Newspapers__1896_to_1899

STRANGE VISITOR: Early on Friday morning a hare visited the town. Very few people were about
at the time, and strange to say, not a single dog was to be seen. The hare, in a hurry, leaving the

King’s Head Yard, knocked down a little boy, and doubling across the Newmarket made for the
churchyard, which it reached safely and was seen no more.

ADVERTISEMENT: WT Loades, Newmarket: Incandescent Gas-Light, saving 50% on the Gas Bill
and treble the Light. The light is clean, cool, steady and brilliant
SALE of FURNITURE: late Mrs Louisa Goode of [23?] BALLYGATE

LICENCES: 1.) Spread Eagle, NORTHGATE to James Henshaw; 2.) Red Cow, INGATE to Hubert
Gill, 3.) Fox & Hounds, RAVENSMERE to Frederick Walpole
DEATH of Mrs ELIZA HARMER, wife of William Harmer of River View, NORTHGATE aged 54

COUNTY COURT: William Bell, farmer & Innkeeper [Blackboy, 80 BLYBURGATE] v William
Walpole Moore, butcher [3 Stepping Hill] who sold him a rough old black pig that was not worth the

money he paid. Moore said he was a cripple and was supported by the charity of the town. Judge:
gave judgement for the plaintiff of £2 15s.

WORKHOUSE TREAT: Inmates given substantial tea and then performance of a play by children.
Bags distributed: For the all: a pocket handkerchief, a quarter of a pound of tea, of sugar and an

orange; the 32 women also a pair of cuffs; for the 71 men one ounce of tobacco and a box of matches.
Each of the 17 children had a quarter of a pound of sweets, a pocket handkerchief, a toy and an
orange.

OBERAMMERGAU Passion Play. Lecture by Mr Arthur Evans, under the Patronage of the Mayor
etc. Chairman WM Crowfoot.
ORGAN RECITAL by Mr FC Woods. MA, Mus Bac, FRCO (formerly organist to Exeter College,

Oxford, now to Highgate School) He played some Bach, Widors & his own composition.
MAYOR (NW Pells) ENTERTAINS 230 aged poor of the town. Large Tea provided, afterwards
songs and recitations. Addresses were given by Rev J Eland, Rev W Griffiths, Mr Woods & the

Rector.
POLICE COURT: James Edward Knights, blacksmith, applied for an ejectment order against John
Meen, the occupier of one of his cottages in Ravensmere. The house was let at 2s a week.

Possession to be given in 7 days.
BECCLES READING ROOM There are 64 subscribers. More are wanted.
COUNCIL: 1.) Chairman of Sanitary Committee (Alderman Masters) had invited the Medical

Officer of Health to attend, who informed Council that there were some cases of Scarlet Fever which
needed isolation. He proposed that a Committee should be set up to consider the purchase of an iron
hospital [corrugated iron?] This was agreed.

Firing Range: Sir Charles Clarke’s agent had been contacted, but no response could be given until Sir
Charles was better. A further letter was sent.

Town to join the Municipal Corporations Association.
CATHOLIC EVIDENCE Lecture. Mr Wilton J Rix in the Chair.

JUVENILE FANCY DRESS BALL by invitation of the Mayoress (Miss Pells) They arrived at 7 pm
and very quaint and pretty they looked in their fancy costumes. Dancing was kept up to the strains of

the piano, violin and cornet by Mr Hayes, H Delf & Chapman. At 9.30 a procession was formed by
the children, who marched round and about the hall, displaying their make-up to the best advantage
for the entertainment of their elders. The young people kept up the dance from 10 to 12 o’clock,

while the seniors, numbering about 100, maintained the festive proceedings with spirit till four
o’clock in the morning.
DEATH of HENRY READ: He was a busy man, with a large and varied experience, and his close

connection as agent for neighbouring estates and collectors of tithes, brought him into daily and
intimate relations with landowners and their tenantry. The prolonged period of depression in the
agricultural industry imposed upon him a burden of anxious care, which weighed heavily upon him,

though he always endeavoured to maintain the cheerful temperament which was characteristic of him.
It may truly be said that while he made many friends he had no enemy, and that his death will be
mourned by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.

Mr Read was all but a native of the town. He was born we believe in Weston, but at an early age was
adopted by his uncle, Mr “Steward” Read, agent for the Earl of Gosford, then owner of the
Worlingham estate. It was while with his uncle that he learned the business habits and gained the

experience which enabled him to discharge so efficiently the multiform duties which fell to him in
after life as a land agent and auctioneer. He was the head of the well known firm of H and J Read,
who established the first stock mart in Beccles, an enterprise which has proved of great benefit and

advantage to the town and neighbourhood, as well as, we trust, to the auctioneers themselves, now
trading as Read, Stanford, and Gayford.

Mr Read’s intimate knowledge of land values was freely utilised for the public benefit, and for many
years, as one of the Guardians representing the town of Beccles, he served on the Assessment

Committee of Wangford Union. He was also a member of the School Board, and took a lively interest
in the progress and prosperity of the Board Schools. Mr Read was appointed Vice-Chairman of the

First Board, elected in 1872, and has held the office ever since. Previous to taking up a public
position in educational matters, Mr Read had served the borough on the Town Council. He was
elected Councillor in the year 1857, and in November 1871, was chosen to be an Alderman of the

Borough. He became Mayor and Chief Magistrate in November 1865, and resigned the office of
Alderman in 1877.
As one of the few remaining feoffees as a representative governor of the Leman School, as senior

Deacon of the Congregational Church, and for several years superintendent of the Sunday School --
in these and other ways Mr Henry Read earned the respect and esteem of his fellow townsmen, in a
useful and busy life.

FUNERAL of HENRY READ the procession made its way from “The Willows” [17 Blyburgate] to
the Congregational Church, with which Henry Read had been associated for so many years as
Deacon, and had also laboured as superintendent of the Sunday School. The procession reformed

after the service to march to the cemetery The Mayor and Corporation lead the way, then WM
Crowfoot & JE Crisp (School Board) CF Parker, W Brooks & AR Block (Guardians) the Gentlemen
& Traders & S Le Grice, Walker & A Pells (the Undertakers) the Hearse, then mourning coaches, in

the first Henry Read, E Read, C Read & Mr Davy; 2nd John Read, G King, William Read & GA
Stanford 3rd: Rev Heather, EB Crowfoot, JC Copeman; Mr H Read & J Stanford followed on foot;
then servants; then deacons (W Flower, CE Hale, W Hamby & E Masters) and others of the

Congregation. Also Canon Rowsell, Rev JH Raven etc.
THE MESSIAH: extracts sung in the Parish Church in the presence of a very large congregation. The

Choir assisted by the Choral Society, with the organ played by Mr Warder Harvey. The soprano
soloist was Master Stanley Marchant, of Christ Church, Lancaster Gate, the owner of a beautiful

voice, heard to great advantage in every part of the great building. Rev JH Raven & Rev A Coates of
Barsham took the tenor parts, and Mr FA Daines, lay vicar of Norwich Cathedral was principal bass.

RAILWAY EMPLOYEES Dinner held
COUNCIL PLANS passed: Two Houses in Denmark Road for Mr Reynolds.
CHARLES FARR, son of Rev John Farr, formerly Rector of Gillingham, educated at the

Fauconberge School, has returned to England after 25 years in Canada. His home is at a place he has
named Haileybury, in the Temiscamingue district, where he acts as postmaster, and farms 400 acres
besides carrying on an extensive store and saw-mill. Mr Farr did not at once find himself in El

Dorado on emigrating. On the contrary, he seems to have had a rough experience.
He first went to a place called Bracebridge, Muskoka. A lot of other young fellows were there, and
they got no work to do, their money soon vanished, and it was altogether a bad start. Telling the story

of his early experiences to a contemporary, Mr Farr said “I cleared out, and got my first situation, as
clerk and general bottlewasher, you would call it, at one of the lumber camps. My duty was to keep
the books, hand out the goods to the shantymen, and at odd times peel the potatoes and help the girl

in cooking. Then there came a touch of the hard times of 1871-72, the camp was dismissed, and I lost
my job.
Next I hired on as a road cutter, and swung an axe. We had from 2 1/2 to 3 miles to go before we

began work, and to start in time to begin at daylight, and at those times I used to long for the dinner
hour.” “What did you eat?” “Just straight bread and pork, and twenty dollars a month wages” “When
this shanty broke up I got taken on as a stable boy with the Lumbering Company, and stopped there

till the horses were turned out to grass. Then I went on to the farm, but we split on the question of
board - I ate butter with some pound cake - and I left.

The next thing I had a turn at was keeping bar at an hotel. This engagement didn’t hold out for more
than three weeks or a month. The proprietor and I could not agree as t the precise point at which a

man was so full of whisky that he ought to have no more. The difference was so serious that I left at
once, and slept part of the night in an engine-house. Next morning, a Sunday, I got up cold and early,

found a schoolroom open, and finished my sleep there. The washerwoman asked me to dinner, and it
almost makes me blush even now to think what an attack I made on her fare. After a short turn at
stencil-cutting, I got aboard a tug belonging to a saw-mill - the Longford Mills - and they put me on

digging and draining. But by-and-by I got into the mill, and worked there for two or three months.
I never went far afield until the next job came along. Hearing of a Survey that was going up to the
Georgian Bay, I hired on as an axeman. One of the men was drowned on the way up; I took his place

on the staff, doing chaining and the light work, and put in a very fair time. After that I came back to

Toronto, and lived for a time in some of the shanties. But times were a little hard then; another survey
was just starting to fix the boundary between the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, and once more I

got taken as an axeman. In that capacity it was part of my duty to help bring up the supplies for the
party, and an old Indian and I used often be hitched on to a toboggan, drawing a barrel of pork over

the snow. My work on the survey attracted the notice of the authorities of the Hudson’s Bay
Company; I was taken in hand, and stationed at one of their posts up country. The operations of this

old Company go like clockwork, and the British Government owe them a debt of gratitude for the
clever way in which they have handled the Indians. The name of the Company is synonymous with
everything that is honourable, so that the natives have put implicit faith in the word of a white man. I

remained with the Company for fifteen years, carrying on the usual work of an agent in collecting
furs from the Indian hunters, and paying for them in all sorts of requisites - clothes, food, hunting
equipment, and that sort of thing. It was while thus engaged that I discovered the fine tract of land

known as the Tewiscamingue district. It is hardly to the interests of the Hudson Bay Company that
the country should be developed, however the upshot was that I left the Company’s service seven
years ago, and have since devoted all the energy and all the brains I am blessed with, to showing the

public what a wonderful field for agriculture is here presented.”
Mr Farr is staying at Highfields, Langham, Colchester until 10th of March, and has written a
pamphlet on emigration to Canada, which can be obtained free from him.

BECCLES SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION: For the first time there was an election for the School
Board. After the death of Henry Read a new candidate was required. Instead there were 7 candidates
for 5 places. There was an alliance between the Church and the Nonconformists to make a united non

partisan approach. This was upset by the introduction of Mr Banham as a Catholic and Mr ERG
Watson as an independent churchman. The voting was: W Heather 776, W Read 743, WM Crowfoot
635, JE Crisp 590, EGR Watson 497 and the unsuccessful candidates FS Rix 474 & FE Banham 363.

[It was possible to “plump” for a candidate, thus giving them 5 votes, this seems to be how Banham
got so many votes, as 54 people gave him all 5 votes, and Watson had 53 people “plumping” for him.

By this means Watson (the Deputy Mayor) beat Rix.]
Lieutenant WJ Rix, 2nd Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment promoted to Captain.

SALE of FURNITURE: by late James Edwards, Rose Villa, UPPER GRANGE ROAD.
BECCLES POLICE COURT Magistrates: C Smith, Esq (Chairman for this session), WM Crowfoot,

JE Crisp, FT Dowson, Esqs. & Rev FM Arnold
LICENCE: James Parr to George & Dragon
NEW STATIONMASTER: Mr Mann, late of Wells-next-the-Sea.

SMELTING: Mr Austin Bates nearly drowned while smelting. He was rescued by Mr R Johnson
page missing
HUGE FIRE destroys the Roller Flour Mill of Robert John Read the Ingate Mill. Damage is

estimated at £7,000 (details in paper missing)
TO LET; in NEWGATE: Shop & Warehouse with Stables in the occupation of the Co-Op; Low Rent
TAKEOVER: Mr H Hopson thanks employers over last 15 years and has transferred his business to

FJ Allen, Station Road who will be carrying on the building business on the same principles.
TAKEOVER: FJ Allen thanks his employers for last 20 years and has taken over the old established
business of H Hopson, Northgate, previously carried on by Mr RA King for 35 years. The two

businesses combined will facilitate the carrying out of orders in an expeditious manner. He hopes to
retain Mr Hopson’s workmen..
ADVERTISEMENT: George Dunn, builder & contractor, thanks Customers over the last 24 years

and hopes to continue having their support. Denmark Road.
ADVERTISEMENT: George Johnson, builder & bricklayer thanks for support over last 7 years &
hopes to continue having their support.

ADVERTISEMENT: R & E Davey, 2 Nightingale Place [Blyburgate} Beccles have commenced
business of Bricklayers and Builders. They have been employed by Messrs King & Hopson for last

30 years.
OVERSEERS appointed at Vestry Meeting. Same as before: Messrs TA Woodroffe, A Pells, H

Hopson & CH Durrant; Mr AG Love was Assistant Overseer & Mr Jonathan Nobbs, rate collector.
INGATE MILL FIRE The Fire Brigade was not able to leave the building until Tuesday and was

called back twice on Wednesday as fire broke out again despite the heavy rain.
CAXTON PRESS just competing a job that has taken over 20 years: The Pulpit Commentary which
consists of over 30,000 pages, freely interspersed with Greek, Hebrew, Arab and Syriac.

HADDINGHAM’S MILL: The dangerous condition of the Tower Mill in London Road owing to
Monday’s gale, resulted in the curb being broken and the large sails set fast tail to the wind. It was
feared that the top of the mill would be blown away; but fortunately it held firm. Mr Hadingham has

decided to remove the sails which were only employed to drive a single pair of stones, steam being

used for the roller machinery. The sails were being dismantled last week, and soon the last remaining
windmill in the borough will become a record of the past. The damage done was valued at £50 or

more.
TWO ACCIDENTS: Mr George Wright, boatbuilder, accidentally fell down a sawpit on his

premises, had badly fractured leg, followed by blood poisoning. Amputation may be necessary.
Mr R Norman, curator of the Town Hall fell off a table in the old Library Room of the Hall and

fractured a rib.
BRIDGE STARTED across the Railway in St George’s Road by GER
SMELT SEASON Unprecedentedly large numbers. Mr A Balls beat the record one evening when he

caught 380, including 96 in one cast, and 64 in the next. Many were fine specimens of smelt [a small
green and silver fish allied to the salmon family and used as food]
CONFIRMATION by the Bishop. 113 Candidates, 71 from Beccles.

SUDDEN DEATH: Mr Charles Knights of London Road, who had been ill for a year, called at
Paddle’s fish-shop in Smallgate, where he had some oysters, which did not agree with him. He called
to see his nephew, George Knights, watchmaker [27] Smallgate and complained of pain. Went into

Mr Walton’s bar, where he died. He was a pensioner of the GPO and was always ready to give
recitations from Shakespeare for charity. He was 54.
TRAMPS: At Shipmeadow Workhouse in successive fortnights there had been 110, 130, 133 & 96

vagrants, who were given separate cells.
POLICE COURT: Samuel Bullen of Ditchingham guilty of selling grain steeped in poison-
strychnine. Supt Shipp fed some to a pigeon and it died 5 minutes later. Fined £7.

THE RECTOR expects to be away on holiday for about five weeks after Easter.
SAND PIT in Bullock’s Lane [South Road], NW Pells, Proprietor. Applications for sand to Mr
Wright’s Mill House, adjoining pit.

