Norwood News- Friday 31 January 1919
THE TRITTON FAMILY.
INTERESTING BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES If there has been ono name in the Norwood district more prominent than any other in every mm, eir.ent of benevolent or philanthropic nature. it is that of Tritton. Recently book was placed in our lhands in which Mr. J. Herbert Tritton. with loving care and reverence. traces the descent and tells the story of the famous family. As only 150 copies of the volume. quite work of art in itself. hare been printed. it iv not probable that many people will have an opportunity of reading it. and therefore some notice of it will he interesting to our readers, to whore the name. the family and its characteristics. are so well known. . From his earliest yearn the writer has been accumulating facts. material, and documents bearing on the family and its name. which is not a common one. In the various chapters of the book he deals first with the sources of the name. if not of the family. then of scattered bearers of the name, and lastly of the family history. The author is not writing for the archaeologist or the antiquarian. but for generation which may be further removed from the sources of information than he himself.
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Nothing of yesterday is the family name Om mind must travel beck to those far. off times when in the fifth and sixth cen. tunes the English from over the seas were beginning to make this country their own. In the fifty years following A.D. 605 were four Archbishops of Canterbury. all Roman monks. but in 655 was consecrated the first Archbishop. born and bred in this land, brought eat of Wessex. one "Trithona." sometimes brit incorrectly called Frithona. Thryth or Tryth means strength. and has the same root as troth or troth. This root is evidently the Teutonic Try, from the earlier Slavonic or Aryan Dru. This seems to connect the name with the Wendish. or Vandal. or Ostrogoth race, of which King Timodoric in Ravenna was a member, who were among the earliest of the immigrant tribes in this country. "'Thereto Iplight thee my troth" sounds like Anglo-Saxon. but is really an echo of much earlier races. The lutes of Canterbury. proud of their Italian connection and of the privileges of their superior civilisation. were not very willing to receive a Saxon Archbishop. and Trithona thought it expedient to assume a Latin appellation. He is knows in history an Iletin.dcbit. and was the first Archbishop that 141, 9 a native of this nation. He was a man of good learning. eminent for the holies. of his life. These qualities recommended him for the government of the ehe ch. he'einuitted himself most faithfully t. 9 the day of his death. which is said to hay been Aliso 664. and as "The Saxon Chcrnicle." from which there particulars are taken. chronicle.. a great plague that year. probably the Arch. bishop's death was due to it.
Moss. Going on some hundreds of years, but wall only then reaching the Nonnan Conquest. we find the place.nanie of Treton in localities corresponding to the angles and three, sides of a triangle. the hasp of which ix from ttlitutonbury to eanterleury. and the apex is in south-west Yorkshire. with the Roman roads following roughly the same triangular figure. Further inquiries and Investigations estab. fish a reit. actable link between what rray be cancel the 'fritton districts in Kent. the Tinton ofistriets in Yorkshire.. and the Tritton districts in Wessex. 'l' he name too, is getting into a settled form. for in the " Anglo. Norman in county Kent there occur the names Roger Tritt um. 1100. Raoul 'l' rit ton. 1163. Roger Tritton. 118:i. etc. Unb_ the Angrvies. The most notable members of the flintily in the 14th oentury were two of the name of Richard de Treton. The firxt. who flourished in the reign of Edward 11. (1107-1327), was a supporter of the Banos wed the Parliament against the King MIA hi, favourites, the Despeucers; he took part in the "pursuit " of the Despencers. fetter, and sun. to whom Edward, in hi, listlii — Luss and sloth, after the ignominy of thy Battle of Bannockburn. 1314. had handed over the conduct of national affair-. and by whirr the patience of Englishmen was exhausted. The second was Richard de Treton. elerieus. probably grondson of the shove. He wan "clerics, " end " familiaris of Robert de Thorpe. Knight. Chancellor of England. on whose death. at the residence of Robert. Bishop of Sarum. "is Fletatems is the suburbs of London. — he and another conveyed the Beal with due formality to N?et minster. In the mare century Richard 'Ninon was Raster of Carpus Christi College, Cam bridge. Swing MMus Thew At the southern centre in East Kent the Tritton homes were ranged along the edge of that vast forest of Anderida, which originally stretched from east to west some eighty miles, nearly as far a. Winchester. with a width from north to south of thirty Here on the edge of the Weald they sitnessed the introduction of haps nod of cherries: in fact. one of the earliest cherry orchards is said to bays been on a Tritton farm at Chilliagham Green. near (treat ('hart. (renege Fox. the founder of Quakerism. and the famous apemair preacher. was, according to his journal. on a preaching tour tbroegh Kent in 1655 and in 1656. and was in Ashford in 164g1. 1668. and in 1670 in which last year he revords that his meetings in Kent were "glorious and precious." John Tricson's eon, Robert, an apprentice in Canter bury. had come under the influence of Fox or one of his band. for in 1661. and again in 11011 he was fined and imprisoned by the High Sheriff for attending illegal meetings. and for absence from the national worship.
Trlttess and niudaya It waR in 1667 that Cotoned Uav id Barclay and his .on. Robert Barelay the Apologist. harem.) Quakers. These two and John and Robert Tritton ware -like destined to suffer for their faith. and later the descendants of the families of Barclay audwTritton were more than once to be united in matrimony. Pawl, . Redden miler!be In the Devonshire House MSS.. under date lent. it is stated that " John and Robert Tritton were in trouble for not send. ins out orisons the fourth month. for which was taken from John Tritton I Ifleeces of wool) weighing 341 pounds. though the said John had not any warning to send out any arms that summer." And again--" 1705. John Tritton of Ashford had taken from him by S. Warren. priest. of Ashford, by his Constable Borshodler and substitute by warrant 25 pounds of pewter worth les. for ss. of offerings au d 88. barges." lOh Oisteri Father's LOW. JOBS TBITTON TO TIITTON. Ashford 6 mo 17th 1728. DEAR Twain. IReed thine some time since and was glad to hear thou west well in Health. wch Blessing Ihope will be continued to thee, as through mercy we are partakers of the like att peent. IDesire thoult be Diligent to improve thyselfe in Learning, and also very observant of all thy Master Admonitions, and likewise what thou hearesit Delivered in public, that thou mayest both Advance in Virtue and Learning, wch will be a great Comfort to we to hear and for thy Advantage both hear and hereafter with this Caution I conclude (Be sure to speak Truth, and commit no Undeeent action), Remaining thy Lovg Father, JOHN TRITTON. Give my respects to Mine with thy the Masts and Mists Mother's and wth love to Cousin Brother's (who 1 Hammy, they are all found this after. well at his Father's noon much out of for ought Iknow. order wth a fever being since Iwrote as above). Dear Love to thee. Neighrs Morton and Wood give their services. to thee."
MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC JOTTINGS. Ishould like to call attention to a memorial service whic h will be held at St. Paul'. Cathedral on Saturday. February 22nd. at 2 p.m. It is being organised by the Newspaper Conference and kindred bodies, including the printing Trade Unions. to commemorate the journalists. printers, and other persons employed in the offices of newspapers. magazines and periodicals, who have fallen in the war. An influential committee has been appointed to make the arrangements. on which are the best known names in jour. nalism. The names of the fallen men will he printed in the service books. and it is intended to include the names of men employed in general printing offices. The Bishop of Hereford will give the address and the appropriate service will be arranged by the Dean and Chapter. in which the band of the (lrenadier Unards will take part. Mr. Frederic Lomond. bark from his internment in Ruhleben ramp. showed last wee k that as a pianist, and especially its an exponent of Beethoven, his hands have not lost their running nor his head its sympathetic note. Before the war he was recognised as a first ranker. and ho will keep his place. It is strange that the change of one letter .in his name would indicate his origin to the eye. for he Is a Scotsman. horn at Glasgow 51 years ago this week. Mr. Lamond was organist at Laurieston Park Church in 1880. and as he also studied the violin and the oboe. he is quadruply equipped as a player. He studied at Frankfort. and later had lessons from Liszt and Von Bubo.. Asa virtuoso he has performed in all the musical centres in Europe. and it was whilst so engaged that he was caught in Germany at the outbreak of the war and interned. The Actors' Church Union has now completed arrangements for a war shrine to commemoratp members of the theatrical profession -rho have given their lives for their country. including members of orchestras. stage hands. etc. The shrine will be dedicated at St. Anne's Church, Soho. early in Mamh. after which it will be exhibited at various theatres, finally possibly to find a permanent home in the first Memorial Hostel for the children of touring actors. the 1.000 for which has been fully subscribed. Row a name brings bark recollections! I have just been reading a paragraph about Mr. Catty Sellars. an organist. who has been touring in South America. giving recitals on behalf of the Red Cross Fund. Ifirst came across the name of this organist on one of those halfday excursions to Skegness run in the days so long ago — it seems now — by the C.N.R. for about 4s. 6d. return. I think. I can't say I was much taken by the sea-front, so my companion clergyman. by the way and Istrolled into the town to investigate the churches. There. at the door of one. we found a notice of a recital by Mr. Getty Reliant. the organist. And. stranger still, within a few days! heard the same gentleman play on the great organ at the Crystal Palace. When people have a hobby. they are often inclined to ride it to death. It is something like this with the fervent devotees of the Folk Song cult. Quite lately prominent members of the society like Mr. Plunket Greene. Dr. Somervell. Mr. Granville Harker, and Mr. Cecil Sharp. have been showing, or attempting to show. the value of the folk song to the public singer. its educational value, its democratic aspect and dramatic value. and how the national life can be leavened by its means. It was only the other day we heard that National Kitchens would be the leaven that would leaven the whole masa. So with National Kitchen', and Folk Songs we ought to be quite all right. It is good news to hear that Westminster Abbey is to have a really good peal of eight bells Biiold ones are to be t horo ughly overhauled and retuned. and two added to complete the octave. It appears that the old bells, except the treble. which is of early 14th century date, were east at the Wbitechnpel foundry of Mears and Stainhank. A few years ago. by the way. the senior partner in this firm lived Upper Norwood. and the pitiful clang of the hell at the newly erected St. Margaret's Church so disturbed his musical ear that he presented a new one from the Whitechapel foundry to take its place.
as/ WIN= PION. The Trittons. the Barclays, and then the Browns. continued their relationships as Quaker.. bankers and friends. Henton Brown heed at the banking house in Lombard-street. and also had a house on the south side of Clapham Common. which was opposite one of the ponds. of whioh we read: The mound in the centre of one of the ponds was raised and a Pagoda summer house placed on its summit by Henton Brown. Rem.. of Lombard.street. Mr. Brows it seems spent great deal of money on this mount and . gond. The mount was planted with choice shrubs as well as trees. and bridge was carried over from the east side to connect it with the Common: a pleasure boat was also kept thore. . He had it fenced round with poets and rails, and he made a conduit front the pond to supply reservoir la his own grounds . . . This worthy Quaker, Henton Brown. not only had considerable business a banker, but was also among the number of literary bankers, writing several books (recorded in the Catalogue of Friends' Books) on the Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in support of the principles of the Quakers as laid down in Robert Barclays works. He was also evidently on very good terms with the then Archbishop of Canterbury. who. in response to an invitation to dine with the Quaker honker. wrote thus: ARCHBISHOP Or CAWIIIRSCRY TO HINTON Me. Beowx. You oblige me very much by yr kind Invitation to dine with you. and those noble Friends of yours who have my most respectful Esteem, but I must beg leave to decline the favour. for tho'. Ibless Cod. I am abundantly better. I am become so much a-valetudinarian that Ihardly ever dine abroad. Ipurpose before the beauty of the slimmer goes to catch you some afternoon. and look upon the 'Aerations in your pretty Ds oiling; Ihale observed that you have been at work. I am. Mr. Brown. Your obliged Friend. CANTAU R. Croydon Holw. .rune 1901. 1734.
Wandsworth Common Beauties
The Trittons lived hard by Wandsworth Common in the eighteenth century. and its beauties appealed to them. There was the magnificent healthy golden Wandsworth Common stretching in a glorious expanse of green. brown. and yellow tints as far as the eye could reach in the direction of /Wham. This common was, indeed. at that time a meet enchanting eight. and the many noble avenues. venerable oaks, clumps of elms. and graceful groups of mountein ash. which by nature had been so beautifully planted. must have made it delightful spot. Before them, looking away east. could be seen the great metropolis. its many church spires and towers. which gave London such characteristic appearance. bring distinctly observed. A little to the right, the river. hexing forsaken the regular embankment. had forced its way inland. form ing a creek. Into this rusk a stream. known to our forefathers as the Falcon Brook, flowed. The stream rose in the neighbourhood of Balham. and. meandering through a beautiful valley in the direction of Northcote-road passed through three lakes. whose water., extended the whole length of the potent t. John's road. known then as the Wash
But St. Margaret's Church. Norwood. and Westminster Abbey have not much in common; so to return. What changes that 14th century treble bell has seen! The early part of the century takes in the reigns of Edward 11. and his queen. the "she-wolf of Prance with unrelenting fangs." and later the " Mighty Victor. Mighty Lord." Edward 111.. and his son the Black Prince. victors of ('recy and Poitiers on that Picardy field. where "The lion of the sea treads the gay lilies down." Now on that same Picardy field. the lion
SOME FAMOUS CHURCH BELLS.
