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Chief Constable of Margate, York and Bradford Police, and the first Chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners who was awarded the King’s Police Medal and was made Commander of the Order of the British Empire. |
Joseph Farndale CBE KPM
FAR00463
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Overview
Joseph Farndale CBE KPM was born in Wakefield and
educated at Field House Academy, Aberford.
He joined the police at the age of 20. He became Chief Constable of Margate Borough Police. In 1897, he became the
Chief Constable of York. In 1900 he became the Chief Constable of Bradford,
in which post he served for thirty years. He was the first Chairman of the
Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners under the Road Traffic Act 1930.
He was awarded the King's Police Medal (“KPM”) in 1914
and appointed Officer of the Order of the British
Empire (“OBE”) in the 1920 civilian war honours
and Commander of the Order of the British
Empire (“CBE”) in the 1924 Birthday Honours.
Joseph and Emma
Farndale at their Silver Wedding in 1908
Joseph Farndale at his award of OBE in 1920 Portrait
of Joseph Farndale CBE KPM
Joseph
Farndale’s Coat of Arms, as Chief Constable of Bradford.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
5 June 1907:
Arms: A field of azure, a court
and a conviction. Beneath the working tools of a master policeman - bullseye,
bracelets, and truncheon all ending in Black Mariah. The fingerprints tell
their own tale.
Supporters: Dexter, a mounted
policeman, sinister, ditto.
Crest: The gaolers keys.
Motto. Vigilantibus,
‘To the watchful’.
()
Leeds
Investiture. Mr Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of Bradford, who received the
OBE yesterday
(Leeds
Mercury, 13 April 1921) Mrs J Farndale, wife of the Chief Constable of Bradford (Leeds Mercury, 30 May 1923)
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank
Samantha Malkin who put me right on a number of points regarding Joseph
Farndale and his uncle Joseph (FAR00350B)
who was also Chief Constable (of Chesterfield, Leicester and Birmingham).
1865
Joseph Farndale was born at The Smith’s Arms Wakefield on 6 April 1965, the son of Thomas Farndale, Inn keeper, Smith’s Arms, Thomas Lane, Wakefield, and Sarah Farndale formerly Bell, (FAR00344). He was baptised on 4 June 1865. The birth was registered in Wakefield District on 30 April 1864 by Sarah Farndale, his mother, of The Smith’s Arms, Thomas Lane, Wakefield. (BC, BR and PR, GRO Vol 9c page 29)
Early life
Joseph Farndale was
educated at Field House Academy in Aberford.
1871
The 1871 Census, showed the family living at 1 Thomas Lane (The Smith Arms),
Wakefield: Thomas Farndale, head, inn keeper, 34; Sarah Farndale, wife, 37;
Thomas W Farndale, scholar, 8; Joseph Farndale, scholar, 6; Margaret Farndale,
3; Henry Farndale, 7 months; Ann Sunnergerson, a
servant, from Canada; and Ann Eliza Lesle.
1876
The Wakefield Free Press, 23
December 1876 reported: MR REYNER’S
SCHOOOL. The usual half yearly examination was held on the 14th, 15th
and 18th inst. For want of time the viva voce examination was
omitted. The following is the porize list. … Second Engliihs Course, A Vollands, W
Shaw, H Gillot, J Farndale … ARITHMETIC. Seconbd
Class … J Farndale … ALGEBRA … Second Class … J Farndale
1881
The 1881 Census, for 66 Thomas Lane, Wakefield listed Thomas Farndale, head, inn
keeper, 41; Sarah Farndale, wife, 47; Thomas W Farndale, scholar, 18; Joseph
Farndale, scholar, 16; Samuel?, 14; Margaret Farndale, 13
1883
Joseph Farndale, son of Thomas and Sarah Farndale (FAR00344) married Emma Selby
in 1883 (MR). She died in 1936.
Joseph and Emma had a family of three:
· Florence Farndale, born Halifax June 1884 (FAR00600)
· Eveline Farndale, born Halifax Dec 1885 (FAR00602).
·
Emma Farndale, born
Halifax Jun 1893 (FAR00657).
(BR)
The
Halifax Police, 1884 to 1893
Joseph joined the
police at the age of twenty in 1884. He
was the nephew of his uncle Joseph (FAR00350B) who was also a Chief
Constable (of Leicester, Chesterfield and Birmingham police).
1886
Joseph extinguished
a house fire in October 1889. The Bradford Daily Telegraph, 22 October 1886: FIRE IN A COTTAGE. About four o’clock on Thursday afternoon
information was taken to the police office that a fire had broken out at the
house occupied by Squire Ackroyd, carter, Governor Street, off Waterhouse
Street. PC Farndale went to the place and found the door was locked and the
room full of smoke. The door was forced open, and it was discovered that
the bed was on fire. Farndale procured a few buckets of water and
extinguished the fire, but not before the clothes and the bed were
destroyed. Ackroyd and his wife were not at home during the afternoon and it is
not known how the fire originated.
1887
The Bradford Daily telegraph,
18 January 1887: A HINT TO THE PUBLIC,
On Monday four young men, named respectively John Burke, Patrick Murphy,
William Dawson and Thos Graham were brought up before Mr Jas Bairstow and Mr TS
Highley of the borough court, Halifax. Charged with wandering abroad and begging
in the neighbourhood of West Hill Park o the previous
da. The Chief Constable said the prisoners seemed to belong to a gang who had
come to the town from some other districts. They were seem leaving the beerhouse on Saturday night at eleven o’clock, and again at
;half past two on Sunday afternoon, the worse for drink. They went to the top
of the town singing and begging through the streets. They seemed to be a very
determined lot. PC Farndale, PC Gaukrodger and Sergeant Osborne gave
evidence in corroboration of this statement. … They were sent to prison for
14 days.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
14 September 1887: DISORDERLY CONDUCT. At
the Halifax Police Court on Tuesday, before Alderman Midgeley and Mr TS
Scarborough, John Liley, Upper Kirkgate, and Jane Murgatroyd, of Bath Parade, a
woman of loose character, were each charged with disorderly conduct n Monday night
in Berwick Square, Halifax. PCs Farndale and Steele proved the charges.
Prisoners were each fined 10s and costs. John Conway, a powerful looking man,
of no fixed abode, was charged with being drunk on licensed premises on the 12th
inst. PC Farndale found the prisoner at the Talbot Vaults on the day in
question. A fine of 2s 6d and costs was imposed.
1888
By December 1888,
Joseph had been promoted to Sergeant. The Leeds Times, 8 December 1888: A SOLICITOR ORDERED OUT. The unusual spectacle of a solicitor
being ordered out was witnessed at the Halifax police court on Wednesday,
Frederick J Chapman and Mark Briggs, millhands, Spring Hall lane, were charged
on remand with having committed an unprovoked assault upon Franklin Ro,
painter, on the evening of November 26th. Mr Moore, who was for the
defence persisted in interfering and raising objections in the case with a
vehemence which the Bench appeared to resent, and eventually, upon a sergeant
from the adjoining barracks being called to speak to the fact of finding the
complainant in the road, Mr Moore objected several times to his evidence. At
last after several altercations with Mr Boorcock, the
Bench told Mr Moore that if he again interfered they would have him removed
from the court. Mr Moore persisted in his interference and the Bench directed
the Chief Constable (Mr C Pole) to have him removed from court. Police
Sergeant Farndale was entrusted with the task of carrying out the instruction
of thee Bench, but Mr Moore proceeded to leave the
court, intimating that he would take action against the magistrate on account
of the treatment he had received. The further hearing of the case was adjourned
until Friday.
1889
The Halifax Courier, 12
January 1889: NUMEROUS SHOP
ROBBERIES. Harriet Nicholl, a young married woman … was brought up in custody
charged with four larcenies, only three of which were gone into, and she
pleaded guilty. All the robberies were committed from shop fronts within a few
hours of each other on Monday afternoon … PC Waddington and PC [sic??]
Farndale stated that when the woman was taken into custody she was perfectly
sober … She was committed to the House of Correction for one month.
The Halifax Courier, 10 August
1889: ASSAULTING A CONSTABLE.
Wm Crabtree, shoemaker .. was charged with being drunk and disorderly … and
with assaulting PC Wilson whilst in the execution of his duty … Sergeant
Farndale said the prisoner’s conduct and language in the office were
disgraceful – this was his third appearance …
1890
The Leeds Times, 10 May 1890: HALIFAX POLICE COURT …
On Thursday, Ellen Dobson, a married woman, whose husband is employed at
the coal yard at the railway station, and who resides at Range-lane, Halifax,
was brought before the magistrates. Police Sergeant Farndale said that
shortly after ten o’clock the woman came to the police office with a knife in
her hand and said she wanted to cut her throat. He sent for her husband. He
was evidently suffering from the effects of drink. The husband said she had
been drinking for a fortnight. They had no family. The woman was remanded.
1891
The 1891 Census, for 18 Colberk Street, Halifax listed
Joseph Farndale, head, 26, Police Clerk; Emma Farndale, wife, 28; Florence
Farndale, aged 6; Eveline Farndale, aged 5.
By 1891, he was
Chief Clerk with the Halifax police, with ambitions for Chief Constableship,
like his uncle:
The Yorkshire Evening Post, 26 September 1891: New Chief
Constable of Grantham. Yesterday the Watch Committee of the Grantham
Town Hall appointed Chief Inspector Holland, of Bootle, Liverpool, as Chief
Constable of the Borough. Thirty applications were sent in, from which six were
selected and applicants attended before the committee. The others were …
Chief Clerk Farndale, Halifax …
1892
Joseph Farndale
became head of the Halifax detective department by 1892.
The Bradford Weekly Telegraph,
24 December 1892: The appointment of
Chief Clerk Inspector Farndale to the head of the Halifax Detective
Department will be perceived with favour by those with whom the Inspector
will come into contact. During the discharge of the onerous duties of Chief
Clerk he has displayed abilities which fit him for the post of Detective
Inspector, and he is a worthy successor to the late Inspector, Mr E
Newburn… The compliment paid by Mr Evans to Inspector Farndale, of the Halifax
police on Friday on his smart capture of the alleged Forger Fawcett was
well merited and adds another feather to the cap of the Inspector. The pace by
Fawcett was hotter than generally known, and the young man being known to be in
possession of firearms, the chase implied a certain amount of risk. Fawcett
took the train to Littleborough, where he alighted. Rochdale was reached by a
subsequent train, and Preston was afterwards visited, Fawcett taking the
precaution to change his attire. The same evening Fawcett took part in a fancy
dress ball at Preston and then decamped to Liverpool where the Inspector “ran
him to earth” in the suburbs. Altogether the capture was a very smart one.
He soon gained a
reputation as a detective when he chased down a forger to Liverpool. The Lincolnshire Chronicle, 16
December 1892: ALLEGED FORGERY BY A BANK
CLERK. At the Halifax Borough Court on Monday, Charles Fawcett, of the
Square, Halifax, was charged with having forged a cheque for £2,000 on the
Halifax branch of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank, in the name of David
Haigh, who has a deposit account there. Prisoner is only 19 years of age, has
for some time been employed as a bank clerk at the bank … Prisoner is well
known and respectably connected. For some time past he has expended his money
lavishly, and Inspector Farndale, of the Halifax Borough Police Force,
traced him to Walton on the Hill, Liverpool and arrested him on Saturday night.
He had over £80 in his possession and a loaded six chambered revolver. The
disclosures have created a great deal of a stir in Halifax.
The Yorkshire Evening Post, 16
December 1892:
LATE BUFF EDITION
THE ALLEGED FORGERY AT HALIFAX
A CHEQUE FOR £2,000
COMMITTED FOR TRIAL
The magistrates on the bench were...
Great interest was taken in the proceedings. The court was crowded
long before 11 o’clock, the time for commencing, and many people were unable to
obtain admission.
Before the business was commenced the Mayor, on behalf of the
bench, and Mr Storey, on behalf of the bar, welcomed 7 new magistrates who have
recently been appointed.
Mr. Evans, in opening the case, stated that he should ask the
bench to commit the prisoner for trial at the assizes on a charge of
uttering a forged cheque knowing it to be forged. The evidence as to the
forgery of the cheque was purely circumstantial, as no one had seen the
prisoner write the name upon it. If prisoner was committed for trial, then the
charge of forgery could afterwards be gone into at the assizes. For several years
the prisoner had been employed at the Halifax branch of the Lancashire and Yorkshire
Bank as a Ledger clerk. Among the customers of the bank was a gentleman named
David Haigh, who on the 31st October placed the sum of £2,000 at the bank on
deposit account. The prisoner was aware of this circumstance and being pressed
for money by a man named Crabtree had made two unsuccessful attempts to borrow
money from Mr Haigh. Prisoner told Mr Haigh that he had a considerable sum of
money of his own, and if Mr Haigh at any time wished to borrow £100 he would be
pleased to lend it to him. On the 6th December, when Mr Constantine, the
cashier, went to the Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank about 9:30 in the morning,
he found the prisoner and arrived before him, and had been alone in the
premises. Prisoner informed Mr Constantine that a man had been to the bank, and
had inquired for a cheque, though there were no loose ones on the counter, and
prisoner stated that he had taken an unused chequebook from the safe and given
it to the man in question. Prisoner described this man, and Mr Constantine replied,
why that is Mr. David Haigh. Prisoner said that was the name of the person he
had alluded to. At 2:30 in the afternoon, prisoner went to London and Yorkshire
Bank, which is also on Crossley Street, in the absence of the manager. He saw
the cashier, Mr Hemingway, to whom he said “I have come to open a current
account with you”. He passed a check to Mr Hemingway, but the latter observed
that there was no date, no figures, and no payee upon it, handed it back to the
prisoner The latter said “I want you to fill it up”. Mr. Evans said that Mr
Hemingway, with that simplicity and confiding trust in fallen and depraved
nature which did more credit to his heart than his head, filled it up and put
it in the name of the London and Yorkshire Bank. Mr Hemingway, at the request
of the prisoner, also filled in the amount of £2,000. Later in the day the
prisoner was made out the banker’s draft at the Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank,
with which the cheque was to be paid, and got the manager, Mr Riley, to sign
it. After the bankers draught had been issued to the London and Yorkshire Bank,
the prisoner drew pounds 100 of the money to give a creditor who was pressing
him. He subsequently drew out pounds 800 and pound 630 placed to the credit of
its father's account at the Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank, and £200 was placed
to his own credit. On the Friday he absconded and was arrested on the
Saturday night by Inspector Farndale at Liverpool.
