Elsworth & Knapwell Chronicle

Elsworth and Knapwell Chronicle 1861-1865

Links to years: 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865

1861

Elsworth 26th January Coal Distribution.

During the late severe weather, several tons of coal have been given away amongst the poor, through the liberality of the farmers and the rector. The ladies have not been behind in providing flannel petticoats and other warm garments for the aged widows and others.

Elsworth 26th January Accident.

On Saturday last, as a lad named Edward Brand was carting dirt on the farm belonging to Mr. Parsons, and owing to the lad being very glib, he accidentally fell down and broke his leg. The poor boy was conveyed home, and Mr. Brook, surgeon, of Caxton, sent for, who, with some difficulty, set the broken limb, which was very much swollen. We understand, however, that the little fellow is progressing very favourably.

Elsworth 30th March. Election of Officers.

On Thursday se'nnight, a meeting was held in the Rectory House, for the purpose of looking over the accounts of the past year, and also for selecting fresh parish officers for the year ensuing, when the following were chosen, viz., Mr. Wm. Cotterell, Guardian: Mr. George Kimpton and Mr. Edward Dear, Overseers: Mr. James Parsons and Mr. George Kimpton, Surveyors: Mr. Wm. Silk, Constable: and Mr. Wm. Robinson, Pindar.

Elsworth 25th May Accident to lad.

On Monday last, an accident of a serious nature happened to a lad named Lovell. He was driving a dung cart, and as is too common the case, sat on the horse, behind the saddle; when from some cause or other, the horses took fright and ran away, and he of course having no control over them, was thrown off, and the cart wheel passed over his body. The poor boy was conveyed home, and Mr. Brook, surgeon, of Caxton, was sent for, who declared it to be a dangerous case. We understand, however, within the last day or two, that better symptoms have manifested themselves.

Elsworth 2nd November Christianity among the Jews.

On Sunday afternoon next, a sermon will be preached in the parish church, by the Rev. Mr. Margoliouth, curate of Wyton, in aid of the Jews society. A collection will be made after the same; the Rev. gentleman has kindly consented to preach in the evening.

Elsworth 9th November Sermon.

On Sunday afternoon last an eloquent and impressive sermon was preached in the parish church by the Rev. Mr. Margoliouth, Curate of Wyton, from Isaiah, c. 45., and v.19 "I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob seek ye me in vain. I the Lord speak righteousness, I declare things that are right." The sum of £2 2s. 8d. was collected in aid of the Jews Society. We understand the Rev. Gentleman will shortly deliver a lecture in the National School Room; subject "Idumea".

Elsworth 14th December Lecture.

On Wednesday evening the 4th inst, an interesting lecture was delivered in the spacious National school rooms, by the Rev. Dr. Margoliouth, curate of Wyton, Hunts. Subject: "Idumaea and Palestine". The audience was large and attentive, not fewer than 250 persons being present. After a few preparatory remarks by the rector, the Rev. J. R. Dobson, expressive of his satisfaction on finding his endeavours to provide for his parishioners an evening's entertainment which would be both amusing, instructive, and edifying, had been responded to, the Rev. Dr. began his lecture, the subject being "Egypt, Idumaea and Palestine, or the footsteps of the Infant Saviour". The lecture was illustrated by a large number of most beautiful drawings, descriptive of the various places visited by the Holy Child Jesus, during his flight into and return from Egypt, accompanied by a magnificent panoramic map of Jerusalem as it now is. The rev. lecturer dwelt at some length on the wealth, learning and civilisation of ancient Egypt, and the grandeur and power of her kings, whose huge and splendid monuments have survived unburnt the ravages of time for more than forty centuries, and are still the wonder and admiration of all beholders. He then described the present condition and abject poverty of the inhabitants of that once powerful and fertile country, as illustrating the truth and unerring fulfillment of the sacred prophesies respecting her; how that Egypt shall be the basest of kingdoms; "Neither shall it exalt itself any more among the nations, for I will dimish them that they shall no more rule over the nations; I will make the land desolate, and waste by the hand of strangers; I the Lord have spoken it and there shall be no more a prince in the land of Egypt;" Ezek. 30 chap. 6, 7, 12, 13 verses. After tracing the progress of his journey through the land of Edom and describing its splendid ruins, the monuments of its former greatness and antiquity, its present state of utter desolation, with many interesting anecdotes of his travels through the desert, the lecturer then drew the attention of his hearers to Jerusalem, the beloved city, describing the various gates, buildings, walls, etc., with which he is so well acquainted, showing how the curse from on high has lighted upon her so that there is not left one stone upon another, which has not been thrown down. After a touching description of a night spent in the garden of Gethsemane, and exhibiting many interesting curiosities collected during his travels, the lecturer concluded by soliciting contributions in aid of the Church Missionary Society. The sum of £1 5s. was collected at the doors. We are gratified in being able to state that the Rev. Dr. has kindly promised to give another lecture on "the sacred places of the Holy Land".

