Old Ledbury - World War One in Ledbury - Urban District Council

World War One in Ledbury - Urban District Council

World War One Ledbury Urban District Council

Kington Reporter Newspaper 08 08 1914
The monthly meeting of the Ledbury Urban Council was held at the Barrett-Browning Institute on Tuesday evening last. Councillors present were - Messrs H THACKER (chairman), E H HOPKINS, T S S GARDNER, C H BASTOW, W L TILLEY, S CLARKE, W G DAVIS, A WARREN, F W JUCKES, A CARLES and J PREECE, together with the Clerk (Mr Reginald MASEFIELD), and the Surveyor (Mr R G GURNEY).

MR. HOPKINS CONGRATULATED
Mr HOPKINS attended for the first time since the annual meeting, and was warmly congratulated by the Chairman and members on his recovery from his recent severe illness.

CORRESPONDENCE
The Clerk read letters from Mrs Jesse GARROOD, of Bournemouth, and Mr Henry GARROOD, of Ledbury, acknowledging the receipt of and thanking the Council for their resolution of sympathy in the death of the late Mr Jesse GARROOD.
The Clerk read a letter from the Local Government Board sanctioning the appoint-ment of Dr. J McKEAN HARRISON as Medical Officer of Health.
A letter was read from Mr H J PRITCHARD, secretary of the Ledbury Building Society, enclosing a cheque for £160, being the amount due to the Council on taking over the Bank Crescent Road.
The Council decided to accept the liability of the road in the future.

FINANCE
Mr HOPKINS presented the report of the Finance Committee, which showed that the sum of £285 19s had been paid into the treasury since the last meeting. Bills for payment amounted to £491 5a 9d.
In moving the adoption of the report, Mr HOPKINS said that in addition to the items appearing in the receipts, Mr BASTOW and Mr GARDNER had transferred to the credit of the Council the amount collected under the Swimming Bath scheme, which was just under £80.
The Rev F C LYNCH seconded and the report was adopted.

STREETS COMMITTEE
Mr BASTOW presented the report of the Streets Committee, which stated that the Surveyor, having reported that a path by Bye-street bridge was in a very bad state, the Committee recommend that the kerb and footpath be reconstructed with new kerbs and tar paving.
The Surveyor was also instructed to purchase three new lamp heads.
Mr W L TILLEY seconded, and the report was adopted.
Mr PREECE asked that the docks and other things growing on the roadside in New Town might be removed.
The Chairman asked if Mr PREECE wished to move an amendment
Mr PREECE thought that New Town was entitled to some consideration from the road-men in the district, and he thought the docks and other things should be removed.
Mr CARLESS said it was a question he would rather have raised in Committee, but he was not able to be at the committee meeting.
The Chairman suggested that Mr PREECE should bring the matter before the Streets Committee at their next meeting. That was the proper place.
Mr PREECE : I have had enough of committees. It's all committees. I shall bring things in future in public.
The report was adopted.

SANITARY COMMITTEE
Mr GARDNER presented the report of the Sanitary Committee. The Inspector reported that the bye-laws had not yet been complied with in accordance with the notice served on Mr HAYNES in respect to his pig-sties.
The Committee recommend that unless Mr HAYNES carried out the notice served on him to comply with the bye-laws, the Inspector be instructed to issue a summons, and if necessary to obtain legal assistance at the hearing of the case.
Mr CLARKE seconded and the report was adopted.

MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT
The Medical Officer (Dr J McKEAN HARRISON) reported that during the mouth of July seven births and four deaths had been reported. One case of scarlet fever had been notified and one case of tubercular disease.

OTHER BUSINESS
Mr HOPKINS reported that the Fire Brigade were called to a fire at Ockington, Dymock, last week.
Mr DAVIS asked if any communication had been received from the Hereford Rural District Council with reference to the isolation hospital scheme.
The Clerk said he bad received nothing definite as yet.

This concluded the business of interest.

