10th December 1919

FIRE AT LAMER PARK

Whilst the machinemen at Lamer Park were having their dinner, on Thursday, a fire broke out in a rick nearby, probably kindled from a spark from the engine of the threshing machine.  In spite of the efforts of the workmen, four stacks were soon ablaze. Luckily one was only straw and another was partially thrashed but the other two were corn stacks. The owner, Mr. Gorge Seabrook, apprised the local fire brigade of the outbreak, and in a few minutes it was on the scene.  Harpenden, too was· cal1ed and in half-an-hour that Brigade also arrived and rendered efficient help

WHEATHAMPSTEAD

The Second Concert of the series organised by Mr Jimy Milller was given in the Village Hall on Thursday.  There was a large and keenly appreciative audience.  Fun again seemed the predominant note, and from the beginning to end the audience was fully gratified in this respect, encores being given to nearly every item.  Mrs D Goddard and Mr A Abbott were the accompanists.  Mr Abbott opened part I, with a pianoforte solo, "Chanson Russe," which he played in his usually efficient style.  Mr. Gifford Allison gave a very pleasing rendering of Sanderson's "Drake goes West."  The inimitable "Jimmy" gave "I'm a dadda," which convulsed the house, and he was recalled.  "Bird of love divine" was prettily sung by Miss Novelle Allison, and in response to a well-deserved encore she sang "Rose in the bud".  The character song, "I dillied , I dallied" sung by Mrs. Dolly Goddard, was irresistibly funny.  She was rewarded with rounds of applause, and sang as an encore, "Oh! Algernon."  "I made thee mine" and "Songs of Araby" were capitally sung by Mr. A. Abbott.  "The beggar's dream," an original song scena by Jimy Miller, was effectively presented by Mrs. Jenner and Mr. Jimmy Miller, and was much cheered as the curtain dropped.

Part II, was also opened by Mr. A. Abbott, who played Liszt's "La Regatta Veneziana.  Mr. Clifford Allison followed with the song "Shipmates o' Mine,"  and as an encore sang "The floral dance."  Miss Allison proved an efficient accompanist.  The song, "Break o' day" was charmingly rendered by Miss Novelle Allison, and her cultured treatment of the song "Until" was much appreciated.  The musical moologue, "Domesticated Kate," by Jimmy Miller was very amusingly rendered by Mrs. Jenner, and caused much laughter.  Mr. A. Abbott then sang "If I might come to you," and, being encored, gave "Two little eyes."  Mrs. Dolly Goddard, who is "great" on coster songs sang with excellent effect "A common little girl."  She was recalled.  The last item of the programme was the humorous sketch, "The Night Watchman," by Wilkie Bard, the characters being represented as follows:- "Miss Vere-de-Vere,"  Mrs. Jenner:  "Frizzie Lizzie," Mrs. Dorothy goddard; "Colonel Fitzbangs," Mr. fred Jenner;  "The Night Watchman," Mr. Jimmie Miller.

Wesleyan New Year's Party. - The scholars of the wesleyan Sunday-school were on New Year's eve entertained by the members, and the Christmas tea was given.  The repast was enjoyed by about fifty children, who afterwards by means of songs and recitations, spent a pleasant evening.  Mr. T. Wren, the superintendent, presided, and was ably assisted by the members of his family and teachers of the Sunday-school.  On leaving, each child received an orange and a mince pie.

Churchpeople's Social Evening. - On Thursday - New Year's Day - the children and members of St Helen's Church were entertained at the Schools, the young people during the after-noon, and the adults at 7.  A conjurer and ventriloquist performed some amazing tricks, quite delighting the audience.  Canon Nance gave a short address, urging the laity to support their clergy all they possibly could both by their earnest co-operation and with their prayers, - The rev. E. D. Gilbert also spoke the subject of his address being the "Enabling Bill."  Carols wee afterwards subg, and the handbell ringers gave another exhibition of their skill.  Rev. E. D. Gilbert sang "The task,"  Mrs. Gilbert accompanied him; and after a vote of thanks to and cheers for the Rector, the National Anthem was sung.

