Harrogate Herald - 5th September 1917

Dear Chaps,

In telling you about a difference over the title of the Kursaal last week I hope I did not give you the impression that the town was torn by the spirit of contention. I am glad to say that there is a fixed determination in the minds of your friends at home not to let anything disturb our harmony. Over that change of title the people, I think, have been content to leave the matter in the hands of the Corporation, feeling that they would do the right thing; but we have been disappointed. There have been letters in the paper from time to time mainly from visitors, but I do not remember more than one which approved of the present title. All the rest were strongly against. As I suggested to you last week, Alderman Houfe, the chairman of the Kursaal Committee, has exercised a good deal of influence and weight in this matter on the side of retaining the old name. I am pleased to be able to tell you that the other day I had a very friendly conversation with the Alderman over the telephone. He first explained to me that he did not refer to Lord Zetland by name, neither had he His Lordship in his mind. It was another nobleman visitor to whom he referred. I need hardly say that I hope I have sufficient gentlemanly instinct to accept Alderman Houfe's assurance.

We carried the subject a little further, and I found the Alderman held an opinion contrary to mine, viz. : He believed that the majority of people were in favour of retaining the name. He said he had letters and people to see him supporting his action. Well, of course, that is very natural. He was known to be an advocate f retaining the name, and those people who agreed would be the ones to communicate with him. On the other hand, I have had many communications and seen many people, residents and visitors, of the other way of thinking. Now it seems necessary in some way to test the feeling of the town. A town's meeting would not be pleasant at this time of the year, and the attendance would not be numerous enough to represent the town. In talking the matter over with Alderman Houfe, we came to the conclusion that the most satisfactory way would be by a referendum, though he was not clear as to the matter of the expense of the name. Of course a referendum would only give the opinion of the Harrogate ratepayers, whilst the sentiment of the visitors is a consideration, most certainly. I was glad to find that Alderman Houfe was ready to accept the general feeling of the ratepayers. You may depend upon it, boys, that we shall do everything possible to keep our good townspeople from being distressed or disunited by anything that can provoke discord. We can deal with this question in a friendly manner.

By the way, I have just this minute had to see Mr Fred Leyland, of 2 North Lodge Avenue, New Park, father of the late Pte J Harold Leyland, who died on the 20th December 1915, from the gas attack of December 19th, the day before. A soldier had told him that "The Petrograd March", dedicated to the Grand Duchess George, was very popular out at the Front. He is anxious to know who composed that march, as he suspects it was his son. If any of you musical chaps can ascertain, will you let me know, or, better still, write to Mr Leyland at the address I have given you.

The other evening I had a visit from another newly married couple : Sgt W Elsworth and his wife. Elsworth was only wed a week last Saturday to Miss Ethel Tanner, of London. I have written about Elsworth before, so you will know who I mean, especially when I tell you that early on he was out in the East, as a signaller I believe, and belongs to the Regular Army. Elsworth has seen Tom Shaw, son of Harry Shaw, of Albert Terrace; Sgt Drummer Proctor, of the Beechwood boys, and his own brother, Horace Elsworth, several times. I was pleased to see Elsworth again, likewise to meet his wife, and I hope that they will have a long and happy married life.

Driver G Mathers, RE, of New Park, came to see me just after I had finished my last letter to you. Mathers not long ago intended to write me for Arthur Ashby's address. Ashby, if you remember, drove for the Coal and Coke Co. Two days after he met the very man, so had no occasion to write. You will remember that Jack Smith (Mather's step-brother or half-brother, I forget which), was killed at Vimy Ridge. Mathers has been out 2 1/2 years and this was his second leave, the first being 17 months ago. He has come through thus far wonderfully well - neither being wounded or ill. No Harrogate chaps with him, but he had seen Charlie Buck, of Electric Avenue, New Park.