Evidence in support of the charge was given by Mr. James Arthur
Riley, the manager of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank, and by Mr. David
Haigh, bearing out Mr. Evans statement. The latter stated he had not signed the
cheque in question.
Fawcett was committed to trial at the assizes bail being granted,
himself, £1,000, and two sureties of £500 each.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
2 January 1893: HALIFAX BOROUGH – AN
INDIGNANT PRISONER. Mary Clough, a elderly woman,
who refused to give any account of herself, was charged with larceny from the
person of Annie Pollard on Saturday night last in the lower market. The
prosecutrix, whilst standing near a pot stall, felt someone feeling her pocket
and accused the prisoner of taking her purse. The prisoner indignantly replied
“How dare you charge me with stealing your purse.” Subsequently however she ran
away, but was noticed by Sergeant Greenwood and taken into custody. Chief
Inspector Detective Farndale asked for a remand until Friday, which was
granted.
In the Bradford Daily Telegraph,
6 January 1893, the story was reported
under the headline AN OLD OFFENDER concerning Rosanna O’Neill, alias
Mary Clough, an elderly woman and it was reported that Chief
Inspector Detective Farndale said the prisoner had been committed for penal
servitude for similar offences at Preston and Manchester. At present she
was supposed to be under police supervision, but she had never reported herself
since leaving prison. She was committed to gaol for two months.
The Yorkshire Evening Post, 4
January 1893: WELL KNOWN IN THE CHOIR. At
the Halifax Borough Court today, William Henry Meham, rag sorter, of Chapel
Fold, was charged with behaving himself in a disorderly manner in Chapel Fold
last night. When the prisoner’s name was called he stepped quickly into the box
and stated “Yes, your Lordship”. Detective Inspector Farndale stated that
the prisoner was a man of weak intellect. The Chairman (Dr Dolan) asked the
inspector if the prisoner had a mother. Upon hearing the question the prisoner
promptly replied, “I have a mother, doctor”. This led one of the magistrates to
remark that the prisoner seemed wideawake. …
The Yorkshire Evening Post, 13
January 1893: DRUNK OR SOBER? CHARGE
AGANST A HALIFAX LANDLORD. At the Halifax Borough Court today, Aquilla
Halstead, landlord of the Crispin Inn, Smithy Stoke, was summoned for being
drunk on his own licensed premises on the 7th inst
… Detective Inspector Farndale stated that about eleven o’clock on the
morning of the 7th the defendant came to the police office, and wished
to know if he had been reported for being drunk. He also stated that he
should be examined by a doctor. The defendant appeared to have braced himself
up for the occasion. The defendant denied that he had had anything to drink
when the constables came to the house except tea …
Joseph Farndale
applied to be Chief Constable of St Albans in March 1893. The Herts Gazette, 4 March
1893: THE NEW CHIEF CONSTABLE
FOR ST ALBANS. The Watch Committee of the St Albans Town Council, held a
special meeting on Tuesday evening to choose from the seven candidates,
selected from 31 candidates the future head constable of the city. The selected
candidates were … Joseph Farndale, inspector and head of the detective
department, Halifax... The post is worth £140 a year.
Chief Constable of Margate Police 1893 to 1897
Joseph became Chief
Constable of Margate Borough Police in June 1893.
The
Yorkshire Evening Post, 26 June 1893: THE NEW CHIEF CONSTABLE OF MARGATE. Detective Inspector
Farndale, of the Halifax Borough Police, has been appointed Chief
Constable of Margate. Mr Farndale, who is only 30 years of age, is a
native of Wakefield, being the son of a well known tradesman
in that city. He was educated at Fieldhouse Academy, Aberford, and was intended
for a chemist and druggist. Ten years ago, he relinquished that profession for
the police force, which had greater attractions for him, and he became a
constable at Halifax. His ability was recognised, and at the end of four years
he has risen to be chief clerk. For six years he has discharged the
duties of that position ably and successfully. Upon the retirement of Detective
Inspector Newburn he was appointed head of the detective department, and
the success which he achieved in another sphere followed him there. Mr
Farndale's appointment to the Chief Constableship of Margate his well deserved. He is in a nephew of Chief Constable
Farndale, of Birmingham, who also commenced at the bottom rung of the ladder,
starting as a constable at Middlesbrough some 30 years ago.
The Birmingham Daily Post, 27
June 1893: THE NEW CHIEF CONSTABLE
OF MARGATE. Detective Inspector Farndale, of the Halifax Borough Police, has
been appointed Chief Constable of Margate. Mr Farndale, who is only thirty
years of age, is a native of Wakefield, being the son of a well
known tradesman in that city. He is the nephew of Chief constable
Farndale, of Birmingham. See FAR000350B.
The Sheffield Evening
Telegraph, 10 July 1893: The new chief constable
of Margate, Mr Farndale, started, like his uncle, the chief constable of
Birmingham, from the bottom rung of the ladder. A native of Wakefield, he began
life in an apothecary’s shop, but at the age of twenty abandoned the pestle
and mortar and took service in the Halifax police force. His choice of an
occupation was justified in the event, for in four years he rose to be chief
clerk, and five years later was appointed head of the detective department. He
is still a young man, having yet to complete his thirty first year.
Joseph Farndale gave
his report on licensing in September, reported in the Canterbury Journal, 16
September 1893.
ANNUAL LICENSING SESSION
The annual licencing session for this borough was held on
Thursday, the licencing committee being the Mayor (Councillor Leetham), the ex Mayor (Alderman Hermitage), and Messrs Keppel, Marshall,
Pointon, Coleman and Head.
The Clerk, (Mr Boys), read to the Chief Constable 's annual
report, which was as follows:
Chief Constable’s office, Town Hall, Margate, 7 September 1893.
To the chairman and justices of the licencing committee for the
borough of Margate.
Gentlemen, I have the honour to report, for your information that
there are within your jurisdiction 123 premises licenced for the sale of
intoxicating liquors, being an increase of two upon the number in existence
at the last annual licencing meeting, and taking the population according to
the last census, gives an average of 1 licenced house to 149 persons, but it is
estimated that for 4 months during the year the average population will be at
least 50,000, which will give an average of 406 persons to 1 licence. 74 of the
licences are for the sale of beer, wines, and spirits, to be consumed on or off
the premises; six for beer; 13 beer and wines; 2 wines; 4 beer; 3 for beer and
wines to be consumed off the premises; 3 beer and spirits; 5 beer, wines and spirits;
6 wines; 2 wines and spirits; 1 beer cider and perry; 4 sweets. Seven of the
licenced victuallers hold early morning licences. One room is licenced for
billiards. 30 publicans and 12 private persons, making a total of 42, hold
music and dancing licences. During the past year, 3 licence holders have
been proceeded against for offences against the tenure of their licences,
and the result is as follows: for being open during prohibited hours
Henry Holier, off the Druids Arms was fined £5 and costs. For selling
intoxicating liquor to drunken persons Robert Stokes, of the Hope and
Anchor, was fined 20s and costs and a case of permitting drunkenness at the
First and Last was dismissed. 4 persons have been convicted of being
drunk on licenced premises. Licence holders had proceeded against 3 persons
for refusing to quit their licenced premises. 51 persons, of whom 43 were males
and 8 with females, have been preceded against for drunkenness and 41 were
convicted. There is a decrease of 6 on the number preceded against during last
year, and an increase of 6 up on the average for the last four years. 9 full
licences and 6 off licences have been transferred but an application for the
transfer of the licence of the Fort Castle Hotel, was refused and the present
holder of the licence has not had the premises open for the sale of intoxicants
since November last, and the premises have been closed for the greater part of
the last four years. The justices have granted 119 extensions of the time of
closing licenced premises on occasions of suppers, balls etc, being held on the
premises. I have received notices of 7 applications for new licences, 3 of
which are to sell beer, wine and spirits, 2 to sell beer and wines, 1 to sell
spirits, and 1 to sell beer.
I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your obedient servant, Joseph
farndale.
Joseph became, in
the antiquated language of the day, the Assistant Relieving Officer for Tramps. The Whitstable Times and Herne
Bay Herald, 29 July 1893: ASSISTANT RELIEVING
OFFICER FOR MARGATE. A letter was received from Mr J Farndale, Chief
Constable of Margate, in which he state that his predecessor (Mr Buck) having
held the appointment of assistant relieving officer for tramps, at a salary
of £5 5s per annum, he should be pleased if the Guardians would appoint him
to the post. On the motion of Mr Holttum, Mr Farndale
was appointed to the same office at the same salary as his predecessor.
The Thanet Advertiser, 5
August 1893: The new chief constable
of Margate, Mr Farndale, was welcomed on his arrival by Mr Keble, Chairman of
the Bench, on Wednesday.
The Whitstable Times and Herne
Bay Herald, 19 August 1893: In the trial of a man
charged with having acted as a pedlar and assault, Chief Constable
Farndale said he had received several complaints of the conduct of pedlars, who
intimidated women by forcing goods on them …
The Deal, Walmer
and Sandwich Mercury, 19 September 1893:
LEAVING HORSES UNCONTROLLED. … Chief Constable Farndale said he took up
these cases on grounds of public safety, as a few days before this offence a
horse attached to a brewer’s van (which was being unloaded) ran away along
Marine terrace and it was a miracle that there was not a serious accident
..
1894
Joseph was also the
Inspector of Weights and Measures. The Yorkshire evening Post, 6 June 1894: MR J FARNDALE, formerly detective inspector at Halifax, and
now Chief Constable of Margate, has passed the examination held by the Board
of Trade for inspector of weights and measures.
The Thanet Advertiser, 9 June
1894: THE CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER
AT MARGATE. On Monday afternoon the Coroner’s Inquiry into the death of John
Dale, a carriage proprietor and greengrocer, which occurred under circumstances
reported in our last issue, was resumed at the Town Hall. It will be remembered
that a young cyclist named Frederick Louis Collins of Paradise Street, collided
with the deceased as he was crossing the road. Collins was arrested and charged
with manslaughter, and the hearing of the case was adjourned … Chief Constable Farndale
asked the witness how he fixed the speed when he said the cyclist was riding
about seven miles an hour …
1895
He dealt with a case
of a buyer who didn’t receive the incubator which he had bought. The Empire News & The
Umpire, 10 February 1895: An Arrest at Carlisle. A
desire sprung up in the breast of Mr Frederick Ind, of Margate, to become the
possessor of an incubator, and to pacify his longing he advertised his
requirement in the “Exchange and Mart”. The advertisement did not fail
to escape the watchful eyes of Albert Edward Woodson of Neasham Road,
Darlington, who considerately offered him one for the modest sum of 35s.
With commendable promptitude and in good faith, Mr Ind forwarded the amount
asked, but to his dismay no incubator arrived. The matter was then
transferred to a third party, and Chef Constable Farndale, of Margate, took
up the cudgels. He traced the young man with the incubator to 14 Tait
Street, Carlisle, where he discovered him carrying on a brisk business in the
name of Mr Hollands. He was promptly arrested, and at his lodging were found
numerous letters, most of which contained postal orders. Alas! For the young
man no incubator could be found, and as an excuse he pleaded poverty. He was
escorted to Margate where the magistrates have remanded him for a week.
The Canterbury Journal,
Kentish Times and Farmers’ Gazette, 11 May 1895: Chief Constable Farndale, inspector of weights and
measures, said on the 4th of March, he saw Henry Baker
delivering coal from sacks at the Station Hotel. He asked Baker if he had
delivered the coal ticket and he said that he had not,and
continued to deliver the coal. Afterwards he entered the bar; and in
consequence of what he (the Chief Constable) said to the previous witness, she
handed him the ticket now produced …
Joseph Farndale was
regularly involved in bicycling offences. The Whitstable Times and Herne
Bay Herald, 24 August 1895: INSOLENCE TO A JP. William
Sparn was summoned for riding a bicycle in Paradise
street without giving an audible warning of his approach. Chief Constable
Farndale said the defendant rode the bicycle, on the 3rd inst, between 7 and 8 o’clock in the evening, down Paradise
street, and there collided with a foot passenger, who was crossing the
roadway. He was not heard to whistle or ring his bell …
The Thanet Advertiser, 12
October 1895: VAGRANCY. Superintendent
Farndale, of Margate Borough Police, reported that during the year ended July
20th, 1895, 167 vagrants were relieved, viz: 154 men, 11
women, and two children, 19 of whom were sent to the Workhouse, and the
remainder were accommodated in common lodging houses at Margate.
1896
The Canterbury Journal,
Kentish Times and Farmer’s Gazette, 15 February 1896: A KIND HEARTED MISTRESS. Jane Dack, domestic servant, aged
17, from Norfolk, was charged by her master, Mr Hugh Denny, 29 with stealing
a gold ring and about £10 … The prisoner pleaded guilty and said she was
sorry for it. She also said her mistress had been very kind to her, and she had
had a good place. Head Constable Farndale, having said she told him how
she spent the money, and that she was seized with a temptation to steal, which
she deeply regretted … her mistress had very kindly informed the magistrates
that she would take her back into service, therefore they would bind her over
for six months to be of good behaviour to her mistress and everybody … The
prisoner thanked the magistrates and her mistress, and said she would do all
she could to be a good girl in future.
He became interested
in the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (“RSPCA”). The Thanet Advertiser, 16 May
1896: THE RSPCA. DEPARTURE OF
INSPECTOR WALDING. On Thursday evening an interesting ceremony was performed at
the Margate Town Hall, the occasion being a presentation to Inspector George
Walding, who, for the past two years and eight months, has energetically represented
the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in this district,
and who left yesterday for the Isle of Wight District, where he will have sole
charge. … There were present: Chief Constable Farndale … the Chief Constable,
addressing Inspector Walding, said the members of the Force, from the highest
and lowest, having been made aware that the authorities of the RSPCA in London
had thought fit to remove him to another district, they wished in parting to
show in some form of their appreciation of the services he, Inspector Walding,
had rendered to the police in many ways during the time he had been stationed
at Margate. With that view they had subscribed towards a small present, a
walking stick, as an acknowledgement of his services, and as a memento of the
good feeling which existed in the Force towards him. Personally, he, Mr
Farndale, must say it was very gratifying to him as chief constable to find
such a good feeling, existing between the police and a representative of the
noble society, the RSPCA, and he thought it was the first occasion on which
an officer of the society had had his services acknowledged in this way. The
society ought to be proud of such an officer for the way in which he had discharged
his onerous and often trying duties. Concluding, Chief Constable Farndale said:
I ask you to in the name of myself and the whole members of the Force, to
accept this walking stick as an acknowledgement of the able manner in which you
have carried out your duties, the amicable way in which you have always worked
with the police, and the ready assistance you have always given them. I am
echoing the wishes of every man in the Force when I say I hope you will
continue to be prosperous in your calling as an officer of this society, and
that you and your wife may enjoy good health wherever you may be.
