Northampton Mercury 01 July 1910

THE BENJAMIN FRANKLIN MEMORIAL

GREAT AMERICAN’S NORTHAMPTONSHIRE ASSOCIATIONS

Benjamin Franklin

At Ecton, on Thursday next, there will be unveiled a medallion portrait of Benjamin Franklin, whose ancestors, as is well-known, were settled for centuries in that parish. There is no county in England which can compete with Northamptonshire in the number of famous Americans who have sprung from its soil. George Washington, the Father of the Republic, was descended from a family which at different times was settled in Northampton town, at Sulgrave, and at Brington. It was recorded in last week’s “Mercury” that an ancestor of John Adams (who succeeded Washington as President of the United States) was interred in the old burying ground of the Quakers at Flore. There is a tradition that President Garfield’s family went from the Towcester district to the Americas; and there are other similar claims for which we are not able to vouch.
The memorial takes the form of a medallion portrait, with inscription beneath it. The original idea was to place this on the outside of the north wall of the church, just overlooking the Franklin graves. It is, however, to be put inside the north wall, in a good light, close to the vestry. The portrait is produced from that printed on the American one cent stamp, and so will be familiar to all American visitors.
the inscription on the memorial records the dates of Franklin’s birth and death, and adds: “His ancestors were born in this village, and many of his relations are buried in this Churchyard.” Then follows a quotation from his speech at the United States Convention of 1787:
“I have lived a long time (81 years), and the longer I live the more convincing proof I see of this truth, the God governs in the affairs of men.”
The memorial, which has not yet reached Ecton, is the work of Mr. Fitz Roselieb, of Clapham
Benjamin Franklin was not only one of the greatest of Americans, he was one of the most remarkable men the English-speaking race has produced during the past two centuries. He achieved distinction in many fields. He was a journalist of the highest distinction; he was an eminent politician, and when the opportunity came, a statesman the equal of the ablest representative of the old European States. In science he was a pioneer with an extraordinary gift for experiment, which led him, among many other achievements, to invent the lightning conductor. But he was wonderfully prolific in ideas in many other directions. He established the first Public Library in Philadelphia, the first Fire Insurance Company, the first Hospital, and a public school which was the original of the present University of Pennsylvania. It was Franklin, also, who proposed what is believed to be the first plan for a union of the American Colonies. This plan, though lost sight of for years was the germ of the future United States. One is tempted to say more about the wonderful career of Benjamin Franklin, but this article is concerned only with Northamptonshire associations, and we must turn to that.

A Glimpse of Ecton, from a Motor Car [newspaper image]
For this sketch we are indebted to Mr. C. Wayne, of Weymouth, formerly of Northampton

When the Franklins first settled in Ecton is not known, but the Church registers have records of their births, marriages and burial, from the middle of the 16^th century, when the register was begun, until the 18^th century. For generations the family carried on the trade of a smith, and gradually acquired a little property.
In Franklin’s Autobiography there is a story of one of his ancestors who had a copy of the Bible in the days when it crime to read the Old Book. This Bible was ingeniously fitted under the lid of a stool. One of the children was on guard when he read from it, and if a stranger approached, the lid was quickly shut so that nothing was seen but the stool.
The great-grandfather of Benjamin, also a smith, was something of poet, and was once imprisoned for a year and day for being suspected writing verses which reflected upon a man of station. The son of this Franklin (a famous wrestler in his younger days) lived at Ecton and kept the smithy going all through the Civil War till towards the end of the seventeenth century, when he went to live with a son who was dyer at Banbury.
Josiah, the father of Benjamin, was apprenticed this dyer. He was born at Ecton, and emigrated to New England with his young wife and family in 1662. Like many others, he left the old home in search of religious freedom. He married twice and had seventeen children, of whom Benjamin was the youngest but two. He used to say that could remember thirteen children sitting round his father’s table at the same time. was born in 1706—“ the youngest son of the youngest son the youngest son of the youngest son for five generations,” that, he once wrote, “had there originally been any estate in the family, none could have stood a worse chance of it” than himself.
At the Ecton Estate Office there is ring and staple which it said were used in the Franklin smithy; but there is proof of the validity of the relics.
Although scores of Franklins must have been buried in Ecton Churchyard, there are only two gravestones bearing records them is of Benjamin’s uncle, Thomas Franklin, who died in 1702, and the other of Eleanor (wife of Thomas), who lived seven years longer. Thomas was a man of some standing in the county. Brought up a smith, he became a sort of a lawyer, took an active part in public affairs, and was a protégé of the Lord Halifax of the time (the Halifax family was settled at Horton).
The most precise information about the family at Ecton is given by Benjamin Franklin himself, in his Autobiography, and in a most interesting correspondence which was published some years ago on the “Pennsylvania Magazine,” and which has not yet, we think, been printed in this country.
In 1757 Benjamin Franklin was sent to England by the Pennsylvania Assembly to conduct a case before the Privy Council. In the spring of the following year, his health having suffered, he took a holiday, and after a visit to Cambridge University, where no little fuss was made of him, he and his son William came to Northamptonshire. At Wellingborough he found his cousin, Mary Fisher, the wife of Richard Fisher, grazier and tanner. She died, by the way, few months afterwards. From Wellingborough he went to Ecton, and was hospitably received by the then rector, the Rev. Eyre Whalley, who showed him the parish registers and gravestones in the Churchyard which, even then, were so covered with moss that they had to cleaned before he could copy the inscription over the graves his uncle and aunt. (The lettering these stones has been re-cut more than once, but had become almost unreadable again, and few days ago Canon Jephson, the Rector, gave directions that they should again be attended to). From Ecton, Franklin and his son passed through Northampton and on to Banbury, where they made the acquaintance of other relatives.
Of his sojourn Ecton, Franklin gives interesting account in the Autobiography. “We went first,” he says, “to see the old house and grounds; they came Mr. Fisher with his wife, and after letting them, for some years, finding his rent ill-paid he sold them. The land now added to another farm, and a school kept in the house. It is a decayed old stone building, but still known by the name Franklin House.” At the Rectory, Mrs. Whalley diverted the visitors with some stories of Benjamin’s uncle Thomas. “He set foot a subscription for erecting chimes in the church steeple, and completed it, and heard them play. He found out an easy method of saving their  village meadows from being drowned, as they used be sometimes by the river, which method still in being; but when first proposed, nobody could conceive how it could be; ‘but, however,’ they said, ‘if Franklin says he knows how it, it will be done-’ His advice and opinion were sought for on all occasions by all sorts of people, and he was looked upon, she said, by some as something a conjurer.”
The “Pennsylvania Magazine” printed some interesting correspondence which followed upon Franklin’s journey into Northamptonshire. Wishing no doubt, to leave a pleasant memory, he not only wrote to those who had entertained him, but sent them substantial gifts. His cousin Mrs. Fisher, wrote thanking him for his “Present of most excellent Maderia,” and the Rector Whalley returned his “most Sincere thanks for your very kind Presents to me and my wife, which have done, and will, afford very agreeable Entertainment to each of us.” Canon Jepson, who looks not upon the wine when it is red, must forgive us for assuming that it was the Madeiria which was so acceptable at Ecton Rectory as well as Wellingborough.
Franklin had asked the rector to secure for him any letter or other composition of his uncle Thomas. In reply he sent on a lease drawn by Thomas Franklin, who seems to have been a jack of all trades. He had, write Whalley, “A natural Turn and genious for Musick. He put up the chimes in our Church, made a House organ, and I am informed by some now in the parish that remember him, used frequently to amuse himself with playing upon it.”
Benjamin Franklin was the most important member of his house, who ever visited Ecton, and there, as elsewhere, he was held in honour.
His cousin, Mrs. Fisher, sent him a touching letter in which she says:-
“You have taken more Care to preserve the Memory of our Family, than any other Person that ever belonged to it, tho’ the Youngest Son of five Generations, and tho’ I believe it never made any great Figure in this Country, Yet it did what was much better, it acted that Part well in which Providence had placed it, and for 200 Years all the Descendants of it have lived with Credit, and are to this Day without  any Blot on their Escutcheon, which is more than some of the best Families i.e. the Richest and highest in Title can pretend to.”
Richard Fisher, of Wellingborough, died shortly after Franklin’s visit, leaving an estate of about £5,000. Out of that, only £100 was at his widow’s disposal. . She died almost immediately after, without will, which meant that the £100 became the property the next-of-kin. The executors the husband's estate insisted, however, that the cost an elaborate funeral should defrayed out of the £100, which reduced the available amount to about £70. The Vicar of Wellingborough sent information Franklin London, who evidently supplied the names of the nearest kin across the Atlantic. A note of the expenses the funeral accounts for a total of £31 2s. 2d., including 9s. 4d. for five bottles wine and £7 for a lead coffin.
Benjamin gave his share of the estate —£11 8s. 4d.—to “Mrs. Farrow and Mrs. Morris, two poor ancient women.” Mrs. Farrow was a cousin who lived at Castlethorpe. Two interesting letters from her to Franklin are printed in the Pennsylvania Magazine.” In the first she expresses great desire to see Benjamin, and adds, “I thank God I have good Bed to Lodge you if you was come, that is all my  Comfort. I live within two Miles Stoney Strafford ” (Stratford). In her second letter Mrs. Farrow thanks him for Paying ye Post,” an important matter those days. Although her memory was failing, eyesight was good; and she said, “I make Shift to Keep Little School for my Living.” She had a daughter who lived “at a Place called Westbury within two Miles of Brackley in Northamptonshire.” There appears record visit Franklin to Castlethorpe.