COUNCIL PLANS: passed: Addition to Mr JS Branford’s house in Blyburgate.
BAND of HOPE, Church of England, entertained by Mr Womac Brooks in the Public Hall. 370

present. His ability as an entertainer is well known. This first part was of legerdemain, the second was
the use of marionettes. Rounds of applause came from his young audience. Each child on leaving was

given a large bun and an orange.
THE NEW CO-OP SHOP, situated in Smallgate at the corner of Rooks Lane, with a frontage of 56ft

to Smallgate & 94 to Rook’s Lane. The basement gives a cellerage 65ft x 18ft, which is well lighted
by patent stall-board lights and reflecting lenses. A separate fire-proof chamber is fitted with heating
apparatus, for warming different parts of the building. The ground floor is occupied by grocery and

hardware, drapery and boot shops; and on the first floor is a commodious showroom, reading and
library room, committee room, lavatories etc. The grocery and drapery shops are separated by a well
lighted corridor, so that access is gained to each department without leaving the premises. There is a

separate entrance for reading room and committee room, and these can be used independently of the
business portions of the building.
Patent collapsible steel gates are fitted to the principal entrances.

The elevations are carried out entirely in red bricks relieved with moulded brick stringings, piers and
lofty pediments over the chief entrances; and the building is lighted throughout with incandescent
gaslight burners, supplied and fitted by Mr Loades. The architect was Mr Arthur Pells, FSI; and the

builders, Messrs John Youngs & Son, Norwich, whose work seems to have been carried out very
satisfactorily.
CO-OP Demonstration at Beccles to mark the opening of their new and handsome business premises.

The proceedings included an Exhibition and Sale by the Co-operative Wholesale Society (London
Branch) at the Town Hall, dinner and tea at the White Lion, and public meeting in the evening.
The formal opening of the building was reserved till the afternoon,, the morning being usefully

occupied by representatives of societies connected with the southern branch in purchasing from the
splendid lot of samples collected at the Town Hall. Mr Francis, one of the heads of department at the

London Board of the CWS had charge of the exhibition.
At 1.30pm the representatives from Co-operative Societies, and a few specially invited guests, sat

down to dinner at the White Lion. The President of the CWS, Mr Silto, from Halifax spoke.
Speakers from Beccles included the Mayor (NW Pells), Col Wilson, Col WM Crowfoot, W Elliott.

Also present: Mr A Pells, Mr Youngs (builder), Rev Webster, Rev Heather, Mr MF Buck (President
Beccles Branch). The number totalled 57.
The President of the CWS “nearly twenty years ago Beccles formed their own institution, now they

had erected a fine block of buildings on their own freehold, to supply themselves with food and
clothing, and the time would come when they would be able to build cottages for members.
Col Wilson: “The Beccles Co-op had started at a place at the top of Fair Close Road, where two

working men, one named Neal, employed at Caxton Works [1881 Census: aged 36, Printer’s

warehouseman, living at 88, Fair Close with wife & three children & visitor] , and the other Barnes,
[1881 Census: Richard Barnes, aged 42, Railway Porter, living with wife & 3 children in Market

Row] foreman of the goods department at the railway station, did what they could to forward the
business in their spare time in the evenings

The company adjourned to the new premises, where they were joined by a large number of the
Townsfolk. Thanks were given to the visitors by Mr Buck and Mr FT Peachey.

ROYAL ACADEMY painting by Harry F Cutting (b 1865) entitled “An Old Warrior” on show.
BOWLING GREEN at White Lion opened for the Season
Mr LAWRANCE’S Mineral Water Works at Yarmouth. He also has branches at Beccles [33

STATION ROAD] and Saxmundham. So as to provide all year employment for his workforce he has
added sweet-making to his products.
SALE privately: EIGHT Six Room COTTAGES, with closet, Coal House & Garden to the, near St

George’s Road (Gladstone Terrace) Apply SC Turner, Hungate
TO LET: No 8 DOUGLAS PLACE. Apply Mrs Barkham, One Bell
JONATHAN NOBBS, Poor Rate & Tax Collector has moved to SMALLGATE. The Office in

STATION ROAD is now occupied by Durrant’s
Mrs STANFORD, wife of Mr GA Stanford, auctioneer, was walking down Puddingmoor on Sunday,
when a few yards past the entrance to the Bathing Place she was struck by a bullet on the side of her

head. Mrs Stanford was accompanied at the time by her sister and a nurse, who distinctly heard the
report of a pistol. The bullet caused a scalp wound and severe shock to the lady, who was
immediately removed to a cottage nearby, where she soon recovered sufficiently to walk home. She

was attended by Mr EB Crowfoot, and she is recovering satisfactorily.
BARSHAM CHURCH SCREEN page 5
MILK CART UPSET. About 4pm on Saturday afternoon, the driver of Mr Ashford’s milk cart from

Gillingham farm was upset in turning sharply round the bend of the street between the Church tower
and the public library [Town Hall]. The cart was turned completely on its side,but the horse kept its

feet and was uninjured. Three large cans were thrown out, and about 30 gallons of milk ran down the
surface drain. The driver fortunately escaped unhurt.

EDWIN POYSER, featured in the May number of Yachting World, born Beccles in 1861, learned
sailing in the yacht (Water Lily) belonging to his father, Mr JT Poyser - the owner of the largest yacht

on the Broads. Edwin Poyser’s yacht is Ianthe. He is a crack shot over stubble and at the butts, and is
a good rider to hounds and polo player. A member of the University of Cambridge Rifle Corps. He
has hunted big game in Africa, India and America, and shot tigers and all big animals. He has been up

the Nile twice. He knows every port of any importance over the world. He is a fellow of the Royal
Zoological Society. His wife is also devoted to yachting. He is Commodore of the Yare Sailing Club
etc.

SALE: LOT 1: The valuable walled-in LAWN, adapted for either Tennis Ground or Bowling Green,
with buildings thereon, and planted with choice fruit trees, as occupied by the Executors of the late
Mr Henry Read,

[purchased Mr AE Mickleburgh £65]
CAPITAL GARDEN adjoining, now occupied by Mr Peter Youngs, abutting upon the Fair Close,
and the Pathway connecting the same with Newgate, both lots being freehold & Land Tax redeemed.

[purchased Mr P Youngs £100]
SALE: by Robert John Read The Capital RESIDENCE by the side of the ELLOUGH ROAD
containing: Entrance Hall, 3 Reception Rooms, 9 Bedrooms & domestic offices, with flower and

kitchen Gardens & Vinery; spacious Yard in which are: A range of Brick & Tiled Nag Stabling, with
Harness Room & 2 Coach Houses. A range of boarded-and-tiled buildings comprising Cart Lodge,
Stabling for 3 horses, Hay House, Harness Room, Root House, Piggeries and Fowl Houses. Range of

boarded-and-tiled Buildings comprising 5 Loose Boxes, Straw Houses, Fowls and Wood Houses, and
Cart Lodge. Boarded Cart Lodge with corrugated Iron Roof, Granary and other buildings

ALSO a good COTTAGE with Garden and Grass Paddock, the whole containing 1a 1r 20p
This Sale takes place in consequence of the disastrous Fire, resulting in the total destruction of the

Ingate Flour Mills. Mr Read has purchased St Swithin’s Mills, Norwich and intends residing there.
The property would suit a horse dealer or a school.

[withdrawn at £540] [subsequently sold privately to Elliott & Garood]
SALE: late Nathaniel Cowles:
LOT 1: Substantial Block of Property in BALLYGATE: A comfortable DWELLING HOUSE, three

spacious Painters’ and Glaziers’ Shops, Yard, Garden, Stable with Loft over, and Stable Yard, in the
occupation of Mr JM Brundell, at the annual Rent of £17
The DWELLING HOUSE with Small SHOP adjoining, in the occupation of Mr BB Balls; Rent £10.

DWELLING HOUSE adjoining in the occupation of William Townsend at Rent of £9 2s 0d.

DWELLING HOUSE also adjoining in the occupation of AR Rush; Rent £6 10s 0d.
[purchased Mr Mobbs, Norwich £372 10s]

LOT 2: THREE Brick-and-tiled COTTAGES in NEWGATE at the back of the Queen’s Head, in the
occupation of Robert Frankland, Elizabeth Lowe and Esther Watson at Rents amounting to £13 4s

[purchased Mr WB England £125]
NOBBS & GOATE, General Printers & Stationers, SMALLGATE & at Loddon. Opened a Branch in

Smallgate, with an entirely new Plant of Modern Type & Machinery.
SCHOOL: High Class Day School for Girls with Preparatory Class for Little Boys. French Lessons
given by Mons Acquier. Principal: Miss Shore, Bayfield, STATION ROAD

ROOK SHOOTING: Between 30 and 40 guns employed on the annual Rook Shoot on Buonaparte’s
Island on the COMMON. The shoot continued for two hours but comparatively few rooks were shot.
the party afterwards had a liberal spread in one of the outbuildings prepared by the Mayoress.

COUNTY COURT: William Harmer of Beccles v James Henshaw, innkeeper. The arrangement that
Henshaw should lodge with Harmer for 13s a week and his child for 5s a week. Henshaw stayed
from July to October 1895, and the child until January, when Mrs Harmer died. £5 14s unpaid. He

was to pay 6s a week. Louisa Lay, daughter of the plaintiff said her father had not treated her at all
well; he never was a father to any of them..
SALE: [43 & 45] LONDON ROAD, late Mrs Minton Double RESIDENCES each containing a

capital underground cellar: on Ground Floor: Dining Room. Kitchen, Pantry and Larder: First Floor:
Drawing Room, Two Bedrooms & WC; Second Floor: Three Bedrooms; and in rear ranges of
offices, containing Scullery, Coalhouse, and Closet; also a two stall Stable and Coach House, with

loft over, and adjoining on the south side a productive and well-planted Garden containing 1 rood 14
perches and having a frontage on the London Road of 96ft 6ins, affording a valuable site for
building.

One Residence known as the “Beeches” now in the occupation of Mr AR Scott & his sub-tenant at
£40 pa; the other, known as “Hillside” was recently in the occupation of Miss Beale at rental of

£35pa..
[Purchased Mr HL Robins, (coal merchant) £930]

BOARD SCHOOL: Mr B Read, Assistant master leaving to take up position at Diss after a long
serve at Beccles. Thanked by the Headmaster Mr JS Palmer. Given a Gladstone Bag.

CO-OP TEA Councillor Buck in the Chair. Mr WM Crowfoot, JP gave address commending Co-op
Movement, praising 2000 Co-op leather workers for carrying on working during a strike. Strikes hard
for the working man. Severe hardship

RAID ON CATS in NEWGATE: Many have disappeared in the last few weeks.
NARROW ESCAPE A man was engaged in taking the ‘flyer’ from the top of Hadingham’s mill in
LONDON ROAD when a piece of wood weighing 7 stones fell to the ground, missing Foster the

carter who was loading a waggon by the side of the mill, and he and his horse had a narrow escape
FIRE in SWINE’S GREEN: Fire broke out in premises owned by Mrs Warren , who lives in one of
the cottages adjoining occupied by Mrs Ling. The outbuildings caught fire, but were close to the

houses, and the woodwork on the east gable caught fire, but was put out. The Fire Brigade arrived,
but their hose would not reach the nearest main in St George’s Road. Three wells in the
neighbourhood were used, filling hundreds of pails. Mr Ling knocked down some boarding adjoining

Mr Spratt’s Garden.
COUNCIL PLANS passed: 1.) A new stables to be erected in GOSFORD ROAD. 2.) A new Store
for Elliott & Garood in GOSFORD ROAD. BUT 3.) An additional Granary for Messrs John Crisp,

not built in accordance with the bye-laws.
ROBBING HOTEL: Three hens stolen from the White Lion Bowling Green and some beer and
spirits. An ex-convict Stephen Oxborough & Alfred Casto arrested.

DRAMA COMPANY: London Comedy & Dramatic Company played at Town Hall to small
audiences.

BITTEN BY DOG: Roger Turner, Assistant Master at the Fauconberge School bitten by dog
belonging to Jonathan Clarke. Attacked while on his bicycle near the Score. Dog to be kept under

proper control.
BARSHAM FACULTY; page 8

TO LET: HOUSE & SHOP now occupied by Co-op, Well adapted for Grocery etc.
RETIREMENT of SUPERINTENDENT COLE of Ixworth, formerly an Inspector in Beccles. He is
returning to Beccles to live.

ELECTION TO BURIAL BOARD: Mr RJ Read, lately of Ingate Mill, resigning because he has left
the town. Mr Samuel Le Grice elected, having been proposed by Mr Masters.
BECCLES PSA SOCIETY: 250 members under Rev W Heather go to Lowestoft for the day on the

steamer Gorleston. The Society, which is non sectarian, meets every Sunday afternoon in the

Congregational Church and is open to men and to boys over fourteen.
BECCLES REGATTA on Monday, 13 July in fine weather.

OUTDOOR SERVICE at INGATE: Mr John Pierson, assistant master at the Board School gave a
powerful and stirring evangelical address in a meadow owned by Mr Elliott. In the absence of Rev

Webster, Mr H Ainsworth, the Scripture Reader of the parish, and Mr JS Palmer conducted the
preliminary Service in the Mission Room.

FAUCONBERGE SCHOOL: [The Golden] Jubilee of the revival of the School, and of its location at
St Mary’s. A dinner was held in the King’s Head. There were present: Mr Arthur G Peskett, Fellow
& Tutor of Magdalene College, Cambridge (in the chair), Rev JH Raven (Headmaster) and Messrs

Merry, Carr, Turner and Holt (assistant masters) Messrs GR Freeland, SW Rix, AH Block, AG Love,
EB Grimmer, C Hickling, WH Mann, AG Tracy, WP Marley, CP Coode, EG Clowes, Wilton Rix,
EB Crowfoot, Rev JE Flower, FS Rix, JB Hartley, FWD Robinson, GWD Palmer-Kerrison, TP

Angell, AS Robinson, W Flower, PS Dowson, AJ Palmer, HB Leathes-Prior, MB Frere, B Smith, JJ
Mayhew, HJ Hartcup, F Peskett, W Wyllys, RC Mann, Rev HM Davey, ET Dowson, WM Crowfoot,
J Clarke.

Rev Rowsell (Rector) & Mr H Boyce were unavoidably unable to be present. An Old Fauconbergian
Society was formed.
A DESERVING CASE: Farmer’s widow aged 98, resident in Beccles, her circumstances, once good,

have been reduced almost to nothing, so that for many years she has been dependent upon the
benevolence of a few.. Ten subscribers were asked for to give 1 shilling each a week for the rest of
her life. This would suffice for her maintenance. This week the first £26 has been promised for this

year, and future years as required.
LETTER: PUBLIC LIBRARY: A correspondent alluded to the desirability of forming a truly public
library for Beccles. I should like to tell him that he is not the only inhabitant by a very long way who

desires to see such an excellent institution one of the features of our town. And not only a public
library, but a public reading room as well, and also a museum. Why not?

The question of a library is now, and has been for some time past, engaging the serious attention of
the Educational Committee of the Co-operative Society, who hope to be in a position before very

long to throw open a portion of their building in Smallgate as a free reading room and library for the
use of the large numbers of their members, and ultimately to outsiders as well, thus presenting these

advantages as a free gift to the town.
The arrangements have not yet reached completion, and the committee would not feel at all jealous,
rather would they rejoice if one of the Mayors would like to perpetuate in this way the memory of his

term of office.
But the day is not far distant when in some shape or form a truly public library will be provided for
Beccles.

FT Peachey
(Editor: The funds must be provided from the rates..)
BUNGAY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH History of last 80 years.

BATHING in the RIVER: Is it not time that the grossly indecent bathing in the river should be
peremptorily stopped? Such scandalous scenes as are daily seen at the Old Bathing Place make one
blush for the fair fame of the town. It is impossible to take one’s family on the river without exposing

them to indignities.
ACCIDENT: Mr C Woolnough, carpenter, while at work on the top of the new Waiting Rooms on
the island platform at the RAILWAY STATION, fell about 13ft.