Girls' Club "Social." - On Wednesday evening a highly successful social and dance was held in the Schools, inaugurated and admiably carried out by the members of the Wheatahmpstead Girl' Club.  Quite a number of very effective fancy costumers gave colour and variety to a crowded and animated assembly.  The schoolroom had been prettily decorated.  At the opening about two hundred were present, far exceeding the Committee's expectations, but before the old year breathed her last, the numbers had swollen to near about three hundred.  For those who did not dance games were provided, but the centre of th fun was in the large main room and thither the majority went, unfortunately, too many to be comfortably seated.  Interspersed with the dnces were song, games and individual dancing.  Such games as "Human chairs," "Winking,"  "Family coach"  "Queen of Sheba,"  "Martha soops to conquer,"  "Chumps," etc., were productive of much fun, and provoked screams of laughter.  Refresh-

Congregational Tea. - At the same time as the entertainments ere in progress at th National Schools, the Congretaional children and members of chapel ere by the good offices of the Re. G. W. and Mrs Berry being entertained at the Village Hall.  Ninety-one scholars sat down to tea.  Mr. and Mrs. Berry, ably assisted by Mr. and Crs. Hyde, Mr. and  Mrs. r. Smith, Miss A. Baulk, Miss Will, Miss Williams, Miss C. Brown,Miss G. Hyde,, Mrs Cantle, and Miss Ccurtis, having appeased the miner cravings, wet out to please their chrges in other ways.  A  number of bran pies caused much amusement, and were afterwards productive of more din, as many of the toys were either whistles or trumpets.  When at 7:30, 'Father Christmas" arrived on the stage in a conventioal motor-car laden with presents, their delight was unbounded.  Prizes for attendance at Sunday-school were distributed, and at 8 p.m. the young people dispersed, each being the recipient of an orange and an apple.  The adults were entertained from 8 p.m. to 10:30 pm and a very happy evening was spent.

ments were served at 10 p.m. and a few words of commendation are certainly deserved by those who were responsible for the arangement of this part of the evening's programme, viz., Miss A Young, Mrs Gilbert, Mrs. T. Westwood, Mrs. S. Westwood, and Mrs Cook.  As 1919 departed, the whole of this large assembly linked hands and sang "Auld Lang Syne", the hope being expressed that the New Year of 1920 may bring with it the blessings of peace, prosperity and happiness.  It was then announced that Mrs. Walker and Dr. Smalwood wished to present prizes consisting of silver candelsticks for the two best fancy dresses.  A parade was aranged, and the judging was done by vote.  the result was that "Puss in boots" (Miss Gladys Westwood) received the first prize, and "Powder puff" (Miss Hilda Gray) was awarded the second.  Both  received qiote an ovation as they mounted the stage.  Refreshments were again served between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. but festivities did not cease till later.  On all sides it was decalred to be a most brilliant success and a triumph of organisation.  Besides the happy prize-winners other characters were: "Apierrete" (Miss L. Brothers), "A Hindoo princess" (Miss Freeman), "Egyptian lady" (Miss M. collins), "A pierrette" (Mrs. T. Westwood), "A flower girls" (Miss G. Collins), "A pierrette" (Miss A. Young), "An Italian lady" (Miss M. Young), "An artist" (Mrs. Gilbert), "Italian girl" (Miss D Cook), "Gipsy dancers" (Miss L. Cook and Miss Varnon), "Hay-maker" (Miss Swain and Miss Elmore), "Japanese lady" (Miss Stella Seabrook), "Clown" (Miss Q. Odell), "Milk maid" (Miss D. Simons), "Collisen" (Miss Norris), "Jester " (Mrs Young), "An elderly lady" (Mr. G Kerrison).

WHEATHAMPSTEAD RANGERS RES.  v.  HATFIELD CADETS.

Played at W Wheathampstead on Saturday, and after a very pleaseant game, enjoyed by both sides, ended in a win for the homesters by four goals to nil.

WHEATHAMPSTEAD PARISH COUNCIL

A meeting of Wheathampstead Parish council was held in the  Schoolroom on Thrusday evening when Mr. W. Pearce, Mr. Thomas Clark, the Rev G. W. Berry, Mr. Hampton, Mr. Beard, Mr. Cobb, and Mr. R. W. Seabrook (cleerk) were present.  On the motion of Mr. W. Pearce, the Rev. G. W. Berry was voted to the chair:

The Churchyard Gates:  Mr Berry brought up the question of the churchyard gate, and the Clerk was directed to write to the Ministry of Health to ascerrtain who is liable for the upkeep of the gates at the end of the public paths runing through the churchyard.

Village Lighting:  Mr. Beard stated there were only fifteen seviceable lamps and that Mr. Dench, of the Swan Hotel, had contracted to do the lighting and supply oil for the winter for £30.  The Clerk was instructed to write ot he manager of the Gas Works at Harpenden so as to make arrangements for the lighting of the village by gas during next winter.

The Folly Allotments:  A deputation from the Folly allotment holders again attended the meeting and asked that extra ground should be provided for the people at the Folly who desired allotments.  Mr Grey said he attended a meeting of the Council three months ago and presented a petition signed by forty people at the folly, but nothing had been done in the matter.  It was time something was done, as the season was almost upon us when gardening operations would be in full swing.  If they were to have the extended allotments is must be arranged at once, as the men would want to get on them.  It was arranged that Rev. G. W. Berry and the Folly Allotment Committee (Messrs. W. Pearce and H. F. Wollatt) should meet the petitioners' representatives and see what could be done.