Same Meeting Different Report
Ledbury Guardian Reporter Newspaper 08 08 1914
BYE-LAWs NOT COMPLIED WITH
The monthly meeting of the Ledbury Urban District Council was held at the Barrett-Browning Institute, on Tuesday evening. Mr H. THACKER presided and there were present also the Rev. F. C. LYNCH, Messrs. E. H. HOPKINS, S. CLARKE, W. G. DAVIS, A. WARREN, F. W. JUCKES, J. PREECE, W. L. TILLEY, C. H. BASTOW, T. S. S. GARDNER, A. CARLESS, the Clerk (Mr. R. MASEFIELD), and the Surveyor, (Mr. R. G. GURNEY).
A hearty welcome was extended to Mr. E. H. HOPKINS on his return to the Council Chamber after his recent illness.
A letter was read from Mrs. Jesse GAROOD and Mr. H. GAROOD, thanking the Council for their kind expressions of sympathy in their recent bereavement.
A communication was read from the Local Government Board giving formal sanction of Dr. HARRISON's appointment as Medical Officer for the Urban District of Ledbury.
A communication was read from Mr. H. J. PRITCHARD (Secretary of the Ledbury Building Society) enclosing a cheque for £100 being the amount due to the Council on taking over the Bank Crescent Road.
The Council decided to accept the liability of the road in the future.
Mr. HOPKINS presented the report of the Finance Committee which showed that the sum of £285 19s had been paid into the treasury since the last meeting. Bills for payment amounted to £491 5s 9d.
In moving the adoption of the report Mr. HOPKINS said that in addition to the items appearing in the receipts, Mr. BASTOW and Mr. GARDNER had transferred to the credit of the Council the amount collected under the Swimming Bath Scheme, which was just under £80.
The Rev. F. C. LYNCH seconded and the report was adopted.
Mr. BASTOW presented the report of the Streets Committee, which stated that the Surveyor, having reported that a path by Bye Street Bridge was in a very bad state the Committee recommended that the kerb and footpath be re-construction with new kerbs and the paving.
The Surveyor was also instructed to purchase three new lamp heads.
Mr. W. L. TILLEY seconded, and the report was adopted.
Mr. GARDNER presented the report of the Sanitary Committee. The Inspector reported that the Bye-laws had not yet been complied with in accordance with the notice served on Mr. HAINES with respect to his pigstyes.
The Committee recommended that unless Mr. HAINES carries out the notices served on him to comply with the Bye-laws, the Inspector be instructed to issue a summons, and if necessary to obtain legal assistance at the hearing of the case
Mr. CLARKE seconded, and the report was adopted.
The Medical Officer (Dr J. McKEAN HARRISON) reported that during the month of July 7 births and four deaths had been reported. One case of scarlet fever had been notified and one case of tubercular disease.
Mr. PREECE asked if the people of Newtown were not entitled to the services of the roadman. Personally, he thought it was about time the street sidings were removed.
Mr. CARLESS endorsed the remarks made.
The Chairman: If you will bring the matter up at the meeting of the Streets Committee, Mr. PREECE
Mr. PREECE: My dear sir, I have had enough of this Committee business, and I am inclined to think that the matter should be dealt with in public.
Some discussion took place, and it was understood that the Streets Committee would give attention to the matter.
This concluded the business.

Kington Reporter Newspaper 29 08 1914
A special meeting of the Ledbury Urban District Council was held at the Barrett-Browning Institute on Monday, to make arrangements for the carrying out of the duties of the Medical Officer of Health (Dr HARRISON) and the Rate Collector (Mr A G MADDOX) during their temporary absence with the Territorials. All the members of the Council were present with the exception of the Chairman (Mr H THACKER) and Mr W G DAVIS. Mr C H BESTOW presided, and formal resolutions giving the officials leave of absence while serving the country were carried, and Dr McKEAN and Mr Austin MADDOX were respectively appointed temporarily as Medical Officer of Health and rate collector.

The Chairman expressed the deep sympathy of the members of the Council with Mr J E CRADDOCK in the sad loss he had sustained by the death of his wife, and formally moved a vote of sympathy. Some of them had suffered a similar loss to that Mr CRADDOCK had sustained, and they all offered to him their sincere sympathy.

The resolution was carried in silence, the members standing, and Mr CRADDOCK, who was present, briefly expressed his thanks to his fellow-members for their sympathy.

Ledburay Guardian Newspaper 29 08 1914
SPECIAL MEETING
A special meeting of the Ledbury Urban Council was held at the Barrett-Browning Institute on Monday evening. In the absence of Mr. H. THACKER, Mr. C. H. BASTOW presided. There were also present: The Rev. F. C. LYNCH, Messrs. E. H. HOPKINS, J. E. CRADDOOK, W. L. TILLEY, A. WARREN, S. CLARKE, T. S. S. GARDNER. A. C. LEWIS, F. JUCKES, R. LAWRENCE, J. PREECE, and the Clerk, (Mr. R. MASEFIELD), and the Surveyor (Mr. R. G. GURNEY).
The meeting was convened to make arrangements for the carrying out of the duties of the Medical Officer of Health and the Rate Collector (Mr. A. MADDOX) during their temporary absence with the Territorials.
The Clerk, read a circular list from the Local Government Board respecting the carrying on of the duties of Medical Officers, Sanitary Inspectors, etc. etc. of those who had gone to the war, observing that temporary appointments could be made.
After discussion Mr. BASTOW proposed that leave of absence be granted to Dr HARRISON (Medical Officer of Health) on account of his leaving Ledbury to join his Territorial Regiment. He also proposed that Dr. MCKEAN (Dr. HARRISON'S partner) be appointed Medical Officer pro tem.
Mr. W. L. TILLEY seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously
With respect to the duties of the Collector, it was mentioned that Mr. A. MADDOX (who was a Sergeant in the C Company, 1st Battalion Herefordshire Regiment, had gone away, and that since he had gone his father (Mr. Austin MADDOX) had performed the duties.
Mr. HOPKINS proposed that he should be appointed pro tem.
The Rev. F. C. LYNCH seconded, and it was agreed to.
The Chairman said that Mr GURNEY had kindly offered to render any assistance he could to the above officials in cases where there was overlapping.