At the period of that correspondence, Franklin was a British subject, the honoured representative great Colony, welcome the best circles on that account and because of his fame as philosopher. Oxford and Edinburgh gave him honorary degrees: he was one of the “lions” of Society. Five years was he here. Two years later, in 1764, he was again in London charged with the gravest duty. That was to contest the claim of Parliament to tax the American Colonies unless they were represented in the House of Commons. remained for eleven years, and was not his fault that the breach widened and that, the open revolt of the Colonies became imminent, he was compelled by reason of patriotism as well as personal safety to return to America.
When the War of Independence broke out in 1776 Franklin, now in his 71st year was sent to Paris with the object of securing foreign assistance for the Colonies. For years he remained in the French capital, one of the great personages of Europe His mission was crowned with success. He had much to do with the Peace negotiations, and remained as Minister at Paris until 1785, two years after British recognition of the independence of the States. On his return home he was elected President of Pennsylvania for three years in succession, and then retired from public life.
Before then he had taken part in the Convention which framed the Constitution of the United States. He died in 1790 in the 84th year of his age.
Early in life Franklin renounced Christianity, but later became a convinced, if not ardent, religionist of the Unitarian type His famous declaration of faith that God in the affairs men, will be found inscribed on the Ecton memorial.

A. HUNTER'S ILLNESS.
COUNTY COURT ACTION.

At County Court, Tuesday—before his Honour Judge Wheeler, K.C. —Edmund Crask Whitton, horse dealer, Woodford, sued the London and North-Western Railway. Claim for £15 15s. damages alleged to be caused defendants’ neglect in conveying from Castlethorpe to Byfield, and putting it unsuitable box at Towcester.
Mr. Barnes solicitor, Lichfield, was for the plaintiff, and Mr. Snagge, barrister-at-law, represented the defendant company.
Mr. Barnes explained that the horse was sent by Captain Hodgkinson, who had hired it, from Castlethorpe to Byfield, on January 26, and it did not arrive until the following day. The claim was for damages because, it was alleged, the company put the horse in an unfit loose box at  the Hesketh Arms Hotel, Towcester, the result which the horse contracted influenza and could not be used for three weeks. The home was hired £5 5s a week.
Captain Hodgkinson, Wappenham House, Towcester, said whilst living at Castlethorpe he hired a hunter from the plaintiff, and on January 26 sent the horse back to Mr. Whitton. He sent his groom to the station to inquire the best train, and the horse was sent by the 1.44 train. When the horse left witness’s establishment it was, to the best of his knowledge, in good health.
Mr. Barnes: Assuming that a hunter was placed in stable that had not been occupied for number of weeks, was it quite possible it would contract a cold?
Witness: Yes.
Cross-examined: Witness knew there was better train earlier in the morning, but he missed that one. Edward Crask Whitton, horse dealer. Woodford, the plaintiff. said that he received an intimation that morning. Mr. Whitton saw the animal near Woodford, and his man complained the cough.
He would say putting the horse in a  box which had not been used for six would give a horse a chill. Mr. Barnes: Is it tantamount to patting a human being in u damp bed?
His Honour: You must not suppose like that! (Laughter.)
After further questions, the Judge asked Mr. Barnes: How can you make this unhappy company responsible for giving cold?
Mr. Barnes: I don’t say by giving it a cold, but -----
This is consigned as horse. The horse goes to the Railway Company, and is taken on its journey, and stabled at the Hesketh Arms, which, I know, is well-known among hunting gentlemen here.
Mr. Barnes: But must not the company use reasonable diligence?
Is it not that reasonable diligence in sending it to a first-class hotel?
Further legal argument the ensued, in the course of which his Honour said: "I don’t think you can put a horse, even hunter, beyond a human being and his wife and family, although will do my best in a hunting country." (Laughter.)
Eventually Judge Wheeler said that he was with Mr. Barnes one point, but by force of circumstances was strongly against him on another. He was sorry, because liked to vindicate the sporting instincts of his countrymen. (Laughter.) There would be judgment for the defendants with costs.