Elsworth 28th December The Late Prince Consort.

On Sunday afternoon last, a forcible and impressive sermon was preached in our parish Church, by the Rector, Rev. J. R. Dobson, on the death of Prince Albert, from those beautiful and stirring words recorded in the 3rd chapter of the second book of Samuel, part of the 38th verse, "Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel." All eyes were riveted on the preacher, as he described the many virtues of the illustrious dead - not only as regarded the many public duties which he was called upon to discharge, and which he believed no man ever fulfilled more faithfully, but also as a husband, father, and friend. As a mark of respect to his memory, the bell was tolled from twelve till one o'clock on the day of the funeral.

1862

Elsworth 4th January Christmas Charity.

We have great pleasure in stating that all the poor widows and some of the poorest families received a good piece of mutton each for their Christmas dinner from the Rev. J. R. Dobson. Twenty six stone of bread was also given away to the poor, after a sermon by the rector in the afternoon of the above day, in the parish church. The farmers behaved in a most praiseworthy manner by giving them an opportunity of going to church, or enjoying themselves at home with their families and friends.

Elsworth 11th January Choir Supper.

On Friday evening se'nnight, the Church choir with the ringers and their friends partook of an excellent supper in the National School-room, provided for them by the Rev. J. R. Dobson, rector, after which the Rev. gentleman made a few brief remarks respecting church music. The health of her most gracious Majesty the Queen was proposed and responded to. As a token of acknowledgement for past services, the rector presented the choir with £5, to distribute among themselves. The rest of the evening was spent in harmony and good will one towards another.

Elsworth 8th February Lecture.

On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings last, two lectures were delivered in the National School-room by Mr. C. King, a returned convict, showing how for 15 years he endured the hardships of transportation, penal servitude, and the mental agonies of solitude. Both lectures were well attended. Most sincerely do we wish Mr. King every success as his lectures are loyal, touching and impressive: whilst he warns the young in a heartfelt manner against pursuing vicious courses which cannot fall to be productive of injurious results.

Elsworth 8th February Coal distributed.

During the last few weeks upwards of 20 tons of coal have been given away amongst the poor; some of the largest families receiving as many as 6 cwt., and all the widows 4 cwt. each. We owe this to the liberality of the landowners and farmers and the benevolent exertions of the Rector.

Elsworth 29th March Officers appointed.

On Thursday, the 25th instant, a meeting was held in the Rectory-house, the Rector in the chair, for the purpose of examining the parish officers' accounts for the past year, which were passed, and also for choosing fresh ones for the ensuing year. The following officers were appointed: Mr. William Cotterell, guardian; Messrs. Thomas Smith and John Browning, overseers; Messrs. James Parsons and George Kimpton, surveyors; Mr. William Silk, constable; and Mr. George Kimpton, rate-collector.

Elsworth 14th June Inquest

An inquest was held on Tuesday last, before F. Barlow, Esq., coroner for the county, on view of the body of Alfred Thomas, the illegitimate child of Martha Thomas. From the evidence of T. G. Brooke, Esq., surgeon it appeared that the child had died from an inflamation of the peritoneal covering of the bowels, accelerated by its diet, and mode in which the child was managed, and the jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Elsworth 28th June Confirmation.

On Monday last, a Confirmation was held in the parish church by Dr. Chapman, late Bishop of Colombo for Dr. Turton, Bishop of Ely, who is indisposed. The Rev. J. R. Dobson read the Litany. Eighty-nine young persons from the above and neighbouring villages were confirmed on the occasion, after which a suitable address was delivered by the Bishop, which was listened to with deep attention. His Lordship, after partaking of luncheon at the rectory, took his departure to hold another confirmation at Bourn.