CONDOLENCE
At the conclusion of the business Mr. BASTOW referred to the death of Mrs J. E. CRADDOCK, who was the wife of one of their members, and said he felt sure, that all felt the deepest sympathy with Mr. CRADDOCK and his family. He proposed that a vote of condolence be passed.
This the Council did in the usual manner.

Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 12 09 1914
THE RATE FOR ENSUING HALF-YEAR. NO ADDITION TO BE MADE
The monthly meeting of the Ledbury Urban Council was held at the Barrett-Browning Institute, on Monday evening. Mr. H. THACKER presided, and there were also present : Mr. E. H. HOPKINS, Mr. C. H. BASTOW, MR W. L. TILLEY, Mr. T. S. S. GARDNER, Mr. A. CARLESS, Mr. F. W. JUCKES, Mr. W. G. DAVIS, Mr. R. LAWRENCE, Mr. A. WARREN, Mr. S. CLARKE, Mr. A. C. LEWS, and Rev. F. C. LYNCH ; also the Clerk (Mr. R. MASEFIELD), and the Surveyor (Mr. R. G. GURNEY).

CORRESPONDENCE
The Clerk read communications from the Local Government Board with reference to the question of working class dwellings, which were referred to the Housing Committee.
A circular letter was read from the Home Office enclosing a resolution passed by the leading London retail traders, and expressing the hope that the resolution would be generally acted on by retail traders throughout the country. The resolution was "That it is neither desirable nor necessary in existing circumstances, to dismiss any assistants, but that if economies in business are necessary, they should be met by other means. "
Further circular letters from the Local Government Board were read with reference to the to the arrangements for immediately dealing with small pox, as to provisional orders for gas and water works, and from the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries with reference to preserving from distribution to allotment holders and cottagers, surplus stocks or seedling vegetables.

FINANCE
Mr. HOPKINS submitted the report of the Finance Committee, which showed that the receipts amounted to £182 4s. 8d., including £130 4s. 1d. on account of general district rate and £42 15s. 7d. water charges. The bills for payment amounted to £449 16s. 3d. The estimate for a general district rate in respect of expenditure between the 30th September and the 31st March next, was gone through in detail, and the committee recommended that a rate of 1s. in the £ be ordered to be levied. The committee also recommended that the workmen be allowed 10s. for the tarring operations.
With reference to the main roads figures and the balance due to the Council on April 1st, 1914, the committee recommend that Mr. HOPKINS and the Surveyor see the County Surveyor on the subject, and that application be made for the payment of the full balance.
Mr. HOPKINS, commenting on the report, thought the Council was to be complimented upon the fact that, in view of the present war crisis, that it was possible to continue for a further six months without making any addition to the rate. (Applause). Whatever might have been done in the past he thought that now the time had come to economise. The committee believed that a rate of 1s. in the £ would produce the amount required, and they hoped the estimate would be acceptable to the Council.
With regard to the audit, the Auditor had partially closed the audit, and had found everything satisfactory with the exception of an outstanding amount, which existed between the Urban District Council and the County Council. The County Surveyor had recommended the sum of £500 to be paid for the maintenance of the main roads in Ledbury urban. They had spent on the main roads about £87 above that amount and the County Council, in two cheques, had paid them £530. The County Survey, in his annual report, pointed out that the Urban Council was entitled to £503, and that they had been overpaid £27. And they proposed to deduct that amount in any future payment to the Urban Council. The committee, on hearing of these facts, authorised Mr. GURNEY (the Surveyor), and himself (Mr. HOPKINS, as chairman of the Finance Committee), to interview the County Surveyor. He (Mr. HOPKINS) thought that they had every reason to believe that the items would be put before the committee at Hereford on Wednesday (the 9th), and in such a way that the Council might rest assured that they would receive payment of the £27, and the balance of about £60. The auditor had stated that he would not pass the amounts at the present moment, and unless something was done to satisfy him as to the extra expenditure, it was his intention to surcharge the members of the Council with the amount. That meant that they would have to appeal to the Local Government Board.
Proceeding, Mr. HOPKINS said that they had never had a penny off the County Council on establishment charges. For instance - they were, in Ledbury, finding a Surveyor free, gratis, and for nothing ; there were other outlays. In view of the fact that certain other districts were allowed something for establishment charges, it was only right that Ledbury should have the same consideration, as a matter of fact they must insist upon it. If not, they must get on with the work. But he had an idea that they would attain what they desired on Wednesday. With regard to the workmen of the Council who had gone to serve their country, he should propose that the difference between what they got from the Army rate of pay and their wages, should be made good. (Hear, hear).
The Rev. F. C. LYNCH seconded the adoption of the report, and congratulated the committee on being able to retain the general district rate at 1s. in the £.
The report was adopted.
The Chairman said he was sorry to see that there had been any misunderstanding with the County Council with regard to the main roads, as he thought the question should be met in a more amicable manner. (Applause).

