The sermon delivered by Reverend S. W. Ruscoe after the Armistice.
Images from WW1 nurse Dora Livermore’s scrapbook.
Pages from Dorking High School Magazine 1918
Transcribed Minutes from the Urban District Council 1918
7th January 1918
Seed Potato Supply
In consequence of representations made to the Committee as to the desirability of obtaining “King Edward VII” seed potatoes in lieu of “Up to Date” as originally intended the [General Purposes] Committee have as a matter of urgency varied their order to the Surrey War Agricultural Committee tot hat extent and the Council’s approval is asked for.
It is proposed that all necessary notices should now be issued inviting applications for seed from Local Allotment Holders, Cottage Gardeners and Small Growers.
Vote of Condolence
A letter was read from Lord Ashcombe thanking the Council for its expression of sympathy with him and his family in their recent bereavement.
Mr Rutherford Councillor
A letter was read from Mr C R Rutherford stating that he was joining the Army and offering to resign his seat if the Council through it desirable.
Resolved that the consideration of the matter remain in abeyance for the next three months.
Committee on War Damage
A circular letter from this Committee was produced and was referred to General Purposes for consideration and report.
Flag Day
A letter was read from Captain Saut stating in reply to the Council’s application that he could not consult the council before granting permission for a local Flag day. Resolved that in the circumstances in future Captain Saut be informed of Flag days proposed by the local Flag Day Committee and that he be asked to hold his hand before granting other applications.
Food Supply Committee
Mr Harding as Chairman of the Local Food Control Committee made his monthly statement as to the work of this Committee.
4th February 1918
War Office Tools
I report that the War Office recently desired to know if the quantities of tools originally delivered were still in store. I counted them in the presence of Mr Rapley Rural District Council Surveyor and found there were some missing. Mr Down Clerk to the Rural District Council would be glad if a store could be found for them only. I suggest that the old stable adjoining the Food Control Offices might be used. [Part of the Surveyor’s report to the Roads Committee.]
Potato Spraying
A circular letter from the Food Production Department hereon was produced.
Local Food Committee
Mr Harding the Chairman of this Committee presented his monthly report. The proposal that the Surveyor should be allowed to act on the local Meat Allotment Committee was approved. Resolved that Mr S West’s name be added to the Food Control Committee forthwith. Mr Harding also gave notice that he should propose at the next Meeting that two additional Members be added to the Local Food Control Committee.
Local Coal Control Committee
This Committee reported as follows:-
This Committee met on the 28th of January and had before them returns made since their last Meeting. Emergency Coal has been received and allocated amongst the several coal merchants. Accounts for same have been received and paid.
The Committee desire to impress upon the public generally the importance of economising the use of coal by substituting therefor as far as possible coke, locally produced. The Dorking Gas Co have been approached with the view to cooperation by distribution of surplus supplies direct to consumers on the most favourable terms. The Committee themselves do not feel they can undertake to purchase and distribute coke as they have no labour or organisation competent to carry out the considerable departmental work which this would involve.
The remuneration of the Clerk to the Committee has been fixed at the rate of 1/- per ton on the quantity of Emergency Coal assigned to this Committee and dealt with by the. The Council is asked to meet this payment from time to time.
4th March 1918
Air Raid Shelter
The [General Purposes] Committee whilst not anticipating air raids in this District have as a precautionary measure made some enquiries as to the possibility of providing a satisfactory shelter in case of emergency and the Council is recommended to approach the Swan Brewery Company with the view of obtaining their permission to utilise if necessary the large caves at the “Old Rock Brewery” in High Street for the purpose and if such consent is obtained to apply to the Local Government Board for sanction to expend a sum not exceeding £10 in connection therewith.
Seed Potatoes
Six and a half tons of seed potatoes have been ordered from the Council by Allotment Holders etc. The ton and half that will remain on the Council’s hands it is proposed to plant at the Outfall Works.