The Thanet Advertiser, 8
August 1896: (In this article, there is
a suggestion that he may have had a middle name J (perhaps John after his
grandfather), though this is not apparent anywhere else): MARGATE AND THE
VAGRANTS. Mr J J Farndale (Chief Constable of
Margate) wrote, in reply to the Board’s letter, that he quite agreed with the
Guardians that the accommodation for vagrants was inadequate in Margate,
and he intended shortly to bring the matter before the local authority. It was
not the custom to put vagrants into a common lodging house unless it was too
late to send them by train to Minster.
There was concern
about a motor car driving in excess of 2 miles per hour. Times were changing
and the law needed to catch up. The Canterbury Journal, Kentish Times and Farmer’s’ Gazette, 29
August 1896: MARGATE – FOURTEEN MILES
AN HOUR ON A MOTOR CAR. Charles Turrell, of 40 Holborn Viaduct, London, was
summoned before the Borough Justices on Wednesday for, on two dates, driving
a locomotive on the high street at a greater speed than two miles an hour.
The Chief Constable said the locomotive was a motor car and came within the
provisions of the Act. PC Bellingham proved that on 31st July he saw
the defendant driving his motor car down Paradise Street to the Parade at
the rate of 14 miles an hour. In cross examination by Mr Hills, he said he
had seen another motor car on the street, and had not reported it; that one was
driven carefully, and less than 14 miles an hour. Herbert Twyman swore that the
motor car in this instance was driven at the speed of 14 miles an hour. Chief
Constable Farndale, examined by Mr Hills, said he knew it was an offence to
drive a motor car in the streets more than two miles an hour. He knew that
a motor car was plying for hire in this borough for a month, and he had ridden
in it. He did not proceed against the man by whom it was driven, because he did
not think it was desirable to do so, but in this case, the driver travelled at
a rate dangerous to the public, viz, 14 miles an hour. He did not know when
he issued the summons that an Act of Parliament had been passed into law
permitting motor vehicles to travel on the highway like other vehicles. Mr
Hills stated that the Act had received Royal Asset; he could not say when; but
it had passed through Parliament before the summons was issued. The case was
dismissed, and the second summons was withdrawn.
In the early 1890s the first cars to be driven on the roads in
Britain were imported. In 1895, the first man to own and drive a car in Britain
was Evelyn Ellis. It is estimated that by 1895, there were still only about 15
cars in Britain, imported from abroad. By 1900, the number had risen to about
700. Work to build the first motor car in Britain began in 1892 by Frederick
Bremner, a gas fitter and plumber. His vehicle first ran on the public highway
in 1894. Fords started to arrive in Britain from about 1908.
At the same time his uncle, Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of
Birmingham Police, was involved in a charge against a motor car driver for
failing to have a man walking 20 yards ahead of the vehicle. See FAR00350B.
1897
An early case of
drunk horse and trap driving was brought to the Police Court. The Thanet Advertiser, 2
January 1897: EXTRAORDINARY CODUCT. On
Saturday, at the Margate Borough Police Court, a fly driver named John
William Woodward, appeared in answer to a summons for being drunk in charge
of a horse and trap, on Christmas Eve. … Defendant continually
interrupted whilst the officers gave evidence and caused much amusement
when he made the remark “I was as sober as I am now.” It was quite
evident that whilst the defendant stood in the dock he was suffering from the
effects of liquor. The Chief Constable stated that he had seen several
times previously convicted, but in view of the festive season, the chairman
intimated that he would only be fined 10s and costs. Defendant: I won’t pay.
The Chairman: Fourteen days. Defendant was about to be removed to the cells,
when he shouted “Give us another minute” and clung to the rails of the dock.
The assistance of three policemen had to be obtained in order to take the
prisoner downstairs. Woodward was placed in the dock again on Monday morning when
Chief Constable Farndale informed the magistrates that the prisoner was not
in a fit condition to be admitted to the gaol on Saturday. He (prisoner)
now wished to apologise for his conduct at the previous hearing and anted to know if the mayor would allow him time to pay the
fine. Prisoner said he was sorry for what had occurred, but before going to the
Court his master gave him some drink which upset him. The magistrates refused
the application and the prisoner was removed below.
A fly driver drove a one horse lightweight carriage.
The Whitstable Times and Herne
Bay herald, 13 February 1897: On a charge against a man
for wilfully setting fire to his chimney Chief Constable Farndale
said when a witness told the defendant his chimney was on fire, he said he
knew it, and was going to burn the place down. At that time there was a
quantity of timber on a large coal fire, and some waste paper in the fender
…
The
Jubillee of Queen Victoria. The Thanet Advertiser, 26 June
1897: The Jubilee at
Margate. On Sunday morning the Mayor Alderman E Maltby and
Corporation of Margate attended St. John's Church in state, accompanied by
various public bodies and prominent local officials. The order of processions
was as follows: mounted police; band of Number 7 company, 1st Cinque
Ports VA; No 7 company, 1st CPVA under Leiutenant A Leetam, Captain E Wastall 1st
VBEKR, Margate Lodge RAOB, Quiver lifeboat crew, Borough fire brigade under
Superintendent Wells, the Town Crier, freemasons, aldermen, councillors,
magistrates, officials, the town sergeant, His worship the Mayor, wearing his
robes and chain, Margate Borough Police, under Chief Constable J Farndale.
The route was from the town hall by way of Duke Street, Parade,
and High Street, crowds of people lining the thoroughfares. At the church,
which was crowded, the vicar of Margate, Reverend W H T Ashton Gwatkin, preached an appropriate sermon....
The Whitstable Times and Herne
Bay Herald, 14 August 1897: POLICE COURTS. THE
OMNIBUS BYE LAWS INFRINGED. Edwin Gayward, 28, Byron
Road, was summoned for conveying a greater number of persons in an omnibus
of which he was the driver that he was authorised to do. Chief Constable
Farndale said the proceedings were taken under the 15th of the Omnibus Bylaws,
which laid down that no more than 18 persons, exclusive of the driver and
conductor, should occupy an omnibus drawn by two horses. The defendant had 20
passengers, and when PC Leper pointed that fact out to him, before he left the
stand, he defied to the constable and drove off. PC Leper having proved the
case, the defendant said his break was licenced by the Watch Committee to
accommodate 22 persons, but Alderman Wootton, who is on the Watch Committee,
denied that was the case. Sergeant Ferrier said there were twenty adult
passengers and one child. The defendant repeated that his break was licenced to
carry 22, and that he did not know anything of 18. He admitted that, including
children, he had 21 passengers; two children counted as one passenger. The
defendant was fined 5s and 8s costs.
Chief
Constable of York Police, 1897 to 1900
Joseph Farndale became Chief Constable of York from 1897 to 1900 (Letter).
The Manchester Evening News,
25 September 1897: The New Chief
Constableship of York. The Watch Committee of the York Corporation, at a
meeting yesterday afternoon, had personal interviews with the four gentlemen
selected for the final choice rom the twenty seven
applicants for the position of Chief Constable. Mr Joseph Farndale, Chief
Constable of Margate; Mr Jones Chief Constable of Grantham; Mr Pelley, Devon
Police; and Inspector Reeve, Doncaster were the selected candidates, and the
committee’s choice finally fell upon Mr Farndale. The new Chief Constable
is thirty three years of age, and has held the position of Chief
Constable of Margate since 1893. Prior to that time he had passed through
various grades from the ranks, and had been send in command at Halifax.
The Edinburgh Evening News, 25
September 1897: THE CHIEF CONSTABLESHIP OF
YORK. Mr Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of Margate, was yesterday chosen
out of a short list of four to be Chief Constable of York.
The Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 5 October 1897: The Watch Committee
reported the resignation of Mr E T Lloyd as Chief Constable, and their proposal
to appoint Mr John [sic] Farndale, now Chief Constable of Margate, as his
successor at a salary of £300. After some discussion the report was
adopted, and Mr Farndale, who was in attendance, was called into the room, and
returned thanks for his appointment. He stated that he would be able to
commence the duties on 1st of November.
The Whitstable Times and Herne
Bay Herald, 16 October 1897: THE CHIEF CONSTABLE’S
RESIGNATION. The Watch Committee reported that they had accepted Mr
Farndale’s resignation as chief constable, on his appointment to a similar
position in York. They recommended that their satisfaction at the way in
which he had discharged his duties should be engrossed on vellum and presented
to him. They advised that a new chief constable should be advertised for.
Mr Rigdon thought, whoever was appointed should personally discharge the duties
of Inspector of Weights and Measures. Mr Rolfe said he noticed that there was a
charge for an assistant’s services. He wished to know who authorised the
payment? He had asked Mr Brooke, in the Finance Committee, but he did not know
anything of it. Mr Brooke: so far as my memory served me, Mr Simmons also
objected to the payment. Alderman Leetham spoke of the pleasure it gave him to
hear of the report as to the satisfaction of Mr Farndale had given it to the
Watch Committee, and he said he congratulated the chief constable on the his
important appointment. Alderman Coleman said he knew when the inspection of
weights and measures took place it was necessary that the Chief should be
assisted. He suggested that, at the next meeting, a resolution should be
carried as to the payment to the assistant….
Joseph was given a
good send off from Margate. The Whitstable Times and Herne Bay Herald, 30 October 1897:
PRESENTATIONS TO CHIEF CONSTABLE FARNDALE. FROM THE BURGESSES.
On Wednesday, presentations were made to Mr Joseph farndale, the
chief constable of this borough, who has recently been appointed to the command
of the city police of York. The mayor presided and there were present...
The Mayor said he had a very pleasing duty to perform - the presentation
of a purse of gold to the chief constable, on his appointment to York,
after having held his present office nearly five years. The magistrates and
members of the Watch Committee well knew the ability with which he discharged
his duty duties; And, so far as he was concerned, he, as Mayor, had worked very
amicably with him during the present year. He believed he had done his duty
thoroughly well and to the satisfaction of the burgesses. Of course the
chief constable held a peculiar position. It was not likely that he would
please the whole of the burgesses; on the contrary, a chief constable, if he
discharged his duty impartially, as he had every reason to believe Mr farndale
had, he was very likely to displease a number of persons; but he thought he
would leave Margate with the good wishes of all whose good opinion desirable.
He hoped, when he assumed his important duties in the ancient City of York, he
would be successful in all he had to do. He was sure he would do it with his
whole heart, as he had in Margate. In handing the purse and contents to Mr
Farndale, his worship said it afforded him great pleasure to do so; And that he
wished him every success in his new office (cheers).
Chief Constable Farndale said he did not know how to find words to
express his thanks to those who had thus shown their appreciation for his
services. He thought, when he came here, he had a difficult task before him. He
followed a most excellent chief constable, Mr Buck, who did much to improve the
police force; Therefore, it was most pleasing to him to find that he had
succeeded in maintaining the efficiency of the force, which he is pleased
to say was efficient in every sense. The town had splendid police
accommodation, which was very inadequate when he came to Margate. He felt very
grateful to the magistrates for their kind consideration when he conducted
cases before them. It was no easy task to discharge his duties. He always
considered the offenders and the interests of the town, and had received much
encouragement from their worships. Referring to the Watch Committee he said
that, whatever they did had a very great effect in a town such as Margate. He
was pleased to find, by the resolution they had placed on their minutes, that
he had satisfied them during the time he had been there. He then paid a high
eulogy on his force, and made special mention of at most respected officer,
Inspector Penfold (cheers). The whole of the members had helped in the
maintenance of the good name of Margate, so far as policing was concerned. He
would be pleased if he found such an efficient force at York. He expressed his
thanks to the magistrates’ clerk and town clerk and their deputies; and said he
should always remember Margate. His residence here had been very pleasant; and
he hopes to be spared to see Margate a very prosperous and big centre.
The mayor expressed the regret of Alderman Leetham and Councillor
Brown at their inability to be present.
The amount of the subscription was £46 7s 6d.
From the police force.
The Mayor then, on behalf of the police force, nearly the whole of
whom gave their subscription to the fund, handed to the chief constable, a
sword, supplied by Messrs Samuel Bros, Ludgate Hill, London on which was
the following inscription:
“Presented to Joseph Farndale, chief constable, by the officers
and men of the Margate police force, on his appointment as Chief Constable of
the City of York, October 1897.”
It also bears the monogram “JF”, and the Margate borough arms.
His worship stated that Margate has now a police force second
to none anywhere (cheers). They were a fine body of men, and from Inspector
Penfold, who judging by the cheers with which his name had been received, was
deservedly popular, and to the youngest member all did their duty well.
Inspector Penfold thanked the Chief Constable for his kindness to
the members, and expressed their best wishes for his happiness, and that of Mrs
Farndale and family.
Chief Constable Farndale, in returning thanks, spoke of the great
interest he had taken in all that concerned the welfare of those serving under
him.
From the firemen
The officers and members of the borough fire brigade assembled at
the Queens Arms, on Wednesday evening, and
presented to Mr Farndale, a silver mounted inkstand. The presentation
was made by Superintendent well; And the chief constable suitably acknowledged
the gift. Several songs were sung during the evening.
The Hull Daily Mail, 2
November 1897: Mr J Farndale, the
newly appointed Chief Constable of York, was sworn in yesterday at the York
Police court, and entered upon his duties.