STREETS COMMITTEE
Mr. BASTOW proposed the adoption of the report of this committee, which stated that the Surveyor was instructed to engage George CHADD as a workman to take MILL #39;s place during his absence ; that a circular letter from Messrs. BEBBINGTON Bros., was read, asking for some consideration, as they had to pay a further ten per cent for feeding stuffs, which the committee recommended should be allowed, and that lowed, and that the work of restoring the work of restoring Bank Crescent be deferred to the winter.
Mr. WARREN seconded the adoption of the report. - Carried.

SANITARY
Mr. GARDNER proposed the adoption of the report of the Sanitary Committee, which stated that the pigs had now been removed from Mr. HAYNES #39;s pig sties in Newtown, and that the recommendations of the Inspector concerning houses under the Housing Act be adopted.
The adoption of the report was seconded by Mr. CLARKE and carried.

THE SWIMMING BATHS
Mr. HOPKINS reported on the meetings of the Swimming Bath Committee, the regulations drawn up for its use, and the times during which the bath was open for bathers. The committee had appointed C. HODGES as bath attendant, and Mrs. GRIFFITHS as female attendant. Mixed bathing (in national costume), would be allowed on Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m., and for ladies only : - on Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m. During the 13 days the bath was opened to September 5th, 324 bathers had used the bath. Of these 272 paid for admission, and 52 came in free on the two Saturdays. The total receipts for the 13 days amounted to £3 13s. 2d.
With regard to the opening of the swimming baths, Mr. HOPKINS explained that there was no formal ceremony, and the committee, in view of the hot weather that prevailed at the time, wished to meet the desire of the people of the district to utilise the bath. That was the reason why they did not all a special meeting of the Council, in order to have what might be termed an official opening of the bath. He thought that the bath was a credit to the town. The Surveyor had done the thing well, and Messrs. David SMITH and Sons, the contractors, had carried out the work in a first rate manner.
Mr. BASTOW, in seconding the adoption of the report, endorsed all Mr. HOPKINS had said with regard to the manner in which the work had been carried out. There were certain crokers who had said that the swimming bath was too far away from the town and that no one would go there. But the number of those who had used the swimming bath and had purchased tickets, proved what a boon the bath was. Those who used it were full of praise about it. (Hear, hear). There was an ample supply of the purest water - continually fresh - and he was confident that the scheme would prove a big success. (Hear, hear).
On the motion of Mr. WARREN, seconded by Mr. LAWRENCE, the committee were reappointed, it being understood that the committee should be elected annually.

Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 10 10 1914
TOWN LIGHTING
There was little business to transact at the monthly meeting of the Ledbury Urban Council, held at the Barrett-Browning Institute on Monday evening, the meeting being a record one for brevity. Mr. H. THACKER presided, and there were also present Messrs. E. H. HOPKINS, C. H. BASTOW, T. S. S. GARDNER, F. W. JUCKES, A. CARLESS, J. PREECE, R. LAWRENCE, A. WARREN, W. G. DAVIES, together with the clerk (Mr. R. MASEFIELD), and the Surveyor (Mr. R. G. GURNEY).

THE AUDIT
The Clerk read a letter from the District Auditor, Mr. R. G. WOODYATT, stating that the audit of the Council's accounts for the year ended March 31st last had been completed and full details would be found on the certified copy of the statutory financial statement handed to the Clerk.

SANATORIA
A circular letter from the Local Government Board was read enclosing a revised list of sanatoria which had been approved by the Board for the treatment of persons suffering from Tuberculosis under the National Insurance Act.

