mishap was demonstrated on Thursday last at Berwick station when the points of the up line near the signal cabin on the Bridge went wrong. What made matters worse was that a large crowd of Sunday School children, who were to have gone from Berwick Station with the afternoon train, were held up until repairs were effected. Golfers going with the slow to Goswick were also held up, and after waiting about the platform they discovered a “relief train” had run from Tweedmouth leaving them stranded. They however managed to get to Goswick by motor.

Berwick Railway Station early 1900s. Reference: BRO 1636-10-013

The annual report of the directors of the Berwick and Tweedmouth gaslight Company, which has just been issued, states that the works and plant during the past year have been maintained in good order and repair. The nett profit realised is £1327 3s 2d; of this sum the directors recommend that £1086 be disbursed as a dividend. The dividend warrants will be sent out on July 25th, and the bankers will pay their value on presentation. The directors retiring by rotation are Messrs R. p. Lee, R. R. Riddell, and H. R. Peters. They are eligible for re-election and offer themselves accordingly. The auditor (Mr Stokoe) also solicits his re-appointment.

LAWN TENNIS

Spittal Tennis Club played their return fixture with Belford on Wednesday evening, when Belford ran out winners by 78 games to 71. The visitors were entertained after the match.

The match arranged with Mrs Leather’s team and the Berwick Club for Monday was postponed.

Mrs D. M. Dodds has taken over the secretarial duties of Berwick Tennis Club from Miss K.D. Mackay.

This week’s “Lawn Tennis” gives a description of R. D. Watson’s fight with W. M. Johnston in the singles championship at Wimbledon. Watson is described as a left-handed player with a free style and a penchant for hard hitting and volleying. He was a potential champion some years ago, but never got enough play in championship company. Now he is by no means in his first youth, and having filled out somewhat, has not the staying power he might desire. Nevertheless, he fought a plucky uphill fight, doing better in the first two sets than the score indicated, and compelling the American to go all out to win in the third.

Tennis Courts at Berwick-upon-Tweed. c.1900. Reference: BRO 426-457

The score in this set was at one time 4-2 in Johnston’s favour; it looked to be going 6-2, when Watson, mainly by means of daring drives (equal to Johnston’s best) which often beat the American completely, whether he stayed back or came up, drew level at 4-4 and again at 5-5. Watson then gained the lead at 6-5 and was a little unlucky to lose it, and ultimately the set at 7-9. In the last three games, however; he was pretty thoroughly “cooked.” Johnston must have been glad to find in him such an unexpectedly doughty opponent. The encounter served as a good “turn-up” for harder ones in store.

R.D. WATSON SELECTED

The team chosen to represent England in the International match with Ireland, on July 16 and 17, will include R. D. Watson, the well-known Northumbrian player, who gave an excellent display against W. M. Johnston, the American crack, at Wimbledon last week.

WOOLER GOLF COURSE

EXTENSION TO EIGHTEEN HOLES

FORMAL OPENING

Brilliant weather favoured the formal opening of the extended golf course from one of nine to a full course of 18 holes on Thursday last by Mr Noel Villiers, the president of the Club. There was a large assembly of well-known golfers present from all parts of the county, including representatives from Alnwick, Rothbury, Warkworth, Coldstream, Morpeth, Wallsend, Gosforth, etc., in addition to a strong contingent of local players. Amongst those present were Mr A. B. Collingwood, ….. Tower; Ald. G. G. Rae, C.B.E., both presidents; Dr Dey (Captain), Mrs Dey, Mr T. and Mrs Dodds, Earle; Dr Fulton, Lord Bennett, Chillingham Castle; Mr St. Paul Butler, Berry, Ho. Secretary of the Northumberland Union of Golf Clubs, with which the Wooler Club is affiliated; Mr A. Greathead, Vice-Captain; Mr C. W. Redpath, Hon. Secretary; Mr J. S. Mason, Match Secretary, etc.