Iand the lilies. or rather. its successor. the To h. core inued.) he Ancient Society of College Youths, was founded in 1617 by Sir Charles Frereton, Sir Chffe Clifton. and others. to promote the art of scientific ehnge ringing. The Ancient Soriety has its headquarters at St. Paul's Cathedral. and holds poetic. meetings St many of the City belfries. Pertispe the finest performance ever recanted in heavy bell. ringing was that at rd. Mary.le Buw, Cheap. side. on January lath. 1911, when eight member. of the Ancient Society acromplished peal of London Surprise M for (the most difficult of methale) in four hours. One man rang the 63orit. tenor and conducted the peal. A peal consists of 3.000, or more. changes. Anything below that number is called "touch." Frequently for Sunday services, quarter.peals are rung — about 1, 260 chengee — but it is only when over 6,000 change. are rung that it is c lkd by ringers tricolour. have fought side by side. and have trodden down the eagle of Prawn'. Carty the mind on through the centuries from Edward 111., and what a telethis leth century could tell of coronation.. of victory songs. of funeral dirges. around which cluster the history of the land. When the new peal is complete. Westminster will. in the belt-ringing world, compete on equal terms with the East Minute-. Lancelot." in the Referee. has couple of pertinent paragraphs on the question of organists' salaries. It would be of real interest if we could have a list of those ehurobes in which the organists' salaries have been increaaed, and in what proportit.n. liner. the outbreak of the war. When other folks have been getting riots, bonuses. and extra boouses, how have organists fared t As fact, the whole system of payment of organists needs overhauling and salary given proportionate to the dignity of the office and the standing of the organist. peal" Westminster Abbey will, 00n possess the howviest ring of eight hells in London. Tlivre are, hoiccvcr. heavier peals. St. Mil's (-thodral conteine ring of 12. the tenor weighing Went. Other peals of 12 are 84. Mary.le.Fkiw. Cheapside (the famous "Bow Belle "1. tenor 63 cwt.; Southwark Onthedral, tenor 60 cert.; St. Michael's. on rornhill. tenor 41 cwt. "One- . Torn, " of Lincoln Cathedral. weighs 5 tons cwt. The great bell of Westminster elork tower, which strikes the boors, weigh. 13 tone 10 rwt. 3qr. 151 b., end is the 'egret bell ever rest in London. It must le eight or ten years ego that I chronicled the suoceepful appearance of a very youthful violinist — Hobert Marno. of Sydenham — at one of Mr. Gustav Ernest's students concerts. Later he won a scholarship at the R.C.M.. and is now member of the Queen's Hall Orchestra. Now Ihear that his sister. Dorothy. gives evidence of becoming proficient 'cellist. A pupil of Miss Dora Petherick. one of the well. known sisters, she has jest passed the higher division examination of the Asso elated Board at the age of 13. the examiners encouraging her to stick to her studies berati&e of. th promise she gives. Mr. Hosing is so well known in the Norwood and Sydenham districts that his CROYDON AND THE " VINDICTIVE/ — To the new "Vindictive " Croydon ia presenting an oil painting of the famous; Zeebrugge affair, where Captain A. T. B. Carpenter. who lives in the borough, was in command of the old " Vindictive " and earned the V.C. The picture haa been painted by Hr. C. J. De Ineey, from deocription given by Captain Carpenter. It is to be hong in the ward-room of the new " Vindictive." of which Captain Chace. son of the late Dr. W. G. Orem the Oloucestershire and All England cricketer, in in command. friends will be glad that he is gaining moro sad mere _he good opinion of the critics. One rays he has "such secure grip of his songs and such a good-tempered love of his
NOTED' AND NOTIONS.
DANCING AND DANCE FROCKS. To welcome our home-coming soldiers and sailors. d noes and parties are the order of the day. Everyone who can dance is dancing. and the demand for suitable frocks is great. For the young girl, the most simple toilette is undoubtedly the prettiest. and as present fashions are without much fit, this should present few difficulties to the home surlier. First and foremost there is the frock of extreme severity, cut in one from shoulder to hem. and held in at the waist by a girdle of tissue or sequins. Then there is the very easily runup gown, showing peg. top draperies and the tunic of transparent fabric so desirable in the matter of remove. Lions. The average width at the hem for dance frock of firm material is about a yard mid a half, but more fragile fabrics require a hem measurement of at least two and half yards. All dance frocks for young girls are short, the little sleeves being also short and tight, while the neck is ' out only moderately low. The "NEWS, " for Norwood, Anerley, Penge, Sydenham, Selhurst & Woodside, Friday, January 31, 1919
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"MRS HUDSON LYALL
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Hornsey Historical Society
HORNSEY WOMEN AND THE VOTE
Meeting at Crouch End
An article from the Hornsey Journal, 11 April 1919
Under the auspices of the Hornsey Conservative and Unionist Association, a meeting for women was held at the Parish Hall, Edison Road, Crouch End on Thursday afternoon last week (4th), when addresses were given by Mr Kennedy Jones MP and Mrs Hudson Lyall, London County Council, on "The Powers and Responsibilities Conferred on Women by the Vote".
Mrs Longman of Highgate presided and there was a large attendance. Mrs Longman said that now every woman over 30, irrespective of class, had the vote, it was a sacred duty to use it for the best possible good of their country. (Applause).
Mr Kennedy Jones began his speech with characteristic caution. With the Chairman and Secretary of the Association at the back of the platform, and another mere man at the Press table, he was justified in addressing the company as 'Ladies and gentlemen'. Then he took the ladies into his confidence. "It is rather a fearsome business" he said, "for a man, unsupported and alone even if he is a Member of Parliament to attempt to address a large gathering like this composed solely of women. Varied as my experiences in life have been, somehow I have never lost or got rid of my sense of fear of the other sex. (Laughter).
You cannot argue with them at least Inever do, because Ialways get the worst of the argument and then women always want the last word. Well, I do not blame them: Ilike to have it myself and I have observed in Parliament that when awkward questions arise the one thing Ministers want is the last word so that no one can reply to them and point out what a mess they are making of our affairs".
Mr Kennedy Jones proceeded: "In these days of disturbance and unrest it is to my mind of the greatest importance that women should make themselves acquainted with and come to a full understanding of public affairs. It is their duty that they should do so, and indeed, it is to their own benefit that they should do so. Angry men, irritated men, selfish men, visionary men may do things hastily and hurriedly. Women are in the main dominated by the desire to achieve the comfort and happiness and the unity of their homes and the prosperity of their families. I want you to play your full part with wise, understanding and calm judgement". (Applause).
Mrs Hudson Lyall said they had met to consider the responsibilities of their new-born citizenship at a solemn hour in their country's history. They had come through the dark night of war, but there were threatening clouds about. They seemed to stand at a great pause in history at a time of national peril and if women did not use the great weapon placed in their hands, they would fail in their duty to use it for the highest purposes and the loftiest ideals. Just before the General Election a well-known London MP had said, in her presence, that he had always opposed women taking part in public life because politics was a dirty game and he did not care to see them besmirched. That gave her the opportunity to say that she hoped with their influence politics could no longer be what he had described. (Applause).
