Tring in War Time, 1914-1919

 

Extracts from the Bucks Herald of 17th April, 1915

Edited from British Newspaper Archive

Previous week ~~~~ Tring News Index ~~~~ Next Week

News has reached Tring of the deaths of Edward Barber, V.C., and Frank Marcham. Lieut.-General Sir Edward Hutton's letter about is leaving the 21st Division is published, and fifteen soldiers are confirmed by the Bishop of St Albans. Arthur Macdonald writes to the paper on the army's need for more sand-bags and William Mead, of Tring Flour Mill, agrees to be a collecting point.  At Tring Park Cricket Club's AGM it was said they would be having a reduced fixture list and would not be employing any permanent ground staff - and would reduce the subscription accordingly. It was agreed that the rents paid by the Tring Tennis and Bowling clubs would be reduced if they also reduced their subscriptions. The Easter festival normally held by the Church Girls' Union had been cancelled due to the War.  At the Easter Vestry Meeting the Vicar, Rev. H. Francis mentioned with pride the towns role it the war, with 298 being on active service, of which 79 had been members of the Church Lads' Brigade, with 5 having been Boy Scouts. At the National level local farmers may well have been unhappy about the Government's arrangements for buying hay.

The death of Lord Rothschild, reported two weeks earlier, featured in a number of reports. He had been the president of the Tring Agricultural Society and there were many tributes at the meeting of their committee. He had actively helped the Tring Park Cricket Club, although his son Walter was the club president. Hew was also briefly mentioned in the vicar's report given at the Vestry Meeting. However much of the long report at this meeting provides an interesting review of the town during the previous year.

Other news included the wedding at Wigginton of Miss Petronella Trickey of Champneys (the home of Mr Alexander Marc) and Mr, Thomas J. N. Perkins, headmaster of Helensburgh School, the high prices at William Brown's fat stock sale, and William Rodwell having been prosecuted for riding a motor bkie and side car with inadequate lights. Perhaps because of the other news there was less church news than usual.

Surnames mentioned this week:  Bagnall Bailey Baker Baldwin Barber Barton Bathurst Bedford Beech Bishop Brackley Bright Brown Bull Burnham Butcher Carr Carter Clarke Clissold Coker Cole Cox Crossland Dawe De Fraine Dickens Elliman Fells Finch Flowers Forestier-Walker Fountaine Francis Fulks Fulley, Gibbs Grange Gregory Hayes Heading Hedges Hardern Horwood Houchen Howe Huckvale Hull Hutton Jenney Kidstone Kingham Kirk Lepper Macdonald Marc Marcham Mash Mathews Mead Miller Newman Newton Pearce Perkins Pond Poulton Pratt Reeve Rodwell Rothschild Rowe Smeathman Smith Steadman Trickey Turner Tyler Vaisey Waterton Williams 

DISTRICT NEWS.

TRING.

Church Girls' Union. — The Easter Tuesday festival of this Union was abandoned this year on account of the war, but the members and their friends met at the Parish Church for evensong as usual.

Bowls. — The Tring Bowling Club have commenced play for the season, end would welcome any new members on their green on the Tring Park Cricket Club Ground. Mr. F. J. Cox, the hon. secretary, “Fairfield,” Tring, will gladly give any information about Club.

C.E. Anniversary. — Owing to various circumstances. the celebration of the anniversary the Akeman Street Senior and Junior Societies of Christian Endeavour on Easter Monday had to be considerably curtailed. The meeting in the evening was in every way a success. Mr. James Bagnall presided, and the Rev. W. W. Heading, of New Mill, delivered an address which was both interesting and helpful.

Anniversary Service. — At the United Free Church Good Friday is observed as the anniversary of the opening of the present building. This year, for the first time since that event, the Pastor, the Rev. C. Pearce, was unable take part in the services. In the evening the Rev. G. Crossland. Wesleyan officiating clergyman to the forces, preached an arresting sermon, and Mrs. Crossland gave a charming little address.

