Northampton Mercury - Friday 09 March 1900

SINGULAR FATALITY AT COSGROVE.

An inquest was held at the Plough Inn, Cosgrove, on Wednesday, before Mr. T. M. Percival. coroner, touching the death of Frederick Pittam.

William George Pittam, Cosgrove, labourer, stated that the deceased, Frederick Pittam, was his son, and was 13 years old last birthday. Deceased was a labourer and worked for Mr. Grant-Thorold. His son was in good health and witness believed deceased had never had a day's illness, and was a big, strong boy who never complained about his work.

Joseph Swain, Yardley Gobion, labourer, stated that he worked for Mr. Grant-Thorold. On Tuesday several of them were engaged carting manure. The deceased was with the horse and cart, drawing manure from, one yard to another. Witness was emptying the carts. It was about half-past twelve when deceased brought in load of manure. Witness tipped it straight out, and sent deceased back to fetch another load. There were two horses in the cart. Witness never saw deceased again alive. Deceased was perfectly well when witness last saw him, attending to his work and doing it properly and well, and had been at it all the morning. The deceased was a strong boy, and thoroughly understood horses and his work.

Frederick Keech, Cosgrove, labourer, stated that he worked for Mr. Grant-Thorold. On Tuesday, witness was looking after the cattle. At about mid-day witness was pumping some water in the farmyard, an empty cart, with two horses, was coming into the yard. It was in the gateway. Witness saw Frederick Pittam lying on the ground. Witness did not see him fall and did not know how he got on the ground. He was alone, no other person was near him. The near cart wheel was just passing over his body as witness saw him. Witness never heard deceased speak and never saw him move. Witness went to him; he was quite dead.

Trevor Halket Evans, assistant to Dr. Bull, of Stony Stratford, made examination of the body. Prior to removal, found the track of the wheel across the body, the muddy mark was clearly perceptible. There were bruises on both hands, left shoulder, both sides of the neck, and the left side of the face was very much bruised and cut about; and there was a bruise on the left hip, where the wheel, apparently, first touched the body. The ribs seemed to be pressed inwards by the wheel, but witness could not discover any actual fracture. The neck was fractured and dislocated just below the head, which alone was sufficient to cause death, which must have been instantaneous.

The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Killed."

Divisional Petty sessions. Friday. Before Mr. A. Grant-Thorold, Rev. G. E. Willes and Mr. T. Byam Grounds.

Charles Bull, of Cosgrove, was charged with neglecting to send his nephew, F. Timing, regularly to school.—Fine and costs. 5s.

Mr. Pryor Pritchard was reappointed Sanitary Inspector and Surveyor. The Surveyor was instructed to prepare plans for a tank and drain at Cosgrove, obtain estimates, and submit them to the next meeting the Council.—The Medical Officer of Health (Dr. T. S. Maguire) reported that several cases of scarlet fever at Cosgrove had been notified during the past month. They were of the usual mild type, and the epidemic was subsiding.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE HOME ARTS AND
INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION.

EXHIBITION AT NORTHAMPTON.

The Northamptonshire Home Arts and Industries Association, which held its tenth annual exhibition in Northampton Town Hall on Thursday, has accomplished an invaluable work in many villages of the county by inducing the inhabitants to take up various hobbies and industries, which, while useful in themselves, may also be made a source of income. Classes are held in the villages in the winter, at which various subjects are taught and an exhibition of the work completed is held in the early part of the year, when prizes are awarded for the best specimens. The Association thus serves a two-fold purpose. First as forming a profitable medium for people living in rural districts to spend their leisure time on the long winter evenings, and secondly, by giving persons an opportunity to display their ability in art and various industries which otherwise they would never get. These annual exhibitions are anticipated with a great deal of interest and are always attended with success. Owing to the war and other circumstances, Thursday's exhibition was not so large as some of its predecessors, and in one section, viz., that of ironwork, which formed a conspicuous feature of last year's exhibition, there was not a single exhibit. The quality of the work, however, was not affected by the diminution in numbers, and in several instances the contributions were worthy to be shown at a more important exhibition. Wood-carving, which always seems to be so fascinating to students, was represented by some remarkably clever work. The lace exhibits, which are always a feature of the gathering, included some beautiful specimens of various designs. Some very nice basket work was shown from Lady Downe's class at Dingley, and there were also good specimens of pressed leather work. The fancy work was of a first-class character, an altar cloth and a book marker being especially worthy of mention. A large number of exhibits not for competition were sent, and added to the interest of the exhibition.

The awards of the judges were as follows:

Wood-carving.—Prizes by Mrs. Butterfield:

Three prizes of £1 each to John Clarke, Cosgrove; Thomas Seymour, Cosgrove; and to the following joint workers —H. Cleaver, G. Millar, and G. Hickman, Watford;

10s. to H. Talbot Reeve, Green's Norton; 7s. to Charles Benjamin, Welton;

5s. to A. Hillyer, Cosgrove;

h.c.'s, John Marchmont, Wicken; E. T. Cockerill, Cosgrove; and Miss Constance Burton (not for competition).

COSGROVE

CONCERT. The Cosgrove Choral Society gave their second concert on Friday evening in the National Schoolroom, on behalf of the fund for the purchase of a piano for the school. There was a very good attendance. The cantata “The Lion of Judah," was rendered. Mrs. Seymour was practically responsible for the arrangements. Mr Owen Gee, secretary, assisting, and Mr. Seymour rendered valuable help. Mr Keen, of Wolverton, was the conductor.

The choruses were all vigorously rendered, and the soloists acquitted themselves admirably. Two of the most appreciated items were the "Easter Hymn" and "The Song of Jubilee "

The principal performers were as follows: —Soprano, Mrs. Burridge, Miss Banks, Miss C. Toombs, Masters W. Toombs, and Oliver Gee; contralto, Mrs. Seymour and Master H. Noble; tenor, Messrs. J. and W. Gee; bass, Messrs. W Pedley, O. Gee. and A. Hillyer. A capital orchestra rendered the accompaniments excellently, being composed of Miss L. Wildman and Mr. P. Sharp (first violins). Masters E. Grant and B. Bucknall (second violins). Mr. W. H. Lindow ('cello). Mr. Thorpe (contra bass', and Miss Wildman (organist).

At the close Mr F. D. Bull congratulated the society upon the admirable way they had rendered the cantata, and thanked the members for their efforts and the Wolverton friends for their assistance. He proposed a hearty vote thanks to all the performers, and this was agreed to with cheers, which brought a pleasant evening to a termination.

Buckingham Express Saturday 28 April 1900

COSGROVE. SACRED CONCERT On Friday evening the Cosgrove Choral Society gave a sacred convert in the National Schoolroom, when the cantata. "The Lion of Judah," creditably rendered in the presence of a good audience, who thoroughly appreciated the efforts of the members of the society. Mrs. Seymour was practically responsible for the arrangements Mr. Owen Gee is the secretary of the society, and Mr. Seymour also rendered valuable help. It is not given to many villages of the size of Cosgrove to possess a choral society, and the promoters are, therefore. deserving of commendation for the effort, made to encourage and develop talent in the village. The choruses were vigorously rendered, and responded well to the baton of Mr. Keen, the capable conductor. The soloists acquitted themselves admirably and are equally deserving of praise. A capital orchestra accompanied the singing, and added increased interest in the production. One of the best appreciated numbers was the Ester hymn. " Jeans Christ is risen to-day," the audience joining in the last verse, and the "Song Jubilee" was deserving of the well merited applause bestowed upon it. The audience listened breathlessly as the soloist sang the concluding lines. Then came the full “Hallelujah;” followed by the hearty plaudits of the audience. The soloists were—Soprano, Mrs. Burridge, Miss Banks, Miss C. Toombs, Masters W. Toombs and Oliver Gee; contralto, Mrs. Seymour and Master H. Noble; tenor, Messrs. J. Jelley and W. Gee; bass, Messrs. W. Pedley, O. Gee, and A. Hillyer. The orchestra was composed as follows: First violins. Miss L. Wildman (bronze medallist) and Mr. P. Sharp: second violins, Masters H. Grant and B. Bucksnell, 'cello, Mr. W. H. Lindow: contra-bass, Mr. Thorpe; organist. Miss Wildman. At the close Mr. F. D. Bull said he was sure they had all listened with very great pleasure to the excellent rendering of the cantata, and they were much obliged to the Cosgrove Musical Society for the trouble and pains and time spent in getting, up the concert. They were also very grateful for the help of the Wolverton friends, especially Miss Wildman, who had taken the place of Miss Pedley, absent through illness. He proposed that a hearty vote of thanks be accorded all the performers. This was heartily given, and the audience then dispersed.

RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL

Cosgrove Main Drain. —A letter was received from Mr. Branson's solicitor stating that it would be best for the Council to carry out this work at Cosgrove, and Mr. Branson would pay half the expense.

COSGROVE. — PRESENTATION to Mr C P WOOLLARD

The 14th anniversary of the Cosgrove Mission Room was celebrated Sunday evening last. There was a very full congregation, the service being conducted the Rev. S. Cheshire. Special hymns were sung, and a solo given by Mrs. C. Woollard. At the close of the service, special mention was made of the help given during the past 14 years by Mr Charles P. Woollard. As a spontaneous expression of gratitude, a number of the friends who usually attend the Mission Room had subscribed for the purchase of a clock and pair of candlesticks which were presented to Mr. Woollard with the prayerful hope that he might long be spared to continue the active interest in the work at Cosgrove which he has for so long shown.

Boat Race (course from Cosgrove Lock to Old Wolverton). This race was witnessed by crowds of people who lined the canal sides, and cheered lustily as the boats made their appearance. The prizes consisted of 50 cigars for the winners and 25 cigars for the second boat’s crew. The first place was taken with ease by W. Margetts, Sid Harris and Mark Beal (cox), the second prize being taken by the Works Office Boat, rowed by A. O. Rourke, F. Johnson and H. Barnes (cox). The only other crew which competed was that raised by Mr. Melsack.
Other competitions took place, including climbing a greasy pole for a leg of mutton, and walking a greasy pole, both of which created much amusement. The sports were a decided success, and provided one of the best holidays for the parishioners that Old Wolverton has ever experienced.

TOWCESTER. DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS. TUESDAY before Mr. E. Grant (in the chair). Major Price Blackwood, and Mr. J Chettle.

Theft.

Fred Harry Smith, carpenter. Yardley Gobion was charged with stealing a well kerb, at Cosgrove on June 16th.

The Rev. Clarke Hewson, Rector of Cosgrove, said he had recently had a well sunk at Cosgrove. The three pieces of wood (produced), forming a well kerb, were used in the construction of the well, and were witness's property. After the completion of the well, they were out in a hovel, the door being locked. He missed them on the 16th inst. The door had been forced open. He valued them at 10s. 6d

P.C Smith said saw the prisoner at the Coffee Pot public house, at Yardley Gobion and told him he suspected him of stealing the well kerb. Prisoner said, “Yes, it's down home."

Prosecutor said did not wish to press the case, and prisoner, who had already been in prison ten days, and had not previously been before the Court, was sentenced to one day's imprisonment.

The drainage matter at Cosgrove was left over for consideration. Mr. Branson had considerably abated his offer towards the cost of this drain

Petty Sessions. Friday. - Before Mr. A. Grant-Thorold. Rev. G. E. Willis and Mr T B. Grounds.

Robert Brown, of Cosgrove, machinist, pleaded not guilty to a charge of being drunk and disorderly, at Cosgrove on July 15th.—P.C. Smith proved the case.

Fine and costs 10s.

COSGROVE.

FEAST SPORTS.

These sports were held at Cosgrove on Saturday, in a field kindly lent by Mr. G. F. Branson, in the presence of a large number of spectators, who watched the racing with great interest. The Hanslope Excelsior Prize Band was in attendance, and under the conductorship of Mr. J. Herbert contributed lively selections of music at intervals, and after the sports played for dancing.

The sports were capitally managed by the following officers:—

Referee. Mr. G. F. Branson; judges, Messrs. W. Hillyer and F. Jelley; marksmen, Messrs. H. Brown, R. Henson, and T. Tompkins; starter, Mr. W. East; committee. Messrs. O. Gee, A. Hillyer. J. Byall, H. Lambert, G. Faulkner and S. Williams; secretary, Mr. C. Baldwin; treasurer, Mr. R. Penson; handicappers. Messrs. W. Hillyer and C. Baldwin.

The results are appended:—

250 Yards Handicap (boys under 16): 1 A. Merriden, scratch; 2 A. Luck, 10 yards start; 3 W. Holman, 12.

120 Yards Handicap (open): Final heat 1 E. Franklin, Stony Stratford, 12½ yards start; 2 A. Booth, Wolverton, 11½; H. Hiams, Northampton, 15½.

120 Handicap (boys under 14): 1 W. Holman. G. Horn 3 F. Cummings.

80 Yards Handicap (men over 40): 1 D. Merriden. 2 G. Lovesey, 3 W. Brown

120 Yards Handicap (local): Final heat- 1 G. Clifton, scratch; 2 D. Green, 6 yards start; 3 R. Brown. 8.

250 Yards Handicap (open): Final heat: J. Clayson, Northampton. 7 yards start: 2 W. Johnson Deanshanger, 20; W. Dales Northampton, 5, A. Booth Wolverton, 18, ran dead heat for third place the decider resulting in favour of Booth.

80 Yards Handicap (girls under 16): 1 Mary Luck, 2 Winnie Gee, 3 Edith Wilson

Half-mile Handicap (open): 1 J. Frost Wolverton 35 yards start; 2 J. Griffin Newport Pagnell 30; 3 J. Jones - Northampton, 35.

80 Yards Handicap (women over 35): 1 Mrs Grace, Mrs Smith and Mrs. Brown (dead heat) divided second and third prizes.

100 Yards Handicap (men over 30): 1 W. Wise. 2 R. Brown. 3 J. Brown

One Mile Handicap (open): 1 W. Lambert, Yardley Gobion 175 yards start: 2 J. Russell. Northampton, 3 J. Read Wicken.

Race Through the Canal: 1 F. Henson, 2 D. Green. 3 R. Brown.

WOLVERTON
ANNUAL AQUATIC SPORTS

There was a Tug-of-War across the Canal, Bucks v. Northants, for a prize given by Mr. G. Branson, of Cosgrove.

NEW CHURCH CLOCK AT COSGROVE.

DEDICATION BY THE BISHOP OF PETERBOROUGH.

The Bishop of Peterborough (the Right Rev. Dr. Carr Glyn) visited the village of Cosgrove on Wednesday afternoon for the purpose of conducting the dedication service in connection with new church clock which has recently been installed in the town. The clock is the presentation of Mr. A. Grant Thorold, J.P., Cosgrove Hall, who has given it in memory of his wife, who died last year. No present could have been more acceptable to the parish, as the old clock was in a dilapidated condition, and was considerable source of trouble as it had to be wound every other day. The new one is a handsome eight-day clock, and strikes each hour. In order to prevent any structural alteration to the tower the face of the old clock has again been used, but has been re-painted and the letters re-gilded.

There was a large congregation present at the dedication service. The Rector (the Rev. H. N. C. Hewson) read the prayers. The first lesson was taken the Rev. J. B. Harrison, of Paulerspury, and the second by the Rev. G. M. Capell, Passenham. The other clergy present were: The Rev. R. C. Bevan (Whittlebury), Rev. R. Code-Prior (Grafton Regis), Rev. W. S. Andrews (Wicken), Rev. W. Plant (Potterspury), and Rev. W. Hill (Hartwell).

The Bishop preached an appropriate sermon from the text Romans xii., 1: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." The preacher at the outset noted that in the text the Apostle had turned from the deep doctrines in which he been so engaged in the former chapters, to words of practical application. They had met that afternoon to dedicate to God a gift which for years to come would a part of that old parish church. They were also present to show respect to the one who had given this offering, and the respect they treasured towards the memory of her for whom this memorial was given.

A church clock was a useful gift—a gift which probably was the most appreciated of that could be given to God's house. But because it lent itself to so much that was secular, they should be careful that in the inception they really consecrated this offering to Almighty God to remind themselves that it was a part of that consecrated building and part of that church. If there was anything in connection with the service and the use of their church that required an act of dedication it was that which they were giving that afternoon, lest it should become too secular. They put on the very touch of sanctity by that service, and they reminded themselves as often as they heard it strike and saw its face of that truth that it belonged to God. That offering also spoke to them and reminded them that in their own self dedication there must be exactly the same process. As with the church clock which had to do its work by entering into the common lives of men and women, so had they to act the world around them and enter into the common things, and go out of the House of God into the village and the home and into daily common life. They had got to love God and be Christians. The Offertory was on behalf of the Parochial Schools and amounted to £19 15s. 2d.

On Monday evening a meeting of the joint committees of Stony Stratford and Cosgrove was held in the British Schoolroom to appoint trustees to Whalley’s Charity.—Mr. S. B. Rooke, C.A., was voted to the chair, and there were also present: Rev. S. Cheshire, Messrs. W. J. Elmes, G. Barley, A. Hall, W. J. Smith, A. R. Elmes, C. P. Woollard, H. S. Perrin (Stony Stratford), Messrs. H. Grant-Thorold, E. Baker, and T. Seymour (Cosgrove).—The Clerk (Mr. W. J. C. Ray) read the minutes of the last meeting, and the same were confirmed and signed.—Messrs. J. Attwood Reeve and J. S. Tibbetts were unanimously re-appointed trustees.

COSGROVE Concert. —On Wednesday evening, under the auspices of the Cosgrove Choral Society, an excellent concert was given in the Schoolroom. There was a large attendance, the room being packed, a lengthy programme was arranged, but notwithstanding this the interest was maintained right up to the finish. The choruses by the members of the Society were all well rendered under the conductorship of Mr. T. Keen. All the performers acquitted themselves admirably, and the items were thoroughly appreciated by the audience, but encores, except in one instance, were not responded to by reason of the length of the programme, which contained no less than 23 items. A string band, composed of Messrs. A. Knight and A. Norman (first violins), Sandwell (second violin), Clarke (cornet), 1. Fessey (flute). Freeman ('cello), and Mrs. Fessey (piano), was in attendance, and contributed two pieces in a spirited manner. The profits were in aid of a fund, for the purchase of a piano for the Choral Society. At the close the Rector (Rev. H. N. C. Hewson) thanked the performers, especially the friends from Wolverton, and Mr. Keen for the loan of his piano. He also made touching allusion to the bereavements sustained by Mr. Hugh Robinson (a representative on the Parish Council) in the recent losses he had sustained by the deaths in South Africa from enteric fever of his son and son-in-law, and he was sure all of them sympathised with the family in their heavy bereavement.

News of the death of the Queen.

COSGROVE: Here the news was also received on Tuesday evening at eight o’clock, and the bell of SS. Peter and Paul announced the sad event by its tolling for an hour. At the residences of Mr. Grant-Thorold, Lieutenant Grant-Thorold, Mr. J. J. Atkinson, C.C. Colonel Gordon, and Mr. F. D. Bull the blinds were drawn.

THE HEALTH OF THE POTTERSPURY DISTRICT.

The Medical Officer of Health (Dr. T. S. Maguire) presented his annual report on the sanitary district of Potterspury at the meeting of the District Council on Thursday February 21. The population in 1891 was 5,930, and it is estimated that the population is now 5,880. Calculating on this basis, there is a death rate of 20.33, which is rather high for a country district, but it is pointed out that the district includes the Workhouse, and that there has been increased migration of the young and able bodied into the adjacent towns of Stratford and Wolverton, leaving behind a relatively increased population of the aged. There were 145 births (males 69, and females 76) and 119 deaths (males 60, females 59). Twenty of the deaths were of infants under one year of age, giving mortality of 137.93 per 1,000 births. Between the ages of 25 and 65 there were 42 deaths, and over 65, 48 deaths. The epitome for 1900 of the Notification of Infectious Diseases Act shows that there were 53 notifications of scarlet fever, two of diphtheria, two enteric fever, and four of erysipelas. Thirty-three of the Scarlet Fever cases occurred at Cosgrove, the other 20 being divided between Potterspury, Passenham, Yardley Gobion, Wicken, and Alderton. Attached to the report is a summary of notices served and work done the Sanitary Inspector, Mr. W. H. Pryer Pritchard.

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS, FRIDAY, March 29.
William Brown, George Holman, Thomas Jelley, and Oliver Gee, of Cosgrove, apprentices, were summoned for playing football in the streets, at Wolverton, on March 23^rd.
Police-constable Gibbons proved the case.
Defendants were each fined 7s., including costs.

COSGROVE SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITORS. —At the Exhibition and Sale, at Towcester, on Tuesday, April 16, in connection with the Northamptonshire Home Arts and Industries' Association, the following were successful exhibitors: —A. Hillyer, £1 for chip carving, and E. F. Cockerill 10s., and highly commended Joseph F. Clarke and John Clarke; Thomas Seymour special prize of 5s. for best carved corner cupboard.

COSGROVE CONCERT.-- A capital concert was given in the Schoolroom at Cosgrove, on Friday evening, April 26th, under the auspices of the local Choral Society. The concert was arranged not only to give a pleasant evening to the villagers, but for the purpose of augmenting the fund which is being raised for the purchase of a piano, which is much needed. The Choral Society, under the able conductorship of Mr. T. Keen, of Wolverton, contributed four glees with tunefulness and precision, and the hearty applause of the audience was thoroughly deserved. The individual soloists acquitted themselves admirably, and the selections on the phonograph by Mr. Johnson, of Wolverton, proved acceptable changes in the programme. Mr. Barker, of Stantonbury, presided at the organ. The following was the programme : Glee, " Hail to the chief," Choral Society ; song, "Cathedral voices," Miss May Collins song, " Baby Loo," encored, Miss Bull ; song, " The village blacksmith, Mr. Baker ; humorous glee, "Aldiboroutiphoscophornio," Choral Society ; song, "The song that reached my heart," Miss P. Collins ; duet, "Angels whisper," encored, the Misses Collins ; song, " Old love letters," encored, Mrs. Lane ; selections on the phonograph, Mr. Johnson ; glee, " Comrade's song of hope," Choral Society ; song, " Grandma," Miss Bull ; song, " The blind orphan girl," Miss P. Collins ; glee, " Wake, wake, wake," Choral Society ; song, " The village postman," Mrs Lane ; song, " The skipper," Mr. Baker selections on the phonograph, Mr. Johnson ; " God save the King."

STONY STRATFORD Divisional Petty sessions, May 24th— Before His Grace the Duke of Grafton. K.G. (in the chair). Mr A. Grant-Thorold, Mr. T. Byam Grounds, and Mr. Appleton.

James Yates, of Gobion, labourer, and Walter Bailey, of Deanshanger, blacksmith, were charged with obtaining beer by false representation, at the Navigation Inn. Cosgrove, on May 12th.

The defendants pleaded guilty, and the particulars were stated by the landlord, Mr. Weston. —Fine and costs 7s. 6d, each.

COSGROVE FEAST SPORTS.

A large number of people visited this athletic meeting on Saturday. The sports were held in held a field adjoining the Plough inn, the proprietor of which had a busy time to keep pace with the demands for refreshments, the weather being exceptionally hot. There were five open events, and the entries were numerous. The sports ware capitally managed the following officials —Referee. Mr. W. Teagle; judges. Messrs. J. Faux. B. Bailey, and W. Reynolds; marksmen. Messrs. T. Tomkins, R. Benson, E. Brown. S. Williams, and J. Boyall; starter. Mr. G. Bailey; handicapper. Mr. O. Baldwin; sec. Mr. H. Brown. The Hanslope Excelsior Prize Brass Band was in attendance, and contributed selections of popular music at intervals and played for dancing after the sports.

The following were the results.

Race for boys under 10: 1 H. Jelley, 2 B. Toombs. 3 G. Bugby.

100 Yards Handicap (run in heats): Final. 1. F. Boon. Newport Pagnell. 7 yards start; 2 J. Lane. Hanslope. 8½; 3 H. Wright, Northampton, 1. Also ran: H. Howell. Stantonbury. 1½; J. Clayson, Northampton. 3½ C. Young. Northampton, scratch. Time, 10 secs.

Race for Girls under 10: 1 Rose Brown. 2 Louisa Holman. 3 Annie Jelley.

220 Yards Handicap (run in heats): Final (run over twice owing to H. Howell being deliberately fouled). 1 Howell, 4 yards start: 2 J. Clayson, Northampton. 3 A. Draper. Hanslope, 4. Tome 23 2-5 secs.

Race for boys over 10 and under 15: 1 A. Luck, 2 G. Horn, 3 W. Holman.

Women's Race: 1 Mrs. Smith, 2 Mrs Brown. 3 Mrs. Lambert

Half-mile Handicap: 1 R. Henson. Deanshanger, 115 yards start; 2 R. Webster. Astcote, 3 J. Lane. Hanslope. 50. Time 1 min. 59 secs

440 Yards Handicap (run in heats): Final. 1 K. Henson. Deanshanger, 24 yards start; 2 G. Trusler Weedon. 30; 3 J. West. Northampton. 16. Time. 52 1-5 secs.

Race for Girls over 10 and under 15: 1 F. Bugby 2 W. Gee. 3 L. Noble.

100 Yards Village Handicap 1 W. Gee, 2 G. Clifton. 3 W. Wise.

One Mile Handicap 1 A. Adams. Newport Pagnell. 2 K. Barby Deanshanger, 10; 3 W. Nightingale, Foster's Booth, Time 4 min. 40 secs

Race for Men over 35: 1 R. Brown. 2 J. Horn, 3 G. Lovesey.

COSGROVE FLOWER SHOW.

The first annual exhibition of the Cosgrove Horticultural Society was held in the grounds of Cosgrove Hall, the residence of Mr. A. Grant-Thorold, J.P., on Saturday afternoon. It was a decidedly encouraging commencement for the society, as the exhibition was really admirable. The weather of past year has not been all that gardeners could desire, but the quality of the exhibits was capital and the cottagers’ classes contained entries which few shows in the district could equal. The entries numbered about 150. Some excellent exhibits not for competition were lent by Mr. B. Wentworth Vernon, J.P. (Stoke Bruerne), Mr. A. Grant J.P. Mr. J. J. Atkinson and Mr. J. D. Bull.

The judges were Mr. F. Loveless (gardener to the Rev. G. Trevelyan, Stony Stratford) and Mr. Johnston (gardener the Duke of Grafton, Wakefield Lawn).

Their awards

COTTAGERS' CLASS.—Open to cottagers in Cosgrove and Old Stratford.

Collection of vegetables. 1 S. Williams. 2 A. Childs. Kidney beans. 1 J. Adams. 2 A. Childs. W. Clarke. Cabbage. 1 W. Clarke, 2 A. Childs Carrots, 1 J. Adams. 2A. Childs. Celery, 1 J. Horn. 2 Williams. Spring onions, 1 D. Merriden. 2 R. Johnson. Winter onions. 1 J. Adams, 2 J. Knight, Cauliflowers, 1 H. Lambert. 2 J Adams. Peas. 1 J. Adams. 2 S. Williams. Parsnips, 1 J. Adams, 2 D. Merriden. White round potatoes. 1 K. Johnson, 2 A. Childs, S. Williams. Coloured round potatoes, 1 J. Horn, 2W. Atkins. White kidney potatoes, IA. Swain. 2 W. Clarke. Coloured kidney potatoes. 1 A. Swain. 2 W. Clarke. 3 J. Horn. Marrows. 1 D. Merriden, 2 J. Brown, 3 A. Swain. Plums. 1 W. Clarke. M. Beasley. Cooking apples, 1 G. Valentine, 2 W. Clarke. Asters. 1 E. Gee. 2 W, Clarke. Stocks. 1 S. Williams. 2 W. Clarke. Dahlias. 1 W. Clarke. 2 J. Adams. Bouquet. 1 A. Knight. 2 W. Clarke. Window plants. 1 Mrs. Faulkner. 2 S. Williams.