But they would not be able to do so unless they became interested in public questions and used both their vote and their influence upon others. She hoped that one result of that meeting would be the formation in that borough of a big, strong women's organisation with regular meetings held because in that way they could get instructed and be enabled to exercise their due influence on public affairs. When the armistice came a great many people, who never seemed to look beyond their noses, seemed to think that all was over bar the shouting, but that was not so. The victory won by our men was only the end of a terrible struggle that had shaken mankind to its depths, and civilisation to its foundations. The real peace was something different. It was for the citizens at home to build on the sacred soil won by our men something worthy of the great price paid for it, and women would fail in their duty if they did not take their share in the task.
Women must learn to think for themselves and not take their opinions from the newspapers. Women should vote and influence others to do so at both Parliamentary and municipal elections. There were very few women on public councils and any organisation set up in Hornsey would help enormously to women being properly represented. Out of 5,000 County Council members only eight were women and three of them were aldermen. There were only 26 women on the Metropolitan borough councils and only 17 out of the 16,000 urban district councillors throughout the country.
Women should have larger representation on these bodies. They should not stand as women against men, but work together to make a complete whole. It was very difficult, she knew, to get good women candidates, and when obtained they might not be elected because the men did not particularly want them. (Laughter). But they must persevere. There were questions in which women were particularly interested. Housing was much more a woman's question than a man's. Then there were the clinics and schools for mothers which had not only reduced infant mortality, but had resulted in stronger and better survivors. Food questions also affected the women of the country.
Touching upon the mischievous propaganda of Bolshevism in this country, Mrs Lyall said that 1,800 meetings a week were held in this country, but a wholesome public opinion would keep the country right. She would like to see a new censorship of the Press that would exclude pictures of fancy veils at 3 each. (Hear, hear.) It was foolish enough to have such things; let them not advertise their folly.
In conclusion, Mrs Lyall said that in securing for this land, and the world, a brighter, better future they would be creating the finest memorial to those who had made it possible by their victories on the battlefields of Europe (Applause).
A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the Chairman and the Speakers and the company, before leaving, 'took tea' with the Member for Hornsey.
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Norwood News- Friday 9 May 1919
BOWLS
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"V INTERESTING
Woman's Dreadnought — Saturday 24 May 1919
OUTSIDE WANDSWORTH PRISON.
BY CLARA GILBERT COLE.
Mrs. Cole who, in support of the action of the conscientious objectors, has stood with a banner outside Wandsworth Gaol daily since January 15th gives the following account of ROMe of her experiences. The majority of the soldier prisoners are young, their ages ranging from 17 to 20. Some of th e lads joined up when they were 15 and one soldier told me ho ran away and joined up at 14. These young lads cannot stand the discipline. Most of these boys and men would never have seen the inside of a prison but for the war. As the escort to whom one had been handcuffed rubbed his badly-marked wrists, he said the lack was dangerous-he was only 16 years old. That morning he had asked for a drink of water and upon receiving it threw the pail over the officer. " A high-spirited lad " would have been the verdict had he behaved thus to an alien enemy. Two lads were brought up and as the door shut their escorts fumed up and down, declaring they were heroes and ought to be decorated for what they had done, not imprisoned. They had been twice over the top, taken prisoners in Germany and escaped, then, just for overstaying their leave, they were imprisoned. I have yet to see officers, either in handcuffs, or escorted to be punished by drill until they drop, and, as one soldier said, to be picked up to drill again. No, the officers order the punishment instead, and as a C.O. remarked : " The principle of militarism is to make the men more afraid of their own officers than they are of the enemy." One day about fifty soldiers went in with fixed bayonets, and from the mutterings around Igathered that ghastly things go on in the *iilitary side of a prison as well as in the trenches, but these are committed in the name of discipline, justice, and freedom. Prisoners going out and prisoners coming in meet and greet little to look forward to in either case, as Ima told prisoners are r e lsasod before their sentences am up, in order that they may be sent abroad and then to the front-a mean way of getting recruits. On January 25th a group of French Canadians asked what my banner meant, and offered me money. I thanked them and 1-aid I was doing it for love. They wore anxious to know about it ; as they knew little English and Iloss French we were getting on slowly until a soldier stepped forward giving he understood English perfectly and would act as interpreter. After that we had a good talk on " The International," Socialism, and the war. They were war weary, and only anxious for home ; agreed with all Isaid, emphasising each point by sharp nods and gestures, awl again tried to press money upon me. Their trusting faces were male for better things than war, and it must be torture for such men to live in the army. They said they had learnt many things since coming here and were quite disillusioned. Isaid they must not judge England, or English people, in war-time. A girl wife came out of prison and told me her husband and another C.O. who were on the military side were to be sent to France. Knowing what that meant, Iunderstood her state of mind as she hurried off to try and set the indifferent and ctunbersome machinery of the War Office in motion, and then, in case he should be sent away without warning, came back to watch the prison for hours in extreme cold, as so many poor relatives and friends of both C.O.s and soldiers do. A Belgian officer slowly read my placard, which bore the inscription "Wo protest against the per:fleution and imprisonment of Conscientious Objectors to war," then clapped his hands and no idol his head. As a white-faced soldier read the banner and entered the prison he added : " And for us too." The door clanged to before I could reply, and my heart surged with pity for him and revolt at capitalism, that has made conscripts of us all in some measure, for is not some portion of every penny we spend used to keep the war going ? One old gentleman of 85 often passes and greets me with a sympathetic word, and at parting " Goodbye and God bless you. I am glad to see you here again." Two gipsy women, wonderful characters for devotion and common sense, who reminded one of ' Lavengro,' are quite old friends. The tall one, with big beautiful, antique gold ear-rings, a very straight back, extremely clean and tidy, a white apron, and a face that has known trouble, told me her son is in for a year, only served a few weeks, kit she comes daily fearing ho will be sent to }ranee before his sentence expires, then on to the front, as I am told is often the case. She said, pointing to one side of the prison : " Little did I think many years ago before those buildings were up, when Iused to throw lit tlo plug: of tobacco for the prisoners wheeling their harrows, that Ishould have a son in there. — 1 longed to be able to recognise and watch for her son, it seemed hand to think he might pass out and I could not tell him he was not forgotten. One day as we three women were chatting together, Isaw a man advancing who always threw a scornful word. Iwaited expectantly, feeling 1 need not defend either myself or the C.O. He remarked : " You ought to bo ashamed of yourself," thinking he would surely be backed up by those two women. For a few moments the air was blue with a strange language ; when the atmosphere cleared mine enemy was walking away quicker than he came, and has not since troubled a-e. Before he was great on rushing out to kill Germans, yet ran away from two women's tongues. Red letter day to-day had more sympathisers than usual ; one, an elderly working man, questioned an unsympathetio escort about my placard, but not feeling satisfied with the replies came across to me and asked me to explain, saying he could not road. After my explanation, he said : " Ishould be in prison. 