THE RIFLE RANGE: was reopened after having been closed for two years owing to difficulties with
a neighbouring land-owner, who has been guaranteed against injury or damage. A large sum of
money has been expended on repairs, and the butt has been enlarged and raised about three feet. 50

members of the Volunteers of G & H Companies took part.
GAS LIGHTING: Agreed that extra money should be paid for incandescent lights.

Rev HJ Ferrall, formerly a master at Beccles College, and a member of the Suffolk County Football
Team 1886-88, is returning to his old school as joint principal with Mr Hockey. On leaving

Bromsgove, where he was a master at the well-known school, and senior curate of the parish Church,
he was presented with a purse of 48 sovereigns.

BANKING: Barclays, Bevan & Co, London Gurneys & Co, with their many branches has been
registered under “Barclays & Co. Ltd” [Beccles Branch is not listed]
SCHOLASTIC SUCCESS: Daniel Neal, son of Mr E Neal of Epsom, formerly of Beccles [was he

the Edward Neal who founded Beccles Co-Op see 28 April 1896?] has won a County Scholarship to
Dorking Grammar.
MARRIAGE of RC DUNT, headmaster of the National School, to Miss Elizabeth West. Given a

ACCIDENT of one of Mr E Master’s employees who was loading up a cart with iron bars at the
warehouse in Station Road, when the harness of the horse slipped, and it ran into and across the road

and the iron bars fell with an enormous clatter. No one was hurt.
WATER CARNIVAL: Well illuminated Gardens and boats. At 8pm the Artillery Band set off along

the river from the Waveney Hotel [in Northgate], followed by Mr WT Woodroffe’s “Dr Jim”
[Jameson Raid?] with rapid explosion of firearms etc. Boats by Mr Smith & Miss Davies, Mr

Bloomfield, Mr CE Field, Mr Steer, Mr Wilkinson, Mr H Lawrance, Mr Ingate, Mr & Mrs McQueen,
Mr W Darby
TELEPHONE POSTS: It was accepted that these should be of wood and that they should be 28 to

30ft high. There was no law against them putting wires over roads if they wished to. That is why the
wire was across Station Road.
PUBLIC LIGHTING: Letter from MF Buck: Gas lighting goes up in price, and there is a monopoly.

Bury St Edmunds is paying £20,000 for electric Light. Why should not Beccles borrow money and
put in electricity? It would be cheaper
SCHOOLS ADVERTISING:

1. ) HIGH CLASS SCHOOL FOR GIRLS: Principal, Miss Shore, “Bayfield”, Station Road
2.) WAVENEY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS: (late Principal Miss West) Principals: Miss Field & Miss
Salmon, Station Road

3.) SMALLGATE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS: Principal Miss Aggas. 4.) BOARDING & DAY
SCHOOL: Mrs Hayes: Northgate
DANGEROUS SITUATION: Mr TA Poll was at top of a ladder lettering in front of Mr Eglington’s

Ale Stores in Hungate. A horse backed a cart against the ladder, lifting it up. Mr Poll made a rapid
descent, jumped the last feet and hurt his ankle.
VISITORS’ LIST: Staying in Beccles (with or without wives): King’s Head 9; White Lion 7;

Waveney Hotel [Northgate] 3; Alexandra Hotel 3; Clifton Temperance Hotel 3; Laburnham Villa,
Alexandra Road 1; Kilbrack 1; Watermere House [Fen Lane] 3; Riverview House [Northgate] 2; The

Laurels, London Road 3; Suffolk Inn [Station Road] Pickerel Inn [Puddingmoor] 1; Yachts 8.
DEATH: Eva Mary CROWFOOT youngest child of WM Crowfoot, MB, FRCS, aged 8

ENGLISH CHURCH UNION at BARSHAM
half page 8 missing

ENGLISH CHURCH UNION by Dom Fulton
DEATH of John Edward Roff, late Colour Sergt, 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards & Sergt Instructor
of G & H Companies, 2nd VB Norfolk Regt, Aged 57

POLICE COURT: George Fisher, lodging with Robert Manthorpe, signalman. Fisher was drunk and
hit and knocked over Manthorpe’s child. Fisher collected from the pub by Constable Churchyard and
told to remove his belongings from house. Fisher hit the Constable. Ten days hard labour. [many

examples of drunkenness in courts]
DEATH of ARCHBISHOP BENSON of apoplexy, aged 67.
DEATH of FJ ALLEN, builder and contractor, aged 46 of typhoid fever, after a fortnight’s illness. He

was a kind and generous employer, an enthusiast in all healthful forms of recreation, football in
particular, a Volunteer, Freemason, Oddfellow and Captain of the Fire Brigade. The Funeral
procession was headed by the officers of the Fire Brigade, Superintendent Fuller & Engineers SF

Field & WG Aldous, other members acting as bearers; a small detachment of Artillery Volunteers,
members of the Beccles Company, in which Mr Allen was Sergeant. Lieut Walton & Smith; Col
Wilson, a score of Freemasons & Oddfellows, members of the “Temple of Friendship” Lodge,

members of Town Football Club, of which Mr Allen was President.
CINEMATOGRAPH display, which will be shown in Beccles for the first time. The Cinematograph
is rightly described as one of the sensations of the age, the pictures shown on a screen being

remarkable for their accuracy. Everything is so realistic that the mind can only wonder how the thing
is done, this marvel should be seen by all who appreciate inventive originality.

The Cinematograph display was an item in Miss Marie Clifford’s Spanish Serenaders and Variety
Company in the Town [Public] Hall.

PSA SOCIETY MEETING (Pleasant Sunday Afternoon) Col Wilson presided. Mr H Pye, the
Secretary gave the Annual Report. It was launched a year ago. Average attendance 200. They had

had 42 different speakers.
COUNCIL: PLANS; passed 1.) Cottage to be erected for Mr Warren on Swine’s Green 2.) A Lecture
Hall in Waveney Road for Mr Woods 3.) New Schools for Rev Foulton in Ringsfield Road [Catholic]

DEATH of John KENT, JP of Colchester, born in Beccles, son of John Kent, ironmonger. He was
Councillor of Colchester & Mayor. Aged 91. He was an oil & colour merchant.
TERRIFIC THUNDERSTORM: Torrents of rain. At Westhall the ground covered with hail 4 inches

deep. A flour mill on brick pins at WESTON owned by Mr C Le Grice was struck by lightning and

destroyed
SUFFOLK COUNCIL: One basis of assessment for county rate, poor rate & all others.

DOMINICAN NUNS convent in Beccles. They would take possession of St Michael’s Lodge [on the
corner of Grange Road and St Mary’s Road] in February

POLICE COURT: Walter Balls, butcher’s lad, drunk and guilty of fighting with his father in the
street: Robert Wilkinson, grocer, [No 33] Blyburgate heard noise in the night, found them struggling

near Mr Crisp’s large gates. He separated the contestants and locked Walter Balls in his yard till the
police arrived. Balls said that he had just passed Aldous’, the earthenware dealer [No 37] and his
father knocked him over.

SERVICE for WHERRYMEN: a special service was conducted by Mr JG Collins, wherrymen’s
Missioner, at the Ravensmere Mission-room on Sunday evening.
POLICE COURT: A tramp was found drunk on the Rector’s doorstep on Monday night. She was

discharged on promising to leave the town at once. [This was the usual practice with tramps]
OUTING: Mr JRR Godfrey [of Montagu House, Northgate] kindly lent his yacht “Spider” to his
yachtsmen, servants, and their friends for a day’s outing. Starting from Beccles Quay at 10.15 the

party reached Burgh Castle at one, and had dinner on board the boat. A start for home was made soon
after dinner, and safely reached Beccles at five o’clock, when a bountiful tea was set before them.
CO-OP Reading Room to be opened free to members every evening of the week (Sunday excepted)

from 7 to 10. The room will be nicely warmed and lighted, and several daily and weekly papers will
be provided, in addition to other current literature.. The Reading Room will be opened next Friday
evening, when the library will be reopened, which now contains nearly a thousand volumes.

MAYOR’S “AT HOME” (Mr NW & Miss Pells) in Town Hall., which was decorated with curtains
and bunting, with palms and flowers. Mr Delf’s band played selections of music at intervals during
the evening. The guests started to arrive at 8pm. Those who accepted:

Aldus, Dr; Aldred, Miss & friend; Aldred, Rev & Mrs; Atkinson, Miss; Allen, Miss; Anderson, Mrs
Angell, Messrs (2); Angell, TP Mr; Ayrton, Mr & Mrs; Banham, Mr & Mrs; Bellwood, Mr &

MrsBlackett, Miss; Blackett, Mrs; Block, Mr & Mrs; Block, Mrs; Boyce, Miss; Boycott, Mrs; Brock,
Mrs Brooke, Mr; Buck, Mr & Miss; Carr, SF Miss; Chasteney, Misses (2); Chaston, A Mr & Mrs

Chaston, H Miss; Clark, J Mr & Mrs; Clarke, John; Clarke, W Mrs & Mrs; Clatworthy, Miss;
Clatworthy, Mr; Cole, Mr; Coomb, Miss; Crisp, J Mr & Mrs; Crisp, Misses (2); Cross, Mr & Mrs;

Cross, WG Mr & Mrs; Crowfoot, Dr & Miss; Crowfoot EB Mr; Crowfoot Mrs; Drake, G; Miss;
Drury, HWC Mr; Drury, Miss; Dunt, Mr & Mrs; Durrant, Mr & Mrs; Ecclestone, Miss; Ecclestone,
Mr ; Everitt, Mr; Everitt, W, Mr; Ferrall, Rev & Mrs; Fiddes, Mrs; Field, S Mr & Mrs; Flower, Miss;

Flower, W Mr; Foster, HS Mr MP & Mrs; Fulton, F Rev; Goodwyn, Misses (2); Goodwyn, Mr;
Grayson, Mrs; Harmer, Mr & Mrs; Harvey, Mr & Mrs; Haward, Mr & Mrs; Heather, Rev & Mrs;
Helsham, Dr & Mrs; Hockey, H Mr; Hockey, Misses (2); Hockey, Mr & Mrs; Holmes, Mrs; Hopson,

Mr & Mrs; Johnson, Miss; Jones, Miss; Jones, Mrs; Jordan, Mr & Mrs; King, BG Mr & Mrs; King,
G Mrs; Kittle, Miss; Kittle, Mrs; Larkman, Mr & Mr; Last, Lieut & Mrs; Laws, Lawson Mr; Le
Grice, S Mr & Mrs; Mann, Mr & Mrs; Martin, Capt & Mrs; Martin, Miss; McComb, Mr &

Mrs; McQueen, Mr & Mrs; Metcalfe, Miss; Metcalfe, Mrs; Mitchell, Misses (2); Nightingale, Mrs;
Noad, Miss; Noad, Mrs Nobbs, Mr & Mrs; Norris, Miss; Oldrin, Miss; Palmer, Mr & Mrs; Parker,
CF Mr & Mrs; Parker, Miss; Parker, Misses (2); Pearce, Miss; Pearce, Mr & Mrs; Pells, A Mr & Mrs;

Pells, ES Miss; Pells, Mirriam Miss; Pells, S Mr & Mrs; Poll, Miss; Poll, Mr & Mrs; Poll, TA Mr &
Mrs; Press, Miss; Read, A Mr; Richie, Mr; Rix, CF Miss; Rix, Mr & Mrs; Rix, WJ Mr Robinson,
Miss; Robinson, Mr & Mrs; Rowsell, Canon & Mrs; Scott, Mr & Mrs; Scott, Miss; Seago, Miss;

Seeley, Miss; Shickle, Misses (2); Shipston, Mrs; Smith, C Mr & Mrs; Smith, Miss; Smith, Miss;
Smith, Misses (2); Snell, Mrs; Spaull, Mr & Mrs; Stanford, G; Mr & Mrs; Stanford, J Mr & Mrs;
Stokes, WB Mr; Tavender, Mr & Mrs; Taylor, Mr; Tilney, Miss; Tracy, J Mr; Tracy, Misses (2);

Walker, Miss; Walker, Mr & Mrs; Walton, Misses (2); Walton, Mr; Waltor, F Mr; Watson, E Mr &
Mrs (deputy Mayor); Watts, Mr & Mrs; Webster, Rev H; White, Mr & Mrs; Wilson, Col & Miss;

Winson, Mr & Mrs; Woodroffe, Miss; Woodroffe, Mr;Woodroffe, W Mr; Woods, A Mr; Woods, DE
Miss; Woods, Miss; Woodward, Mr & Mrs; Woolnough, B Mrs; Woolnough, G Mr; Wyatt, Mr &

Mrs; Youngman, Mr; Youngman, Mr & Mrs.
DEATH of ROBERT DASHWOOD aged 90. His father was over 90 when he died, was a doctor in

Beccles. Robert Dashwood was educated at Norwich School and was apprenticed to Mr Dalrymple of
Norwich and subsequently studied at Guy’s Hospital, where he was a pupil of Dr Cook. He joined his
father in practice at Beccles, and was a prominent inhabitant of the town. He served for a short time

on the Corporation, and was a Trustee of the Fauconberge School. After his retirement from practice
he was made a magistrate for both Norfolk & Suffolk. He was a very good naturalist and had a
valuable cabinet of British birds eggs. He gave one of the earliest accounts of the Brambling Finch.

He formed a beautiful collection of conifers at Dunburgh.He was buried in the churchyard in North

Cove.
COUNCIL HEALTH: 29 cases of Scarlet Fever, of which 19 have been removed to the infirmary at

Shipmeadow.
COUNCIL ELECTIONS: A McQueen 485 (Newmarket, outfitter); WB England 482 (Smallgate,

corn merchant); *EGB Watson 351 (chemist, Blyburgate); *HE Banham 221 (architect, Grange Rod),
NOT ELECTED:* A Woods 167.(gentleman, Grove Road) * = former Councillor.

COUNCIL: 1.) Councillor NW Pells re-elected Mayor
2.) Alderman Walton said that the pressing concern of the Council was the sewage farm. At present it
was not satisfactory

3.) Alderman Masters said that he wished to retire from the more active duties he had discharged for
several years. The growth of the town in the last twelve years had been almost a third, from 4,000 to
7,000, and consequently the work had considerably increased. It was no longer in his power to give

the time necessary to the adequate discharge of those duties. He suggested a Committee to consider
how it should be handled, of The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Aldermen Masters, Rix, Walton and
Wilson and Councillor Buck.

The Mayor said the thanks of the town were greatly due for the active part he had taken for many
years. He had saved the Council hundreds of pounds in salaries.. He proposed a vote of thanks to Mr
Masters..

SALE of FURNITURE: of WT Hubbard of Blyburgate, who is going abroad.
FEOFFMENT CHARITY: Mr David Jude resigned the Secretaryship after 44 years Mr Bellward is
elected. The salary is reduced from £25 to £15 pa.

PRIMROSE LEAGUE: In the absence of Mr Foster, MP, Mr WM Crowfoot gave the address. He
spoke first, at some length on foreign policy. He then spoke about education and the importance of
the Voluntary Schools, but they must get more money, and this should come from the State not the

Rates.
FAUCONBERGE SCHOOL: Mr JW Crowfoot, BA, of Brasenose College, Oxford elected to

studentship at the British School of Athens.
FIRE: in Mr Loades’ store in Queen’s Road. The contents were damaged.

VALUATION LISTS for Wangford Union: Sub Committee set up of: Mr LT Clarkson (Chairman),
Mr Banham, Mr Stanford & Mr Lay to look at assessments in Beccles.

SUDDEN DEATH of Mr Jacob Andrews, coachpainter at Horsley’s Carriage Works. Died of a heart
condition aged 64. He had never been seriously ill.
BARSHAM CHURCH broken into and robbed.