In declaring the course open, Mr Villiers briefly described the history of the Wooler Golf Club since its formation in 1893. The late Ald. G. Rea was its first President, Mr A. H. leather Culley its first Captain, Mr R. G. Stewart its first Treasurer, and the present Ald. G. G. Rea acted as Secretary. At that time there were about 70 members, since which it has gone on progressing until now, when it has a membership of over 170. They had been fortunate in their landlords, first the late Earl of Tankerville, then the present Earl and Mr Bruce, who had always treated them very well. They now had to thank Mr T. Dodds for allowing them to play over his land, and who had rendered every assistance to the Club. Thanks, were also due to the Greens Committee and their groundsman on the satisfactory manner in which the course had been laid out, the work of laying the greens and clearing the fairway, etc. Perhaps the greens might not be up to the standard of the old ones, but he expected they would be so by another year. They could congratulate themselves on possessing a beautiful course, which was second to none for its lovely surroundings with the magnificent panoramic views to be obtained. Full advantage had been taken of the natural hazards. Golf had many advantages over other more strenuous games. Having dealt with the introduction of golf into England, Mr Villiers referred to the presence of Mr Harrison, the County Amateur Champion, and said no doubt he and the other players would receive a hearty welcome. He concluded by wishing the club continued success and then drove off a ball at the first tee amid cheers.

Dr Dey, in proposing a vote of thanks to Mr Villiers, referred to the valued services rendered to the Club during the ten years he had been president, and on behalf of the members of the Club presented him with an antique silver bowl. Mr Villiers, in reply, said he was much surprised to receive their gift, which would remind him of many pleasant times spent amongst them, and although he was leaving the immediate neighbourhood, he would not be so far away but that he might continue to meet them occasionally. (Cheers)

Subsequently a series of competitions took place, and a feature of the play was the brilliant performance of Mr J. J. Harrison, the Amateur Champion of Northumberland, who went round the 18 holes in 69, or one stroke below bogey, thus winning the scratch prize. The second best was 79, returned by A. Henderson, of the Wooler Club, who is a promising player.

The visitors were entertained to tea by the Wooler members, the tables being presided over by the ladies of the club, who are always ready to render assistance in this or any other manner for the benefit of the Club. The prizes were afterwards presented by Mr R. F. Henderson, and one of the Morpeth representatives viced the feelings of the visitors for the kind hospitality shown them that day, which had been such an enjoyable outing.

DEVICE FOR SPEEDING-UP LOCOMOTIVES

Hailing from the United States, an appliance known as the “Booster,” for the speeding-up of locomotives, is shortly to be adopted for the first time on British railways. The London and North-Eastern Company, says Modern Transport, have decided to instal it on one of their Great Northern “Atlantic” passenger engines working to and from King’s Cross.

The “Booster” consists of a small auxiliary steam engine, which is placed under the footplate of the locomotive. This drives the axle of the small trailing wheels by means of spur gearing. The engine driver admits steam to the “Booster” cylinders when starting a heavy train or when climbing a steep gradient, but when the speed attains about 20 miles per hour, the “Booster” is automatically cut out of action.

Like an automobile in low gear, the “Booster” applies its extra power smoothly, avoiding the jerks that a big engine otherwise must give when getting into motion. It is claimed for the “Booster” that it is as good as an extra pair of driving wheels without their extra weight.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 12TH MAY 1922

ANGLER’S FIND IN WHITADDER.

GOLD MEDAL LOST FIVE YEARS AGO

DISCOVERED IN WADING SHOE

There was no one more annoyed than Mr James Linton, Berwick, five years ago, when he lost from his watch chain in the waters of the Whitadder the gold medal awarded to him in 1906, when he won the championship of Berwick and District Angling Club. On Monday the medal was restored to him, a little damaged no doubt after its long stay in the river bed, but still in fair condition, and the story of how it was recovered is not without interest.

To begin with it was in the summer of 1917 that Mr Linton lost his medal. He was having his holidays at the time and had been fishing on the Gainslaw side of the Whitadder above Canty’s Bridge. He believes the medal broke from his watch chain either as he was coming over the fence at the end of the Plantation or else while he was fishing down the flat opposite Mr Knox’s cottages. From that day to this week the medal was given up as lost by Mr Linton.

Reference: BRO 1550-031

Then came the finding of it which is very curious. An angler fishing up the Gainslaw bank on Saturday afternoon last stepped into the water at the muddy bottom opposite Canty’s Hole. After fishing for a few minutes he felt what he thought was a stone in his wading shoe. On coming to the bank later he was surprised to find inside his shoe a little medal, shaped like a cross, with thistle embellishment, which was tarnished and blackened by immersion in the mud. He polished it up and then discovered the inscription on the back: “Berwick and District Angling Club, won by James Linton, 1906.” Evidently the medal had lain in the mud for years, and when the angler’s shoe had sunk in the mud it had slipped in between the side of the shoe and the wader.

Mr Linton was very pleased to have the badge handed back to him and although it has been damaged, apparently through having been trodden on, he is having it re-mounted.

