RUGBY PETTY SESSIONS.
OFFENCES IN PARK.
Fredk Bradshaw, 68 Claremont Road ; Lawrence Payne, 24 Corbett Street ; and Sidney King, 3 Wringrose Court, Rugby, were summoned for cycling in the Caldecott Park. Payne and Bradshaw admitted the offence, and P.C Anderton stated that he saw them ride into the Park by North Street entrance, and cycle round a tree. When they saw the park-keeper they rode away.—Mr Morton explained that the Urban District Council were very reluctant to bring these cases forward, but they felt compelled to do so, because for some time past they had been troubled with mischievous and wanton destruction in the Caldecott Park. After careful consideration, they had invoked the assistance of Supt Clarke to catch some of the culprits, and bring them before that Court to act as a deterrent to others, and he hoped this action would deter other lads from destroying the pleasure of the large numbers of people who wished to enjoy the Caldecott Park in comfort.—Bradshaw said he did not think they were doing any harm, as there was no one about at the time.—Bradshaw and Payne were fined 7s 6d each.—King stated that he had never read the notice at the entrance to the Park, and he was fined 9s.
Albert Nicholls, 36 Oxford Street ; Leslie Eaton, 93 South Street ; Francis Hardy, 57 King Edward Road ; and George England, 20 East Street, were summoned for displacing a moveable seat in the Caldecott Park.—They pleaded guilty.—P.C Anderton deposed that he saw defendants throw a seat over on its back. When he accosted them they refused to give their names and addresses.—Mr Morson said one of the seats had been found broken in two, and another one had been thrown into the lake.—Fined 4s 6d each, the Chairman warning them as to their future conduct in the Park.
CHILDREN’S COURT.
DAMAGING SHRUBS IN CALDECOTT PARK.—Fredk Hurley, 5 Market Street ; Wm Killingworth, 8 Holbrooke Avenue ; Raymond and Norman Lee, 29 Park Road ; and Leonard Frost, 96 Wood Street, were summoned for the above offence.—The boys admitted their guilt.—P.C Anderton deposed that he saw the boys chasing each other through the shrubs and over the flower beds, playing “ tig.” All the boys bore very good characters.—It was stated that Hurley had no mother, and his father had recently been killed in action.—Mr Morson said the Council did not wish to press the case, except to deter other people.—The Chairman said the grounds were laid out for the enjoyment of everyone, and the beautiful shrubs and flowers were put there for people to enjoy, and not for boys to play in.—Fined 3s each.
ABSENTEE.—At Rugby Police Court on Monday—before Mr J E Cox—Pte Harry Watkins, Brinklow, was charged with being an absentee from the East Surrey Regiment since July 25th. He was remanded to await an escort.
A FORGED PASS.—On Wednesday (before Mr C G Steel) Pte John Davidson, 3rd Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, was charged with being an absentee from his regiment since July 13th, and pleaded guilty.—Sergt Hawkes stated that on Tuesday afternoon he had occasion to go to 26 North Street, and whilst there saw prisoner, and, being suspicious, asked to see his pass. He produced one made out in the name of Pte James Davis, with leave from 25th to 30th July. The sergeant was able to discern that this was a forged pass, and further questioned him. He eventually admitted that he had made it out himself, and that he was an absentee. At the Police Station another blank pass was found in his possession.—Remanded to await an escort.
LOW FLYING OVER TOWNS.—Low flying over towns is strictly forbidden by two orders issued by the Air Minister, Mr Gilbert was informed by Major Baird on Tuesday. Strong disciplinary action is taken against any airman who is known to have disobeyed the order.
LOCAL WAR NOTES.
Mr O F LI Bullock, son of the Rev Llewellyn Bullock, of Bennfield, Rugby, has been appointed to a cadetship at the Royal Naval College, Osborne. He was educated at Hillbrow, Overslade, Rugby (Mr T F Burdett).
Sergt A Everton, 16 Pinfold Street, New Bilton, of the R.F.A, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in keeping his gun in action after he had been wounded. He has also the Mons Medal. Sergt Everton is a native of Walcote, and is a time-expired man. He was working at Rugby Portland Cement Works when called up on August 4, 1914.