The Parish Church. — Services and music for 2nd Sunday after Easter (April 18th). Holy Eucharist, 8. Matins, 11; "Venite" and Psalms, chants set (Cathedral Psalter); first alternative set; "Benedictus," Garrett; Hymns 140, 373, 902. Evensong 6.30; Psalms, set: "Magnificat," Battishill; "Nunc Dimitris," H. Baker; Hymns 197, 517. 595; voluntary. Second Easter Offertoire (Jules Grison). — A. H. Baker. F.R.C.O., organist and choirmaster.


TRING AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The Late Lord Rothschild. On Monday afternoon a special meeting of the committee of the Tring Agricultural Society was held to place on record the Society's sense of the loss they have sustained by the death their President, and to pass a resolution of sympathy with his Lordship's family. Mr. F. R. Hervey Bathurst presided, and those present included Messrs. Frank Bedford, Joseph Clarke, F W. Dickens, W. Flowers, E. F. Gregory. J. T. Hardern, R. E. Horwood, H. Jenney, F. Kidstone, Moses Pratt, G. S. Pratt. J. H. Pratt. F. J. Reeve, James Reeve. W. J. Rodwell, and H. J. Turner, with Mr. Frank J. Brown (secretary). and Mr. Leonard Newman (assistant secretary). Letters regretting their inability to attend were read from Messrs. F. W. Carter. H. Lepper. T. T. De Fraine, Ernest Mathews, and E. Dawe.

The Chairman, in explaining the object of the meeting, said they all felt they had lost a personal friend, a man who it was safe to have at the head of affairs, and one who was always kind-hearted and sympathetic. As far as their Society was concerned, the fact of having President such as Lord Rothschild ensured the success they had always met with. That meeting had been mentioned to Mr. Richardson Carr, but felt that he could scarcely take part in it, seeing how closely he was associated with their late President.

Mr. F. J. Brown wished to associate himself with all Mr. Bathurst had said. Lord Rothschild had been their President for over 20 years, and he (the speaker) well remembered the momentous occasion when they were approaching their jubilee meeting, and felt that the one thing to make it complete was to be allowed to hold it in Tring Park. The idea was suggested to Mr. Carr, who at once saw the point, and when his Lordship was approached gladly gave his consent. It had been a great satisfaction to him to work under such President. Mr. Brown then read the following resolution, remarking that it only feebly expressed what they felt, knowing the great good Lord Rothschild had done, not only for their own Society, but for agriculturists at large, good that would live for many years:—

 The Committee of the Tring Agricultural Society, representing 550 members from all parts of the country, wish to record their sincere sympathy with Lady Rothschild. Lord Rothschild, and the other members of the family in their present bereavement. The Committee also wish record the sense of indebtedness to the late Lord Rothschild for the long and continued interest that he took in the welfare of the Society, and without whose aid and influence it could never have attained to the zenith which It now occupies. The ever-ready response to all matters appertaining to the forwarding of the objects of the Society, and agriculture in general, will have lasting effects which will handed down to posterity as one of the brightest periods in that great industry, and the interest, for good, will benefit many generations to come. The Committee wish to offer their condolence, and trust that Lady Rothschild and her family may be spared many years, to live amongst us, to keep alive those memories for which all have reason to be thankful, and have learnt, by so many acts of kindness, to heartily appreciate.

 Mr. Flowers, speaking for the farmers of the Vale of Aylesbury, spoke of the assistance he rendered to farmers in the days before the Tring Park Shire stud and herds of cattle were established.

Mr. Moses Pratt feelingly spoke of his Lordship as the best of landlords, one to whom his tenants could always turn in times of trouble or difficulty, and through everything a business man.

Mr. Jos. Clarke, one of the oldest tenants on the Tring Park Estate, endorsed all that had said by the previous speakers. He added that they all would miss his Lordship very much, and sincerely regretted that this sad bereavement had befallen the family.

The members present signified their agreement with the resolution by rising and standing in silence.

The Chairman was thanked, on the motion of Mr. P. W. Dickens, seconded by Mr. E. F. Gregory.


VESTRY MEETING

The annual Easter vestry was held at the Church House on Friday evening, 9th inst. The Vicar (Rev. H. Francis) presided, and was supported by the Churchwardens (Messrs. A. W. Vaisey and J. G. Williams). The Rev. H. E. U. Hull and the Rev. Guy Beech were amongst those present.