1898
Clearly ambitious,
it wasn’t long before Joseph Farndale was looking for another upgrade. The Derby Mercury, 9 November
1898: THE CHIEF CONSTABLESHIP
OF SHEFFIELD. The four selected candidates for the appointment of chief
constable of Sheffield are Mr. James Enright, chief constable of Rotherham;
Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable of York; Commander Scott, chief
constable of Salford, and Mr Edward Sperrin, Chief Superintendent at Liverpool
There were 19 candidates.
The Yorkshire Evening Post, 30
December 1898: A FORMER LEEDS POLICE
OFFICIAL. Mr A C Mackintosh, at present chief constable of Maidstone, formerly
chief clerk in the Leeds police office, is among the applicants for the
vacant chief constable ship of Newcastle. The list also includes the
names of Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable of York, and Mr W H Jones,
chief constable of Stockport. Another of the applicant is a London barrister,
while the chief clerk of the Bucks County council figures in the list.
1899
The Leeds Mercury, 7 January
1899 (also reported in Nottingham Evening Post): The
Chief Constableship of Newcastle. The Watch Committee of Newcastle
Corporation yesterday made a selection of five from the list of candidates for
the position of Chief Constable of the city, at a salary to begin with of £500.
The Council will be invited to make the final choice to which the Watch
Committee will give effect next Friday. The selected five are – Joseph
Farndale, chief constable of York …
The York Herald, 10 January
1899: York City Police. £5
Reward. Whereas on Sunday, the 8th inst,
some person or persons wilfully killed a young SWAN on the Rover Ouse,
near Clifton Ings, the property of the Ouse Navigation Committee, by shooting
it in the neck.
The above reward will be paid to any person giving such
information as will lead to the conviction of the offender. Joseph Farndale,
Chef Constable, Chief Constable’s Office, York,. 9th Dec, 1898
The Manchester Evening News,
12 January 1899: The Newcastle City
Council yesterday took a vote upon the five candidates selected by the
Watch Committee from the applicants for the position of Chief Constable.
District Inspector James B Wright (37) was appointed. The other selected
candidates were … Joseph Farndale (34), chief constable, York …
He didn’t do well in
the Newcastle Chief Constable application, perhaps it was too soon. The Shields Daily News, 12
January 1899: THE NEW CHIEF CONSTABLE
OF NEWCASTLE. MR WRIGHT OF BELFAST. A meeting of the Newcastle City Council was
held yesterday, in the council chamber, Mr George Harkus, Mayor, presiding, the
principal business being the appointment of a chief constable for the city. The
following was the result of the vote voting: The first vote. The first vote was
Wilson, 22; Wright, 20; Wymer, 10; Morant, 8; Farndale, 3. Second vote. The
name of Mr Farndale was dropped and the second vote was...
Within
months he was applying for the vacancy for Chief Constableship of the city of
Birmingham, after his uncle Joseph Farndale (FAR00350B) had resifgned that post due to ill health. The Manchester Evening News, 5
July 1899: The Chief Constableship
of Birmingham. The Birmingham Watch Committee yesterday received tabulated
statements concerning the applicants for the chief constableship of the city.
There are exactly 50 applicants, and it is a notable fact that over half of them
are gentlemen whose only qualification appears to be a military training. Among
the candidates is Mr Farndale, the chief constable of York, a nephew of Mr
Joseph Farndale (FAR00350B), the retiring chief. …
The Manchester Evening News, 8
July 1899 (also reported in Nottingham Evening Post): The
vacant Chief Constableship of Birmingham. The judicial sub-committee of the
Birmingham Watch Committee yesterday held a special meeting to consider the
applications – exactly 50 in number – for the office of Chief Constable,
rendered vacant by the resignation of Mr Joseph Farndale (FAR00350B). The proceedings which
were conducted in private, lasted upwards of an hour, and at the conclusion it
was stated that eight gentlemen had been selected to attend personally before a
further meeting of the sub-committee, to be held Friday next, when the final
choice will in all probability be made :- The eight applicants in question were
… Joseph Farndale, 35, Chief Constable of York …
The York Herald, 10 July 1899: YORK LIFEBOAT SATURDAY. … The Chief Constable (Mr J T
Farndale) in his uniform, rode at the head of the procession, attended
by a couple of mounted police …
The Manchester Evening News,
17 July 1899: Appointment of the
Chief Constable for Birmingham. The Birmingham Watch Committee at a special
meeting this morning appointed Mr G H Rafter, Chief Constable of the City. Mr
Rafter who is 42 years of age, has been District Inspector of the Royal Irish
Constabulary at Boyle. The appointment was vacant owing to the retirement of Mr
Joseph Farndale through ill health. Mr Rafter has had 16 years’ Irish police
experience.
So on Joseph Farndale’s (FAR00350B) resignation as Chief
Constable of Birmingham through ill health, his nephew, also Joseph Farndale
was shortlisted amongst eight to succeed his uncle, but in the event Sir
Charles Haughton Rafter was appointed.
In May 1899, York
took possession of a splendid new fire engine. The York Herald, 2 May 1899: TESTING A NEW FIRE ENGINE IN YORK. Yesterday afternoon, in St
George’s Fields, the power of a new fire engine, which has been supplied
to the town of Thornaby on Tees by Messrs Rose, of Manchester, was tested … The
operations were under the superintendence of the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale)
… the engine is guaranteed to pump 350 gallons per hour, but when under
full pressure it threw 153 gallons more, or a total of 503 gallons per hour
…
The York Herald, 27 May 1899: SERVICE AT YORK MINSTER. The 80th birthday of
the Queen was celebrated on Wednesday in York with becoming loyalty … The
following magistrates preceded by the Chief Constable (Mr J Farndale) were
the first of the civic dignitaries to arrive …
The York Herald, 9 June 1899: A SECOND CASE. William H A F short, hairdresser and
tobacconist, of Clarence street, York, was summoned for keeping his house
and shop for the purpose of betting... Mr Farndale read the letter which
was addressed to the defendant and signed by the witness, and which requested
the defendant to put him sixpence ‘each way’ on several horses, the names of
which were given. It was stated in the letter that if the money was not enough
he would call that night. In answer to further questions, the witness said the
letter was not written for himself, but he could not explain why he had used
the word ‘me’ in the phrase ‘put me sixpence each way’. One of the horses won,
but he did not go down that night or since, because he sent no money. The chief
constable said there had evidently been an enclosure, as the letter referred to
money...
The York Herald, 14 October
1899: INQUEST AND VERDICT. Mr
J R Wood, Coroner for the city, resumed the inquest on Tuesday, in the Alma
Terrace police station, on the body of John Dunn, of 76, Alma Terrace, who met
his death on the night of second inst, from violence
alleged to have been inflicted upon him by Thomas Norman Latham, a neighbour.
Mr K E T Wilkinson appeared for the defence of Latham. Mr. J Farndale, chief
constable, was present during the inquiry. Gertrude Young, living with her
father, a compositor, at 29 Alma Terrace, corroborated the evidence given by
her father on the last occasion. The noise they heard coming from Latham’s back
kitchen on the night of 2nd October was like struggling, and the banging of
pots and things flying about. They rushed out into the yard, and then heard
what sounded like the splitting of a stick. They heard heavy blows being dealt
by someone in Latham's yard...
The Yorkshire Gazette, 18
November 1899: The Chief Constable of
York (Mr J Farndale) replied. He took the opportunity to refer to the claims
of the wives and families of our soldiers in arms in South Africa, and
calling attention to the Lord Mayor's fund, suggested that a subscription
towards it should be made in that room and that at that moment. (Applause).
When the Watch
Committee raised Joseph Farndale’s salary, questions were being asked about the
number of applications he was making to apply for chief constableships of other
cities. The councillors
later conceded that they had been too penny pinching to retain leaders of the
right calibre. The Yorkshire Gazette, 9
December 1899: THE CHIEF CONSTABLE’S
SALARY. Alderman Coning having proposed the reception of the Watch Committee's
report, questions were put by Mr Hornsey and Mr. Carter. In replying to Mr
Hornsey, the Alderman said he could not absolutely state how many
applications for situations in other towns had been made by the chief constable.
He informed Mr. Carter that the Council had no guarantee that the chief
constable would not apply for an appointment elsewhere. The report having
been received, Alderman Coning moved its adoption. In supporting the proposed advance
of Mr Farndale salary from £300 to £350 per annum, he said he was a very
efficient officer, who had already saved the city a considerable sum by the way
in which he managed the Police Department. Mr Brown seconded the motion. Mr
Hornsey: it is all very well for Alderman Coning to say he doesn't know how
many times the chief constable has applied for situations elsewhere. Alderman
Coning: Do you mean since he came to York? Mr Hornsey: Yes. Alderman Coning:
oh! I thought you meant in his life (Laughter). Mr Hornsey said they should
have a guarantee for something like permanent service within their public
offices. The proper thing for the chief constable, if he was dissatisfied, to
resign, and the Corporation should then advertise the office. Perhaps they
would get someone twice as competent. He was saying nothing against the chief
constable (Laughter). Had they elected a York man this would not have
occurred....
The York Herald, 30 December
1899: FIRE AT SALEM CHAPEL,
YORK: A fire broke out in the Salem Chapel, York, last night which was
fortunately subdued before it reached very large proportions, although it
caused a considerable amount of damage while it lasted. The information of the
outbreak was conveyed to the central police station by Mr. Smith of the steam
laundry, Aldwark, by telephone at 4.46. The steamer
and fire escape were at once sent off in the charge of Superintendent Gains and
Inspector Mason who were subsequently joined by the chief constable Mr
Farndale. On their arrival the brigade found flames issuing from the
gallery windows on the left-hand side of the building. Mr Smith's men were at
work with the hosepipe throwing water on the flames through the windows. The
brigade connected their hose with the hydrant in St Saviourgate,
and went into the building and played on the flames, which they soon succeeded
in extinguishing. There are two means of heating the chapel, one by gas which
warms the upper part and the other by hot water pipes which heats the lower
portion, and it is supposed that the fire originated in some way from the gas
apparatus.
1900
Chief
Constable of Bradford City Police Force, 1 August 1900 to 31 December 1930
Joseph became Chief
Constable at Bradford in 1900, to succeed Roderick Ross, who had left for
Edinburgh.
See also the Bradford Police Museum.
The Birmingham Daily Post, 25
June 1900: CHIEF CONSTABLE
CANDIDATES. The eight candidates selected out of the applicants for the chief
constableship of Bradford have been reduced to six, all of whom will appear
before the watch committee next Friday. They are:... Mr. J Farndale, chief
constable of York;...
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
30 June 1900: Bradford’s new Chief
Constable comes with an excellent reputation. Mr Farndale has had
wide experience at Halifax, Margate, and York; he has passed through all
grades, is a policeman by choice, and is a good disciplinarian without being
a martinet. Having done some smart things himself as a subordinate, he may
be trusted to recognise merit on the part of young officers under his charge.
The Watch Committee’s choice, I firmly believe, will be justified by a better acquaintance
with Mr Farndale.
The Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 30 June 1900: Mr Joseph Farndale,
Chief Constable of York, was yesterday selected by the Bradford Watch Committee
as Chief Constable of that City, in succession to Mr R Ross, now of Edinburgh.
Six selected candidates appeared before the Committee, there being originally
twenty nine applicants. The salary attached to the office is £500.
The Leeds Mercury, 30 June
1900: The Chief Constableship
of Bradford. Mr Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of York, was yesterday
appointed Chief Constable of the city of Bradford, at a salary of £500 a year,
in succession to Mr R Ross, who has become Chief Constable of Edinburgh. Mr Farndale
was born at Wakefield in 1864, and first joined the Halifax force, where in the
course of ten years he advanced to the degree of detective inspector. In 1888
he was appointed Chief Constable of Margate, and three years ago became Chief
Constable of York.
The York Herald, 3 July 1900: THE CHIEF CONSTABLE OF YORK. CONGRATULATIONS AND REGRETS. At
the York City Police Court on Monday the magistrates present were the Lord
Mayor, Alderman Rymer and Mr H Tennant. The Lord Mayor addressing the chief
constable, Mr. J Farndale, said that since they had seen him in that court they
had heard that he had been appointed to the chief constableship of Bradford.
They could congratulate Mr Farndale, although he did not think that they could
congratulate themselves. They could congratulate him on getting the appointment
at Bradford, and upon the able way in which he had discharged his duties in
that court. He had given universal satisfaction to the court in the way he had
conducted himself, and it was with regret that they took leave of him. He hoped
that Mr Farndale would be happy in his new appointment. Mr F J Munby,
magistrates clerk, endorsed the remarks of the Lord Mayor. Mr H Tennant said
that the Lord Mayor had stated the case very aptly as regarded the feelings of
the magistrates. They regretted for their own sakes that Mr Farndale was going
to leave York, but they could not properly say that they regretted that he had
got the appointment at Bradford. Promotion was what people looked forward
to, and they congratulated Mr Farndale on every ground. Mr Wilkinson,
solicitor, said that personally he was very sorry that Mr Farndale was going to
leave them. He had had a great deal to do with the chief constables and they
could take his duties in that court very unpleasant or very pleasant and he was
bound to say that his relations with Mr Farndale had been very amicable. Mr
Farndale said that he naturally felt very proud of the great honour conferred
on him by the authorities of Bradford, and it caused him a great amount of joy,
but his cup of joy had been mixed with a little bitterness in leaving the
ancient City of York. He felt very acutely the remarks made that morning. He
said that he had been guided in performing his work in that court by the
endeavour to do his duty between man and man. The chief constable has received
letters of congratulation from the city members and from a large number of
citizens.
The Whitby Gazette, 6 July
1900: MR FARNDALE, OF YORK,
APPOINTED. The Bradford Watch Committee on Friday made the appointment of chief
constable for the city, in succession to Mr R Ross, now of Edinburgh. The
original applications numbered 29 and the six selected candidates were Mr Joseph
Farndale, chief constable of York... These attended before the committee, and
Mr Farndale received the appointment, the salary attached to which is £500. Mr
Farndale is 36 years of age and married. He is a native of Wakefield, and a
nephew of the ex chief constable of Birmingham, who
hailed from the Whitby district. He began his career as an ordinary constable
at the age of 20 in the Halifax force. He was promoted step by step until at
the age of 29 he was second in command in that borough. He then applied for and
received the chief constableship of Margate, where he served for a little over
four years. In 1897 he was elected chief constable of York, where the normal
force is one of 78 men, though in special seasons it is increased to 200.