I think it was Thursday morning that Pte P J Cullingworth, of Follifoot, and of the 19th Labour Co., who was home on leave, called. Before he went out Cullingworth had an accident to his thumb, and this prevented him from joining the general service. This thumb has troubled him a good deal, and his leave is to be extended in order that he may have a part of it amputated. Cullingworth is the son of Mr & Mrs Mark Cullingworth, of Follifoot. His father will be well-know to many of you lads. Apart from his thumb my visitor looked well and he was all right. There are five of the Cullingworth family serving : First, George Cullingworth, the cricketer, who is a bombardier in the RGA; second, William Cullingworth in the RE's; third, Clarence Cullingworth in the West Yorks lot; fourth, P J Cullingworth, my caller; and Charles Wilson, a brother-in-law from Nova Scotia. Wilson was shot in both legs whilst in the trenches, and came to England. He has remained here a year instructing Canadian troops. No Harrogate boys are with Cullingworth and only one Knaresborough chap, whose name he forgot. Cullingworth's battalion, he tells me, is always called to the scene of the most important offences. His work has been railway and road making, etc. There are casualties even in labour battalions. He estimates about 30 killed and 100 wounded in his lot. They are often badly shelled. I was interested to hear from him that the Canadians were very smart in laying rails. They could do a mile a day. Our English labour battalions are also very smart. In one particular case, where the land was very awkward, Cullingworth's lot managed to do four miles in eleven days.

The Rev Leonard Pearson, son of the Vicar of Spofforth, was in that hospital bombarded by German airmen, when so many were killed, including the Leeds nurse. In fact, the nurse died in the reverend gentleman's arms.

The Rev W Whincup, Vicar of Windhill, who has been two years out at the Front, is coming home to release his curate so that he may go out to the war. The reverend gentleman married Miss Johnstone, of Spofforth, a daughter of Dr Johnstone, also of Spofforth. Mr Whincup is the son of a leading townsman of Knaresborough of years ago; the late Mr William Whincup.

I have had a letter from the sister of Driver Ingham, of the Royal Engineers, saying that her brother, who had been out in France since December, 1915, was killed on the 17th August. She does not mention his name, and so I cannot give you his initials, but you no doubt will be able to identify him when I tell you that his address is 24 Wharfedale Avenue, Harlow Hill. His Captain has written an extremely nice, sympathetic letter to the father, which you will find in the "Herald" today. The officer voices the sympathy which I am sure that you and I feel deeply. A photograph of the dead hero accompanied the letter, and you will see in the "Herald" of Wednesday what a splendid British example he was.

Up to Friday night we had become greatly concerned about the amount of rain which bid fair to spoil the crops we so much need. I am glad to say that on Friday morning there was a most beautiful change. Bright sunshine, rather warm, with just that breeze to dry the corn. We were all very much elated by the change, and hope it will continue so that September may be a favourable month for harvest. Saturday was wet, but we are still hoping. Monday and Tuesday beautiful.

I have received a manifesto signed by a number of influential Unionists announcing the intention of forming a National Parliamentary Party. The documents contain some severe criticism of the old party system. Well, boys, I do not mind admitting to you that during the war, whilst party politics have been tabooed I have derived considerable satisfaction from the union of so many people in a really national cause. I have often felt the hollowness and futility of party politics. One side opposes the propositions of the other, often regardless of the real interests of the country. Whilst many men are sincere, the system is calculated to promote insincerity. The game of beating your neighbour, merely for the sake of beating him, does not carry us far. With this feeling in my mind I am in no mood to scout the idea of the promoters of this National Party. I think, however, if the promoters had waited until after the war they would eventually have found that there was such a disarrangement of former opposing parties as to create a new situation. Supposing one party got the upper hand and was unreasonable, then reasonable men would have to combine to preserve an equitable adjustment. I will go no further except to say that I believe thoroughly you boys, when you return, will preserve your national sentiments and be a powerful force in steadying public opinion. What a blessing it would be if we could get rid of party politics in all our Town Councils and local bodies! Under party politics our Governments have muddled through at huge expense of human life and treasure. We have now had a taste of aptitude and real business spirit, and I don't think the Empire will be able to get along in the future without it. So we will keep hoping.

On Thursday a message came from the War Office assuming the death of Harry Holmes, who has been missing so long. You will remember that he is the son of Harry Holmes, joiner and builder, who has been long principal alto at St Peter's Church. You see, even yet, there is nothing definite. It is only an assumption after the lapse of time. I for one am still preserving faith.