CHORAL SOCIETY: “Samson” by Handel, excellent choir and good amateur orchestra.
PARISH CHURCH: The lighting by incandescent lamps has been completed at a cost of £29.
ROBBERY IN BECCLES: from Mr Bowles, watchmaker, [6 HUNGATE] on Saturday night

between 12.30 and 5.30 am when it was discovered by Mr Henry Boyce [Headmaster of the Leman
School].. Mr Bowles had been concerned about the safety of his premises as there were so many
tramps around that night, and had been to check the shop a few times in the earlier part of the night.

The burglar had cut a hole in the plate glass of the centre window about 15 inches in diameter. About
34 gold and silver watches, two cases of signet rings, 33 wedding rings, 30 other rings, 30 gold
brooches, a dozen gold scarf pins, gold pencil cases and other valuables had been stolen. He was

discriminating and did not take a single plated article. The night was very dark and wet, and the
nearest all night lights throw no light on the shop.
BREAK IN at Mr PELLS’ OFFICE. thieves broke in and left chaos behind, stealing money to the

value of £2 or so.
CHRISTMAS OX: The handsome red-and-white polled Irish ox, purchased by Mrs A Copeman,
butcher of Blyburgate, at Messrs Durrant’s Sale at Harleston, was exhibited in NEWMARKET and

admired by everyone. The magnificent bullock, which weighed 17 cwt, was purchased for £37.
ROMAN CATHOLIC confirmation of 28 candidates, including a former Church of England curate.

The church was over crowded. There were seats for 200, but despite standing room, some had to be
turned away.

ANTI ROMAN CATHOLIC lecture in the very crowded Town Hall, when the Catholics were
attacked by the speaker, Dr J Bluett-Duncan, for an hour. During a lull in proceedings Father Fulton

unexpectedly stood on a chair and told the audience that he was a Roman Catholic priest and a monk
and wished to correct some of the statements of the lecturer. There was some jeering when he said he
was a monk. Some of the most vigorous spirits tried to drown his voice, until he flung the taunt at

them “then you are afraid”, when a fairer spirit came over the majority and he could be heard.. He
said he was prepared to go to any of their chapels, Sunday or weekday, and tell them what Catholics
believe. He thanked the audience (!) for their attention and left the Hall.

SOME ROBBERS ARRESTED. A young man, Harry Goffin, labourer of Beccles accused of selling

one or two rings, part of the burglary of Mr Bowes’ shop, to a travelling razor grinder named Hollis,
which he handed to a cabdriver, Edward Roofe, who took it to a pawnbroker at Yarmouth, who

detained him until a constable arrived. They were all arrested.
DEATH IN AUSTRALIA of Mr James Martin, second son of Mr Robert Martin, millwright and

engineer. James Martin emigrated to Australia just over 40 years ago, when gold fever was at its
height, and being of an adventurous nature, he took readily to the rough life of the bush camp, as well

as to the labour and excitement of gold-digging. However this did not prove profitable and he turned
his attention to his calling as an engineer and machinist. He soon established a prosperous and
lucrative business at the small town of Scarsdale, which he continued until recently For twenty years

he was a member of the borough council there and was a thorough sportsman.
ROBBERY ARRESTS: concerning jewel robbery at Mr Bowes’ shop. Stephen Oxborough, who had
recently been released from prison for burglary, James Sampson, labourer, both of Beccles and

Charles Shepperd, a tramp from London, who had been in the town for three months earning a
precarious living playing a tin whistle in the streets and pubs of Beccles were all arrested in the
Queen’s Head, NEWGATE.

CHRISTMAS at the PARISH CHURCH: Canon JH Crowfoot of Lincoln preached. The Choir sang
Carols, with the solos being sung beautifully by Lewis Taylor.
Mrs HAYES SCHOOL PARTY in the Town Hall. There were 94 children, and most of them wore

fancy dress, which gave a charming effect in the dances, especially in the valse minuet, which was
performed by a picked number of girls, who had been specially taught by the Misses Hayes. Pretty
programme cards were supplied, and also liberal refreshments. The party separated soon after 11

o’clock, after a most happy and enjoyable evening.
SCHOOL CONCERT Miss Field and Miss Salmon gave an “At Home” in the Corn Hall, which took
the form of a concert. The children, parents and friends arrived from 6 pm

DEATH in EXCHANGE SQUARE of Maria, wife of James Arthur Aldous and mother of Dr Aldous
REVIEW OF THE YEAR: The BAPTISTS are still without a Minister, although a number of

candidates have been seen. The WESLEYANS have been unfortunate. The Minister sent to replace
Mr Elland, who was here three years, was Rev Anthony Taylor, who was ill when he arrived,

developed mental afflictions and had to retire. His duties were taken over by Rev Stanley Butters,
BA, a gifted young minister in his first appointment. The ROMAN CATHOLICS have had a

memorable year, in spite of the controversial spirit which has found free expression in the East
Suffolk Gazette. A third priest has been added to the Mission. The Dominican Nuns are expected to
take over St Michael’s Lodge, adjoining St Benet’s in February, and a new school is being built for

Catholic children.
TOWN HALL: The Mayor was anxious to improve the accommodation at the Town Hall, so entirely
inadequate to the needs of the town; but difficulty arose owing to the amount of compensation

demanded for a portion of the White Lion premises in the rear of he Hall, necessary for the
improvements and enlargement contemplated.
It was decided by the Council to appoint a Surveyor at £100 a year to look after the day to day

responsibilities of the Sanitary Committee.
THE VOLUNTEERS: Sergt-Maj Barkham retired from the Artillery Volunteers after 17 years as
Drill Instructor, and 37 years in the Army.

RAILWAY STATION extensive alterations and improvements were made, including an island
platform with additional waiting rooms, a separate line of rails for trains to Lowestoft & improved
signalling arrangements and siding accommodation. It only remains to erect a new station, which is a

pressing need, although there is no sign at present that the authorities appreciate the want.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

This volume of the East Suffolk Gazette is missing. These are some notes from the ALMANAC
1898

The 7th DRAGOON GUARDS hold a meet at Beccles, a stag outlying at Worlingham Park. The stag
runs into the town and is secured at the Vulcan Iron Works, PEDDAR’S LANE
A HARP RECITAL is given at the Town Hall by Mr Aptommas, the celebrated harpist

The AGM of the Waveney Valley Teachers’ Association is held under the Presidency of Mr RC Dunt
PIANO RECITAL given by Mr WW Harvey, the first of a series given at Miss Seeley’s, the
GRANGE

VESTRY MEETING is held in the Parish Church
ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING held at Parish Church

The PARISH CHURCH CHOIR journeys to Norwich and takes part in the performance of Gounod’s
“Redemption” at the Cathedral

A SERVICE of PRAISE arranged from the Messiah is given by the PSA at the Congregational
Church.

INQUEST on Ann Balls of ROOK’S LANE
COUNCILLOR ELECTED: Mr George King, CASTLE FARM. 508 votes against Mr AE

Mickleburgh polling 207
A CATHOLIC PROCESSION in honour of “Our Lady of Perpetual Succour” is held. Over 300
persons take part in the procession from St Benet’s to Gillingham Park.

WEDDING of Dr Fox with his cousin, Miss Constance Fox at the Friends’ Meeting House at
Plymouth
CYCLE PARADE is held at Blythburgh Church. 43 of the Beccles Club attend

FUNERAL of Mr JK GARROD of the Grove, attended by large numbers
SIXTH ANNUAL DINNER of Guild of Corpus Christi held at the Waveney Hotel, NORTHGATE
THE MAYOR (Mr Banham) entertains the Corporation on board his Yacht.

MEMBERS of the PSA journey to Lowestoft by Steamboat “Waterfly”
FAUCONBERGE SCHOOL CRICKET between “Past & Present”. Present win.
ANNUAL REGATTA held in brilliant sunshine. The prizes awarded by the Mayor.

Mr DUNN’S employees hold their annual Outing at Yarmouth
FAUCONBERGE SCHOOL Prize Day. Dr Raven of Fressingfield distributes the Prizes
MARRIAGE of Rev EPPL Thompson with Miss Lillian Alderson at Norton Lees

NEW CATHOLIC CHURCH at Gillingham is opened by RC Bishop of Northampton
MARRIAGE of Mr WW Youngman of SMALLGATE to Miss Hettie Allen
INQUEST on Mrs Jemima Bezant, widow aged 73.

A PAIR of Young HORSES belonging to Mr RJ Read run away through the town. The driver
William George, pluckily sticks to the animals, but they fall after rounding the Caxton Arms corner.

George receives a fractured leg and a scalp wound, and the horses are much cut about.
DEATH: Mrs CORBYN, late of Beccles, dies suddenly at Stradbrooke

SHOOTING ACCIDENT to Mr JQ Wilkinson at Aldeby. He is hit so badly in the left eye with a
spent shot, so that he loses his eye.

THE MAYOR & MAYORESS (Mr & Mrs Banham) entertain 250 at the Town Hall.
LOCAL ELECTION: King 423, Buck 346, Larkman 325, Jolly 292 & the unsuccessful Candidate Mr
Edgar Smith 129 votes

NEW MISSION CHURCH presented by Mr Alfred Woods of Ingate Lodge, GROVE ROAD, at
SHADINGFIELD
NEW FIRE ESCAPE: The first trial takes place from the King’s Head. The Mayor is the first to make

a descent.
NEW MAYOR: Mr Banham declines the Office. Mr James Preston Larkman elected.
MARRIAGE of Mr WT Woodroffe, Borough Surveyor, with Miss Eva Allen, eldest daughter of Mrs

Deck, London Road.
DEATH of Walter Plumbly, chemist, aged 46.
ANNUAL DINNER of employees of Ingate Works, GOSFORD ROAD is held at Smith’s Coffee

Rooms
ANNUAL MEETING of the Feoffees in Council Chamber
WAVENEY SCHOOL give their Annual Concert at the Town Hall. Dr Helsham distributes

Certificates.
Mrs HAYES’ ANNUAL SCHOOL PARTY at the Town Hall: over 100 children present.

A combination of adverse circumstances made 1875 to 1985 a nightmare period for British farmer, especially grain producers.
1. ) A series of wet summers, culminating in the wettest season in living memory in 1879 meant an alarmingly low yield in

successive harvests.
2.) They could not raise prices as the price of American grain was so low., and they could not compete against the produce of

the American prairies, where mechanical reapers and binders were widespread use, thereby cutting
labour costs. The

new railroads and steamships were cutting costs. In 1877 the price of corn was 50

shillings a bushel, in 1894, the
3.) The National Union of Agricultural Labourers under Joseph Arch had raised wages in the 1870s, but with farmers facing

4.) Some farmers switched from arable farming to grazing, but a cruel fate continued to pursue them.
5.) There was liver-rot in 1879 which led to the mass slaughter of sheep.

6.) in 1883 there was widespread foot and mouth disease, requiring a burning of cattle.
7.) The introduction of cold storage by refrigeration led to large quantities of meat being imported from Australia and New

Zealand
Some farmers turned to market-gardening and orchards, others sold their land for courses for the new passion of golf .
1895 Royal Commission on Essex: Between 1880 and 1884 the number of farms given up either in despair or for reasons over

which the occupiers had no control was enormous. On poor estates no attempt was made to bring the
land round; it was left alone and gradually tumbled down to coarse and inferior herbage as nature

produced. A regular panic set in; some tenants who had hitherto weathered the storm refused to
renew their leases upon any terms, while others continued from year to year at reductions of 25% to

page missing
JUVENILE FANCY DRESS BALL: The Mayor (James Larkman) requests that each guest will

kindly bring a card bearing his or her name and the character represented on entering the Town Hall
WORKHOUSE TREAT: The sum of £9 4s 6d collected by Mrs Watson & Mrs SF Field for this

Mrs McDONALD’S CONCERT: including a tenor from Queen’s Hall & Mr Warder Harvey, piano
solo.
SUDDEN DEATH: Mr John Spinlove, Wheelwright, aged 78. Had bronchitis and a weak heart.

LECTURE on the SUDAN from 1882 by Rev WL Wilson, vicar of Rumburgh, in aid of the church
restoration. Limelight & Cine views picturing battles
Mrs HAYES DANCE in the Town Hall connected to her Dancing Class. About 80 present. Music

supplied by Mrs Hayes, Messrs WH Delf and J Culter. Mr WJ Fuller of White Swan catered. Dancing
continued till 3 am.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL GATHERING: held in the Town Hall. 150 sat down to tea at 6.30 pm,
provided by Mr Fred Gibbs [baker] of [20] Northgate .Father Fulton spoke and there were songs,

action songs and dancing. There was also a farce performed.
WANGFORD GUARDIANS: Mr Clarkson in the Chair.

INTERNATIONAL CRUSADE FOR PEACE Appeal by the Tsar. Reduction of excessive
armaments. Welcomed by the Prime Minister, Lord Salisbury, Lord Rosebery, Messrs Balfour &
Morley, Sir William Harcourt, The Duke of Devonshire, etc.

INTERVIEW with CENTENARIAN: Mrs Buck, born at Woodton, Norfolk on 7 January 1799. Her
parents moved to Beccles when she was young. “Her father was huntsman to Mr. Robert Rede, a
gentleman of opulence, who kept a pack of hounds down Blyburgate-street [No 21] “ where old Mr.

Crisp lived” (now occupied by Mr. Angel)”
The Post Office used then to be in Ballygate [No 3?] near the old Bank premises, only on the other
side of the street, and when news of the fleet at Trafalgar was received it was fixed up over the side of

the door -- so many killed and wounded and so on. When the last news of all came - that the hero
Nelson was killed, there was a whole row of people in the street waiting for the news. Many of them
were crying. “My mother cried” said the old lady, “and I cried too.”

Mrs Buck said some ladies took a fancy to her as a young and no doubt pretty little girl, and sent her
to a young ladies’ boarding school kept by a Miss Madell [Miss Manell], at the house occupied by the
late Miss Mary Crowfoot [No 27] Ballygate.

One stirring episode of her girlhood left deep impress on her memory. It was a fire which occurred at
Roos Hall Farm, how long ago she could not remember, but probably ninety years. Mr Rede occupied
the Hall at that time. The fire broke out at night, and the firebells clanging forth, a large crowd of

people soon assembled, but the poor beasts in the outbuildings were fastened up and could not get
out. It was horrible, she said, to hear them cry! They were roasted where they stood, and the next day

the meat was given away.
A few years later Mrs Buck was sent out to service at Frostenden, and afterwards to Herringfleet

Hall, where she lived with the Leathes family for 28 years or more. She has treasured pleasant
memories of those days. Occasionally she went to London with the family. There were no railways

then. The stage coach conveyed Mrs Buck to London , the journey occupying three days.
Mrs Buck’s memory goes back carries her back to a period when Beccles was strangely different to
its present. She speaks of it as a quiet little village, till the soldiers used to be billeted about here. Mrs

Buck married the estate carpenter at Herringfleet Hall, when she was well advanced in middle life,
and has survived him for nearly if not quite half a century, which she has spent at Beccles, having
lived in Northgate for 40 years, and for the last nine in Alexandra Road with Mrs Ayers.

[The following week it was pointed out that Mrs Raven of St Mary’s who had given her great
kindness “without measure, and really beyond all praise.”]
COUNCIL: Local Government Board wrote to ask what action the Council was taking about

providing an Isolation Hospital. It was proposed that a sub-committee be set up to find a suitable site.
This was negatived by 8 votes to 6. The Town Clerk told to reply that the Council did not think
was necessary.

PLANS passed: 1.) Store on premises of late Mr FJ Allen in STATION ROAD 2.) House on
GRANGE ESTATE for Mr William Elliott 3.) CATHOLIC CHURCH, St Mary’s Road, Plans St
Benet’s church and Monastery.