MAIN ROADS
A letter was read from the Clerk to the County Council, stating that the letter of the Urban Council, stating that the letter of the Roads and Bridges Committee and they agreed to recommend payment of an additional sum of £55 13s. 3d. on account of maintenance of main roads for the year ending 31st March last. The Committee held, however, that the conditions attached to the repair of Urban roads render the continuance of the present system impossible, and they are therefore recommending that after this year the Urban Council should be required to maintain its own roads under the former system. The question of any allowance to roadmen serving in the Army had not yet been considered.
Mr. HOPKINS said that when the recommendation of the Sub-Committee came before the Roads and Bridges Committee he moved a resolution that the matter be referred back to the Sub-Committee. He gave full particulars why they objected to revert to the old order and he was pleased to say that the resolution was carried unanimously. The matter would come up at the next meeting, but he did not think they would hear any more about contracting.

HOUSING
It was decided that the Housing Committee should meet on 7th instant.
Mr. JUCKES said he was just going to ask when the Housing Committee intended to meet. The question of housing was becoming a serious matter in the town. He knew of several people who were anxious to get a suitable house but had been unable to do so. For instance, a certain lady he knew of who had intended to reside in the town had gone back to Cheltenham because she could not find a house. The Committee were certainly very slack and if nothing was done he should propose at the next meeting of the Council that a new Committee be appointed.

FINANCE COMMITTEE
Mr. HOPKINS (Chairman of the Finance Committee) reported that the receipts for the month amounted to £178 4s. 3d. including £87 10s. 1d. on account of general district rate, and £17 1s. 6d. on account of water charges. The bills for payment amounted to £152 4s. 7d., the labour bills totalling £44 16s. 9d. He moved the adoption of the report, that the cheques be signed and the bills paid.
Mr. GARDNER seconded, and the report was adopted.

STREETS COMMITTEE
Mr. BASTOW (Chairman) moved the adoption of the following report of the Streets Committee:-
Electric Lighting Works. - The Surveyor reported that the Electric Lighting Co. would be breaking up part of the main roads shortly under the powers conferred in their Provisional Order, but wherever possible the cables will be laid under footpaths. It was recommended that Mr. HOPKINS and Mr. BASTOW be appointed to meet Mr. ATKINS, the manager of the Electric Light Co., with the Surveyor with respect to the erection of further poles for overhead wires.
Maintenance of roads. - Mr. HOPKINS explained to the Committee what had taken place at the recent meetings of the County Council. The Surveyor also reported how matters stood. The Committee recommend that the Surveyor be authorised to prepare an estimate of probable expenditure on main roads to 31st March next and to send it in to the County Surveyor after conferring in the figures with the Chairman and Mr. BASTOW.
The report was seconded and adopted.

SANITARY COMMITTEE
The report of the Sanitary Committee, which was of a routine nature, was adopted on the motion of Mr. GARDNER, seconded by Mr. DAVIES.
The report of the Medical Officer of Health (Dr. McKEAN) stated that four births and four deaths were registered during August, and six births and nine deaths during September. No case of infectious disease had been notified.

TENDERS FOR LIGHTING
Tenders were opened for public lighting and for lighting the clock tower. The Gas Company's price for gas for public lighting was for 12 months at 3s. 8d. per thousand feet (the same price at (sic) last year), and for lighting the clock tower with modern incandescent gas fittings and their maintenance and upkeep from October to April inclusive for £5 5s. The Electric Lighting Co. had submitted a price of £4 12s. for fixing electric light fittings to the clock tower, this tender having been sent to Mr. Henry GARROOD, secretary to the trustees of the Barrett-Browning Institute, and for lighting the clock tower from October to April inclusive with 25 candle power lamps £5 18s., and with 35 candle power lamps £7 12s. 9d.
On the motion of Mr. WARREN, seconded by Mr. JUCKES, the tender of the Gas Company for lighting the clock tower was accepted on the understanding that the shadow on the clock face now showing when the clock is lit up should not show, and on the motion of Mr. CARLESS, seconded by Mr. WARREN, the Gas Co.'s tender for public lighting was also accepted.

The Council then went into Committee.

Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 07 11 1914
THE HOUSING SCHEME
The monthly meeting of the Ledbury Urban Council was held at the Barrett-Browning Institute on Monday evening. Mr. H. THACKER presided, and there were also present the Rev. F. C. LYNCH, Messrs. E. H. HOPKINS, C. H. BASTOW, W. L. TILLEY, T S S GARDNER, W. G. DAVIS, A. CARLESS, F. W. JUCKES, A. WARREN, R. LAWRENCE, A. C. LEWIS, the Clerk (Mr. C. B. MASEFIELD), and the Surveyor (Mr. R. G. GURNEY).