News has been received at the B.T.H that a former member of the staff, Sapper R T Jackson, of the Royal Engineers, was drowned on July 6th.
The following notification appeared in the “ London Gazette ” : supplement, on July 30th Infantry, Labour Corps, Temp Second-Lieut C J Newman relinquishes his commission on account of ill-health contracted on active service, and is granted the hon rank of Second-Lieutenant (July 31st).
Bombardier Fred Rawlings, son of Mrs Rawlings, late of Wringrose Court, Rugby, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery on the field. He belongs to the 14th Battery, Royal Field Artillery.
Tem Lieut (Acting Capt) W B L Boon, Welsh Guards (Captain, Yeomanry), son of Mr Leo Bonn, of Newbold Revel, has been awarded the Military Cross for an act of bravery, which is thus officially recorded :—“ He had his company headquarters completely destroyed by a shell at the commencement of a very heavy bombardment, he himself being buried and wounded in the arm. Nevertheless, he remained at duty throughout the action, and set a splendid example of grit and coolness to all ranks.”
Mr Bertram Shepherd, a well-known vocalist, formerly of Rugby, has been invalided from the Army, and is now in an institution for mental cases.
Corpl W E Stay, R.G.A, second son of Mr F Stay, 99 Grosvenor Road, Rugby, has been awarded the Croix de Guerre by the King of Belgium. Corpl Stay, who received the D.C.M early in the year, was an old St Matthew’s boy, and joined up in November, 1914. All his brothers also joined the Army. One has been killed in action, and another is at present an inmate of the Infirmary V.A.D Hospital, suffering from injuries to the hand caused by the explosion of a German bomb while he was carrying petrol.
DUNCHURCH.
PTE C DAVIS, Coventry Road, Thurlaston, who joined up three years ago, has been wounded in the arm very severely, and has received his discharge. Pte Davis has won several prizes at different sports, and is well-known in the district. He served in the Worcester Regiment.
LONG ITCHINGTON.
MARK HERBERT DISCHARGED.—Gunner Mark Herbert, R.G.A, who was severely wounded in May, 1917, has now received his discharge, and has arrived home. He still suffers a good deal from the effects of his injuries.
PRISONERS OF WAR.—Satisfactory news still continues to be received concerning our prisoners of war. Pte Chas Lewis Worrall, R.W.R, reports himself at work and well from Switzerland. Pte George Windsor, R.W.R, has sent home two excellent photos of himself. These ratify the statements made in his letters that he is in good health. Pte Bertie Evetts, Gloucester Regiment, has also sent home a satisfactory report of himself. These two prisoners, who were chums at home, both write from the camp at Gustrow in Mecklenburgh.
OUR SOLDIERS’ GRAVES.— Mrs A T Evetts has now received official information concerning the localities of the graves of her husband and eldest son—Lance-Corpl A T Evetts, R.W.R, killed April 5, 1916, and Pte Rowland A Evetts, R.W.R. killed June 26, 1916.
STOCKTON.
GUNNER PERCY HODGES, who was reported seriously gassed, has succumbed in a hospital in France. Hodges, who was a lad of fine physique, joined up in September, 1914, and had been three years in France. He was 25 years of age. A sympathetic letter from the chaplain states that Hodges is buried in the military cemetery at Aubigny.—George Goode is in hospital in France suffering from a fractured foot.
RUGBY PRISONERS OF WAR HELP COMMITTEE.
The monthly meeting of the committee was held an Monday. Mr Wm Flint, C.C, presided. There were also present : Mrs Blagden, Mr Anderson, Mr G W Walton, Mr R P Mason, Mr T Clark, Mr F Pepper, and the hon organising secretary, Mr J Reginald Barker.
The loss that Mr C J Newman (a farmer member of the committee) had had in the death of his wife was referred to in most sympathetic terms ; and on the proposition of the Chairman, seconded by Mrs Blagden, the Hon Secretary was instructed to convey to Mr Newman the heart-felt sympathy of the committee.