Elsworth 9th August School Treat.

On Thursday se'nnight, the children belonging to the National Schools were regaled with tea and plum cake, on the lawn, near the rectory, by the Rev. J. R. Dobson, rector. After doing ample justice to the above, the youngsters betook themselves to several innocent games, such as swinging, cricket, jumping, etc., when they were called together, and a dessert of currants, gooseberries and nuts were distributed amongst them, the latter being scrambled for, which mode of dispersing them caused a great deal of fun and merriment. The amusement lasted until the shades of evening stopped their enjoyment. After singing the National Anthem, the party broke up much pleased with their afternoon's entertainment.

1863

Elsworth 3rd January Christmas Charity.

On the day before Christmas-day, all the poor widows received from the hands of the Rev. J. R. Dobson, rector, a good piece of mutton for their Christmas dinner. The sum of £3 was also given away in bread to the poor, after a sermon in the parish church in the afternoon of the above day, the gift of the Lord of the Manor. The farmers, we believe, one and all, either gave their labourers a dinner or paid them for their day's work, giving them an opportunity of going to their parish church or enjoying themselves at home with their families and friends.

Elsworth 17th January Choir Supper.

On Friday evening se'nnight the church choir with the ringers and their friends were invited to an excellent supper, provided for them by the Rev. J. R. Dobson, rector, in the National School-room, consisting of the old English fare of beef, plum-pudding, etc. Ample justice being done to the fare, the cloth was drawn, and the health of Her Majesty proposed, and responded to by the whole joining in singing the National Anthem. A short speech was made by the rector, after which the evening was spent in harmony until a seasonable hour, when a purse containing five pounds was given away by the rev. gentleman amongst his choir, as a token of acknowledgement for past services.

Knapwell 17th January Lancashire Distress.

Collections were made in this parish after service on Sunday, 4th inst., for the relief of the Lancashire Distress; and the amount £1 l0s. 0d. was forwarded to the Lord Mayor of London.

Elsworth 21st March Royal Wedding.

Tuesday, the 10th, did not pass off here altogether unobserved, as some of the farmers gave their men and boys their dinners, the Baptist and Church school children partook of tea, oranges and buns. Great praise is due to Mr. George Papworth, for carrying out the rural sports, such as donkey racing, jumping in sacks for pigs, etc. We must not forget to observe that the ladies gave the poor widows, and some of the oldest men tea and sugar. There was a plentiful supply of oranges; and nuts were scrambled for in the grass among the juveniles; the whole concluding with a few fireworks and a bonfire.

Elsworth 21st March Vestry meeting.

On Thursday afternoon last, a meeting was held in the Rectory-house, the Rev. J. R. Dobson, rector, in the chair, for the purpose of choosing parish officers for the ensuing year. After examining the officers' accounts of the past year, which gave satisfaction, the following were selected: viz. - Mr. William Cotterell, guardian; Mr. Wm. Hensman and Mr. John Kirby, overseers; Mr. Jas. Parsons and Mr. George Kimpton, surveyors.

Knapwell 21st March Royal Wedding.

The poor in this little village were not forgotten on the above joyous occasion, as the farmers gave all their men and boys a dinner or money, with plenty of beer and tobacco, and the poor women and children were supplied with tea and sugar.

Elsworth 26th September Harvest thanksgiving.

A thanksgiving service was held in the parish Church, on Wednesday evening last, for the late abundant harvest, when an earnest and impressive sermon was preached by the Rector, the Rev. J. R. Dobson, from the 8th Genesis, v.22, "While the earth remaineth, seed time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." The rev. gentleman, after making a few observations on returning thanks for the harvest, impressed more particularly upon his hearers the importance and consequences of neglecting to prepare themselves for the great harvest at the end of the world. As no collection was then made there is to be one on Sunday afternoon next, in aid of the Church Missionary Society.

Elsworth 14th November Christianity among the Jews.

On Sunday last two sermons were preached in the parish church, by the Rev. Dr. Margoliouth, that in the afternoon from Proverbs, 11th chapter, 30th verse. "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life and he that winneth souls is wise", and that in the evening from Exodus, 3rd chapter, part of 7th verse, "For I know their sorrows". After making two eloquent discourses, the sum of £2 5s. was collected in aid of the Society for Promoting Christianity among the Jews.