'too, if Iwere a young man." Then I:" Ishould carry the banner for you also." A woman who said she had noticed me for many days asked me to toll her all about it, afterwards thanked me very much, and said joyfully : " Ishall be able to show my friends these papers you have given me." A bluejacket and soldier approved of my banner, and gave me a fair chance to state the case. Another said : " You are a sticker," and two prisoners (soldiers) came out who had evidently changed their thinking, and said my banner was quite right. So, though the snow was falling, these and other signs that people are coming to after the chloroform of the press, made the day more bearable. An armed escort with flied bayonets of between forty and fifty men took in a batch of prisoners, mostly boys. What had they done " You are a marvel of endurance," mid a warder, A sergeant, in no way a pacifist, for he would not oven discuss my views, wanted to know if Ireceived money for this work. Although not agreeing with my views, he told me that the other sergeants had said I was well paid for the job. but he had maintained Igot nothing and wanted me to corroborate it. 1 told loin untold wealth would not buy what was my labour of love. Saturday, February Bth, an a-abulance car, No. L.U. 4470 C 39 drove up, out of it hobbled with difficulty a German prisoner with one leg accompanied by a soldier with fixed bayonet. What tragedy lay behind that and many other strange entrances and exits, I dumbly wondered. Ihad a disheartening morning, for some soldiers offered personal violence for the first time during my sojourn of a month. Ono took me by the shoulders and pushed me along, after threatening to take my banner and trying to make me go away. A woman joined in, and threatened what she would do. I did not remove my !melt.; front my muff, but told them I did not take orders from soldiers, that Ishould resist no personal violence, but if they took my banner away Ishould go home and get another 1 had thirteen more. For two hours afterwards they waited out in extreme cold, not daring to attack me again, nor yet daring to demand admittance to the warm waiting-room that was on the other side of the wall, against which they tried to rest their tired bodice. The adjutant always waits inside ; as usual, the bottom dog suffers. A bright girl with pretty hair, waited long and restlessly with a sailor friend ; finally the door opened for her and out came her lover. As he stepped over the threshold she flung her arms wide, then clasped him tight, let him go only to repeat the action. It was so passionate, so spontaneous, that every one was touched, and as the doorkeeper goodnaturedly called out " Hold on a bit," the tension was relaxed, the sailor friend shouldered the kit, whilst the girl grasped her lover's arm tightly with both hands, as though to keep him from the escort, who smilingly and considerately walked behind. A sergeant came up to three soldiers to whom I was speaking and told them to clear off or 1 should convert them to Bolshevism. After they had gone away, Iremarked to the sergeant : " You are not afraid of me, are you " In a friendly voice he replied " It's a pity every one else has not got your intelligence. A soldier told toe that when a friend of his received his discharge papers. he tore them up, laid them on the officers table, and said " Now I am going to be a conscientious objector." Today Isaw two C. 0.0 going back to prison. They had been out to attend, one a mother's funeral and tho other a sister's. I was looking out for a third, who had just had his 2lst birthday in prison and out at his sweetheart's funeral. Fancy tw-o to three years in prison. these painful hours of roloitse, then picture (if you ran) the going back, the cell. the thoughts and tears. tho silence, no kindly voice, no tender touch to soften the bitti-rne.s ( 4 death. February '26th.-- Three women in wretched health and much worried a-kert me to protest for the soldiers in prison and t lee the soldier they were visiting been let otT three years' Pell- Wilco in order that he might go to tJ-e war. Ho was now re-arrested to serve his former conviction. They thought going to the war would .exempt him from serving his previoti term. Is'aw Miss IL who she was going to Palestine the next day on relief work ; her brother had been on work strike for months. This means no hooks. no exercise, no visits, like living in a dead world. The tears fell from her eyes as she quietly told me that. she just mine to look at. the Prison where ho was for the last time before she went away, awl excused her tears, saying it made them fall to see the soldiers being taken into prison. I wanted to help, but a helpless feeling tied my tongue and hatuls, as has so often hap. Ironed before outside those gloomy gates. Just as I was rolling up my banner a friend handed mo hot tarts and a cake. A soldier came up anti said " I was a volunteer, but. I am not proud of it." Today Ihear the Australians hare mutinied inside the prison. The new thiverner insulted the C.O.s in unmentionable words, ordered one into Irons and dark tell, mud all on brttl and water- this with the armistice signed, after all the lads hat gone through, and a law still in the land that aims a man to have a conscience ! Saw an old mother picking up fags from expectoration at the &Ml' hour Princess Pat was being married in shi-un-oring robes, riding in a carriage -natlo by peoplo who have to stand up in trains after exhausting labour. A boy prisoner as he we- , being escorted in said badly : " Iwi-h Ihad been a ('.0." March Iflst-A poorly clad woman, 1k child, and an old mother, shivering with cold t out eyes weak she couhln t read the placard, asked me to tell her about it, and in return unfolds, a tale of misery that would move any mu , -me this Go' eminent. Her son hearing there was a death at home and knouing there were Matters his old mother could tt t, tintlerstand went home (to protect her) without leave, Ay. Re-ult imprisonment. As we were talking a Canadian soldier came up ( Ihail been speaking to him previously), pointing to me ho paid : 141 w is quite right." At that moment the son they were waiting for came out. The wife kissed him, he caught up the atilt, and hugged it ; the escort hurried him on, anal the old mother, crying bitterly a dozen yards behind tottered forward to catch up with the quick stride of the impatient escort. The eyes of toy friend the Ctuta4Lan were tnoist as he stud : "Look at that poor old woman crying." Ioverheard one of the sergeants say " The army is all right. Inever hail a warm overcoat or a decent pair of hoots till Ijoined up." My fifteenth week ; a Cam Tian cane up and MIT Ihe had wen me weeks ago an. I wanted to speak but didn't get the champ. lie 'aid he had never forgotten " The Qreatest Conscient Objector and the picture' Y ; that if hail burnt into his brain and he had gone back and told the orderly about it. Ihad hour's talk in the pouring rain, anti-" Mothers, you don't know what your boys are going through." With apologies for so much use of tho pronoun " I," this concludes some of my experiences outaido Wandsworth Prison.
[BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002236/19190524/010/0003" target="_blank">Link.]
OUTSIDE WANDSWORTH PRISON.
BY CLARA GILBERT COLE.
Mrs. Cole who, in support of the action of the conscientious objectors, has stood with a banner outside Wandsworth Gaol daily since January 15th gives the following account of some of her experiences.
The majority of the soldier prisoners are young, their ages ranging from 17 to 20. Some of the lads joined up when they were 15 and one soldier told me he ran away and joined up at 14. These young lads cannot stand the discipline. Most of these boys and men would never have seen the inside of a prison but for the war.