EMPLOYMENT OF BELGIAN REFUGEES
Mr. LAWRENCE asked if it was with the knowledge and approval of the Council that the Belgian refugees in the town were being employed to do work at a less rate than that prevailing in the district? He thought he would not be out of order in asking the Council to give some expression of their opinion upon the matter.
The Chairman said he thought the question was hardly one they could discuss at their meeting that evening.
It was stated there would be a meeting of the Refugee Committee soon, when the matter would no doubt be given attention.

CORRESPONDENCE
A circular was read from the Local Government Board containing further directions issued by the Army Council to Home Commands, directing the medical officers of health shall be informed of any proposed billeting in their district with a view to obtaining their expert advice and co-operation in billeting the incoming troops under the best sanitary conditions available.
Another communication from the Local Government Board stated that the War Office had asked the Board to ascertain what number of hospital beds local authorities could place at their disposal for cases of enteric fever without unduly diminishing the accommodation of the civil population.
The Chairman said the Council were not in the position to act in the matter, and the Council agreed.

CLOCK TOWER LIGHTING
A letter was read from Mr. E. JUCKES (secretary to the Ledbury Gas Company), with reference to the above matter, stating that the Surveyor (Mr. GURNEY) had met the company's fitter on the spot, and thrown out a suggestion with a view to obliterating the shadows on the north and south faces. Although the alteration would entail an unforeseen expense which were not estimated in the company's tender, yet they were quite prepared to proceed with it, and hoped it would be successful in its purpose. As the Council was no doubt aware the shadows complained of were due to the position of the interior structure over which the company had no control.
The Surveyor explained to the Council the suggestion he made which the Council adopted.

FINANCE
Mr. E. H. HOPKINS presented the report of the Finance Committee, which stated that since the last meeting the sum of £226 10s. 6d. had been paid into the treasury. Bills for payment amounted to £187 15s. 7d. The committee recommended that the Surveyor (Mr. GURNEY) be granted a special fee of five guineas for his services in connection with the swimming bath.
On the motion of Mr. HOPKINS, seconded by Mr. GARDNER, the report was adopted.

STREETS COMMITTEE
Mr. C. H. BASTOW moved the adoption of the above report, which stated that Mr. L. P. HOULT had asked for a piece of the pathway at the bottom of Bank Crescent to be put in order. The committee recommended that this be done forthwith. A plan was presented for a new cottage in Back Homend. The Surveyor reported that the County Surveyor had been over the main roads, and had expressed himself to the effect that the repairs could not have been done at a less figure than the estimate. He had promised further instructions shortly. Owing to the scarcity of water the committee recommended that until further notice the high pressure reservoir be turned off at 10 p.m. till 6 p.m., when necessary.
Mr. LAWRENCE asked if consumers would be notified when the water was turned off?
The Surveyor said that now the rain had come he hoped there would be no necessity for it.
Mr. BASTOW said the water would not be turned off unless it was absolutely necessary.
Mr. LAWRENCE seconded the adoption of the report, and it was agreed to.

SANITARY COMMITTEE
Mr. GARDNER presented the report of the above committee, which contained nothing of public interest
Mr. JUCKES seconded, and the report was adopted.

REPORT OF MEDICAL OFFICER
The Medical Officer reported that during the month, there had been seven births and three deaths. There had been no cases of infectious disease.

FIRE BRIGADE
The Captain of the Ledbury Fire Brigade (Mr. E. H. HOPKINS) reported that during October there was an outbreak of fire at Barton Farm, Colwall. The expenses of the Brigade amounted to £16 14s. There was also a fire at Rye Street Farm, Birtsmorton, when the expenses incurred by the Brigade amounted to £8 15s.