SITUATIONS WANTED. – Domestic.
WANTED, a SITUATION as PLAIN COOK, good references, - May, c/o Mrs. Willett, Castlethorpe, Bucks.

Four generations of the Compton Family, Castlethorpe. [newspaper image]
Mr. and Mrs. Compton celebrated their Diamond Wedding last week.

Marriage Book 1813-1920 No.56 October 28th 1850 James Compton & Mary Panter

CASTLETHORPE'S FOOTPATHS.

To the Editor of “Northampton Mercury”
Sir,—Kindly allow me the hospitality of your correspondence column for the purpose of calling attention of the proper authorities to the abominable condition of two places the footpath leading from Castlethorpe Mill to Yardley Gobion. The first place I complain of is near the second stile from the mill; the stile is minus tread, like many others in most parishes. In passing I would like to observe that these specimens public convenience ought have been consigned to limbo long ago relics of barbarous On  the Yardley of the stile the river has worn away the embankment, and the water runs down slight declivity into a ditch, the stream narrows as it passes along, and has made a passage about four feet wide. On both sides of this overflow there are a few stones lying roughly and at all angles. Foot passengers when crossing this extremely place have to use sound judgment, especially when springing over the water passage, in order to preserve their equilibrium. The second place near the wooden bridge, which spans the river about 50 yards further on where there is another overflow of water caused through the embankment giving way. At this juncture it would be absolutely impassable were it not for an old gate some thoughtful person had placed there to step on. Such is the condition of this footpath over which his Majesty's subjects have a common right to pass, and some have, from the force of circumstances, to use it regularly morning and night. How accidents have been averted is to mystery. I do not think possible for a stranger to go along the path in the dark without meeting with a mishap. The question now arises upon whom rests the responsibility of keeping footpaths in repair. Is it the landowner, the farmer, as tenants of the land, or the Parish Council? I think the latter, although I don't absolve the owners from blame in this case, for whoever owns the adjacent land owns as far as the middle of the stream. If the embankment of the stream gives way it appears me, therefore, the duty of the owner to make good, in default thereof it is presumably the duty the Council to do the work in the interests of the public. The authors of the Local Government Act conferred upon Parish Councils the power to deal with such matters as these. If they are not prepared to use the power thus given, then the sooner we revert to the old system of electing Parish officials by the vestry the better. This is a bona-fide case to  bring before the attention of the Local Government Board, and in case of further neglect I would strongly advise doing so.—Yours, etc.. PRO BONO PUBLICO.

AMBULANCE COMPETITION

The annual competition for the Rugby District, attached to the L. and N.W. Railway Company Ambulance Brigade. Was held on Tuesday, Six reams competed, representing Castlethorpe, Rugby (2), Northampton, Nuneaton, and Colwick (Nottingham) Amongst those present during the competition were Mr. W. B. Farr (chief engineer, Northampton), Mr. A. Boyce (district goods superintendent, Rugby), and Mr. and Miss Topham (Lutterworth). Castlethorpe were declared winners with a score of 201 points.

To Close a Trust.

CASTLETHORPE and HANSLOPE.
SALE FREEHOLD LAND, viz.:
A VALUABLE BUILDING SITE, and THREE
Most Desirable SMALL HOLDINGS.

W. J. PEIRCE
WILL SELL BY AUCTION. T
At the WATTS ARMS. HANSLOPE. TUESDAY,
APRIL 2. 1912. at Six o’clock in the Evening,
subject to Conditions to then produced. the following- Properties;—

By direction of Mr. John Rose.

Lot 1. At CASTLETHORPE. A Valuable BUILDING SITE in the centre of Castlethorpe and near the Railway Station. London Main Line, with a frontage 51ft. 6in., and containing 900 square or thereabouts.
Lot 2.—At WOOD END LANE. HANSLOPE.- A most desirable SMALL HOLDING adjoining the High Road to Northampton. Comprising Homestead and Buildings, and about 20 acres highly productive Land, in excellent heart, well fenced and watered. And also a brick and slated Hovel and Yard with Cow and Implement Sheds (but not including the Sheds in Rick Yard), let on a yearly Michaelmas tenancy to John Brownsell, at £50 per annum. The Holding is divided into four convenient enclosures, two arable and two pasture.
By order Mr. A. C. Chapman.
Lot 3.—At HOLIDAY LANE. HANSLOPE. - A most convenient HOLDING known as the " Pikel,” being a Close Pasture of Land containing not quite1½ acres, with two railed Yards, brick-built Hovel, Stable and Wood Barn, with good Pond and Well of Water, let Mr. A. Greaves, at £4 per annum.
Lot 4. A Close of Excellent PASTURE LAND, containing rather more than 5 acres, known the “Top Field.” with Hovel erected thereon and good watering, let to Mr. J. Brownsell at £8 per annum.
Solicitor  E. T. WORLEY.

SALE AT HANSLOPE.

Mr. W. J. Peirce, auctioneer, Northampton offered by public auction at the Watts Arm on Tuesday evening, a valuable piece of freehold land and three small holdings, situate at Castlethorpe and Hanslope. The sale which was to close a trust was by direction Mr. John Rose. A large company assembled, and the prices obtained were satisfactory.
The first 1"’ offered was valuable building site in the centre of Castlethorpe, containing 900 square yards, which was sold for £21.
Lot 2 was a well-situated small holding joining the high road to Northampton, which comprised 20 acres productive land, homestead, sheds and other buildings. Bidding the property, which is let at a yearly tenancy of £50, was keen, and eventually it was sold £540.
The “Pikel" holding at Holiday-lane, Hanslope, which contains nearly 1½ acres pasture land, with hovel, barn, pond, and well of water, was knocked down for £95; whilst close pasture land five acres known “Top Field”, which let at £8 per year, was sold for £155.
Mr. E. T. Worley, Stony Stratford, was solicitor interested in the sale.

HOSPITAL FETE AT
CASTLETHORPE.

With the object of raising funds for the District Nursing Association, which is doing such splendid work, a fete was held the Holmstead Garden, Castlethorpe, on Saturday, kindly lent for the occasion by Mrs. W. M. Wynn.
There was very poor company present at the opening, but later, when dancing commenced on the beautifully laid-out lawn, the attendance was augmented. At the tea tables Mesdames Whitney. Powell, Panter, Maltby, Middleton and the Whiling and Pear were in attendance, whilst Mr. R. Whiting had charge of the skittles, Mr. Middleton the weighing machine, and Messrs. G. and J. Rainbow, African images, which attracted great deal of attention. Hanslope Band,  played a number of selections in the afternoon: also for dancing in the evening. Mr. H. J. Watts, of Hanslope, is president of the society this year, and his wife secretary and treasurer. Messrs. G. Cowley and E. Nicholls were in charge of the “gate."