Briefly reviewing events of the past year, the Vicar first referred to the fact that they still had, in Mr. Williams and Mr. Vaisey, the same churchwardens for some years past, and said what help it was to have two men who were keenly interested in all that affected Church life in that place, and who could always be depended upon to take the right line on any question that arose. During the year one sidesman. Mr. Newton, had left the town. He took that opportunity of thanking the sidesmen, the district visitors, the Sunday School teachers, and others who helped in all sorts of ways. Mr. and Mrs. Miller had done their work — and it had been very arduous work, owing to the presence of the soldiers and the dirty winter — well, and, with the voluntary helpers, had maintained the reputation of the church as one of the best-kept churches in the country. St. Martha's had again done well, and had not only been able give away £15. but had finished the year with £8:3:7 in hand. He was sorry Mr. Bishop, the churchwarden, was not there that night. Musically, they had been through some difficult times, but there were signs of a healthy revival. In Mr. Baker they had the pleasantest and most patient of choirmasters, brilliant organist, and one anxious to let the congregation take their rightful place in the services. He hoped the congregation would see that he had a sufficient number of pupils to make it worth his while to stop. In this connection he might refer to the introduction of the "natural voice" in certain parts of the service. It might at first appear strange to the congregation, but was most restful to the clergy. They had been pleased to welcome some of the soldiers in the choir, and the presence of the men in the congregation had done much to make the services "go.” The churchyard had been well looked after, and was. as it should be, the best-kept garden in the whole parish: thanks the efforts of the verger, the voluntary work of the Churchyard Committee, and the labour Mr. Williams so kindly placed at their disposal. The bellringers, in spite of the sad accident which deprived them of one member, the resignation of second through ill-health. and the fact that another of their band had gone to serve his King and country, were still doing good work. The electric lighting had been again very successfully managed by Mr. Waterton. indicating in some measure the spiritual condition of the place, the Vicar said the number of communicants at Easter was 434 - only 18 less than the previous year, though there had been no confirmation recently, and so many men had gone away. They had had very few losses during the year, but there had been one very serious loss indeed. It was impossible there not to mention the death of Lord Rothschild, who had done much in many ways for them. As they knew, any religious body that was trying to do any good work could always depend his help. They could look with pride upon what their little town was doing at the time of national crisis: 298 members of Tring families were now on active service; and they had been able to trace 79 who had been connected with the Church Lads’ Brigade, and five had passed through the more recently formed troop of Scouts. Four of their townsmen — Fred Marcham, Joseph and Albert Poulton, and Albert Wells — had given their lives for their country, and many had been wounded, among others Fred Rodwell. They had seen Tring turned into armed camp. It had been a wonderful experience. The behaviour of the men had been excellent, and they would follow their future with interest and sympathy. They could heartily congratulate themselves on the starting of the Parish Council during the year. He believed they would find the Council increasingly useful. With regard to the free-will offering, they easily raised the £110 asked for, and had now extended the scheme, to which 120 members were subscribing sums varying from one penny to four pounds a week. They would welcome new members, and they were immensely indebted to Mr. Jabez Pratt, who acted as treasurer of the scheme, and prepared the tabulated statements. The scheme had not affected his own Easter offering, which was £39:13:6 - 10d. more than the previous year. He thanked the congregation very much indeed, and before sitting down had the greatest pleasure in nominating Mr. Vaisey as his churchwarden.

Mr. E. Houchen, in proposing the re-election of Mr. Williams as parish warden, said he had served them faithfully and well for a number of years, and he (Mr. Houchen) hoped he might be spared to serve them for many years to come.

Mr. Williams, who was unanimously reappointed, said should very glad to serve again if it was the wish of the parishioners, and if they were satisfied with what he did.

The sidesmen at the Parish Church were reappointed, on the proposition of Mr. Vaisey, seconded by Mr. Fells. Mr. A. Clarke taking the place of Mr. Newton ; and those at St. Martha's the proposition of Mr. Houchen, seconded by Mr. Baker.