Allotments
A letter was read from the Allotment Holders Association asking the Council to assist them in obtaining land at the Poultry Farm for purposes of Allotments and if necessary to put in force compulsory powers. The [General Purposes] Committee have requested the Clerk to see the Owner’s Agents with the view of making some amicable arrangement at an early date.
Paragraph (g) Allotments
The Clerk reported the result of his interview with the Agents of the Owners. A letter was read from the Dorking Allotment Holders Association asking the Council to exercise compulsory powers for acquiring the land. A letter was also read from the Dorking Adult School supporting this suggestion. Resolved that the Clerk endeavour to negotiate further with the Tenants and Owners and failing a satisfactory arrangement being speedily arrived at that application be made to the War Agricultural Committee to make an Order to enable the Council to take over the land for Allotments.
Local Food Control Committee
The [Finance] Committee have had before them a statement shewing the expenditure incurred by the Local Food Control Committee up to the 31st of December last and it appearing that the Council must advance the money necessary for past and current expenditure it is recommended that a further cheque for £100 shall be paid to the Executive Officer subject to his first giving a Guarantee Society’s Bond in accordance with Council’s previous request.
J Smart (Roadman)
A letter has been received from this man stating that he has now been discharged from the Army and asking to be allowed to draw on the Post Office Savings Bank account now in his wife’s name and held by the Council. The Committee have left the matter in the Surveyor’s hands to deal with subject to his Discharge Papers being in order. The man in this event will be informed that his position is open for him and that the allowance hitherto made by the Council will cease.
Market Days
A letter was read from the Dorking and District Butcher’s Association asking the Council as an Emergency measure to sanction the holding of a Stock Market every Monday at 1.30 so as to meet the existing difficulties of providing for the needs of the District. Resolved that the Council assent t this proposal.
Surplus Food Supplies
A letter was read from the Dorking and District Butcher’s Association enclosing a copy of a resolution addressed to Lord Rhonda in favour of the amendment of the Food Order so as to enable Butchers to dispose of edible offals and bones without coupons in order to prevent wastage. Resolved that the Council support this resolution.
Food Control Committee
A letter was read from the Divisional Food Commissioner urging the claims to representation on the Local Committee of Representatives of Labour Bodies or Cooperative Societies. The consideration of this letter was deferred pending sanction being obtained to the Committee being increased from twelve to fifteen. A letter from the Dorking and District Labour and Trades Council on the same subject was also read and consideration deferred.
The chairman of the Local Committee made his monthly report. On the recommendation of the Local Food Committee it was resolved that Mr Urquhart and Mr Gale be added to the present number thereby increasing the membership to twelve in all.
8th April 1918
Vote of Condolence
The Clerk was directed to convey to Lord and Lady Ashcombe an expression of sympathy and condolence with them in the loss they have sustained by the recent death from wounds of their son Lt. The Hon. Hugh Cubitt.
Cultivation of Lands Order 1918. Rivers Wey and Mole
Circular letters have been received from the Surrey Agricultural Executive Committee with respect to the above Order more especially with regard to the question of drainage in the Valleys of the rivers Wey and Mole and inviting Members to attend a Conference on the subject. The [General Purposes] Committee are of opinion that until the matter develops further there is no call for action on the part of this Council.
Allotments
The Clerk reported that all steps necessary for the acquisition of the Poultry Farm site for the purpose of Allotments had been taken and that a tenancy agreement had been signed between the Dorking Allotment Holders Association and Mr Butler.
National Salvage Council
A circular letter has been received from the Local Government Board drawing attention to the importance of preventing waste and of utilising waste material and pointing out that the National Salvage Council desires to obtain the cooperation of all Local Authorities to this end.
Local Food Control Committee
From correspondence recently received from the Ministry of Food it appears that that Department proposes in future to require the Local Committee to furnish the Ministry with a quarterly statement of Expenditure with a view to reimbursement by the Food Controller. A cheque for the first quarter’s outlay (£97.11.10) has been forwarded to the Local Committee. The Council have already advanced £150 to meet past and current expenditure and it is now recommended that the Local Food Committee be asked to reimburse £100 of this sum at the earliest opportunity.