THE HOUSING SCHEME
Mr. DAVIS presented the report of the Housing Committee, which was as follows: -
The committee have considered the letter from the Local Government Board dated August 21st and the Housing Acting, 1914, which were referred to them by the Council and in preparing a scheme had been guided by the information given therein. The committee approached Mr. MARTIN for the purchase of the land fronting Union Lane below Belle Orchard, and he has offered one acre with a frontage of 235 ft. to the Union land, upon the following terms, -
(1) The price to be £200. The purchasers to (a) allow Mr. MARTIN a driving way to the remainder of the land at the back from Union Lane; (b) pay all legal expenses; (c) pay for any fencing necessary. The committee unanimously recommend the acceptance of this offer, and that Mr. MARTIN be asked to supply the stone required for road making free from Knapp Lane Quarry. The committee instructed the Surveyor to take the necessary measurements and levels and prepare the plans which are now before the Council which the committee have carefully considered in detail and recommend for your acceptance. The accommodation provided is: Living room, scullery, foodstore, coalstore, three bedrooms and bath with hot water supply.
Proceeding, Mr. DAVIS said the Surveyor (Mr. GURNEY) had expended a great deal of time and trouble in studying the plans at present before the Council for the provision of workmen's dwellings. He (Mr. DAVIS) thought the plans Mr. GURNEY had prepared embodied every necessary requirement. The committee thought a front parlour was not necessary having regard to the fact that it would be scarcely ever used. There were also advantages from a ventilation point of view, in not having a front parlour. One good living room was provided and there was also a scullery, and a bath. The houses would be in two blocks, one of seven and the other six. They would be quite private and attached to each house would be a good garden. The land was excellent and would not need money being expended upon it before building operations could be commenced. With regard to the rents the committee were of the opinion that from 4s. to 5s. would be sufficient. In moving that the plans be passed, Mr. DAVIS suggested that the spot should be named the "Belle Orchard Building Site."
Mr. HOPKINS, in seconding, said he would like to say in the first place that the unkind remarks which had been spoken about the committee were not warranted. The committee had put in a great deal of work in connection with the scheme with the object of making it acceptable to the Council. He did not think it would have been possible to have obtained a more central site. It was close to the principal streets and was most accessible, indeed he thought the committee had been very fortunate in securing the site. The public lighting was close at hand, and a good road could be made at small expense. With the exception that the houses would be facing the North, he thought it would have been impossible for any Council to have been more fortunate than theirs in obtaining Mr. MARTIN's consent for the purchase of such an excellent site. Mr. MARTIN's terms were most reasonable and he would like the Council to express their indebtedness to Mr. MARTIN for meeting them in such a magnanimous manner. When they did meet with generous terms they should show their appreciation by courteous treatment. He hoped Mr. MARTIN would agree to their request with regard to the stone for road making. He (Mr. HOPKINS) rather regretted that the Finance Committee would have to make repayments for loan at a higher rate of interest than he should have liked to have seen the money borrowed at, but in times like the present they had to bow to the inevitable and he was afraid that it was not possible for the committee to borrow money at a lower rate than 4 per cent. It seemed, however, that they had no alternative but to carry out the scheme at once, having regard to the pressure which was being brought to bear upon them by the Local Government Board. Proceeding, Mr. HOPKINS said their thanks were also due to the tenant, Mr. HILL, who had done his best to meet the Council in every way. He (Mr. HOPKINS) hoped that when the scheme was completed it would be a success, and that it would provide a long felt want. It would grieve him if after the Council had invested a serious sum of money for the benefit of artisans in the town the scheme was ignored by them. In the course of time other landlords might be actuated by the spirit shown by Mr. MARTIN, and the Council might then go in for another scheme. However, he (Mr. HOPKINS) thought the committee deserved some gratitude for the efforts they had already made. (Hear, hear).
The Rev. F. C. LYNCH seconded. He complimented the committee upon having brought the scheme to completion, and which he thought would be a great boon to the people of Ledbury. The committee were fortunate in securing such a good site at a comparatively small cost, and were to be congratulated upon the success which had attended their efforts.
Mr. BASTOW supported, Mr. HOPKINS had said that the houses would face the north, but on the other hand there was a large garden, which faced the south. He thought everyone realised that the site was a very desirable one, and he did not think they could have found a better one had they searched the town all over. They certainly owed a debt of gratitude to Mr. MARTIN for the way in which he met the committee in respect to the land. The same applied to the tenant, Mr. HILL, who had met them in a most handsome manner. If Mr. HILL had not acted in the way he did the committee would probably have had to wait twelve months before they could have completed the scheme. Mr. HILL had behaved in a most public-spirited manner.
Mr. CARLESS, in adding his testimony, said that it was just two years ago that evening Father LYNCH introduced the question of the land. Proceeding, Mr. CARLESS remarked upon the advantages attached to having three bedrooms in each house, from a sanitary point of view.
Mr. WARREN endorsed the remarks made by the previous speakers. The scheme was just the one which the town was in most need of. They were certainly fortunate in securing such a good site and showed how things which did not appear to be very desirable led to something more desirable.
Mr. LAWRENCE and Mr. JUCKES also complimented the committee upon their success. The latter said he agreed with what the previous speakers had said with regard to the site which was central, and in other respects most suitable. Mr. TILLEY remarked that he had had his eye upon the site for a long time. From what they had seen and heard he did not think the cottages could be improved upon. He agreed that the bedroom accommodation was the most important part of the scheme.
Mr. GARDNER, in the course of a few remarks, said Mr. MARTIN had acted with great generosity in letting the committee have the land at so good a figure.
Mr. GURNEY (the Surveyor), in giving a description of the plans, said the site was between the bottom of Belle Orchard and the Great Western Railway. The houses would look over the Workhouse garden, and would be constructed with red brick and asbestos tiles. The lower portion of the walls would be hollow and the upper portion rough cast. The houses would contain a large living room, scullery, coal store, food store with outside ventilation. There would also be two large cupboards. Three bedrooms would be provided capable of containing double beds. It is proposed to fit up the living room with a large dresser, and in the scullery a furnace for supplying hot water to a bath in the corner of the room, which would have a cover to form a table in order to prevent the bath being used for store purposes. There would be a garden of about seven poles of land for each. The drainage would be connected with the existing sewer at the back of the Homend, and the water supply would be from the town main. Dampness prevails in most Ledbury houses, but such will be avoided in the houses proposed to be erected by the hollow walls. In other respects the most modern improvements had been provided for.
Before the meeting concluded, Mr. GURNEY was thanked for the able way in which he had laid the details of the plans before the Council.