1864

Elsworth 2nd January Christmas Charity.

During Christmas week all the widows and some of the largest families received a good piece of mutton each, from the Rev. J. R. Dobson, rector. The farmers either gave the men in their employ a piece of meat or paid them in money, so that they might enjoy themselves with their families and friends. After a sermon in the afternoon of Christmas day 36 stone of bread was given away at the Church among the poor, the gift of the Lord of the Manor.

Elsworth 16th January Choir supper.

On Friday evening se'nnight, the church singers, with the ringers, and a few friends, sat down to an excellent supper provided for them in the School-room by the Rev. J. R. Dobson, Rector. Ample justice being done to the good things, and the cloth drawn and grace said, the rev. gentleman made a few remarks upon the subject of church music. A few songs were sung by the choir during the evening, and at a seasonable hour the party broke up well pleased with their entertainment.

Elsworth 27th February Distribution of coals.

During the past inclement weather, upwards of 19 tons of coals have been given away to the poor, all the widows receiving 4 cwt. each, and some of the largest families as many as 9 cwt. The above were the gift of the Rector, landowners, and farmers, who kindly lent their men and teams, which conveyed them to the houses of the recipients.

Elsworth 19th March Vestry meeting.

On Thursday afternoon last, a meeting of ratepayers was held in the Rectory House, the Rev. J. R. Dobson, Rector, in the chair, for the purpose of examining the surveyors' and overseers' accounts for the past year, which gave satisfaction, and were passed; and also for the purpose of selecting officers for the year ensuing. The following officers were appointed: Mr. William Cotterell, Guardian; Mr. Edward Lansbury, and Mr. William Childs, Overseers; Mr. James Parsons and Mr. George Kimpton, Surveyors; and Mr. William Prior, Constable.

Elsworth 9th April Vestry meeting.

On Easter Thursday a vestry meeting was holden at the Rectory house, the Rev. J. R. Dobson, rector, in the chair, for the purpose of looking over the church- wardens' accounts of the past year, which gave satisfaction. Mr. James Witherow was then re-elected on the part of the parish, and Mr. Stephen Witherow as rector's churchwarden for the year ensuing.

Elsworth 9th April Sheep worrying.

On Thursday se'nnight, several sheep, the property of Mr. Jas. Parsons, farmer, were worried in a field near the village. Two were obliged to be killed, and eight more were much injured. We are glad to say, however, that the dog has been captured and killed.

Elsworth 18th June Accident to boy.

On Saturday last an accident of a serious nature happened to a boy named Frederick Braybrook. It appeared he was driving a dungcart for Mr. J. Parsons, farmer, when the horse ran off as he was riding in the cart; he endeavoured to get out and fell on to the hard road. A man was working near at the time, saw him, and at once went to his assistance. He was placed in a cart and conveyed home, when Mr. Brook, Surgeon, of Caxton, was sent for, who was quickly in attendance, and upon examination found a severe fracture in the back of the head: he gave no hopes whatever of the boy's recovery.

Knapwell 30th July Church Missionary Society.

On Thursday evening, July 21st, a meeting was held on behalf of this society in a barn kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. Samuel Whitehead. The speakers were the Rev. A. W. W. Steel, Fellow of Caius College, and one of the Secretaries of the Cambridge Association, and J. Spencer, Esq., B.A., of Corpus Christi College. 16s 2d was collected at the close of the meeting.

Elsworth 8th October Chapter of Accidents.

On Monday last an accident happened to a man named Hearn. The poor fellow was thatching a stack of corn belonging to Mr. James Witherow when two of the ladder-rounds broke and he was thrown to the ground. He was helped home, and Mr. Brook, surgeon of Caxton was quickly in attendance, who, upon examining the patient declared that no bones were broken, but the shock to his system was great. -Another man name Hinson was in a windmill during his dinner time to ascertain if his grist was done, and having a mind to try his skill at drawing up the sack (contrary to the wish of the miller) got his hand entangled in the pulley wheel of the sack tackle, by which means the middle finger was smashed and one or two other injured. -A little boy named Reynolds was working with a dressing machine and by some means put his finger in among the cogs when the end of one was pinched off. -A man named Mabbutt was last week working a chaff-cutting machine, when his hand got under the roller and the end of one finger was pressed off, and another seriously injured.