Referring to the large increase in the number of local men in enemy hands, Mr Barker said the past month had been full of anxiety, the cost of food parcels for the month of July being £357 9s. It was a large amount, but would have been larger if the addresses of the prison camps of all the men had come through. He regretted to say there were 19 local men who, although known to be prisoners of war, could not yet be supplied with parcels of food, as their addresses were still insufficient. So well had the fund been supported that they were very nearly able to meet the July expenditure out of the current revenue, only having to draw on their reserve to the small amount of £10 10s 8d. They had now 121 men actually on the parcel list, and there were also the 19 men he had mentioned, who he hoped to receive news of soon, as the anxiety of the relatives was very great, it being now four months since most of the men were captured. The cost of the parcels for August would exceed £400, but he was glad to say that he had received promises of regular donations amounting to approximately £100 per month.
Mr Barker referred to the fact that they had that day completed three years work in their scheme of relief. They started with seven men, and now they had a list of 140. As an example of the growth at the fund, it was interesting to note that in the first year their receipts amounted to £545, and expenditure £431 ; whilst during the year just completed £2,439 was raised the cost of food parcels amounting to £2,031. Mr Barker said he had been informed by the Central Prisoners of War Committee of the British Red Cross Society that the Postmaster-General has agreed to raise the limit of weight for parcels addressed to prisoners of war to 15lbs. In consequence it was decided to despatch one 15lb parcel per week to each prisoner of war as from August 5th, instead of six 10lb parcels per month. There would be a cycle of four parcels, costing 15s each or £3 per month, in addition to the bread supplies from Berne. There would be a considerable saving in the cost of boxes, packing materials, and labour.
The committee expressed their satisfaction that the support given to the fund was growing so splendidly, the Chairman remarking that he felt that the sympathy of the people of the town and villages would continue with the prisoners of war, and that the extra support needed would be forthcoming to enable the committee to maintain in full the necessary food parcels.
COLLAPSE OF THE MUNITION STRIKE.
The munition strike at Coventry and Birmingham, which at one time threatened to involve other important centres in a stoppage of work, collapsed during the weekend, the men accepting a suggestion by the Government that a committee of inquiry should be set up to consider the whole question of the rationing of labour.
On Sunday morning a mass meeting of between 1,000 and 1,200 Rugby workers was held in the large Co-operative Hall to hear a report from the delegates to the National Conference, and to consider what action should be taken. It was resolved, with only one dissentient and a number remaining neutral, to accept the recommendation of the National Conference, and cease work on Tuesday evening. Happily, however, the strike had collapsed in the meantime, so that no stoppage occurred locally.
REMEMBRANCE DAY.—To-morrow (Sunday) is the fourth anniversary of the declaration of war, and will be observed by special services in all places of worship. A united intercession service will take place in St Matthew’s Church in the evening, and a drumhead service has been arranged by the discharged sailors and soldiers, to be held in the Lower School field in the afternoon.
RUGBY & DISTRICT FOOD CONTROL COMMITTEE.
At a meeting of this committee, held on Thursday in last week, there were present : Messrs T A Wise (chairman), H Tarbox (vice-chairman), Mrs Shelley, Mrs Townsend, Messrs A Appleby, W Brooke, G Cooke, J Cripps, T Ewart, A Humphrey, J H Mellor, and W A Stevenson.
The Executive Officer (Mr F M Burton) read a reply from the Divisional Commissioner with reference to the protest of the Rugby Grocers’ Association against the regulation requiring them to fill in various returns with regard to their stocks of bacon. The Commissioner pointed out that it was intended that these returns should form the basis for the allocation of further supplies. The authorities were fully aware of the difficulties as to staffs, &c, with which traders were confronted ; but they believed that, as they became more accustomed to these forms, the difficulties would disappear.—Mr Brooke said the Birmingham and West Bromwich grocers had refused to fill up the returns, and did not intend to do so ; in fact, traders all over the country were refusing, and had stated that no Government would make them do it.—Mr Tarbox : What has “ Dora ” got to say about that ?—The Executive Officer : Rugby is setting a very good example.—Mr Brooke : There is no place doing this as well as Rugby is.