Mr. Vaisey, in bringing forward the accounts, thanked the Vicar for again nominating him as his warden. They closed the year with adverse balance of £5:3:7, largely due to repairs to the roof, but as they had balance of £4:9:6 on the free-will offerings account, they could set one against the other. The fund for replacing the electric accumulators now stood at £31:4:7, and they were advised that the accumulators would require renewing at the end of eight years.

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MEETING OF PARISHIONERS.

At the conclusion of the business of the vestry it was decided that the Parish Council should remain in office for another two years, and that the election should in future be triennial, as to bring it into line with the Ruri-decanal and Diocesan Conferences.

Mr. Gibbs reported that the receipts from the free-will offering scheme amounted to £114:10:6. and the Vicar said the receipts from January to April of the present year amounted, under the enlarged scheme, to £250: 12:7.

Mr. Vaisey said they were really doing very well at the weekly offertories. They got on an average £3, in addition the free-will offerings.

Miss Winifred Boyson gave a brief report of the work of the Churchyard Committee, but said the subscriptions received were not sufficient for the up-keep of the churchyard and the old cemetery.

Miss Elliman gave short account of what was being done by the committee responsible for the church ornaments and linen.


WIGGINTON.

Parish Council. — The annual meeting held on Tuesday. April 13,there being present: The Vicar, Messrs. F. Coker, E. Grange. J. Fulks. G. Rowe. B. Rowe, and W. Brackley, with Mr. P. Kingham (clerk). Mr. E. Grange was re-elected chairman, and Mr. F. Coker vice-chairman. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. E. Grange for the able way had presided during the past year. Messrs G. Rowe and P. Coker were re-appointed overseers. Messrs. G. Rowe and J. Fulks allotment wardens. The Clerk presented the lighting accounts, showing an adverse balance of 9s. 7d.. which was cleared by those present. The Parish Council accounts showed a balance 19s. A precept for £5 was made the overseers to cover the expenses of the ensuing year.

Interesting Wedding. A wedding which excited considerable interest was solemnised in the Parish Church on Thursday, April 8. The contracting parties were Miss Petronella Trickey, of Champneys, and Mr, Thomas J. N. Perkins, headmaster of Helensburgh School, N.B. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. J. Perkins, father of the bridegroom, assisted by the Vicar. Rev. H. C. Finch. The Misses C. M and N. M. Finch attended on the bride, the best man being Captain Perkins. H.A.C. The bride was given away by her brother. Mr. C. Trickey. The service was choral, and the hymns "Lead us. Heavenly Father” and "Come. Gracious Spirit” were sung. Wagner’s "Wedding March" was played before and Mendelssohn’s after the ceremony by Mrs, Finch, who presided at the organ. The bride was dressed in silver grey, with hat to match A reception was afterwards held at Champneys, the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Marc. The honeymoon will be spent in the Lake District. The numerous presents were view at Champneys some days before the ceremony. The church was filled by friends and villagers. Very great regret was expressed at the unavoidable absence, through illness, of Mr. and the Misses Frances and Biddy Marc.


AYLESBURY PETTY SESSIONS

Cyclist at Fault. - William Henry Rodwell, of Tring, was summoned for driving a motor cycle and side-car without having red light in the rear, on March 27. at Aylesbury. Defendant pleaded guilty, and P.C. Pond having briefly stated the facts, the case was dismissed on the payment of ss. 6d. costs.

TRING IN WAR TIME.

Mr. and Mrs. Marcham have received a letter , from Lieut. Lovell Smeathman, giving them ; some particulars of their sons death on the 29th ult., and speaking of him as a cheerful 29th ult., and speaking of him as a cheerful young fellow who will be missed. They first heard rumour that their son was killed on the 2nd Inst.,  but though they made all possible enquiries, they could get no definite information until Mondav afternoon. April 5. Then Mrs. W. J. Rodwell, who had received an account of the occurrence from her son, who was wounded the same shell that killed Marcham, called and broke the news to them.

