Stan Turner’s booklet APPENDIX IX

North Bucks Advertiser – 13th Aug 1886

Stony Stratford Petty Sessions

John Mason of Yardley Gobion, was summoned for unlawfully employing a boy under the age of 14. Mr. Bird said: On Wednesday, the 14th July, I visited Yardley Gobion School, the boy (George Henry Smith) was absent. He lives at Yardley Gobion. As I was coming down from the school, I had to pass Mr. Mason’s house. I saw the lad standing there, when he saw me he turned into the yard. I went to him and asked him where he was going, he said he was going to Northampton to take some beast (sic). Shortly afterwards I saw the boy with Mr. Mason’s apprentice, they had two beast (sic) and were going down Yardley Street, I saw them turn for Northampton. Mr. Mason has employed the boy sometime. Fined 5s and 7s 6d costs.

Note: George Henry Smith was a son of George and Mary.