TRAVELLING HAWKER’S TALE: Jane Smith (36) said she was not married, but lived with
William Ellis, a hawker. She had seven children, four were with her when Henry, aged four & a half
died. The children had had whooping cough since Christmas Day. She had been living with Ellis for

25 years, but they had “a word or two” and he left her. During the 25 years she had no settled home r
house. They had been travelling from place to place; they had no van or covered cart. In the summer

time she had been employed at hop and pea picking; up to nearly last Christmas they had poles and
made a tent; but since then they had no covering. They slept in a lane - lying about under a rag or

two, propped up by a few sticks. She had been living about this locality [Bury St Edmunds] for about
a week, and sleeping in the lane. When Ellis left she had no means of getting food. She only had four

potato nets - no money. She sold the nets for about 5d. The children had a few coppers given them.
She had bought half a quartern loaf, and purchased tea and sugar. During the last week she and the
children had only had two half-quarter loaves and twopenny-worth of meat. One of the children had

some bread and butter given her. She bought twopenny-worth of gin for the sick child- a penny-worth
at a time. The children had been ill before. All four had measles when in the tent. She then took them
to the doctor. The children were kept in the tent until they were cured. On Saturday morning the child

died between 8 and 9 o’clock. Neither she nor Ellis had been in a workhouse. She was not aware that
she and the children could get admission to a workhouse.
Dr Johnson of Lavenham said the body was in a perambulator, and the body was soaked in water. It

was very dirty and covered with vermin, and greatly emaciated: no fat was to be seen anywhere. In
the post-mortem found the intestines were empty. There was only a little food recently taken in the
stomach. Death was due to pneumonia, accelerated by want and exposure. There were no mars of

violence. The child had been starved.
The jury attributed death to neglect and exposure, and returned a verdict of manslaughter. Another of
the woman’s children aged 18 months has since died in Sudbury Workhouse.

[At the Suffolk Assizes on 7 February 1899, the evidence given was that one of her children had
been singing in the street. Probably the child had had nothing to eat for a long time. Probably the
mother had nothing to give the child and there was no doubt that the woman herself suffered great

poverty. The Judge sentenced her to six months hard labour.. Parents who had no means of
supporting their miserable children ought to go to the parish authorities and get assistance.

SCHOOL BOARD: Mr W Read (in the chair), JE Crisp & EGR Watson: Letter from Mr Tolworthy
resigning post of assistant master.

GALE: Increasing violence as the night progressed. Cupola carried away from Mr C Smith’s
Maltings in FEN LANE.

Hoarding abutting Mr Hindes’ property in the road leading to Mr Durrant’s sale-ground blown on top
of three Railway employees. Mr Bygrave and Mr J Moore crawled out, but parcels porter Long had
leg fractured.

WESLEYANS 1,000,000 guineas APPEAL. Rev A Wainwright of Yarmouth: There were signs of a
widespread revival of religion and required this vast sum to fight against superstition, the under-
handed and half-masked Popery of the Established Church, and everything making for the

degradation of mankind. When the Board School system was introduced nearly 30 years ago they
held that education given should be distinctly Christian but without denominational bias. The Church
of England brought the schools in, took the grant, and shut out Boards, and now held the monopoly in

14,000 parishes. Whatever the religious belief of the parent might be, his child had to be placed under
the control of the parish priest, perhaps the one man whom they would hesitate to trust with the
upbringing of the young.

They intended to build on a central site in London a large central hall for their meetings and religious
services, capable of holding 3,000 people [This was built as Central Hall Westminster, built in 1912]
They wished to remove every Nonconformist child from the Workhouse and pauperism, and allow

him to be brought up with the privileges of a Christian home. £123 was raised at the Meeting.
LICENCES: 1.) Marquis of Granby NORTHGATE to Arthur Mortimer 2.) Horse & Groom
CAXTON ROAD to Ellen Simpson, widow of late tenant.

LETTER FROM ARTISAN: There have been 150 to 200 cases of scarlet fever in the town over the
last two or three years. Since there is no Isolation Hospital, the artisan is compelled to leave home,

find lodgings for himself and say two or three children, at nearly the cost of his entire wage, for seven
weeks, leaving wife and child behind, shunned by everyone, followed by a two guinea bill from the

doctor. Then all clothing has to be destroyed worth several pounds without recompense.
BOARD of GUARDIANS: Call attention to Sanitary Committee at Beccles of a man and his wife

and 11 children live in a house with only three bedrooms.
Regret expressed that there was not accommodation for an Isolation Hospital in Beccles.
Suggested that steps should be taken to procure competent Poor Law nurses.

Petition to Parliament praying for repeal of Vaccination Act of 1898.
PUBLIC LIBRARY shareholders will allow members to join at 10s 6d if they cannot afford the
larger sum.

JUVENILE FANCY DRESS BALL given by the Mayor & Mayoress (Mr & Mrs Larkman) 150

children as guests including: Ethelreda Banham (Buttercup) Hilda Banham (Daisy), Amy Crowfoot
(French Peasant), Ellie Crowfoot (Norwegian Peasant), Arthur Crowfoot (Scottish Highlander),

Humphrey Durrant (Lord Fauntelory), Clara A Elliott (Wild Rose),, Queenie Harvey (Normandy
Peasant), Arthur Harvey (Neapolitan Fisherboy), Miss Larkman (Sir John Leman), Beatrice Lingley

(Music), Cecil Lingley (Policeman), Arthur McComb (one of Dr Jameson’s Troopers), Elsie
McQueen (Cherry Ripe), Maud E Peachey (Heather); Florence Peachey (Forget-me-not), Ethel Pells

(Frost), Elmore Pells (Swiss Peasant), Leslie Poyser (Courtier of Charles II), Fred Poyser (Pierrot),
Kathleen Ridge (Normandy Peasant), Anne Ridge (Bo-Peep), Monica Rowsell (Organ Girl), John
Rowsell (Rifle Drummer Boy), Herbert Rowsell (Page), Keith Rowsell (Little Boy Blue), Berbnard

Stanford (Cavalier). and others.
SALE: INGATE & WASH LANE: by Mortgagees: 4 Brick & Tiled COTTAGES, one containing six
and the other four Rooms with small Gardens, two occupied by Mrs Ann Alden & Alexander

Burnham, with a frontage of 48ft on Ingate and two having a frontage on Wash Lane of 70ft with
lean-to sheds and Gardens in the occupation of James Balls & Robert Thirtle. Total Rent £27 4s.
[according to the 1899 Rates Book both properties were empty and being rebuilt by CC Betts]

[Purchased CC Betts £220]
JUBILEE NURSES’ HOME: 200 visits have been made to 27 cases by Sister Mabel to their great
comfort and relief. Nursa Earle, the maternity nurse, has also been fully occupied. Anyone wishing to

engage her should contact Miss Crowfoot, Blyburgate House.
TEMPERANCE MEETING: Visit of Miss Fry of Ipswich; In the afternoon she visited the Barnby
Branch, and addressed a meeting at Mrs Wigg’s. Mrs Dyson of Barnby Rectory presided. A good

number of women gathered together and several pledges were taken. In the evening meeting at
Beccles in the Rectory Room, Canon Rowsell presided.
CO-OP MEETING: The weekly turnover in Beccles was £255, at Bungay £39.

One advance was made during the Quarter under the Cottage Building Scheme, making the total
advanced £480

SCHOOL BOARD: At present there are 8 candidates. Two candidates say that if Mr Banham [the
Catholic Candidate] withdraws, they will withdraw. [this is what happened and there was no election]

COUNCIL: Pigs kept in Beccles: They should be kept further from the house: HH Gill, W Sampson
[34 DENMARK ROAD] H Keable {SWINE’S GREEN] , E Osborne [1 RAVENSMERE], S Candler

[SWINE’S GREEN], W Woolner [6 INGATE], J Kemp [SWINE’S GREEN] & F Crickmore [30
PEDDAR’S LANE?].
PLANS: approved: a new boiler house makers’ shop at Elliott & Garrood

BECCLES SCHOOL BOARD Meeting of Non-Conformist Churches. Mr Masters elected
Chairman.. Mr William Read, Vice Chairman of the School Board: He had been a member for 14
years. No party or sectarian feeling was ever shown at the Board meetings, nor had the religious

question once cropped up. With reference to the work of the Board he believed it had been done
efficiently and well. Whenever there had been an opportunity of taking a step forward with reference
to the education of children the Board had always been willing and anxious to do so, and to maintain

the school in an efficient state. In fact her Majesty’s Inspector had told them over and over again that
their schools were second to none in the County.
A few years ago they were compelled to build additional accommodation for the girls and boys, and

now they had as beautiful and comfortable rooms for teaching that part of the school as they could
wish. But he did not think they could rest content, for the Infants’ schoolrooms were not at all up to
present-day requirements. There was not light or room enough. Her Majesty’s Inspector had hinted

again and again that some improvement in the school building was desirable. If a suitable building
was erected for the accommodation of the infants the rates would probably amount to about 6d in the
£.

Education was one of the best means of rising people and keeping them from pauperism and crime.
He hoped that whoever might be elected the progress that had marked the action of the Board in the

past would be even more pronounced in the future.
Rev Heather : It was the boast of the Beccles Board that they had never had a division. They had

never once divided on any subject during the three years he had been a member of the Board, but
whatever question had come up, they had talked it through, and always been able to arrive at a

unanimous decision.
It was most important to maintain the progress in education. The school life of German boys was just
double that of English schoolboys. The Germans believed in giving their children the very best start

possible for their work in after life, and he thought English people would do well to take this into
account. They were beginning to realise the importance of technical education, but, their technical
teachers told them that as a result of the imperfect teaching in the elementary schools the average

schoolboy or girl was found unable to grasp sufficiently the principles of the technical subjects

taught, or to work out in details the matters brought before them.
He deprecated the early removal of the bright scholars who were able to successfully to pass the

labour examinations, believing that was an “economy” in the wrong direction, for it was precisely
these bright children who would be advantaged by further education.-

Mr Read: He always liked to look upon the Board Schools as undenominational schools. He had
heard them classed as the Dissenting Schools, but they were no such thing. There were many children

in the schools whose parents belonged to the Church of England, and therefore Church people took a
great interest in the schools. But the Roman Catholics were on a different footing altogether. They
had withdrawn every one of their children from the Board Schools, and he did not think they need

regard their interest as at all helpful to the schools.
PREVENTION of CONSUMPTION Meeting at Ipswich: Dr Crowfoot: It is desirable to establish an
experimental sanatorium in Suffolk. If in a poor family of eight or ten children, one gets

consumption, how can he avoid passing it round the family. The only way is to establish a special
Hospital.. Much had been said about the importance of fresh air. It had to be realised that Suffolk air
was not such bad air after all. There was less consumption here than in most parts of the country.

INFANT SUNDAY SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENT Mr Womac Brooks entertained his infant school
class, numbering 130 little boys, also their fathers, mothers and friends, to one of his amusing
performances at the Town Hall, which was crowded, with 520 being present. The programme

consisted of an exhibition of the gramophone, the Royal Italian Marionettes, conjuring, juggling and
ventriloquism. Some of the records on the gramophone were most clear, especially the village bells,
farmyard, cat’s quarrel, also some songs. The marionettes amused the youngsters immensely, they

being highly delighted with the performing clown, the milkmaid and the Grand Turk.
POLICE COURT: Arthur Jordan, printer, HUNGATE failed to limewash his premises every 18
months. Factory Inspector summoned him. It had been overlooked. Fine 10s including costs.

DEATH Of SIR ALFRED GOOCH at Henstead Hall, of Benacre Hall. He was 48.
ACCIDENT: As Mr Prime of Worlingham was being driven to Beccles the horse fell in Ingate.

Nobody was hurt
CONFIRMATION by the Bishop of Thetford. There were 69 candidates from Beccles out of 131

ELLIOTT & GARROOD’s employees & the bricklayers etc working on the new boiler shops invited
to a “Tea and Smoker” in the Town Hall, numbering 280. They sat down to well spread tables. This

was followed by a Meeting of the Benefit Society, Mr W Elliott in the Chair. Mr W Garrood also
spoke. After this there was a concert chaired by Mr FF Garrood.
DEATH of PATIENT in Beccles Hospital. Body in coffin collected by Mr Leech, Landlord of the

Dog at Brampton. On his journey back to Brampton, he called into the Weston, Marlborough and the
Fox at Shadingfield. As he was rounding the corner into the Dog and turning the corner the pony ran
on to the bank, and overturned the cart. The coffin of course fell out, turning upside down, but it was

not until the coffin was lifted that the body fell out. The coffin had not been screwed down, because
relatives desired to take a last look at their dead.
CAXTON ATHLETICS DINNER: Col Wilson, (Chairman) toasted the Queen; Other speakers: J

Foyster, Mark Buck (hon sec) , TP Angel, GE Chalke. The Chairman told them that the Club had
been formed in 1870 and was open to all the town. He was glad that he heard from all quarters that
the Caxton teams played a good gentlemanly game.

ELECTRIC LIGHTING at LOWESTOFT. A number of tenders had been accepted. A loan of
£30,000 over 42 years was agreed. He said no town in England needed electric lighting more than
Lowestoft, and no town had been treated worse by a gas company.

WORKMEN’S SUPPER The Ingate Brick & Tile Works employees and a few friends entertained to
a substantial meat supper at Charlish’s Refreshment Rooms by their employer Mr J Aldous. A
pleasant evening with pipe and songs afterwards.

LICENCE: Fleece Inn to Charles Stowe.
SCHOOL BOARD: Mr WM Crowfoot elected Chairman & W Read Vice Chairman. The Vice-

Chairman & Mr Watson appointed Governors of the Leman School. The Inspector’s Report was read.
All the teaching praised. BUT: These buildings (boys’ girls’ and infants’ departments) were not

originally intended for schools, and though, in the case of the boys’ and girls’ the adapted buildings
have answered their purpose fairly well, I doubt if the same can be said of the infants’ school. The

Education Department added that they will “be glad to receive plans of any new buildings which it
may be proposed to erect.”
page missing

TENDERS for paving etc of ALEXANDRA ROAD.
WEATHER: Several inches of snow covered the ground.
COMPULSORY LIGHTING of VEHICLES now in force.-

FUNERAL of Mrs READ CRISP, she had been a private patient at All Hallows’ Hospital for some

time.
LIGHT RAILWAY from Trouse to Beccles approved. It would be 17 miles 5 furlongs in length.

Gauge 4ft 8 & 1/2 ins. To be completed in five years. [not started?]
NOMINATION of OVERSEERS: Mr Parker in the Chair: Nominated the retiring Overseers: A Pells,

H Hopson, CH Durrant & AR Clatworthy. Mr Hopson said the Overseers assessed property as fairly
as they could, and having had 50 years experience he did not think their assessments should be lightly

altered. He protested that the Committee of the Union made alterations, though some of them had
never seen the property
Mr Love said three houses in Queen’s Road were under consideration and a member jumped up and

proposed one of the houses be £11 instead of £10, because he said there was an entrance hall there
and a window on each side. That was NOT the case. They were all alike! They ought to be all the
same.

Mr Nobbs: It caused a great deal of dissatisfaction, when four practical men who thoroughly
understood their work took the trouble to assess property without any remuneration whatever, that
one man should be able to upset the arrangements.

WAIFS & STRAYS SOCIETY. This was started 17 years ago when it originated in south London,
when the case of a widow with seven young children was brought to the notice of a Sunday School
Teacher. The great difficulty was what to do with the children, who were running wild about the

streets. The teacher found that there was no Church of England Society available for the housing
homeless or overcrowded children. An appeal was launched and in the first year received 1741, but in
1898 it received £66,000 in donations. They had 80 homes and 2,700 children under their care.

Children cost £13 or £15 to keep each.
SHAM CLERGYMAN AT BECCLES. He was so plausible that by the invitation of Rev S Browne
he preached two or three times at North Cove, and officiated at Barsham by invitation of Rev Alan

Coates. He expressed a strong desire to sit with the choir at Beccles parish church, but received a
polite refusal there. He wore an MA hood when officiating at church. He commissioned Mr FE

Banham, the architect to design a window for North Cove church, and it was made by Messrs Allen.
He tried to obtain £3 change from them on a dud cheque, but was refused. The cheque bounced and

he was arrested.
BUILDING TRADE: Carpenters and joiners have asked the master carpenters, builders and

contractors for 1.) 1/2d an hour more 2.) They stop work at 5.30 pm instead of 6pm, making a week
of 56 & 1/2 hours; 3.) Sunday work paid at time and a half.
INFLUENZA IN LONDON Worse than last year. Numerous deaths.