CASTLETHOHPE CHESTNUT TREES.
“To the Editor the  Mercury”

Sir.— I have been residing report of a meeting of  the Highway Committee of the Newport Pagnell Rural District Council, which was held Wednesday, May 29, when a matter relating to Castlethorpe was brought on. With your permission, I should like review the situation and give my opinion thereon. At the entrance the village from Hanslope and the railway station stand four chestnut trees, all that now remain of a fine avenue them, which, for several centuries, have been the pride the village, and. in recent years, have been admired by many who used the station, from whence splendid view of them was obtained, which in spring, when they were full flower, was a magnificent sight.
Some years ago lightning partially destroyed one them, and few years later during a heavy gale, one was blown down. This unfortunate occurrence gave rise to the feeling by a few that the remainder were longer safe. The Parish Council took the matter in hand, and the Lord the Manor (Mr. E. H. Watts), to whom these belong, with view having them removed or properly lopped. The latter consented to do, and had the work put in hand forthwith, but for some reason (possibly a misunderstanding on the part someone) the trees, instead being properly lopped, were really mutilated, until there was very little besides the lower portion of the trunks left.
Many were the expressions of regret at such drastic work. Some two years have elapsed since this was done, and the trees are now slowly This year there are nice lot young growths on each, but now, we who cherish such mementoes of the past, are threatened with another blow.
There appears be section in the village who would, if it was in their power, demolish all such relics, and do what they call modernise the place. It is this party who cry: “Cut them down and remove them, widen the road, and thus bring the approach to the village up-to-date.'’
I notice our Rural District Council, representative mentions it as dangerous spot, and that an accident has occurred there.
Sir, within the memory of the oldest living inhabitant one accident only has occurred there, that which Mr. Richardson speaks. Since that happened, several alterations have been made there. The Railway have placed a lamp in such a position to illuminate the bend in the road, and also a piece of paddock that formerly made the road bend rather sharp has taken away and footpath made for pedestrians, altogether making the approach the village very good both for vehicular traffic and for foot passengers. Surely this is therefore, but poor excuse for wanting the road widened.
The Parish Council acknowledged the manorial rights of Mr. Watts in the first instance, and from what transpired they that his wish is to let the trees remain. Now they appear to be ignoring these right; and taking upon themselves the power over them, and trying to make either the Rural District Council or the County Council to take the matter in hand and have the work done.
It seems me sir that if the Parish Council have just awoke to the fact that they must look after the public’s safety in their parish, there are several parts which are real danger spots without dealing an imaginary one as this is in order to get a pet idea of theirs carried out.
I maintain this should not done for two reasons firstly, being in the opinion many an absolute unnecessary job would be a total waste money the part of the several Councils that would be involved according to Mr. Young's suggestion. Secondly, demolish a landmark that has stood for hundreds years, and those acquainted with local history is of unfold interest, would very wrong.
I hope lord of the manor will stand by those who long for the preservation, and such links with the past, and use his power to prevent the suggested scheme being carried out. Surely there are some gentlemen on the Councils mentioned who will not consent to such drastic steps being taken without first thoroughly investigating the whole case.
With apologies. Mr. Editor, for trespassing on your valued space.
A CASTLETHORPE RESIDENT.

CASTLETHORPE CHESTNUTS.
To the Editor of the “Mercury”

Sir, I was surprised read in your evening paper that even a suggestion of removing those dear old chestnut trees had been mooted. Why, it would be positively nothing short of sacrilege.
Surely some very strong measure should taken promptly to prevent such thing.
Up to now I personally had not heard of it, but should be one of the first to protest, although a bird of passage (my business makes me so). I am fond of the village, and should, indeed, regret anything in the shape of up-to-dateness: its oldness and unlikeness a town is its greatest charm.
While thanking you in anticipation for your courtesy in publishing this, I beg to subscribe myself, yours.
GRACE WARNER
The Retreat, Castlethorpe, Bucks  June 7, 1912

CASTLETHORPE CHESTNUT TREES.

To the Editor of the Mercury

It is with sincere regret that have to announce the death Mr. Edward Irons, of Castlethorpe, formerly of Daventry. The deceased was one of the most enthusiastic chess players we have ever met. His forte was brilliance rather than strength, and the rapidity with which he evolved bizarre combinations rendered him interesting opponent. It seemed impossible to tire him out at chess, however long the sitting might be, and we very well remember one Easter Monday when Messrs. Irons and Johnson played from 9.30 a.m. until 10.30 a.m. next morning with only brief intervals for refreshments. Although a hundred and two games were contested in the twenty-five hours Mr. Irons emerged from the ordeal with smiling countenance and an unclouded intellect. the other hand, Mr. Johnson, despite his being the junior 23 years, was so tired that went to sleep in the very act of making a move. The deceased gentleman, who has been in failing health for some time, was only 61 years of age.

Ambulance Contest

Castlethorpe Team: C. Harding, J. H. Green, T. Powell, J. Rainbow, L. Marsh, and A. Dittam.
The highest possible marks were 410, and the teams were placed in the following order:

First: Castlethorpe with 287 marks.

THE COMING OF SPRING.

Dear Uncle Dick, —I am writing to you the first time, but I have written several times to the other Uncle Dick. How early everything is this year! The snowdrops in our garden are all over, and I have found several wild violets out. We have about six hundred daffodils flowering in our garden so they will make a nice show won’t they? The weather this year has been very good for the birds, they can find plenty of insects.
We have lots of Sparrows round our house, and one of them is such a pert little fellow As soon as we have shaken the table cloth he flies down to pick the crumbs without waiting for us to go away. Our house is about mile from the village, and as there are two three spinneys near by, we hear the birds singing all day long.
I have left school now, but I am staying at home with mother, and sometimes I do a bit of pillow-lace to pass the time away. I still go to Sunday school, and I enjoy the walk very much in the mornings. While I out for a walk the other afternoon, I found quite nice little bunch of primroses, and they reminded that Spring will soon be here. The trees too, are shooting, and the elderberry tree has already got its leaves. I am sorry that I cannot send you my photograph, but I haven’t had it taken for several rears. I hope some day to see you, even though do live some distance from Northampton. Well, I do not think I have anything more to tell you, so will close with best love to you and Auntie Dick, from your loving Niece, MABEL HILLYER, Leamington Cottage. Castlethorpe.
I thank Mabel for her good letter. Please write again.

TO MAKE AN OLD FOWL TENDER,

A very old fowl can be made as tender as a chicken if cooked in the following manner:—Rub the fowl first with lemon juice all over, which whitens the flesh and improves the flavour. Then wrap in buttered paper, and steam for three hours; melt some good dripping in a baking tin, put in the fowl, and bake gently in a moderate oven for half an hour, basting well. The flesh of an old fowl is more nourishing- than that of a young one, and quite delirious if cooked in this way. Mrs. G. Clarke, Lilac Cottage, Castlethorpe.

