Archived Extracts

the nottinghamshire FREE PRESS

a weeks news dated - February 9th 1934

DEVELOPING A PATENT.
Claim Against Huthwaite Residents.

  Claims for the sums of £18 1s 11d. and £7 3. 1d respectively, were brought at the Mansfield County Court on Friday against two well-known Huthwaite residents, Mr. C. H. Coupe, J.P., of the Orchards, and Mr Matthew Betts, of Sutton Road, Huthwaite. The plaintiff was Mr. Mark H. Nightingale Robotham, of Laythorpe Avenue, Skegness, caterer, assignee of Harry Harding of Thorneywood, Nottingham.
  Mr. G. H. Taylor (Messrs. R. P. Marchant and Co.), for the plaintiff, told his Honour that the claim arose out of monies provided to develop a patent, known as Holt's patent, a machine invented by a Mr. Holt, in connection with hosiery fabrics. It was agreed between the parties that Mr. Coupe's share should be 15 per cent., Mr. Betts 5 per cent., and plaintiff 15 per cent.- 15 per cent. of which was acquired by assignment from Harding. The claim arose owing to the payments of monies on behalf of the patent holders by Harding, at the request of the defendants, and the total paid was £140 17s. 7d.
  Mr. Paling (for the defendants): We say that we do not owe our proportion.

An Agreement

  Giving evidence, Robotham said he was associated with the defendants and others in the patent, and his interest was 20 per cent. There was an agreement, dated April 26th, 1933, by which the holders authorised the agent to proceed with the final application for the patent. Certain payments became necessary to develop the patent, and £140 17s. 1d. was paid by Harding.
  Answering Mr. Paling, witness said the expenditure was incurred in order to safeguard the payment of monies for the development of the British and also the foreign patent rights.
  Harry Harding, the assignee, explained that Holt ordered most of the goods required, as he possessed technical knowledge. He agreed that the Huthwaite Hosiery Manufacturing Co., Ltd., would ultimately benefit by the money put into the patent. Witness proffered originally to assist financially up to £125, and as that sum was being exceeded, he drew up the agreement mentioned.
  Mr. Paling: Was the development of the patent being done by the Huthwaite Manufacturing Co.? - No, by the patent holder - gentlemen who were directors of the company, but the company never owned any part of the patent.

"A Good Thing"

  You realised that if the patent went well the company would benefit, and it would be a good thing? - Oh, yes.
  Was part of your money a loan to the Company? - No; a loan to the patent holders.
  These people believed you were making a loan of £250? - I was making a financial effort, £125 of which was a loan.
  Haven't Mr. Coupe and Mr. Betts spent large sums on the patent? - They put their hands heavily into their pockets on behalf of the Company.
  Has Mr. Coupe paid over £800 and Mr. Betts £325? - Not for the patent.
  Did you make it plain that the agreement was intended to include what had been spent? - Yes.
  Witness further said he never had any interest in the Company, and was the only holder in the patent who was not a director of the Hosiery Manufacturing Co. He had now sold his holdings.
  Mr. Paling : Mr. Coupe and Mr. Betts say you made this loan to the Company and that the payments you made were on account of the loan. As they had put down hundreds of pounds, doesn't it seem almost paltry that they should be refusing to pay these amounts?
  Witness replied: This is not my action.
  Has the patent brought anything in yet? - We are hoping it will during the next three weeks.
  Mr. Paling : Was it not agreed that nobody was to be repaid until monies began to come from the patent? - When discussion started it was necessary to have a correct agreement for payment to be made, "as and when required."

"Greatest Faith in It"

  Is Mr. Betts an old friend of yours?
  He is, and I did not wish him in this position. I would rather have paid what was due from him than put him to the trouble of defending this action.
  Did you tell Mr. Betts yesterday that you would pay what was due from him? - Yes.
  Out of friendship for him? - Absolutely.
  Are you prepared to extend the same friendship to Mr. Coupe? - In the circumstances, no.
  Does it come to this: You invested money when you saw this was likely to give good result: that result was not forthcoming, and you wanted to get out? - I have always had the greatest faith in it.
  Replying to Mr. Taylor, witness said he was not loaning the money to the Huthwaite Hosiery Manufacturing Co. The Company did not come into the picture at all.
  Mr. C. H. Coupe, chairman of directors of the Huthwaite Hosiery Manufacturing Co., Ltd., spoke as to the arrangements for developing the patent. He said Harding bought 500 ordinary shares, and a few weeks later he said he was so pleased with the purchase that he had decided to pay the bills, if it was acceptable, and so far as the company was concerned witness consented.
  Mr. Paling : Did you ever understand from Mr. Harding that he was loaning money to individuals and not to the Co.?
  Witness : Always to the Company. He said the shares were worth £5.
  You have yourself spent a lot of money on this patent? - Directly and with the Company over £1,000.