Rev H WEBSTER, former Curate, is coming to reside in Beccles for a month to assist whilst the
Rector is on holiday. He has recently has recently returned from British Honduras.
CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY founded 12 April 1799 will be commemorated in the Parish

Church when Rev Canon Acheson, Rector of Kirby Cane will preach. Funds raised this year in
Beccles £145
NATIONAL SCHOOLS REPORT by Inspectors: Boys’ School commended, but the staff should be

at once strengthened so as to meet the requirements of the Code.
VESTRY MEETING; WM Crowfoot and CF Parker re-elected. Parker said he had been
Churchwarden 30 years. He was getting an old man (he was 65) and he wished to retire next year, so

that a younger man could take over.
Mr Parker reported that the West Window was in a bad condition, and something would have to be
done. He should like it completed this year. They had a balance in hand with which to do the

stonework out of the fabric money, but it seemed a great pity to take the glass out and put it back
again. It would be a very handsome window if they could fill it with stained glass. It would probably
cost £500 and he would be pleased to put £25 towards it, if the parish would take it up.

Mr Crowfoot said that the stonework was in a very bad condition, and he should not be surprised if it
were blown in by a westerly gale.

Appointing of sidesmen: He thought they would be very useful. The Rector said the office was a
very ancient one, almost more so than the churchwardens. Mr Rix said there used to be “gentlemen in

blue” coats and yellow facings (laughter). The Rector said the duty of the sidesmen would be to assist
the churchwardens in collecting offertories. Those elected: The Mayor, Col Wilson, Messrs A

Woods, AE Hockey, AR Clatworthy, Womac Brooks, J Clark, GA Stanford, H Hopson, A Pells, John
Clarke, JS Palmer, ET Hindes, TA Woodroffe.
page missing

BECCLES TOWN CLUB: Mr Banham in the Chair; The Mayor was elected President; General
Committee: Messrs PJ Jolly, WG Cross, FF Garrood, HG Lawrance, LG Laws, H Youngs, E Smith
& the Captains & Secretaries of Cricket, Football, Cycling etc.

COUNCIL: Detailed Report received about electrical lighting of the town. If enough people

subscribed there would be a saving of £158 pa compared with gas., but the total cost would be Private
Lighting £9445; Public Lighting £3042. The Council made no immediate decision on the matter.

Alderman Masters suggested that the terms offered for lighting the town by the Gas Company be
established soon, so that a comparison could be made.

DEATH of William Henry Garrod, late of Harleston, formerly of Beccles, retired tanner, died 18
November 1898.

FIRE DANGER: Mr George of St George’s Road accidentally overturned a paraffin lamp, but
smothered the blaze with a thick rug.
EVENING CONTINUATION CLASSES Annual Tea provided at the Coffee Tavern, Station Road.

WM Crowfoot in the Chair.: School open for 48 evenings and 95 lessons. Four lads had attended
every evening. Subjects: Drawing (freehand, geometry & perspective) elementary science,
commercial arithmetic and shorthand. Teachers: Messrs Palmer, Dunt & Bellingham.

The commercial supremacy of this great nation depended upon the education of the rising generation.
Merchants and others were continually complaining that they could not get in England the men they
wanted, consequently they had to go abroad for them In Germany children were compelled to remain

at school to a greater age than in England, consequently they were in a better position to continue
their studies in technical studies.
NEW ROMAN CATHOLIC MINSTER: Foundation Stone of St Benet’s Minster laid on Wednesday

afternoon by Very Rev Canon Duckett, DD of Norwich before a numerous congregation of Catholics
and non-Catholics. A procession was formed by the priests and members of the Women’s Gild of Our
Lady and of the Gild of Corpus Christi, who wore their distinctive scarves, and carried the handsome

gild banners. Cross-bearers and acolytes headed the procession, which marched to the southern end of
the building in course of construction, where a large wooden cross had been erected to mark the site
of the temporary sanctuary. Here Canon Duckett commenced the service of the rite of blessing, and

afterwards proceeding to the spot where a large stone had been prepared for laying, in the north
facade, he sprinkled the stone itself with holy water, and with a trowel he engraved the sign of the

cross on each face, while saying a short dedicatory prayer.. Then came the litanies, said in front of the
wooden cross, which ended the celebrant again faced the foundation stone, an antiphon and Psalm

were repeated, after which the stone was placed in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Canon Duckett said that £7,000 had already been subscribed, but more would be needed to complete

the building.
The architect is Francis Easto Banham and the contractor Frederick Charles Allen
The Minster will not be orientated, the present position of the buildings rendering this impossible.

Consequently it will lie nearly north and south, the chancel being to the south. The material employed
for the interior will be Bath stone, and for the outside Ancaster stone with Bath stone dressings. The
Minster will consist of nave and aisles with west porch, a baptistery to the east [not built], central

tower and transepts, chancel and Lady chapel beyond. The aisles will be continued round the chancel
[not built]. Above the nave will be the triforium and clerestory. The confessionals will be at the south
end of the west aisle, and the organ will be placed in the west transept. West of the choir aisle will be

the sacristies and statio. The main entrance will be on the north from St Mary’s Road, being 12 ft 6
ins above the crown of that road, and will be approached by steps and terraces. The north porch is
formed from the thickness of the wall, and will have a depth of 8 ft 6 ins.

The extreme interior length from Lady Chapel to north porch will be 182 ft. The dimensions of the
nave will be 84 ft in length, consisting of seven bays, with a height of 40 ft and width of 21 ft. The
aisles which are designed merely for processional purposes, will be 84 ft long, by 7 ft wide, and 16 ft

in height. The tower will be 25 ft square externally, and will rise to a height of 81 ft above St Mary’s
Road.
The floor of the chancel will be 3 ft above that of the nave; and there will be another rise of 3 ft to the

Lady Chapel. Thus the floor of the Lady Chapel will be 18 ft 6 ins above the road level. A doorway
from the east aisles communicates at once with the Catholic cemetery. The roof will be a timber one,

ceiled at the collar, with principals and collar 12 in by 9 in, the rafters 6 in by 4 in, showing below the
boarding of the roof. Between the arches of the nave are massive shafts which rise to the spring of the

clerestory windows, where they end in a cap. Her the principals of the roof begin, and to them are
mortice ribs, which are carried over the nave, forming circular arches to each principal. The nave will

not be benched, and the floor will probably be of stone slabs or Venetian mosaic; and the roof and
vacant places on the walls will be eventually richly coloured.
The style of architecture is that of the Norman period, shown in the massive piers of the nave 4 ft 6 in

across, and the outer walls 2 ft 6 in. At present the contract is for that portion of the Minster which
extends from the north entrance up to and including the first arch of the tower, the architect being FE
Banham, Esq., Beccles. Built into the wall by the side of the foundation stone will be a glass bottle

hermetically sealed, with a copy of this issue of the East Suffolk Gazette containing the account of

the laying of the foundation stone last Wednesday.
The present temporary church at St Benet’s will be altered so as to form a portion of the north

cloister, and the Guild Hall for social and parochial purposes.
Finally the general plan of nave and aisles would remind those who have seen it of the beautiful

Norman Church of Blyth on the borders of Yorkshire. The north facade might recall ideas of Kirkstall
and Lindisfarne; while the transepts and south end, Ramsey. Iffley, in Oxfordshire, pays its

contribution in the tower, and old, historic, Benedictine Glastonbury gives its support to the fabric in
the buttresses of the Lady Chapel and baptistery.
DEATH of SIR CHARLES CLARKE of Worlingham Hall in his 87th year He had been in failing

health for some time, and spent the winter at Brighton instead of going to France as he had done
regularly for several years. He returned home just a week before his death, and passed peacefully
away about 8 o’clock on Tuesday evening. He was born in 1812, and was educated at the

Charterhouse, and Trinity College, Cambridge. He took his BA degree in 1831, and his MA in 1835.
He married in 1838, Rosa Mary, eldest daughter of Mr Henry Alexander, of Cork Street, and they had
issue three sons and five daughters. Lady Clarke died in 1885. Having entered Holy Orders Sir

Charles Clarke was appointed Rector of Hanwell in Middlesex in 1847, and held the living till 1864..
In 1857 he succeeded his father, the first Baronet, who was physician to Queen Adelaide, the creation
dating from 1831, as of Dunham Lodge, Norfolk. He subsequently purchased the Worlingham Hall

Estate [at the age of 52] and made his home there, esteemed and respected by all classes. A Liberal in
politics before the great schism, he was never very active in party contests, but religious and
philanthropic movements found in him a warm supporter.

The parish church at Worlingham owes its restoration to him and his family, and also the fine organ,
which dates from 1874. Sir Charles Clarke for many years assisted in the services, and down to the
latest period of a long and active life always evinced the warmest interest in all matters relating to the

parish and neighbourhood. He took an active interest in establishing the Beccles Hospital, and could
always be counted on as a supporter of every movement and institution calculated to benefit the

community.
He was not the Rector of Worlingham, but played an active role in the services.

He is succeeded by his eldest son, General Sir Charles Mansfield Clarke, KCB l, who was engaged in
the New Zealand Wars 1861-66, in the Zulu war, 1879, in Basutoland, 1880-81, and commanded the

forces in Madras in 1893-98. The present Baronet was married in 1876 to Gemma Cecilia, only
daughter of the late Mr Pitt Adams.
At the funeral on Saturday, the flag was flying at half mast over the steeple, and there were other

signs of mourning in the village. A very large and representative gathering filled the church to
overflowing. The procession started from the Hal about 2.15, and was joined in the Park by the
tenants, and at the Park gates by parishioners and a number of tradesmen and others from Beccles and

the surrounding district.
At the church gates the coffin was transferred from the hand hearse to the bier, and borne into church
on the shoulders of eight of the estate workers. The officiating clergy were Rev A Aldred, rector of

Worlingham, and Rev W Stanborough, curate to Sir Charles when he was rector of Hanwell.
Members of the family present were General Sir Charles Mansfield Clarke, who had hurried home
from Rome, Miss Clarke, Miss Alice Clarke, Mr Geoffrey Clarke, Mr Frederick Clarke, Mr & Mrs

Wm A Clarke, Mr & Mrs Kerrison, Mr Hall-Parlly, Mr Neville Watersfield, Captain Waterfield, Mr
Bertram Waterfield, Mr Bertram Waterfield, Mr Laurance Harrison, Mr Leonard Harrison, Mr Roger
Kerrison, Dr John Clarke (brother), Mr Alexander, Rev Walter Partridge, Mr Tomlin, Mrs Curtis, Mr

A Court, Mr R Bruce (butler) and Miss Page (lady’s maid represented the household servants.
The tenants present at the funeral were Messrs E Masters, G King, W Snell, G Hadenham, AC
Hadenham, W Hadenham, W Welton, J Aldous, H Jacobs, JP Godbold, James Spatchett, R Read, TL

Ashford, DP Giles, WF Smoothy and W Prime (steward).
Among the others WM Crowfoot, JE Crisp, AWoods, Lt Clarkson, John Clarke, S Le Grice, HG

Read, CH Durrant (agent), EW Hindes, JS Branford, W Hamby, PJ Jolly, HL Robins, AR Block, S
Steel, SF Field, R Tilney, TA Poll, James Mills, AG Cross, J Nobbs, CJ Allen, RW Snell, CC Betts,

H Copeman, WJ Money, Ex Supt Riches, Inspector Lingley etc.
SUICIDE of Walter Sarbutt, carter, employed by Darby Brothers for the past 25 years. He was 47

SALE: GORDON’S YARD: by H Adcock, Esq (who is giving up the above yard in the Score??)
the whole of useful Boat Building and Carpenter’s stock in trade, Tools also the Cutter-rigged Yacht
“Onyx” with gear complete.

COUNCIL: PLANS passed Alterations to premises in Horse and Groom Lane belonging to Mr
Thrower
SCHOOL BOARD: The Chairman WM Crowfoot said that he and Mr Read purchased the property

of Mr CT Field for £350. Mr A Pells attended and produced rough plans of the proposed new Infants’

School.
HEALTH of BECCLES in the quarter: 62 births, 46 deaths. 6 children under 1 year died, 21 people

over 60. 2 died of Whooping Cough, 2 of typhoid fever.
ADVERTISEMENT: Satin Pans Nurseries, Grange Road, Beccles. Cucumbers fresh cut daily.

Tomato Plants. Cut Flowers & Plants in Pots. Greenhouse & other ferns at low prices.
TANNERY: The Tannery premises in Northgate have been sold, and that they will shortly be in

working order again.
POOR RATE: 2s 8d in the £ for next 6 months.
AGRICULTURAL DEPOPULATION Letter: Low wage do not encourage men to work on the land

or off it. Irregularity of employment is one of the chief evils of country life; it is not encouraging
young men to stay in the village when they have to loaf about in the winter months, unable to get
employment.

FUNERAL of HARRY PYE, aged 45 at the Congregational church. Members of the PSA, which he
founded and was its Secretary, and the local staff of the Prudential Society attended. [see Five
Generations of a Norfolk/Suffolk Family, who was connected to the Co-Op Movement from the start]

BECCLES GAS COMPANY: Chairman: JP Walton. Dividends 9%
ARTILLERY VOLUNTEERS: Celebrating the Queen’s Birthday: Captain Sergeant spoke; There
was a scheme for providing a Drill Hall for the Company. They had secured property which they had

taken possession of, and were only waiting the sanction of the War Office and a loan from them too.
He described their present Drill Hall : there was not room to move half a dozen men, and which made
it almost impossible for them to keep pace in competition with other companies who possessed Drill

Halls with space sufficient to work a group of guns.
Col Wilson : Those of them who could remember the establishment of the Volunteer service would
have no difficulty in recalling to memory the silly vapourings they used to hear from across the

Channel about an invasion of England. They never heard anything about it now.
DOMESTIC SERVANT: Letter: Some time ago I obtained a situation in a High Church clergyman’s

family, and no matter what the weather we were compelled to go to church on Sundays at 7 o’clock,
besides attending the usual morning or evening service. There was always a rush to get everything

done, rising at a very unreasonable hour. The time we were allowed out was from 3 till 6 o’clock, and
from 6 till 8.30 on alternate Sundays, and from 3 till 6pm once a week. Any idea of comfort for us

was out of the question. Our bedrooms were horribly small, just large enough for one, yet we were
put two in a room. The front of this house is very spacious and has everything that luxury and ease
could wish for, yet the servants have to put up with such discomforts. My stay in this household was

short, and the happiest bit of it was when I found myself and my luggage on the doorstep, preparatory
to taking my departure. I am now in a very comfortable place
ADVERTISEMENT: W ROBINSON, Station Road, BICYCLES (ILLUSTRATION)

SOLDIER MEDALLIST: Corp Taylor, No 4 Mountain Battery, RA, son of Mr Taylor employed by
Beccles Corporation has just been presented with the Indian War Medal, with clasps for “Tirah,
1897-98”, “Samana, 1897”, and “Punjab Frontier, 1898.” He previously held the Burmese Medal and

clasp for war service. [probably lived in Newgate]
FREE CHURCH COUNCIL: Meeting for young people of Non-Conformist Churches in the town
met at Wesleyan Church. Address on Oliver Cromwell by Rev Tasker of Norwich.

POLICE COURT: Joseph Cable, labourer stole 1lb of butter from Alice Warren,s Dairy in Newgate.
He asked for some potatoes and while Mrs Warren was stooping down under the counter to get them
he put 1lb of butter in his pocket. Her 12 year old daughter Amelia saw him do it.