The Derbyshire Times and
Chesterfield Herald 7 July 1900 (also reported in the Burnley Express, 4 July 1900): Mr Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of York, a nephew of the
former Chief Constable of Birmingham and Chesterfield, has been appointed Chief
Constable of Bradford. The salary attached to the office is £500 per annum.
The Leeds Mercury, 11 July
1900: Bradford City Council.
The Chief Constableship. A meeting of the Bradford City Council was held
yesterday, Mr WE Ackroyd presiding. Mr J Moorhouse, in moving the minutes of
the Watch Committee, which included the appointment of Mr Joseph Farndale as
Chef Constable of Bradford, at a salary of £500 a year, said the committee felt
Mr Farndale would discharge the duties of the office to the satisfaction of the
Council.
Clearly the issue is that the councillors of York were skimping
on pay, and in consequence were not keeping their high officers. The
York Herald, 17 July 1900: THE
APPOINTMENT OF THE CHIEF CONSTABLE. A special meeting of the York City council
was held on Monday evening, to receive and consider the following report of the
Watch Committee: “Your committee have to report that the chief constable has
tendered his resignation, having received the appointment of chief constable at
the city of Bradford. The committee desire to record their high appreciation
of the efficient manner in which Mr Joseph Farndale has discharged the duties
of chief constable of this city, and whilst congratulating him on his promotion
to the chief constable ship of Bradford, they regret that his services will be
lost to the city. The committee recommend that they be authorised to advertise
for a successor to Mr Farndale at a commencing salary of £350 per annum. The
chief constable will be required to act as Chief Inspector of Weights and
Measures”.... Mr Lund proposed, as a further amendment, that the salary offered
be £300 instead of £350. Mr Chapman seconded. The sheriff hoped that the
Corporation would not pass the amendment to come up but would agree to the
larger amount in the hope that they might get a good man, and one who
would remain with them. These frequent changes were very unsatisfactory.
Alderman Purnell pointed out that the regulation of the cabs and carriages and
of the weights and measures had been taken over by the Chief Constable since Mr
Farndale took up the duties. Alderman Coning characterised the proposed
reduction is a false economy, and was understood to say that the chief
constable would be well worth to York the salary that he was receiving at
Bradford. Mr Farndale had saved the city scores of pounds. Alderman Mackay:
Many hundreds. Alderman Border supported the committee. Mr. Robinson said that
taking into account the growth of the city and the increase in its
population he thought it only right that there should be a corresponding
increase in the chief constable salary. He should vote for £350. He, however,
approved of Mr. J S Grey’s suggestion that they should intimate that no
recommendation for another post or increase of salary would be granted for two
years. Mr Weir also supported the committee. On being put to the vote the
amendment was lost. They reported the committee with the omission of the word
‘commencing’ was then passed, and the Council rose.
The York Herald, 23 July 1900: THE CHIEF CONSTABLE OF YORK. To the editor of the Yorkshire
Herald. Sir, will you allow me to give expression through your paper to the
general opinion which exists in the city, that the corporation of York have
made another serious mistake in permitting Mr Farndale to accept a more
lucrative and responsible position, when an advance of salary would have
secured his continued services in this city. If I am informed that on each
of the three occasions when Mr Farndale became a candidate for vacant
appointments, he had previously intimated his intention to the Watch Committee,
but had received no encouragement to stir any advance either then, or in the
future, and he was therefore compelled to obtain preferment outside the
City of York, where his services would be better recognised and
appreciated. There is another instance of that short sighted policy of
penny wise and pound foolish, which characterised characterise the actions
of the majority of our councillors. They never know when they have got a
good man, and they had invariably let him slip through their fingers,
rather than retain an efficient officer by paying him the salary his experience
and services had can command elsewhere. I believe Mr Farndale has been
nearly three years in York, and during the whole of that time, peace has
reigned between the Watch Committee and their chief constable, which has
never been the case for years previously, the police as a body have been better
looked after, and have consequently become more efficient, there has been no
friction between the chief and the magistrates, as formerly, and the city has
been saved considerable expense in various ways by Mr Farndale's
organisation and prudent arrangements, when important local functions
required extra attention, or the calling in of assistance from neighbouring
towns. This was never more forcibly exemplified than on the recent visit of
the Prince of Wales, and the other members of the royal party, during the
Royal Agricultural Show. By Mr Farndale’s judicious and ample arrangements,
royalty was never better safeguarded, or better order maintained amongst the
thousands of visitors who attended the show, whilst at least a couple of
hundred pounds was saved to the ratepayers, as compared with previous royal
visits. I know that it is now too late to retain Mr Farndale, but I trust the
experience of the past will have its effect in inducing the council when
appointing his successor to give some reasonable pledge that there would be an
increase of salary, on satisfaction having been given, after a certain length
of time. Yours, a ratepayer. July 21, 1900.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
1 August 1900: Mr Farndale, the new
Chief Constable, commenced his duties in Bradford this morning, when he took
over the command o the city force.
The Leeds Mercury, 10 August
1900: Mr J Farndale, late of
York, and now the Chief Constable of Bradford, was formally introduced to
his men yesterday.
The York Herald, 18 August
1900: We have received a copy
of the following minute, “Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace, acting in, and
for the City of York in meeting, assembled on Monday, the 13th day of August,
in the year of our Lord 1900, have pleasure in recording that during the last
three years this city has been well and faithfully served in the office of
Chief Constable by Mr Joseph Farndale, who has shown much forsight,
patient ability, and judgement in the discharge of his duties; and the justices
desire to convey to Mr Farndale their best wishes for his health and happiness
in his new sphere of duty.” the Lord Mayor was in the Chair.
There was a problem
with juvenile crime. The Leeds Mercury, 20 October 1900: JUVENILE CRIME IN BRADFORD. AN UNENVIABLE REPUTATION.
Bradford is creating an undesirable reputation just now for juvenile
criminality. Of late months the number of young persons
brought before the City Court has been greatly in increase of anything
experienced for some considerable period, and the Stipendiary Magistrate ha's
intimated that he will in future adopt a much sterner attitude to those who are
bought before him, especially after a first conviction. During the quarter just
closed no less than 52 persons under the age of 16, consisting of 50 boys
and 2 girls, have been charged with various offences, as compared with only
five in the previous quarter. Recently there have been systematic raids on
pigeon cotes and places where poultry is kept, whilst other youths have
devoted their attention to stripping the metal from uninhabited houses and
warehouses. The subject has occupied the serious attention of the Chief
Constable (Mr Farndale), and he has come to the conclusion that the facilities
afforded young persons for the disposal of the stolen property is an important
element in the present undesirable condition of affairs. The law restricts the
purchase of smaller quantities of metals, but this fact notwithstanding, there
are brokers and marine store dealers who are open to take small lots of
material from young people, and the police complain that they have not
powered sufficiently comprehensive to deal in the most effective way with these
dealers. To remedy this defect as far as possible, application is to be
made to parliament in the next session cover for an extension of the powers the
city police at present possess, and a clause to that effect has been included
in the bill which the Bradford Corporation is promoting. By this means it is
hoped something will be done to lessen the number of juvenile criminals in the
district; And meanwhile the city Chief Constable is making what use he can of
the powers he now possesses, and proceedings are to be taken against some dealers
who have not, it is thought, exercised such discretion as is necessary by
persons in their position. It is a fact that today there are in Armley gaol
more young criminals from Bradford than from any other large city centre of
population in the West Riding of Yorkshire.
1901
The 1901 Census, for 2 Undercliffe Lane, Bradford
listed Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of Police, head, aged 36; Emma
Farndale, his wife, aged 38; Florence Selby Farndale, aged 16; Eveline
Farndale, aged 15; Emma Elsie Gladys Farndale, aged 7; and Luch Woodhams and
Maria Mocarthy, servants.
The new century was
welcomed in at Bradford. The Bradford Observer, 2 January 1901: In commemoration of the opening of the twentieth century, the
Mayor (Mr W C Lupton), the members of the City Council, the chief officials of
the Corporation, the city magistrates, and a number of gentlemen representing
institutions of the town, attended Divine service yesterday at Bradford Parish
Church … The procession consisted of a posse of police under Chief Constable
Farndale (who had altogether 120 men on duty in connection with the
proceedings)…
The Bradford Observer, 19
January 1901: STREET HAWKING BY
CHILDREN. A conference was held at the Bradford Town Hall yesterday between
representatives of the Watch Committee of the city, the Bradford School Board,
and the Bradford Board of Guardians with the object of considering the best
means of putting into force the powers obtained by the Corporation in last
year's bill for regulating street trading by children. The chairman of
the Watch Committee, Mr J Moorhouse presided, and among others present were... and the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale).
Considerable discussion took place as to the most desirable means of attaining
the end in view, that of safeguarding the interests not only of the children,
but also of the general public. It was ultimately resolved that a deputation
representing the three authorities should visit Liverpool, where similar powers
I've been exercised for some time, to inquire into the methods adopted there.
Draft copies of the regulations proposed are to be submitted to the Board of Guardians
and the School Board for approval before being adopted. A suggestion that
children to be dealt with should not in the first instance be taken to a police
station or the Workhouse was favourably received by all the parties.
The Bradford Observer, 26
March 1901:
THE POLICING OF BRADFORD IN THE PAST CENTURY. PREESENT POSITION OF
THE FORCE.
The
first annual report of the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, for the year
ended 31st, 1900 December 31st, 1900, begins with
an interesting reference to the “watching and policing of Bradford during
the 19th century,” Mr Farndale says:
At the beginning of the century there were no police but the
whole team was watched (at night time), by only seven watchmen, appointed by
the commissioners, and this number was reduced in April of each year to two. In
1827 six additional watchmen were appointed, due no doubt to the increasing
population, as in 1803 the population was 14,000, whereas in 1821 it had
increased to 20,000. This state of things existed until 1847, with the
exception that, the number of watchmen had been increased to 28. In these days
a great economy seems to have been observed in clothing the Watchmen, as will
be seen from a minute passed in 1804: “Resolved that two new coats be provided
for two of the oldest Watchmen and that three of the old coats be appropriated
in repairing for old ones.”
In the year 1831 the so-called police force must have been in a
deplorable state according to the report of a Committee of Inquiry, which sees
says as follows: They “regret to observe that whilst the population and
commerce of this town have rapidly increased, its moral and municipal
discipline is on the decline; and it is their opinion that without an entire
reformation of the police at the town it may become very questionable whether
even property itself may not become deteriorated to a ruinous extent; and they
have but too much reason to apprehend the workings of a system of fraud on the
one hand and negligence and extravagant on the other.”
On the grant of a charter of incorporation in 1847, a properly
organised police force, with a responsible head, was established under Mr
William Leveratt, and the full strength of it was 65.
Mr Leveratt was succeeded by Mr F W Grantham of Leeds
in 1859, and he remained at the head of the force until 1874, when Mr. James
Withers was appointed. He was succeeded by Mr C J Paul in 1894, who was
pensioned in 1898, and Mr R Ross was appointed. The strength of the force was
increased periodically, due to the increase of population, until 1899, when the
number was increased from 282 to 354, owing to the expansion of the city
boundaries.
The following table shows a most gratifying improvement in the
conduct of the police force during the past 35 years, and I think I may fairly
claim that at the present time the moral tone of the force is good and that the
efficiency is excellent:
Five years ending
Percentage of offenders reported to watch committee
1870 – 15.44
1875 – 16.10
1880 – 10.83
1885 – 6.51
1890 - 4.93
1895 - 3.90
1900 - 2.97.
The authorised strength of the force on 31st December, 1900, was
554. The average age is 39 ½ years: height 5 foot 10 ½ inches; and length of
service nine years and three months. The variations during the year were as
follows: - 1 Sergeant and 12 constables resigned voluntarily, 6 constables
resigned compulsory, 3 constables were dismissed, 1 Sergeant died, 1 constable
absconded, and 1 Superintendent, 1 inspector, 2 sergeants and 4 constables were
pensioned. The chief Constable, Mr R Ross, was appointed Chief Constable of
Edinburgh.
In addition to 10 army reservists (constables in this force) who
were called up for active service in South Africa in 1899, I have been called
upon during the past year, thus making a total of 11. I'm glad to say that up
to the present time only 1 man has been wounded, and in that case not
seriously. There are 249 members of the force who hold the St. Johns Ambulance
Association certificates; 43 of that number having gained the medallion. It is
my attention to form a class without delay for interacting in this useful and
very necessary work whose members do not hold certificates. First aid to the
injured was rendered on 69 occasions, 8 being cases of fractures, 32 wounding,
19 fits, 3 burns, one poisoning, and five of other injuries.
The number of crimes committed during the year, known to the
police, amounted to 747, an increase compared with the previous year of 156.
For those offences 473 persons were arrested and 16 proceeded against by
summons, 419 were males and 70 females. The number of robberies perpetrated was
539; the value of the property stolen being £4016 18s 6d, and the property
recovered pounds £165 39s 1d. Comparing these figures with those of last year,
it appears that there is an extraordinary increase in the value of property
stolen; this is not the result of an increase in crime, but is owing to the
fact that the value of the property stolen in four of the robberies exceeded
the total stolen in the 1899, amounting to £1,685. Of this amount £1,450 was
covered by insurance and only entailed the loss upon the owners of £235. In
order to show that the work of the detective department has not been inferior
to that of other years, by deducting the proceeds of these four robberies,
£1685, from the total sum stolen, £4016, it will be seen the percentage of the
property recovered is raised from 41.1 to 76.84, an actual increase upon the
previous year. This percentage of detected robberies is 65.29.
The total number of persons preceded against four non indictable
offences was 3,782, being in comparison with the previous year, a decrease of
180. Of these 2,357 were males and 845 female; 1,799 were preceded against by
arrest, and 1,903 by summons; 1935 were convicted, and 1,418 discharged, 962 of
that number being discharged on payment of costs, 11 committed to industrial
schools, and 123 otherwise dealt with.
For drunkenness 463 males were preceded against, together with 178
females - a total of 641. Of this number 228 were fined or committed to gaol,
412 were discharged, 340 of this number being discharged on payment of costs,
and one case withdrawn. Compared with the average number of cases proceeded
against during the past five years, this shows an increase of 195.