OPEN CLASS.—Open to residents within three miles Cosgrove.—Collection of vegetables, 1 Wingfield. 2 J. Morton. Cucumbers. 1 J. J. Atkinson, 2 Mrs. Willison. Tomatoes, 1 Mrs. Wingfield, 2 J. Atkinson. Marrows, 1 J. Morton. 2 J. J. Atkinson. Collection of potatoes. 1 S. Williams. 2 A. Childs. Celery. 1 J. Adams. 2S. Williams. Kidney beans. 1 Mrs. Wingfield, 2 J. Morton. Collection of fruit. 1 A. Grant-Thorold, Mrs. Wingfield. Cooking apples. 1 A. Grant-Thorold, 2 G. Valentine. Plume. 1 Mrs. Wingfield. 2 A. Grant-Thorold. Roses, 1 J. J. Atkinson. 2 T. Seymour. Carnations. 2 J. J. Atkinson. Foliage plants. 1 J. J. Atkinson. Bouquet. 1 J. J. Atkinson. Collection cut blooms. 1 J. J. Atkinson. Rev. W. Plant.

SPECIAL PRIZES.

ModeI gardens. 1 Edith Glenn, 2 Bert Toombs. 3 Alice Moore. Fred Toombs. 5 Annie Bugby. Wild flowers (boys under 10). Bertie Childs. 2 Ernest Swain. Wild flowers (girls under 10). 1 Nellie Swain. 2 Johnson. Wild flowers (girls over 10). 1 Fanny Bugby. 2 Nellie Childs. Wild flowers (boys over 10). 1 F. Toombs. 2 B. Toombs.

The show was opened the Hon. Mrs. E. A. Fitzroy, wife of the member for South Northamptonshire. Mrs. Fitzroy, who was introduced by Mr. J. J. Atkinson, declared the show open in few appropriate words. — A vote of thanks to her was moved by Colonel Gordon, seconded by the Secretary (Mr. Seymour). — In addition to the flower show proper, cricket, croquet, tennis, and miniature golf were arranged on the lawn or near it. The Cosgrove Choral Society, conducted by Mr. Keen of Wolverton, sang glees and other selections, and the Hanslope Excelsior Prize Band, under Mr. Westley, played selections throughout the afternoon and for dancing in the evening.

The arrangements were made by the officers of the society, with Mr. T. Seymour as hon. secretary and Mr. T. D. Ball as treasurer. Among the visitors during the day were: Mr. A. Grant-Thorold, Mr. F. Grant-Thorold and Miss F. Grant-Thorold, Rev. J. B. Harrison, Colonel Gordon, C.B., D.S.O., and party, Mr. J. J. Atkinson and party, Rev. A. Wake, Mrs. George Fitzroy, Rev. W. Plant, Mr. Byam Grounds. JP., and Mrs. Grounds, Colonel Keith, Miss Capell, Mr. and Mrs. Eykyn, Rev. W. and Mrs. Rickards, Mrs. and Miss Andrews, Mr. and Mrs. Polehampton, Miss Sams, Mr. H. Conant, Rev. R. F. Bevan, Mrs. McCallum, and M. Emile Renet.

COSGROVE HARVEST FESTIVAL. The harvest festival services at Cosgrove Church were held on Thursday. October 3rd, and Sunday. October 6th large congregations being present on Thursday and Sunday evenings, but on the morning of the latter day, owing to the wet weather, there was not so large an attendance. The Rev. W. S. Andrews, rector of Wicken, preached on Thursday evening, and he gave most appropriate and comprehensive discourse, commencing his sermon with reference to the harvest thanksgiving of the Jews and their three festivals. The sermons on were preached by the Rector (the Rev. H. N. C. Hewson) and it was especially gratifying to see such a large congregation in the evening. The church was very beautifully decorated with corn, fruit, flowers, and vegetables. The offertories were given to the funds of the Northampton Infirmary.

POTTERSPURY BOARD OF GUARDIANS. THURSDAY.

Mr. W. H. Robinson presided, and the Rev. J. B. Harrison occupied the vice-chair

Mr. G. Holmes, the Relieving Officer, reported the cost of out-relief for the fortnight for 320 persons was £82 16s, against expenditure in the corresponding period of £75 for 288 persons.

Papers and fruit were acknowledged from Mrs Perrin, Stony Stratford; and papers from Mrs. Elmes. Stony Stratford, and Mrs Atkinson.

A Cosgrove inmate named Tombs had been certified the doctor as being able to work, and he was informed by the Board that unless he left the house he must perform an allotted task, or be prosecuted for failing to do so.

The treasurer's balance was reported to be £328 —The Clerk stated that the audit of the Union accounts had been completed to the satisfaction of the auditor.  Mr Knight (Wolverton) called attention to what he described as a case of gross imposition from Stony Stratford, and the Relieving Officer was directed to make enquiries see if a father's maintenance in the House could not be recovered.

WOLVERTON

A FINE PIKE

On Saturday, January 18th, whilst in the river Ouse, near Cosgrove, Mr. George Horne, well-known angler, of Wolverton, landed a fine pike. The fish weighed 16½ lbs., was 40 inches long, and its girth was 17½ inches. Mr. Horne has presented the fish to the Wolverton Workmen's Social Club.

STONY STRATFORD. DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS. FRIDAY.—Before the Duke of Grafton, Mr. A. Grant- Thorold, Mr. T. Byam Grounds, Mr. J. Chettle, Mr. H. Grant-Thorold and Mr C. A. Park.

Offence Against the Army Act.

Frederick Herbert of Cosgrove was charged, under the Army Act, with exchanging with George Burke, a soldier, of the Northamptonshire Regiment, certain regimental clothing, viz., a pair of boots and a pair of canvas shoes, at Cosgrove, on December 22nd.

Charles Noble, of Cosgrove, was charged with purchasing from Burke a great coat, on December 25^th and George Herbert, of Cosgrove, was charged with purchasing from Burke a woollen jersey on December 28th.

Each defendant pleaded guilty.—Sergeant Robinson stated the particulars, and it appeared that Burke had been convicted of larceny at Towcester. The defendants each said they did not know they were doing wrong.

The Duke of Grafton pointed out the serious nature of the offence, the extreme penalty being £20. The costs were 6s each, and, for the sake of publicity a small penalty would be imposed, making 8s. each altogether.

Divisional Petty sessions. Friday. Before the Duke of Grafton. K.G., Mr. A. Grant-Thorold. Mr. E. H. Watts, and Mr. T. Byam Grounds.

Adrian A. Marsden, of Cosgrove, was charged with a common assault on Thomas Luck, at Cosgrove, on Feb. 5th.

The defendant, in pleading not guilty, said what he did was done in self-defence.

The prosecutor said the defendant tried to throw him on the ground, and subsequently, after sparring about bit, hit the prosecutor on the side of the face. The prosecutor, to defend himself, struck at the defendant with a wrench, and believed he hit him on the shoulder.

P C. Smith and Maud Luck (14) gave corroborative evidence. Defendant said his wife told him that the prosecutor had insulted her, and he went to see the prosecutor about it. The prosecutor struck him first, and he returned the blow.—Fine and costs 7s.

COSGROVE CONCERT.

A capital concert was given Friday evening in the Schoolroom, under the auspices of the Cosgrove Choral Society. There was a large audience, and the whole of the items were well given, eliciting hearty applause.

Amongst the audience we noticed Mrs Gordon, Mrs. and Miss Grant-Thorold, Captain R. Grant-Thorold, Mr. F. Grant-Thorold, etc. Excellent arrangements were made, and the hon. secretary (Mrs. Seymour) and the society deserve commendation for arranging such an excellent concert. The Choral Society contributed several choruses first-class style, and the instrumental and vocal items were likewise well rendered, the following assisting in the programme: —

Miss Bennett, Miss Collins, Mr. Fessey, Messrs. Keen and Bennett, Miss Wildman, Miss Bull, Mr. C. Johnson, Miss Bennett, Mrs. Redley, Mr Redley, Mrs. Seymour, Mr. Baker, and Mr. Phillips. A lengthy programme was brought to a close by the singing of "God Save King."

DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS. TUESDAY. — Before the Duke of Grafton (in the chair), Mr. E. Grant, and Mr. W Stops.

Theft by a Servant.

Bertha Emily Lennard (20) Cosgrove, was charged with stealing a quantity of lace and other articles, value £5, on or about May 15.

Mrs Harriett Lucy Hewson, wife of the Rev. H. W. C. Hewson, Cosgrove, said prisoner was in her service from January 27th of this year until May 15^th, when she left, suddenly during witness's absence. Witness thought the way in which prisoner left was very suspicious, and on looking around the house she discovered that a quantity of lace had been taken. All the articles produced were her property, and £5 was the least value she could place upon the articles. She was quite certain prisoner did not know the value of the lace.

P.S. Robinson said on the 23rd of May he received information of the theft, and searched two boxes prisoner had left at a house at Cosgrove. He found a quantity of black silk and several other articles. On the following day he saw the prisoner at her home at Old Bradwell. She first denied all knowledge of the theft. Witness searched her bedroom and found boxes which contained some more of the missing articles. He then arrested prisoner and charged her with the theft. Prisoner then admitted taking the articles, and said she was very sorry. She also told witness where the remainder of the lace might found house at Buckingham and he went to Buckingham and recovered them.

Prisoner pleaded guilty and elected the summary jurisdiction of the Bench. Mrs. Hewson made a strong appeal for leniency for prisoner, and the Bench dealt with the case under the First Offenders Act, binding her over in the sum of £5 to come up for judgment during the next twelve months if called upon to do so.

OLD WOLVERTON
HOLY TRINITY AMATEUR ATHLETIC SPORTS

Throwing the Cricket Ball: Prize, fancy lever clock. G. G. Scott, 70 yds 2ft. 2ins. Four competed. Mr. Clifton, of Cosgrove, afterwards gave an exhibition throw, exceeding by some yards that of the winner.

COSGROVE Mission Room. —At this mission room on Sunday evening there was a crowded congregation, the service being of a thanksgiving character for the blessing of Peace in South Africa.

COSGROVE, Northamptonshire,
Two and a-half miles from Stony Stratford, and
two miles from Castlethorpe Station, and N.-W. Ry. Main Line.

DESIRABLE FREEHOLD ESTATES AND COTTAGE PROPERTIES

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,

BY PEIRCE and THORPE

at the GEORGE HOTEL, NORTHAMPTON, on Saturday, August 2nd, 1902, at Three o'clock precisely, by order of the Trustees of the late H. P. Gates, Esq.

Lot 1 The GREEN FARM, COSGROVE, a compact and highly desirable small Freehold Farm, comprising a substantial stone and slated House and Homestead, with gardens and appurtenances and Two Enclosures of rich old PASTURE LAND, the whole containing 15a. 1r. 27p. or thereabouts, now in the occupation of Mr. Geo. Valentine, as yearly tenant.

Lot 2 Three brick and slated and two stone built COTTAGES, adjoining Lot 1, with gardens, barns, and appurtenances, and small piece of Grass Land the rear. Tenants: Messrs. Briggs. Johnson, Toombs, Swain, and Moore.

Lot 3 An Enclosure of Rich Accommodation PASTURE LAND, near to Lot 1, containing 3a. 3r. 32p., now occupied by Mr. Geo. Valentine, as yearly tenant. In the centre of this Lot is the well-known and never-failing chalybeate spring, St. Vincent's Well.

Lot 4 —Three stone-built COTTAGES, with large and productive gardens, situate adjoining Lots 1 and 3, the occupation of Messrs. Chapman, Beasley, and Green, and containing an area of 2 roods 38 perches.

Descriptive particulars, with plan and conditions of sale, are being prepared and may be obtained of Messrs. PERCIVAL and SON, Solicitors, Priestgate, Peterborough; Of Messrs. Durham, Gotto, and Samuel, Land Agents and Surveyors, Northampton, Stony Stratford, and Newport Pagnell; or of the Auctioneers, Northampton.

COSGROVE

FEAST SPORTS.

On Saturday the fifth annual sports were successfully held at Cosgrove in a field adjoining the Brewery, kindly lent by Mr. G. F. Branson. The programme comprised open and local events, and there were a good number of entries. A large number of spectators assembled to witness the racing, which was of an interesting description, some of the finishes being very close.

The secretarial duties were ably carried out by Mr. H. Brown, who was assisted by the following officials: Referee, Mr. G. F. Branson; judges. Messrs. W. Reynolds and W. Henson, marksmen, Messrs. T. Tompkins. Penson, R. Brown. S. Williams, W. Wise, E. Cockerill, starter, Mr. W. East.

The Bradwell United Brass Band was in attendance, and besides contributing selections of music during the progress of the sports, also played for dancing.

The results of the races are appended:

100 Yards Handicap (boys under 16). Run in heats: Final: 1 W. Kirk, Wolverton (15 years 6 months), scratch ; 2 A. Monk, (15-5), scratch; J. Douglas. Stony .Stratford (15), 1 yard start. Also ran: G. Sharp, Flore (10-2), 7; R. Wilmin, Stony Stratford (15). I; G. Horn. Cosgrove (13) 4.

100 Yards Handicap. Run in heats. Final: 1 W. H. Ball, Swindon 9½, 2 F. Boon, Newport, 4;  3 F. Smith, Northampton, 7. Also ran: W. G. Short, Weedon, 7½; J. Lane, Hanslope, 7; S. Manning, Spratton, 12; A. Howell, Wolverton, 6; G. Hollowell, Northampton, 8.

Boys under 10: 1 G. Bugby,2 F. Noble, 3 J. Lovesey.

Boys over and under 16: 1 G. Horn, 2 A. Luck, 3 H. Foster.

220 Yards Handicap. Run in heats. Final 1 C. Wood, Stantonbury. 26. 2 J. Lane. Hanslope, 12; 3 F. Boon, Newport Pagnell, 7. Also ran K. Henson, Deanshanger, 10; V. Jones, Flore, 10, E. Flavell Northampton. 13; W. G. Short, Weedon, 9; E. Bates, Hanslope. 19.

Girls under 10: 1 R. Brown, 2 L. Holman. 3 A. Holman.

440 Yards Handicap. Run in heats. Final: 1 W. G. Short, Weedon, 18; 2 W. Overton, Braunston, 45; 3 K. Henson, Deanshanger, 20. Also ran: A. Howell, Wolverton, 17; J. Overton, Braunston, S. Austin, Spratton, 34.

100 Yards Village Handicap: 1  B. Merridan. 2 W. Luck, 3 W. Wise.

Race for men over 35: 1 R. Brown, W. Briggs, G. Lovesey.—

Half-mile Handicap: 1 C. Stone, Swindon, 24; 2 T. Archer. Wolverton, 24; 3 R. Henson, Deanshanger. 55.

Girls over 10 and under 16: 1 A. Johnson. 2 K. Smith, 3 W. Gee.

Women's Race: 1 Mrs. Moreton, 2 Mrs. Brown, 3 Mrs. Wise and Mrs. Smith (dead heat).

One Mile Handicap 1 T. Archer, Wolverton, 35, 2 C. Stone, Swindon, 40; 3 W. Spencer, Flore. 70. Good race, the winner sprinting tremendously in the last 100 yards.

ALLEGED ASSAULT

George Frederick Branson, of Cosgrove, was charged with a common assault on Edwin Joseph Redgrave, at Cosgrove, on July 2nd.—Mr. Allinson appeared for the prosecutor.—Mr. W. H. Bull, F.R.C.S., was the first witness, and he said that on the day to question Redgrave came to him. Witness found that Redgrave had a lacerated wound on the lower part of the right ear and a cut in the centre of the ear. The wounds required stitching, and the ear was still under treatment.—Mr. Allinson then addressed the Bench, detailing the facts, from which it appeared that there hadl been a dispute between the parties over a betting transaction. The prosecutor stated that he had private means, but recently started bookmaking. In the course of bookmaking the defendant had a bet and prosecutor alleged that the defendant owed him £5. On the day in question, he accompanied Mr. E. K. Osborn to Mr. Branson's, who ordered him off, and he left the premises. When Mr. Branson got to the gate he said “You say I owe you £5.” Prosecutor turned round, and leaning on the fence, said "Yes you do." and before he had any idea that the defendant was going to strike him he received a severe blow on the ear which dazed him, and he had to have his ear medically attended to.—Edwin King Osborn, draper and outfitter, Stony Stratford, a friend of both parties, who attended on subpoena, corroborated the evidence of the prosecutor.—The defendant in a lengthy explanation alleged that the prosecutor deliberately leaned over the fence to annoy him. It was an old grievance. He considered the defendant insulted him, and he gave him one good " backhander”—The Bench considered it was a very unprovoked assault.—Fine and costs £5.

AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY SALE AT
NORTHAMPTON.

Mr. C. E. Thorpe, of firm of Messrs. Peirce and Thorpe, auctioneers, Northampton, conducted a sale of agricultural property, at the George Hotel. Northampton on Saturday afternoon. The property, all which is situated in Cosgrove, was sold by order the trustees of the late Mr. Henry Pearson Gates, Peterborough, Registrar of the Diocese. The first lot was the Green Farm, Cosgrove, consisting of a farmhouse, with yard and outhouses, and two enclosures of land, with a total area 15a. 1r. 27p. This was sold to Mr. G. F. Branson, neighbouring landowner, for £825. Three brick and slated cottages and two stone-built cottages, with a small piece of land adjoining this lot, were sold for £480 to Mr. Jelley. A close of pasture land, 3a. 3r. 32p. area, was bought by Mr. Branson for £350. In the centre of the lot "St. Vincent's Well." described as "the widely-known and never-failing Chalybeate spring, the properties of which are of great value”. Three stone cottages with gardens, 2r. 38p. in extent, fetched £290, Mr. Branson being the purchaser. The solicitors concerned were Messrs. Percival Son. Peterborough.

FOUND DROWNED AT COSGROVE.

An inquest was held on Friday, the 8th August, at the Plough Inn. Cosgrove before Mr. T. M. Percival, touching the death of George Phillpot, who was found drowned on Thursday, in the Broadwater, Cosgrove.

Sarah Caroline Humphrey, 13, Silver-street. Stony Stratford, stated that deceased was her father, was a bricklayer by trade, and was 76 years of age. Deceased, who had been ill since Whitsuntide, left home Aug. 6th, and did not return.

Ellis Beckett. Old Wolverton, labourer, deposed to speaking to deceased, who was going towards the Broadwater, Wednesday. Deceased was strange in his manner.

William Thomas Gates, Stony Stratford, furnace man, stated that deceased was his father-in-law. Hearing that deceased was missing he searched the river, in company with Joseph Humphrey. They eventually found deceased lying in the Cosgrove Broadwater.

George Gaius Robinson, Potterspury, sergeant of police, gave evidence to searching deceased.

Thomas Stephen Maguire, medical practitioner, Stony Stratford, stated that had attended deceased, who was suffering from general paralysis and was very depressed at times. He might have had a fit and fallen in the water. He considered deceased was of unsound mind.

A verdict of Found drowned was returned.

FLOWER SHOW AT COSGROVE.

By kind permission of the President, Mr. A. Grant-Thorold, J.P., the second annual exhibition of the Cosgrove Horticultural Society was held on Saturday in the grounds of Cosgrove Hall. The show was a decided advance on the initial effort last year, and the quality of the exhibits was very high. Some splendid not for competition exhibits were sent by Mr. B. Wentworth Vernon, of Stoke Park, his Grace the Duke of Grafton, and Miss Bull. Notwithstanding the threatening weather there was a good attendance of visitors the afternoon.

Amongst those present were: Mr. A. Grant-Thorold, J.P., Miss Thorold, Mrs. George Fitzroy (Yardley House), Mr. and Mrs. Francis Fitzroy, Mr. F. Grant-Thorold, Colonel and Mrs. Gordon, Mr. C. Powell, Mr. Angus Powell, Mrs. Atkinson, Mrs. Dauncey, Mrs. St. John Mildmay, Mrs. W. H. Bull (Stony Stratford), Mr. H. J. Conant, Mr. Conant, jun., Miss Williamson, Miss Littlejohn, Mr. and Mrs. F. D. Bull, Mr. Osborne, etc.

The Yardley Gobion Britannia Prize Band was in attendance and contributed selections at intervals and played for dancing in the evening. Under the conductorship of Mr. T. Keen, of Wolverton, the Junior Choir gave some Nursery Rhymes and Action Songs, which were much appreciated. The exhibits were judged Mr. Johnston, gardener to his Grace the Duke of Grafton, Wakefield Lodge, and Mr. F. Loveless, of Stony Stratford. The arrangements were admirably carried out by the courteous hon. secretary, Mr. T. Seymour, and the following committee: Messrs. F. D. Bull, R. Penson, G. Clifton, S. Williams, W. Clarke, A. Swain, A. Childs, D. Merriden, M. Beasley, T Lord, Cooke, J. Knight, T. Jelley, and Norton.

The prize awards were as follow:

Cottagers' Class.

Vegetables: Collection of vegetables. 1. Merriden, 2. Williams. 3 A Childs Kidney Beans 1 J. Nichols. 2 D. Merriden. Cabbages. 1 S. Williams. 2A. Childe. Carrots. 1 A Childs 2 D. Merriden. Celery 1 Swain. 2 S. Williams; Spring sown onions, 1 D. Merriden, 2 J. Brown; Winter onions, 1 W. Adkins. 2 A. Childs. 3 S. Williams; Cauliflowers, 1 Merriden, 2 T. Luck. Peas, 1 Merriden, 2 A. Childe. Parsnips, 1 A. Swain. 2 S Williams. White round potatoes. 1 A. Childs, 2 R. Johnson. Coloured round potatoes, 1 Mrs. Hurst, 2 R Brown. White kidney potatoes. 1 S. Williams, 2 S. Beasley. Coloured kidney potatoes, 1 S. Beasley, 2 S. Williams. White turnips, 1 R. Johnson, 2 D. Merriden Vegetable marrows, 1 G. Wilson, 2 D. Merriden. Beet 1 A. Swain 2 J. Brown. Lettuce. A. Childs, 2 D. Merriden. Eschalots. 1 J. Nichols. 2 S. Williams

Fruit : Plums. W. Adkins. 2 R. Brown.

Flowers: Asters 1 S. Williams, 2 A. Childs. Stocks, 1 S. Williams 2 A. Childs. Dahlias. 1 H. Wilson. Hardy flowers 1 S. Williams 2 F. Ager. Sweet peas. 1 S. Williams 2 A. ChiIds. Pansies, 2 G. Clifton. Bouquet of flowers. 1 S Williams. 2 F. Agar. Window plants, 1 W. Adkins 2 S. Beasley.

Open Class.

Vegetables: Collection of vegetables, 1 J. Adams, 2 Wingfield. 3 Atkinson. Cucumbers, H. Willison. 2 Atkinson. Marrows, 1 Colonel Gordon, 2 J. Adams. Potatoes. 1 S. Williams, 2 A. Childs. Celery. 1 J. Adams. 2 Colonel Gordon. Peas. 1 Colonel Gordon, 2 Wingfield. Beet. 1 Wingfleld 2 J. Adams. Lettuce. 1 Wingfleld, 2 Colonel Gordon. Spring onions. 1 J. Adams. 2  Atkinson. White turnips. 1 Colonel Gordon. 2 J. Adams.

Fruit : Collection of fruit, 1 Wingfield. Plums. 1 Wingfield. 2  R. Brown. Cooking apples. T. Seymour. 2 Colonel Gordon. Dessert apples, 1 W. Clarke. 2 Colonel Gordon.

Flowers: Roses, 1 W. Clarke. 2 Mrs. Seymour. Carnations,1 Atkinson, 2 R. Lambert. Stove or greenhouse plants, 1 Atkinson. Begonias. 1 and 2 Mrs. Seymour. Ferns. 1 H. Willison. 2 Mrs. Seymour. Ferns 1 H. Willison. 2 Mrs. Seymour. Sweet peas. 1 Miss Gordon, 2 Mrs. Seymour. Bouquet of flowers, 1 Miss Gordon, 2 W. Clarke. Collection of cut blooms, 1 Atkinson, 2 Mrs. Seymour.

Special Prizes.—By Messrs. Daniels Bros., Norwich: Collection of vegetables. 2 S. Williams.

COSGROVE

PROPOSED READING ROOM In response to the appeal of a deputation, the Rector Cosgrove (the Rev. H. N. C. Hewson) has been pleased to grant the use of his large room as a reading and village room during the winter for men and. boys over 14 years of age, thus supplying a much felt want.

Stony Stratford Divisional Petty Sessions

Thomas Wilks of no fixed abode was charged by the Rev. H. M. C. Hewson with breaking four panes of glass thereby doing damage to amount of 10s. at Cosgrove, on October 8th —The defendant admitted the offence, but said it was done under great provocation—The prosecutor said the defendant had been employed by him. On the date in about 9 40p.m., the defendant attempted to go into the house, and the prosecutor refused him admission. The defendant became insolent, and smashed windows,—ln cross-examination by the defendant. Prosecutor stated he did not promise the defendant 12s. a week and his food to "do" his garden.— Defendant said Mr. Hewson owed him £2 8s wages, and said the prosecutor refused to pay him, he broke the windows—The prosecutor denied the accuracy of defendant's statement in regard to wages.—Fine and costs £1, or 14 days’ imprisonment in default.

COSGROVE. — GARDENING LECTURES

During the month of December a course of lectures on “Gardening” have been given by Mr. J. H. Walker FRHS, FZS etc, Lecturer to the Northamptonshire County Council, in Cosgrove School.

The first lecture treated on soils and manures, their nature, composition, and adaptability. The second was taken up with discussing hardy fruit culture, budding, grafting, layering, etc. The third lecture covered the subject of injurious farm and garden insects (their life, history, when and how to attack them), insectivorous birds and animals. The last lecture was on flower and vegetable culture, mushroom growing in field and garden. The second and third lectures were illustrated by lantern slides, many of which had been prepared by the late Miss Ormerod.

The lectures were well attended by the allotment holders, and the audiences were deeply interested. At the close of each lecture questions were asked and answered. A second course lectures will shortly commence, and it hoped an even larger attendance will avail themselves of the opportunity to profit the instruction of so able a lecturer as Mr. Walker.

WANTED a Thoroughly Good Man as CARTER; must have good character and be an early riser. Wages 16s. extra for hay and harvest, and good House and Garden.

Apply. R. Penson. Cosgrove Hall

COSGROVE SKATING.—This exhilarating pastime was freely indulged in on the Broad Water at Cosgrove on Saturday, a good many Wolvertonians participating. An unfortunate accident happened to Mr. Walter Evans, of Wolverton road, St. Mary's, Stony Stratford, who when leaving the ice, had a fall and broke the left leg below the knee. Fortunately, some of those skating were qualified ambulance men, and having attended to the limb, Evans was conveyed to his home on an improvised stretcher, one or two of the carriers getting an immersion up to the waist while getting him off the ice.

ABOUT TOWN AND COUNTY

I hear that MESSRS. PHIPPS AND CO. contemplate building a new brewery at Cosgrove, and utilising their large brewery at Towcester as stores.

POTTERSPURY BOARD OF GUARDIANS. THURSDAY. —Present: Mr. W H. Robinson (chairman Rev. J. B. Harrison (vice-chairman), the Duke Grafton. K.G., Rev. W. S. Andrews, Rev. J. White, J. Chettle, H. Roberta, H. Weston, E. Haves, J. Elmes. W. F. Read, J. S. Tibbetts, W. J. Crisp, W. Knight, and W. H. Tarry.

Papers for the inmates were acknowledged from Mr. C. A. Park (Wolverton), Mr. A. Hope (Yardley Gobion), and Scripture texts from Miss A. James (Harrogate).

The expenditure in out-relief for the past fortnight was reported to Is. for 354 persons, against expenditure in the corresponding period £tt6 13s. 6d. for 342 persons.

The Master (Mr. S. H. Hardwick) reported the death, on February 5th, of Henry Brown, aged 89, belonging to Cosgrove.

Messrs. J. Weston and J. F. reported that they had visited the House, and found everything very clean and the inmates very comfortable.

The treasurer's balance in favour the Board was reported to be 3s. 7d.

The Rev. Walter Plant and members the Potterspury Choral Society gave an entertainment on Tuesday to the inmates, which they greatly appreciated.

The vaccination returns were presented as follows:

January to December, 1901, births 343, successfully vaccinated 207, insusceptible 1, exemption certificates granted 98, died unvaccinated 28, removed other districts 4, unaccounted for 5; from January to June, 1902, births 161, successfully vaccinated 113, exemption certificates obtained 32, died unvaccinated 6, postponed 3, removed to other districts 3, unaccounted for 4.

