25th July 1918 - Caught stealing pears

Rolling casualty count: 10263

War Front:

2nd Batt: Batt relieved by 2nd Batt Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders and moved into Divisional reserve in Green and Yellow Lines.

9th Batt: The rest of the Batt enbussed on lorries which were 3 ton Packards.

14th Batt: Batt marched to Raincheval.

Home Front:

Stealing Pears: Ernest Price (13), Ronald Clarke (13), Cyril Meeke (12), and Frederick Meeke (10), all of Waterloo Street, were summoned in the Children’s Court for stealing pears, value 6d., from an orchard in Newtown Road, the property of Benjamin John Jeffery, Ronkswood Farm, Newtown Road, on July 23. Sergt. Stedman said that at 9.50pm Mr. Jeffery brought Ernest Price to the office and complained of him stealing pears, and had ¾ lb. in his possession. He said the other boys were with him, and witness saw them, and they admitted being with Price. The Chief Constable said complaints were being received of the theft of fruit and vegetables from orchards and allotments in the city. Mr. Jeffery had suffered very heavily. A fine of 2s. 6d. was imposed in each case.

Charles Robert Mayglothling (16), 17, Cavendish Street, clerk, was summoned for stealing from a letter-box at No. 5, Foregate Street, two letters, one containing one ten-shilling treasury note and six penny stamps. The Chief Constable said the youth was a clerk employed by Mr. F. G. Jones at his office at 5, Foregate Street, and owing to certain things that had transpired respecting the loss of letters, a letter was made up by Detective-Sergeant Penlington and posted, and was seen to be delivered in the letter-box. After all the people had left, defendant was seen to come downstairs, look outside, and ultimately to take the letter containing a 10s. note and sixpenny worth of stamps from the box, and a letter addressed to Mr. Frank Williams, from the letter-box. The youth went to Foregate Street and posted some letters, and on coming back was stopped by the detective, and the stolen letter containing the money was found in his possession. Mr. T.H. Coombs, who was instructed for the defence, wished the case to be adjourned until Saturday, and this course was assented to, the youth being released on bail, himself in £5 and one surety in £5.

Farewell Presentation: Mr. William Morris, who has for the last three years been resident inspector at Worcester for the Birmingham and Midland Motor Bus Co., having been called up under the Military Service Act, has joined the Royal Air Force, and leaves the city this week. Mr. Morris has proved himself a courteous, careful and energetic official, so far as the public are concerned, and that he has won the esteem and respect of the staff here was shown by a presentation made to him on Tuesday night at the Worcester Garage. The subscribers, who numbered 34, comprised the workmen at the garage and ‘bus drivers and conductresses, and the presentation, which was made by Inspector Goode, consisted of a leather pocket-book containing some treasury notes. Mr. Morris, who has been with the company for 19 years, is succeeded at Worcester by Mr. Mottram, who has had considerable experience of tramway and omnibus traffic.

The annual prize distribution in connection with the Worcester Girls’ Secondary School was held in the Lecture Hall of the Victoria Institute on Wednesday afternoon. No invitations were issued to the parents this year, owing to inability to secure a building large enough to hold the gathering. Addressing the girls, Ald. Whitehead congratulated them on the excellent report, and said he was delighted, as Chairman of the Governors, to find himself among them. Twenty-seven years ago he undertook the duties of a School Manager, and he had found that there was no better way to spend his spare time than in doing his utmost to see that the children of his fellow citizens had a good education. He urged the girls, in view of the important position women were now taking in national affairs, to make the best of the educational facilities offered at the School. (Applause.)

Food Orders: The Food Controller has issued an Order fixing until further notice, in respect of Government cheese distributed to the trade on and after July 23rd, a maximum retail price of 1s. 8d. per pound.

Worcester War Scheme: A meeting convened by Col. Higgs Walker, head of the National Service Dept. in Worcester, was held at the Guildhall on Wednesday evening to consider a plan for co-ordinating the recruiting of part-time labour for work of national importance in various centres throughout the country.

Information researched by The Worcestershire World War 100 team