As the escort to whom one had been handcuffed rubbed his badly-marked wrists, he said the lack was dangerous-he was only 16 years old. That morning he had asked for a drink of water and upon receiving it threw the pail over the officer. " A high-spirited lad " would have been the verdict had he behaved thus to an alien enemy.
Two lads were brought up and as the door shut their escorts fumed up and down, declaring they were heroes and ought to be decorated for what they had done, not imprisoned. They had been twice over the top, taken prisoners in Germany and escaped, then, just for overstaying their leave, they were imprisoned. I have yet to see officers, either in handcuffs, or escorted to be punished by drill until they drop, and, as one soldier said, to be picked up to drill again. No, the officers order the punishment instead, and as a C. O. remarked: "The principle of militarism is to make the men more afraid of their own officers than they are of the enemy. "
One day about fifty soldiers went in with fixed bayonets, and from the mutterings around Igathered that ghastly things go on in the military side of a prison as well as in the trenches, but these are committed in the name of discipline, justice, and freedom.
Prisoners going out and prisoners coming in meet and greet little to look forward to in either case, as Ima told prisoners are released before their sentences am up, in order that they may be sent abroad and then to the front-a mean way of getting recruits.
On January 25th a group of French Canadians asked what my banner meant, and offered me money. I thanked them and 1-aid I was doing it for love. They wore anxious to know about it; as they knew little English and Iless French we were getting on slowly until a soldier stepped forward giving he understood English perfectly and would act as interpreter. After that we had a good talk on " The International, " Socialism, and the war. They were war weary, and only anxious for home; agreed with all Isaid, emphasising each point by sharp nods and gestures, awl again tried to press money upon me. Their trusting faces were male for better things than war, and it must be torture for such men to live in the army. They said they had learnt many things since coming here and were quite disillusioned. Isaid they must not judge England, or English people, in war-time.
A girl wife came out of prison and told me her husband and another C. O. who were on the military side were to be sent to France. Knowing what that meant, Iunderstood her state of mind as she hurried off to try and set the indifferent and cumbersome machinery of the War Office in motion, and then, in case he should be sent away without warning, came back to watch the prison for hours in extreme cold, as so many poor relatives and friends of both C. O. s and soldiers do.
A Belgian officer slowly read my placard, which bore the inscription "We protest against the persecution and imprisonment of Conscientious Objectors to war, " then clapped his hands and no idol his head.
As a white-faced soldier read the banner and entered the prison he added: "And for us too. " The door clanged to before I could reply, and my heart surged with pity for him and revolt at capitalism, that has made conscripts of us all in some measure, for is not some portion of every penny we spend used to keep the war going ?
One old gentleman of 85 often passes and greets me with a sympathetic word, and at parting " Goodbye and God bless you. I am glad to see you here again. "
Two gipsy women, wonderful characters for devotion and common sense, who reminded one of 'Lavengro', are quite old friends. The tall one, with big beautiful, antique gold ear-rings, a very straight back, extremely clean and tidy, a white apron, and a face that has known trouble, told me her son is in for a year, only served a few weeks, kit she comes daily fearing ho will be sent to France before his sentence expires, then on to the front, as I am told is often the case. She said, pointing to one side of the prison: "Little did I think many years ago before those buildings were up, when Iused to throw lit too plug: of tobacco for the prisoners wheeling their harrows, that Ishould have a son in there. — i Ilonged to be able to recognise and watch for her son, it seemed hand to think he might pass out and I could not tell him he was not forgotten. One day as we three women were chatting together, Isaw a man advancing who always threw a scornful word. Iwaited expectantly, feeling Ineed not defend either myself or the C.O. He remarked: "You ought to be ashamed of yourself," thinking he would surely be backed up by those two women. For a few moments the air was blue with a strange language; when the atmosphere cleared mine enemy was walking away quicker than he came, and has not since troubled a-e. Before he was great on rushing out to kill Germans, yet ran away from two women's tongues.
Red letter day to-day had more sympathisers than usual; one, an elderly working man, questioned an unsympathetic escort about my placard, but not feeling satisfied with the replies came across to me and asked me to explain, saying he could not road. After my explanation, he said: " Ishould be in prison. 'too, if Iwere a young man. " Then I: " Ishould carry the banner for you also. "
A woman who said she had noticed me for many days asked me to toll her all about it, afterwards thanked me very much, and said joyfully: " Ishall be able to show my friends these papers you have given me. " A bluejacket and soldier approved of my banner, and gave me a fair chance to state the case. Another said: "You are a sticker, " and two prisoners (soldiers) came out who had evidently changed their thinking, and said my banner was quite right. So, though the snow was falling, these and other signs that people are coming to after the chloroform of the press, made the day more bearable.
An armed escort with flied bayonets of between forty and fifty men took in a batch of prisoners, mostly boys. What had they done "
You are a marvel of endurance, " said a warder.
A sergeant, in no way a pacifist, for he would not oven discuss my views, wanted to know if Ireceived money for this work. Although not agreeing with my views, he told me that the other sergeants had said I was well paid for the job. but he had maintained Igot nothing and wanted me to corroborate it. Itold loin untold wealth would not buy what was my labour of love.
Saturday, February 8th, an ambulance car, No. L. U. 4470 C 39 drove up, out of it hobbled with difficulty a German prisoner with one leg accompanied by a soldier with fixed bayonet. What tragedy lay behind that and many other strange entrances and exits, I dumbly wondered.
Ihad a disheartening morning, for some soldiers offered personal violence for the first time during my sojourn of a month. One took me by the shoulders and pushed me along, after threatening to take my banner and trying to make me go away. A woman joined in, and threatened what she would do. I did not remove my!melt.; front my muff, but told them I did not take orders from soldiers, that Ishould resist no personal violence, but if they took my banner away Ishould go home and get another — Ihad thirteen more.
For two hours afterwards they waited out in extreme cold, not daring to attack me again, nor yet daring to demand admittance to the warm waiting-room that was on the other side of the wall, against which they tried to rest their tired bodice. The adjutant always waits inside; as usual, the bottom dog suffers.
A bright girl with pretty hair, waited long and restlessly with a sailor friend; finally the door opened for her and out came her lover. As he stepped over the threshold she flung her arms wide, then clasped him tight, let him go only to repeat the action. It was so passionate, so spontaneous, that every one was touched, and as the doorkeeper good-naturedly called out "Hold on a bit," the tension was relaxed, the sailor friend shouldered the kit, whilst the girl grasped her lover's arm tightly with both hands, as though to keep him from the escort, who smilingly and considerately walked behind.