On Sunday evening a special memorial service was conducted at Akeman-street Baptist Chapel, where Fred Marcham was formerly a Sunday School scholar. The Rev. A. Shinn, of Cambridge. spoke of the bright young life which had come to such a sudden yet glorious end. Among the hymns sung were “Captain and Saviour of the hosts of Christian chivalry” and “Peace, perfect peace." A number of soldiers and relatives and friends of the deceased were present at the service.

On Wednesday night news reached Tring of the death of Privt. Edward Barber, V.C., of the Grenadier Guards. Privt. Barber was the son of Mr. William Barber, of Miswell-lane, Tring, who has three other sons on active service. The letter, which was written Lieut. Fulley, of No. 1 Company, Ist Batt. Grenadier Guards, says that Barber was a great favourite with the Grenadiers, and was highly respected. He had won the highest honour that could won, viz., the Victoria Cross, and while doing his duty was picked off by a German sniper, the bullet piercing his brain. He was a man of the finest courage and feared nothing. The Grenadiers send their deepest sympathy.

A confirmation for soldiers was held by the Bishop of St Albans on Tuesday afternoon. There were 15 candidates, who were presented by the Rev. Kenneth Kirk, C.F. The other present were the Rev. C. H. Clissold (senior chaplain), the Rev. W. D. Steadman (C.F.). the Rev H. Francis (vicar). the Rev. H. E. U. Bull, and the Rev. Guy Beech.

 The retirement of Lieut.-General Sir Edward Hutton. K.C.H., K.C.M.G., has been received with general regret throughout the 21st Division. The General said “Good-bye" to his command in the following Special Divisional Order, which was communicated to all ranks:

It is with profound regret that, having been found medically unfit for the arduous work of command upon active service in the field, I have considered it my duty to resign the command of the Division, which is destined at an early date to join the Expeditionary Force. In relinquishing my command, I beg to convey to the Brigadier-Generals, the Headquarter Staff, Heads of Departments, and the Staff generally, my most cordial thanks for their loyal co-operation and assistance since the formation of the Division, upon the 16th September, 1914.

To the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men I wish to express my admiration for the earnest determination and patriotic zeal which they have invariably shown in carrying out the organisation and system of training which has been laid down. The energy of the officers and the excellent conduct of the men have been beyond praise.

After 47 years of active service, many campaigns. and the experience of numerous difficult commands, I may confidently assure them that I have never led troops who have more quickly or more whole-heartedly responded to the demands made upon them, or who have obtained such good results in so short a time.

It had been my earnest hope to have "With God’s help seen this thing through” at the head of this Division, but Providence has willed otherwise, and I hand over the command to Major-General Forestier-Walker. C.B., A.D.C. to the King, with the firm conviction that officers and men will render him the same loyal spirit of determined effort which they have accorded me. In conclusion, I wish the Division as a whole "God-speed," and I trust that with God’s blessing their efforts in the campaign may crowned with success, which they all so well deserve.

                                         EDWARD T. H. HUTTON.

Aston Clinton.                                      Lieutenant-General.

      April 10th, 1915.


SAND-BAGS FOR THE FRONT

TO THE EDITOR OF THE BUCKS HERALD

Sir, - The appeal from Lieut.-Colonel J. A. Tyler, R.F.A., at the front, for millions of sandbags for the protection of our soldiers in their trenches, gun-positions, dug-outs, etc., communicated the Press by his sister, Miss M. L. Tyler, Linden House, Highgate-road, N.W., has met with an instant response, and appeals to everyone as a practical suggestion of real benefit to the troops, and a means by which we at home can actually help in their protection. Colonel Tyler says "We must have hundreds of millions of sand-bags in use, and we always want them. To make a house for a few officers in their gun positions, for instance, will require some 2,000 sand-bags, and the number wanted for a single battery for protection for the guns — men, officers, and telephone operators — will run into tens of thousands. A mile of trenches will require, perhaps, 100,000. and each little post, observation station, or shelter of any kind behind those trenches, requires many more.

My nephew, Lieut. G. Macdonald Brown, writes:— want tremendous lot of sandbags. Our Division alone have been using a million a month. For our Battalion alone we usually require about 2,000 day, for their present trenches, but we have not been able to get them in sufficient quantities lately. If you saw shell burst on parapet with sand-bags, and on one without, you would soon see how many lives they save; and if it is to be a war of attrition, we want to take every possible means of avoiding loss of men in the trenches.”