Ledbury Guardian Newspaper 14 11 1914
PROPOSED BILLETING OF TROOPS AT LEDBURY
URBAN COUNCIL TAKE ACTION
RESOLUTION PASSED
Last evening (Thursday) a special meeting of the Ledbury Urban Council was held at the Barrett-Browning Institute to consider the question of the proposed billeting of troops at Ledbury. Mr. H. THACKER presided, and there were also present - Rev. F. C. LYNCH, Messrs. C. H. BASTOW, T. S. S. GARDNER, S. CLARKE, W. L. TILLEY, W. G. DAVIS, A. C. LEWIS, A. WARREN, E. H, HOPKINS, R. LAWRENCE, J. PEARCE, A. CARLESS, F. JUCKES, together with the Surveyor (Mr. R. G. GURNEY).
In opening the meeting the Chairman said the members of the Council had possibly seen by the papers that an effort was on foot to make Hereford a military centre, and he thought it would be in accordance with the wishes of the Council that some effort should be made to get some of the soldiers to come to Ledbury. If they came the soldiers would be billeted in the town for three months. If they at Ledbury passed a strong resolution on the matter, he thought it would be very helpful to them in their endeavour and would strengthen the hands of the Mayor of Hereford, who regarded the question in a very favourable light. He (the Chairman) thought they in Ledbury would be pleased to meet the military authorities in every possible way and make the soldiers as comfortable as possible. The advantages of coming to a district like theirs was from a marching point of view. It was not so much for drilling purposes.
Mr. BASTOW: More for route marching?
The Chairman: That is the idea I think. In reply to Mr. BASTOW, the Chairman said he understood from the Mayor of Hereford that day, that the remuneration which was being paid for each man in Hereford was 17s 6d. per week. Whether this would apply to Ledbury he could not say. He believed 15s 9d. was the sum paid in Worcester.
Mr. DAVIES: 15s 9d in Gloucester.
Mr. BASTOW said he was greatly in favour of the question. It would mean the expenditure of a large amount of money in the town every week and everybody would benefit as the result. He thought they ought to strain every effort to get the soldiers to the town. In other towns people were simply tumbling over themselves to have them.
The question of billeting was discussed at some length and the possibilities as to the town being able to accommodate one thousand men were considered.
Mr CARLESS said everyone he had spoken to was in favour of the suggestion. People realised that it would mean a great thing for the town.
Mr PREECE thought it was advisable for a public meeting of ratepayers to be called to ascertain what accommodation would be forthcoming.
Mr BASTOW said the accommodation available in Ledbury would be ascertained before the men came to the town. Proceeding, Mr BASTOW remarked that the Rector had said that he was prepared to do everything possible for the men if they came, from a recreation point of view.
Mr TILLEY said a good number of men could be billeted at the Drill Hall.
RESOLUTION
Mr WARREN said he would propose a resolution to that effect. "That it is desirable in the interests of the town, that the Council try and get 1,000 men to come to Ledbury. "
Mr BASTOW seconded.
The Chairman said they might add to the resolution that everything would be done to make the men as comfortable as possible. (Hear, hear). The resolution met with approval of the Council and was carried.

Sources
1914 Newent Reporter Newspaper - Herefordshire History
1914 - 1919 Ledbury Guardian Newspaper - Herefordshire History
1916 Tilley's Almanack
Photographs are credited to the owners
Comments are from members of the Old Ledbury Facebook Group
Cuttings from Ledbury Reporter newspapers
Transcribed by Sue SMITH

Ledbury Reporter

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