A sergeant came up to three soldiers to whom I was speaking and told them to clear off or Ishould convert them to Bolshevism. After they had gone away, Iremarked to the sergeant: "You are not afraid of me, are you " In a friendly voice he replied " It's a pity every one else has not got your intelligence. A soldier told toe that when a friend of his received his discharge papers. he tore them up, laid them on the officers table, and said " Now I am going to be a conscientious objector. "
Today Isaw two C.0.s going back to prison. They had been out to attend, one a mother's funeral and the other a sister's. I was looking out for a third, who had just had his 2lst birthday in prison and out at his sweetheart's funeral. Fancy two-o to three years in prison. these painful hours of roloitse, then picture (if you ran) the going back, the cell. the thoughts and tears. the silence, no kindly voice, no tender touch to soften the bitterness of death.
February 26th. — Three women in wretched health and much worried a-kert me to protest for the soldiers in prison and t lee the soldier they were visiting been let otT three years' PellWilco in order that he might go to the war. Ho was now re-arrested to serve his former conviction. They thought going to the war would. exempt him from serving his previous term.
Isaw Miss H. who she was going to Palestine the next day on relief work; her brother had been on work strike for months. This means no hooks. no exercise, no visits, like living in a dead world. The tears fell from her eyes as she quietly told me that. she just mine to look at. the Prison where ho was for the last time before she went away, awl excused her tears, saying it made them fall to see the soldiers being taken into prison. I wanted to help, but a helpless feeling tied my tongue and hands, as has so often happened before outside those gloomy gates.
Just as I was rolling up my banner a friend handed me hot tarts and a cake. A soldier came up and said " I was a volunteer, but I am not proud of it. " Today Ihear the Australians hare mutinied inside the prison. The new thiverner insulted the C.O.s in unmentionable words, ordered one into Irons and dark cell, mud all on brttl and waterthis with the armistice signed, after all the lads had gone through, and a law still in the land that aims a man to have a conscience!
Saw an old mother picking up fags from expectoration at the &Ml' hour Princess Pat was being married in shi-un-oring robes, riding in a carriage — natlo by people who have to stand up in trains after exhausting labour. A boy prisoner as he we-, being escorted in said badly: " Iwish Ihad been a C.0."
March 21st — A poorly clad woman, 1k child, and an old mother, shivering with cold t out eyes weak she couldn't read the placard, asked me to tell her about it, and in return unfolds, a tale of misery that would move any mu, — me this Go' eminent. Her son hearing there was a death at home and knowing there were Matters his old mother could not, understand went home (to protect her) without leave, Ay. Result imprisonment.
As we were talking a Canadian soldier came up ( Ihail been speaking to him previously), pointing to me ho paid: 141 w is quite right. " At that moment the son they were waiting for came out. The wife kissed him, he caught up the atilt, and hugged it; the escort hurried him on, anal the old mother, crying bitterly a dozen yards behind tottered forward to catch up with the quick stride of the impatient escort. The eyes of my friend the Canadian were moist as he said: "Look at that poor old woman crying."
Ioverheard one of the sergeants say " The army is all right. Inever had a warm overcoat or a decent pair of hoots till Ijoined up."
My fifteenth week; a Cam Tian cane up and MIT Ihe had wen me weeks ago an. I wanted to speak but didn't get the champ. he 'aid he had never forgotten " The Greatest Conscient Objector and the picture' Y; that if hail burnt into his brain and he had gone back and told the orderly about it. Ihad hour's talk in the pouring rain, and — "Mothers, you don't know what your boys are going through."
With apologies for so much use of the pronoun " I, " this concludes some of my experiences outside Wandsworth Prison.
www/britishnewspaperarchive.co. uk/viewer/bl/0002236/19190524/010/0003" target="_blank">Link.]
* Not sure why, but the BNA lists this as "The Woman's Dreadnought" rather than Worker's Dreadnought.
[BNA: libcom.org/article/cole-clara-gilbert-1868-1956 Cole, Clara Gilbert, 1868-1956 — short biography of Clara Gilbert Cole, anti-militarist and anarchist."1919524
Norwood News- Friday 30 May 1919
In the current issue of "St. Andrew's (Presbyterian) Review." Clapham Common, an able and entertaining article appears by Mr. A. J. Fawley, dealing with the historical features of Wandsworth Common. Some extracts are given, as they will probably prove interesting tJ present-day residents: " Wandsworth Common is a remnant," says Mr. Fawley. " of the waste land of the manor which belonged to the monastery of Westminster, and after to Hamptan Court. Thomas Lord Cromwell obtained a lease for 60 years from Henry VIII. in 1534. In 1760 the inhabitants in Garrett-lane, Tooting, formed a society to protect their interests, and those who encroached upon the land were proceeded against. The president of the organisation was called the " Mayor of Garrett," and was elected annually for the poet. The event drew great crowds, as many as 100,000. Foote paid nine guineas for a window from which to view the uproarious proceedings in 1791. It is stated that he, Garrick and Wilkes, wrote the candidate's election address. The last Mayor was a seller of muffins. The proceedings were suppressed in 1796, and an attempt to revive them in 1826 was a failure."
Continuing this interesting study, the author refers to Mulberry Cottage on the common, " where lived Francis Grose, F.S.A., the antiquary who said he only kept two accountshis right and left breeches pockets, took and gave no receipts, and when his accounts as paymaster and adjutant of the Surrey Militia showed serious deficiency, he made the account good from his own ' account books.' He died in 1791." There were five large mansions along Bolingbroke-grove, and Mr. Fawley points out that only one remains, which is Bolingbroke Hospital. Sir John Gorst's residence is commemorated by Gorst-road, Bolingbroke-grove. Several fine old houses overlooked the Common, and between it and Garrett-lane was Burntwood Grange (now the residence of Sir Henry Holloway), which was noted for its magnificent conservatory and gardens.
It is interesting to learn that the Common was a favourite resort for gipsies.
Coming to more recent times, the author says that there was a large lake on the common which was fern* by Mr. Wilson,founder of Price's Candle Works, who lived at Black Sea House. " When the question of constructing the railway came along, " Mr. Fawley says, "the charming lake and islands was just described as ' Pond No. 3.' The company, however, had to allow 8,000 for keeping it in good condition. When the lake was filled in Spencer Park was built on the site." I
[BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002308/19190530/078/0004" target="_blank">Link.]
South Western Star — Friday 4 July 1919
Evening papers have recently informed the world that great expanses of furze and undergrowth have been destroyed on Wandsworth Common and elsewhere. With regard to elsewhere, the information may be accurate enough, but for a long time Wandsworth Common has not possessed may great expanses of furze. The County Council sees to that. The Council's liking is for a bare and open plain, and its policy for years past has been to destroy every semblance of rurality that it can set its workmen on. Wandsworth Common has not suffered to the extent that Clapham has,
[BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0004606/19190704/114/0005" target="_blank">Link.]
BATTERSEA IN THE HEAT WAVE.
