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THE PROPERTY MARKET

On Friday last Mr Allan Herbert, auctioneer of Andover, offered for sale by public competition at the Star Hotel, three lots of freehold property at Goodworth Clatford and Over Wallop. Lot 1 consisted of a cottage at Goodworth Clatford, with a small front lawn, large woodhouse at the side, and a capital garden in the rear, together with a paddock in which a blacksmith’s shop fitted with two forges, with stable and cart house adjoining, the whole covering 1a. 2r. 9p., and let at a rental of £20 per annum including rates. This was purchased for Mrs.Snow, of Goodworth Clatford, for £360. Lot 2 consisted of three cottages under one roof, situate on the west side of King’s Lane, Over Wallop, with a small plot of garden ground on the opposite side of the road, the whole being let at £7 14s.per annum, inclusive of rates. This, after a keen competition, was knocked down to Mr.W.Cole, of Over Wallop, for £70. Lot 3 consisted of three similar cottages on the east side of King’s Lane, and let at £9 10s. per annum, and became the property of Mr,C.Sweet, of Over Wallop, at £55, the total of the sale being £485.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO — 21 JUNE 1918

CORRESPONDENCE — THE BATHING STATION

With reference to Mr.Beale’s letter in your last issue, re the above, it would appear he is labouring under a delusion as regards the railwaymen. The question of the condition of the water at the Baths has been discussed at the various trade union meetings, and put to the Council by the Railwaymen’s Union as a whole. We are told that 2422 persons used the bath in five weeks. Assuming the figures are correct, it works out at the rate of nearly 500 per week. What condition is the water in on the sixth day, when the poorer class children are allowed in at the so-called reduced rate[?] Seeing that our town is now filled by persons from all quarters, what steps are taken to detect any one who may be suffering from any disease before entering the water? May I ask when the Medical Officer made his last inspection, and if a report was submitted to the Council? Is it not a fact that the bath received a good stir up on Saturday evenings, a certain portion of water only is drawn off, and the bath then refilled? The statement that only six railwaymen attended during the five weeks is incorrect. Mr.Beale has counted those in uniform, while I have reliable evidence of a fair number. The figures given show from those using the bath and from other sources a considerable amount of income is going into one man’s pocket instead of the municipal account to help to relieve the ratepayers, whom Mr Beale would make us believe he is out to safeguard. We are told that the Council has given its support for the past 30 years, at the cost of £17 per season, so that the ratepayers have assisted Mr.Beale to the tune of £510, and cannot claim a single brick. I am glad to see we have got a young and progressive man at the head of our town’s affairs, and that the Council are prepared to review the matter. Thanking you in anticipation. A MEMBER OF THE N.U.R.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 25 JUNE 1943

ANDOVER COMMUNIST PARTY

There were two unusual features about the meeting, under the auspices of the Andover Communist Party, in the Guildhall before an audience which included Servicemen on Friday night. The “Chairman” was a member of the fair sex, Mrs.Picken, who, faced with that most difficult of situations, a speaker because of a missed train would arrive late, carried out the duties with a capability and tactfulness that was pleasing.

A similar tribute can be paid to Mr.Harry Brown, secretary of the Andover Communist Party, who found himself in the position of having to fill the “wait” for the guest speaker, and did it very well indeed. They had assembled, he said, at a time when history was being made. The King had gone to Africa to see the troops and other Allied fighting men, and many expected the visit would mark the offensive against Fascism and the Nazi powers. The second was the Labour Party Conference decision. That was a decision which was of most interest to them as a Communist Party. They had applied for affiliation to the Labour Party and the Conference had decided not to accept them.

Naturally the decision of the Conference had disappointed them, but the Communist Party was by no means dismayed.

FIFTY YEARS AGO — 21 JUNE 1968

HAMPSHIRE DROPS THE 11-PLUS EXAMINATION

The bogy of the “11-plus” examination has been banished from Hampshire. No longer will children have to work throughout their final year at the primary school in the knowledge that on one appointed day they will have to report to a local secondary school to sit for the examination on which their entire future may depend.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 25 JUNE 1993

ROYALIST MAX DISAPPOINTED OVER TOWN’S LETHARGY

Andover businessman Max Barnikel is organising his own inimitable celebration in honour of today’s visit by The Queen and says it is sad that no-one else in the town appears to be following his example.

“Where are all the flags and bunting to welcome her,” he said.

“I’ve asked people what are they doing to celebrate and a lot didn’t even seem to know the Queen was coming to the town.

“Don’t they read the Andover Advertiser[?] I was very surprised that nothing seems to have been mooted.”