Speaking of Corporal Holmes reminded me that he was always a good sportsman, and played the game just as he has played it in his last great event. He and Private Harold Carr, who, by the way, has twice been wounded, but now, I am glad to say, all right so far, were very close friends previous to the war, and they have boxed together many a time in Harry Holmes senior's workshop. They little though at the time how soon they would have to take the gloves off to the Huns. Speaking of Carr reminds me that he has two brothers in the War. You will remember they are the sons of Fred Carr, the Editor of the Advertiser. It shows you how readily our British lads turn their hands and strength to the needs of the moment when I tell you about one of the Carr lads. His bent has always been music. He was organist of Kirkby Overblow Church when he enlisted. There was nothing warlike in his appearance or face, and yet he joined up, and, strange to say, contrary to my expectations, has adapted himself so readily to the Army that he is actually enjoying his experience. You will have noticed whilst you have been out there how often the quietest men with neither bounce, braggadocio, nor even assertiveness, turn out the best fighting soldiers. I am old enough to have found it out in wars that are now but history or memory.

I had a message on Thursday from the widow of a soldier who has recently fallen and who leaves a wife and five children. I am sorry to say the wife is ill and in need of some extra comforts. When the good woman came to me to tell me her husband had fallen I asked her to let me know from time to time how she was going on, and impressed on her my desire that she should let me know if she was in any difficulty. True to her promise I received a message and was able to do something to help her, through the kindness of my many generous friends. I am not telling you the name, because in similar cases I have found that unkind remarks have been made, and so I decided I would not disclose in these cases. You would be prouder than ever of Harrogate if you knew the willingness of generous residents to take their share in looking after the wives and families of the fallen. You know that pensions are not always sufficient in these expensive times, especially in face of illness. There are moments when financial matters press inconveniently, but you may rest assured that everything will be done at these times which is necessary.

I told you what an uncomfortable time I had during the renovation of my office, notwithstanding the fact that the workmen did everything possible to make things easy for me. Now I am back in my old den feeling like a wanderer who has reached home.

On Thursday the wounded soldiers of Harrogate had sports in the cricket field. I was not able to go, but I hope they had a good time and that there will be a fine sum to devote to the Wounded Soldiers' Entertainment and Tobacco Fund. I may perhaps be able to give you the results later.

Next Saturday is Lifeboat Day. I am afraid the general public do not realise how much extra work this great institution has had during the war, but its claims are so well-known I know there will be a good response. On September 15th, the flag day is for the Stricken Americans' Red Cross and Refugees' Fund; on September 22nd, the Church Army recreation huts and tents; September 29th, Dr Barnardo's Home. With that closes the long list of flag days. Harrogate has done splendidly, notwithstanding the numerous weekly claims. I hope and believe that the same enthusiasm will continue to the end of the flag days. The Mayoress has worked exceedingly hard over these, and so has the lady Secretary, Mrs Thompson. Just store their names in the corner of your mind or memory devoted to gratitude. And while you are about it just place the Mayor there too. I am sure no one has worked harder or been more liberal than our excellent Mayor. He has given up his time and money without stint, and has been most ably seconded by the lady Mayoress, his sister.

The many winds we have had have brought done lots of apples from the trees to such an extent that there has been a perfect glut at Covent Garden market, and they have gone cheap. I only hope that it will not make them dearer this winter. The rain has effected the potatoes to some extent, but the crops are large and so perhaps we have a margin to spare. We have to keep our eyes closely on everything to eat because even after the war it will take some time to recover from the world-wide shortage. We are not worrying, however, but are being extremely careful instead.

I am grateful to Captain J J G Greenwood for giving us the opportunity of sending his battalion socks, of which they stand just now in great need. Likewise for letting me know that the boys wanted two footballs. The latter have been sent and a first installment of socks. You will be interested to know that when Captain Greenwood returned from leave he went over in the same boat as Major A L P Griffith, DSO, who has since been wounded, and was a member of the old Harrogate Rugby Club, whilst Captain Greenwood belonged to the Old Boys FC. They would thus be able to review their old football days.

To Private E Eastwood : I have complied with you request and arranged to send the Herald to your comrade, Lance Corporal Newton.

W H Breare