Miss Tyler is receiving at her house (as above) bags from all parts the country, and forwarding them every day to the front. Those who wish to help should procure some stout Jute- Hessian, 30 or 36 inches wide (or double those widths), cut it into pieces 30 inches wide by or inches long, fold it over as to make bag 14 inches wide and 33 inches long, after allowing for a good edge turned over double and sewn over with strong string and packing-needle. A yard of coarse string should be tied round the seam, 3 inches from the top, for tying up the mouth. Finished sacks may be sent to me and I will forward them to Miss Tyler, or quantities may packed in sacks (not more than 56lbs. in each) and sent direct to Miss Tyler, with name and address of sender, and number of sacks, on the label.

Later on I hope to get large quantities of used sacks sent out. Mr. William Mead, Tring Flour Mills, has kindly offered to receive any from this district and to forward them when we get word that they can be sent. Meanwhile I hope that all farmers will save their slag-bags, phosphate-bags, cake-bags, and all bags that can spared; corn merchants, their "Plate” bags and other bags; grocers their sugar, rice-bags, etc.; and all users of meal, dog-food, etc., their used bags; to sent to such centres as may be arranged in the market towns of the district. I shall also be glad to hear of owners of premises in the market towns willing to follow Mr. Mead’s patriotic example, to receive sacks from their district, and to arrange for their examination, cleansing, mending, sorting into sizes, and despatch by rail.

By these two means, making new and collecting old bags, a great volume of sand-bags can be kept constantly going out to supplement the War Office supply, which cannot tap the individual sources suggested above.

I shall very happy to give any assistance and information in my power to anyone willing to organise the making and collection of bags in the district of any of the market towns, and show samples of bags to anyone interested. There are one or two things to carefully guarded against — viz., sending bags of poor material or bad sewing, which will not stand rough usage when filled with damp earth; sending bags which have contained nitrate, or any other injurious matter ; and allowing the scheme to "nobbled'.' or interfered with in any way by German agents, who arr still active among us, and unsuspected.

I beg to remain, Sir, yours faithfully.

Hazely, Tring.                          ARTHUR MACDONALD.

     16th April, 1915.


TRING PARK CRICKET CLUB

The annual general meeting of this Club was held at the Rose and Crown Hotel, Tring. on Friday, April 9. Those present were Mr. H. Jenney (in the chair), Messrs. A. W. Barton. E. Clarke. F. B. Fells. T. W. Fountaine. A. W. Hedges, and W. N. Mead, Mr. Wm. Smith (hon. treasurer), and Mr. C. Philips Cole (hon. secretary).

Mr. Smith, in presenting his 28th annual report as treasurer, said there was a reduction the previous year’s balance of £l3. This was due chiefly to the falling off of some subscriptions and the reduction of others. As no permanent ground-man would be employed in the coming season, and as the usual full list of fixtures had not been arranged, he wished to make two suggestions for the consideration of the meeting. Firstly, that subscriptions should be in abeyance for the ensuing 12 months, and secondly that a donation be made to the Red Cross Society out of the balance in hand.

On the proposition of Mr. Clarke, seconded by Mr. Mead, the report was adopted.

After some discussion. Mr. Smith proposed that a sum of .£10:10 be voted to the Red Cross Society, which was seconded Mr, Mead, and carried unanimously.

With regard to the question of subscriptions, it was resolved, after discussion, on the proposition of Mr. Mead, seconded Mr. Barton, that members should be informed that subscriptions would be collected with a minimum of half the usual amount, and that all members of the Club at present on active service, either abroad or at home, should made hon. members for the year.

On the proposition of the Hon. Secretary, seconded by Mr. Fountaine, it was resolved not to employ a ground-man during the coming season, but that it be left to the committee and ground stewards to employ such casual labour as they thought necessary for the general upkeep of the ground

Mr. Janice Howe was again appointed collector, on the same conditions as last year.