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

The annual meeting of the Society was held on Saturday evening, Mr F Bull presiding. The balance sheet was presented and it is pleasing to state that there was a profit on last year’s show of £7, making a balance in hand of £10 4s. The gardening classes closed on Monday, but there is to be a practical demonstration and lecture on Saturday next.

STONY STRATFORD. DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS. FRIDAY. —Before Mr. A. Grant-Thorold. Mr. T. Byam Grounds, Mr. H. Grant-Thorold, and Mr. G. M. FitzSimons.

Footballers in Mischief.

George Elliott. Arthur Rolls, and Thomas Chilton of Hanslope were charged with wilfully damaging gate, at February 7th the property of Frederick Jelley to the amount of 1s.

Chilton and Rolls were further charged with wilfully damaging a gate and fence, to the amount of 10s. at the same time and place, the property of Harry Grant-Thorold.

From the statement of Supt. Norman, D.C.C., it appeared that the defendants bad been to a football match at Cosgrove, and afterwards broke down a fence, took some gates off the hinges, and placed them on the path.

Mr. Thorold said he did not wish to press for a fine. Chilton and Rolls wore ordered to pay 11s. 10d. each, and Elliott 3s. Mr. A. Grant-Thorold and Mr. H. Grant-Thorold did not adjudicate in these cases.

The three defendants above-named, with Henry Brownsell and Laurence Long, were charged with obstructing the highway, by placing the gates and fence damaged in the previous charge on the footpath.—Fine and costs 3s.each.

Cosgrove Concert

A very successful concert was given in the Schoolroom on Friday evening in last week, the chief attractions of which were the several items contributed by the junior Choirs and a very amusing sketch by Miss J Bull (Cosgrove) and Miss E H Bull (Newport Pagnell). The Misses Bull are becoming quite popular in the neighbourhood for their very clever performances and it is quite needless to say that the audience was delighted, the interest being maintained to the end. With reference to the Junior Choirs, whose share of the entertainment consisted of action songs, duets and rounds, never have children’s performances gained more enthusiastic applause, and this deservedly, as their five successes at the recent competition at Northampton proved. The other items were contributed by the senior Choir and by Mrs Hollowell, Mrs Whitlock, Miss J Bull, Miss L Wildman, Miss E Keen, Mr Dormer, and Mr Keen. The pianist was Miss Bull, whose interest in these choirs never wanes, and the conductor was Mr Keen. The later gentleman, during the evening, was presented with two volumes, (Stainer and Barret’s Dictionary of Musical Terms and professor Prout’s edition of The Messiah) as a token of appreciation and esteem from the Junior Choirs.

All the performers acquitted themselves remarkably well. Mrs Whitlock and Mrs Wildman, who are now well known at Cosgrove, had quite an enthusiastic reception. A most enjoyable evening was spent, both by the obliging entertainers and an appreciative audience, amongst whom we noticed Mrs F D Bull and Mr H Grant Thorold J P and others. Several of the audience remained after the singing of “God Save the King” to personally compliment and thank those who had contributed to the evening’s amusement.

COSGROVE and FURTHO

About a mile from Castlethorpe Station, on the Main Line of the L. and N.W. Ry., and intersected by the Grand Junction Canal.

VALUABLE FREEHOLD PROPERTIES,

Comprising the substantially-built FREE and
FULL-LICENSED PUBLIC HOUSE, known as THE NAVIGATION INN,
Together with THORP WHARF,

With Yard, Outbuildings and Cottage; also Three Enclosures of Excellent ARABLE and PASTURE LAND, with Buildings, containing about 32a. 2r. 0p., a portion of which forms an ELIGIBLE BUILDING SITE, and in the Village of Cosgrove SEVEN well-built COTTAGES with Gardens.

WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY AUCTION, BY

GEORGE BENNETT and SONS, at the NAVIGATION INN (Thorp Wharf), COSGROVE, on Thursday, June 11th, 1903, at Two for Three o'clock precisely, in Convenient Lots.

The tenant of the Navigation Inn, Wharf and Land, is Mr. Ernest Weston, and the Seven Cottages are occupied respectively Messrs E Gee (2), W. Pedley, W. Wise, W. Toombs, J. Godfrey, and G. Lovesey. Particulars, plan and conditions of Sale may be had gratis of Messrs. Bell, Steward, May and How, 49, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Solicitors; of Messrs. Ford, Lloyd and Co., of 38, Bloomsbury-square, London, W.C., Solicitors, at the Place of Sale; and of the Auctioneers, Buckingham.

Board of Guardians, Thursday.— Present: Mr. W. H. Robinson (.chairman), Rev. J. B. Harrison (vice-chairman), Rev. W. Andrews, Messrs. J. Chettle, H. Roberts, H. Grant-Thorold, H. Weston, J. Elmes, J. Hall, W. F. Read, J. F. Bliss, H. J. Conant, W. Knight, and the Clerk .Mr. W. R. Parrott).

ln regard to the Cosgrove sewage question, the Chairman said the committee had obtained expert advice, which would launch the village into an expensive scheme. They had informed Mr. Branson what the experts recommended, and he now said he would be satisfied if the sewage was carried to the other side of his field. Two estimates were obtained for this latter work, viz., Mr. Atkins, Wicken, £79 19s. 6d; Mr. J. S. Cowley, Stony Stratford, £119 19s. Mr. Atkins' tender was accepted. Mr. Thorold made an application for contribution towards the expense from the general account the Council, but the consideration of this was deferred to the next meeting.

COSGROVE. On Thursday afternoon last at the Navigation Inn, (Castlethorpe Wharf), the freehold properties comprising the said Inn and premises with Wharf and buildings and about 32 acres of meadow and arable land in three enclosures were offered for sale by auction by Messrs. Geo. Bennett and Sons, of Buckingham, and eventually sold together in one lot to Mr. William Webb, of Old Stratford. The group of seven cottages in the villages of Cosgrove was knocked down to Mr. Edwin Higgs at £415. The solicitors for the vendors were Messrs. Bell, Steward May, and How, of London.

POTTERSPURY BOARD OP GUARDIANS, THURSDAY—Present: Mr. H. (chairman) Rev. J. B. Harrison (vice-chairman). Rev. W. S. Andrews. Rev. D. M. Jones, Messrs. J. Chettle, H. Roberts, H. Grant-Thorold, J Elimes, W. H. Tarry, W. Knight. W. Newman, H. J Conant, J Weston, J. F. Bliss, and S. B. Starsmore

With regard to the payment of part of the expense of the drain to be laid in extension of the Cosgrove sewage scheme, a discussion ensued, and eventually the Rev. W. S. Andrews proposed that Council contribute out of the general expenses one-half the cost lengthening the drain. This was seconded by Mr. H. Roberts and carried.

SEWERAGE TENDERS

Tenders for sewerage work at Cosgrove were received from Mr Atkins, Wicken, £79 19s 6d, and Mr j S Cowley £119 19s. The lowest tender was accepted, subject to the usual contract being entered into.

Cosgrove Feast Sports

The sixth annual sports in connection with the above feast were held on Saturday in a field adjoining the Brewery, kindly lent by Mr W Bushell. There was not so large an attendance as usual, but the racing was of an interesting description. The following officials ably managed the sports:-

Referee, Mr H Brown; Judges, Messrs R Penson and F Jelley; marksmen, Messrs  S Williams, H Lambert, J Wootton, G Clifton, W Gee, H Meakins, and H Horwood; starter, Mr H Hillyer; hon. secretary, Mr E Cockerill.

The results were as follows:

Race for boys under 10: G Bugby, 1 (cricket bat and ball, presented by Mr Odell, Stony Stratford); F Noble, 2; J Knight, 3 (pocket knife). – 100 yards handicap (open): Heat 1 - F Smith, Kingsthorpe (scratch), 1; C Lawless, Eastleigh (5 yards), 2; Heat 2 – C Curtis, Northampton (10½), 1; W Luck, Cosgrove (12), 2; Heat 3 – E Gascoyne, Stantonbury (10½), 1; S Harris, Wolverton (10½), 2. Final – C Lawless, 1; E Gascoyne, 2; C Curtis, 3. – Race for boys (over 10 and under 15): A Luck, 1; G Horn, 2; H Jelley and J Morton (dead heat), 3 (knife and cricket ball, by Mr Odell). – 100 yards village handicap:- Heat 1 - W Wise (10), and g Clifton (scratch), dead heat. Heat 2 – W Gee (15), 1; W Luck (8), 2. Final – G Clifton, 1; W Gee, 2; W Luck, 3. – Race for girls (under 10): Ada Holman, 1 (three waiter’s trays by French and Spencer, Stony Stratford); Dolly Brown, 2; Annie Horne, 3. – Women’s walking handicap: Miss I Horne, 1; Mrs W Wise, 2; Miss M Luck, 3 (tin of tea by Mrs Penson, Cosgrove). – Race for girls (over 10 and under 15): Elsie Wootton, 1 (three waiter’s trays by French and Spencer, Stony Stratford); Louie Holman, 2; Kate Smith, 3. – Half mile handicap (open): K Henson, Deanshanger (30), 1; W Spencer, Flore (40), 2;  E Gascoyne, Stantonbury (70), 3. – Women’s Race:  Miss M Luck, 1; Mrs Platen, 2 (2lbs tea by Mr Tibbetts Stony Stratford), Mrs Wise, 3 (ox tongue by Mrs Valentine and Sons, Stony Stratford). – Men’s Race (over 30): R Brown, 1 (shoulder of Mutton by Rolfe Bros Stony Stratford); G Clifton, 2; W Wise, 3. – Men’s walking handicap: E Jelley, 1 (shoulder of Ham by Mr John Reeve); M Beasley, 2 (joint of meat by Canvin Bros); H Noble, 3 (shirting, by Mr Meadows).

Nonconformity at Cosgrove

FOUNDATION STONES OF NEW MISSION HALL LAID

Five foundation stones of a new Mission Hall at Cosgrove were “well and truly laid” with due ceremony on Monday. The present Mission Hall, which was established by the Stony Stratford Baptist Church about 18 years ago, was in reality two upper rooms of two cottages, converted into a small hall, capable of accommodating fewer than 100 persons. The cause, fostered so assiduously by a few earnest and diligent workers from the Stony Stratford Church has grown steadily and for some time it has been abundantly evident that a new place of worship must be provided for the congregation. Though nurtured by a Baptist Church, the congregation is by no means exclusively Baptist; indeed, communicant members of the Church of England have been among the regular attendants.

A site was secured at the eastern extremity of the village, a plot of ground being purchased from Mr Fred Jelley for the very moderate price of £20. Plans for a Mission Hall, commodious and comfortable, but not elaborate, were drawn up by Mr J Chadwick, of Bletchley. The cost, it was estimated, would be about £350, and it was agreed that building operations should commence as soon as £200 was obtained or promised. Mr F W Woollard, CC, one of the stalwart Free Churchmen of North Bucks, came to the rescue, and headed the subscription list with a handsome donation of £100. A sub-committee, consisting of Mr J E Wilson, Mr Holdom, Mr Wootton, Mr C P Woollard (treasurer), and Mr F W Downing (secretary), was formed to raise the other £100. So energetically did they work, and so forcefully did the need of Cosgrove appeal to neighbouring Free Churchmen, that the £100 and a little more was raised within six weeks, and the new building was commenced.

Councillor A P Hawtin of Northampton was the contractor, and his tender was for £311, but the total cost will be about £400. The new Mission Hall, which will accommodate between 150 and 200 persons, will be built of red brick. It will have a lobby to shelter the entrance from the north and east winds, and it will include a small vestry. A considerable economy in the cost of the furniture will be effected through the effort of Mr Holdom and one or two other workers, who had undertaken voluntarily the task of constructing the seats. Mr J E Wilson, a member of the committee, is rendering invaluable help by acting as honorary clerk of the works, a position for which his practical experience well fits him.

Previous to Monday’s ceremony the amount actually in hand or promised was £218 13s 9d, made up as follows;

Donation by Mr F W Woollard CC, £100; friends at Cosgrove, £25 1s 2d; Sunday School at Cosgrove, £11 5s 5d; other sources (principally subscriptions), £78 17s 1d; Loughton Chapel Congregation, the surplus of Organ Fund, £1 12s 6d; Deanshanger Union Church (surplus of Chapel Building Fund), £1 17s 6d.

The stone laying ceremony, which took place in fine weather on Monday afternoon, was fairly well attended. Rev S Cheshire, pastor of the Stony Stratford Baptist Church, presided. Among those present were; Alderman Richard Cleaver, JP. Northampton (treasurer of the Northampton Association of Baptist Churches), Rev D Claydon, Mr F W Woollard, CC., Mr C P Woollard, Mr Andrew Cosford, Mr J W Smith, Mr J E Wilson, Mr H S Perrin, Mr A J Barley, Mr F W Downing, Stony Stratford; Rev H F Chipperfield, Stantonbury; Rev J White and Mrs White, Potterspury; Mr A R Bianchi, Cosgrove; Mr Arthur Dovey, Deanshanger; Mr and Mrs P Adams, Daventry.

The proceedings commenced with the singing of the hymn “Come let us join our cheerful songs,” after which the Rev D Claydon read a passage of Scripture, and the Rev h F Chipperfield offered prayer.

The Rev S. Cheshire, on behalf of all those connected with the work at Cosgrove, expressed gratitude to all the visitors for the support and sympathy they were giving to a village cause.

Mr F W Downing, secretary of the sub-committee, in the course of an interesting statement, sketched the progress of the movement for the New Mission Hall at Cosgrove. He paid tribute to the generosity of Mr Woollard at the inception of the scheme, and to the valuable efforts of Mr Holdom and Mr Wilson now that building had actually commenced. At that moment the amount still to be raised was about £180.

The first stone, the corner stone, was laid by Alderman Cleaver. When he had declared the stone well and truly laid, Mr Cleaver assured the congregation that all would be welcome within the walls of that building, for there would be no class distinctions in that House of God. It would be a family gathering house, where neighbours would meet on the Lord’s Day and other occasions, to worship and to encourage one another in the service of God. He trusted that Mr Cheshire, Mr Woollard and the other workers would see God’s blessing rest upon their work at Cosgrove, and that the building which was hallowed by their prayers and praise would henceforth be in reality a House of God.

Mr F W Woollard laid the second stone. He said he hoped that the village would look upon that hall as a hall for the whole village to the exclusion of none of its inhabitants, however humble, who wished to worship their God and seek salvation.

Mr A R Bianchi laid the third stone on behalf of the worshippers at the old Mission Hall.

The fourth stone, which bore the names of Mr C P Woollard and Mr F W Downing (superintendent of the Sunday School and secretary of the Building Committee), was laid by Mr Downing, and the last was laid by Rev S Cheshire on behalf of the Stony Stratford Church.

Upon each stone was inscribed the name of the gentleman laying it, and the date “1903”.

At the conclusion of the stone-laying, the Rev J White offered prayer and the Rev S Cheshire pronounced the Benediction.

The Chairman announced that Mr Cleaver had handed to him a cheque for £3 3s.

Subsequently tea was served in the old Mission Hall and in the evening a meeting addressed by the Rev S Cheshire, Mr Cleaver, Rev D Claydon, Rev J White, Rev H F Chipperfield, Mr Woollard, and others, took place.

COSGROVE FLOWER SHOW

On Saturday the third annual exhibition of flowers, fruit and vegetables in connection with the Cosgrove Horticultural Society was held in the grounds of Cosgrove Hall, by kind permission of Mr A Grant-Thorold, JP. The show was quite equal to its two predecessors, and attracted a good number of entries. In all departments the display was very creditable, especially in the classes for flowers. There were several not-for-competition exhibits, chief among which was a much admired collection of foliage and flowering plants, cut flowers, fruit and vegetables, sent by Mr B Wentworth Vernon, of Stoke Bruerne Park, and effectively staged by Mr W Batchelor. His Grace the Duke of Grafton also sent a good collection of flowers and vegetables and Mr A Grant-Thorold showed two lovely bunches of grapes etc. The fine afternoon attracted a good number of visitors. Amongst those present were:

Mr A Grant-Thorold J.P. (president), Colonel Gordon, C.B., D.S.O., Mr J J Atkinson, C.C., Mr A Grant-Thorold, J.P., Mr F D Bull (vice-presidents), Miss Grant-Thorold, Mr Frank Grant-Thorold, Mrs Gordon, Mrs Fraser, Miss Atkinson, Sir Christopher and Lady Baines and the Misses Baines (Stoke Bruerne), Mr E H Watts, J.P., and Mrs Watts (Hanslope Park), Mrs Poore, Mr J M Knapp J.P., and Mrs Knapp (Linford Hall), the Rev Walter Plant (Potterspury), the Rev Kightly Baily, Mr J Baily (Linford), Captain Wilson and Mrs Wilson (Preston Deanery), the Rev A W Annand and Captain Annand (Grafton Regis), the Rev A G St John Mildmay (Old Wolverton), the Rev G M Capell (Passenham), Mrs Andrews and the Misses Andrews (Wicken), Mr S R Rooke C.A. (Stony Stratford), Mr Angus Powell (Old Stratford), Mr G Roberts (Deanshanger) etc.

The Stony Stratford Town Prize Band, under the conductorship of Bandmaster T. Sharpe, was in attendance, and contributed excellent selections of music at intervals during the afternoon and played for dancing in the evening.

The judges were Mr R Johnson (gardener to the Duke of Grafton, Wakefield Lodge) and Mr W Batchelor (gardener to Mr B Wentworth Vernon, Stoke Bruerne Park). Their awards were as follows:

Cottagers Class – Vegetables: Collection of vegetables, 1. D Merriden, 2. S Williams, 3. A Childs. Kidney beans, 1. F Merriden, 2. F Tack. Cabbages, 1. W Atkins, 2. D Merriden. Carrots, 1. S Williams, 2. A Childs. Celery,  T. Luck, 2. F Toombs. Spring Onions, 1. J Horn, 2. D Merriden, 3. F Tack. Winter onions, 1. F Tack, 2. D Merriden, 3. J Horn. Cauliflowers, 1. T Luck. Peas, 1. J Horn, 2. D Merriden. Parsnips, 1. J Horn, 2. M Beasley. White round potatoes, 1. A Childs, 2. R Johnson. Coloured round potatoes, 1. A Childs, 2. J T Nicholls. White kidney potatoes, 1. J Horn, 2. A Childs. Coloured kidney potatoes, 1. D Merriden. White turnips, 1. R Johnson, 2. D Merriden. Vegetable Marrows, 1. S Williams, 2. F Toombs. Long Beet, 1. F Tack, 2. D Merriden. Round Beet, 2. D Merriden. Lettuce, 1. D Merriden. Shalots, 1. D Merriden, 2. J T Nicholls. Fruit – Plums, 1. G Faulkner, 2. M Beasley. Cooking apples, 1. G Wilson, 2. Mrs Burnell. Flowers – Asters, 1. S Williams, 2. A Childs. Stocks, 1. Miss Knight, 2. A Childs. Adhlias, 1. S Williams. Hardy Flowers, 1. S Williams, 2. Miss Knight. Sweet peas, 1. A Childs, 2. S Williams. Pansies, 1 G Clifton, 2. G Wilson. Bouquet of Flowers, 1. S Williams, 2. Miss Knight. Window plants, 1. W Atkins, 2. Mrs Faulkner.

Open Class – Vegetables: Collection of vegetables, 1. A Grant-Thorold, 2. J J Atkinson, 3. Wingfield, Wolverton House. Cucumbers, 1. J Atkinson, 2. H. Willison. Tomatoes, 1. J J Atkinson, 2. G Roberts. Marrows, 1. F Toombs, 2. H. Willison. Collection of potatoes, 1. A Childs, 2. D Merriden, 3. S Williams. Celery, 1. A Grant-Thorold, 2. Colonel Gordon. Kidney beans, 1. Wingfield, 2. J J Atkinson, 3. Colonel Gordon. Peas, 1. T Seymour, 2. W H Williams, Wolverton. Long beet, 1. Wingfield, 2. J J Atkinson. Round beet, 1. J Ibell, Stony Stratford, 2. A Grant-Thorold. Lettuce, 1. Wingfield, 2. Colonel Gordon.

Fruit – Collection of fruit, 1. A Grant-Thorold, 2. Wingfield. Plums, 1. Wingfield, 2. Colonel Gordon. Cooking apples, 1. A Grant-Thorold, 2 T Seymour. Dessert apples, 1. Colonel Gordon, 2. A Grant-Thorold.  Flowers – Roses, 1. W H Williams, 2. Rev H Last, Stony Stratford. Carnations, 1. J J Atkinson. Foliage plants, 1. A Grant-Thorold, 2. J J Atkinson. Dahlias, 1. Colonel Gordon. Begonias, 1. Mrs Seymour, 2. T Seymour. Ferns, 1. H Willison, 2. Mrs Seymour. Collection of cut blooms, 1. Miss Grant-Thorold, 2. Mrs Seymour. 3. Wingfield. Wild flowers, 1. F Briggs, 2. W Briggs, 3. B Toombs.

Special Prizes (by Messrs Daniels Bros) 1. A Childs, 2. S Williams.

Cycle Parade – During the afternoon a cycle parade took place, and though not so many entries were attracted for the competitions as could have been desired, the parade proved most interesting. The judges were Miss Atkinson, Miss St John Mildmay, Mrs Fraser and Colonel Gordon. They gave their decisions as follows:

For best decorated cycle (natural flowers or foliage) 1. T Keen, 2. C Mackerness, 3. J Jarvis. For most effective costume (lady), 1. Miss Bull, 2. Mrs Lane. For most effective costume (gentleman), 1. J Jarvis, 2. C Johnson.

Capital arrangements were made by the Hon Secretary (Mr T Seymour) and the following committee – Messrs D Merriden, S Williams, A Childs, G Clifton, T Jelley, T Lord, M Beasley, W Clarke etc.

NEW MISSION HALL AT COSGROVE

OPENING SERVICES

The new Mission hall at Cosgrove, which has been recently erected, was opened on Thursday afternoon, when a well attended service was held in the Hall, which is in every way a comfortable one, and moreover a very pretty one.

[There follows a long extract from the article of August 14^th]

In the afternoon a service was held in the Hall, there being a large congregation, every available seat in the building being occupied. The service was conducted by the Rev W Fidler, of Towcester, whilst an excellent address was given by the Rev J B Myers, of London, who based his discourse on the words: “After ye believed ye were sealed with that Holy spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession”, (Ephesians 1, part of verses 13 and 14).After the service a public tea was held, tables being place in the new and old halls, upwards of 150 persons partaking of the good things provided. The tables were presided over by ladies of the congregation. A public meeting took place in the Hall at seven o’clock, when the Rev S Cheshire (Stony Stratford), presided over a crowded attendance, those on the platform including the Rev Philip H Smith (Northampton), the Rev D Clayton (Stony Stratford), Mr F W Woollard, Mr Bridgman and Mr F Downing. After the singing of the hymn “O God of Bethel”, and the prayer had been offered by Mr Bridgman, the Hon Secretary of the Building Committee (Mr F Downing), presented a report, in which he stated that for some years it had been felt that the accommodation in the old Mission Hall was not adequate for the requirements of the village, it being too small and very inconvenient. It had been resolved to build a larger Hall, but for some time they were unable to secure a piece of land, but at last, through the kindness of Mr Jelley and Mr Woollard, they had been able to obtain the plot on which the new building stood.

After the Committee had had the plans prepared, it was decided to start building when half the money required was raised, and as this money was obtained very quickly, the work was started at once, so as to have the building finished before the winter. The total cost had been £406, but this would have been larger but for the great deal of voluntary work which had been done. Mr Woollard had very kindly given the iron fencing, whilst an anonymous well-wisher had sent through Mr Cosford, the whole of the lamps required both inside and outside the Hall. Especial thanks were due to Mr Jelley for selling the ground on such acceptable terms, and also for providing the tea; whilst Mr Holdom and his host of helpers were thanked for making the whole of the pews required (applause). Up to the present time £234 3s 5d had been raised, leaving £170 to be obtained. Mr Woollard, who had given so much time and money towards the building of the Hall, and many others who had done all in their power to help forward the scheme, were also heartily thanks for their kind interest.

Mr F W Woollard, whom the Chairman said had so much to do with the matter, said that they could not attach too much importance to the voluntary help given by friends in Cosgrove. The money which they had collected had not sufficed to pay off the whole cost, and as had been the case with other chapels in the locality, there was a debt hanging over the place. They could not expect to get rid of that in a few days, but the sooner they got rid of it the better, for they would feel much more free when it was cleared off. He never liked to see a debt hanging over a House of God. As in the case of new chapels in other villages, much of the work had been done on the voluntary system, a great deal of the work being done by male members of the congregation in spare time in the evening. Mr Woollard went on to review the work done in other places of worship in the district and then said that they did not come to this new place to interfere with anybody. They simply came to take up the leavings (laughter). They would like to see the church filled as well as all the other places of worship, and they did not work in any spirit of antagonism to the vicar. In conclusion he urged all to do their best, and said that if they did so it would be a good thing for the village and the locality.

The Chairman gave Mr Smith a cordial welcome and said that he was sorry that the Rev W Fidler, Mr a P Hawtin, Mr White, Mr Welch and Mr Chipperfield had been unable to be present, although the two former had been present at the afternoon meeting.

The Rev P H Smith said that he was sorry he had been unable to be present at the afternoon meeting, and went on to say, amidst laughter, that he would like to speak on the fiscal problem, for he could tell them a great deal about the man who had brought it forward, he would let the matter go for the time being. Mr Smith went on to say that like Mr Woollard, he could not bear to have a debt hanging over a place of worship, though providing the debt was not an unreasonable one, it was not altogether a bad thing, for it was good to have some definite and worthy purpose to work for, and he hoped that they would put their shoulders to the wheel and not be afraid of the debt. According to the showing of several friends there was plenty of room in the Parish Room. Why then was it that they had built such a costly building to worship God in when they could have worshipped him at but little cost at church? It was because they claimed the right and privilege to worship entirely in their own way, according to the dictates of their consciences. Those were the reasons. They were however, Mr Smith thought, threatened at the present time with dark clouds, which menaced their religious liberty in this country. They should not fight for the sake of fighting, but they must do their best ……

In conclusion the rev. gentleman impressed on his hearers the need of the old fashioned prayer meetings. Socials, etc were all every well but he questioned whether the net spiritual gain was in proportion to the time and labour expended over them.

During the day collections were taken in aid of the Building Fund, to which the proceeds of the tea were also given.

DISTRESSING OCCURRENCE.