Case Adjourned.

  Do you understand the money had to be repaid? - When we got some earnings.
  Witness went on to say they got a British patent guaranteed, and he discussed it in foreign countries, and £200 was found for the purpose, of which witness found £50.
  Did you look upon yourself as responsible to Harding for any part of the £140 he had spent? - No, he loaned it to the hosiery company.
  What do you say to the £125? - It was loaned to the Company. My refusal to pay the amount for which I am sued is because I regard it as part of the proffered loan by Harding to the Company. It was part of the agreement.
  His Honour : I suppose all these things are recorded in the Company's books?
  After the witness had been cross examined by Mr. Taylor, his Honour said it was clear that the agreement included expenses incurred both by Mr. Harding and Mr. Coupe, and if there were such expenses they should be brought in. He would adjourn the case for the full account to be brought.
  Mr. Taylor : May I ask that the books of the hosiery company be produced?
  His Honour : I did not understand that the evidence went so far as to suggest the loan was put in the books of the Company.
  Mr. Taylor : It was said this was a loan to the Company.
  His Honour : Well, let the books be brought.

PUBLIC NOTICES.

  THE SISTERS AND RELATIVES of the late Mr. Walter Kennell wish to thank Doctor Vance and all friends and neighbours for kindness shown him.

  WANTED - An intelligent Girl, aged 18-20, to assist in the X-ray Department. Duties to commence 1st March. Salary 25s. per week.- Apply by letter only, to the Secretary, Mansfield and District Hospital.

  MRS. JOHN SEVERN, Sutton Road, Huthwaite, also the Family, wish to thank relatives, friends, neighbours, Doctors Donald and Thomson, also the Staff of the Mansfield Hospital, for kindness and sympathy extended towards them during their sad bereavement: also for floral tributes.

TO BE LET. -Ten acres of valuable Accomodation Grass Lane at Strawberry Hall, Huthwaite, now in the occupation of Mr. V. Brown.- Crampton, Son and Clements, Chartered Surveyors, Mansfield.

Richmond Nursing Home
NEW HUCKNALL SURVEYOR'S SUCCESS.
MR. R. BAILEY'S ACHIEVEMENT.

  Congratulations will be extended to Mr. Robert Bailey, junr., of Common Road, Huthwaite, who has gained the mining Surveyor's diploma, following the official examination conducted by the Ministry of Mines. Robert Bailey The examination, which was held last November, consisted of a written test at Sheffield and practical work at a Wakefield Colliery.
  From the various examination centres in the Kingdom, there was a total of only 13 successful candidates, which makes the feat of passing a more meritorious one.
  Mr. Bailey, who is a Huthwaite native, has been for some time first assistant surveyor at the New Hucknall Colliery, where the whole of his professional career has been spent, and he had gained considerable experience at the four collieries controlled by the Company.
  He is a member of a family prominent during many years for their devotion to Parish Church interests. He has sung in the choir from boyhood, and has rendered valuable aid as assistant secretary to the Church Council and as an organist of Church carnivals and social events. He is also a member of the New Hucknall Office Staff cricket eleven and has always enjoyed a popularity and respect which will be enhanced by his recent distinction..

HUTHWAITE RESIDENT'S DEATH.
MR. JOHN SEVERN.