In proposing the re-election of the President, the Chairman said they were reminded of the sad event which had recently happened in their midst. The late Lord Rothschild had done all he could to help the Club for many years, and he thought they should send a vote of sympathy to the members of his family. At the same time he had much pleasure in proposing the re-election of the present holder of the title, who as the Hon. Walter Rothschild had been their president for many years.

Mr. Smith seconded the proposal, and it was cordially agreed to.

Mr. W. Smith proposed the re-election of the vice-presidents, en bloc. Mr. F. W. Bright being invited to take the place of the late Dr. Brown, whose death the Club, in common with the whole town, deeply deplored

Mr. William Smith was again appointed hon. treasurer; Messrs. A. W. Barton and W. Huckvale auditors; and Mr. C. Philips Cole hon. secretary.

A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. T. W. Fountaine for the good work he had done for the Club.

Mr. Arthur Butcher was re-appointed captain, and Mr. Arthur W. Hedges vice captain.

It was decided to allow the Bowls and Tennis Clubs the use of the ground for the season, on the understanding that the Tennis Club made its own arrangements for the upkeep of the courts; and that if the Clubs collected full subscriptions from their members, they should pay the same rent as last year, but if only half subscriptions, then only half the rent would be charged.


FAT STOCK SALE REPORTS

TRING.

MESSRS W. BROWN AND CO.

At Messrs. W. Brown and Co.’s sale Monday the stock consisted of 288 fat sheep and lambs. 34 fat beasts, and 91 fat pigs. A very dear trade for all fat stock has again to be reported. Some excellent tegs were sent Mr. Newman, which made up to  91s. 6d.; Mr. G. Brown, 93s.; Mr. F. Bedford. 90s; Mr. H. Bailey. 83s.; Mr. Baldwin. 80s.; Mr. J. Hayes. 75s ; Mr. G. Bedford. 74s.; Mr. W. J. Mash. 69s.; G. Reeve. 67s. 6d.; the Exors. of Lady do Rothschild. 65s, 6d , etc. There were 41 fat lambs offered, and these realised 38s. 6d. to 47s. The consignments of cattle included eleven from Tring Park Estate, which fetched £20:10 to £25:12:6 for bullocks and up to £29:10 for heifers; five from Mr. H. L. Turner. £20 to £26:5; Mr. J. Burnham (3). £20:5 to £26:15; Exors. of Lady de Rothschild (3). £24 to £27:5; others. £16:15 to £26:7:6. Fat pigs were great demand, and higher prices were realised than those recorded at last sale, and every head was disposed of, bacon hogs making 72s to £8:5; porkers. 44s. 6d. to 67s. 6d.; ad fat sows up to £11 per head.


AGRICULTURAL NOTES

Messrs. A. J. Flowers (Beachendon) and H. W. Bishop (Tring) were the judges at the recent Beds Stallion Show. The former has had the compliment paid him of being selected the judge of both heavy and light horses at the forthcoming Last Kent Show.

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Farmers are perturbed by the threat that if hay cannot purchased at price named by the War their stacks will be requisitioned at the figure indicated. It appears that the scheme instituted for dispensing with the middleman is not working with the smoothness that was expected. The produce committees appointed for the counties are finding a difficulty in adjusting matters equitably between the sellers and buyers, and the position is not improved by the menace compulsory action on the part the higher authorities should the farmers elect to sell their produce to the highest bidders. The War Office proposes to fix a maximum price of 67s. per ton, a figure which below the current rates at nearly all the principal markets, where the quotations range from £4 to £6. The farmers are naturally protesting against this attempt to deprive them of trade advantage to which they are reasonably entitled. If they were holding out for exorbitant price it might be permissible for the authorities to adopt strong measures, but it is difficult to defend the attitude of the War Office in threatening to commandeer farm produce at price below its market value. It is not an uncommon thing for hay to make from £4 to £7 per ton in normal seasons, and it would be an unwarrantable action on the part of Government to handicap growers in the manner proposed. It is not at if the producer were demanding unconscionable terms; he merely pleads for freedom in his choice of market. All that the farmer asks is to be given the same treatment as is extended to other industries whose resources have been requisitioned in the interests of the nation.

 The Field.

     

April 2015

 

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