EXCELLENT MEAT SAFE

The warm weather will soon here, and it is well to be prepared for it. An inexpensive meat safe is a boon to many housewives, and one can be easily made out of a small packing case, which can be bought for few pence from a grocer. The lid is made into the door by connecting it to the box with two small hinges, then saw small square out of each side and tack white book muslin or perforated tin over the open place. Screw a hook in the top for hanging meat, etc., and you have as nice a safe one which would cost you considerably more if bought.—Mrs. Clarke. Lilac Cottage, Castlethorpe.

SCALLOPED POTATOES

For a delicious savoury dish take two or three large potatoes, pare, and slice thin as possible; one teacupful breadcrumbs one or two onions; and one ounce of butter. Grease a shallow pie-dish, cover the bottom with the slices potatoes, then a layer of the breadcrumbs with bits of butter and very tiny pieces of onion, and seasoning of salt and pepper. Continue the layers of potatoes, etc., until the dish is full, then cover with milk, and bake in a hot oven from 1½ to 2 hours, according to size of dish. This makes a nice change for children instead of meat.—Miss E. Richardson, “Sunnyside,” Castlethorpe.

AMBULANCE COMPETITION.
SMART PERFORMANCE BY CASTLETHORPE L. AND N.W.

The Castlethorpe team performed very smartly in the district competition for the London and North-Western Railway’s Ambulance trophy, at Northampton, Tuesday, and beating Rugby by 42 points qualified for the final. The result was:—
1. Castlethorpe 214 marks.
2. Rugby 172  
3. Coventry 171
4. Northampton  169 
5. Colwick . 163  
6. Weedon 159
7. Nuneaton 151 
8. Hallaton 128
9. Tamworth 122½
The number of marks possible was 300. Mr. T. Reading won the individual Competition 37 marks out of 40, and Mr. Aliband, Weedon, was given a special prize.
Assistant Commissioner Dr. W. E. Audland judged the squad test. Deputy Commissioner T. H. Woolston was the judge the individual work, and Chief Superintendent W. Harvey Reeves conducted the viva voce examinations.
At the conclusion of the competitions Mr. R. S. Skillington, the District Goods Manager, took the chair, and Mrs. W. B. Farr, the wife of the District Engineer, presented the prizes to the Rugby and Coventry teams, and to the individual winners. As Castlethorpe have qualified for the final they do not receive an award as district winners. Mrs. Farr presented Mr. C. W. Bartholomew’s silver medallions Camden Town and bronze ones to Castlethorpe.

CASTLETHORPE.

The controversy respecting the £11 7s, given up for the benefit of the parish of Castlethorpe again engaged the attention of a crowded parish meeting on Thursday night. Letters were read from the schoolmaster and Mr. Whiting (one of the churchwardens), whose action in using the money for Church purposes is strongly resented by the villagers, and eventually a resolution was passed to the effect "That in the opinion the meeting Mr. Middleton (the schoolmaster) was the, trustee only of the parishioners and not of Miss Warner, and had no right to hand over the money for the object for which it was used.”—A full report of the meeting will found in the – “Daily Echo.”

CASTLETHORPE VESTRY
MEETING.
MISS GRACE WARNER’S GIFT.

Contrary to expectations, there were “incidents” at the Castlethorpe vestry on Thursday night. The villagers naturally anticipated there would be some sort of a sequel to the recent controversy concerning Miss Warner's gift of  £11 7s. to the parish, and large crowds of them assembled outside the church before the vestry meeting commenced, but the business was quite formal.
The Rev. W. J. Harkness presided, and it was stated there was a balance in hand of £3 6s. 4d. —Mr. W. Whitbread was nominated vicar’s warden, and Mr. Charles Whiting was elected warden. The sidesmen were Messrs. Lea-Wyn, Burbidge, Middleton, S. Beasley, Rawlinson, A. Nicholls, Elgar, and Holt.
At an informal meeting of the sidesmen afterwards held Mr. Whiting read a wire and a letter which he had received from Miss Grace Warner in reply to a letter he had sent to her. She wired: “ Regret letter only just received. It has been following me round. Heartily approve of the way money was spent.”
The letter said: “When I gave the concert it was with the one desire only of benefiting the village in some little way. I handed over the cheque, and the matter passed out of my hands. There were many suggestions, many of which would have been quite satisfactory to me. I left it entirely in Mr. Middleton’s hands, and when I saw him I he said that some few weeks previous they had come to some definite arrangement, so was only too pleased that my money had railed of the ground given by Lord Lincolnshire, as his lordship was a personal friend of my dear father in Australia. I hope there is no doubt now about the money, and certainly I cannot see any other way in which the money could have been spent.”

MARROW PICKLE

Take 4Ibs. of marrow and cauliflower, cut into small pieces. Sprinkle with salt; then leave a few hours to drain. Take 1½ of mustard, ½ oz. of turmeric, six chillies, ½Ib. of sugar, tour dozen of eschalots (chopped), a few cloves, and three pints vinegar. Mix the mustard and turmeric with vinegar and boil for ten minutes. Add the marrow and cauliflower and the other ingredients, and then boil until tender. Put into jars. Tie down when cold and it then ready use.—Mrs. Marsh. Castlethorpe.

WHITING.
A NOTED BUCKS FARMER.