  By the death of Mr. John Severn, of Sutton Road, Huthwaite, on Friday, the district has lost an old and esteemed resident. The deceased was 76 years of age, and was a well-known estate agent and rent collector, in which he had been engaged for over 40 years. He had had a varied career in his younger days, having worked in a mine, held the position of a school attendance officer, and also served as a policemen, and many were the interesting stories he could relate of his early days. Mr. Severn had been unwell for some four years, and passed away in Mansfield Hospital. He was twice married, and leaves a widow and eight daughters.
  The funeral took place on Tuesday, a service being conducted at St. Mary's Church, Sutton, by the Rev. T. A. Rockley, who also officiated at the service in the churchyard, deceased being buried in the family grave where his first wife was interred.
  The mourners present were:- Mrs. Severn (widow), Mr. and Mrs. John Kitchen (son-in-law and daughter), Miss Hannah Severn, Mrs. Lily Oscroft and Miss Mary Severn (daughters), Mr. Sam Severn and Mr. William Severn (brothers), Mrs. Maltby (sister), Mr. and Mrs. E. Jones (brother-in-law and sister), Mr. and Mrs. Renshaw, Messrs. Glynn Price, T. Fisher, William Bostock, H. Heath, Bostock, J. Hardy and C. Dove.
  The bearers were Messrs. Clifford Fisher, Leonard Fisher, Charlton and Allen.
  Floral tributes were sent by the Widow; Edith, Annie and Mary; Mr. and Mrs. Kitchen; Mr. and Mrs. Oscroft and Desmond; Mr. and Mrs. Jones; Mr. S. Severn; Mrs. Maltby; Jean and Bill; Mr. and Mrs. Hardy; Mr. and Mrs. Hepworth and Aunt Kate; Mr. and Mrs. Dolphin; Mr. T. Fisher and Nellie; Mr. and Mrs. J. Fisher and family and Mr. H. Heath; Mr. and Mrs. Renshaw; Mr. C. Dove and family; and the Bearers.

HUTHWAITE.

  A dance held by Huthwaite United last week in the Drill Hall was well patronised, and about £4 was added to the treasury. The M.C.'s were Messrs. White and Wood.

  Winners of the H.U.W.O. whist drive on Monday were - Mrs. Nicholls; Mrs. Straw; Mr. Stain; Mr. Nunn. The hidden number prize was won by Mr. Hubble.

  Another of the series of whist drives held by the Peacock F.C. to build up their funds took place at headquarters on Thursday, when there was a very good attendance. Vouchers were won by Mr. R. Taylor and Mr. G. Reeves, jnr.

  A whist drive was held on Wednesday evening in the Common Road Schools, the organisers being the Parish Church sidesmen, and the object the Church funds. The winners were as follows:- Mr. J. Gascoigne; Mr. J. Newman; Mrs. Grierson; Mrs. G. Bostock, jnr.. The duties of M.C. were discharged by Mr. W. Rockley.

  The annual tea to the mothers and babies attending the Maternity and Child Welfare Centre was a conspicuous success, and was a record for numbers, the accommodation in the Sherwood Street Schools being severely taxed. The tea, an ample and substantial one, was the gift of the Huthwaite Health Visitor, Miss Adkin, and over 200 mothers and infants were present. The organising had been carried out by Miss Adkin, who, in the tasks of decorating the room, welcoming the guests and serving the tea, was assisted by Mrs. Brown (skegby and Stanton Hill Health Visitor), Nurse Dickens (Huthwaite) and Mesdames Ramsell, A. Fidler, Dyment, W. H. Allsop, Reddish, Bradley, valuable help also being rendered by the caretaker (Mrs. Herrod). Most of these ladies gave almost a whole day to various duties in order to ensure the comfort and contentment of both big and little visitors. Balloon and other toys for distribution among the children had been sent by the Cow and Gate Milk Co., and impromptu music on the piano was provided by Mrs. F. Shelton. A short visit was paid by Dr. Margaret Walker, a County ante-natal specialist, and she expressed complete appreciation of the work that was being done. Councillor Goodall, who usually attends the annual gathering, was this year prevented by disposition, and Councillor Lowe sent his usual donation towards the work of the Centre. The stay was a memorable one to the guest, who were all deeply grateful to Miss Adkin for the treat afforded them, as well as for the personal interest she takes in all babies. The work of the Centre has so developed that there is now an average attendance of about 50 at the weekly meetings.

HUTHWAITE PARISH CHURCH.
ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETING.

  The annual meeting of Huthwaite Parish Church Council was held in the Common Road Schools on Tuesday evening, the Rev. W. L. Boulton presiding. The following were present: Messrs. W. Lee, T. Goodall, T. Hill, A. Evans, H. Wilson, A. Gunby, senr., T. Clarke, A. Hill, R. Bailey, junr., L. Bailey, J. Turner, O. Forster, A. Gunby, junr., and W. Rockley (secretary), Mesdames J. Ensor, Shaw, Evans, Grierson, Gunby, Fitchett, Miss Lineker and Miss Pritchett.
  Messrs Lee and Goodall were re-elected Vicar's and people's wardens, there being no other nominations.
  A resolution was moved that the organist's salary be £15, and that he have the option of making an additional £10 instead of the whole £25 coming out of Church funds. This was easily defeated.