Food Control Committee
Letters were read from the Ministry of Food and the Divisional Food Commissioner with regard to this Council’s application to be allowed to appoint three additional Members on the above Committee if thought desirable and pointing out that the present twelve members already includes three Labour Representatives and three women. In these circumstances the Divisional Food Commissioner desired to be informed whether it is intended to invite further nominations and if so from what bodies. No further action recommended.
The National Kitchens Order 1918
A circular letter was read from the Local Government Board enclosing Rules and Order hereon and forms with respect to the establishment of National Kitchens. The Clerk was instructed to submit the same to the Food Control Committee.
Ministry of Reconstruction
A letter was read from the Clerk to the Epsom Board or Guardians drawing attention to the proposed Reconstruction scheme and asking the Council the support resolutions of protest against such proposals. Referred to General Purposes Committee for consideration and report.
War Charities Act 1916
An application from the Local branch of the “Comrades of the Great War” for registration under the above Act was produced. The consideration thereof was deferred pending further enquiries by the Clerk.
29th April 1918
The late Lt. The Hon. Hugh Cubitt
A letter was read from Lord Ashcombe thanking the Council for its kind expression of sympathy with Lady Ashcombe and himself in their recent loss.
Local Food Control Committee and the Local Coal Committee
Mr Harding made a statement upon the work transacted by these Committees since the last reports were presented.
National Salvage
A circular letter hereon was read from the National Salvage Council. Referred to the General Purposes Committee.
Small Holdings and Allotments
A circular letter from the Board of Agriculture enclosing Statutory Rules and Orders hereon (No. 364) was laid before the Council. Referred to the General Purposes Committee.
War Charities Act 1916
A circular letter from the Secretary to the Charity Commissioners was read enclosing amended Regulations.
On the application of the Officers of the Dorking Post of the “Comrades of the Great War” it was resolved that the local Branch be registered under the above Act.
Lance Corporal C S Robertson VC
Resolved that a Committee consisting of Messrs Harding, West and the Chairman be appointed to consider and report as to the best means of organising a public testimonial to the above names.
Potato Spraying
Resolved that the Council offer the same facilities as last year to those desiring to use the Council’s sprayer this season.
27th May 1918
Part Time Labour
A circular letter was read from the Secretary of Labour for the Surrey area suggesting the formation of Local Committees to organise the employment of part time labour for work of National importance and asking the Council to nominate a representative Member. The consideration of the matter has been deferred until the next meeting.
Small Holdings and Allotments
(a) A circular letter has been received from the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries enclosing Statutory Rules and Orders (no 364). There is no call for further allotments etc at the present time. The new instructions will therefore be filed for further guidance when necessary.
(b) The circular letter from the Supervising Secretary of the Surrey Horticultural Sub Committee has been considered but this [General Purposes] Committee do not recommend the Council to take any action to convene a Meeting with a view to the formation of a District committee for Cooperation etc in connection with Local Food Production as it is felt that the ground is already covered by the work of the Local Committees or Associations already in existence and who are doing good work.
Ministry of Reconstruction
The Committee have considered the letter received from the Epsom Union asking the Council to protest against the proposals contained in the report of the Local Government Committee of the Ministry of Reconstruction that Boards of Guardians and Poor Law Authorities should be abolished and their functions merged in those of the County Council etc. The [General purposes] Committee have not sufficient evidence before them to justify them in making a definite recommendation they therefore suggest no action being taken.
Air Raid Shelters
Assent has been obtained from the leaseholders of the Old Rock Brewery Caves in High Street to the Council doing what is necessary to fit same for an air raid shelter and the Local Government Board also have authorised an Expenditure not exceeding £10, the Surveyor has been instructed to put the work in hand.
Seed Potatoes
The Surveyor reported that the total quantity of seed potatoes sold was 6 tons 16 cwt, the amount realised being £74.16.0 and there remained 1 ton 4 cwts which were being planted at the Outfall Works.