Castlethorpe went into mourning on Friday day for the funeral of one of its most beloved natives —Mr. Charles Whiting, who was one of the largest agriculturists in this part of Bucks.
Mr. Whiting, who was 58 years of age, had flourishing farmsteads at Castlethorpe and Hanslope, and in both villages was esteemed and revered by the inhabitants. For many years he was a member the Castlethorpe Parish Council, and a devout Churchman; he had held the position of vicar's warden at Castlethorpe Church for a number of years. In politics he was a Conservative, though he took on actives part in the propagation of his principles.
As an evidence of the esteem in which he was held in the villagers, all who were at home in the village attended the simple funeral service in the village church, which was crowded.
The funeral service was conducted the Rev. W. J. Harkness (vicar of Hanslope), assisted by the Rev. T. Evans (curate), who also both officiated at the graveside. At  the service “Peace, perfect peace" was sung to organ accompaniment Miss Gregory.
Amongst the mourners were; Miss Dorothy L. and Miss Kathleen M. Whiting (daughters), Messrs. C. R., J. E., B. S., and H. G. Whiting (sons) Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Whiting, (brother and sister-in-law), Mr. Henry Whiting, Caldecote (brother), Mr. and Mrs. George Whiting, Stoke Goldington (brother and sister-in-law), Mr. Henry Whiting, Hampstead (nephew), Mr. Bennett Whiting, Willen (nephew), Mr. Frank Whiting, Stoke (nephew). Mrs. Percy Adams (niece), Mr. Adams. Broughton, Mr. H. Reynolds, Newport Pagnell, Mrs, W. Brice Shakeshaft (sister-in-law), Mr. Brice Shakeshaft, Milton Keynes, Mr. T. Shakeshaft, Newport Pagnell. Mr. and Mrs. George Humphries, Bragborough.
Included amongst a number personal friends in the church were Mr. J. S, Tibbetts, C.C., Mr. F. Hurry, Dr. Douglas Bull, Mr. J. Wilson. Mr. John Hall (Stony Stratford), Mr. H. C. Wilkinson (Old Wolverton) Mr. G. Tayler, Mr. J. Odell, Mr. F. W. Coles, Mr. J. O. Butler, Mr. P. W. Gamble (Newport Pagnell), Mr. A. Greaves, (Haversham) Mr. W. Hedges (Great Linford), Mr. W. G. Lyles (Ravenstone), Mr. W. T. Smart (East Haddon), Mr. A, Sawbridge, Mr. T. Tucker (Hanslope) the Rev. T. W. Titmarsh (Lathbury), Mr. Ellis Clarke (Silverstone), Mr, F. H. Verey (Old Stratford), Mr. W. Penson (Cosgrove), Mr. W. Whitbread (co- warden), Mr. R. W. Dickens (Hanslope), and fifty workmen from the two farms. The coffin, which was of polished oak was made from timber grown in the neighbourhood of the deceased's home. It was lowered into grave which had been beautifully lined with moss and chrysanthemums. Included in a very large collection of floral tributes were wreaths from all the mourners, and Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Birdsell (Northampton), the Lower Lodge workmen, all at Caldecote, Mr. and Mrs. Gamble, Alfred Sawbridge, (Hanslope), Mr. W. Bull, Mayor and Corporation of Lincolnshire, the workmen and Mrs. Claude Borrett.

WAGONER WANTED, also MAN to Help with Cattle and Sheep. £1 per week; good house and garden found in village close to work. Mrs. Markham, Castlethorpe, Bucks.

DAVIDGE, PTE., 1^st (Cameron Regiment) Scottish Rifles.

Private Davidge was killed German sniper whilst outpost duty. He was only 24 years age, and had served in the Army seven years. Before the war was a labourer in the Wolverton Carriage Works. He leaves a widow and a little baby boy, who live at Castlethorpe.

ENGINE DRIVING,

The "L. and N.W. Railway Gazette ’’ for May, quoting from the “Railway Magazine,” it gives a record of a remarkable run made from Manchester to London by the engine, “Percy Bysshe Shelley," of the Prince of Wales” class. The journey from Manchester to London is 1883/8  miles, and despite several severe checks, it was accomplished in four minutes under the schedule time, or average for the greater part of the trip of 57.7 miles per hour. The rate the engine travelled at different points of the route will be a revelation to many people. At Kilsby tunnel, the speed was 56.3 miles per hour, but on easy grades between Kilsby and Weedon  it was accelerated to 73.8 miles. At Roade it was brought down to exactly 60, but between and Castlethorpe troughs a speed of 75 miles per hour was maintained for some distance. By the time the summit was reached the speed had been reduced to 57.7 miles, but leaving Tring speed was picked up, and on one stretch a maximum of 77.5 miles per hour was kept up for fully three miles. Between Nuneaton and Willesden a gain was made schedule time of less than 9 minutes 50 seconds.

MARRIAGES: CLARKE-MUSCUTT.-September 8th. at the Congregational Church. Wolverton, William Thomas, only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Clarke, Castlethorpe, to Florence Alice Irena, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Muscutt, of Wolverton.

N. Fairman, Wolverton Road, Castlethorpe.

DIED OF WOUNDS.

Information has been received by Mrs. Coey, of New-road, Castlethorpe, that her son Lance-Corpl. W. J. Coey, has died hospital in France from the effects of a bullet wound in the head. Prior to joining the army he worked as a coach painter at the Wolverton Carriage Works, and was a well-known local footballer and cricketer. He was 24 years of age, and had been at the front eleven weeks. The information was sent to Mrs. Coey by the Chaplain who buried her son. His body rests in the soldiers' cemetery at Merville.

LANCE-CORPL. W. J. COEY.

Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, who died of his wounds was the son of Mrs. Coey, New-road, Castlethorpe.

FOR THE RED CROSS.

On Wednesday week a most successful concert was given at Castlethorpe by the Wolverton Pom Pom Party on behalf of the Buckinghamshire Red Cross Funds. The chair was taken by the Rev. W. J. Harkness, who, at the close, thanked the Pom Pom Party for their kindness. The concert was arranged by a local committee Mrs. Green, Mrs. Markham, Mrs. Marsh, Mrs. Wills, Miss Holt, Miss M. Rainbow and Miss Whiting (hon secretary) and they have been able to forward the sum of £5 10s to the Red Cross Fund as a result.

MONDAY NEXT.

THE NAVIGATION INN, COSGROVE.

Three-quarters of a mile from Castlethorpe Station.

Merry and Co.
Are instructed by the representatives the late Mr. T. C. Spencer,
TO SELL AUCTION,
On MONDAY NEXT. 31st JANUARY, 1916,
On the above Premises;

4 HORSES, viz.; Two Brown Cart Horses, both 9yrs. old and good workers; Brown Cart filly, rising 2yrs. old; and a Strong Chestnut Cob, quiet to ride and drive, and well-known.
2 STIRKS

10 GRASS TEGS.
19 PIGS, viz.; 10 Berkshire Stores and 9 Strong Store Ditto.
RICK OF EXCELLENT CLOVER
(About 12 Tons), and a
RICK OF GOOD TWO-YEAR-OLD HAY,
About 12 Tons;
Stump of Straw; about 2 Tons of Wheat Straw (all to go off); 6 Quarters Oats; and a Quantity of Seed Potatoes.

60 HEAD OF POULTRY, mostly Pullets. '
AN ASSORTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS and MACHINES

Include: Harness. Ploughs Cultivator, Root Pulper. Chaff Machine, Grass Mower, Harrows, “Hornsby’s” Self Binder,
TWO SCOTCH CARTS.
FOUR-WHEEL COAL DRAY,
Coal Scales, 70 Coal Bags, Double-Barrel Gun, Keg of Oil, Paraffin Tank, Salting Lead, Churn and Dairy Utensils.
DOG CART. GOVERNESS CAR.
HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE,

Comprising: Brass and Iron Bedsteads and Bedding, Mahogany and other Chests Drawers, Dressing Tables, Wardrobe, Dressing Glasses, Fenders and Irons.
SUITE OF WALNUT DINING-ROOM
FURNITURE,

Mahogany Tables, Engravings, Linoleum, and Kitchen Utensils, etc., etc.
The Sale Trill commence with the Furniture at one o'clock.