Of keys 327 sets were deposited at the police office, the sum of
pounds £325 11s 8d being received for rent. 645 lost children were taken charge
of by the police, and subsequently restored to their parents. The number of
premises found insecure during the year was 2,039. A notice was served upon the
occupiers of the premises in all cases, requesting that more care should be
taken when securing them. During the year 7 orders were made to keep dogs under
proper control, and three to destroy dogs. Altogether 518 dogs were destroyed
by the police during the year.
The Halifax Evening Courier, 4
April 1901: CHIEF CONSTABLE
FARNDALE AND THE MAGISTRATES. Something of a divergence of sentiment
between the magisterial bench and the chief of the police force arose in
Bradford City Police Court yesterday. The magistrates dismissed a charge of
selling drink during prohibited hours. Thereupon Chief Constable Farndale requested
to be informed of their reasons for so deciding; and added the noteworthy
remarks that he had a right to know, in order that he might deal with his men,
and that if the bench did not believe his officers he should have to punish
them. The magistrates declined to state any reasons, but added the case was a
proper one to bring before the court.
The Yorkshire Evening Post, 4
April 1901: THE BRADFORD CHIEF
CONSTABLE AND THE BENCH. The Chief Constable of Bradford was clearly trifling
with the dignity and authority at the magistrates yesterday when he demanded
reasons for the dismissal of a prosecution against a local licenced victualler.
The grounds on which this official felt justified in preferring his demand are
remarkable. “If you do not,” he said, “believe my officers, I must
necessarily inflict some punishment on them.” Are we to understand, then,
that the Chief Constable rewards or punishes the members of his force according
to the measure of success or the extent of the failure which attend their
prosecutions in the police court? Of course, Mr Farndale, cannot have intended
that this construction should be placed upon his remark, but it is inevitable
all the same. It is needless, of course, to explain that the dismissal of a
case does not necessarily imply the censure on the prosecution or justify a
charge of perjury being laid against the police officers concerning it. Many
reasons enter into a final judgement at the Bench, and we're glad to see, if
only for the officers say sake, that the Bradford justices yesterday made it
clear that they thought the case in question was a proper one for
investigation. Whether this was on so or not, it would never do to admit the
Chief Constable's right when acting as a prosecuting counsel to cross examining
the magistrates as to the reason lying at the back of any decision they may
come to. Such a demand emanating from the other side would properly be
regarded impertinence, and, in the interests of justice cover it is right and
necessary to avoid the very appearance of partiality.
Joseph
Farndale was already looking splendid in his mounted pose. The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
26 April 1901: ACCIDENT TO A MOUNTED
POLICE OFFICER. The inspection of the Bradford City Police Force afternoon at
Manningham park was quite a smart and interesting event. Beautiful spring
weather prevailed, and the park looked well. The green on the left hand side of
the main carriage drive had been staked off for the occasion by a number of
flags, and shortly after two c’clock the men of the
force were marshalled in various sections fronting the main road. The
constables were paraded pending the arrival of the Government Inspector by
Sergeant Brown (Drill instructor to the force). All told they numbered over 300
men. This included 25 sergeants, 13 inspectors, and superintendents Blenkinsop,
Ackroyd, Bogart, White, and Thompson. Both officers and men were in full
uniform, and presented an imposing appearance. Exceptional pains had been taken
to thoroughly clean all the metal facings, and the citizens of Bradford have
reason to be proud of the smart body of men whose duty it is to patrol the
streets of this city and to protect our lives and belongings. A detachment of
mounted police, in charge of inspector Mattocks, was a feature of the
proceedings, and the detective staff, under the command of Chief Inspector
Abbey, were attired in smart civilian dress and wearing silk hats. The Chief
Constable, Mr Farndale, was the most conspicuous feature of the assembly. He
was mounted on a spirited steed, and was dressed in an attractive uniform, with
a glittering sword hanging by his side. His chapeau was surmounted by plumes.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
14 May 1901: FIXING BAIL – POWERS OF A
CHIEF CONSTABLE. At the City Police Court today Mr Joseph Farndale, Chief
Constable, referred to a case where a man had been stabbed in the shoulder
by a penknife. He said it was reported in the papers that he had no
authority for fixing bail in the case. He asserted that he had ample authority.
The Stipendiary Magistrate (Mr Skidmore): Not in a serious case. Mr Farndale: I
mean to a case of petty misdemeanour. In reply to Mr Skidmore the Chief
Constable said the time of grating bail was on Saturday, he could not say
exactly when. He then proceeded to quote authority, saying he had the right
to fix bail as he did not consider the case a serious one. He could
exercise his discretion. The Stipendiary Magistrate, after consulting the
charge in the case, said it was a felony in which no bail should have been
taken without a magistrate’s authority. He was not blaming the Chief Constable
if it was irregular. Any magistrate would have fixed bail. There were 68
magistrates in Bradford. The matter then dropped.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
24 May 1901: A BAD HOUSE. CHARGE
AGAINST A BRADFORD WOMAN. At the City Court today before the Stipendiary (Mr
Skidmore) and other magistrates, **, respectably dressed woman, twenty four
years of age, of *, was charged with keeping her house as a brothel … The
Chief Constable (Mr Joseph Farndale) said that the prisoner had kept this house
as a brothel since May last year. The police had received numerous
complaints with regard to the conduct of the house, and the later had recently
been under police supervision. Recently a number of men employed at a local
show had frequently visited the prisoner. There was o
drink found on the premises. … A fine of £5 and 8s costs was imposed with an
alternative of one month’s imprisonment with hard labour.
In 1901, Joseph
Farndale became involved in a number of cases of fortune tellers ripping off
their clients. The Bradford Observer, 6
June 1901:
FORTUNE TELLING IN BRADFORD. STRANGE STORY FROM KNARESBOROUGH.
A curious case of fortune telling came before Mr Skidmore (Stipendiary Magistrate) … on the evening
of May 25th he was visited at his house by two of the police matrons
…
According to the evidence of the former, the defendant’s first
device was to fold two pieces of paper into the form of diamonds, after
which he asked the visitors when and where they were born. Mr Skidmore: That
is a very dangerous question to ask a lady; I hope you didn’t tell him
(laughter). Continuing the witness said that the defendant wrote the
information on the diamond formed papers, and then retired saying he was going
to meditate as to what planet or planets the visitors were born under. After an
absence of about ten minutes, he returned with the information that witness was
born under Venus (laughter). He predicted for witness a lot of trouble and
sickness this year, but said there would be a change for the better next
year. She would he added do well as a lodging house keeper, and he warned her
against taking a voyage on the water until next year; this year there was an
evil aspect over her (laughter). Had the hour of her call been midnight he
would have predicted a voyage abroad next year. He advised her to transact all
her important business on the Thursday directly following a new moon. He
told her that she would have two offers of marriage during the next year –
one from a single man and one from a widower (laughter). Mr Skidmore: Is the
defendant a widower? (renewed laughter). The witness said she paid the defendant 1s 6d
for telling her fortune. The defendant told her if she preferred to have it
written down it would cost 2s 6d.
In cross examination the defendant complained that the callers had
given wrong names.
Mr Skidmore: That doesn’t matter; they were told a great many
things at your house that were wrong.
Defendant: I didn’t send for them.
Mr Skidmore: Nobody says you did.
Defendant: I haven’t been doing much business during the last
three or four years due to my health.
Mr Skidmore: And you will do less after today.
Ellen Whitehouse, a married woman, corroborated the testimony of
the first witness. The defendant predicted for her two offers of marriage
(laughter).
Detective Haigh said he had made inquiries as to the defendant’s
antecedents. He had ascertained that the defendant had drawn considerably
over £1,000 from a gentleman in Knaresborough in this kind of business –
driving away the evil aspect (laughter). He had been carrying on in this way
for sixteen years. Mr Skidmore: I shouldn’t have thought there was so much
money in Knaresborough. Detective Haigh: The gentleman there has ow become
seriously ill, and the doctor says it is all due to this man bothering him. He
is nearly seventy years of age.
In reply to Mr Skidmore, the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale) aid
there was no previous conviction against the defendant for this kind of
offence, but he had been fined for assaulting his wife. He had been carrying on
business for twenty years in Bradford and called himself a herbalist.
Defendant (to the detective): I haven’t drawn over £1000 from that
man.
Detective Haigh: You have had £1 a week from him for over twenty
years.
Defendant: No, I haven’t had 10s.
Mr Skidmore: You ought not to have had 10d.
Detective Haigh: He has gone down to this gentleman’s house
regularly about once a week, ad has spent the night in boiling down beats’
hearts and putting it into ginger beer bottles to drive the evil spirits away.
He would spend the night in this way and leave next morning.
Mr Skidmore: I see, a sort of incantation (laughter).
The Chief Constable said the visitors to the defendant’s house
were not confined to any particular class. This Knaresborough business had been
put to an end.
Mr Skidmore (to the defendant): You are a rogue and a vagabond.
That is what the law calls you. If you had been convicted before you would have
been sent to prison for a long term without the option of a fine. There is no
doubt that you have been carrying on this business and imposing upon His
Majesty’s subjects for a long period of time. You will be fined £10 and 12s
costs, or six weeks imprisonment.
The Bradford Observer, 20 June
1901: At Bradford City Police
Court * was charged with stealing a pair of bathing drawers,
value 6d, the property of the Bradford Corporation. The Chief Constable (Mr J
Farndale) remarked that no fewer than 100 pairs of drawers had disappeared from
one of the baths within the last six weeks.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
28 June 1901: ROBERT’S NEW UNIFORM.
INSPECTION BY THE WATCH COMMITTEE. This afternoon the annual inspection of
the City Police new clothing took place before the Bradford Watch Committee
at the Belle Vue Barracks, Manningham Lane. Upwards of 300 officers and men
were drawn up on parade under Chief Constable Joseph Farndale …
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
21 August 1901: DAY BY DAY. The report
presented by the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, at the annual Brewster
Sessions for the city, held today, contains several favourable features. Taken
all round the holders of licences in the city have conducted their houses well,
and the returns as to drunkenness in Bradford compare favourably with those
published for other large towns. According to the report 2.01%, per thousand
population were preceded against, as compared with 4.16% at Leeds, and 3.39 at
Sheffield. The figures relating to Bradford, in fact, are the lowest returns
from eight of the largest towns of the country.
The Bradford Observer, 21
August 1901: At the Bradford City
Police Court yesterday – before ... Patrick Gorman, 18, millhand of 10 Grafton
Street and William Redmond, 17, labour, of 21 Duncan Street were charged with breaking
and entering the premises of number 131 East Parade, occupied by the Board
and Case Makers’ Club, and stealing therefrom 6s 2d in cash and quantity of
tobacco and cigarettes. The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, stated that
the premises were discovered on Monday to have been broken into, and the
prisoners were found inside with the stolen property and money in their
possession. The prisoners were ordered to take their trial at the next quarter
sessions.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
16 October 1901: POLICE ORPHANAGE AND
HOME. MEETING IN BRADFORD. This afternoon Mrs Boyd Carpenter addressed a
drawing room meeting in the Council Chamber of the Bradford Town Hall, on
behalf of the Northern Police Orphanage and Police Convalescent Home. The Mayor
presided over a very influential gathering, and there were present the
Mayoress, Mr E P Arnold-Foster, Chief Constable Farndale, and Mr Hankinson, the
deputy town clerk. The Mayor in the course of a brief introductory speech, said
that the necessity for the extension of the upper sphere of the home's
usefulness seemed most evident and pressing...
With regard to his
uncle, (also Joseph Farndale (FAR00350B))’s death: The Birmingham Mail, 23 October 1901: At a meeting of the Watch Committee today, a letter was read
from Mr J Farndale, Chief Constable at Bradford, thanking the committee for the
resolution of condolence in respect to the death of the late Mr Joseph Farndale.
In
November 1901, the police had to deal with a dodgy bookmaker. The Liverpool Evening Express,
30 November 1901: THE ARREST OF A
BRADFORD BOOKMAKER. REMARKABLE STORY OF ‘KELLY’S LUCK’. Since Saturday last it
has been known in Bradford that the police had suspicions of the dealings of a
local sporting man, and careful inquiries narrowed the suspect down to Mr.
Kelly, who resides at Tennyson Place, off Otley road. He is of Irish descent
and a Roman Catholic. He cannot be much more than 30 to 35 years old, and his
unmarried. No man has loomed larger on the sporting side of Bradford life for
some years past, and the stories of his turf winnings during the last two years
have not lacked either in detail or in breath. He is he has been alleged to
have one thousands upon thousands of pounds, £20,000 here, £10,000 there; Scarcely
a big meeting having passed without some “personally authenticated” story of
“Kelly's luck” being wafted Bradfordwards.... Kelly attended the Manchester November
meeting on Saturday last, and we believe, shortly after leaving the course was
met by Liverpool, London and Bradford detectives. It had come to the knowledge
of the Liverpool police, through a search of Goudie’s rooms, that the
absconding bank clerk had had heavy betting transactions with, or through,
Kelly. Kelly says ‘through’ him. However the police thought there was
sufficient to justify them in asking him for an explanation. This he was by no
means willing to give, in fact, he courted investigations in the frankest
fashion, whilst at the same time stating that what money had come through his
hands from Goudie, who used a false name in transactions, had been accepted in
legitimate fashion, and without any suspicion of the bona fides of the
principal. However he was unable to give details at Manchester, and the
detectives travelled with him to Bradford. Here he laid before them at his
house an account of his transactions, together with telegrams, memoranda, and
books relating thereto. At a subsequent interview at the town hall with the
Chief Constable he promised to give all possible assistance, and his
behaviour throughout his apparently been characterised by straightforwardness.
He made no attempt to leave the town and was seen about there up to and
including Thursday morning. It is believed that Mr Kelly, acting on legal
advice, travelled to London on Thursday morning with the intention of
surrendering to the police and meeting any charges that might be made against
him, should any warrant be issued against him. A Bradford solicitor who is
popularly supposed to have been advising him, certainly travelled to London
that day. By a coincidence, on Thursday the Bradford chief constable, Mr J
Farndale, received telegraphic instructions from Scotland Yard to arrest Kelly.