Lance Corporal C S Robertson VC
On the report of the Chairman of the Sub Committee appointed to consider the best means of organising a public testimonial it was resolved that such Sub Committee be empowered to add to their members representatives from Associations or Societies with which Corporal Robertson was formerly connected with the view to proceeding further in the matter.
Local coal and Food Committees
Mr Harding gave brief reports of the proceedings of these Committees during the past month.
Local War Agricultural Committee
Permission was granted for the free use of the Council Chamber by this Committee for their Meetings.
United Religious Service in connection with the War
It was resolved that the Chairman put himself in touch with the Religious Bodies in the Town with the view to a United religious service being organised at an early date.
24th June 1918
Food Production
Up to the 15th instant upwards of 10,000 vegetable plants have been disposed of to Allotment Holders and others.
Assistant Superintendent Botting [of the Fire Brigade]
The Council is recommended to appeal to the Local Tribunal for this man’s exemption from Military Service.
War Bonuses
A letter has been received from the Institution of Municipal Engineers drawing attention to the scale of grants which have been made to Civil Servants by the Lord Commissioners of His Majesty’s Treasury be way of War Bonuses.
[The Finance Committee go on to consider various recent salary increases in light of these bonuses.]
Labour Representatives on the Council
A letter was read from the Local Government Board enclosing a copy of a communication from the Dorking and District Labour and Trades Council urging the claims of Labour to a larger representation on the Council and asking for the observations of this Council thereon. Resolved that the General Purposes Committee consider and report thereon.
Naval and Military War Pensions Committee
A letter was read from the Secretary to the Local War Pensions Committee stating that Mr H L Moore the Council’s Representative Member had resigned from the Committee and asking the Council to appoint another Member in this place. Resolved that Mr Attlee be appointed to fill the vacancy.
National Kitchens Act 1918
A letter was read from the Director of National Kitchens under the Ministry of Food pointing out that HM Treasury is now prepared to grant loans free of interest for a period of 10 years for the purposed of the above order.
Dorking War Savings Committee
A letter was read from Mrs Carlisle drawing attention to the proposal of this Committee to hold a “War Weapons Week” and asking if the Council would convene a Public Meeting in conjunction with the Committee to further the objects in view. The Clerk was instructed to reply that the movement had the Council’s sympathy but that they cannot undertake to organise any Meetings.
Association of “Win the War Centres”
A circular letter was read from Viscomtess Rhondda the Chairman of the above Association asking the Chairman of this Council in his Official capacity to form a local Committee in support of the Association’s objects. The Clerk was instructed to reply that the Council regret that they cannot support the formation of further Committees as they are of opinion that the objects advocated are already being effectively dealt with in this District.
11th July 1918
Household Fuel and Lighting Order
The report of the Local Coal Committee hereon was received as follows:-
The Household Fuel & Lighting Order 1918
The Clerk produced a copy of this Order the general provisions of which were duly considered, they find that it will be necessary for a new Committee to be constituted by the Council the consist of four Representative Members appointed by Coal Merchants and the Gas and Electric Lighting Undertakings and not less than five independent members with a Chairman elected by the Council. Also the small Districts should combine to five affect to the order.
The Committee have hitherto been in favour of such a combination with the Dorking Rural District council but after careful consideration (and after discussing the matter with the Chairman of that Council) feel that it is most important that Mr Gettings should act as the Local Fuel Overseer and that it would be impracticable for him to devote sufficient time necessary for a larger area than the Urban District. Further the financial difficulties also offer an impediment to the suggested combination. They regret therefore that they cannot now see their way to recommend the amalgamation of the two districts.
The question of the appointment of a competent Inspector to assist the Fuel Overseer it is suggested should be left in the and of the new Committee.
[There follows financial report, Coal Supply report and a motion to elect the council’s surveyor (Mr Gettings) to be Local Fuel Overseer. The new Local Fuel and Lighting Committee is set up: 6 councillors + a supervisor and another member to be elected by local coal merchants + two by the Gas & Electric companies.]