NORTH BUCKS STORM NOTES.

Stony Stratford was “cut off” even from Wolverton on Tuesday. Nine trees were blown down on the road connecting the towns, five of them proving insuperable barrier for the tramcars. One car was held up on Tuesday afternoon near Old Wolverton turn, and the tram service had to be suspended on Wednesday.
Between Wolverton and Castlethorpe only three telegraph posts were left standing after the blizzard. Many Wolverton householders have had to go without the morning's milk since Monday, owing to the inability of milkmen to make the journey.
Wolverton, Stony Stratford, and Stantonbury had no evening papers of any sort on Tuesday. Vehicular traffic between Wolverton and Newport Pagnell was effectually barred by two giant elms across the road at the foot of Black Horse Hill.
A giant tree across the Station-road near Stonebridge Farm, Wolverton, caused the workmen to make a detour across the field.
Not one the telephone subscribers in the Stony Stratford area was able to use the system, and the wreckage of wires, poles, and trees will mean many days' labour before normal conditions are fully restored.
Newport Pagnell had an extra trouble on Wednesday owing to the huge flood caused by the rapid melting of the snow. The water was four feet deep near the Newport Police Station, and also a fallen tree across the road and residents the Wolverton end of the town had to be conveyed to and fro in wagons and carts. The water entered houses near the river at the north end of Newport.
Hundreds of people visited the Old Wolverton turn on the Stratford road Wednesday to view five felled trees, a ruined wall, and telegraph poles and wires, all within a comparatively short distance.

CASTLETHORPE.

A successful open-air whist drive, promoted by Mrs. Claude Borrett, was held in the grounds, of her residence, Hatton Court Saturday for the funds of Northampton Hospital. Over 200 attended, whilst many more tickets were sold. Mr. C. H. Dibb, of Wolverton, attended with his electric battery, which helped to swell the funds.

IN MEMORIAM

CARPENTER. —In loving memory of Harold Thomas, beloved son of Thomas and Kate Carpenter, of Castlethorpe, who passed away at Northampton Hospital, August 30th, 1916. “Gone, but not forgotten.”

POTTERSPURY.

The Potterspury Military Tribunal met on Thursday. The members present were: Messrs. H. T. F. Weston, J.P. (chairman), P. F. Ridgway, J. S. Tapper, J. Bishop, O. Harris, J. F. Bliss (agricultural representative), Major J. S. Brougham (military representative), and the clerk (Mr, W. Snelgrove).
A farmers wife from Castlethorpe Wharf appeared to support claim for renewal for a horsekeeper, aged 30, a single man. She said corn was all cut but not carried. The coal business had been given up.—A month (final) was allowed.

NEWPORT PAGNELL

The claim of a Castlethorpe nurseryman (31), supported by a solicitor, was favourably considered, and exemption granted until December 31.

BAVINGTON, PTE. ALBERT, Worcestershire Regiment, youngest son of Mr. John Bavington, of Castlethorpe. He was wounded on August 24 in the muscle of the left arm and right hand, is now in the City of London Military Hospital, and is progressing favourably. Before enlisting he worked at Wolverton Carriage Works.

Forty-four pounds ten shillings was realised at Hatton Court, Hanslope, as the result of a fete in aid of Christmas presents for the soldiers from Hanslope and Castlethorpe.

BURNT BY HIS FIRESIDE.

MAN’S DEATH AT CASTLETHORPE.

Buckinghamshire and the Borders of Northamptonshire

HANSLOPE, CASTLETHORPE, AND HARTWELL.
HIGHLY IMPORTANT SALE OF
VALUABLE FREEHOLD AGRICULTURAL FARMS, as follows:

GREEN FARM 74 Acres.
WOOD FARM 108 ACRES
CHURCH FARM 161ACRES
MILFORDLEYS FARM 140 ACRES
LINCOLN LODGE FARM 284 ACRES

CASTLETHORPE LODGE FARM 240 ACRES
the whole Containing an Area about 1.000 ACRE and Producing a RENT OF £1,036.
WOODS and Co. Have been favoured with instructions
TO OFFER THE ABOVE FARMS FOR SALE BY AUCTION, in Lots.
At the GRAND HOTEL NORTHAMPTON
On SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14th. 1918.
At 3 o’clock precisely.

For full Particulars. Plans, and Conditions of Sale apply to the Land Agents, Messrs. Jas. Martin and Co. 8. Bankstreet, Lincoln (and AWainfleet, Lincolnshire); to the Auctioneers, 2, Derngate, Northampton. and Park Street Towcester or W. BAGSHAW Esq'. Solicitor. Town Clerk’s Office, Saltergate. Lincoln.

SALE OF FARMS.
AUCTION AT NORTHAMPTON

Mr. T. C. Woods-(Messrs. Woods and. Co.) conducted the sale of a valuable freehold estate, comprising, six farms and small holdings in Hanslope. Castlethorpe, and Hartwell, with an area of about 1,009 a. 2r. 16p., at the Grand Hotel, Gold-street, Northampton, on Saturday afternoon. The land was the property of the Lincoln Corporation.
Salcey Green Farm of 74 acres in Hanslope and Hartwell part in Northamptonshire and part in Buckinghamshire with farmhouse and farm buildings, in the occupation Mr. \W. G. Keggin, at a rent of £60, was put in at £1,200, and sold for £1,700.
Wood Farm, of rather more than 108 acres, chiefly grass, near Hanslope village, tenanted by Mrs.  Clara Cook and Mr. James Ruff at a rental of £100, was started £2,000 and realised £2,825, given by Mr. Ruff, the announcement of whose purchase was received with applause.
Church or Rectory Farm, a mixed holding 161 acres with farmhouse and buildings, and a cottage and buildings at Hanslope, let to Mr. C. R. Whiting at £200 per annum drew first bid of £4,000, and was sold after some spirited competition for £6,600.
Milford Leys Farm, a mixed holding of 140 acres with farmhouse and buildings, adjoining Church or Rectory Farm, tenant Mr. H. Cook, rent £145, was started at £2,000, and withdrawn £2,580, and since sold privately for £2,800.
Lincoln Lodge Farm of nearly 240 acres grass and arable, with farmhouse, two sets of farm buildings, and two cottages, adjoining Milford Leys Farm, tenant Mr. C. H. Weston, rent £282 15s. 9d. was started at £5.000, and sold for £6,000.
Castlethorpe Lodge Farm of 240 acres gross and arable, with farmhouse, farm buildings, and four cottages, let to Mr. J. E. Whiting at annual rent of £248 12s. was put in at £4,000, and withdrawn at £6.500.
The total of the five lots was £19,825, Mr. W. Bagshaw, the Town Clerk Lincoln, was the solicitor concerned in the sale.

