Devon farm wages for the year have been announced. Payment for hay and corn harvest and corn threshing are set at 1/6d per hour, with harvest overtime being paid at 1/7d. The minimum general wage has been increased from 37/6d to 42/-, with reductions according to age.
In a linked story, the Area Building Trade Board of the Ministry of Labour has set the scale of wages for mechanics in the building trade at 1/7d per hour, with labourers receiving 1/4d per hour.
The story of a bogus marriage was related to the Divorce Court, where the plaintiff was granted a decree nisi against her husband, who was a music hall acrobat. The couple met in 1908 when she was 17 years old and the defendant persuaded her to go to Bideford, where they went through a purported marriage. They lived together and a child was born, but then he deserted her. In 1910 she threatened to go to the magistrates, but he told her that there was no legal marriage between them. He joined the army in 1915 and legally married her in the October of that year, but deserted her again after a few weeks and has not been seen since. The names of both parties are given in the paper.
An impressive service in Clovelly Church marked the unveiling and dedication of the War Memorial, which is described as a repousse brass tablet mounted on polished black slate. The central portion is occupied by a beautiful device of St George and the dragon. Placed below the North East window of the church, it was unveiled by Mrs Hamlyn. Of the 17 names on the board, only 4 were brought home for burial. Others were laid to rest in France, Belgium, Palestine, an island in the Aegean Sea, Ireland, Wales and America, while others lie beneath the waters. Subscriptions were greater than the cost, so the balance has been shared between Bideford Hospital and the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society.
Does anyone know why one of the casualties was buried in America?
Heard Brothers of Bideford have been demonstrating their new bus, a 35 seater Straker-Squire covered vehicle, which is underslung and specially sprung. This makes it admirably suited for the indifferent roads of the district, and the wide wheels ensure comfort for the passengers whilst doing little damage to the roads.
At Northam Parochial Church Council annual meeting, 31 candidates contested 26 seats. Parishioners who could not vote in person at the meeting were able to obtain ballot papers beforehand and send them to the Presiding Officer by post.
Mr F W Allday lived on Lundy for 24 years, first as coastguard and then as Lloyds agent and postmaster. Once a week he would go down to the beach to fetch the mail bags, which were meant to be carried up the steep winding path on the back of a donkey. However, the donkey soon recognised the mail boat, and when he saw her approaching the anchorage he would seek pastures somewhere out of reach. Many times he could not be found until Mr Allday had struggled up the path with the mailbags on his shoulders, when the donkey would be found waiting for him at the top of the cliff!
Finally this month, page 6 of the April 6 paper has a long article giving hints and suggestions for the annual spring cleaning, which was usually undertaken when was is no longer necessary to have fires. So, if you want some tips, come and read the full article at the Archive, we look forward to welcoming you.