A profound sensation was aroused in Wolverton early on Saturday evening, when it became known that the body of Mrs. Jones, wife of Mr. A. E. Jones, editor and proprietor of the Wolverton Express, had been found drowned in the Grand Junction Canal at Old Wolverton. The deceased, after doing some shopping on Friday evening, returned home about 8.15, and her husband met her at the door with some letters, and she said "I'll post them." Mr. Jones replied "Very well." As she did not return for some time, Mr. Jones concluded she had gone to see relatives in the town. About 10.30. p.m. he became anxious, and made enquiries without result. A search was then instituted, and enquiries were made at. Cosgrove (of which village Mrs. Jones was a native), Yardley Gobion, etc., but it was not till four o'clock on Saturday afternoon that anything was found, when her hat was discovered on the left hand side of the Grand Junction Canal between the two bridge of Old Wolverton. The drags were fetched, and in a few minutes the body was recovered, and was taken to the Locomotive Hotel to await an Inquest. Mr, Jones is left with a family of four children, one a few months old. It is thought melancholia after childbirth led to the wife's untimely end. Much sympathy is expressed with Mr. Jones in his unfortunate bereavement. On Monday afternoon, the inquest held at the Locomotive Hotel, before Mr. E. T. Worley (Coroner) and the following Jury :—Messrs. Beesley (foreman), E. Knight, S. J. Eady, W. Bird, H. Jolliffe, W. Phillips, M. Broughton, E. Eales. S. Ellis, H. G. Clarke, G. Clarke, and H. Dolling.
The Coroner said Mrs. Jones left her home on Friday evening about eight o'clock, and was found in the water Saturday evening. The mere fact of a person committing suicide was not an evidence of insanity. They would have to take evidence as to whether her mind was unhinged or not, and this would be brought before them.—The following evidence was taken:
Albert Edward Jones, deposed he lived at Wolverton, and was a stationer and bookseller. His wife’s name was Eliza Harriett [nee Baldwin bap. May 15 1870 daughter of Arthur and Elizabeth.] . She was 33 years old last birthday. She had not been particularly bad with regard to her health, but she had suffered from lowness of feeling for the last two years, particularly the last twelve months, except the last three weeks, when she seemed to come back to her old self. During the time she was so despondent she never directly said she was tired of her life, but she troubled about her sister, who cut her throat 12 or 13 years ago. She dwelt a good deal on this. On Friday she was about as usual, and left the house about a quarter to eight to go shopping at Mr. Graves'. There was nothing the matter with her. She even cracked a joke at the tea table. At five minutes past eight she came to the door as he was going out to the post, and she said, "I'll take them letters for you if you'll take this parcel in." That was the last he saw of her alive. As she did not come back he did not take any notice of it, as she had a sister and his (witness's) mother living in the town. About 10.40 he went to his sister-in-law's and enquired if she was there, and was told no. He went home, and about 11.15 he went to his mother's, who had not seen anything of her, and also to the sister's, who said the same. Deceased was a native of Cosgrove. Her father was dead, and her mother lived at Yardley Gobion. He went out to see if he could find her in town. The doctor said she would be best if watched. He kept up all night, and in the morning went to Cosgrove and Yardley Gobion on his bicycle, but heard nothing there. He also went to the Station to see if she had booked anywhere. He wired his friends at Bletchley and London, and then he went to the police. He had seen the body and recognised it as that of his wife. She was confined four months ago. Her sister died last Christmas, which was a great blow to her.
Dr. Miles said he knew Mrs. Jones, and had attended her for several sears for various complaints, two confinements and for her nervous condition. He had warned the husband about looking after her. He had not attended her for the last few weeks, and she seemed to be better after the last confinement. It was not unusual for these sorts of things to come on suddenly, and he was not surprised to hear that she had been found in the water. He had made a superficial examination of the body, and there was evidence only of death from drowning the colour was owing to the body lying face downwards. There were no marks of violence except slight abrasions, to which he attached no importance. Police-constable Sibbald said at 1.30 p.m. on the 24th he received information of the absence of deceased, and he made enquiries. He made several descriptions and sent them to Newport Pagnell, Stony Stratford, etc. On coming to Old Wolverton he saw Mr. Beard, who told him a hat had been found on the bank at nine o'clock by two little boys. The hat was pinned to the ground by the hatpin. The boys threw the hat in the water and it was fetched out, He went to the place the hat had been found, and had the Canal dragged, and at 5.30 he found the body about five yards out in about four to five feet of water. The clothes were not disarranged, and he searched the body and only found a white pocket handkerchief. She seemed is have got over the fencing, took her hat off, and got in. It was not on the towing path side.
By a Juror : Mr. Jones said she had the run of the money and he should not have known it she had taken even £5. The Coroner said there was no doubt this woman met her death by drowning, and it was either a ease of her having slipped in or putting herself in. They had three alternatives—a verdict of suicide, or of suicide while in a state of temporary insanity, or of being found in the water with no evidence to show how she got there.
The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while in a state of temporary insanity."

COSGROVE. "CANADA." A lantern lecture on Canada, illustrated by splendid views lent by the Canadian Government, was given by the Rev. H. N C. Hewson Saturday evening, in the Schoolroom. The room was well filled, and the audience were greatly interested. It is proposed to continue the lectures (or other form of entertainment) weekly during the winter.

STONY STRATFORD DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS. Friday.—Before the Duke of Grafton, K.G. (in the chair). Mr. T. Byam Grounds, Mr. H. Grant-Thorold, Mr. G. M. Fitzsimons, .and Mr. J. M. Knapp.

Moving Pigs.

Robert Penson, farm bailiff, Cosgrove, was charged with moving three pigs into the County of Buckingham from Northamptonshire, January 4th.

The offence was admitted by Mr. H. Thorold, who said his bailiff did not know there were any restrictions. P.C. Fuggle stated the particulars, and the defendant was ordered to pay 12s. 6d. fine and costs.

TO the Overseers of the Poor for the Parish of Cosgrove. To the Rural District Council for the District of Potterspury, in the County of Northampton. And to the County Council of the County of Northampton.

NOTICE is hereby given by the Rural District Council for the Rural District Stratford and Wolverton being the Sanitary Authority for the same as follows

That the said Sanitary Authority intend or after the 27th day of April to commence the CONSTRUCTION of WORKS of SEWERAGE and SEWAGE DISPOSAL on land situate about 700 yards east of Watling Street, on the North side of the river Ouse in the Parish of COSGROVE and County of Northampton. The said Works consist outfall sewer, pump, well, engine house, tanks, bacteria beds, and preparation of land for the conveyance treatment and purification of Sewage.

A plan of the said intended works is deposited at the office of the Clerk the said Rural District Council Mr. W. R. Parrott High-street Stony Stratford where the same may be inspected any week day (other than Saturday) between the hours of 10 a.m. and 12 o'clock noon or between the hours of p.m. and 4 p.m., and on Saturdays between the hours of 10 a.m. and 12 o'clock noon.

Dated this 27th of January, 1904, W. R. PARROTT. Clerk to the Stratford and Wolverton Rural District Council. High-street, Stony Stratford.

COSGROVE.

Two Miles from Castlethorpe Station, L. and N.-W. Railway.

9 Very Good SHORTHORN COWS. In-calf
and in Profit, and
2 Weaned CALVES, 8 PIGS, 24 FOWLS,
RICK Well-gotten HAY, about 13 Tons,
to go off;

Two-knife Chaff Machine. Pulper, Two Scotch Carts, Thiller and Chain Harness, etc.; a Tinkler's Churn, Dairy Vessels, and SURPLUS FURNITURE,

WILL BE SOLD BY AUCTION,

BY PEIRCE and THORPE

On Thursday, February 18th, 1904, by order of Mr. George Valentine, who is giving up business on account of ill-health. Sale to Commence at 11 for 11.30 precisely.

COSGROVE.

Substantially Brick and Stone-built Freehold
DWELLING HOUSE and BAKEHOUSE,
With Yard Stabling, and Outbuildings, Etc.; and
A Valuable Freehold BUILDING SITE,
 Adjoining the Above, in the Centre of the Village

STONY STRATFORD.
The Well-built Brick and Slated Freehold
HOUSE, Being No. 108, in the HIGH STREET,

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, BY

MESSRS. GEORGE WIGLEY and SONS, on MONDAY, MARCH 7TH, at the COCK HOTEL, STONY STRATFORD, at Four for Five o'clock, subject to conditions which will produced at the time of Sale, by direction of the Executor of the late Mr. Jonah Brown.

For further particulars apply to W. R. PARROTT, Esq., Solicitor, Stony Stratford; or to Messrs. George Wigley and Sons, Estate Agents and Surveyors, Winslow, Stony Stratford, and Fenny Stratford.

A QUESTION OF ROAD MATERIAL

SINGULAR CHARGE OF THEFT AGAINST THE RECTOR OF COSGROVE

CASE DISMISSED

A singular charge of theft against the Rev Henry Newington Clark Hewson, who since 1893 has been Rector of Cosgrove, was heard at Towcester Petty Sessions on Tuesday. Considerable interest was taken in the prosecution and the Court was crowded. The Magistrates on the Bench were the Duke of Grafton (in the chair), E Grant Esq., W D Grant-Ives Esq., C Falconar Macdonald Esq., W G Stops Esq., and H J Conant Esq.

R Hewson was summoned for unlawfully taking away a quantity of stones and bricks, value 10s, which had been purchased for the repair of the highway at Cosgrove, between August 1 and December 1 1903.

Mr W Ryland D Adkins, barrister-at-law (instructed by Mr W R Parrott, Clerk to the Potterspury Rural District Council), appeared for the prosecution, and Mr Alan Macpherson, barrister-at-law (instructed by Mr C J Allinson, of Northampton) was for the defence.

James Bryan Fairchild, surveyor to the Potterspury District Council, explained that last March he purchased a number of loads of stones and brick and placed them along the road that runs by the Cosgrove Rectory wall. They were put on the waste land by the side of the road. Later in the summer he saw a quantity had disappeared, although no authority had been given for the removal. Owing to this suspicious circumstance he spoke to the Parish Constable, and in consequence of information received in January he made a report of the occurrence to the Chairman of the District Council. On the 26^th of the month Mr Hewson had an interview with him, told him that he had had a visit from the police, and explained that the stones were removed by a man named Wootton, without his knowledge. He added that he had in his possession stones which would serve the witness’s purposes equally as well as those which had been taken and he offered to give some of those in place of those which had disappeared from the roadside. – In answer to the Duke witness said that the Rector said that at the time the stones were taken Wootton was in his employ.

Mr Macpherson: Did not Mr Hewson visit you in November and say that directly he discovered that Wootton had taken the stones he came to see you about it? – No, certainly not. If the defendant did call he certainly did not see him.

Further cross-examined, witness said he did not consider it was his duty to accept the stone the Rector proffered. He believed that when the stone was placed on the waste ground the land was perfectly clear. There were no stones on it which were to be used in the erection of the wall.

By the Chairman: In the wall which was erected in the summer were some of the Council’s stones.

Frederick Augustus Wootton, a labourer, said that in March he entered Mr Hewson’s employ. He had instructions to rebuild a stone wall which had fallen and to repair the floor of the pigstyes. Witness pointed out to the Rector that bricks and stones would be required, as all the odd ones lying about he had already used. Mr Hewson, referring to the stones and bricks lying on the side of the road, replied “Take a few of these.” Witness knew they had been drawn there by the public authority. Mr Hewson added, after telling him to take the stones, “Mr Fairchild won’t mind.” Witness had taken about nine or ten barrowloads of material; odd bricks were used in the flooring of the pigstyes, for which they were very handy, and stones were used for the coping of the wall, for which they were well suited. He once heard Mr Hewson say to a boy with whom witness was working, “Come along with me, my boy, and sort out the old bricks from among these stones.” Witness saw Mr Hewson on the roadside sort the stones, some of which he sent to be used in the operations. The stones were principally old building stones carted from the site of some cottages which were destroyed by fire, with a few “odds and ends and bits of bricks”.

Cross-examined: The defendant did not discharge witness directly he found that witness had been taking stone from the highway. Neither did he discharge witness at the end of November. It was not the witness who, having finished all the casual jobs he had been given to do, suggested that he should repair the wall. Witness was not instructed to obtain the stone and bricks for mending the pig-styes and walls from Mr Hewson’s rick-yard.

Re-examined: He did not believe that the stones used were those which had fallen from the Rector’s wall.

Arthur Jelley, a boy fourteen years of age, stated that one day Mr Hewson picked a few bricks off the road and told him to take them to Wootton. He also instructed him to return and fetch others like them. Stones were picked up as well and witness carried them to Wootton two or three at a time.

Police Sergeant Robinson stated that when he told Mr Hewson about the complaints made against him to the effect that some of the missing stones had been used in rebuilding the Rectory wall, he replied, “Yes, we had some of the stone last Autumn to repair the walls and places at the Rectory, but I didn’t fetch them off the road myself. A man named Wootton, who was working for me, fetched them.” Witness asked the Rector if he had instructed Wootton to fetch the stone, and he said in reply, “No, I had no authority to tell him.” Witness next asked Mr Hewson if he knew at the time that Wootton was using the stone from the highway, and got the answer, “Yes, because he told me, and further received the reply, “We only had a load altogether, and it would not come to more than nine or ten shillings. I am willing to pay for what I have had, and even more, if the Surveyor will come and see what I have had and let me know how much it is.”

The next question put by witness was whether Mr Hewson stopped Wootton from continuing the practice, and he made answer, “No, I didn’t, but I have two or three loads of small stone in my yard.” His stones, he further said, were small ones, and not large enough for the purpose for which he required them. That was the reason he had the stones from the road, for which he concluded by saying he was willing to pay.

In cross-examination witness said that Mr Hewson did not tell him that he discharged Wootton for taking the stone. The Rector never disputed that the stone taken from the road was used in the repair of his wall.

This concluded the case for the prosecution, and for the defence

Mr Hewson was called. After explaining that he had been Rector of Cosgrove since 1893, and let the Rectory, he himself living in another house, he stated that when he engaged Wootton to repair the wall he told him to take the stone from witness’s own stone heap in the rick-yard and other stone from the yard. In addition he could have stone from the two loads of stone which were due to him from the late Mr Brown. The stones in the rick-yard were more than sufficient for the work he had to do. Wootton was told distinctly not to touch any of the stone belonging to the District Council. After a time, however, witness, becoming suspicious as to the material which was being used in the repair of the wall, asked Wootton where he was obtaining it from. Wootton said, “I took it from the stone at the roadside,” and witness told him immediately that he must desist or he would probably get both of them into trouble. Wootton then went “on the Club” through sickness, and witness was thankful to get rid of him. When he discovered the practice to which Wootton had resorted he went to see Mr Fairchild, but the Surveyor was not at home and he did not meet him until January. He himself picked up perhaps 18 or 20 bricks but they had all fallen from his own wall. Many others, which had similarly fallen, were left by the roadside.

Cross-examined: Jelley and Wootton had made serious mistakes in their evidence, and police Sergeant Robinson’s statement was not entirely correct. Some of the Council’s stone was undoubtedly used in the repair of the wall, but the quantity had been exaggerated. After his first failure to see Mr Fairchild he did not call again, because he considered the matter was trivial. Possibly he did not formally discharge Wootton, but when Wootton fell ill he knew he would get no more work from the defendant in consequence of what had occurred. Wootton, he thought, was actuated by sheer laziness in taking the Council’s stone, and had given his version of affairs in order to shield himself.

In answer to the Chairman, witness said that as soon as he found out that the Council’s stone had been taken he offered the fullest restitution.

Frederick L Jakeman, of Cosgrove, said that for the last 25 years the grass by the side of the road, to which reference had been made, had been the dumping ground for all sorts of rubbish. It was once probable that witness would repair the wall. During the conversation on the subject Mt Hewson told him he would have to obtain the stone required from his rick-yard, and on no account get them from the heaps on the road.

Thomas Seymour, schoolmaster at Cosgrove, said that the brewery wall was a loose one, and stones from it were spread over the roadside for some distance.

Mr Macpherson, in a speech for the defence, maintained that the case utterly failed unless the prosecution could fully prove that the bricks and stones were taken, not only by a person in the defendant’s employment but that the person acted within the scope of his authority. Wootton, rather than obeying authority, directly defied the orders he received. It was a case of oath against oath, and it was impossible in the consideration of the points involved to forget the great differences in the witnesses’ social position. The inherent probabilities of the case were against the prosecution.

Mr J Chettle, J.P., Chairman of the Potterspury District Council, in reply to the Bench, who sought information on the subject, said the District Council, at a special meeting, unanimously authorised the prosecution.

The Magistrates retired, and after a deliberation of nearly three-quarters of an hour, the Chairman announced that they were of the opinion that the stones taken from the highway were used towards the repair of the wall, but considered that the evidence was not sufficient to prove that they were so used by the defendant’s order. The case would therefore be dismissed, each party to pay their own costs.

STONY STRATFORD

AMERICAN TEA. On Monday an American tea was held in the Public Room for the purpose of reducing the debt of remaining on the recently erected Mission Hall at Cosgrove. About 120 attended the tea, and as the food, etc., was given, the whole of the proceeds consequently went to the Mission Hall Fund. The idea of the tea was mooted in the autumn of last year, contribution cards being taken up by children and adults, and the cards were handed in at the tea with a description of how the money had been earned. The total of the cards handed in amounted to £26 8s. 11d., which was most gratifying. In addition to the tea, there was a stall of useful and fancy articles, a jumble stall, and a refreshment stall. During the evening various amusements were provided.

COSGROVE ACCIDENT. —On Tuesday evening, May 24, a serious accident occurred to a boy named Joseph Horton, of Yardley Gobion, who is in the employ of Mr. Grant Thorold, J.P., of Cosgrove. The boy was in charge of a horse on which he was riding, when by some means he fell off and was severely kicked on the head by the animal. He was removed in an unconscious state for Stony Stratford, where Dr. Bull performed an operation removing some bones, and Horton regained consciousness on Wednesday evening.

STONY STRATFORD PETTY SESSIONS, Friday, July 29.

Walter Richardson, of Northampton, was charged with gaming with a skittle board at Cosgrove Feast, on July 18.
Police-sergeant Robinson stated the case, and said the defendant took 5s. and paid out 8d.
Fine and costs £1.

STONY STRATFORD DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS

Friday Before Mr. A. Grant-Thorold (in the chair) Mr. T. Byam Grounds, Mr. J. M. Knapp, Mr. G. M. Fitzsimons, and the Rev. J. T. Athawes.
Alleged Cruelty: William Clarke, sen., Cosgrove. farmer, was charged with cruelty to a horse by causing it to be worked whilst in an unfit state, at Stony Stratford, on August 9^th: and William Clarke jun., was charged with working the horse. William Clarke, sen., was also charged with working a horse in an unfit state at Shenley, on August 9^th. P.C. Fuggie stated he saw the younger defendant driving, and, noticing he had some difficulty in getting the horse along, witness stopped him. On examining the horse he found a wound on the off shoulder. The wound was two inches across, and very sore, matter was oozing from it. Under the saddle also was a raw wound. Witness subsequently saw the father at Shenley, and he admitted the horse had sores, but he did not think it would hurt. Sergeant Gascoyne gave corroborative evidence. With regard to the Shenley case, the horse had two bad wounds, both on the near shoulder. The defendant admitted knowing the sores were there, but did not think it would hurt the horse to work it. No conviction was recorded, the defendant paying the costs £1 3s 6d. The other charges were dismissed.

Cosgrove Flower Show

The annual show of the Cosgrove Horticultural Society was held in the grounds of Cosgrove Hall, the residence of Mr A Grant-Thorold, JP, on Saturday afternoon, in lovely weather. The show was undoubtedly the best which the society has yet held. The vegetables were exceptionally good, the fruit was excellent, and the flowers were, on the whole, good.

The feature of the show was the handsome array of flowers, fruit and vegetables from the gardens of Mr B Wentworth Vernon, JP, of Stoke Bruerne Park. This collection, which was a veritable flower show in itself, was arranged by Mr W Batchelor, Mr Vernon’s head gardener, who acted as one of the judges, and of course, it was not for competition. The flowers, especially the dahlias and sweet peas, were extremely fine, and the collection of delicate marguerite carnations, a sweetly scented double carnation, was much admired. Some black potatoes were a curiosity to most visitors. The fruit which Mr Vernon sent to the show was beyond reproach, and the vegetables were extremely good. Other exhibits not for competition were sent by Miss Capell, Passenham Rectory; Mrs E Watts, Hanslope Park; Mr A Grant-Thorold, Cosgrove Hall; Mr F D Bull, Cosgrove; Mr J J Atkinson, Cosgrove Priory; Mr G F Branson, Cosgrove.

During the afternoon the show was fairly well attended. Among the visitors were Mr A Grant-Thorold (President of the Society), Captain Grant-Thorold, Rev Walter Plant, (Potterspury), Rev W L Harnett, Wolverton, Rev W J Harkness, Hanslope, Rev W B Rickards, Tiffield, Rev G M Capell, (Passenham), Rev A B Patten, (Whittlebury), Mrs Carlile, (Gayhurst), Miss Burrows, (Maids Moreton), Mrs and Miss Rumsey, (Calverton), Major Brougham, (Potterspury), Mr W Bairstow, JP, (Towcester), Mr T Byam Grounds JP, (Passenham), Mr W C Cooper, JP (Whittlebury), Mr E H Watts, JP and Mrs Watts (Hanslope), Mr J J Atkinson CC (Cosgrove), Mr F D Bull and Mrs Bull (Cosgrove), Mr K C Baily (Bradwell), Mr Fraser (Newport Pagnell). The Stony Stratford band played bright selections. The judges were :- Mr W Batchelor, gardener to Mr B Wentworth Vernon, JP, Stoke Bruerne, and Mr J Thomas, gardener to Lord Penrhyn, Wicken.

The awards were:

Cottagers’ Class – collection of vegetables: 1, D Merridan; 2, A Childs; 3, S Williams. Kidney Beans: 1, D Merridan; 2, G Wilson. Cabbages: 1, F Tack; 2, J Horn. Carrots: 1, J Nichols; 2, M Beasley. Celery: 1 S Williams; 2, T Luck. Spring Onions: 1, J Nichols; 2, D Merridan; 3, M Beasley. Winter onions: 1, D Merridan; 2, J Horn; 3, J Nichols. Cauliflower: 1, D Merridan; 2 J Nichols. Peas: 1, D Merridan; 2, S Williams. Parsnips: 1, J Nichols; 2, D Merridan. White round potatoes: 1, G Wilson; 2, D Merridan. Coloured round potatoes: 1 S Williams; 2, D Merridan. White turnips: 1, A Childs; 2, M Beasley. Marrows: 1, H Cutler, 2, D Merridan. Long beet: 1, J Nichols. Tomatoes: 2, T Luck. Lettuces: 2, D Merridan. Shallots: 1, D Merridan; 2, M Beasley. Plums: 1, W Atkins; 2, M Brown. Cooking apples: 1, W Clarke; 2, W Atkins. Asters: 1, G Wilson; 2, William Lovesey. Stocks: 1, A Childs; 2, S Williams. Dahlias: 1, A Chexfield; 2, M Clarke. Hardy flowers: 1, A Childs; 2, S Williams. 2, A Childs. Sweet peas: 1, A Childs; 2, S Williams. Pansies: 1, S Williams; 2, W Lovesey. Carnations: 1, S Williams. Bouquet: 1, S Williams; 2, A Childs.

Open Class: collection of vegetables: 1, J J Atkinson JP, Cosgrove Priory; 2, A Grant-Thorold JP, Cosgrove Hall; 3, Rev H Last, Stony Stratford. Cucumbers: 1, J J Atkinson. Tomatoes: 1 --- Clarke, Castlethorpe; 2, J J Atkinson. Marrows: 1, Rev Walter Plant, Potterspury; 2, Rev H Last. Collection of potatoes: 1, W H S Williams, Wolverton; 2, D Merridan, Cosgrove; 3, A Childs, Cosgrove. Celery: 1, A Grant-Thorold; 2, J Ibell, Stony Stratford; 3, Rev H Last. Kidney beans: 1, J Wingfield, Old Wolverton; 2, A Grant-Thorold. Peas: 1, A Grant-Thorold; 2, J Wingfield. Long beet: 1, J J Atkinson; 2, J Wingfield; 3, J Tyrell, Wolverton. Round beet: 1, J Tyrell; 2, A Grant-Thorold. Lettuce 1, J Wingfield; 2, A Grant-Thorold. Spring onions: 1, J J Atkinson; 2, A Grant-Thorold. White turnips: 2, J Ibell. Collection of fruit: 1, -- Clarke; 2, J Wingfield; 3, J J Atkinson. Plums: 1, -- Clarke; 2, W Atkins; 3, J Wingfield. Cooking apples: 1, W Bavington, Castlethorpe; 2, J J Atkinson; 3 – Clarke. Dessert apples: 1, J J Atkinson; 2, -- Clarke. Roses: 1, W H S Williams; 2, F D Bull, Cosgrove; Carnations: 2, J J Atkinson. Foliage plant: 1, J J Atkinson; 2, T Seymour, Cosgrove. Dahlias: 1, Mrs E Watts, Hanslope Park; 2, J Ibell. Begonias: 1, T Seymour; 2, A Childs. Ferns: 1, T Seymour; 2, Miss Knight, Cosgrove. Sweet peas: 1, T Seymour; 2, J J Atkinson. Bouquet: 1, J J Atkinson; 2, F D Bull. Collection of cut blooms: 1, T Seymour; 2, A Grant-Thorold; 3, Rev W Plant. Group of flowering and foliage plants: 1, J J Atkinson; 2, A Grant-Thorold; 3, J Ibell.

Special prizes: - Lettuce: 1, D Merridan; 2, A Childs. King Edward VII potatoes: 1, S Williams; 2, A Childs. Vegetables (by Messrs T Perkins and Sons, Kingsthorpe Nurseries Northampton): 1, T Seymour. Wild Flowers (children): 1, G Badby; 2, Dorrie Atkins; 3, Edward Tack. Sweet peas (children): 1, B Childs; 2 Edward Tack. Window plant: 1,W Atkins; 2, Mrs Durrant. Shields for most points among the exhibitors: 1, D Merridan; 2, S Williams; 3, J J Atkinson (garden T Lord).

The Committee who arranged the show consisted of Mr A Grant-Thorold JP (president), Mr T Seymour (Hon Secretary), Mr A Childs, Mr S Williams, Mrs D Merriden, Mr J Brown, Mr A Swain, Mr G Clifton, Mr M Beasley and Mr R Penson.

STONY STRATFORD DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS. FRIDAY. Before Mr. A. Grant-Thorold (in the chair) Mr. T Byam Grounds, Mr. J. M. Knapp, Mr G M Fitzsimmons, and the Rev J. T. Athawes.

Alleged Cruelty.—William. Clarke, sen., Cosgrove, farmer, was charged with cruelty to a horse by causing it to be worked whilst in unfit state, at Stony Stratford, August 9th; and William Clarke, jun., was charged with working the horse. William Clarke, sen., was also charged with working a horse in an unfit state at Shenley, on August 9th.

P.C. Fuggles stated he saw the younger defendant driving, and, noticing he had some difficulty in getting the horse along, witness stopped him. On examining the horse he found a wound on the off shoulder. The wound was two inches across, and very sore. Matter was oozing from it. Under the saddle also was a raw wound. Witness subsequently saw the father at Shenley, and he admitted the horse had sores, but said that he did not think it would hurt.

Sergeant Gascoyne gave corroborative evidence. With regard to the Shenley case, the horse had two bad wounds, both on the near shoulder.

The defendant admitted knowing the sores were there, but said he did not think it would hurt the horse to work it.

No conviction was recorded, the defendant paying the costs £1 3s. 6d.—The other charges were dismissed.

COSGROVE,
One Mile from Stony Stratford,
34 Head Excellent Shorthorn DAIRY CATTLE,

Comprising 11 heifers and cows with calves, 3 new milch cows, 5 in-calf milch cows, 11 2½-years old heifers and steers, and a two-years-old bull.

105 Very Fresh OXFORDSHIRE DOWN SHEEP.

Comprising 31 theaves, 11 wether 3, and 60 lambs.

5 Capital WORKING CART HORSES,
GREY PONY,
5 FAT HOGS, 40 HEAD OF POULTRY,

The Whole of the Modern
AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS,
A PONY TRAP and HARNESS
And a Few Lots of ANTIQUE HOUSEHOLD
FURNITURE,
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION,

BY Messrs. Geo. Wigley and sons, on Thursday, September 20th, 1904, by direction of Mr. John Panter, who is giving up the occupation of the farm this Michaelmas. The Dairy Cattle are all young, good milkers, and many of them in full profit. The Sheep are a well-bred lot, many being fit for the butcher; whilst the Cart Horses are powerful and excellent workers.

Sale to Commence 12 o'clock exact time. Luncheon Tickets Is. 6d each, to be returned to purchasers. Catalogues the Auctioneers, Winslow, Fenny Stratford, and Stony Stratford.

HARVEST THANKS GIVING SERVICE. The first harvest evensong at the Parish Church, Cosgrove, was on Friday, September 23, at 7 o'clock, and the services were continued on Sunday, September 25. The preacher on Friday evening was the Rev. E. R. Sill, vicar of Little Linford. The anthem was taken from Psalm 104, " He watereth the hills, etc.,”. Miss. L. Bushell taking the solo parts in an effective manner. The church had a pleasing and festive appearance with its pretty decorations. The collections were given to the Northampton Hospital.