HELP OLD AGE PENSIONERS

To the Editor of the " Mercury.” Sir, —As regular leader of your valuable paper I noticed in your issue of Nov. 7 a letter respecting old-age pensioners. I would like to see this matter taken up by all the trade unions throughout the country, a great many of the old - age pensioners are, unable to earn anything that would supplement their allowance of 5s. a week, with the extra 2s. 6d., the total of which is worth about 3s. 6d. in pre-war times.
I would like to suggest that we of the trade union movement should  at once send in resolution to the  Government demanding that the old-age pensions allowance should at once be raised enable them to have decent existence, some them at the present time must on the verge of starvation. If this matter is taken up now it might be possible to get something done for them before the winter sets in. The least that we of the workers and trade union movement can do is to try and get an extra allowance, not as a charity, but as an act of justice towards our old people who have made the nation.
Hoping you will allow some more correspondence on this matter,—l remain, yours, G. WHITE. Church-street, Castlethorpe. Bucks, November 10, 1918.

OLD-AGE PENSIONERS

To the Editor of the “Mercury”
Sir, am writing to you in respect to that letter of mine regarding old-age pensioners. I have had a great number of letters in answer to the same. This letter one them that I have received:—

'' Dear Sir,—Seeing your letter in the Northampton Daily Echo about old age pensioners. I was very pleased see that someone thought about us, for I can assure you that it is starvation. I am a widow. I pay 2s. rent and 2s. 2d. coal, and then there is light, so you see there is not much to live on. It does not keep body and soul together—and nothing wear. It is very hard to only have 7s. 6d. a week to live on, I do hope and trust that someone will take it up and get us more. I do hope that you will forgive me for sending to you. Good-night, and may blessings rest upon you and all.
This letter will show us what these old people have to put up with. As I cannot answer all the letters separately I will answer through your valuable paper, and let them know that the Labour and Trade Union movement are going to see that these old people who have created the wealth of this country shall not spend their last days in semi-starvation they have done in the past.—Yours, G. WHITE, Church-street, Castlethorpe.

Meritorious Service Medal has been awarded the following men the Northants Yeomanry in recognition of valuable services with the British Forces in Italy:- Q.M.S. J, May (Castlethorpe),

ESCAPED GERMAN PRISONER.
CHARGED WITH BURGLARY AT CASTLETHORPE.

At Stony Stratford Police Court Friday, Heinrich Schultz, a German prisoner from Pattishall Camp, Towcester, who escaped and was captured by P.C. Chilvers at Haversham, was charged with burglary at Castlethorpe on August 7, He was accused of stealing 18s. in silver, a tin of biscuits, 2lbs. of bacon, and other articles. Lieut. McKintosh appeared as official interpreter.
Edward Powell, grocer, Castlethorpe, said he missed the articles. Prisoner had entered the house through the cellar.
P.C. Chilvers said prisoner made the following statement in broken English: “I got into the house to pinch food, I saw the money so I pinched it. I have eaten some of the food and thrown the rest into the river'.
Prisoner had nothing say, and was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions.

WANTED, WAGONER: also STOCK-MAN, able to milk. Good cottage on farm. Apply Milford Leys Farm, Castlethorpe.

BUCKS QUARTER SESSIONS. Bucks Quarter Sessions were held at Aylesbury Friday, before Lord Parmoor (chairman). Colonel Lord Cottesloe (vicechairman), Marquis Lincolnshire, Mr. W. W. Carlile, Colonel A. W. Phipps, Mr. Purefoy, Mr. W. Purslow, and other magistrates.
Heinrich Schultz (22), a German exprisoner of war, admitted, through an interpreter, committing burglary at Castlethorpe. Stony Stratford, on August 7, his plea being that having escaped from prison camp he burgled for food. —There were two other warrants, and these were taken into account in a sentence of One Month’s Imprisonment.

CASTLETHORPE. THURSDAY, NOV. 20^th ,
at the CARRINGTON ARMS,
CASTLETHORPE, at 6 o’clock.
TWELVE FREEHOLD MODERN
Brick-built and slated HOUSES.
Solicitors

Messrs. DENNIS FAULKNER, and ALSOP
Market Square. Northampton.

THURSDAY NEXT.
PARTICULARS OF A FIRST-CLASS
FREEHOLD INVESTMENT

AT CASTLETHORPE, Near WOLVERTON,
Comprising

12 EXCEPTIONALLY WELL BUILT HOUSES
Constructed in pairs, and pleasantly situated, within 200 yards the L. and N.-W. Main Line Station,

TO SOLD BY AUCTION BY
MESSRS.
JACKSON STOPS.
(as a whole or in pairs),

At the CARRINGTON ARMS,
CASTLETHORPE. On THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 20th. 1919.
at 6 o'clock in the Evening,

Subject to such Conditions of Sale as will then be produced and read.

The Houses are beautifully laid out in AUCTION NOTICES. in pairs, in a row, on the road from Castlethorpe to Stony Stratford, the pairs of houses at either end of the row being embellished with fine square bay windows.
Four Pairs Houses have the following well proportioned rooms :

ON THE GROUND :
Living Room, Parlour and Scullery, Barn and Closet.

ON THE FIRST FLOOR : Three Bedrooms. Two Pairs have similar accommodation downstairs, and two large bedrooms above, and each house has a small front garden and productive kitchen garden behind.

The property is protected from the public road a substantial iron fence.
The side paths are of concrete, and the back premises are screened from each other by high corrugated iron screens.
The houses are in the occupation of the following tenants:
1st Pair (nearest Castlethorpe Station), Messrs, W. Walton and W. Kingstone.
2nd Pair, Messrs. Atkins and J. Clarke
3rd Pair, Messrs. F. Mills and C. Willison.
4th Pair, Messrs. West and Wm. Walker.
5th Pair, Messrs. and W. Bird.
6th Pair, Messrs. G. Faulkner and J. Evans. ,
At low Rentals amounting to £148 15s. 11d. per annum.
Drainage is modern and connected to the sewer. The property is in good repair and water is derived from three pumps on the property.
The house in the occupation of Mr. J. Evans has a large well-lighted Workshop at rear.
For further particulars of this exceptionally desirable Property apply to the Auctioneers : Messrs. JACKSON STOPS, F.S.I., Chartered Surveyors, Town Hall, Towcester (Tel. No. 16) and Wood Hill, Northampton (Tel. No. 610); or to Messrs. DENNIS FAULKNER and ALSOP. Solicitors, Market-square, Northampton.

Considerable interest was taken in the offer for sale of twelve well-built houses at Castlethorpe on Thursday. The auctioneer stated that the house were equal to those which were proposed to be built by the various authorities. Four were sold together for £800, and the remainder were withdrawn at £1,400. The unsold houses may be purchased by private treaty. Messrs. Dennis Faulkner, and Alsop, Northampton, were the solicitors concerned.