SUFFOLK COUNTY FOOTBALL WINNERS for the third year running: The Caxton Club. Dinner
and speeches by the Mayor, Mr JM Ward (Captain), Mr Angell, Col Wilson, TA Woodroffe, MF
Buck, TW Woodroffe, Mr Hopson.

GUARDIANS: Paid the County Rate of £596.
HOSPITAL SUNDAY: The Artillery Band played the church call in the Newmarket at 10 am, and

the Band of the Lowestoft detachment - who had come over to lead the Rifle Volunteers to Church,
they being without a Band at present - played the Church Call in the Old Market, and subsequently a

selection in the Newmarket. The Artillery Volunteers paraded 100 strong. Upwards of 100 Riflemen
were on parade. A section of Yeomanry was also present.

COUNCIL: PLANS: passed: 1.) 5 Houses for Herbert Hindes in Queen’s Road; 2.) House for Mr
Peacock in Peddar’s Lane, with leave to bring forward his building line.
BECCLES Co-Op 20 employees outing to Norwich by road. Set off at 9 arriving by 12 noon. Store

closed for the day and gave grant towards expenses. Dinner & Tea supplied by Norwich Co-Op.. Mr
SS Cousins (grocery manager) & Mr J Staines (drapery manager)
COUNTY COURT: Elliott & Garrood, engineers v Henry C Adams, smackowner, Lowestoft. Adams

claimed overcharges in removing an old boiler on board “The Confidence” and removal of the old

one. Not until Elliott & Garrood were pressing for payment was there any mention of overcharging.
Books were examined. Witnesses were called: FF Garrood, a director, Wm G Garrood, another

director in charge of the Lowestoft branch, Frederick Dewing, engineer foreman, George Leggett,
clerk, Alexander Elliott, manager of works, Wm J Elliott, assistant manager, Wm C Smith, ledger

clerk and others. Judgement for the Plaintiff.
ATHLETICS MEETING at Beccles

WILL of SIR CHARLES CLARKE: He left £55,272. His sons re General Sir Charles Mansfield
Clarke, Mr Frederick Clarke of St Margaret’s Road, Oxford, Mr William Alexander Clarke of
Woodhouse, Whitchurch, Salop. His daughters Emily Augusta & Alice Fanny £7000 each. The

residuary estate in trust for all his children.
TENDERS for erecting Engine & Boiler House & some alterations to the Castle Steam Roller Mills
for NW Pells, miller. Signed Arthur Pells

TO BE LET or SOLD: Sunnyside House, Station Road. Apply AE Mount, No 6 Station Road.
MASONS: A McQueen as WM of Apollo Lodge.
CAXTON OUTING: Left Beccles Quay at 8.30 on the Steamboat Progress. Stopped for half an hour

At Burgh St Peter and on to Lowestoft. Dinner was served at the Great Eastern Hotel. Col Wilson
presided. After dinner the party were photographed on the bowling-green and the proceeded by sea to
Yarmouth, where an enjoyable evening was spent, returning home by a special late train.

FAUCONBERGE OLD BOYS DINNER: The Chairman, FWJ Rees, ICS of Nayland: “A good many
years ago a well-known naturalist and fisherman, Mr Francis Francis, came for some time to stay in
Beccles. He was so charmed with the place that he wrote a delightful description of it, and it was

published in the Field with which he was connected. He remembered reading it in India, and it carried
him back to the time when he was at school here.
Mr Edgell said “When he was at the Fauconberge School they did not live at the school; he lived at a

boarding house in the town, and on the occasion of his first appearance at the Fauconberge School
one winter’s morning he was started off from the boarding house and told to go straight on and take

the school on his right. By an unfortunate mistake he opened the door of the Free School and went in;
and he was always pointed out afterwards in consequence.

Mr Raven (Headmaster) The success of the school had been a little bit exaggerated. They had not
gone on continually prospering, and a few years ago the school was larger than it was now. Various

reasons explained that, and he had nothing to complain of.
There were 50 present at the Dinner including 3 assistant masters: JL Holt, R Turner & RG Bowers.
Others present: Messrs GWD Palmer Kerrison (The Priory Ranworth), AJ Palmer (Haddiscoe Hall),

W Edgell (Teddington), FS Rix, WM Crowfoot (who spoke), John Clarke, H Warnes (Eye), FWD
Robinson, H Gillett (Brampton), C Coode (Ealing), C Metcalfe (Chiromo, Central Africa) FG Rye
(London) H Raven (Fressingfield), A Hotson (Loddon) Buxton Smith, BG Angell, WB Crowfoot, E

Crowfoot, HG Read, B Perowne (Great Snoring) C Dudding (Yarmouth), J Burgis (Docking), RC
Haggard (Shepperton-on-Thames) M Knubley (Staveley, Leeds) R Oldham, P Ridge, GA Boycott
(Carlton Colville) HS Marriott, FW Marriott ( Wilby), WH Mann (Ditchingham) Guy Freeland (Toft

Monks) GHH Bowers, AE Fowler (Gunton Hall, Lowestoft) W Andrews (Colney, Norwich) TP
Angell, JB Thornhill (Geldeston) W Disney (Ingatestone) WD Parker (Clopton Hall) AR Clatworthy
and W Warder Harvey and Canon Rowsell.

RAILWAY LINE: The Council land recently taken to widen the Lowestoft was valued at £60.
TO LET: LONDON ROAD, Nos 2 & 4 Esdelle Terrace, Keys at H Brundell’s, Waveney Hotel,
Northgate.

LOST from INK FACTORY, Barsham, Chinchilla Persian Cat answers to the name of Topsy. 2s 6d
reward if taken to Mrs Edwards, Ringsfield
SUDDEN DEATH: Mr George Rackham, butcher had attended to his business as usual during the

day, and was walking up Blyburgate at 8 pm, when he was seen to seat himself on a post at the
opening into Mr Cleveland’s yard, leaning forward on his stick. He then fell on the pavement. Dr Fox

was called, but pronounced him dead. He was 57
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH £20o to be raised to be spent on improved lighting and ventilation,

painting and varnishing the walls and seats, a new Minister’s vestry etc
REGATTA AT BECCLES

WANGFORD UNION: The press were as usual excluded.
VOLUNTEERS G & H Companies left Beccles Station for camp at Colchester on Sunday, until
Friday. Steady rain was falling when they arrived, and they got very wet marching to the camp. The

tents and bedding was also wet. There were 2 officers and 73 men.
SALE: RAVENSMERE: Three Brick & Tiled COTTAGES [Nos 1,2 & 3 Mickleburgh’s Yard] in a
yard near Ravensmere [sold by Bexfield?], abutting on properties of Mrs King, [4,5 & 6

Mickleburgh’s Yard] Mr Gibbs {Titshall Alley & 20 Northgate] & Mr Mickleburgh [18 Northgate] ,

in the occupation of George Chatten, Mrs Balls & Alfred Caston, weekly tenants, amounting to Rents
of £13. The tenements occupied by Chatten & Balls contain Living Room, Washhouse & two

Bedrooms. Caston’s contains Living Room, Wash house and one Bedroom.
[purchased Mr Jarmy £65]

CHOIR OUTING: arranged by CF Parker. About 30 including the Rector, Mr Parker & Mr Warder
Harvey, in a large wherry, superintended by W Knights. Returned at 9 pm.

GARDEN FETE in Mr JE Crisp’s Garden. Vocal selections by Beccles Choral Society, Mr H Delf’s
Orchestral Band & the Artillery Band. The principal attraction in the afternoon was the bicycle
Gymkhana. In the evening there was a cycle and fancy dress parade, followed by a parade of

illuminated bicycles. Proceeds to the Hospital Fund.
FAUCONBERGE PRIZE DAY: A Portrait, which had just been received and was now opened,
supposed to be that of Dr Fauconberge, and promised as such, was then shown. On further inspection

in a stronger light than that of the shaded school-room, to the disappointment of all it turned out to be
the picture of Thomas Fauconberge, Dr Fauconberge’s grandfather. [He was the father of Dr
Fauconberge and MP for Westminster and Receiver General of the Revenue during the

Commonwealth]
Archdeacon Perowne spoke: It was probable that eventually our schools would all become in some
degree open to Government Inspectors. He was not in favour of too straight and precise a system. As

with individuals, so with schools - a wide scope and variety of characteristics were desirable.
Government Inspectors were apt to be cut and dried, too stereotyped in their methods.
POLICE COURT Assault on 21 year old girl, Charlotte Rouse by Stephen Caston, who was a

labourer at Elliott & Garrood, and John Brady, labourer, on the Ellough Road on a Saturday night.
[The case was eventually dismissed.]
BOARD SCHOOLS Mr Crowfoot: He was not one of those afraid of boys and girls being over-

educated. He would like them to have more education than they had. The great drawback was that
they left school so soon and forgot a great deal that they had been taught. Sooner or later steps would

be taken by the Government to secure children being taught for a longer period. Children left school
at a critical time. Their character was not formed, and they readily forgot the learning imparted to

them. That ought not to be.
Mr JS Palmer, Headmaster said that School attendance was a sore point with Headteachers. The

Inspector of the district drew up a list of school attendances this year. Beccles was low on the list.
The attendance rate was 83%. That meant that with a school roll of 1250 children on the Books in
Beccles at any time there were 212 children who ought to be at school, were running about instead of

being educated.
SALE: WORLINGHAM HALL on 5 September, comprising a stately mansion, approached by two
long Carriage Drives, having Entrance Lodges, with inexpensive pleasure grounds, walled Kitchen

Garden, Glass House, Stabling for ten horses, grandly timbered Park of nearly 100 acres in extent,
with pleasing undulation of rich pasturage, and backed by extensive Woodland; 14 excellent Mixed
Farms, with well placed Houses (some of the superior Residences), and ample Homesteads attached,

numerous Cottages and Gardens, Blacksmith’s and Carpenter’s Shop, including nearly the whole
village of Worlingham. There are extremely well placed Coverts for Game, containing upwards of
260 acres, the whole estate covering an area of about 2,832 acres, lying singularly compact, and

constituting a Residential and Sporting Property of the first importance. Also the Manors of Ellough
and Wadehall.
DIVORCE SUIT Mr Robert Larke, son of late Robert Larke, builder, granted a divorce from his wife

Hannah (nee Hume). He is now a citizen of the USA, living in Chicago. He left Beccles about 10
years ago. He was Bandmaster to the Rifle Volunteer Corps.
SALE of PLATE: by R Naunton Leman, junior, late of Brampton Hall the valuable Family Plate of

the Earlier Georgian Period, Field Plate, a case of handsome Table Cutlery, a choice collection of Old
China, a handsome Louis XIV Bracket Clock, a Louis XVI Mirror in carved Frame, an Oriental

Manuscript, Turkish Sabre, Carvings etc
TO LET: Lime Kiln & Builder’s Premises, PUDDINGMOOR. Apply A Pells.

TOWN BAND: played in Newmarket under Bandmaster Wiggett on Saturday evening. It was much
appreciated.

WANGFORD UNION: A McQueen moved, seconded by G King that reporters should be admitted to
be present at the meetings of the Board. Rejected by 13 votes to 10.. Those against included Rev
Coates, Mr TP Angell & Major Worswick.

BOY ATTACKED by OTTER: nearly opposite the Bathing Place. John Catchpole, aged 11 of Ingate
was attacked while fishing. He shook it free and ran away. It is thought it had a brood nearby
TANNERY worker ill, overcome by heat.

COUNCIL: DRIVEN COWS: Mr Buckenham must keep his cows off the paths when being driven

through the streets
PLAN passed: additions to the Duke Inn.

LICENCES: The Marquis of Granby NORTHGATE closed in February and the licence moved to
Oulton.

The Star beerhouse, STATION ROAD was granted a full licence.
Mr Dunnett, Hungate, left his shop last year and no licence applied for.

Mr Barkham of the One Bell did not require the renewal as he was leaving the house.
TANNERY WORKER Samuel Harley, formerly in the employment of the Garrods as a flesher, but
when the Tannery was closed some years ago he sought employment elsewhere. With the reopening

of the Tannery under Mr Whitmore, the new owner, he was re-employed and occupied rooms over
the Tannery Offices. He showed signs of mental instability and he and his wife went to stay with their
daughter at Shipmeadow. They went for a walk and he suddenly attacked her and threw her in the

river, going in afterwards himself. Both drowned.
page missing
OUTING: 43 employees of FJ Allen’s exors visited Cromer> The Beccles Town Band accompanied

them.
GOLF CLUB: It is proposed to form a Golf Club on the Common without interference with any other
sport there.

PARISH CHURCH WEST WINDOW: letter by TA Poll in complaint that it has been finished, but
not in the manner specified in the contract.. The glazing is in a different style to the lower lights.
PHOTOGRAPH of William T Woodroffe. An enthusiast in various branches of sport - Yachting,

Angling, Swimming, Cricketing and tennis playing, but best known in football circles.
WORLINGHAM HALL ESTATE: The new owner is Mr FW Hotham of Telham Grange, Battle, a
nephew of Admiral Sir Charles Frederick Hotham. He is a keen sportsman, but the shooting is let to

Mr Price this year. The purchase price was £33,500, but £10,800 has to be added for the timber.
CONDEMNATION of DREYFUS mentioned in sermon at the Parish Church by Rev EPPL

Thompson, who should be delivered from his prison.
DEATH of Mrs Walter Copeman, of Northgate. He is a butcher and is left with an infant nine days

old and two other young children.
St BENET’S Rev Dom Benedict Weld-Blundell, OSB has come to assist the Mission.

The Mayor, Councillor Larkman entertained the Council to dinner at Twyford House.
BOUND for SOUTH AFRICA: Writing to his father from on board the transport ship Zayathla,
Corporal Barkham, 62nd Battery RFA Says “We sail for South Africa tomorrow, to try to teach

Kruger some good manners. We left Aldershot last night at 10.30 pm and travelled all night. We had
a good send-off from Aldershot, bands to play us away, etc. We arrived here (Victoria Wharf,
Birkenhead) this morning about 7.30 and were met at the station by the Volunteer Band. They played

our inspection march and “Auld Lang Syne” while we watered our horses at the station. We then
mounted, and they took the lead and played us through Liverpool. The route was crowded with
people, and they cheered us the whole way, shouting “Give old Kruger socks!” Others shouted “Keep

a stout heart, my lads!” This is a very good boat, though rather small (not so large as the old
troopers). Defects were discovered in the ship soon after leaving port, and the Zayathla put into
Queenstown owing to the boilers leaking.. The transport continued her voyage on Friday.

CHURCH PARADE at BARSHAM of the Artillery Volunteers. The company was accompanied by
the Bugle and Reed Bands, who took turns with the music. With a few others in support, the bands
numbered about 30.

PROPOSED GOLF CLUB: Meeting with the Mayor in the Chair.. They would start with a
membership of between 50 and 60. He already had promises from 38 men and 14 ladies.
Subscriptions & entrance fees would amount to £70. The ground would cost about £30 to lay out.

The Yarmouth professional had been over to inspect the Common, and thought that a very nice nine
hole course could be laid out. It would in no way interfere with any other sport. Col Dunnage elected

President. Vice Presidents: NH Bacon, JE Crisp, WCK Clowes, WM Crowfoot & EJ Poyser. Also
WA Clowes be asked to accept captaincy. CT Clarkson to be Hon Sec. The Committee: JP Larkman,

TP Angell, TW Woodroffe, W Ayrton, FW Robinson, FF Garrood & JR Crisp. In reply to Col
Wilson, it was understood that the whole working of the club should be left to the Committee. The

Committee was authorised to select plans for a suitable Club House. About £200 would be needed for
that. The raising of the funds was agreed in the form of £1 shares bearing 4% interest.
COUNCIL: PLANS passed: Mr CC Betts in Wash Lane

BOER WAR BREAKS OUT
RARE BIRDS; Mr Edwin J Poyser, of Donborough Hills: two solitary or Great Snipes shot at
Ellingham, A fish tailed petrel killed by telegraph wires near the first gate house, London Road, a

ruff, one of five, shot on Beccles Marshes. Mr H Tilney is preserving them.