New Mission Hall.[Leighton Buzzard] —On Wednesday afternoon the foundation stone was laid, on a site in the Vandyke-road, which has been purchased for £55, a new hall in connection with an evangelistic mission, founded as a cottage meeting about twelve months ago by the late Mr. John Atterbury, a native of Cosgrove, Bucks, who, having spent many years of his life in America, where he devoted himself to similar work, returned to England about year ago, settled at Leighton, and, singularly, died about two months after founding the mission, which has since for some months, owing to increasing assemblies, been carried on under tent. The building now in course of construction will be to some extent of a temporary character until funds can be raised to complete it, and the cost will be about £130, accommodation being provided for nearly two hundred people. The work of the mission, at the death of Mr. Atterbury, was taken up, and is being carried on by the Wesleyan Mission Band, and the two resident ministers took part in the ceremony of Wednesday, with Mrs. Collins, of Crafton, who laid the foundation stone. Within one of 14 bricks were also laid by persons present, and including amount collection, £11:5 was taken towards the building fund.

The death has occurred at Southsea of the Rev. Patrick McDouall, M.A., for fifteen years rector of Cosgrove, near Stony Stratford. The deceased, who obtained his B.A. degree exactly sixty years ago, was ordained deacon by Dr. Murray, Bishop of Rochester, whose life takes back a considerable distance into the eighteenth century. For years the Rev. P. G.  McDouall was vicar of Kirk Newton, Northumberland, whence removed to Cosgrove in 1877. He resigned Cosgrove in 1892, at the age of 70, and for the last twelve years lived in retirement at Southsea. He died at the age of 82 years.

The death took place last week, at Southsea, of the Rev. Patrick George McDouall, M.A., for fifteen years rector of Cosgrove, Northamptonshire. Mr. McDouall, who obtained his B.A. degree exactly sixty years ago, was ordained deacon by Dr. Murray, Bishop of Rochester, whose life takes us back a considerable distance into the eighteenth century. For 21 years the Rev. P. G. McDouall was vicar of Kirk Newton, Northumberland, whence removed to Cosgrove in 1877. He resigned Cosgrove in 1892, at the age of seventy, and for the last twelve years lived in retirement at Southsea. He died at the age of 82.

COSGROVE.

THE LATE REV. P. G. McDOUALL. The news of the death of the Rev. P. G. McDouall was received with great regret at Cosgrove, where the deceased clergyman ministered for years and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of the whole of the parishioners. At Sunday evening's service at the Mission Hall, expression of sympathy and respect was passed, and have been forwarded to Miss McDouall.

FASHIONABLE NEWS

A marriage has been arranged and will shortly take place between Colonel R J Cooper, son of the late Right Hon E Cooper of Markree and Constance, daughter of Mr Grant Thorold, of Cosgrove Hall, Northamptonshire.

SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITORS

At the Northampton Xmas Fat Stock Show on Tuesday, in Class II, sheep, open to all England, three shearling sheep, £3, to Mr H Grant Thorold, Cosgrove Hall. Three lambs, the produce of 1904, £3, to Mr H Grant Thorold. Roots, Swede Turnips, 10s 6d to Mr Verey, Beachampton. Mangels, 21s to Mr Verey.

A MAGISTRATE FINED

Stony Stratford Divisional Petty Sessions, Friday before the Duke Grafton, K.G., and other Justices,

Charles Ernest Burnell, Cosgrove was charged with cruelty to a horse by working it in an unfit state, at Cosgrove, on December 1st.

Robert Penson, farm bailiff, Cosgrove, was charged with allowing the same horse to be worked; and there was a similar charge against Mr. Harry Grant- Thorold. J.P. but Mr. Thorold being away had not received the summons, though knew it was pending.

It was decided to hear all the cases together. Mr Douglas, Northampton, prosecuted behalf of the R.S.P.C.A., and W. B. Bull, Newport defended.

Harry Johnson and Jeremiah Holton, lads in the employment of Mr. Thorold, said the horse had sores on the shoulders and back.

Inspector Hooker, of the R.S.P.C.A., said the defendant Burnell passed him on the highway with six horses. He noticed a black gelding covered with perspiration. The man Burnell said, in reply to a question from the officer, "You can see what the matter; its shoulders are wrong." There were three wounds, and the harness was pressing on all of them. Witness saw Mr Penson, the bailiff, who said he knew the horse had wounds, and they had been bathing the sores for a fortnight. Witness also saw Mr. Thorold, who said he knew the horse had sores, and that he understood the sores had been dressed. P.C. Pollard also gave evidence.

For the defence Mr. Penson, the farm bailiff, said the black gelding was turned out to grass on July 7th and brought up about 21st October. The horse was put to plough. It was a fretful horse, and inclined to do more than its share of work. The shoulders "went" about the third day, and they had dressed them. December 1st the places were getting better, and in his opinion it would have been better to have kept the horse at work. It had been resting since December 1st and the sores were well now, but they would go again when the horse was put to work.

The defendant Burnell also gave evidence.

Mr Hazelton, veterinary surgeon, Buckingham, said he had examined the horse. The sores were not deep-seated - they were chafes rather than sores. The horse had a tender skin.

In cross-examination witness said it was very often the only thing to keep working a horse to get it into proper condition. He agreed that if the horse was put to work again its shoulders would go; but if the horse was kept at work, with the sores properly protected, the wounds would not be prevented from healing.

The Bench retired, and their return the Chairman said the magistrates had decided to dismiss the case against Burnell. In the cases of the bailiff and Mr Thorold, though, they considered there was no case of wilful cruelty or a desire to work the horse sore, there was careless neglect, which caused the horse to suffer and they had decided to record a conviction —fine and costs £1 each inclusive.

STONY STRATFORD Divisional Petty Sessions. April 20th. —Before the Duke of Grafton, K.G. (in the chair), Mr. Grant-Thorold, Mr. T. Byam Grounds, Mr. H. - Conant, and Mr. H. Grant-Thorold.

John Smith and Dan Green, of Cosgrove, were charged with being drunk, on the highway, at Old Stratford, March 25th.—Smith pleaded guilty, and Mrs. Green appeared for her son.—fine and costs 9s. each.

Dan Green was further charged with refusing to quit the Barge beer-house, Cosgrove, on April 7th, when requested do so. George Brown, the landlord, said he had to get the assistance of » man named Herbert Odell to remove the defendant —fine and costs 16s.

A History of the Parish of Westbury
in the County of Buckingham
By the Rev. Richard Ussher, Vicar of the Parish

General Notes (continued).

No. 34.
October 11^th, 1893.

COSGROVE—A RACE BETWEEN VETERANS. A 100 yards race between W. Wise and R. Brown was decided on Tuesday, when, after an exciting race, Wise won, Brown coming to grief a few yards from home after leading all the way.

COSGROVE
FLOWER SHOW.

The annual show of fruit, flowers, and vegetables promoted by the Cosgrove Horticultural Society, was held on Saturday in the grounds of Cosgrove Hall, by kind permission of the esteemed president, Mr. A. Grant-Thorold, J.P. From a horticultural point of view, the show was a distinct success. The entries were more numerous than the previous year, and the quality of the exhibits was excellent. The weather conditions were, however, most unfavourable, and consequently the attendance was more limited than has been customary. The not for competition exhibits included a pretty collection of foliage and flowering plants, sent by Mr. J. J. Atkinson, C.C., and staged by Mr. T. Lord. Music was provided by the Stony Stratford Town Prize Band, under the conductorship of Mr. T. Sharpe. The arrangements for the show were carried out by a committee consisting of Mr. S. Williams, Mr. D. Merriden, Mr. A. J. Childs. Mr. Beasley, Mr. R. Penson, Mr. T. Lord, Mr. H. Willison, Mr H. Bushell, Mr. A. Swain, Mr. P. D. Bull, with Mr T. Seymour as the capable hon. secretary. The exhibits were judged by Mr. Kightley gardener to Sir Hereward Wake), Mr. Batchelor (gardener to Mr. B. Wentworth Vernon, Stoke Park), and Mr. Thomas (gardener to Lord Penrhyn, Wicken Park).

The awards were:

Cottagers.—Collection of vegetables, 1 D. Merriden, 2 J. Nicholls. 3 A. Childs. Kidney beans, 1. D Merriden, J. Nicholls. Cabbages. 1 S. Williams, 2 A. Swain. Carrots, 1 D. Merriden, 2 T. Luck. Celery, 1 A. Swain, 2 P. Merriden. Spring onions, 1 J. Nicholls, 2 W Morton. 3 D Merriden. Winter onions, 1 D. Merriden, 2 R. Brown, A. Childs. Cauliflowers, 1 A. J. Childs, 2 D. Merriden. Peas, 1 A. J. Childs, D. Merriden. Round white potatoes, 1 A Childs, 2 D. Merriden. Coloured round potatoes, 1 S. Williams, 2 W. Hurst. White kidney potatoes. 1 D Merriden, 2 A. J. Childs. Coloured kidney potatoes, 1 A. J. Childs, 2 S. Williams. White turnips, 1 D. Merriden, 2 M. Beasley. Marrows, 1 A. J. Childs, 2 A. Swain. Long beet. 1 A. J. Childs, 2 J. Nichols. Round beet, 1 A. J. Childs. 2 G. Wilson. Lettuces, 1 D. Merriden. 2 A. J. Childs. Shallots, 1 W. Hurst, D. Merriden. Plums. 1 C. Baldwin 2 R Brown. Cooking Apples 1 W Adkins, 2 C Baldwin.

Asters, 1 S Williams 2 G Wilson. Stocks, 1 Mrs W Pedley, 2 G Wilson. Dahlias, 1 S Williams, 2 A J Childs. Hardy Flowers 1 S Williams, 2 A J Childs. Sweet Peas 1 A J Childs 2 S Williams. Pansies 1 S Williams 2 G Wilson. Carnations or Picotees 1 S Williams, Bouquet of Flowers 1 S Williams 2 A J Nicholls.

Open Class : Collection of Vegetables 1 A Grant Thorold 2 J J Atkinson 3 H Ward. Cucumbers 1 J J Atkinson 2 T Seymour. Tomatoes 1 J J Atkinson 2 W H S Williams. Marrows 1 J Knight 2 Rev W Plant. Potatoes 1 D Merriden 2 A J Childs 3 S Williams. Celery 1 A Swain 2 W H S Williams. Kidney Beans 1 A Grant Thorold 2 J J Atkinson. Peas 1 A J Childs 2 T Seymour. Long Beet 1 A J Childs 2 J J Atkinson. Round Beet 1 Rev H Last 2 Rev St John Mildmay. Lettuces 1 A Grant Thorold 2 W H S Williams. Spring Onions 1 A Grant Thorold 2 S J Coles. Winter Onions 1 S J Coles 2 A Grant Thorold.

Collection of Fruit 1 A Grant Thorold 2 J J Atkinson 3 G Glenn. Plums 1 A Grant Thorold 2 H Robinson. Cooking Apples 1 A Bavington 2 H Robins. Dessert Apples 1 A Grant Thorold 2 Mrs Watts.

Roses 1 J Ibell 2 W H S Williams. Carnations 1 S Williams 2 J J Atkinson. Stove or Greenhouse Plants 1 J J Atkinson. Foliage Plants 1 J J Atkinson 2 T Seymour. Dahlias 1 T Seymour 2 H Robins. Begonias 1 J J Atkinson 2 T Seymour. Ferns 1 H Willison 2 T Seymour. Sweet Peas 1 S Coles 2 A J Childs 3 Miss Bull. Bouquet of Flowers 1 J J Atkinson 2 Miss Bull. Collection of Cut Blooms 1 T Seymour 2 A Grant Thorold 3 Miss Bull.

Special 1 D Merriden 2 T Seymour. Potatoes 1 T Seymour 2 Mrs Pedley. Collection of Vegetables 1 T Seymour. Messrs Dobbie & Co’s Medal for the most successful exhibitor was won by A J Childs who also gained Messrs Toogood & Sons Silver Challenge Shield. Toogood’s Bronze Shield was won by D Merriden and their certificate by S Williams.

RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL, THURSDAY. Mr. J. Chettle, C.C. (chairman). With respect to the alleged obstruction of a footpath at Cosgrove, reported by the Parish Council, a committee was appointed at the last meeting to inquire thereinto. They had done so. The owner had erected a boarded fence, and where the stile was, a gate had been put.—Mr. Branson wrote to the Council that it was not intended to keep this gate locked, but that it was put there for the use of the people using the footpath.—The Council considered this satisfactory.

COSGROVE.

WEDDING. - On Saturday there was celebrated at the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire, in a quiet but attractive manner, the marriage of Mr. George Linthwaite, for many years well known as manager and traveller for Messrs. Phipps and Co., Ltd., and Mrs. S. A. Phillpott, recently of Winslow, and formerly of Buckingham, where she had resided for a considerable period. The bride was married in a travelling costume of pearl grey cloth, embellished with gathered chiffon and lace, with hat to match.

The service was performed by the Rev. N. C. Hewson. Rector of Cosgrove. The bride was given away by her nephew, Mr. Joseph Colgrove, of Winslow, and Mr. H. Gardner, of Fenny Stratford, acted as best man. After the ceremony the members and friends of the families, to the number of about 24, sat down to an excellent breakfast, after which the Rector proposed “The Health of the Bride and Bridegroom,’’ this toast being replied to by Mr. Linthwaite. Mr. Key, who had been associated with the bridegroom’s business for years, also joined in the congratulations. At three o’clock the happy pair drove to Castlethorpe Station en route for Brighton, where the honeymoon is to be spent. The numerous presents were of a most useful and tasteful description. At intervals throughout the day the bells were rung at Winslow in commemoration of the happy event, and by the kind liberality of the bride the ringers were hospitably entertained.

COSGROVE.

HARVEST FESTIVAL.—Harvest thanksgiving services were held in the Parish Church in this village on Thursday evening last week, and continued Sunday last, a large congregation attending each service. At the special service on Thursday evening the preacher was the Rev E Greaves, Vicar of Twyford, who founded an excellent and appropriate sermon on the text “And he that reapeth receiveth wages and gathereth fruit unto life eternal, that both he that serveth, and he that reapeth may rejoice together; and herein is that saying true; one soweth, and another reapeth.”

The service, which was conducted by the Rector (Rev. H. N C. Henson), was fully choral, and particularly bright and hearty, special Psalms and hymns being used. The musical portion of the service, which included the anthem “I will magnify Thee. O God” (Churchill), was well rendered by the choir, Mr. G. P. Eardley presiding at the organ, and the solo being admirably sung by Miss Dora Valentine. The church was prettily decorated for the occasion. The services on Sunday were conducted throughout by the Rector, special Psalms and harvest hymns being again used. The collections at all the services were in aid of the Northampton Hospital.

PETTY SESSIONS Friday November 17^th 1905

Before His Grace the Duke of Grafton, K G (Chairman), A Grant Thorold Esq, T Byam Grounds Esq, and H J Conant Esq.

Jonah Johnson, of Deanshanger, was brought up in custody and charged with a common assault on William Austin Robinson, of Furtho, on October 20^th. Mr C J Allinson of Stony Stratford, attended and pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor stated that he was at work in his field and the defendant came across. There was no footpath. He told the defendant that he must not go that way, but the defendant persisted in going, and used bad language. He went after the defendant, and as he was turning back the defendant struck him on the face with his hand, making his nose bleed and blacking his eyes.

Police-Sergnt Robinson deposed to the prosecutor’s injuries and that he saw the defendant about the matter.

The defendant said that he was going across the complainant’s field, when the complainant rushed out and challenged him with a four tined fork and ordered him off his ground. The complainant came after him and tried to stab him with a fork. He tried to take the fork from the complainant, who was very excited, and fell against the fence. Defendant said he was subject to fainting fits, and as he was coming to court he had one, which prevented his attendance.

Fine and costs 15s.

PETTY SESSIONS Friday November 17^th 1905

Before His Grace the Duke of Grafton, K G (Chairman), A Grant Thorold Esq, T Byam Grounds Esq, and H J Conant Esq.

Edith Atkins, married woman, Cosgrove, and Elizabeth Lovesey of Cosgrove; cross summons for a common assault.

It appeared from the evidence of Miss Lovesey that she went and asked Mrs Atkins for money owing, and Mrs Atkins hit her and kicked her. Mrs Atkins said that Miss Lovesey hit her first and that they kicked each other.

Both cases were dismissed each party being mulcted in 5s costs.

With regard to the question of common lodging-houses, the Clerk said there was only one in the district, viz., Old Stratford. The by-laws had been passed, and it was decided to serve notice upon the occupier to register under the Act.

Mr. Grant-Thorold, Cosgrove, wrote stating that he was willing let the Council a cottage for isolation purposes at £10 a year.—A committee, consisting of Mr. Chettle, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Starsmore, and Mr. H. Weston, was appointed to inspect the cottage, with the Medical Officer of Health, and report thereon to the next meeting.

RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. THURSDAY.—Present: Mr. J. Chettle, C.C. (chairman), Mr. H. Roberts, C.A. (vice-chairman), Rev. J. B. Harrison, Rev. W. S. Andrews, Rev. D. M. Jones, Mr. H. Grant-Thorold, Mr. H. Weston, Mr. H. J. Conant, Mr. W. J. Tew, Mr. A. Weston, and the Clerk (Mr, W. R. Parrott).

The balance in the Treasurer’s hands in favour the Council was reported be £1,220 16s.11d.—The report of the Surveyor and Sanitary Inspector (Mr. J. B. Fairchild) was read, and the necessary instructions were given him thereon.

Tenders were considered for sanitary work at Potterspury. Old Stratford, and accepted: Cosgrove and Old Stratford, Mr. Bushell, Cosgrove; Potterspury, Mr. H. B. Jefcoate, Potterspury.

The offer of a cottage for a small-pox hospital by Mr. Grant-Thorold was considered by the committee, who reported that they felt that it would be necessary for the cottage to be put into habitable condition, and that the cost of adapting the barn for a hospital should be ascertained. Mr. Grant-Thorold did not wish to be unreasonable, and was willing to take less rent for a time if the Council did all the repairs.—The committee had directed the Surveyor obtain particulars of the cost of a portable hospital, and the matter was adjourned for further consideration.

THE MARRIAGE OF COLONEL R. J. COOPER AND MISS C. GRANT THOROLD.

The marriage of Colonel R. J. Cooper, M.V.O., late Irish Guards, private secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, with Constance, daughter of Mr. Grant Thorold, of Cosgrove Hall, Northamptonshire, took place at the Guards' Chapel, Wellington Barracks, on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 17. Colonel Vesey Dawson, C.V.O., Irish Guards, supported the bridegroom as best man. The Rev. Prebendary Berdmore Compton, cousin of the bridegroom, officiated, assisted by the Rev. Prebendary Storrs, vicar of St. Peter's, Eaton-square, and the C. A. Peacock, Military Chaplain at Wellington Barracks. The service was choral, and the Band of the Irish Guards performed. The bride, who was accompanied by her father, was attended by eight bridesmaids—Miss Venetia Cooper and Miss Beatrice Cooper, sister and niece of the bridegroom; the Hon. Ellen Butler, Miss Lavinia Bingham, the Misses Margaret and Christian Guthrie, and the Misses Louise and Bettine Stuart Wortley, the bride's cousins. Miss Grant Thorold wore ivory satin, trimmed with Brussels lace and silver gauze. The reception was held at 3, Grosvenor Gardens, and Colonel and Mrs. Cooper left later to spend the honeymoon in Surrey.
The presents received by Colonel Cooper and Miss Thorold on their marriage were extremely numerous and valuable, among them being the following:—
From the bridegroom—Diamond tiara, jewelled shamrock brooch, diamond and ruby ring, diamond ring, old enamel watch, and Holbein pendant.
Bride's father—Five diamond stars.
Her brother and sisters—Large diamond and pearl ornament, Carrickmacross fichu, and handkerchiefs made at Benada Abbey, Tubbercurry.
Mrs. Arbuthnot—Fur.
Lady Stewart—Fitted dressing case.
Miss Stirling—Marquise diamond and ruby ring.
Brides cousins, the Hon. Mrs. Denison, Mrs. Ninian Elliot, Mrs. Thomson Anstruther, Hon. Mrs. Bingham, Lady and the Hon. Mrs. Stuart Wortley—Twister rope of seed pearls with jewelled tassels.
Mrs. Thorold, Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Potter, Mrs. Lee and Hon. Seymour Ormsby-Gore—Ruby and gold muff chain.
Mr. and Mrs. Guthrie—Diamond dagger for the hair.
Mr. and Mrs. Murray Guthrie—Gold and enamel pencil case.
Lord and Lady Newtown Butler—Large silver inkstand.
Bridegroom's sisters—Diamond necklace.
Tenants and outdoor employees on the Cosgrove estate —Silver cake basket.
Indoor servants and stable servants of Cosgrove Hall and 3, Grosvenor Gardens—Silver mounted purse and card case.
Warrant Officers, Staff-Sergeants, and Sergeants of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards—Three silver tazzas.
Bride to bridegroom—Diamond and enamel waistcoat buttons and links with badge of the Irish Guards.
Mr. Grant Thorold—Inlaid cabinet.
His sisters—Fur motor rug.
Mr. H. Grant Thorold— Gold-mounted umbrella.
Mrs. Francis Cooper and his nephews and nieces—Old Waterford glass decanters, jug, goblets, and finger glasses.
His sisters—Fur rug.
Colonel Cooper was presented with a large silver cup from the household of the Lord Lieutenant.
Old brother officers of the 1st or Grenadier Guards Regiment—A piece of plate.
Officers past and present of the Irish Guards— A large silver salver.
Field-Marshal Earl Roberts, Colonel of the Irish Guards, Countess and the Ladies Roberts— A two-handled silver cap. From the household of 48, Grosvenor Gardens —Silver salad spoons.
From the household of the Private Secretary's Lodge—A silver cream jag.
Other presents comprised:—
From Colonel and Mrs. Harvey Alexander— Oriental bowl.
Earl and Countess of Altamont — Silver mounted walking stick.
Hon. Altesidora Annesley—Set of coffee cups pot, etc., on tray.
Countess of Arran —Silver-mounted blotting pad.
Colonel the Hon. Sydney and Mrs. Annesley— Silver weighing scale for letters.
Captain Annesley — Silver-mounted carriage clock.
Mrs. Andrews—Silver shoe pin-cushion.
Miss Annesley—Silver-mounted bridge marker.
Miss Elsie Astley—Wedgwood dish on stand.
Mrs. Ashworth—Old engraved scent bottle, silver-mounted.
Sir Francis and Lady Gertrude Astley-Corbett —Hot-water breakfast dish stand.
Colonel and Mrs. Adamson Silver menu stands.
Miss Mary Atkinson— Silver-mounted scent bottle.
Earl and Countess of Albemarle—Clock.
Mrs. and Miss Atkinson—Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam.
Mrs. Atkinson—Silver box.
Mr. and Mrs. Basset—Silver clock.
Major and Mrs. Basil-Bucksley—Silver-handled ivory paper cutter.
Colonel Blundell, M.P. Green-handled silver butter knife.
Lieut.-Colonel and Mrs. Grenville Bowyer— Silver-mounted agate pen and pencil with tray.
Miss Hilda Blundell—Silver book-marker and paper cutter.
Sir Christopher and Lady Baynes—Silver mounted magnifying glass.
Miss Bowyer—Painted and inlaid olive-wood pen tray.
Mrs. Bell—Antique silver shoe.
Mr. Crosier Bailey—China-handled en tout cas.
Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Bethell—Chippendale table.
Mrs. Bentinck—Gold matchbox.
Mrs. Ball—Brass breakfast heater.
Lieut.-Colonel Pleydell Bouverie—Silver menu stands.
Captain Beaumont Silver - mounted spirit decanters.
Lady Blanche Baillie—" Holland," by Jungman.
Mr. and Mrs. Compton Bracebridge—Two silver spoons.
Adeline Duchess of Bedford—Butterfly ash tray.
Blacker—Butter dish.
Hon. Arthur Brodrick—Fly scarf pin.
Mrs. Bremridge—Silver photograph frame.
Mrs. Cooper—Ruby and enamelled brooch.
Miss Venetia Cooper—Old point de Venise lace.
Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Conant—Circular travelling clock in case.
Viscount and Hon. Eleanora Chetwynd— Antique silver wine taster.
Hon. Alethea Colborne—Silver flower vase .
Adeliza Countess of Clancarty—Double morning tea set on green wood tray.
Major and Mrs. Boyce Combe—Gold and pearl chain.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Carlile—Repoussé leather photograph frame.
Colonel and Mrs. Willoughby Constable— Silver-handled en tout cas.
Mr ; H. de Grevenhof-Castenkoild—Basket and stand Copenhagen china.
Lady Chetwode—Gold-mounted leather letter case.
Miss Colston—Antique stui.
Miss Muriel Campbell—Antique letter box.
Mrs. George Capell and Misses Capell— Antique Chippendale looking-glass.
Miss Beatrice Cooper—Ribbon-work embroidered cushion.
Mrs. and Misses Cockburn — Embroidered blotting book.
Lady Jane Seymour Combe—Silver inkstand.
Hon. Alice Colbourne—Embroidered bag.
Viscount Colville—Diamond and turquoise pin.
Mr. Ward Cook —Pepper caster.
Mr. and Mrs. Carter—Silver flask.
Miss Charlotte Copper—Blotting pad.
Mrs. Richard Cooper—Silver candlesticks.
Mr. and Mrs. R. Cooper—Letter box.
Mrs. J. Cooper—Coffee cups.
Mr. Cecil Cooper—Mustard pot.
Mr. and Mrs. W. Cooper—Old silver milk jug.
Mr. Berdmore and Miss Compton—Silver mounted liqueur glasses.
Mr. H. F. Compton—Clock with electric lamp.
Mr. Chauncey Cartwright—Botticelli, by Julia Cartwright.

NOTE: There are three columns of gifts in the newspaper.

COSGROVE ANNUAL VILLAGE FLOWER SHOW. In the most disappointing weather the fifth annual exhibition of the Cosgrove Horticultural Society took place on Saturday afternoon, September 9. Although the steady and continuous downpour of rain naturally affected the attendance of the public, the show from the point of view of the quality and excellence of the exhibits must be recorded a distinct success, Mr. A Grant-Thorold, J.P., who is the president of the society, and takes unusual interest in its welfare, kindly placed the beautiful grounds of Cosgrove Hall at the disposal of the Committee, and a more delightful spot show of this kind could scarcely be imagined. The exhibits were staged in one large marquee, and numbered over 300, which was a marked advance on the entries of any preceding show. Some excellent specimens of fruit and vegetable were on view, and the flowering and foliage plants, and cut blooms, presented a real feast of beauty. A group of nicely arranged plants, sent by Mr. J. J. Atkinson, and not for competition, added to the effectiveness and beauty of the exhibition. The arrangements for the show had received due consideration at the hands of the following committee, who are to be congratulated on the thorough and satisfactory manner in which even the minutest detail had been carried out: Messrs. S. Williams, D. Merriden, A. J. Childs, Beasley, Penson, T. Lord, Willison, H. Bushell, F. D. Bull, and A. Swain. The secretarial duties were discharged with entire satisfaction by Mr. T. Seymour. During the afternoon the Stony Stratford Town Prize Band, under Bandmaster Sharpe, played a first-class selection of music, and in the evening they contributed some delightful dance music.

THE GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE

The committee recommended that the necessary legal notice for the provision of a Council School at Cosgrove, to accommodate about 120 children, be issued forthwith. The attention of the committee had been directed to the fact that the children of Old Stratford, which is partly in the parish of Cosgrove, attend school at Stony Stratford, which is in the County of Bucks. It was unquestionable that that was more convenient than their attending Cosgrove School, and in fixing the accommodation of the school proposed to be built, the fact was taken into consideration that the arrangement would probably continue. A communication had been received from Bucks Education Committee in respect of the education of these children, and the committee recommended that the Bucks Committee be requested to continue to arrange for the instruction at their schools of the children from Old Stratford, on the Northamptonshire Education Committee agreeing to pay a reasonable charge.

Divisional Petty Sessions Before the Duke of Grafton (in the chair), A Grant Thorold, Mr. J. M. Knapp, Mr. H. J. Conant, Mr. T. Grounds, and the Rev. J. T. Athawes.

John Smith, of no fixed abode, was charged with allowing 14 horses and one donkey to stray on the highway, Cosgrove, on April 2. —Fined and costs 5s. 6d.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE EDUCATION AUTHORITY.

NOTICE is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of Section 8 (1) of the Education 2, that the County Council of the County of Northampton, being the Local Education Authority for the purposes of Part 111. of that Act propose to provide a New PUBLIC ELEMENTAFRY SCHOOL for about 120 Children, at COSGROVE, in the Parish of Cosgrove. The School will be available for the following area

The Parish of COSGROVE.

