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