It was then found that he had gone to London and last evening a further
telegram was received stating that he had been arrested in London. The specific
charge against him is that of ‘uttering forged bankers cheques well knowing
that … etc’. No detail of the charge has been allowed to transpire, but it is
believed that Kelly paid into his account at Bradford one or more of the forged
cheques which Goudie is alleged to have been instrumental in issuing - these
being duly honoured. The sum mentioned in connection with the case is £30,000,
but here again rumour has more to say that any traceable fact. The friends of
Kelly say that these cheques, or cheque as the case may be, were received in
pursuit of legitimate transactions, and this, it is obvious, will be the line
of his defence...
The Leeds Mercury, 19 December
1901: FIREWORKS IN A BEDROOM.
A dangerous practise was brought to light in a case heard at Bradford City
court yesterday. Ezra Wilkinson, of Town Gate, Wyke, was charged with
keeping 24 pounds of explosives in excess of the quantity permitted. The
Chief Constable, Mr Farndale, said the case was serious, because the defendant
had the explosives, which were fireworks, stored in a bedroom where boys were
sleeping. The defendant, who said he did not know that he was committing any
offence, was fined £2 13s 6d and 8s costs.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
30 December 1901: In the opinion of one
who ought to know there have been fewer cases of drunkenness in Bradford during
the Christmas holidays this year than in other years. On the whole the streets
have been kept fairly orderly, and great credit is due to the city police for
their conduct in the matter. There has been too a complete absence of crime of
a serious nature. This may be accounted for by the strict vigilance kept by the
police on old offenders. The present chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, has
taken full advantage of the Prevention of Crimes
Act, by which act it is possible
to send a man to prison for 12 months with hard labour on a charge of
suspicious loitering, providing he has a bad character. This measure,
judicially used, seems to be a powerful check on habitual criminality.
1902
The Leeds Mercury, 6 January
1902: Bradford Watch
Committee recommend that the salary of the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale)
be increased from £500 to £600 per annum, and that by increases of £50 a
year it should advance to a maximum of £800 per annum.
In
1902, Joseph Farndale became involved in a moral crusade against music licences
for the “Singing ‘oils” of Bradford.
The Yorkshire Evening Post, 21 January 1902:
THE BRADFORD CRUSADE AGAINST MUSIC LICENCES. POPULAR ‘SINGING ‘OILS’.
ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST THEM. THE LANDLORDS’ CASE IN THE IMPENDING BATTLE.
Transplant the average Midland “man about town” on a Saturday night or a bank
holiday night, into any of the larger Yorkshire centres of population, and the
first feature of “about town” life which would strike him would be the public
house “singing ‘oil” or free and easy, for he knows none such. The present
writer's first introduction to one was in 1893, at Sheffield, and the
recollection of its melodiousness, its rowdiness, its rudimentary harmony, and
its flood of ale, is yet with him. An atmosphere reeking with bad tobacco, a
room crowded with men and women, in whom the “wine” with more than mellow, sloppy
tables, sloppy songs, vigorous applause, and vigorous language, that is the
sum and substance of the recollection. Since those days the Yorkshire
singing ‘oil has somewhat improved but its main features remained the same
on that night of all nights for alcoholic enjoyment - Saturday night. There is
a little more outward seeming decency, and Bradford, Leeds, Sheffield... These
recollections and reflections are prompted by the recent action of the
Bradford chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale. In Bradford there are 618
hotels and public houses; 368 of these have music licences, and 37 other places
have similar licences. Altogether 405 music licences are held in the city.
These are two fully fledged musicals, two theatres, and St. Georges hall and
the mechanics institute to contribute to the legitimate amusement of the week
in week out. In addition 10 or a dozen public houses in the centre of the city
run singing ‘oils, some with the concomitant dignity of a regular playbill,
some with millie a scratch selection of paid or amateur talent …
The Yorkshire Evening Post, 30
January 1902: THE SINGING ROOMS OF
BRADFORD CRUSADE CONTINUED. THE CHIEF CONSTABLE’S ‘FRESH IDEAS’. The crusade
of the Bradford chief constable against music licences was resumed at
Bradford police court today, before the licencing boards bench, Mr S P Myers
presiding. The interest in the proceedings has greatly subsided after the
refusal at yesterday's sitting to renew the licence of the Granby hotel one
of the best known “singing ‘oils” in the city. At the outset Mr A Neal said
that after duly considering the matter he had decided to ask permission to
state a case with a view to an appeal against the decisions in regard to the
Roebuck Inn in and the Granby. He would hand in the conditions of the appeal.
The appeal was based mainly on the chief constable's third ground of objection,
referring to the breach of the conditions of the licence. The chairman assented
to the course being taken. Alan Boocock, the landlord, applied for the renewal
of this licence, which was objected to by the chief constable on the grounds
that it was structurally unfit and that it was frequented by people of loose
character. Sergeant Thornton gave evidence in support. He was detailing an
incident he saw in October when Mr Neil observed, sotte
voce, “Oh, go to church”. The chief constable: “I shan't go to church. I am
here to do my duty. There is no sentiment about me”. The examination
preceded....
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
30 January 1902: BRADFORD MUSIC
LICENCES. MUMEROUS OBJECTIONS SUSTAINED. The Bradford licencing magistrates
were occupied for many hours yesterday in hearing arguments and evidence for
and against the granting of new music licences... To which the chief
constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, had notified objection …
The Leeds Mercury, 30 January
1902: the Bradford licencing
justices have made a noticeable reduction in the number of music licences.
Certainly the evidence tended by the chief constable in many instances seemed
conclusive of the contention of “no necessity” or else that the concert room
had not been well conducted. Mr Neil set up an ingenious plea that Bradford
people would have music, and he asked the magistrates to believe that
the songs were of an elevating character. Now we're rather surprised that
no police evidence was given as to the nature of the songs sung at these
establishments. We rather fancy that there would have been some setoffs to “The
heavenly city”, “Daddy”, and “The last chord.” The statistics of the music
halls presented by Mr Farndale showed indisputably that Bradford has an
enormous excess of these places, and that licences must have at one time
been granted without the slightest reservation. The action or policy of the
licencing justices will, we think, meet general approval. During the coming
year no doubt the chief constable will take care to note whether the houses
which have been continued are maintained on the high moral plane which Mr Neil
himself claims should guarantee their existence.
The East Kent Times and Mail,
12 March 1902: THE CHIEF CONSTABLE OF
BRADFORD, Mr J Farndale, formerly chief of police of Margate, has been
presented with a gold watch by the subordinate members of the Bradford force,
in recognition of his successful endeavours
to make the policeman’s lot a happy one.
Sergeant: When a felon's not engaged in his employment
Police: His employment,
Sergeant: Or maturing his felonious little plans
Police: Little plans,
Sergeant: His capacity for innocent enjoyment
Police: 'Cent enjoyment
Sergeant: Is just as great as any honest man's
Police: Honest man's.
Sergeant: Our feelings we with difficulty smother
Police: 'Culty smother,
Sergeant: When constabulary duty's to be done
Police: To be done
Sergeant: Ah, take one consideration with another
Police: With another,
Sergeant: A policeman's lot is not a happy one
Police: Ah!
Sergeant & Police: When constabulary duty's to be done, to
be done,
A policeman's lot is not a happy one, happy one
Sergeant: When the enterprising burglar's not a-burgling
Police: Not a-burgling:
Sergeant: When the cut-throat isn't occupied in crime
Police: 'Pied in crime,
Sergeant: He loves to hear the little brook a-gurgling
Police: Brook a-gurgling,
Sergeant: And listen to the merry village chime
Police: Village chime
Sergeant: When the coster's finished
jumping on his mother
Police: On his mother,
Sergeant: He loves to lie a-basking in the sun
Police: In the sun
Sergeant: Ah, take one consideration with another
Police: With another,
Sergeant: A policeman's lot is not a happy one
Police: Ah!
Sergeant & Police: When constabulary duty's to be done, to
be done,
A policeman's lot is not a happy one, happy one.
(The Pirates of Penzance,
Gilbert & Sullivan, 1880)
The
problem of fortune teller ‘scams’ returned in 1902. The Yorkshire Evening Post, 21
March 1902: £300 A YEAR BY TELLING
FRTUNES. COPUNSEL APPEARS FOR THE ‘OCCULTISTS LEAGUE’. BRADFORD GIRL’S ANXIETY
TO LOOK INTO THE FUTURE. A well dressed and somewhat handsome woman named Mrs
Annis Wood, of 7 Nelson Square, Bradford, was before the Bradfords Stipendiary,
Mr C Skidmore, this morning on two charges of unlawfully telling fortunes.
The chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, said that the prosecution was under the Vagrancy Act of 1824. Defendant had lived at the address named for three years, and
her visitors numbered sometimes 100 a day. They were principally ladies, who
called to have their fortunes told. Defendant looked at the her clients’
hands and then pretended to tell them something about their future. After
that she took their handkerchief, rolled it into a ball, and preceded with her
story. They then paid a fee of a shilling or so, the amount varying according
to the client's circumstances. Mrs Annie Ledger, of 39 Alexander St, said that
on Friday, February 28, she visited the defendant's house, and arranged to call
again on the following Thursday. She went at three o’clock, and arranged to
call again at four o’clock. Defendant answered the door, and showed her into a
room where there were five other ladies. These took their turns to visit Mrs
Wood in another room, and witness, who had taken her wedding ring off, was the
last but one. Witness said the defendant told her she was a single woman. The
Stipendiary: “A very bad shot”. Witness: “She said I should not be engaged for
a very long time. She then asked me if I knew a dark man with eyes darker than
my own who had not been true to me? Then she asked if I knew another darker
than her? I said no. She said he thought the world of me (laughter) and that I
knew it. I told her I did not know that.” Then she said I was not really
strong, that I should have a lot of sickness, but nothing dangerous. She gave a
prescription, one ounce of Epsom salts, an ounce of magnesium, and announce of
essence of peppermint. The Stipendiary: “That is what they call a love powder”.
(Laughter). Witness, proceeding, said , “Then she said there would be two
deaths in the family. I should not bother about one, but for the other I should
have to go into a very deep mourning. The last death was to bring me some
money. She asked me for my handkerchief, which she rolled up. She next told me
that a married man thought more about me than he did about his wife, and there
was no love between them. (Laughter). She said that if I was not careful it would
be a law case. The man would go in for a divorce, and marry me at once if I was
agreeable. She said I should have a very successful year. I should have money,
and things would be brighter all around. I asked her fee, and she said 1s 6d. I
put two single shillings down, and she took one and returned the other.”
Witness added that she went at the instigation of the police. Cross examined by
Mr Earnshaw, barrister, who appeared for the defendant,: “There was no pressure
put upon me by the defendant. She did not know whether Mrs Wood advertised. She
made a note of the proceedings when she got home. The Stipendiary: “If this is
true it is an offence”. Mr Earnshaw submitted it was not a case of fortune
telling. There was no intention to impose upon people. Palmistry was not
illegal, and was not fortune telling. The act had been framed for the
protection of people against gypsies. This was not an offence under the Act.
The Stipendiary held that if the witness’s story was true an offence had been
proved. Mr Earnshaw put his client into the box. Mrs Wood said that she had
been engaged in clairvoyance for nine years, and in palmistry for four years.
Mr Earnshaw, “How do you know you have the power of clairvoyance?” Defendant:
“It is only in born”. Defendant added that before she took money she advised
friends and neighbours gratuitously. People paid her what they thought fit. She
remembered Mrs Ledger coming. She took her hands and read the lines. “They were
very fine lines,” said the defendant in an impressive voice and with a
theatrical air. “I said,” Defendant went on “you are a married lady.” she said
“No”. I said “Be truthful to me and I will be truthful to you.” I said “you
certainly know a gentleman that works at a large building within 3 minutes of
the railway station. The gentleman before long will have an improvement in his
position.” Defendant added that in the course of her career she had been
consulted by a large number of people, about 25 a day, but not 100.
Stipendiary: “A very nice way of getting a living. It is much easier than
mine”. (Laughter). Defendant: “I only work four days a week. It is not true
that I receive fees of a sovereign or even half a sovereign. I have had girls
visit me of 18 years of age, but none younger. Mr Earnshaw: “Have you done it
in the hope of reward?” Defendant: “A clergyman gets reward”. The chief
constable, in answer to the Stipendiary, said that they estimated the Defendant
was making £300 a year. She had plenty of clients, including carriage people. She
told things to young girls which had caused stress in many respectable Bradford
homes. He asked for the law to be enforced. Stipendiary: “If you come here
again and the offences proved you will be sent to gaol. This morning I shall
find you find you pounds £25 and 12 S costs, or one month. The chief constable
was proceeding to examine his witness in the second case when Mr Earnshaw
pleaded guilty. He asked for time in which to pay the fine. The Stipendiary: “I
am pleased to see she can engage counsel”. Mr Earnshaw: “I am engaged by the
Occultist's League, and not by Mrs wood. On the second charge a fine of £10
and 12s costs, or 21 days was imposed. The chief constable objected to allowing
the defendant time to pay under the circumstances.
The Sheffield Evening
Telegraph, 22 March 1902: A LADY PALMIST’S SNUG
INCOME. HEAVY PENALTIES. At Bradford yesterday, a well
dressed woman named Mrs Annis Wood, of Nelson 7 Nelson Square, Bradford,
was heavily fined for telling fortunes.... Mr Earnshaw, barrister, who
appeared for the accused, submitted that palmistry was not illegal. The
Vagrancy Act of 1824 under which the present prosecution was laid was not meant
to apply to cases like the present one, but was framed more for the protection
of the public against gypsies. The chief constable, Mr Farndale, said that the
defendant had had as many as 100 visitors a day, including carriage people....
The Yorkshire evening Post, 6 June 1902: At Bradford yesterday the Chief Constable
(Mr Joseph Farndale) stated that a police officer was never off duty until
he left the service.
No extra hours were
allowed in 1902 in Bradford for the Coronation, even though Joseph did not
object. The Yorkshire Evening Post, 20 June 1902: CORONATION EXTRA HOURS. A REFUSAL AT BRADFORD.
