Northam Council workers have returned to work, following what looks to be a very generous pay rise. During the dispute the workers were represented and supported by Mr Young, Devonshire organiser of the General Workers Union. The Council’s Finance Committee have decided to hold a special meeting later this month to put in place steps to increase the Council’s revenue, presumably to cover the cost of the pay increases!

Tattersill’s Grocers in Bideford have a weekly advert showing two gentlemen in evening dress enjoying “delicious coffee, especially ground on the premises for each purchaser”. The first time the advert appears, the prices for an unspecified quantity are from 2/- to 2/8. One week later, the prices have risen and are now from 2/4 to 3/-.

The question of the Hartland Railway still rumbles on. It was discussed this month at a meeting of the Bideford Branch of the Devon Farmers’ Union, Mr J M Metherell presiding. He announced that Mr H R Bazeley, solicitor for the railway company would attend the next meeting to explain the current position. Bideford Chamber of Trade has been urging progress and it has been suggested that the Ministry of Agriculture should be approached for help, as the railway would be a great advantage to farmers living along the proposed route. The meeting was told that this is the biggest district of England which is not served by a railway, and that the subject has now been under discussion for at least twenty years without resolution.

Westward Ho!’s gas supply is in jeopardy. The previous stoker left his job some months ago to work in Braunton, but his mother and family are still living in the works cottage and are reportedly refusing to move, despite being offered assistance to find a new home. A new stoker cannot be appointed until accommodation can be provided, as no-one can be expected to do the night-stoking unless they can live nearby. Casual labour is being used at present but this is not satisfactory. The Manager, Mr Anderson Reed, has finally resorted to legal action and has just been granted a court order for possession within one month with costs. (The Gas Works were roughly where the tennis courts are today and were served by a siding from the main railway station.)

The ship “Renown”, belonging to Captain Thomas Hutchings of The Myrtles, Appledore, recently had to be abandoned in a sinking condition off the Hangman, being bound from Appledore to Bristol loaded with gravel. The crew – Captain John Yeo, skipper, James Sanders, mate, and Percy Pow, third hand - were all picked up by a passing steamer and landed safely at Ilfracombe. In the event, the Renown did not sink but was eventually towed into Cardiff.

In Abbotsham, Mr Awdry of Langdon is selling eggs for sitting; Black or White Wyandottes will cost 10/6 per dozen, while Khaki Duck eggs are priced at 8/6. Miss Turner of Coombe Farm advertises her annual sale of “excellent grass”.

At a meeting of Bideford and District Chamber of Trade, Mr Brain called attention to complaints made to tradesmen of the town by owners of private cars, who are being charged for permitting their cars to remain stationary in the High Street and on the Quay while they do their shopping. Traders wish to attract this class of customer and are concerned that these charges could drive them away.