The Executive Officer said there were between 100 and 150 retailers in the town, and only seven had failed to send in the returns.—Mr Cripps : The Government will have to deal with the grocers in the same way as they say they will the engineers.—The Chairman : In that case other men will be losing their exemptions, and will be sent into the Army.—Mr Brooke said if it was the wish of the committee the grocers would continue to fill up the forms.—The Chairman said it was the wish of the committee that this should be done. The association and the committee had made their protest, but the Ministry would not listen to them.—Mr Brooke said the whole of the work would be lost unless the returns were sent in everywhere, and this fact would strengthen their position if they refused to fill up the forms.
The Executive Officer read a communication to the effect that a new scheme for the distribution of cheese was to be put into effect on July 24th, from which date it was anticipated good supplies would be available.—Mr Cooke remarked that it was strange that there seemed to be a prospect of a surplus of cheese now that the price had advanced by 4d per lb. It was also very peculiar that a short time ago the public were told no fat was coming into the country ; whereas the price of margarine was now to be raised because it was said more fat was being used in making it.—Mr Brooke : At present prices it is impossible for traders to make their businesses pay.
The Executive Officer said he had received bacon and lard price lists from the Ministry of Food, and he had supplied each retailer with a copy.
With reference to the potatoes which it was reported had been supplied to a Yelvertoft baker for bread making, and which were either bad or growing out, a letter was read from the Divisional Commissioner, pointing out that if the potatoes were supplied in a diseased condition the committee should call upon the factor or grower either to make good the loss, or to supply a fresh quantity of potatoes. Committees should reject all potatoes which were not in accordance with the conditions of the purchase, and it was the duty of the factor to investigate all complaints and to obtain compensation from the grower.—Mr Cripps said he was of opinion that the purchaser was largely to blame for the condition of the potatoes, because he had neglected to take them out of the sacks.—Some discussion took place on this point ; but Mr Ewart, who had inspected the potatoes, said their condition suggested that they were bad when they were despatched. Many of them were quite squashy.—The Executive Officer was directed to take the necessary steps.
A Brandon dairy farmer wrote stating that he was giving up his business on September 28th, and after that date no milk would be delivered in Brandon and Wolston.—The Executive Officer confirmed this, and said the last man had been taken from the farm, in consequence of which the farmer was retiring. The ingoing tenant would not deliver milk.
On Saturday, July 20th, 14 licenses for the sale of meat without coupons were issued, and 550lbs of beef (an increase of 313lbs) and 100lbs of brawn were sold. The increase in the quantity of beef was due to the poor quality of the imported beef.—Mr Griffin said brawn was being sold without coupons in other towns, and he asked why they could not do the same in Rugby ?—The Executive Officer said brawn made from edible offal was coupon free, but for other brawn a coupon had to be surrendered.
FATAL AEROPLANE ACCIDENT.
An inquest was held on Saturday concerning the death of Col Ralph Harold Austin Sparks, R.A.F, Somerset House Clarendon Place, Leamington, which (as we reported last week) was causes by an aeroplane accident on Thursday.
The father of deceased, George Austin Sparks, 47 Hopton Road, Streatham, London, stated that his son was 37 years of age, and had been a pilot since 1915.
Capt Norman Brearley, R.A.F, deposed that on Thursday morning the deceased officer, was flying a machine, and until he reached a height of 300 feet the engine worked satisfactorily. At this altitude Col Austin Sparks turned the machine to the left. The pilot apparently had engine trouble, for he made another turn to the left, which brought him into the wind. This turn started the machine spinning, and it nose dived, crashed to the ground, and burst into flames, which were caused by the petrol tank bursting and flooding the hot engine. Witness gave technical explanations as to how the spinning might have been started ; and, in reply to a juryman, said the deceased had only been in the air a minute before the accident happened, but the engine would be hot enough to ignite the petrol before the machine left the ground.
Air Mechanic Arthur William Spinks deposed that he examined the engine on the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning before the accident, and it was then in perfect order. When Col Austin Sparks had reached an altitude of 50 or 70 feet the engine began to splutter, but witness could not account for this.
Surgeon-Major Chester Collins deposed that he visited the spot a few minutes after the accident. The deceased officer was in a semi-sitting position in the burning machine. The heat was so great that it was impossible for the helpers to get near enough to render assistance, but witness satisfied himself that the officer was dead. The flames were about 12 feet high, and the lower portion of the deceased’s body was pinned under the engine, so that, although several of the men made the attempt and received serious burns in so doing, it was impossible to extricate the body until the flames had been subdued by fire extinguishers. Witness afterwards found that the injuries were such that death must have been instantaneous.