NASTY CYCLING ACCIDENT AT BERWICK.

TWO BOYS BADLY HURT

While cycling down the hill at Prior House, Berwick, on Thursday night May 3, a lad named Conlin, residing in Mount Road, Tweedmouth, came into violent collision with a little boy named darling, who resides at Murton, and who had run on to the road in front of the cycle.

Conlin was heavily thrown, sustaining a broken collar bone, and the boy darling, who got the full force of the impact, had his leg badly fractured and torn. Darling was conveyed to Berwick Infirmary by motor ambulance and detained, while Conlin, who was severely shaken but less seriously injured, was conveyed home.

LOCAL NEWS

The people of Berwick are beginning to find out the delights of the new pathway along the sea-banks running north from Dod’s Well. The “Primrose Banks” have always been popular, but the going was rather too rough to be frequented much as a regular walk. Now, thanks to the labours of men out of work during the rigours of winter the rough places have been made smooth and the way plain, and with glorious sunshine tempering the sea breezes, a stroll along this path is delightful. As the path winds in and out following the many indentations the sea has made, glimpses of the coast-line can be had from Holy Island and the Farnes up to the point south of Eyemouth. On Sunday the sea was of a glorious blue, with a fringe of dancing white as the waves beat on the rocky shore or dashed into the caves and caverns at the foot of the grassy banks. The coast is nearly all rocky northwards to the “needle Eye,” save for one stretch of sand, rather un-get-at-able because of the steep banks. There is only one objectionable feature to this new walk, and that is a heap here and there of old tins, broken bottles and china that had apparently been tipped over the banks before this new development was thought of.

NORHAM BOATHOUSE FARM

SELLS FOR £1600

On Saturday afternoon Mr W. J. Bolam, auctioneer, Berwick, offered for sale in the King’s Arms Assembly Rooms, Norham Boathouse farm, situated on Tweedside, and extending to 46.695 acres, the property of Sir F. D. Blake, Bart. The adjacent salmon fisheries were not included in the sale and the property was sold subject to all rights of ownership of such fisheries and to all rights of access thereto and to all usage’s enjoyed in connection therewith. Mr Bolam described the farm as one of the best little farms on Tweedside and has the advantages of a gravitation water supply. He also referred to the quarry which would be of some value as houses and cottages would have to be put up some day in the neighbourhood.

BRO 0426-355 Hide Hill, showing the King’s Arms Hotel, Berwick-upon-Tweed

Referring to the reduction in the rate of income tax, Mr Bolam explained that farmers would not feel the benefit of that reduction this year, as the instalment payable in July, 1922, was really in respect of the income for the year ending 4th April, 1922. The basis of taxation of agricultural holdings would in future be on one year’s rental instead of two, or on profits, at the option of the tenant- a privilege enjoyed by no other section of the community. The financial year for tax purposes commenced on April 5th, and tax was payable in two instalments, on January 1st and July 1st, so that the tax actually due in respect of the year commencing 5th April, 1922, was not payable until January 1st, 1923, and July 1st 1923. He mentioned this as there seemed to be some uncertainty in the minds of agricultural tenants on the subject. As to rating relief, nothing definite had so far been promised, but Mr Bolam gave it as his opinion that the authorities would not be able to withstand the pressure of opinion so freely and strongly expressed at all recent meetings of agricultural societies, and he thought it certain that at no distant date some measure of relief must be given to occupiers of agricultural land. These two items had a very important bearing on the question of valuation of land, and he thought intending purchasers should bear them in mind.

Bidding started at £1000 and rose fairly rapidly to £1600, when the farm was knocked down to Capt. Davidson, Charlton Hall, Chathill, Norham, some time ago.

SALMON COBLE IN DANGER OFF BERWICK

THREE MEN RESCUED BY LIFEBOAT

Berwick lifeboat was summoned by the Coast Guards on Thursday night to assist three salmon fishers who had gone to the line fishing in the bay in a salmon coble, which was in danger of being swamped by the choppy sea set up by a westerly gale which was blowing.

NU 00583 52641 from NU 00567 52677

The plight of the men was also seen by a schooner, which was lying in the bay, and that vessel bore down to windward and protected the frail craft from the force of the wind squalls. The lifeboat was launched very smartly, and under sail soon reached the coble, taking the men aboard and the boat in tow. The men, who are employed at Blakewell fishing bat, were Henry Wilson, John Wilson and Thomas Wood, and they were little the worse of their experience when landed.

The rescue was watched by large crowds in the fields and on the Walls and Pier.