Battersea and the parts adjacent have suffered from sunstroke this week. The district has sweltered and has done very little else. Everybody seemed to agree that the heat would not permit of more work bring done than was absolutely necessary. What has been done has been done leisurely, if not well.
Clothing was worn for appearance sake, but not more of it than could be helped, except by those very old-fashioned folk who adhere to the belief that what will keep out the cold will keep out the heat. Thu t explains why now and then one met a man with his winter overcoat on. He was wrapped up to keep himself cool — just as ice is wrapped in blankets.
Children, freed from the oppressive decorum which is associated with the schools. sauntered along bare-footed and bare-headel. A single garment. and that not always a whole one, sufficed.
All the week the rush for the ponds on the commons has been great. Convention requires that juvenile bathers and plungers shall wait until 8 p.m., but this convention has been burnt up. Little boys luxuriate in the cool waters as early as 10 a.m., and their sisters stand on the bank, either pretending not to be there or watching for the common-keeper.
Contrary to expectations — for we delight to anticipate the worst — Wednesday was less oppressively hot than Tuesday, there being a fresher breeze. Several cases of prostration have occurred,
[BNA:
Fulham Chronicle — Friday 5 September 1919
MISCONDUCT CHARGE ACCUSATION AGAINST EX-SOLDIER
At the South Western Police Court before Mr. Boyd, Saturday last week. Conrad Purdue. 31. bricklayer, Whittingstall-road. Fulham, was charged with wilfully misbehaving himself with insult two schoolgirls Wandsworth Common. Mr. G. Hindle defended.
Cotninonkeeper Manaer that four o'clock Friday afternoon two little girla came to him at Wandnworth ommon and made a communication. walked warda a furze hush (hey had indicated. As approached prisoner got up from the ground and walked away Witness went after him and told him two little girls had made a complaint him. Prisoner asked Wbat was it? Wanes# " Kzpoamg youraelf." Prisoner maid They've marie mistake. I've only been demobilised two days." Phod>e Burke, aged 12. 4 Green lane, Battersea. said aim was at. Wandsworth Common on Friday afternoon with another girl picking berries. They saw prisoner seat, ami iieckoned them come him. They aaid *' No." then walked towards the washes, and. facing them, committed the offence. They were about half dozen yards away ami ran Ue keeper. Prisoner said nothing to them. Croe* examined, witness denied that prisoner was 25 yards from them. There were " a good few " people about. the aeat prisoner was reading a book. The? did not laugh at him or move closer him.
Answering the magistrate, witness said there were a lot of bushes about that part of the common. Agnes Sinclair, 2 Green-lane, said their attention was first drawn prisoner when was the seat and beckoned them while they were picking berries. He afterwards hid himself in the bashes. C. 403V' said that prisoner was brought Trinity-road Police Station two commonkeepers. When charged be said was not guilty. On him were found eleven postcards and a quantity of indecent manuscript writing. said had brought the cards from Egypt. Mr. Hindle said the postcards were purchased Cairo, many soldiers brought some home. The defence the case was that there was no wilful misconduct. Prisoner went into the bushes for natural purpose. Recalled. t!h witness Burke said There was narrow space in the bushes through which he was trying to make aee him." Bindiir also said there were bushes between, but she did not see prisoner through the narrow space. Site saw him buttoning his clothing. Prisoner was remanded till Wednesdsy. hail being allowed his father's surety. On W edneedsy Mr. Boyd completed the Mr. Hsrris, on behalf of the County Council, asked that the eergeant who looked the charge might called. P.B. 58V said that lie was the station officer duty at Wandsworth Common and investigate*! the charge. said lie asked prisoner whether went behind the bushes for a natural purpose, and reftlied " No, Ihud previously been to the lavatory only yania away." When charged he made no reply. Prisoner, giving evidence, said He had served in the Fusiliers snd had come home from Egypt the day before was charged. was at Wandsworth Common last Friday afternoon and was sitting a seat reading a book. saw two little girls 10 15 yards away. They were lying on the grass and afterwards got up and commence*! black berrying There were several other children about. Afterwards he went to the relieve himself. They were low bushes and he lay down, not to seen. It was not his knowledge that anyone saw him. When he got he walked across the common and the common keeper spoke him. denied thM he had misbehaved view of the children had beckoned or spoken them. had the postcard* and writing in his pocket. Some of the photographs were bought at Can tar a and she others at Cairo. Anybody could buy them from the natives. The writing was the copy of letter given him at Marseilles copy for another individual.
Mr. Boyd: You copied it. This is your handwriting*
Prisoner Ves Ione hand likelr ciuse it . . . Jlpr- Prisoner further stated that this limn h; Ia.i;se that the man and hid l-een in the Arms two rears and three] that that was the cause of the He had never been in trouble bo-| dent, " ",", . r . Idn*. of 225 North Bad-road.
Answering Mr. Harris, prisoner said the! a,d the deceased came under his notice statement (ti.en hr the sergeant was not erenmc He had exactlr worded. _ I told him I'd been long inner side of the right the levator, and also to U,e bushes. thigh the Mr. Boyd; How long before you went, ha pulse ass rapid ami id lieen ih, bushes' ting die-i early the T morn- Prlaoner Some considerable time. At a postmortem Mr, Hindle: When went the (mdiea tom Ibe wound was found to over two did rou take rare to see tnat no-one was niches deep. The heart was fatty rn-Siehmir' IUrged and the right kidne, was ruptured Ves, previouslr Ihad looked, The cause of death was ma. due to the nplire4 kwiiej. Yo,. thought it impossible for the girl, to the Coroner Dal he tell you what hod 1 PO lb '*' Te, he Uld me that die Bord: Tell me what were doing sllp|od snd tnat 'w fell to some railings. The! Vpo*'-T. oblige ' Hfect the^rn snout your pocket since' — Vos. | "''"S >>* of the accident.
And the letter; you allowed yourself copy?%l copied it out in ilugno merely to oblige a mace. Mr. Hindie addressed the magistrate on prisoner's behalf. the charge wtlfulns*** ami intent insult females. Such cases frequently depended on the evidence of children. In tins case there %uch dj%crepanry their evidence that it would be dangerous convict When first told the charge the man said They've made a mistake.'' A* the cards and writing founs! on prisoner, he had given a frank It wa* unfortunate thing they were found him at U/ne had such charge. Mr. Boyd i*aisl lie has! remanded the case for prisoner u% have ample coaaider his position. The charge had been made out. considered the children stone* not inconsistent, ami there must conviction. Ii was a very serious offence, ami dreadful thing that little girls should I%% insulted in thia fashion by a man who had just come home from foreign service. would have a month without hard labour. Mr Hindle intimated that probably we would appeal.
[BNA: www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001984/19190905/081/0006" target="_blank">Link.]
1919-09-05-misconduct-charge-against-ex-soldier-FulhamChronicle-5sep1919-102"191995