H. A. MILLINGTON, Solicitor to the Local Education Authority. County Hall, Northampton, 3^rd April 1906.

BREWERY OUTING

The Directors of Messrs Phipps and Co Ltd most generously provided for the pleasure of their employees at the annual holiday last Saturday, when a nice party for their Wolverton and Cosgrove branches took advantage of a trip to Llandudno, where a very pleasant time was spent. The party included Mr and Mrs Key, Mr and Mrs Linthwaite, Mr W Gamage, Mr C J Westley, and the employees from Cosgrove Stores, with their wives.

COSGROVE.

On Saturday the sixth annual show of the Cosgrove Horticultural Society was held in the charming grounds of Cosgrove Hall, by kind permission of the President, Mr. A. Grant-Thorold, J.P. Fine weather favoured the gathering, and there was a good attendance of visitors. The entries showed a slight increase over those last year, and the quality in all departments was good, especially flowers and vegetables. The competition in flowers was excellent and the floral exhibits were much admired. Mr. A. Grant-Thorold showed, not for competition, a splendid display of pot plants (foliage and flowering) and cut flowers; also three fine melons (Sutton’s Scarlet, Ringleader, and Hero of Lockinge), and large bunches of luscious grapes. Mr. J. J. Atkinson, C.C., of Cosgrove Priory, one of the vice-presidents of the society, had a pretty display of foliage and flowering plants, and Lord Penrhyn exhibited very choice collection of carnations and sweet peas. The judges were Mr. A. Thomas, gardener to Lord Penrhyn, Wicken Park, and Mr. Buckingham, gardener to the Hon. E. S. Douglas Pennant, Sholebrook Lodge.

Awards: Cottagers’ Class. Collection of vegetables, 1 J. Nicholls, A. Childs, 3 S. Williams. Kidney beans, 1 A. Cheafield, 2 S. Williams. Cabbages, 1 S. Williams, 2 J. Horn. Carrots (long), 1 J. Nicholls, S. Williams. Carrots (short), 1 S. Williams, 2 J. Nicholls. Celery, 1J. Nicholls, 2 A. Swain. Spring onions, 1 J. Nicholls, 2 W. Willison, 3 J. Horn. Winter onions, 1J. Nicholls, 2 A. J. Childs, 3 M. Beasley. Peas, 1 J. Nicholls, 2 J. Horn. Round white potatoes, 1 M. Beasley, 2 S. Williams. Round coloured potatoes, 1 W. Wise, 2 A. J. Childs. White kidney potatoes, 1 J. Wise, W, Hurst. Coloured kidney potatoes, 1 S. Williams, 2 W. Hurst. White turnips, 1 S. Williams, 2 M. Beasley. Marrows, 1 J. Nicholls, 2 A. J. Childs. Beet (long), 1 A. J. Childs, 2 J. Nicholls. Beet (round), 1 C. Baldwin, 2 J. Nicholls. Lettuces, 1 M. Beasley, 2 A. J. Childs. Shallots (cooking), 1 W. Morton, 2 A. Swain. Shallots (pickling), 1 W. Hurst, J. Horn. Red cabbage, 1 W. Hurst. Plums, 2 W. Adkins. Cooking apples, 1 W. Adkins, 2 C. Baldwin. Gooseberries, 1 J. Beale. Currants, 1 Mrs. Stocks, 1 S. Williams, 2 Mrs. Redley. Dahlias, 1 S. Williams, Hardy flowers, 1 A. Childs, S. Williams, 2J. Nicholls. Sweet peas 1 S. Williams, 2 A. J. Childs, 3 W. Morton. Zinnias, 1 A. J. Childs, 2 S. Williams. Carnations or picotees, 1 S. Williams, 2 J. Nicholls. Bouquet of flowers, A. J. Childs, 2 S. Williams. Flowering plants, 1 J. Nicholls.

Open Class. Collection of vegetables, 1 A. Grant-Thorold, 2 J. J. Atkinson, 3 Mrs. Stanley Bird. Cucumbers, 1 Mrs. Stanley Bird, 2 J. J. Atkinson. Tomatoes, IJ. J. Atkinson, 2 W. H. S. Williams. Marrows, 1 J. J. Atkinson, 2 W. H. S. Williams. Collection of potatoes, 1 S. Williams, 2 J. J. Atkinson, 3 A. J. Childs. Celery, 1 W. H. S. Williams, 2 T. Seymour. Kidney beans, 1 S. J. Coles, H. Robbins. Peas, 1 S. Williams, 2 A. A. Jones, 3 H. Robbins. Beet (long), 1 A. J. Childs, Rev. W. Plant. Beet (round), 1 J. J. Atkinson. 2 A. Grant-Thorold. Lettuces, 1 Mrs. Stanley Bird, 2 A. Grant-Thorold. Spring onions, 1 W. H. S. Williams, 2 Mrs. Stanley Bird. Winter onions, 1 S. Coles. White turnips, 1 J. J. Atkinson, 2 A. Grant-Thorold. Carrots (long), 1 J. J. Atkinson, 2 A. Grant-Thorold. Carrots (short), 1 S. Williams, 2 J. J. Atkinson. Collection of fruit, 1 J, J. Atkinson, 2 A. Grant-Thorold. Plume, 1 A. Grant-Thorold, 2 W. Adkins. Cooking apples, 1 A. Smith, 2 A. Grant-Thorold, 3 T. Seymour. Dessert apples, 1 H. Robbins, 2 J. J. Atkinson. Apricots, 1 T. Seymour. Gooseberries, 1 A. Grant-Thorold, 2 (equal) T. Seymour and J. J. Atkinson. Roses, 1 A. Grant-Thorold, 2 W. H. S. Williams, 3 A. A. Jones. Carnations, 1 A. Grant-Thorold, 2 J. J. Atkinson. Stove or greenhouse plants, 1 J. J. Atkinson, 2 T. Seymour, 3 (special) Miss Atkinson. Foliage plants, J. J. Atkinson. Coleus, 1 J. J. Atkinson, 2 A. Grant- Thorold. Dahlias, 1 H. Robbins, 2 S. Williams. Begonias, 1 T. Seymour, 2 J. J. Atkinson. Ferns, 1 J. J. Atkinson, 2 W. Willison. Sweet peas, 1 S. J. Coles, 2 W. H. S. Williams, 3 J. J. Atkinson, 4 Mrs. Stanley Bird. Bouquet, 1 J. J. Atkinson, S. Williams. Collection cut blooms, 1 A. Grant-Thorold, 2 S. J. Coles, 3 T. Seymour, and J. J. Atkinson (equal). Special prizes.—Peas (Daniels), 1 T. Seymour, J. Childs. Peas (Perkins’), 1 W. H. S. Williams, A. J. Childs. 3 (equal) T. Seymour and J. Horn. Messrs. Toogood and Sons’ silver championship challenge shield and certificate were won by Mr. J. J. Atkinson, C.C., the bronze shield and certificate Mr. S. Williams, and the Toogood certificate by Mr. J. Nicholls. The Yardley Gobion Britannia Prize Band was present, and contributed selections of music in the afternoon, and played for dancing in the evening.

COSGROVE

Harvest festival services were held in the Parish Church on Thursday evening and Sunday last a large congregation attended each service. At the special service on Thursday evening the preacher was the Rev. H. Hammond, vicar of Westoning, Beds, who founded an excellent and appropriate sermon on St Mark vii v. 42. The service, conducted by the Rector (Rev H N C Hewson) was fully choral and particularly bright and hearty, special Psalms and hymns being used. The musical portion, which included the anthem “O clap your hands together” was well rendered by the choir, Mr. G. P. Eardley presiding at the organ, the solo being beautifully sung by Mrs. R. J. Jerrard, of Wolverton. The church was prettily decorated for the occasion by Mrs. Hewson, Mrs. Linthwaite, Mrs. Penson, and Miss Bull. The festival services were continued on Sunday and were conducted throughout by the Rector, special Psalms and hymns being again used. The collection at all the services was in aid of the Northampton General Hospital.

COSGROVE
DEATH AND FUNERAL OF MR. A. J. HENSON.

An inquest was held on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at the Coroner's Court Hornsey, on the body of Albert James Henson (eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Henson Hill View, Newport Pagnell), who was engaged in inspecting some carriages when by some means be was run over and instantly killed. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death." The body was conveyed by rail to Wolverton and thence to Cosgrove to the residence of deceased's mother-in-law. The funeral took place on Saturday, Sept. 30th, amid every token of respect. The funeral was conducted by the Rev. Hewson in a most impressive manner. The coffin was of polished elm with massive brass furniture and bore the following inscription:

ALBERT JAMES HENSON
Died Sept 26th 1904.
Aged 35 years.

The mourners were as follows:—Mrs. A. J. Henson (widow), Mr. T. A. Henson (father), Mrs. T. A. Henson (mother) Mr. Archie Hanson (brother), Mrs. A. Judge and Miss Edith Henson (sisters), Mr. and Mrs. W. Green (father-in-law and mother-in-law), Mrs. H. Elliott & Mr. D. Green (sister-in-law and brother-in-law), Mr. A. Judge and Miss Green (brother-in-law and niece), Mr. W. Green and Miss A Green (brother-in-law and niece), Mr. H. Elliott (brother-in-law) and Mr. G. Henson (uncle), Miss Gates (Cousin) etc. Among the beautiful floral emblems were the following :—Wreath, " Gone but not forgotten " "In loving remembrance of a dear husband from his sorrowing Wife," wreath, " With deepest sorrow, from his heartbroken father and mother, sisters, brother and brother-in law, Beckie and Edie, Archie and Arthur " In the midst of life we are in death;" wreath, "In loving remembrance of a dear son-in-law, from mother, father and Dan, Alice and Harry Elliott," wreath, "In loving memory from Annie and Jim," wreath, " With deepest sympathy from Mr. and Mrs. Carter," harp, Carriage Shop G.-N.-R. King's Cross —" A token of respect and deep sympathy from his shopmates," wreath, " From his fellow workmen King's Cross G.-N.-R.-," anchor, " With deepest sympathy from his fellow workmen Holloway," wreath, " With deep sympathy from his shopmates, Holloway, etc.

COSGROVE. On Saturday there was celebrated at the Church of St.  Peter and St. Paul, Cosgrove, in a quiet but attractive manner, the marriage of Mr. George Linthwaite, for many years so well known as manager and traveller for Messrs. P. Phipps and Co. Ltd., and Mrs. S. A. Philpott of Winslow, formerly of Buckingham, where she had resided for a considerable period, being equally well known and esteemed at both places. The bride was married in a travelling costume pearl cloth embellished with gathered chiffon and lace, and hat to match. The church was tastefully decorated, and the ceremony was performed by the Rev. N. C. Hewson, rector of Cosgrove. The bride was given away by her nephew. Mr. John Colgrove, of Winslow. Mr. W. Gardner, of Fenny Stratford, acted as best man. After the ceremony the members and friends of the families on both sides, to the number of about 24 sat down to breakfast together. The Rector proposed the health of the bride and groom in felicitous terms, the toast being replied to by Mr. Linthwaite. Mr. Key. who had been associated with him in business for 25 years, also joining his congratulations and bearing testimony to the harmony which had always existed between them. Other brief speeches were made, and at about three o'clock the happy pair drove to Castlethorpe Station, en route, for Brighton, where the honeymoon is being spent. The numerous presents were of a useful tasteful description. At intervals throughout the day the bells were rung at Winslow in commemoration of the happy event, and by the liberality of the bride the ringers were entertained in substantial fashion. The handsome four-tier wedding cake was supplied Mr. F. Benbow, of Winslow.

Education Committee.

About 80 Northamptonshire children attend school in Bucks, and 30 Bucks children attend school in this county. Connected with the question was that of school accommodation at Cosgrove, and the committee recommended that a school be built midway between Cosgrove and Old Stratford large enough to accommodate the children at both places.

Stony Stratford Petty Sessions Friday, November 17

Edith Atkins, married woman, Cosgrove, and Elizabeth Lovesey, of Cosgrove; cross-summons for a common assault. It appeared from the evidence of Miss Lovesey that she went and asked Mrs. Atkins for money owing, and Mrs. Atkins hit her and kicked her.
Mrs. Atkins said Miss Lovesey struck her first, and they kicked each other.
Both cases were dismissed, party being mulcted in 6s. costs.

MARRIAGES: Bull-Mackintosh.—At St. Stephen's Church, Inverness, on the 9th inst., the Very Rev. Dr. Norman Macleod, assisted by the Rev. J. Reid, Thomas Palmer Bull, Lincoln, elder son of Francis Bull, Cosgrove. Stony Stratford, to Nellie, eldest daughter of William Mackintosh, Inverness

Rural District Council. Thursday, December 20^th. An application by the Rev. H. N. C. Hewson, Cosgrove, to alter the line of the fence in front of his house on the Green, was granted, subject to the condition that the area of the road be not diminished.

THE NEW SCHOOL

A meeting of the Northamptonshire Education Committee was held at the County Hall, Northampton, on Saturday, dealing with Cosgrove New School. The report intimated that negotiations had been conducted for a site upon the road between Cosgrove and Old Stratford upon which a school to accommodate the children of the two places could be built. It was necessary that the joint school, if there w to be one, should be built upon this road, but the owner of the only site which appeared to be suitable had finally declined to sell it to the Council.

The Committee recommended that the necessary steps be taken for the compulsory acquirement of a site of half an acre at the north east end of the filed commonly known as the “Hilly Field”, lying upon the north west side of the road between Cosgrove and Old Stratford.

The report was received, as was also the Finance and School Attendance Committee’s reports.

COSGROVE SCHOOL. A memorial from the parents of children attending Cosgrove School, objecting to the site proposed for the new schools, was read. The grounds objection were the distance small children would have to travel to the schools over roads through spinneys, which, owing to overhanging trees, were muddy in winter. The memorial was referred to the Education Committee.

FOUND DROWNED AT COSGROVE. A NORTHAMPTON WOMAN’S TRAGIC END.

On Wednesday evening the body of woman was found in the canal at Cosgrove, and Thursday it was identified as that of Mrs. F. Swann, wife Mr. Frank Swann, manager of Smith’s Top Boot Factory, Henry-street, and residing at 78, Wellingborough-road, Northampton. Mrs Swann has recently had. severe illness, and for the past week her condition has caused some anxiety. She went away from home about half-past nine on Wednesday morning, leaving a message for her husband to the effect that she had gone to see her father at Stony Stratford. When night arrived and Mrs. Swann did not return her husband naturally became alarmed, and instituted inquiries. He wired his father-in-law, and asked whether his wife had been at Stony Stratford during the day. The reply was in the negative. Subsequently Mr. Swann reported the disappearance of his wife to the Northampton Borough Police. The announcement in the “Northampton Daily Reporter and Echo” that a body had been found, and the description given, raised a suspicion that the body was that the missing woman. Mr. Jack Swann cycled over to Cosgrove in the afternoon and there identified the body. The greatest sympathy is felt for Mr. Swann, as both and his wife were well known, especially in Good Templar and temperance circles.

This (Friday) morning an inquest was held at the Plough Inn, Cosgrove. Mr. W. Panter, of Old Stratford, was chosen foreman of the jury, and the inquiry was conducted by Mr. T. M. Percival, Coroner, of Towcester.

The first witness was the husband Hedley Frank Swann, 78, Wellingborough-road, Northampton, manager of a boot factory, who said the deceased was his wife, and was years of age, last saw her alive on the morning of May 15, about six o’clock. She was then in bed. He went out for walk before breakfast, returning at 7.15. His wife was not up, and did not see her, but went to business. Returning home to dinner between twelve and one, was informed that his wife had left the house, and was going to see her father at Stony Stratford, and would home again the same day. She didn’t return home. The witness’ brother came over to Cosgrove, and the husband wired to Stony Stratford to know if his wife bad been there. His wife had been in indifferent health for some time, and had been medically attended. She suffered from spinal complaint, and Dr. Hichens told her that he could not give her much hope of being better. The husband did not think this preyed on her mind, but she used to be low spirited at times. She had never threatened take her life, no letter was left, and nothing was found in her clothing.
Francis Crowley, of New Duston, said she had been with the deceased as companion for about eleven weeks, but did not sleep there. The witness got to Mrs. Swann’s about 9.30 on Wednesday morning and Mrs. Swann was then coming down stairs with her coat on her arm and her hat in her hand. She put on her coat and hat and gloves, and the witness inquired where she was going, and she said, I think I shall go and see dad to-day.” The witness told her she did not think she ought to go. She had not been well, and the witness was afraid she could not stand the journey. It was because of her health that the witness went, as companion. She said she thought she could manage the journey if she took the car to the station and also the car from Wolverton to Stony Stratford. She left but never returned. There was no doubt she suffered considerably at times, and made bit of trouble of it, but there were no signs of suicide. She seemed the last person to do that, and it seemed impossible belief that she had done so. The deceased was in bed for six weeks out of the eleven weeks the witness had been with her as companion. The deceased told the witness that she would be back before six o’clock on Wednesday evening. John Charles Martyr, of Wolverton, fitter, said he was walking along the towing path with a companion, and near the first bridge he noticed some clothing lying on the bank. The young woman and he walked along, and some distance further along saw a body floating face downwards in the water. The witness went to Wolverton and informed P.C. Sibbald, returning with him to the place. Witness saw the body got out. When he returned a young man was standing near the clothing, and said, looks if we have case here,” and witness replied "Yes.”
P.C. Sibbald, stationed at Wolverton, said the last witness came to him about 9 p.m. Wednesday evening and said a woman was in the canal, near the Buckingham Arm, Cosgrove. Witness proceeded with him to the place. He showed witness where he had found the clothes—a long jacket, white hat, umbrella, and a pair of kid gloves. They were adjoining the towing path on the bank farthest from the canal. They went a few yards further on, and procured the drags. It was very dark, and they could not see the body. The canal was very full, and the body had floated 150 yards from where the clothes were. At 10.15, in company with P.S. Lillywhite and P.C. Cooper, Stony Stratford, the body was recovered, and conveyed to Cosgrove Locks, where it was searched. In the pocket was a purse containing 3s. 4½d., some false teeth wrapped in a pocket hand kerchief, the latter being marked with a large S. P.C. Pollard took the rings off the hands of the deceased. There was nothing else in her pocket, no railway ticket nor anything of that kind. The three rings produced were on the deceased’s hands - two on the left hand and one the right. Sergeant Lillywhite afterwards sent information to P.C. Pollard, of Yardley Gobion. P.S. Bailey said the deceased had not been to her father’s, at Stony Stratford. The Coroner summed up, and pointed out that the clothing being on the bank pointed to it not being an accident. She was wearing the false teeth when she left home, and it was a peculiar fact that they were taken out. The question was, did she drown herself or did she fall in accidentally? There were marks on the body. It had been suggested that from loss of memory she might have thought she was going to bed. It might have been an accident. He thought, therefore, it would be the safest plan to return an open verdict. The jury all agreed, and a verdict “Found drowned” was returned.

On the 9th inst. the Stony Stratford and Cosgrove branches the Girls’ Friendly Society were invited to Cosgrove Priory, where the members were entertained to tea by Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson. Prior to the tea, address was given by Lady Knightley. After tea dancing was indulged in, the members spending a pleasant evening. Previous to departure for home Mrs. Last thanked Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson for their kind hospitality.

General Purposes Committee.

The General Purposes Sub-Committee reported that they had considered the memorial of parents of children attending Cosgrove School, and the resolution of the Cosgrove Parish Meeting, objecting to the site (midway between Cosgrove and Old Stratford) of the proposed Council School; but were unable to alter their decision as to the site. The Sub-Committee, acquiescing in the desire of the Bucks local authority, recommended that the method of payment in respect of Northamptonshire children attending schools in Bucks, and of children from that county attending schools in Northamptonshire, be at the rate of £1 9s. per head per annum, instead of the present maintenance charge. The Sub-Committee had deferred the appointment of the Special Sub-Committee re rural school accommodation and the question of the attendance of children under five years of age until the views of the Board of Education on the latter subject were promulgated.

Mr. Atkinson protested against the action of the committee with reference to the site selected for the proposed new school at Cosgrove, and termed it a "typical case of persecution of a non-provided school." He was proceeding speak of the history of the school, when the Chairman pointed out that the position was not on© of past history, but the actual state of the school at the present time. The buildings had been condemned by the Authority's own inspector and by the Board of Education’s inspector, and there was the further question of whether they should pay something Bucks to provide sufficient accommodation for the border children. Mr. Atkinson said he had a petition signed by every soul in the village against the proposal. The whole of the parents were most anxious that the school should be preserved.—Mr. Dickson said the matter had been thoroughly well thrashed out, and the committee at the last meeting came to the conclusion that their decision was the only one they could come to. —The Chairman spoke briefly about the circumstances, and said that as the children would not have far to come from either place the committee thought the course they bad recommended was the best one to adopt.—The report was passed with the recommendations included in it.

Stony Stratford Petty Sessions Friday, May 31

William Collins, of Cosgrove, was charged with being drunk whilst in charge of a horse and cart, at Old Stratford, on May 20th, and Joseph Manning, also of Cosgrove, was charged with obstructing the Police at the same time and place.
Police-constable Hooper stated that Collings was lying in the bottom of the cart drunk. Witness took possession of the cart, and was going to take Collings and the horse and cart to Cosgrove, when Manning, who had started off to Cosgrove on the advice of constable, came back, took the bit out of the horse's month, took hold of witness's shoulder, and said "Leave the horse alone."
Ebenezer Ratcliffe, an Old Stratford labourer, gave corroborative evidence. Fine and costs—Collings 15s., Manning 20s.

COSGROVE. The yearly show of the Cosgrove Horticultural Society attracted a good number of people on Saturday into the beautiful grounds of Cosgrove Hall, kindly lent In accordance with custom by the president (Mr. A. Grant Thorold). Considering the weather, the entries are considered quite satisfactory, though in the cottagers’ class they showed a slight decrease compared with last year. Stock was excellent, the sweet peas and cut flowers being exceptionally attractive features. An active committee with the experienced help of the hon. secretary, Mr. T. Seymour, made admirable arrangements for the show, which was favoured with fine weather

The following acted as judges; Mr. W. Batchelor, F.R.H.S. (gardener to Mr. B. Wentworth Vernon), Mr. W. Buckingham (gardener Lord Penrhyn), Mr. Hugh Cameron (gardener to the Rev. J. R. Vincent), Appended is the prize list:

Cottagers' Class.—Collection of vegetables, 1 S. Williams, 2 A. Childs. Cabbages, 1 W. Willison, S. Williams. Long Carrots, 1 S. Williams, 2 W. Morton. Short carrots, 1 A. Swain, 2 S. Williams. Celery, 1 H. Cutler, 2 A. Swain. Spring onions, 1 S. Williams, 2 W. Morton, 3 W. Willison. Winter onions, 1 R. Brown, J. Horn, 3 W. Morton. Cauliflowers, 2 H. Brown. Peas, 1 A. Swain, W. Wise. Round White potatoes, 1 W. Wise, 2 A, J. Childs. Round coloured potatoes, 1 W. Wise, 2  A. J. Childs. Kidney White potatoes, 1 A. J. Childs, 2 S. Williams. Kidney coloured potatoes, 1 S. Williams, 2 R. Pettifer. Turnips, 1 W. Lane, 2 A. Swain. Long beet, 1 J. Childs, 2 S. Williams. Round beet, 2 W. Willison. Cooking shallots, 1 W. Lane, S. Williams. Pickling shallots, 1 W. Hurst, 2 S. Williams. Lettuces, 1 W. Willison, H. Key. Red cabbage, 1 W. Hurst, 2 W Willison. Plums, 1 W. Adkins, 2 R. Brown. Apples, 1 W. Lane, 2 W. Adkins. Stocks, 1 S. Williams. Dahlias, 1 S. Williams. Hardy flowers, 1 S. Williams, A. J. Childs Sweet peas, 1 S. Williams, 2 A. J. Childs. Carnations or picotees. 1 S. Williams. Bouquet, 1 S. Williams, 2 A. J. Childs. Flowering plants, 1 A. J. Childs. Bouquet of wild flowers (for children under 10), 1 Frank Childs. 2 Alice Williams. Basket of wild flowers (for children from 10 to 14), 1 Cyril Beasley, 2 Edward Tack. Open Class.- Collection of vegetables, 1 A. Grant Thorold, 2 J. J. Atkinson, 3 Mrs. Stanley Bird. Cucumbers, 1 Mrs. Bird, 2J. J. Atkinson. Tomatoes, 1 Mrs. Bird, 2 J. J. Atkinson. Marrows, 1 C. W. Davess, 2 Mrs. Bird. Potatoes, 1 A. A. Jones, 2 S. Williams, 3 A. J. Childs. Celery, 1 J. J. Atkinson, 2 C. W. Davess. Kidney beans, 1 C. W. Davess. Peas, 1 A. Swain, A. Grant Thorold. Long beet, 1 A. Grant Thorold, A. Archer. Round beet, 1 W. Willison, Archer. Lettuces, 1 T. Seymour, 2 W. Willison. Spring onions, 1 J. J. Atkinson, 2 A. Grant Thorold. Winter onions, 1 A. Grant Thorold, A. A. Jones. Turnips, 1 J. J. Atkinson, 2 A. A. Jones. Carrots, 1 J. J. Atkinson, A. Grant Thorold. Short carrots, 1 A. Grant Thorold, 2 J. J. Atkinson. Collection of fruit, 1 A. Grant Thorold, 2 J. J. Atkinson, 3 C. Richardson. Plume, 1 C. Richardson, A. Grant Thorold. Cooking apples 1 A. Grant Thorold, 2 J. J. Atkinson. Dessert apples, 1 J. J. Atkinson, 2 A. Smith. Gooseberries, 1 A. Grant Thorold, 2 T. Seymour, 3 J. J. Atkinson. Roses, 1 A. J. Coles, 2 A. A. Jones. Carnations, 1 A. Grant Thorold, 2 J. J. Atkinson. Stove or greenhouse plants, 1 T. Seymour 2 J. J. Atkinson. Foliage plants, 1 J. J. Atkinson, 2 T. Seymour. Coleus, J. J. Atkinson, 2 A. Grant Thorold. Cactus dahlias, 1 T. Seymour, 2 J. J. Atkinson. Begonias. 1 T. Seymour, 2 J. Atkinson. Ferns, 1 J. Atkinson, 2 T. Seymour. Sweet peas. 1 S. J. Coles, 2 A. Archer, 3 Mrs. Bird, 4 A. J. Childs. Bouquet, 1 S. Williams, 2 Mrs. Bird. Cut blooms, 1 A. Grant Thorold, 2 T. Seymour, 3 Mrs. Bird. Special prizes: Messrs. Daniels Bros., Norwich, for peas, A. J. Childs. By Messrs. John Perkins and Son, Northampton, for peas, 1 A. Swain, 2 A. J. Childs, 3 T. Seymour. By Messrs. and Sous, Southampton, for highest marks, 1 S. Williams, 2 T. Lord, 3 J. Cook. Mr. A. Grant Thorold, through his gardener, Mr. Cook, sent a fine collection of flowers and flowering plants not for competition, and the hon. secretary sent some remarkable gooseberries for exhibition only. In the evening there was dancing on the lawn, the music being supplied fey the Yardley Gobion Band.

TO LET, FURNISHED, COSGROVE RECTORY, in the Grafton Country, as a HUNTING BOX; Stabling for four or five horses; one mile from station. For further particulars apply to MACQUIRE and MERRY. Northampton.

COSGROVE. PARISH COUNCIL.

A meeting of the Cosgrove Parish Council was held in the School last week. The notice issued by the Local Education Authority re proposed new school in Cosgrove Parish was read, and the Chairman pointed out that the proposed site was situated on the Quarry Hill. The member, present were unanimous in condemning the proposed site for the following reasons: —The long distance the children of from five to eight year, of age would be compelled to walk, particularly in winter and during wet weather, part the road is bordered by plantations; the school would of no use as a Continuation School for any purposes of recreation owing to the long distance from villages; the motor traffic very great, being the London and Northampton main road; the wishes of the parents concerned are unanimously against the proposed site. It was thought desirable that there should be a public inquiry before the matter was finally settled, and alternative scheme was suggested. It was thought that an infant school be built at Old Stratford, and that the elder children from that place could attend a school at Cosgrove. It was proposed by Mr. J. A. Reeve and seconded the Rev. H. W. C. Hewson, that the Parish Council write to the Board Education making strong protest against the proposed site for new schools, and that a copy be sent to the Local Education Committee Northampton. Carried nem. con.