Elsworth 8th October Thanksgiving Sermons.

On Sunday last two sermons were preached in the parish Church, that in the afternoon by the Rev. J. R. Dobson, rector, the rev. gentleman choosing for his text the 4th chap. of Zechariah and former part of the l0th verse, "For who has despised the day of small things." That in the evening was preached by the Rev. H. Brown, curate of Knapwell, from the 9th chap. of Isiah, part of the 3rd verse. After two eloquent discourses a collection was made as a thank offering for the late abundant harvest in aid of Knapwell Church Building Fund.

Elsworth 8th October Harvest thanks.

On Sunday last two sermons were preached in the parish church, that in the afternoon by the Rev. J. R. Dobson, rector, the rev. gentleman choosing for his text the 4th chapter of Zechariah and former part of the 10th verse, "For who hath despised the day of small things." That in the evening was preached by the Rev. H. Brown, curate of Knapwell, from the 9th chap. of Isaiah, part of the 3rd verse. After the two eloquent discourses a collection was made as a thank offering for the late abundant harvest in aid of the Knapwell Church Building Fund.

Knapwell 19th November Lecture.

On Thursday evening, the 10th inst., the Rev. J. H. Jowitt, Travelling Secretary of the Additional Curates' Society, delivered a most interesting lecture on the state of the large towns and colliery districts, and on the work of the home missions among them. A collection was made on behalf of the Society, amounting to 17s 7d. The thanks of the parish are due to Mr. and Mrs Whitehead, who kindly lent the room in which the lecture was given.

Elsworth 31st December Christmas Charity.

During Christmas week, all the widows and some of the poorest families received a piece of meat each, as a present from the Rev. J. R. Dobson, Rector. Thirty-six stones of bread were given away to the poor at the parish church, after a sermon on Christmas Day, the gift of the Lord of the Manor. The farmers were not behind in their liberality, as their labourers were supplied with money or meat, so that they might enjoy themselves at home with their families and friends.

1865

Elsworth 14th January Choir Supper.

On Friday evening se'nnight, the church choir, with the ringers, were entertained in the National School-room by the Rector, the Rev. J. R. Dobson, with an excellent supper, consisting of beef and plum-pudding. After supper the younger members were supplied with nuts and apples. The health of the Queen was proposed, and responded to by the singing of the National Anthem. Several songs were sung during the evening by the senior members. The rev. gentleman gave his singing boys 4s. 6d. each, as an acknowledgement of past services. The party then broke up.

Elsworth 30th January Christmas Charity.

During last week the poor widows and some of the poorest families were supplied with mutton and beef for their Christmas dinner by the Rev. J. R. Dobson, Rector. £3 worth of bread was given away, after a sermon by the Rector in the parish church on the afternnon of Christmas Day, to the poor. We believe all the farmers either gave their men a good dinner on the above day or paid them for the day.

Concert.

On Tuesday evening next a concert of sacred and secular music will be given in the National School-room by the members of the Elsworth, Papworth Everard, and Caxton choirs. Admission by ticket only.

Elsworth 4th February Distribution of coals.

During the late inclement weather the poor have been supplied with coal, the gift of the Rector, and the principal land owners and farmers. The widows and widowers received four cwt. each, and some of the largest families as much as eight and nine cwt each. The above must have been a great treat at this season of the year, when the ground has been so clothed with snow that many of the poor men have been debarred from following their usual occupations. The farmers have been kind enough to lend their men and teams, which conveyed the coals to the homes of the recipients.

Elsworth 25th March Vestry meeting.

At a meeting of the ratepayers on Thursday last, at the Rectory-house, Mr. Wm. Cotterell occupying the chair, the Rector being absent, the officers' accounts for the past year were examined and passed, and the following gentlemen were chosen as fit and proper persons to act as parish officers for the ensuing year, viz: Mr. Wm. Cotterell, Guardian; Mr. Ed. Lansbury and Mr. Wm. Childs, Overseers; Mr. Jas. Parsons and Mr. George Kimpton, Surveyors; and Mr. Wm. Prior, constable.

Elsworth 22nd April Vestry meeting.

On Thursday afternoon last a meeting was held in the Rectory-house, the Rev. J. R. Dobson, rector, in the chair, for the purpose of examining the churchwardens' accounts for the past year, which gave satisfaction, and were passed. Mr. James Witherow was re-elected Churchwarden on the part of the rector for the year ensuing.