Mr. Hampton suggested that the people of the Folly should do as has been done on Wheathampstead Hill, treat directly with Mr. Throssell, and so save themselves consideratly expense.

Mr. Clard thought this would be the better plan, as if the Parish Council took over the ground seven acres or nine acres required, as the case might be, besides fees there would be the question of fencing which would be a serious item, and as the allotments must be self supporting the holders would have to pay considerably more per pole for their land.  He recommended them to make arrangements with Mr. Throssell direct.  The deputation then withdrew.

Post Office Changes. A letter from the central office of the districe was read stating that the local post office would in future close at one p.m. on Thursday for letters, etc., but would be open from 6.30 to 6.45 for telegrams.  No adverse comments were made.

The Fire Brigade Station.  The Chairman made a statement about the condition of the housing shed for the fire engine, but as there will be some changes as to ownership of the pemises in the near future no steps were taken beyond ascertaining the cost of a heating apparatus for the shed.

Marshall's Grave.  Mr. Pearce thought the Marshall grave stone in the churchyard should  be cleaned. -  The matter was left to the 'Marshall's Committee.

Wheathampstead Tenant Sued.

Ordered to Pay  for Repairs to His House - Peculiar circumstances attached to an action brought before Mr. Ronald walker (Deputy Judge) in St. Albans county court on Monday by Mr. robert Williams Hawes Seabrook. of Wheahampstead, for £91 7s. 6d.for delapidations to the premises, which the defendant ocupied as tenant of the plaintiff.  Mr. Monier Williams (instructed by Mr. T. Ottaway appeard for the plaintiff, and Mr. H. Doff (instructed by Mr. E. E. Clark, of Eastcheap, London) appeared for the defendant.

The position was that in 1911, defendant entered into an agreement with the late Mr. Lattimore, for a three years lease of the premises in Wheathampstead previously known as the "Ship" beerhouse, and in the terms of the agreement, it was stated that defendant was to carry our repairs.  That lease expired in March 1914, and the defendant continued to occupy these premises without further written agreement.  Mr. Latimore had since died, and his executors in 1918 gave the defendant notice to quit, which expired in March, 1919.  Later in 1918 the executors sold the property to the plaintiff in thsi action.

The question at issue was as to whether the defendant had held over as a yearly teneancy or hak entered into a new agreemaent.  The Judge held that the fact that defendant continued in  occupation of the house at the same rent, and without a further written agreement, was prima facie proof that the terms of the original agreement were applicable, ant that on the defendant was the onus of proving a subsequen agreement.

The defendant gave evidence inwhich he said that about March 25th, 1914, on the ocction of the expiry of his original three years lease, he saw Mr. Lattimore and asked for a further seven year's lease.  This Mr. Lattimore would not give, saying he did  not know what he would want to do  with the house, but he would agree to Mr. Goodman continuing as a quarterly tenant, the landlord to undertake the repairs.

Evidence was given in support of both sides, and after considerable legal argument, the Judge held there was insuffiecient coroboration of the defendant's evidence, and judgment was given for the plaintiff with costs, the schedule of delapidations to be refered for examination to an expert to be agreed upon between the parties, who would report as to what the plaintiff was entitled to.

Re JOHN VICKERS WLLIS. - John Vickers Willis (35), decorator, etc., Golder's Green applied for his discharge i bankruptcy, and said he was not in a position to make any offer.  He started in business as a decorator and art furnisher in 1910, but failed through insufficiency of trade and want of capital.  He was now employed at Maples's at a salary of £400 per annum, and had been in that employ five years.
      Discharge suspended for two years

A HORSE DEAL. - Ernest Bracey, grocer, of Gustard Wood, sued C Harding, of Camp view-road, St. albans, horse dealer, for £6, balance of an account of £20.  Defendant, who did not appear, was ordered to pay the amount in fourteen days, with costs.

SCHOOL-TEACHER'S CLAIM. - Helena Louise Ellie, school-teacher, now of Birmingham, sued Wm. A. Millington, of Wellington Court. Bricket-road, St.Albans, for £47 6s., damages for wrongful dismissal.
     Mr. Monier Williams admitted that inasmuch as the plaintiff had secured another appointment there was no justification for the claim, except so far as a sum of £3 10s., agency fees were concerned.
     Mr Wylie, counsel for the defendant, said the claim had been resisted on principle, and denied that his client could be held responsible for an agncy fee which would have  been incurred in any case.
     His Honour suggested that in the circumstances the case should  be withdrawn, each side paying its own costs.  The suggestion was accepted, and the claim was withdrawn by consent.