TWO MEN KILLED AT ROADE.
FATAL DISREGARD OF WARNINGS.

A frightful accident occurred the London and North-Western Railway at Roade on Tuesday morning. John Smith and Fred Keech, two Cosgrove men, were walking along the line to proceed to their work at the new loop which is being constructed near Ashton, when they were run into by a fast goods train, running from Warrington to London, and instantly killed. There was no actual eye-witness of the fatality, but other persons were near at hand, and the bodies were at once removed to the George Hotel, Roade, where, on Wednesday morning, Mr. C. H. Davis, the Divisional Coroner, held an inquest, when all available particulars were laid before the jury.

The L. and N.-W. R. Co. was represented Mr. H. T. Tait (solicitor to the company) and Mr. Williams (Divisional Engineer). Snpt. Butlin and Supt. Norman were also present.

Henry Percy Keech, Cosgrove, son of the deceased Frederick Keech, identified both the bodies. George Curie Gardner, a platelayer, said that he passed the deceased men at quarter to six, about two minutes before the accident happened. They saluted each other with “ good morning,” and witness said to Smith. “ Well, John, how shall we put you down this morning?” Smith replied; “Oh, put me down as middling.’ Smith and Keech were then walking in the direction of London outside the metals, but as witness passed they turned towards the sleepers. Nothing further occurred to arouse witness’s attention till two minutes later, when he was called back by a young man. He then found the remains of the two men on the line.

In reply to the Coroner, witness said there was room for the men to walk along the railroad without walking between the metals. They would have to walk along the railroad about a mile to get to their work. At the point they were knocked down there were ten yards of room at the side of the line in which they could have walked.

By Juror: Witness did not notice any other train pass. He did not hear the engine’s whistle sound, but the train made plenty of noise.

Superintendent Butlin: Was there any necessity for them to have been on the line where they were cut down?—

None whatever, sir.

A Juror: Is it better walking the main line than the loop?

It is just as good on the loop.

William Webb, platelayer, Ashton, who was with the last witness, bore out the statement already made. He added that he was first to get to the bodies, and he picked them up, but they were lifeless. Witness had cautioned the men about walking along the line, but did not that morning as there was train about. By the Coroner: There was plenty of room on the loop line, and the men were walking the main line at their own risk.

A Juror; All the men engaged the loop would have to walk either along the loop or on the down side of the main line.

Walter Gardener, labourer, Ashton, said the two men were walking along the railway about a hundred yards in front of him. The train passed him, and the next he saw was the bodies the two men lying on the railroad, one in the four-foot way.

By Mr. Tait: Witness had been warned not to walk along the line.

Thomas Smith, driver of the first of the two engines attached to the express, living at Rugby, said that he did not see any men on the line. Questioned by the Coroner to the speed the train, the witness said that at the time they had shut off steam, and were pulling up at the signal. The speed would not exceed 15 miles an hour. He knew the loop was being made, and when men were engaged on the line they were always the alert. When he got to Bletchley an inspector came to him and said, “Are you aware you have knocked two men down?” He replied, “No, I am not.” He got down and examined the engine, but could find no trace of an accident. The engine was thoroughly examined upon its return to Rugby’, and again no trace was found.

The jury returned a verdict  “Accidental death.”

TWO COFFINS FOR ONE BODY AT ROADE. CURIOUS SEQUEL TO THE RAILWAY FATALITY. Peculiar circumstances occurred in connection with the burial of the body of John Smith, one of the men who were killed the line near Tuesday morning by the Warrington to London goods express (as reported on Page 6). Smith was a widower with a family to maintain, and in addition to providing for his children contributed to the support his aged parents, who are in receipt of parish relief, had no relatives who could afford to bear the expenses of his funeral, and steps were therefore taken for the burial of the body by the Union. Mr. C. H. Davis, the Divisional Coroner, upon return to Northampton after the inquest on Wednesday, kindly facilitated matters calling upon both the Clerk to the Union (Mr. J. R. Phillips) and the Relieving Officer (Mr J. A. Bennett), and an order for coffin was telegraphed to and placed the hands of Mr. VV. Walker. Meanwhile a brother of the deceased had visited Roade from Stony Stratford. As labourer of slender means he was unable undertake the cost the burial, but upon his return to Stratford he mentioned the facts to others, with the result that Mr. John Brown, landlord of the Black Horse, Old Stratford, who is a native of Cosgrove and knew the deceased man well, resolved to save his old acquaintance from a pauper’s grave. He therefore gave orders to Mr. Page, of Stony Stratford, to provide a coffin and execute the funeral. Mr. Page complied and went to the George Hotel, Roade, where the body was lying with the coffin on Thursday morning. Upon his arrival found that the body had already been enclosed in the parish coffin, and that arrangements had been made for the interment in the churchyard the same afternoon. Thus a bewildering position presented itself. There was no time to be lost, a gentleman and Mr. Page visited Northampton and interviewed the Relieving Officer, who thereupon wired to Mr Walker authorising him to deliver the body to Mr. Page. The proposed interment at Roade was therefore not proceeded with, but matters were still complicated by the fact that the body was in a putrefying state, and had been screwed down. Ultimately it was agreed not to disturb the corpse but to adopt the parish coffin as the private coffin, and the transfer was simplified exchanging the breastplate of Mr. Page’s coffin to Mr. Walker’s, with the understanding that the Union would be relieved all responsibility and expense. The second coffin was then taken back to Stony Stratford and the remains of the deceased were removed by Mr. Page the same evening to Cosgrove for interment in the churchyard today. The remains of Frederick Keech, the other man who was killed, were removed to Cosgrove on Wednesday by the family.

COSGROVE. SHEEP WORRYING.

On Friday, at the Stony Stratford Divisional Petty Sessions —before Mr. H. J. Conant (in the chair), Mr. E. H. Watts, and Mr. T. Byam- Grounds

William Howe and John Hicks, Oxford, were charges with being the joint owners of two dangerous dogs (greyhounds), which were not kept under proper control, at Cosgrove, on September 9^th appeared, and admitted the ownership of the dogs.

Mr. C. H. Weston, Yardley Gobion, proved that one sheep was killed, one had its throat torn out, and two others were seriously injured. The three injured ones had to be killed. The next day Mr. Weston again went to the field and found seven more injured.

Frederick Stewart, of Castlethorpe, stated he saw the two greyhounds hunting the sheep. Howe admitted the offence, and was fined £2 4s. 6d. inclusive. The dogs were ordered to be destroyed.

WANTED, on 23^rd of October, or later, a good GENERAL SERVANT, who understands plain cooking. Apply, Mrs. F. D. Bull, The Cottage, Cosgrove, Stony Stratford.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL.

NOTICE hereby given that the Northamptonshire County Council, in pursuance and exercise of the powers given them by the Education Acts, 1870 to 1902 (in which first mentioned Act the Lands Clauses Consolidation Act, 1845, and the Acts amending the same are, with certain exceptions, incorporated), and of every other power enabling them this behalf, propose to APPLY to the Board of Education for a PROVISIONAL ORDER empowering the said Northamptonshire County Council to TAKE THE PIECE OF LAND with the buildings thereon (if any) and the fee simple thereof, the situation, quantity and description whereof are stated the schedule hereto for the PURPOSE OF PROVIDING on such piece of land NEW PUBLIC Elementary school. And NOTICE hereby further given that a PLAN of the said piece of land may be seen all reasonable hours at the office of the Clerk the County Council, County Hall, Northampton.

THE SCHEDULE ABOVE REFERRED TO COUNTY OF NORTHAMPTON PARISH OF COSGROVE. A TRIANGULAR PIECE OF LAND, situate in the Parish of Cosgrove, in the County of Northampton, and the Eastern End of field called or known by the name of Hilly Field, now or formerly belonging to and in the occupation of Harry Grant Thorold, Esquire, which said piece of land contains half an acre or thereabouts and is bounded on the North and the East by a field called or known by the name Thickthorn, now or formerly belonging to and in the occupation of Harry Grant Thorold, Esquire, and having a frontage thereto of 252 feet or thereabouts, on the South and South-east a district road leading (at a point near the County Bridge called Quarry Bridge) from the Hardingstone and Old Stratford main road to the village of Cosgrove, and having a frontage to such district road of 265 feet or thereabouts, the West by the residue of the said field called Hilly Field, and having a frontage thereto of 173 feet or thereabouts, which said field called “Hilly Field,” is more particularly delineated and described and numbered 117 on Sheet Ixi. 6 of the Ordnance Survey Map, 1900, Scale 25.341 inches to a statute mile.

Dated this 7th day of November, 1907. H. A. MILLINGTON, Solicitor to the Local Education Authority. County Hall, Northampton.

ACTION AGAINST THE RECTOR OF COSGROVE.

On Saturday, before Mr. Justice Lawrence, in the King’s Bench Division, the action of Marvin and others v. Hewson came on for hearing. Mr. F. Low, K.C., in opening for plaintiffs, said they were trustees of a deed of settlement, and they were claiming to recover a sum of £1428 13s. 6d. from defendant, the Rev. Henry Newington Clarke Hewson, the Rectory, Cosgrove, Northampton.

Defendant was married to Miss Marvin in January 1889, and they lived together until February last, when the wife, making complaints which he need not go into, left her husband’s house. On the eve of the marriage an agreement for a marriage settlement was made that the defendant would pay the trustees the sum of £2,000 to be settled on the usual marriage settlement trusts, and that he should secure that charge on a reversionary interest which belonged to him under the will of a Mr. Samuel Towsett Newington.

The marriage took place, and defendant then refused to carry out his bargain, whereupon the trustees instituted proceedings for specific performance of the settlement. In April, 1894, Mr. Justice Romer made a decree ordering defendant to perform the arrangement, and in pursuance of that decree the deed sued on was entered into on March 18, 1895, by which defendant covenanted to pay £2,000 to the trustees at any time after the trustees should have served him with a demand in writing signed by the wife.

When the wife left him she applied to the trustees to enforce the covenant, and on February 28 last defendant was served with the notice to pay this money. Shortly after the notice the reversionary interest fell in and a sum of £592 11s. had been received by the trustees, leaving the balance due, which was sued for. The defendant, in his affidavit, said that at the time he entered into the deed it was well-known that he had no property except the reversionary interest, and it was never intended he should pay the trustees anything more than he received under the reversionary interest. Plaintiff said there was no point in that as it was an absolute covenant. Defendant went on to say that his wife left the house of her own accord in February, and had not lived with him since. He declared the action had been brought against him vindictively and vexatiously at the instigation of his wife and her relations because it was well-known to them that he never had and was never likely to have any means other than that which had been received under the reversion. Although his wife had left him he was willing to pay her £1 a week, which Counsel remarked was not a very generous offer. He could not see any suggestion of defence

Mr. Rose-Innes for the defence submitted that under the Real Property Limitations Act, the cause of action arose more than twelve years ago, and therefore it was barred by the Statute. Defendant’s case was that this agreement was presented to him to sign at the very last moment just before the marriage ceremony, and he had no option but sign it. When he considered it later he thought it was not such an agreement as he should have been called upon to sign, and he “put his back up.” Whatever he had done since was done because he had been compelled by the Court. Defendant was quite ready to give evidence if necessary, but he rested his case mainly on the points of law.

His Lordship held that no defence had been made out on any ground, and he therefore gave judgment for the plaintiffs for the amount claimed with costs.

With regard to the proposed new school at Cosgrove, the General Purposes Sub-Committee reported the receipt of a letter, dated October 19, 1907, from Mr. H. Grant-Thorold. of Cosgrove Hall, offering a site in Cosgrove village for the proposed new school, and stating further that if the local authority did not feel justified in building two schools (one at Cosgrove and one at Old Stratford), he would call a meeting of ratepayers and others interested, with a view, if possible, to the cost of a new school at Cosgrove being defrayed privately, such school then to be leased to the local authority. The letter was referred to the School Buildings Sub-Committee to consider the offer of Mr. Thorold as an alternative to the proposal erect a school midway between the villages of Cosgrove and Old Stratford, and in connection therewith, the possibility of arranging for the conveyance to school at Cosgrove of the Old Stratford children. The School Buildings Sub-Committee reported that as the cost of conveying the Old Stratford children to and from school at Cosgrove would at a minimum estimate amount to about £160 per annum, the adoption of that course could not be recommended, and the subcommittee was also unable to recommend the provision of two separate schools at the expense of the Local Education Authority.—ln supporting this report, Mr. Dickson said Mr. Grant-Thorold told them the local people would build school their own expense, but would expect to receive some interest on the outlay. It was matter of principle whether school buildings should be erected by private people and interest paid upon them by the committee. —The report was adopted.

COSGROVE AND OLD STRATFORD SCHOOL.

On Thursday evening a public meeting was held in Trinity School (kindly lent Mrs. Powell) to consider the present position of the question of the proposed new school for Cosgrove and Old Stratford. Mr. H. Grant-Thorold, J.P., was voted to the chair. He explained that the County Council proposed to build a school for children half-way between Old Stratford and Cosgrove in the Quarry Field at the top of the hill. Cosgrove had always had a school in the village, and naturally they objected to the children having to walk a mile to school in all weathers. The County Council say they have to provide for Old Stratford as well, and decline to build two schools. A school at the site proposed would be no use to Cosgrove for evening classes or a secondary school. The committee would not meet them in any way. He had interviewed the Education Department, but had heard nothing from them. The Old Stratford children attended Stony Stratford Schools, and he thought some arrangement should be made to continue at present in regard to the Old Stratford children. He (the Chairman) offered them a site in Cosgrove village, and had also inquired if they voluntarily built a school at Cosgrove would the County Council pay rent for it. Of course it was a big undertaking to build a school and keep it in repair. He wanted the views of Old Stratford people on the subject. The Education Department would probably hold an inquiry, and they must make their protest as strong as possible. It was proposed to get up a petition setting forth the reasons of their objections and obtain signatures both of Old Stratford and Cosgrove. It was stated that the Bucks and Northants authorities could not agree as to terms for continuing the present arrangement of the Old Stratford children attending the Stony Stratford Schools.

Mr. Webb said it was much better for the Old Stratford children to go Stony Stratford. It was a better road. As regards the distance for Old Stratford children there was not much in that, but it was a safer road to Stony Stratford.

A parent said he personally protested strongly forcing little children to along the Cosgrove road, which was tramp infested, to school.

A question was asked as to whether the authorities were au fait with the case, and the Chairman replied that he did not think they were.

Mr J. A. Reeve said it would much better if some arrangement was made for the Old Stratford children to continue attending Stony Stratford Schools. The Chairman said he asked for sub-committee to meet them, but they refused to meet them in any way. If the school was ultimately built at Quarry Hill the Old Stratford children would be forced to attend there. He thought if the Old Stratford children had to be provided for they should be provided for at Old Stratford.

After a little more discussion the following resolution, proposed Mr. W. Page, and seconded by Mr. James, was passed unanimously: That this meeting promises to support the Chairman in his endeavour to keep the school in Cosgrove village and that Old Stratford children be allowed to attend at Stony Stratford as usual, and that they sign a petition to that effect.” Mr. T. Traeler and Mr, J. Bird promised to take the petition round for signature. A vote of thanks to the Chairman, proposed by Mr. Webb, and seconded Mr. Reeve, terminated the meeting.

At the meeting held at Cosgrove Mr. H. Grant- Thorold presiding, there was a good attendance, and the Chairman explained what had been done to keep the school in the village. Several parents made objection to the proposed site. The chief objections were:

(1) That school should be in the village and not mile outside

(2) that the place was not at all suitable owing to the proximity of the old limestone quarries and the present lime kiln;

(3) that children should not be compelled to walk long distance, particularly in the winter and during wet weather

(4) the dangers arising from children sitting for hours in wet clothes and with wet feet;

(5) the enormous increase in the rate which would follow, and naturally raise the rents of the cottages. In the event of the latter becoming an established fact many of the parents would remove and go to places where the rents would not be any higher, and where the school was in the place, not outside

(6) That a school built in such a locality would be useless for evening schools or technical classes.

(7) That as the ratepayers have to find the money they ought to be allowed some voice in the choice of the sites.

(8) Waste of public money to build the school in the proposed situation.

Mr. Knight proposed, and Mr. Clarke seconded the following proposition : That this meeting promises to support the chairman in his endeavour to keep the school in the village, and that a petition be signed for presentation the Northamptonshire County Council, by all parents and ratepayers.” This was carried, and Messrs. Bull and Linthwaite volunteered to obtain the necessary signatures.

A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

The two chief discussions at the prolonged meeting of (he Northamptonshire County Council yesterday concerned the main roads and the proved new school at Cosgrove. In each instance the views of the committee were over-ridden by the Council. In regard to the main roads, which are referred to at length one of our leading articles, twelve month’s grace is given. Similar action was taken the Council in regard to Cosgrove School. The Education Committee desire to erect a school to serve two or three villages, and naturally the villages themselves object.

COSGROVE SCHOOL. Memorials were submitted to the Council from residents of Cosgrove and Old Stratford expressing strong objection the proposed erection of a public elementary school midway between the two villages for which the Council had given notice of their intention to obtain land by compulsory powers from Mr. H. Grant-Thorold. The memorial from Cosgrove wag signed by 95 householders and ratepayers, and specified eight reasons for objection, based mainly on the inconvenience of the distance the school would be from the village, the risks to the health of the children in wet and snowy weather, the unsuitability of the proposed site owing to the proximity of limestone quarries and the difficulty of obtaining water, and the great cost.

The Old Stratford petition was signed by householders and ratepayers. It represented the inconveniences the approach the proposed site from the village, and suggested an arrangement with the Bucks County Council for the reception of the children at Stony Stratford, failing which they submitted that the children ought to be accommodated at Old Stratford. Lord Penrhyn said this matter had greatly agitated the people of Cosgrove, and they felt they were being unfairly treated. Very possibly it was the fault of the people of Cosgrove for not moving sooner. They said they were being sacrificed to other parishes, and a school which they did not want was to be erected chiefly because of the inhabitants of Old Stratford. The parish of Old Stratford was constituted from Cosgrove. Passenham. Furtho, and Potterspury. and the greater number of’ the children came from Potterspury and not from Cosgrove, and Cosgrove people saw no more reason why the school should be put in this disused gravel pit between Old Stratford and Cosgrove than between Old Stratford and Potterspury. There was ample accommodation for the Old Stratford children in the Stony Stratford schools and moved that the matter be referred to the Education Committee, with the request that they should fall in much as possible with the feelings of the locality. Mr. Denney seconded, and emphasised the inconvenience and suffering the proposed school would entail upon the children and their parents. As for the question of the possibility of night schools being arranged in the proposed new school, he asked, “Is there a County Councillor who would believe young men and young women would walk a mile in the dark after school? Vote if you can!

Mr. Thornton: I should like to support it; I don’t believe the young men and women would ever get to the school. (Laughter.)

Mr. Denney : Then it is no good !

Mr Dickson, who is Chairman of the- School Buildings Sub-Committee of the Education Committee, answered the arguments of the previous speakers by showing that since the matter opened in August, 1905. Responsible people in the locality had been consulted, and been read a letter, dated June 30, 1906, written by the Rev. H. N. C. Hewson, Rector of Cosgrove, whose name headed the list of signatories to the petition. The letter said : “If good schools were erected half-way between the two parts of this parish (Cosgrove), the children would be retained in the county and the walk of about three-quarters of a mile would no hardship upon any children over five years of age. The infants could taught in the present school at Cosgrove, and a small infants’ school could be erected at Old Stratford. An excellent site for a good school building for both parishes might very well found near the limestone quarry and lime kiln, and near the junction of the road to Northampton and Old Stratford. I might ask what is the good of an expensive school unless you have an adequate, 'efficient, and well-equipped staff.”

Mr. Monckton (Chairman of the Education Committee) said the Education Committee had done their best to ascertain what the wishes of the district were but the school had been condemned by the Board of Education on account of structural defects, and the committee could not therefore, help themselves. Sir Charles V. Knightley suggested, after the explanation, that Lord Penrhyn should withdraw the resolution.

Rev. E. W. Harrison considered that with this strong expression of local opinion, it would be the greatest mistake if they persisted in going absolutely against it.—Dr. Knight thought there would soon be more accommodation at Stony Stratford through Wolverton making better provision for their own children.

Mr. Allebone spoke of the fairness of Mr. Monckton and Mr. Dickson to Cosgrove all through the matter, and pointed out that although the Education Committee a few months ago referred the matter back to Cosgrove, the village had done nothing to put before them as an alternative scheme.

The Chairman, without wishing to take sides either for or against Cosgrove, reminded the Council that certain steps had already been taken which would have to be rescinded if the resolution was carried.

Mr. Atkinson spoke in support of the resolution, informing the Council that the petitions included the name of almost every responsible person in the parishes. The Cosgrove School could be made to answer all the requirements, and the people were prepared to do that without cost to the ratepayers. Upon a vote being taken, 29 voted for the resolution and 32 against.

Dr Knight on a point of order, asked if the representatives had a right to vote. The Chairman said that Kettering Councillors had not. Nr Bradshaw, Mr. Bird, and Mr. Toller, representing Kettering, all said that they voted. The Chairman said they could not properly vote on elementary education.

The vote was taken again and this time the Chairman declared the resolution carried by thirty votes against twenty seven the previous decision being therefore reversed.

DEATH: February 1, at Cosgrove Hall, Mr. A. W. Grant-Thorold, J. P., aged 88.

Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press Saturday 08 February 1908

Mr. A. W. Grant-Thorold. J.P., Hall, died at his residence on Saturday morning after short illness. Born in 1819, Mr. Grant-Thorold was in his 89th year. The deceased gentleman was much esteemed in the district. He did not take a prominent part in public affairs, except as a magistrate. He was a Justice of the Peace for Northamptonshire and sat on the Bench at Stony Stratford. Mr. Grant-Thorold was the eldest son of the late Mr. Alexander Grant, Helen, daughter of the Rev. William Thorold, of Weelsby, and his uncle was Mr. Richard Thorold, whose name he assumed in 1864. The deceased gentleman married in Miss Anna Hamilton Stirling (who died in 1899), third daughter of the late Admiral Sir James Stirling, and had. with other issue. Richard Stirling, born 1868. and late Lieutenant Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Mrs. Grant-Thorold died in 1899 and in her memory Mr. Grant-Thorold placed a new clock in Cosgrove Church. Mr. Grant-Thorold was also a J.P., and Deputy-Lieutenant for Lincolnshire, of which county he was High Sheriff in 1870.

DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS. Friday. Present: His Grace the Duke of Grafton, K.G. (chairman), Mr. J. M. Knapp, Mr. M. R, Hall, Mr. G. M. Fitzsimons, Mr. F. W. Woollard, Rev. J. T. Athawes, and Mr. T. Byam Grounds.

Before proceeding with the business of the Court, the Duke of Grafton alluded to the death of Mr. A. Grant Thorold. His death was a great loss to the neighbourhood. If he had lived till February 29 he would have been 88 years of age. His previous birthday, or rather the day nearest thereto, was celebrated last year walking to Stony Stratford twice from Cosgrove Hall. He proposed that a vote be sent to the family expressing their great regret at the loss the family had sustained. This was seconded Mr. Knapp.— Mr. E. T. Worley wished to identify himself with all the Duke of Grafton had said. Personally, he had received nothing but the greatest kindness and consideration from Mr. Thorold.—Mr. W Ryland D. Adkins, M.P., on behalf of the legal profession, asked leave to be included on the vote of condolence, as did also Supt. Lait, on behalf of the police.

Licensing Session

THE LATE Mr. A. GRANT THOROLD. Before proceeding with the business of the Court, the Duke of Grafton alluded to the death of Mr. A. Grant-Thorold. His death was a great loss to the neighbourhood. His face and presence were well known in the Court. Personally, His Grace said, he had lost a very sincere friend. His charm of manner and readiness to work with all happily and pleasantly, no one could deny, and the officials universally felt that Mr. Thorold was ready at all times to give them his assistance. A friendly word was always given when needed, but he was equally firm where it was necessary. If he had lived till February 29th, he would have been 88 years of age. His previous birthday, or rather the day nearest thereto, was celebrated last year by walking to Stony Stratford twice from Cosgrove Hall. He proposed that a vote of condolence be sent to the family expressing their great regret at the loss they had sustained. This was seconded by Mr. Knapp. Mr. E. T. Worley wished to identify himself with all the Duke of Grafton had said. Personally, he had received nothing but the greatest kindness and consideration from Mr. Thorold. Mr. W. Hyland Adkins M.P., on behalf of legal profession, asked leave to be included in the vote of condolence, as did also Supt. Lait on behalf of the police.

COSGROVE. 1½ miles from Castlethorpe
(L. and N.-W. R.)

TO BE LET from 25th March next, the HOUSE known as LONGWOOD, now in the occupation of Mr. Chapman, containing three Reception-rooms, seven Bedrooms. Bathroom (h. and c. water). Kitchen, Scullery, and the usual offices, together with Garden, Tennis Lawn, Stabling for two horses, Coach-house, etc., over which there are four Servants’ Bedrooms; also Two Small Paddocks adjoining.

Apply to Mr. C. S. Magee. Diocesan Registry, Peterborough.

LOCAL WILLS: Mr. Alexander William Thorold Grant-Thorold, of Cosgrove Hall. Left personal estate valued at £174 17s. 3d.

COSGROVE.

ACCIDENT TO THE RECTOR. The Rev. H. N. C. Hewson, rector of Cosgrove, fell off his machine while cycling on Monday, and the result was a broken thigh. In the evening was taken to Northampton Hospital where is progressing.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE EDUCATION COMMITTEE. A meeting of the Northamptonshire Education Committee was held at Northampton on Saturday.

The Cosgrove School Difficulty.

A letter was read from the Board of Education who said they fully appreciated the committee’s situation and their desire to secure efficiency and economy, but after a careful consideration all the circumstances they were of opinion that the proposal to build a joint school for Cosgrove and Old Stratford did not offer a satisfactory solution to the problem of the provision of accommodation in the district, and they were of the opinion that a school should be provided in Cosgrove itself. Board had considered the strongly-expressed wishes of the parents, and they thought the arrangement with the Bucks County Council for the attendance of Old Stratford children at Wolverton schools should continue. They accordingly intimated that they were not prepared to grant a provisional order for the acquirement of the proposed site between Cosgrove and Old Stratford. The Chairman remarked that they would now have to into the matter again and see what arrangements they could make.

STONY STRATFORD DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS FRIDAY.

Five lads were summoned for playing football in the street at Cosgrove, and five others at Furtho. They were discharged on paying the costs.

COSGROVE.

WEDDING. A pretty wedding was solemnised at the Parish Church, on Thursday, between Mr. John Scoular, only son of the late Mr. Scoular, of Hanslope, and Miss Alice Panter, eldest daughter of Mr. William Panter, of Old Stratford. Notwithstanding the inclement weather the church was crowded. The bride was charmingly attired in a white embroidered dress with wreath and veil. She was given away by her father. Mr. George Russell, of Hanslope, was best man. There were three bridesmaids, Miss Evelyn Panter, and Miss Milly Panter (sisters of the bride), and Miss Minnie Wykes (cousin of the bride). The bride and bridesmaids carried exquisite bouquets, the gifts of the bridegroom.

Owing to the illness of the rector the ceremony was performed the Rev. V. Jaacks, of Wolverton. After the ceremony a reception was held at the residence of the bride’s parents. The presents, which were both numerous and useful, included a cheque (father of the bride), house linen and furniture (mother of the bride), furniture (mother of the bridegroom). The happy couple left later in the afternoon for Brighton, where the honeymoon is being spent.

RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL.

A case of enteric fever Cosgrove was reported, apparently due to a defective drain.—The Inspector (Mr. Fairchild) presented his report, which was read by the Clerk.

STONY STRATFORD. DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS. Friday. Before the Duke of Grafton, K.G. (chairman), Mr. T. Grounds, and Mr. P. W. Woollard.