A verdict of, “ Accidental death ” was returned, and the Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the father and wife of the deceased officer.
IN MEMORIAM.
DANIELS.—In ever-loving remembrance of Corpl. LEONARD GORDON DANIELS, Grenadier Guards, who died of wounds in Belgium on August 4, 1917, aged 19 years.—“ We shall remember whilst the light lasts, and in the darkness we shall not forget.”—Always in the thoughts of his loving Mother, Father, Brothers, Grandmas and Grandpas.
DUNCUFF.—In ever-loving memory of ARTHUR FRANCIS DUNCUFF, who died of wounds in France on August 3, 1916.—Never forgotten by his Wife.
DUNCUFF.—In loving memory of our dear son and brother, ARTHUR FRANCIS DUNCUFF, who died of wounds in France on August 3, 1916.—Sadly missed by his Mother, Father, Brother and Sister.
GOODMAN.—In loving memory of our two dear sons, Gunner FRED GOODMAN, R.F.A., who died from wounds received in action on August 3, 1916. aged 20 years ; also his brother. Pte. W. G. GOODMAN, 1st Royal Warwicks, killed in action on August 27, 1914, aged 29, at the Retreat from Mons.
“ Father in Thy tender keeping.
Leave we there our dear sons sleeping.”
—From their loving Father and Mother.
GURNEY.—In ever-loving memory of our dear son, Pte. HARRY GURNEY, of Church Lawford, who was killed in action on July 30, 1916.
Somewhere in France there is a nameless grave.
Where sleeps our loved one amongst the brave ;
But the unknown grave is the bitterest blow,
None but his loved ones ever know.”
—From Mother, Father, Brothers and Sister.
HOWKINS.—In ever-loving memory of Lieut. MAURICE HOWKINS, West Riding, R H.A., of Hillmorton Grounds, Rugby, who fell at the victory of Romani, Egypt, August 4. 1916, aged 22 years.
“ Call their names o’er, leave them not
In the shade as those forgot ;
Tender thought to them we give,
At the touch whereof ‘THEY LIVE’.”
LEE.—In loving and affectionate memory of Sergt HAROLD LEE, 10th Warwickshire Regiment, who died in France on August 6, 1916, from wounds received in action on July 23rd. Interred in a cemetery near Treport.
“ Sweet is the memory he left behind
Of a life that was manly, clean, and kind ;
His fight is fought, he has gained his rest ;
We remember dear Harold as one of the best.”
—Inserted by his Friends.
PRESTON.—In loving memory of Rifleman JACK PRESTON, 7th K.R.R., who was killed in action on July 30, 1915.
“ In life loving much, he was greatly beloved,
And in death deeply mourned.”
—From Father, Mother, and Sisters.
REDFEARN.—In loving memory of Rifleman JOSEPH CHARLES REDFEARN, 7th K.R.R.C., who died of wounds on July 21, 1915. Buried in Lyssenthork Cemetery.—“ To live in the hearts of those they leave behind, is not to die.”—From Wife and Daughters (Thame).
REYNOLDS.—In loving memory of Sergt GEORGE REYNOLDS, killed in action on July 31, 1917 ; also of Pte. HARRY REYNOLDS, died of wounds on August 12, 1917, in France.—From Father, Mother, and. Sisters.
SHAW.—In loving memory of Pte. J. G. SHAW, of the R.W.R., second son of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Shaw, of Coventry Road, Dunchurch, who was killed in action in France on August 1, 1916, aged 26 years.
“ Days of sadness still come o’er us,
Tears in silence often flow,
Thinking of the day we lost you ;
Just two years ago.
Too far away thy grave to see,
But not too far to think of thee.”
—From his loving Father, Mother, Brothers, and Sisters.
SMITH.—In loving memory of HERBERT SMITH, K.R.R., killed in action in Flanders on July 30, 1915.
“ God took our loved one from our home,
But never from our hearts.”
Sadly missed by his loving Father, Sisters and Brothers.
Rugby Remembers 