22nd July 1918
Election of Councillors by Co-option
The letter of the Local Government Board enclosing one from the Dorking and District Labour and Trades Council hereon had been considered by the [General Purposes] Committee who recommend that a reply be sent to the Board in the following terms:-
48323.C.
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 30th of May enclosing a copy of a letter received from Dorking and District Labour and Trades Council respecting the Co-option of Labour Representatives on the Dorking Urban District Council, I am to state that so far as my Council is aware the Ratepayers of their District have never had any Candidate before them representing any specified Class or political or other recognised organisation but have always elected Councillors on individual grounds. This principle the Council have endeavoured to carry out when co-opting Members during the period that election by Ratepayers has been suspended and they desire to pint out that the Member who apparently is claimed by the Dorking ad District Labour Council as a “Labour Representative” was distinctly elected in an individual capacity and not as the Representative of any Society or Organisation.
It is recognised that all classes of the Community are entitled to representation but until the Ratepayers have had an opportunity of voting upon the subject it is felt that the course hitherto adopted by the Council should continue to be upheld.
Food Control Committee Expenses
An application has been received from this Committee for a further advance to meet current expenses. The Council is therefore recommended to make another advance of £150 to such Committee which with the existing debit will make a total of £300 to be accounted for.
Local Fuel Overseer
The Local Fuel and Lighting Committee having recommended the Council the review the resolution passed at the recent Special Meeting as to the salary of this Officer. Resolved on the motion of Mr Harding seconded by Mr Cole that the report of the Fuel Committee be received as follows:-
Local Coal Overseer
The Urban District Council’s representatives on the Fuel and Lighting Committee recommend the Council the reconsider its recent decision as to the provisional Salary allowance of £50 per annum to be paid to Mr Gettings and in lieu thereof suggest that his remuneration be fixed at the maximum amount payable by the Coal Controller under the scale of grants set out on page 94 of the Household Fuel and Lighting Order 1918 with such an addition as may be fixed by the Urban Council as necessary to secure such maximum grant.
It was further resolved that Mr Getting’s salary be now fixed at the rate of £80 per annum on the distinct understanding that this payment will entitle the Council to receive a refund from the Board of Trade to the extent of £70 per annum.
Local Authorities (Fuel & Lighting) Order 1918
A circular letter was read from the Local government Board enclosing copies of this order.
Local Food Control Committees
A letter was read from the Ministry of food notifying that the tern of office of persons appointed on the above Committee would be extended to the 9th of November next.
Mr W P Philpott Manager of Dorking Electricity Supply
A letter was read from Edmundsons Electricity Corporation Ltd asking the Council to support their application to the Director of National Service with the view to Mr Philpott being granted exemption from Military Service. Resolved that this Council express the opinion that the retention of Mr Philpott in his present occupation is of National Importance and urge the Director of National Service to favourably consider Messrs Edmundsons’ application.
G Buckland
It was resolved that in the event of this man being required for Military Service that steps be taken to apply for his exemption to the Local Tribunal.
Town Memorial for Fallen
Resolved that this matter be considered at the next Meeting of the Council.
19th August 1918
War Memorial to the Fallen
The Council recommend as follows:-
(a) It is desirable that there shall be a Memorial in Dorking in honour of the Fallen.
(b) It is desirable that the wishes of the Inhabitants should be ascertained by holding a Public Meeting at the Public Hall at an early date.
16th September 1918
The King’s Fund for Widows and Dependents of the Fallen
A circular letter from Mr J Hodge MP with respect to the formation of local organisations in connection with the above was read and referred to the General Purposes Committee for consideration and report.
Local Food Committee
A letter was read from the Dorking and District Labour and Trades Council supporting the nomination of Mr E C Foot as a Member of this Committee in the place of Mr Guy who will not seek re-election.
[There’s a list of headings including ‘Employment of Disabled Soldiers’ but nothing discussed on the topic.]