SERIOUS ACCIDENT: Charles Griffin, carpenter fell from the roof of one of the buildings which
NW Pells is having added to the Castle Roller Flour Mills. It will be some weeks before he is back at

work.
PRESENTATION by Mr JS Palmer to Mr WR Goldsmith, who is leaving the Board Schools, where

he has been teaching for three years and going to Reading.
BOARD SCHOOL WM Pickering of Ipswich appointed as Assistant Master at £80 pa.

WAVENEY HOTEL DINNER for the Rowing and Swimming sections of the Caxton Club. Mr &
Mrs Brundell catered most liberally. Col Wilson presided over a party of 30.
HOSPITAL: Mr Crowfoot attended a man named Gowing kicked by a horse at Durrants Sale at

Worlingham.
MAYOR’S HOSPITALITY: Fire Brigade, Postmen, Police, Ringers, Corporation employees and
Members of the Council given Dinner at the Town Hall.

Alderman Walton proposed the “Army, Navy and Reserved forces” “In the present condition of
affairs this toast was one of some importance. War had been declared against us by those precious
Boers of the Transvaal, much to the surprise of Englishmen, and it was a source of wonder how so

small and unimportant a State could venture for a moment to measure swords with an enormous and
wealthy country like England. They would have to read them a lesson, and he thought they deserved
a severe lesson. There was a small party in the country preaching peace, but what was the use of

preaching peace when there was no peace. The Boers must be made to feel the power of the country
they had insulted, for their ultimatum that day was nothing less than an arrogant insult. (Cheers)
Alderman Masters proposed the health of the Corporation employees. He had known the Corporation

for a good many years, and always found them very considerate of their men and fair in every respect
Captain Fuller of the Fire Brigade said one of their firemen, C Allen had been called upon as one of
the Reserves to rejoin the Coldstream Guards

Inspector Lingley mentioned that Police Constable Hewitt of the Grenadiers was going to the wars.
page missing

SPECIAL EDITION, Gratis.
TO ADVERTISERS: Since the reduction to one penny of the East Suffolk Gazette in 1895 the

Circulation has increased by more than 800 copies a week and is still increasing.
MAYORAL RECEPTION at the Town Hall at the invitation of the Mayor, Mr Larkman & his wife.:

Mr Wagstaff (of Messrs Laws & Son) arranged a choice assortment of pot plants, palms, and flowers
with charming effect. The entrance was effectively arranged as a reception room, and here the Mayor
& Mayoress received their guests.

QUESTIONNAIRE about LABOURERS’ COTTAGES; How many cottages have only one
bedroom, How many two, how many three or more? How many cottages have fireplaces in one
bedroom? Do you know of overcrowding, such as five or more persons sleeping in one room? How

many cottages have suitable pantries, sanitary conveniences, outbuildings? How many good cottages
are unoccupied? Are they tied ones? Have you a pure and constant water supply? Are your village
drains for carrying away sewage in a satisfactory condition? How many of the inhabited cottages are

unfit to live in?
BECCLES & DISTRICT FREE CHURCHES; The Free Church & Romanism by Rev J Jones of
Southwold: The Church was a State Church, and although the Church of England still posses an

evangelical ministry, a strong evangelical laity, and evangelical institutions, but also Ritualism is
rampant. What is Ritualism? Nothing but the bones of Popery.
(No mention at all of the War)

PUBLIC MEETING in the evening in the Baptist Church: The Chairman (Rev RL Eveett?) He
wished to express his feelings of profound horror at the dreadful fracticidal war in which this nation
found itself at the present engaged with a people who loved their open bible. And when they

Thought of all the meetings held throughout this country to promote the cause of peace, and of the
conference sitting not long ago at Brussels, where the delegates of many nations assembled, to

consider what could be done to have national disputes referred to arbitration instead of the bloody
arbitration of the sword, what humiliation they must feel when they found themselves as a nation

engaged in this awful struggle now going on.
MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS: The retiring members of the Council have been re-elected without a

contest: Banham, A McQueen, WB England, EGR Watson
TYPOGRAPHY CLASS starting. Great importance to all persons connected to the printing business
MAYORALTY; Mr Larkman not willing to be Mayor for a second year. Col Wilson invited, but

declined. Alderman Masters accepted.
CASTLE MILL: A familiar landmark has just disappeared by the dismantling of the Castle Roller
Flour Mills, which NW Pells has found unavoidable because of the increasing demands of his

business. Originally a plain brick-built tower, with huge white sails which circled in the breeze, the

accidents of time in due course led to the removal of the sails, and then the tower was made to
assume a battlemented appearance which was rather deceptive, and some amusing mistakes would be

made by visitors. We have heard of people going to the place under the supposition that it was a
church. The mill was erected in 1820 by Mr Tom Barnard, a retired sea captain. The district was then

entirely rural, with no houses near, nor any suspicion of the railway which years afterwards was
constructed to skirt the present kitchen Garden. In due course it passed into the hands of the late

William Leavold, who carried on the business for thirty years. Then it fell into the hands of Mr
Nathaniel Pells. For nearly 50 years the mill retained much of its original appearance, consisting of a
tower about 70 ft high and a granary adjoining, connected to the tower by a wooden bridge. About

1865, however, the trade necessitated recourse to steam, and an engine and boiler were added. No
structural alterations were made except the provision of the necessary engine and boiler house. Steam
power was used when the wind failed, until August 1879, wen a severe tempest and gale wrought

great damage in the locality, and the whole top of the mill was wrenched off. It was deemed
inadvisable to restore the sails, owing to the uncertainty of wind power, and extensive alterations and
additional buildings were erected on the west side of the tower. It was at this time that the tower was

given its battlemented appearance. The stone process of flour making was still retained, and it was
not until 1890 that the now almost universal roller system was introduced. This necessitated further
alterations, and the building was enlarged to make way for up-to-date machinery. The trade steadily

increased and Mr Pells has again found it necessary to elaborate fresh plans and more alterations.
And so the old landmark has been wholly removed. An addition is being made on the east side of the
mill by new buildings four stories high with new chimney shaft. The dimensions of this new building

are 23 ft by 50 ft, with lucum or hoist, which added to the older portion, gives the mill a very
imposing appearance. A larger engine and boiler and new machinery will enable the present output of
flour to be doubled.

COUNCIL PLAN: House in DENMARK Road for Mr W Robinson approved
St BENET’S Requiem Mass for the repose of all those brave officers and men who have been slain in

the war in South Africa.
DOMESTIC SIDE of WAR by an old soldier. The departure of a Battalion beyond the shores of this

country causes the keenest distress imaginable to women and children. Although not expressly
forbidden, matrimony, as an institution for the rank and file of the army, is not enthusiastically

encouraged by the military powers. The number of officially recognised unions among privates is
severely limited to four per cent of the strength of a regiment. To sergeants and warrant officers,
however, a greater measure of liberality is displayed in the matter, and in either case free quarters are

provided in the barracks, with fuel and light, and various other allowances.
As a result, no provision of quarters or rations is made for the soldier’s “encumbrances” as a wife and
family are somewhat quaintly described in military parlance if they are “off the strength”. In these

circumstances the husband has to support his household as best he may.
Fair Close, will put them in communication so that they can receive assistance.
POLICE COURT Mrs Warren, Swine’s Green applied for an order for John Grice to leave a house

she owned. He must leave in 30 days. He was also charged with keeping a cow on unlicensed
premises.
Corp JA BARKHAM disembarked with 62nd Field Battery RA, at Capetown on 25 October and the

Battery was immediately ordered to proceed to De Aar, 150 miles south of Kimberley.
SCHOOL BOARD: WM Crowfoot in the Chair. Miss Norman applied for an increase of salary. This
will be considered later. Miss Garrood also applied, her salary was raised to £55 pa.

THE SITE of the new INFANTS’ SCHOOL approved by the Department, but suggested alterations
to the plans of the architect, Arthur Pells.
ALDERMAN MASTERS elected MAYOR. Mr Larkman did not wish to have an ex-Mayor’s

Dinner.
COMMITTEE set up to deal with the Town Hall: The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Banham, Woodroffe &

Watson.
COUNCIL Crops on Sewage Farm were a failure, probably from want of hoeing.

NEWS from SOUTH AFRICA: Corporal AJ Barkham: We landed at Cape Town last Wednesday and
immediately commenced disembarking our guns and horses from the ship and entrained them at

once. We finished about 8 pm & received orders to proceed to De Aar, where we were to encamp. It
was 38 hours ride in the train, and a lot of our infantry and cavalry are stationed. We got a splendid
reception along the route from Capetown to our camp. We were cheered all the way, and a lot of

English ladies and gentlemen gave us food, refreshments, tobacco etc.. When we reached De Aar we
were not allowed to dis-entrain, but ordered to go 76 miles further to the front. We are now encamped
beside the Orange River, and across the river is Orange Free State.

The camp is surrounded by the enemy, and the infantry and cavalry were quite delighted when they

saw our guns. Before we came the only guns they had were two 9-pounder muzzle-loaders. Three of
our guns in action hold the railway and railway bridge across the river. Our others are situated to hold

the surrounding country, and we have patrols out for ten to twenty miles round our camp. We are
waiting for reinforcements, and also for General Buller, when we advance to the relief of Kimberley.

The railway carriages were very comfortable indeed; there were six beds in each compartment, and as
we had only six to each compartment we had a bed each. We reached the camp about 5 pm on Friday

27th and immediately pitched our camp and picketed our horses. We were very tired when we had
done, so we went to bed about 8 pm. About 9 o’clock we had a very violent thunderstorm; we were
all flooded out of our tents, and the horses broke loose and wandered all over our camp. After it had

finished we laid down in any dry spot we could find, and managed to sleep very well till 11.30 am,
when the assembly sounded, and everyone sprang up, and immediately we were under arms.
The infantry and cavalry went out to meet the enemy (cavalry dismounted) but all we could do was to

stand to our guns. However the Boers were driven back, and at dawn we started our duties. The sun is
fearfully hot here, and no man is allowed to be out except with his helmet on. The discipline is very
strict; every officer and man has to sleep with his clothes and boots on ready to turn out at a

moment’s notice. Reveille is sounded every morning at 4.30 am and at 4.35 every man has to be on
parade under arms, and keeps there until the patrols came in and report all clear. The nights are
fearfully cold and the days very hot.

We are living very well just at present, plenty of fresh meat and bread, and two pints of beer a day,
coffee, tea etc
DEATH of Thomas Brooks, who lived in Grove Road near the railway crossing. Neighbours had not

seen him for several days and Mr E Copeman notified the police. He was found lying on the floor in
an exhausted state, having fallen in a fit. He was removed to Shipmeadow infirmary, where he died
the following day

POLICE COURT: Jacob Borrett, labourer, summoned for neglecting to send his son Samuel and
daughter, Elizabeth regularly to school. The School Attendance Officer said the boys were constantly

truanting, and the mother not only kept her children from school but encouraged others to do the
same. Mr Angell said the case had been a great trouble to the Board, and defendant had been

previously fined. Fined 10s.
DEATH of Mr Henry STIMPSON, tailor, the son of an old and respected tradesman some years

deceased, after nearly twelve months growing infirmity from a cerebral disease. He was a member of
the Beccles Company of Change Ringers, and was a campanologist of exceptional ability. For some
time he was accustomed to play tunes on the Church bells on Sunday mornings. He was also a skilful

player on many instruments, and enjoyed a reputation locally as a sportsman, being one of the best
shots in the neighbourhood, and also an expert angler. He was in his 58th year. He lived in Saltgate
“beloved husband of Clementia Stimpson, leaving wife and eleven children.

MEETING of CREDITORS of James Evans, shopkeeper, Northgate.
page missing
LETTER from ORANGE RIVER, South Africa from Corporal FA Barkham, RFA, I have not seen a

bed for nearly two months; but this is an exciting life and there is a certain amount of fun in it when
one knows that he is sleeping surrounded by danger. Yesterday I was sitting reading, when suddenly I
heard “Boot and saddle” sound. We harnessed up, and were away in twenty minutes to the scene of

action, where we saw a large party of Boers driving our patrols back. We got into action on a hill and
fired a few rounds at them, when they immediately retired. There are only a few troops in camp here,
9th Lancers, the Fighting Fifth (Northumberland Fusiliers), and about half a battalion of Munster

Fusiliers, and 200 Mounted Infantry. We expect the New South Wales Lancers here today, and about
13,000 troops from England. When we advance up-country our first place will be Kimberley. There
we shall relieve the garrison, and then march through the Transvaal.

We were in the Orange Free State yesterday, in action. During the fight yesterday the Lieutenant-
Colonel and a Lieutenant of the Mountain Infantry were killed, and a Lieutenant and five men

wounded. We had no casualties. While I am writing this letter the funeral of the two officers is taking
place, and the band is playing.

LETTER from PRIVATE C ALLEN to his wife [he married Annie Gilding in July 1897 and was
born 1875, the son of FJ Allen, builder] No 7 Company, 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards, Field

Force, South Africa from Orange River. We left by train from Cape town, Nov 16th and arrived here
on Saturday at night. It was a long and tedious journey. The railway runs between mountains. We
have run up a mountain 4000 feet above the level of the sea. We had four engines to get up. It is the

finest railway in the world. We are now 570 miles from the Cape, we can see the enemy, and we
move to attack on Monday, but by the time you get this we shall be well up the country. We stop for
nothing. It will be one rush till we get to the finish. In this camp there are about 15,000 all fighting

men. We have had a brush with the enemy; but they were afraid to face us. Our artillery fired two

shots and captured several prisoners. The Boers are giving way. Some come in they want food. I
think we are having a fine time. We have thousands of mules and horses, and prepare for a lot more

this week. They are well horsed, but not for long. As soon as we advance we shall stop their wild
career. We relieve Kimberley and Mafeking this week [hopeful!], so you will know who is doing it -

the Guards.
We had a spree coming up. A Boer got up a telegraph pole to cut the wires. A Cape boy told him to

come down; but he only told him once, the next time he out with his revolver and put a piece of lead
through him, which brought him down with a run. A statio-master was fetched out and tried for
giving information to the Boers. They decided his lot by putting a rope round his neck and stringing

him up.
We shall be the first to cross the border out of the British Army. Tell Walter Rivett that his brother-
in-law Joyce is with us, his brother is in my tent, and tell him not to catch the pike, as I shall want

some next winter if I get through this job. You must not worry about me, but keep a good heart, as we
shall not be here long. In less than two months we shall be coming back.
SCHOOL BOARD: The Education Department had approved the plans of the new Infants’ School.

architect to prepare a list of quantities, and tenders invited for the erection of the School. ALSO a
tract with Mr CT Field, the owner, and a deposit paid.
Miss Norman’s salary as assistant mistress in the girls’ school to be £55 pa.

LETTER from PRIVATE C ALLEN: “I have got through the first battle all right, but I never
expected to. When we got near the Boers, they were entrenched upon four large hills about 1000 ft
high. The Artillery shelled the heights; we advanced rather too quickly, and had a great many killed

and wounded. In our Company we never lost a man; I think it was through the coolness of our
Captain and officers. It is a queer sensation to have bullets and shells going over your head. It isn’t
pleasant, but we soon got used to it. We had marvellous escapes; the bullets hit in front of us, and in

fact all round us like a hailstorm. They are reckoned to be good shots, but you can tell anyone in
Beccles they are not.

We advanced in the open and took the hills with the point of the bayonet, and if they had been good
shots they would have killed the lot of us. The Boers outnumbered us. We were told it was

impossible to take the position, but we took it, although with great loss. We captured their camp and
luggage. The day before the battle we had a long march. Our officers asked if we would like to have

the first slap, and we all agreed; so we marched a part of the night to be in time for the advance. We
advanced at two in the morning, and fought till two o’clock in the afternoon, and by that time we
gained a splendid victory.”