Gordon Bennett, of Stony Stratford, was charged with riding a bicycle without a light, at Cosgrove, May 3. —P.C. Brown stated the particulars, and it appeared the defendant was returning from Northampton, and his wick gave out.

The case was dismissed on payment of the costs 6s

NORTHAMPTON DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS. Saturday.

Henry Key, drover, of Cosgrove, was summoned for doing wilful damage in the amount of 9s to a quickset hedge at Roade. The defendant, wearing breeches and leggings, with drover’s smock thrown over his right arm, and carrying an ash stick, came up smiling when the case was called on. He addressed the Chairman familiarly as “Mr. Perkins,” and as he persisted in this Mr. Smythe stopped him with the remark, “My name’s not Perkins.” That, however, made no difference, and “Mr. Perkins” the Chairman continued to the end.

The evidence of Henry E. East, Blisworth, showed that the defendant left four beasts in East’s field. East gave instructions that Key was not to be allowed to remove the beasts unless he paid 2s, and Key thereupon drove the beast over the hedge.

He was ordered to pay the costs and damage, 17s. 6d.

COSGROVE
THE RECTOR AND HIS PARISHIONERS
STRAINED RELATIONS: THE CONGREGATION LEAVE THE CHURCH

Church matters in the parish of Cosgrove have been somewhat of a disturbed character for some time, and on Sunday, July 12, at morning service, an unusual scene was witnessed. It appears that in January last a Sequestration Order was served upon the Rector, the Rev. H. N. C. Hewson, forbidding him taking a service in the parish church after six months had expired. What led up to the cause of such an order issued by the Bishop of Peterborough, and posted in the church porch, we are not in a position to state. It would seem, however, that two years ago the congregation began to dwindle, and shortly after the harvest festival of 1906 the choir became a thing of the past, and the beautiful musical service for which the church of SS. Peter and Paul had been noted ceased to be known. Then an action at law in which the Rector and his wife (or her trustees) were alone concerned – Mrs. Hewson is living apart from her husband – took place. The result of this action was that a marriage settlement was enforced and judgment entered against the Rev. H. N. O. Hewson. Following this came the Bishop’s order referred to above. A somewhat serious bicycle accident to the Rector a short time ago resulted in his being confined in Northampton General Hospital for some weeks. During his absence the services at the parish church were conducted in turn by the Rev. W. L. Harnett, M.A., R.D. (vicar of Wolverton), Rev. W. D. Standfast (curate of Wolverton), Rev. W. K. Vaughan (Wolverton), and the Rev. Jones (Old Stratford). The effect of their labours was to revive interest in Cosgrove church matters. Slowly but surely the congregation grew and the Sunday services once again became bright and attractive. The Sequestration Order expired on July 6, and on Sunday last the Rev. W. D. Standfast was known to be the preacher appointed for the morning service. Some 60 or 70 parishioners took their places in the church anxiously anticipating one of those fine theological orations which has made the name of Standfast famous in the neighbourhood. Church officials were present giving a welcome to visitors from the villages around. In fact, everything pointed to the service passing off in a manner befitting services of the Church of England. Then unexpectedly the Rector appeared on the scene, and his presence was but a prelude to the unpleasant events that were to follow. Mr. Linthwaite, one of the churchwardens, questioned the rev. gentleman. “Surely you are not going to take the service,” interrogated Mr. Linthwaite. “Certainly I am,” replied the Rev. Hewson, and passed into the vestry. Almost simultaneously the Rev. W. D. Standfast entered the church and was about to proceed to the vestry to robe when he was informed of the Rector’s intention. Not wishing to cause a disturbance Mr. Standfast at once withdrew. Then it became known to the congregation that their Rector intended officiating, and by ones and twos they also left the building, until only one person remained, in addition to the Rector’s son, to take part in the service. The event caused some little commotion, not only in Cosgrove itself, but in the villages around, and locally surprise is expressed that the Rector acted in direct opposition to his Bishop’s command. What the ultimate outcome of the events of Sunday will be remains to be seen.
Seen by our representative at the Rectory on Thursday, the Rev. H. N. O. Hewson, still suffering from the injuries received in his recent accident, said:” I had no collision with anybody. I didn’t know Mr. Standfast was there, and if he came it was on his own responsibility. I had previously written to him stating that I should conduct the service. I simply conducted in my own church which I have a right to do, and whatever the people in the village say has nothing to do with it.” He further explained that if the villagers said his licence had been taken from him they were very wrong. A Rector needed no licence. “I have been in Holy Orders,” he proceeded “since 1878, and have been Rector of this parish 14 years, and I have never done anything to bring disgrace on my calling. It stands to sense that having been rector for 14 years I can’t be so very bad.”
Asked if he could explain why his parishioners should leave the church when they knew he was conducting the service, Mr. Hewson said: “They didn’t leave without someone influencing them. It is an attempt to create prejudice, to create an annoyance, but it takes two to make a quarrel, and I am not going to quarrel.”

PEACE AT THE CHURCH. Following the unpleasant scene of a week previously the services at the Cosgrove Parish Church passed off very peaceably on Sunday, July 19. The Rector (Rev. H. N. O. Hewson) did not leave the Rectory, and the services both morning and evening – conducted respectively by the Rev. W. L. Harnett and the Rev. W. D. Standfast – drew large congregations. It is hoped now that the last has been heard of the church disturbances which brought Cosgrove unenviable notoriety.

STONY STRATFORD
DIVISIONAL PETTY SESSIONS Friday

In a Temper – Martha Hillyer was fined 6s for using bad language on June 20^th.

PC Heath stated the facts and the defendant admitted the language, stating that she was in a temper.

Stony Stratford Petty Sessions, Friday, July 24^th.

Martha Hillyer, of Cosgrove pleaded guilty to using bad language at Cosgrove on June 26^th.
P.C. Heath stated the particulars.
Fine and costs 6s.

COSGROVE Licensed Trades’ Association. The Barley Mow, Cosgrove, was the scene last night of one of the largest and most successful meetings the Northamptonshire Licensed Trades Association ever held the district. A conveyance started from Towcester and picked members on the way to Cosgrove. Mr. J. Browning (Chairman the District) presided, present being Messrs. H. W. Sanderson (vice-chairman). G. R. Gardner, F. W. Ashton, J. Calvert. G. Spriggs, J. Cowley. F. Field W. A. Pratt, A. H. Tapp. A. Smith. J. G. Knight, G. Brown, T. Bushell J. E. Webb (District Secretary), etc.—After the usual routine business, two new members were elected—Mr. Sampson, of Cosgrove, and Mr. J. H. Cross, Potterspury.— Mr. Abraham (Secretary of the Northampton District) gave a stirring address on the Licensing Bill, urging the members to be and doing.—A hearty vote of thanks was accorded him.

P. PHIPPS AND CO. EMPLOYEES’ OUTING.

By the generosity of the firm the employees of P Phipps and Co. (Northampton, and Towcester Breweries), Ltd, were enabled to visit the Franco-British Exhibition, at Shepherd's Bush, Loudon, on Thursday. A thoroughly jolly time was spent by the more than 900 who went on this annual holiday. Every man had been given two railway tickets, available also for admission to the White City, and 5s, and each lad was given ticket and 2s. 6d. Two special trains carried the party to London, arriving at 8.45 and 9.25. Employees from Daventry and Towcester joined the trip at Northampton, and those from Wolverton and Cosgrove were picked up at Wolverton. The party included lady relatives of the employees. Mr. G. Seward (head brewer), Mr. B. Croft (manager), and Mr. J. H. Nolan (secretary), accompanied the party. Arrived at the exhibition the time was enjoyably spent in patronising the multifarious attractions. The flipflap, the scenic railway, the spider's web, the spiral, the Canadian toboggan, the Ceylon village, the Senegalese village. Ballymachinton (Irish village) with its Blarney stone, were all made to contribute to the pleasures of the day, and the various Palaces, decorative arts, fine arts, machinery. Colonial, textile, educational, and women's work, were the source of great interest. The beautiful Court of Honour, especially when lit at night, a myriad of coloured lamps, provoked great admiration.

A safe return was made in the small hours of this morning.

BLOWN FROM A CANAL BOAT. On Tuesday night Mr T. M Percival held inquest at Cosgrove, touching the death of Emily Bunn, the daughter of Daniel Bunn, boatman, of Long Buckby.

Daniel Bunn said he was in the service of Messrs. Fellows, Morton, and Co. The deceased resided with the witness at Long Buckby, she was 17. He arrived at Cosgrove locks about, eight that morning with his boat. He was going towards Birmingham. They had two boats, and the deceased was steering the last boat. Witness last saw her alive just against the stop below the locks. He went into the lock with the first boat. The next one came half in the lock, and he shouted “Hold in, Emma!” He did not get any answer and ran to see where she was. He could not see her anywhere. He got the boat-hook and tried to find her, but could not do so. A young man named Joseph Clarke got a rake and he felt her body with the rake, and put the boat-hook in and pulled her to the top of the water. The witness heard no splash, and did not hear her call out. It was only about three minutes from the time he spoke to her till he missed her. He should think was ten minutes from the time he missed her till they got her out. The body was behind the boat, not under it. She appeared dead. They tried artificial respiration, but without success. Deceased was used to the boats and acquainted with the working of them. It was raining very heavily at the time, and would be slippery. He fancied she slipped and dropped over the side. She enjoyed good health, and was not subject to fits. There was no reason why she should throw herself in. She was quite happy.

Frederick Joseph Clarke, of Cosgrove, said he saw them dragging. He procured a drag and found the body.

Douglas William Anderson Bull, of Stony Stratford, said he examined the body. Death was due to drowning.

The jury returned a verdict of “Accidentally drowned.”

Petty Sessions. Thursday. —Before Mr. F. Woollard.

On Saturday morning, Tom Jelley, Cosgrove, well known in football circles, was brought before the Rev. J. T. Athawes and Mr. F. W. Woollard on three distinct charges committed the previous night. The defendant had had a drop of beer and created a disturbance in King-street, and had to be locked up. He assaulted his father-in-law and damaged a window.

The fine, costs and damage amounted altogether to £1 18s., and Jelley was allowed a month in which to find the money providing he could find surety.

Stony Stratford Divisional Petty Sessions. Friday, Dec 11.

Well-known families were plunged into mourning by the death of Mr. Grant Thorold J.P., of Cosgrove Hall, who had attained the ripe age of 89.

COSGROVE. DROWNING FATALITY.

Mr. T. M. Percival held an inquest at the Plough Inn Cosgrove, Thursday week on the body William Morton, labourer at the Wolverton Works, who found drowned in the canal at Cosgrove the previous day. Mr. Thomas Seymour was foreman of the jury.

Mrs. Lucy Morton said that her husband was a labourer employed at Wolverton Works, and was 36 years of age He got up at his usual hour on Wednesday morning—soon after five o’clock and went out at 5.30 to Wolverton. Before he went he said he did not feel well, and if he felt no better later would come home at breakfast time. She never again saw him alive. He had never threatened to take his life, but he had been very much troubled about his father, who met with an accident at Yardley whilst at work. The deceased made himself responsible for a great deal expense in connection with proceedings to claim damages for the accident, and also made himself responsible for the proceedings which took place at Towcester County Court. Her husband had spoken of the difficulty he  had in meeting those expenses.

Robert Brown, labourer, of Cosgrove, employed at Wolverton Works, said that he accompanied the deceased part of the way on the road to work on the day named. He noticed nothing peculiar about his manner. They walked to work along the canal towing path. Later in the day the witness went to the canal towing path near the locks, where lot of people were searching. They found Morton’s basket just through the bridge and his hat close to it. The body was subsequently dragged out of the canal. There were no signs of a struggle. Where the body was found it was not on the way Morton would go to work. P.C. Heath, Yardley Gobion, deposed that searching the body found 1s.3d in a leather purse and a pipe. The food inside the basket was untouched.

The jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during temporary insanity.”

OLD AGE PENSIONS

The total sum paid to the Old Age Pensioners, eight in number, in Cosgrove, is  £1  17s a week.

The Sanitary Inspector (Mr. J. B. Fairchild) reported the fumigation premises after scarlet fever at Cosgrove and Potterspury, including the schools at the latter village.

Four cases of scarlet fever—one each Yardley Gobion and Cosgrove and two at Potterspury—had been notified, but none since December 21.

MR. FRED KELLAWAY AT COSGROVE A CHALLENGE

Mr. A. Hall, of Stony Stratford, presided over a large attendance of Cosgrove electors in the Mission Hall on Wednesday, when Mr. Fred Kellaway was heartily welcomed. Mr. Fred Kellaway, after dealing with old-age pensions, and the record of the House of Lords in oppressing dissenters and the working people, went on to refer to a speech which his Protectionist opponent had made at Cosgrove in December.

Skating was indulged in on Sunday on the canal, but comparatively only a few indulged in the bracing pastime, the ice being none too safe. Two or three were noticed skating on the Broadwaters at Cosgrove, but here it wanted, as elsewhere, another sharp frost to make the ice perfectly safe. Still a good many people were able to take a walk and inspect the ice for themselves.

THE GRAFTON

Friday’s meet at Weston brought a very large field and with the going decidedly on the soft side, and scent fairly good, a capital day of sport resulted. Batchelor carried the horn, and those out included Mr. C. P. McNeill and Sir Samuel (joint Masters), Lady Sophie Scott (Westbury), Mr. Harrison, Dr. J. I. Johnson (Culworth), Mr. W. G. D. Cooper (Lois Weedon), Corbett Bartlett (Whitfield), Mr. Griffin (Helmdon), Mr. J. H. Barton (Weston), Rev. W. H. and Mrs. Barry (Blisworth). Mr. W. D. Grant-Ives (Bradden), Mr. W. Bairstow (Towcester), Mr. C. F. Macdonald (Greens Norton), and Mr. J. C. Hunter (Greens Park).

Cosgrove was the venue on Saturday, and after a blank morning some good sport, including a kill, took place. Cosgrove Spinneys was blank and a similar result awaited hounds drawing the spinneys around Furtho and Shrob Lodge. Wicken Spinneys held the first fox, but after a short ring round by Wicken Park hounds came up with their leader close the park gate. Wicken Wood gave no response, but at Leckhampstead Wood the pack found a stout fox, which darted off in the direction of Lillingstone Lovell; then swinging right-handed crossed the road Buckingham Thick, and twisted about until it beat his pursuers in Wakefield Wood. Out with the Master (Mr. C. F. P. McNeill) were:—Sir Samuel and Lady Sophie Scott (Weetbury), Lord Penrhyn (Wicken Park), Lord Alfred Fitzroy (Whittlebury), Major P. Douglas-Pennant (Sholebrook), Mr. Claud Douglas-Pennant (Lillingstone), Mr. Edward Clark, Mr. Septimus Clarke, Mrs. Ryan (Roade), Mr. and Mrs. J. Stanley Watson and Miss Esme Watson (Park View), Mr. W. Bairstow and Miss Bairstow, Miss Whichcote (Towcester), Mr. and Mrs. Meldrum, Mr. G. (Tingewick). Mr. W. G. D. Cooper (Lois Weddon), Mr. W. D. Grant Ives and the Misses Grant Ives (Bradden), Mr. C. F. Mac Donald (Greens Norton), Misses Atkinson (Cosgrove), Rev. W. H. and Mm. Barry, Captain Elmhirst (Blisworth), Mr. H. T. Weston (Yardley Gobion).

A grant of £30 was recommended by the Higher Education Sub-Committee to be made to Mr T W Clarke, jun., of Cosgrove Locks, towards the cost of a course of instruction in agriculture at an approved college or institution.

COSGROVE SCHOOLS.

The Board of Education had reminded the committee of a former warning to discontinue the recognition of Cosgrove C.E. School and of their opinion expressed in March, 1908, that the proposal to provide a joint school for Cosgrove and Old Stratford was not satisfactory, and a new school ought to be provided in Cosgrove itself. The Board further stated that they might withhold payment of a grant in respect of the Church of England School for the current school year unless they were satisfied by the end of that year that active steps were being taken to provide a new school at Cosgrove village to replace the condemned premises.

The Buildings Sub-Committee resolved to ask the managers whether they were prepared to take steps submit a scheme, to the Local Education Authority, and the Board of Education for the reconstruction of the present school premises.— The action of the sub-committee was endorsed.

Higher Education Committee propose that a grant of £30 be made to Mr. W. T. Clarke, of Cosgrove Locks, towards the cost of a course of instruction in agriculture at an approved institution. Mr. Clarke is 19 years of age, and has assisted his father on a dairy farm. He has attended the Cosgrove Evening Schools and Wolverton Institute.

COSGROVE SHOW.

Favoured with magnificent weather the annual exhibition of flowers, fruit, and vegetables, held under the auspices of the Cosgrove Horticultural Society, Saturday, was unqualified success. By kind permission of Mr. J. J. Atkinson, the show was held in a field adjoining the Priory, the exhibits being admirably staged in large marquee, whilst other attractions were provided in the bran tub tent, the bee tent, in the charge of Mr. G. Mason, of the Northamptonshire Beekeepers' Association, and Aunt Sally. A special feature this year was the baby show, arranged by Mrs. Atkinson; and in addition Professor Hamylton was specially engaged by Mrs. Baker, Cosgrove Hall.
A cricket match between Castlethorpe and Cosgrove provided an interesting contest, and the visitors were entertained by a delightful musical programme from the Yardley Gobion Britannia Prize Band (Mr. J. R. Lambert, conductor). The society was fortunate in possessing such an energetic executive of President, Captain H. Grant Thorold, J.P. vice-presidents, Mr. J. Jepson Atkinson, C.C., Mr. F. D. Bull, Mr. A, E. Baker, and Captain Hodgkinson; secretary, Mr. T. Seymour; committee, Messrs. S. Williams, T. Lord. W. Hurst, H. Willison, A. Childs, Swain, W. Willison, H. Sampson, G. Williams, R. Pension . E. lord. J. Clarke, and W. Clarke. The judges. Mr. P. Warr, head gardener to Sir William Cooper, Bart., Whittlebury; Mr. Dance, head gardener to Colonel Duncan. Shenley; and Mr. Lane, head gardener to Mr. C. A. Borrett, Hatton Court; commented upon the exceptional quality of the entries, particularly in the open class fruit section. The plums were par excellence, the apricots perfection, and cooking and dessert apples of a high class. The collections of vegetables were well above the average. Amongst the exhibits, not for competition, were some choice grapes from Mr. A. F. Baker, Cosgrove Hall, whilst one end the marquee was reserved for Messrs. Ramsbottom and Co., Bletchley, who showed a choice array of roses. The same firm also exhibited floral cross of chaste design, the foundation consisting of bridal robe chrysanthemums, and in relief stephanotis, tuber roses, and mauve asters. There was an increase in the fruit and vegetables, and a slight decrease in flowers.

The awards were:

Cottagers.—Collection of vegetables, 1 G. Williams, 2 A. J. Childs, 3 William Wise. Kidney beans, 1 S. Williams, 2 J. Bull, 3 W. Lane. Cabbages, 1 J. Bull. 2 Bertram Adkins, 3 H. Willison - Carrots (longhorn), 1 J. W Swain, 2 J Bull; Carrots (shorthorn), 1 G Williams. 2 Alfred Swain, Celery, 1 S. Williams, George Williams. Spring onions 1 William Hurst, 2 William Luck, 3 W. Willison. Winter onions. 1 Robert Brown 2 A. J. Childs. Cauliflowers, 1 W Willison, 2 H. Willison. Peas, 1 Alfred Swain. 2 William Wise. Round white potatoes, 1 A. J. Childs, 2 W. Lane. Round coloured potatoes, 1 A. J. Childs, 2 S. Williams. Kidney white potatoes, 1 S. Williams. 2 J. Horn. Coloured kidney potatoes. 1 J. Lane, 2 A. J. Childs. Turnips. 1 W Wise, 2 J. Horn. Marrows, 1 G. Williams, 2 J. Horn. Long Beet. 1 J. W. Swain, 2 J. Horn. Round beet. 1 S. Williams. 2 W. Willison. Lettuce, 1 W. Willison, 2 H. Willison. Shallots (cooking), 1 J Lane, 2 G. Nichols. Shallots (pickling), 1 J. W. Swain, 2 Robert Brown. Red cabbage, 1 W. Hurst, 2 Alfred Swain. Plums, 1 Robert Brown, 2 W. Clarke. Cooking apples, 1 Clarke, G. Williams.

Asters, 1 J. Horn, W Willison. Stocks (whole plants), 1 G. Williams. 2 S. Williams. Dahlias, 1 S. Williams. 2 W Clarke Hardy flowers, 1 A. J. Childs, 2 S Williams. Sweet peas, 1 S. Williams. 2 A. J. Childs. .Carnations, 1 W. Lane. Bouquet, 1 S Williams 2 A J. Childs. Flowering plant, 2 A. J. Childs.

Open.—Collection of vegetables, 1 J. J. Atkinson, 2 H Williams, 3 T. Seymour. Cucumbers, 1 Captain Hodgkinson. Tomatoes. 1 T. Bramley (Stony Stratford). 2 J. J. Atkinson. Marrows, 1 J Horn. 2 J. T. Brown. Potatoes (six varieties) S. Williams 2 A. J. Childs, 3 William Wise Celery, 1 T Bramley (Stony Stratford) 2 G Williams. Kidney beans. 1 G. Lambert 2 J Atkinson. Peas, 1 S. Coles (Wolverton) 2 J T  Brown. Beet (long), 1 J. J. Atkinson. 2 W. Willison Round beet, 1 Captain H. Grant Thorold, 2 Captain Hodgkinson. Lettuce. 1 W. E Williams 2 J J Atkinson Spring-sown onions, 1 J. J. Atkinson, 2 J. T. Brown. Winter sown onions 1 J. J. Atkinson, 2 A. E. Baker. Turnips 1 W Wise 2 J J Atkinson Carrots (longhorn) 1 J. J. Atkinson 2 J T Brown Carrots (shorthorn), 1 J J Atkinson 2 Alfred Swain Collection of Fruit 1 A E Baker 2 J J Atkinson 3 A E Richardson Plums 1 G Nicholls 2 A E Baker; Cooking Apples 1 A E Baker, 2 A Fessey (Wolverton) 3 T Bramley (Stony Stratford) Dessert Apples 1 J J Atkinson 2 A E Richardson; Apricots 1 A E Baker 2 Captain H Grant Thorold Gooseberries 1 J J Atkinson 2 T Seymour; Roses grown in the open 1 Mrs Taylor (Sherington Manor) 2 S Coles (Wolverton); Carnations 1 A E Richardson 2 A E Baker; Stove or Greenhouse Plants 1 J J Atkinson 2 T Seymour; Coleus 1 J J Atkinson 2 T Seymour; Dahlias (Cactus) 1 S Williams 2 A E Jackson (Stony Stratford) Begonias 1 A E Baker 2 W Clarke; Ferns 1 J J. Atkinson 2 Captain Hodgkinson. Sweet Peas 2 T Bramley (Stony Stratford). Bouquet of Flowers, 1 J. J. Atkinson, 2 S. Coles (Wolverton); Collection of cut blooms 1 S. Coles (Wolverton). 2 T. Bramley (Stony Stratford) 3 Captain Hodgkinson.

Mr. G. Masom of Yardley Gobion, judged the honey. In the open class Mrs. W. Jelley was awarded first, but disqualified. Mrs. Hobbs (Furtho) took the first prize, and Mr. T. Dunkley (Haversham) was placed second. In the class for Cosgrove parishioners Mrs. Jelley was awarded first prize and Mrs. R. Penson second

The following were the awards in the baby show;— Local: under twelve months (7 entries), 1 Elsie Adkins. 2 Noel Cutler. Under (two years (six entries), 1 Olive Eglesfield, 2 Violet J. Pettifer. Open: Under twelve months (ten entries) 1 Marjorie Knight, 2 Amy Ratcliffe. Under two years (five entries), 1 Thomas Amos, 2 Charles W Plumb.

PLAYING WITH MATCHES. CHILD’S SHOCKING DEATH at COSGROVE

A distressing fatality happened in Cosgrove on Tuesday, when a child, named [Frederick Albert] Brown, aged two years, was burnt in bed so severely that he died. The mother had left two little boys in bed, and the eldest, aged three, found a candle and matches, with which he managed to set the bed on fire. The mother is deaf, and consequently could not hear the child screaming. The little chap was left helpless in torment till some neighbours came on the scene. When the doctor was fetched the child was beyond human aid.

THE INQUEST. Mr T M Percival inquired into the circumstances of the sad affair at the Barley Mow on Thursday. Charlotte Brown, wife of Albert Brown, of Cosgrove, drayman, said that Tuesday she left her house go to the barn at about a quarter to seven in the morning. She was going to do some washing, and left her two children, William, aged three years, and the deceased, Frederick Albert, aged one year and seven months upstairs fast asleep. When witnesses left her husband was at work. A lodger was in the house reading the paper. He said he heard nothing of the children, and when he left everything was quiet. Witness went back to the house about 7.30 staying a few minutes and writing a note. She listened, but all was quiet, and she assumed the boys were still asleep, and she went back the barn. Later a Mrs. Key, who lived next door, said the children seemed quiet. Witness then told her she was going back. They got to the door she said, “They are screaming.” Witness rushed upstairs, and found the deceased in flames. She picked him up, took him into the yard, and put him into some water. The other boy followed downstairs. He was not burned at all. She added that the bedclothes were fire, and she threw them out of the window. There was a candle alight in the lodger's room where the children were. Continuing, she said William had that morning told witness that he struck the matches and lighted the candle. He told her how Fred stood, and that he got frightened and hid under the bed. Witness sent for the doctor at once, but her child died the same day. Dr. Powell said the child was terribly burnt all over the body and more particular on the front of the abdomen. The child was absolutely hopeless from a curative point of view. The cause of death was shock arising from extensive burns. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

COSGROVE RECTORY, NORTHAMPTON,
three miles from Wolverton, 1½ from
Castlethorpe, L. and N.W.R.
The Whole of the Superior HOUSEHOLD
FURNITURE
OLD CHINA, 2,000 VOLS BOOKS, PICTURES,
GLASSWARE, and OTHER EFFECTS.

Comprising light-oak dining-room suite in solid leather, mahogany secretaire, oak butler’s tray and stand, four oak drop-leaf tables, mahogany glazed book-case, oak coal vase, carved oak 8-day timepiece, drop-leaf mahogany table, carver oak hall table, mahogany table 11 x 5, barometer, two standard reading lamps, mahogany frame library chair in leather, walnut over mantle with bevelled plate glass, ebonised occasional chairs, carved Egyptian stand, 4-fold screen, gilt over-mantle, SIX CHIPPENDALE CHAIRS, tapestry, Brussels, Kidderminster and other carpets and hearthrugs; rep, plush, and lace curtains with brass mahogany, and bamboo poles; sundry wall plaques; box Ottoman couch, ladies’ easy wicker, and lounge chairs; 3-tier whatnot, ladies’ inlaid rosewood work box, ladies’ work table; four wall brackets, a number of engravings, prints, and oleographs; quantity Wedgwood, Dresden, and other china; fenders and irons, brass candlesticks, Singer treadle sewing machine, copper tea urn, kaleidoscope, BI-UNIAL LECTURER’S LANTERN AND 400 SLIDES, a Lawson’s saturator; about 2,000 vols BOOKS, including the “Encyclopaedia Britannica,” 35 volumes; sundry glassware, dinnerware, tea-ware, and sundry kitchen and culinary effects; also the contents of ten bedrooms, including mahogany 4-post, brass rail and iron bedsteads, spring and other mattresses, child’s cot; mahogany and other chests drawers; mahogany commode, mahogany dressing tables, mahogany washstands, mahogany swing glasses, towel airers, chamberware, stained wardrobe, 3ft. 6ins.; mahogany dressing case, mahogany and ebonized cane-seat and other chairs, military chest, stained cupboard; linen baskets, toilet sets, carpets, bed furniture, etc. etc.
Together with the under-mentioned OUTSIDE EFFECTS: Two lawn mowers, iron roller; seats, GENT’S BICYCLE, an ALDERNEY COW. Five LADDERS, SCAFFOLD POLES and ROPING, SAND SCREEN, MORTAR BOARDS, TILES, Etc.