Balance Sheet.

  The balance sheet, which was regarded as satisfactory, disclosed an expenditure including a deficit of £177 from the previous year of £873. The chief items were £300 for the church roof, and over £50 for new cassocks. The Diocesan Quota was £31. Repairs in Church were £56, and in schools £20. Total income was £491, leaving an adverse balance of £303. Chief items were offertories of £143 10s.; bazaar, £147; Duke of Portland, £25; New Hucknall Colliery, £50. The normal balance sheet, apart from special expenses and donations, showed an outlay of £224 18s. 6d., and an income of £281 7s. 4d. The Vicar's Easter offertory was £5, and light, power, and water rate accounted for £10.
  The Chairman sincerely thanked all workers, and took a very optimistic view of Church progress.
  Messrs. C. Golding and W. Jones were added to the list of sidesmen, and the following resigned from the Council: Messrs. Forster and Turner, and Mesdames Gascoyne and Beard.
  The income included £1 10s. from Anne Mason's Charity in aid of the Church Schools. Mr. Rockley was re-appointed secretary, and Mr. R. Bailey was specially thanked for extra clerical work.

SUTTON HARRIERS.
No Luck in Junior Championship
FINISH IN ELEVENTH POSITION.

  The Midland Counties Junior Championship was held at Arbury Park, near Nuneaton on Saturday, when the Sutton club made yet one more attempt to win this race which has proved so elusive in the past. Once again they were unsuccessful, being able to finish no higher than eleventh of the thirty competing clubs. This result is all the more disappointing because of the club's fine record in this event for the past three years, which is:- 1931 at Sutton, third; 1932 at Cheltenham, second; 1933 at Cwmbran, fourth.

Blow to Club's Hopes.

  The news received on the morning of the race that Slaney and Froggatt would be unable to make the journey was a blow to the club's hopes, for it had been expected that these two runners would figure prominently in the race. It is also true that Sutton had the worst of the draw for the starting positions, as they drew an outside place and were shut out at the start, but the Birchfield team, who won, also had a bad draw, and their men were able to battle their way through the field to victory.
  These two handicaps, heavy as they were, cannot be regarded as sufficient excuses for what must be considered in the case of a club of Sutton Harriers' reputation, a very poor performance. The truth is that with the single exception of Peacock the Sutton runners were off form. ....

... The Sutton members, including Councillor H. S. Shacklock (President of the Club), Councillor H. C. Wright, C.C. and Mr. Mortimer Briggs (vice-presidents), Mr. T. Byron (secretary), Mr. C. Brown (trainer) and Mr. J. Farnsworth.
  To-morrow there will be an away fixture at Nottingham against Notts. A.C., a special 'bus leaving the Old Blue Bell Inn at 2.15 p.m.

Cycling Section.

  A company of twenty-eight cyclists had an enjoyable ride on Sunday. They left Sutton at 9.30 a.m. and dinner was taken at Bunny. In the afternoon they went on to Newark, where they halted for tea. Next Sunday a secret run will be held, commencing from the Market Place.

FOR PAYING PATIENTS.
MANSFIELD HOSPITAL ADDITION NEARLY COMPLETED.

  The new nursing home for paying patients at Mansfield Hospital is almost ready for occupation, and is to be brought into use shortly. It will satisfy a long felt want.
  The nursing home has been provided by the conversion of two private houses adjoining the hospital buildings in West Hill Drive. It will accommodate eight patients, and form a self-contained unit, with its own operating theatre. Special attention has been paid to the furnishing and decoration, to make the interior as bright and cheerful as possible. The rooms are airy, with shaded lamps and sunshine coloured walls.

COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
SUTTON CANDIDATES.

  At a meeting at the Conservative Club, Sutton, last night, in connection with the forthcoming County Council elections Mr. Hedley Wright, C.C., at present the representative of the Sutton West Ward, was again adopted as the Conservative nominee for this seat on the Council. For the East Ward, Mr. J. T. Hodgon was adopted as candidate.
  There are now candidates in the field for all three wards. Mr. Leopold Dodsley, the present representative of the North Ward, will, it is understood, again contest the seat, and Mrs. J. B. Stuart has been adopted as the Co-operative candidate for this Ward.


Written 09 Feb 1934 Revised 22 Apr 15 © by Gary Elliott