Elsworth 3rd June Accidents.

On Tuesday last an accident of rather a serious nature happened to a young man named Benjamin Holbin. He was carting gravel with other men, and when near the village he left hold of the reins and jumped off the cart shaft, when he fell before the wheel, which went over him, his face was severely cut and otherwise he was much bruised. Mr. Brook (surgeon), of Caxton was quickly in attendance, who found no bones broken. On Wednesday morning a poor woman named Andrews was climbing upon a hurdle to get at a hen's nest, when she fell backwards on to a cow-crib, her back being much hurt. We are glad to say, however, that Mr. Brook gives favourable accounts of both the sufferers.

Elsworth 29th July Church Missions.

On Sunday last two sermons were preached in the Parish Church by the Rev. Dr. Young, Rector of Croxton, and Vicar of Eltisley. The rev. gentleman chose for his text in the afternoon the 8th chapter of Acts, 5th and three following verses, and in the evening, Isaiah, 35th chapter, 1st and 2nd verses -"The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them: and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice even with joy and singing; the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God." After making two earnest discourses, the sum of £2. 6s. was collected in aid of the Church Missionary Society.

Elsworth 29th July School Treat.

On Friday afternoon se'nnight the children with their teachers were regaled with plum-cake and tea on the lawn near the rectory house, by the Rev. J. R. Dobson, Rector; after which the youngsters betook themselves to several games, such as swinging, racing, cricket, etc. The day being beautifully fine added greatly to their enjoyment. At a seasonable hour they were called together and a short address given them by their pastor, when each retired much pleased with the entertainment.

Elsworth 12th August Farm fire.

On Wednesday afternoon last, the produce of ten acres of tares and a large straw stack were consumed on a farm occupied by Mr. Philip Kirby in the above parish. It appears that several men were cutting wheat near, and a little urchin, about seven years old, went and took a lucifer match out of his father's pocket, and playfully thought of making a bonfire, as he termed it, when it quickly spread to the above-mentioned stack. The men one and all worked well in stopping the progress of the flames, otherwise a large barn and several other buildings and stacks must have shared the same fate.

Elsworth 12th August Confirmation.

On Friday, the 4th inst., the Lord Bishop of Ely held a Confirmation in the parish church for the above and neighbouring villages, when a goodly number received the Apostolic rite. After partaking of luncheon at the Rectory, his lordship left for the purpose of holding another Confirmation at Caxton.

Elsworth 2nd September Accidents.

On Wednesday last an accident, which nearly proved fatal, happened to a young man named Samuel Bishop. He was ascending a ladder for the purpose of emptying a load of barley, when the horse started on, and the poor fellow was thrown on to the hard ground. His brother-workmen picked him up, and for some length of time thought life to be extinct, but it luckily proved otherwise. He was conveyed home, and Mr. Brook, surgeon, of Caxton, was quickly in attendance, who upon examination declared that no bones were broken, although the man had sustained severe injury to the head and shoulders. -Another boy, named Varley, was driving a cart, when the horse ran away, and he was thrown out and his arm very much hurt.

Elsworth 30th September Accident.

On Saturday evening a poor old man, named Roberson, was leading a horse to the pound by a halter when it became restive; he put the string round his wrist, thinking to have more power over it, and was dragged a considerable distance through the village, the poor man hanging behind like a log of wood. He was conveyed home, and Mr. Wright, of Caxton, was quickly in attendance, and found Roberson covered with bruises. He is going on favourably.

Elsworth 4th November Sheep killed.

On Wednesday night last some persons entered a pasture ground and slaughtered a sheep the property of Mr. William Child, farmer, leaving nothing behind, but the entrails. The police are on the alert to find out the diabolical scamps, if possible. We wish them every success.

Elsworth 16th December Cattle Plague service.

On Tuesday evening last a special service was holden in the parish church imploring the Divine aid in driving away the dreadful plague now raging among our flocks and herds, and an earnest and impressive sermon was preached by the Rev. J. R. Dobson, rector. The preacher took for his text the 1st chap. of Job, part of the 21st verse. "The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord." We are happy to say that not a case has happened in the above village, though we understand several cases have occurred in the neighbouring village of Boxworth.