National Kitchens and Coal Economy
A circular letter hereon was read from the Ministry of Food and referred to the Local Food Committee.
14th October 1918
The King’s Fund for the Disabled
A circular letter from the Minister of Pensions addressed to the Chairman of the Council suggesting the formation of a Local Committee to receive contributions to a Voluntary Fund for the disabled was considered and the [General Purposes] Committee feel that it is not a matter with which the Council can deal but it is rather one for private organisation.
Food Production
A circular letter has been received from the Board of Agriculture asking if the Council could assist Farmers by releasing any skilled Engine Drivers in their employ for work with threshing engines. The Clerk has been instructed to reply that the Council have no such men available.
Local Food Control committee
A circular letter Memorandum and Order from the Ministry of Food were laid before the Council with respect to the constitution of the new Committees whose duties take effect from the 18th of November next until which date the existing Committees continue in office.
[list of members of new committee follows]
Town Memorial to the Fallen
A letter was read from Mr Wilson as Chairman of the recent Public Meeting held to consider the above matter asking the Council to nominate two Members and the Chairman of the Council for the time being to serve on the Local Committee now being formed. Resolved that the Chairman for the time being and Messrs Harding and West be appointed to act.
National Registration Acts 1915 and 1918
A circular letter was produced from the Local Government Board as to the expenses incurred in maintaining the National Register for the past year. Resolved that the necessary statement be sent in by the Clerk and that the payment of the amount recoverable from the Local Government board be paid to him.
Dr J Williamson. Medical Officer of Health
A letter was read from the Clerk to the Epsom Rural District Council stating that the question of payment of a War Bonus to this Officer for the Joint District for which he acts had been considered and asking this Council to agree to the payment to him of a War bonus at the rate of £150 per annum half of which would be repayable from the Imperial Grants and the proportion of the balance viz £6.1.0 would be payable by this Council Resolved that the matter stand over pending further information.
Defence of the Realm. Cultivation of Lands (Allotments) Order 1918
A circular letter was produced from the Board of Agriculture enclosing Statutory Rules and Orders 1918 No 1060 for this information of his Council. Referred to General Purposes Committee.
11th November 1918
Armistice
It was resolved that this Council send a telegram to Mr Lloyd George conveying to him and to the Government the congratulations of the Town on the success attained in obtaining a satisfactory armistice.
Council’s Employees in Army or Navy
The Council is recommended to authorise application being made for the release of any of the Council’s Employees now in the Army or Navy.
Food Control Committee
A notice was read from the Assistant Director of Finance (Ministry of Food) stating that a payment of £116.16.6 had been made to the local Food Control Committee in respect of the period to 29th of June last.
Local Authorities (Food Control) orders (No2) 1917 Amendment Order 1918
Local Authorities (Fuel Wood) Order 1918
Copies of these Orders were laid before the Council from the Local Government Board.
Expenses of Local War Savings Committee
Letters were read from Mrs Carlisle the local Hon Secretary to the above Committee asking for a grant in aid of the working expenses and pointing out that the National Committee had made a preliminary grant of £5 only and were not prepared to give further financial support except in respect of “Special Weeks”. Before considering the matter the Clerk was instructed to ask for the last balance sheet and to obtain such further information as possible.
9th December 1918
Dorking Food Control Committee
A notice was read from the Ministry of Food intimating that £116.16.6 had been paid to the Executive Officer of the Committee in respect of the period to the 29th of June last.
Defence of the Realm Act. Damaged Foodstuffs Order 1918
Copies of this Order dated the 1st of November 1918 were laid before the Council.
Declaration of Peace
It was proposed by Mr Attlee seconded by Mr Shearburn that the Chairman of the Council be asked to convene a Public Meeting with the view to carrying out arrangements for fittingly celebrating the Declaration of Peace. An Amendment was moved by Mr Tebbs seconded by Mr West that the Council form itself into a preliminary Committee in the first instance and consider and submit a scheme and details to a Public Meeting. On being put the same was carried nem. dis. and also as the substantive motion.