OX ROASTING FUNCTION AT IDLE. VILLAGENEAR WAKEFIELD NOT TO CELEBRATE TILL JULY
5. A special sitting of the Bradford licencing bench, Mr. J Godwin presiding,
was held this morning at the town hall to consider the application of Mr. A
Neil, on behalf of the licenced victors, for an hour extension, eleven o’clock
to twelve midnight, on the nights of June 26th and 27th. Mr Newell appeared on
behalf of the beer sellers. The chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, said he had
no objection to the application. He was told that the Diamond Jubilee the
police had had no cause of complaint. The Bench refused to grant any
extension. Mr Neil also applied for an all night
extension at the New Inn, Idle, stating that an ox was to be roasted in front
of the hotel. The Bench refused the application.
However the baccarat
players were not tolerated. The Yorkshire Evening Post, 11 July 1902: BACCARAT AN UNLAWFUL GAME. … The Chief Constable (Mr J
Farndale) contended that baccarat was an unlawful game wherever it was played
… The Stipendiary (Mr C Skidmore) found that, firstly, the club was a bona fide
club; secondly,. That baccarat was an unlawful game as habitually played there,
and, thirdly, the club was kept for two purposes – social and gambling, and
that constituted a common gaming house …
The folk of Bradford
behaved well for the King’s Coronation. The Bradford Daily Telegraph. 15 July 1902: After the holiday for the new King’s coronation: Chief
Constable Farndale expressed himself highly pleased with the conduct of the
people yesterday and assures us that the police were given every
assistance. To use his own words: “It was a good natured and thoroughly
well-behaved crowd.” The streets were certainly well kept yesterday by the
force.
The Shields Daily Gazette, 27 September 1902:
POLICEMAN’S EVIDENCE
At Bradford yesterday the magistrates dismissed a charge brought
against a Cleckheaton labourer. The evidence was contradictory and the Bench
decided not to convict.
The Chief Constable (Mr J Farndale): Then, I am to understand
you do not believe my officer?
The Chairman: I don’t like your way of putting the question.
I am sure it is far from us to accuse your officer of speaking an untruth. It
is possible he has got a mistaken idea.
The Chief Constable: Well, sir, I must do my duty. If I put men
into the box whom you cannot believe then I must endeavour to rid the city of
them.
The Chairman: There is a want of corroboration on both sides.
The Chief Constable: I am not complaining because you have
discharged the prisoner. I am concerned as to the truthfulness of my officers.
The Chairman: We do not feel justified in convicting. That is all.
The matter then dropped.
1903
The Yorkshire Evening Post, 17
February 1903: In an article about the
Halifax police force: … Several men who have, or are still, filling chief
constableships in other towns received their training under Mr Pole. A notable
example is the present Chief Constable of Bradford (Mr J Farndale), Mr Farndale
joined the Halifax borough force as a constable, and left with the rank of
detective inspector, when he was appointed Chief Constable of Margate.
There was a Pen
Portrait of Joseph Farndale in the Bradford Weekly Telegraph, Saturday 2 May 1903:
“THE CHIEF”
“TELEGRAPH” PEN PORTRAIT
It may be either fortunate or unfortunate to know Mr farndale, the
gentleman who sits at the Town Hall as Chief Presenter of crime in the city
of Bradford. If he is your friend, you will find him what the gamins call
“OK”, but if you happen to come within the clutches of his myrmidons of the law
you would be less appreciative, perhaps, of this man and his office. The chief
constable has not been with us very long, but he has gained the respect of the
law abiding citizens by his courtesy. He is not too big a man to oblige. We
have known chief constables with a good deal fewer than 300 policemen at their
beck and call who fancied all the powers of earth and heaven were committed to
their charge. The swelling importance of such men is not pleasant to behold. Mr
Farndale does not presume upon the dignity of his position, nor carry out
his office despoticly in any way. He is rather of a
modest and retiring disposition than otherwise and does not have thirst to
fill the public eye. We have known some very autocratic chief constables.
They used to exercise their functions mainly in county divisions and in the old
days of quarter sessions. They were very great men in those days, and all
chief constables were great men. The growth of democracy and the rise of
county councils has reduced the awful state of the chiefs of police. They, for
the most part, now do their duty like ordinary men. There was one of these
personages in our youth who rejoiced in the dubious nickname, when in the army,
of “Hellfire Jack”, and who as chief of police chastened public offenders in
the street with a thick oaken stick, and who used to sit besides
the magistrates on the bench and help the magistrates to administer the law.
Now we lay stress on the contrast between the old theology, beg
pardon, the old style of chief constable, and the new. Mr Farndale is of the
new model. His ideal is that the police should serve the people with
civility and fidelity, and that perfect confidence should prevail between
the force and the public. No man was more deeply hurt than he at the discredit
thrown upon the Constabulary a few months back by the irregularities. Good
relations exist between the chief constable hand and his men, and while strict
he is no martinet. The consequences that we believe are force is an
improvement on what it was a few years back. Mr Farndale having risen
from the ranks, knows the whole round of a policeman's duties, and he
judges his men with the eye of knowledge. The consequence is that the men had
full faith in their chief, and tried to serve him well accordingly.
Mr Farndale is a quiet, dark man, who rules his men firmly, who tries to bring about obedience to the law, and yet is not
guilty of straining the law against the accused person. As a rule a
policeman acquires a certain amount of bias in the pursuit of his calling,
and is not sufficiently inclined to give the prisoner the benefit of the doubt.
We have seen no excessive straining after convictions on the part of Mr
Farndale, and this is the more noteworthy as he has a police ancestry.
Mr Farndale was born at Wakefield in 1864, and is the nephew of Mr Joseph Farndale, the late distinguished
chief constable Birmingham. He was educated at Field House Academy, Aberford,
and was, early in life, apprenticed to a chemist. Chemistry, however,
had no attraction to him. Becoming imbued with an ambition to make his mark
in police and detective work, he joined the Halifax police force at the age
of 20 as an ordinary constable. For 10 years he was connected with that force,
during which time he worked his way successfully through the different
grades of Constable, Detective Constable, Sergeant, Inspector, Chief Clerk, and
Detective Inspector. In 1893, when second in command of the Halifax
police force, Mr Farndale was appointed chief constable of Margate,
which position he filled with marked success until 1897, when he was appointed
chief constable of York. From there he came to Bradford,
succeeding Mr Roderick Ross as chief constable in 1900.
During the three years he has been in Bradford, Mr Farndale has
affected many reforms in the police administration of the city, and now it
can truly be said that the force never was in a more efficient condition.
With the example of his uncle before him, he is an enthusiast in his
profession, and it was just that enthusiasm for his work which led to his rapid
promotion in his early days of police service. Among his many smart pieces of
work as a different detective at Halifax was his arrest of a bank clerk for
forgery. The clerk absconded, and with but the slightest description,
Mr Farndale started his pursuit, traced and followed his man to
Littleborough, thence from place to place from Rochdale to Preston and Saint
Helens to near Liverpool, where he ran his quarry to earth. In the
course of his career some thousands of “wanted's”
have passed through his hands, and his keen remembrance of faces once
seen has often led to the arrest of the man wanted even after the lapse of a
considerable time. Himself a smart man, Mr Farndale will tolerate
none but smart men in his force; the sluggard has no sympathy from him,
whereas the man of intelligence and security and is certain sooner or later to
attract his high and receive promotion. Hence it may be that in the minds of
some of his force he is unpopular, but he has the good opinion of the honest
policeman, just as he enjoys the goodwill of the authorities and respectable
portion of the community. Above all, he is a man of principle. His every action
speaks that. From every town and city in which he has laboured Farndale has
brought away some more or less tangible expression of appreciation of his work.
When he went to Margate he found himself confronted with the difficulty of the overcrowding
of passenger steamers. He faced the difficulty with unsparing hand. Some
heavy fines were inflicted, and Mr Farndale today holds a special letter of
thanks from the Board of Trade for the efforts which he made to curtail a
practise which threatened disaster. Similarly the Bradford Temperance Party
and free church council have thanked him publicly for the part paid him
played in bringing about the suppression of the public house music licences.
We cannot conclude this appreciative article without recounting an experience
which he had in his early days at Bradford when he used to parade the
streets at night disguised in order to ascertain for himself whether his men
were doing their duty. Prowling about Westgate in the “wee sma’ hours” he was accosted by a constable, and
peremptorily ordered to “move on or be locked up”. Failing to convince the
constable as to his identity he discreetly “moved on” and we have not heard
since of his zealousness leading him into such methods of supervision.
The Leeds Mercury, 18 June
1903: LANCASHIRE POLICE v
YORKSHIRE POLICE. The Yorkshire Police and Lancashire Police met yesterday at
Park Ave, Bradford for the annual cricket fixture between the Constabulary of
the two counties. Major Tarry, chief constable of Leeds, presided over the luncheon
and there were also present Colonel Nesbitt, Mr G (sic) Farndale...
The Sheffield Daily Telegraph,
18 June 1903: YORKSHIRE POLICE v
LANCASHIRE POLICE. The annual cricket match between Yorkshire and Lancashire
Police was played at Park Avenue yesterday. At the interval there was a
luncheon, at which the Chief Constable of Leeds, presided, and he gave the
toast of “the Northern Police Orphanage and Convalescent Home, Harrogate”. In
doing so he showed that in the three years before last year these matches had
resulted in the handing over of £928 towards the institutions. Last year,
probably on account of the war, it had been impossible to arrange the usual
fixture. The Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, said that it was
not a matter in which chief constables should interfere, but the Northern
District served by the two institutions contained 13,000 policemen; and if
each subscribed a penny a week the two institutions which they designed to
benefit would receive a good income. The match during the afternoon was
brought to an end by incessant rain.
The Bradford Weekly Telegraph,
10 October 1903: The ceremony of swearing
in Bradford special constables took place before the stipendiary on
Wednesday morning, there being some eighty of these assistant preservers of the
peace. Mr Skidmore was, as usual, presented with a special constable staff, and
he must have quite a big collection of these implements. Some of the “specials”
asked Mr Farndale if they could not be given keepsakes of this kind, and the
chief constable replied that in the case of riot or other necessity he would
take care to arm these citizen Roberts. The last time the specials were called
out was at the time of the Manningham mills trouble.
Joseph Farndale was
a pioneer of the new use of fingerprints in Bradford. The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
20 October 1903:
IDENTIFYING CRIMINALS
IMPRESSIONS OF FINGER TIPS
NEW SYSTEM ADOPTED IN BRADFORD
Interview with the Chief Constable
The city police authorities have just adopted the new system of
identifying prisoners, and henceforth Bradford miscreants will be subjected to
what is already known as the fingerprinted process. The old form of
identification consisted of taking measurements, and a record of any marks on
the person, together with photograph, but there were many defects in that
system. The measurements were found to be unreliable and other methods employed
were not altogether satisfactory. Often a great deal of valuable time was
wasted in completing investigations regarding a prisoner's previous
convictions, and the methods in which he carried out his work. The new
system of establishing identity by means of a man's fingerprints appears to be
a much more certain and satisfactory method, and from experiments which
have recently been made at Scotland Yard it appears that there is no
possibility of any mistake being made. Although new to Bradford, the system is
by no means a recent invention, for it has for some time been adopted with very
great success in other parts of the world. In China it has been used for many
years with signal success, and in India it is likewise being utilised very
extensively in all branches of the civil service and Police Department.
In the course of an interview with a “Telegraph” reporter had
yesterday with the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, that gentleman said
that the system was introduced into Scotland Yard some seven years ago as a
means of identifying criminals of the worst type, and the authorities have
so satisfied themselves with its efficiency that they are encouraging its
general adoption. “It was brought to its present state of great utility,” said
the chief constable, “by Mr Henry, the chief Commissioner of Police. At first
it was confined to specially trained officials at the prisons throughout the
country, but now sanction has been given for impressions to be taken by
capable officers in any police force. Now the impressions are taken and
sent by first post to Scotland Yard, and particulars of the man's identity are
forwarded by the following post”
In answer to a question as to the advantage of the new over the
old system Mr Farndale replied: “In the old system the only method of
identifying a prisoner was to show him or his photograph to the officer who had
actually had him in custody, but in the new system once a man's impressions
are secured they remain at the headquarters, Scotland Yard, and are always
available.”
It is a well known fact that the
impressions of the fingers of different persons are never like. The lines on
the tips are part of his individuality, and, what is of more importance to the
police, do not vary in formation at any period of his life.
Speaking on this point the chief constable said: “It is beyond
doubt that there are no two sets of fingerprints identically the same. It has
often been said that in the general design of fingerprints there are no two
fingers alike. The system is the most perfect one. The more you study it the
more satisfied you are regarding its practicability.”
But a work of this description must be of a complicated nature?
interjaculated our representative.
“It would appear so,” replied the chief constable, £but Mr Henry,
of Scotland Yard, has devised a most remarkable system of classification. It is
in the form of a large cabinet, which already contains the impressions of about
50,000 criminals. These are classified in such a way that it could be easy for
any officer after once becoming acquainted with the system to go to the cabinet
and produce a person’s impressions in the space of a few seconds.”
The chief constable has studied the system for a couple of years,
and is perfectly satisfied that it is the best system which has yet been
introduced. Last week Detective
Inspector Talbot and Sergeant Nicholson were at Scotland Yard, and these two
officers, under the supervision of the Chief Constable, will have charge of the
new system in Bradford. Already several impressions have been taken and sent to
London, where they have been classified, and the convictions of the prisoner
have been returned.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
14 November 1903: A general rumour
has been going about the city lately to the effect that our account our Chief
Constable, Mr. J Farndale, is a candidate for the vacancy which has occurred at
Hull. The other day, in the course of some conversation I had with “the chief”,
I learned that the report is absolutely without foundation. Mr Farndale is
not likely to leave Bradford. He finds our city most congenial, and what is
more, he is most happy with his men, and in fact finds much to be proud of in
the force of which he is the head.
Joseph Farndale was
involved in a furious row with his Detective in November 1903. The Sunderland Daily Echo and
Shipping Gazette, 17 November 1903: STRANGE SCENE IN A
POLICE COURT. DETECTIVE AND THE ACCUSED. A strange and somewhat exciting
incident occurred in the Bradford City police court yesterday, whilst the
stipendiary magistrate, Mr Charles Skidmore, was engaged with a case in which a
labourer named John Whelan, of 10 Haworth St, Bradford, charged with loitering
in White Abbey Road, Bradford, with intent to commit a felony. The solicitor
whom the prisoner had retained was unable to be present, and it was therefore
decided to remand the case until today, the stipendiary remarking that Mr
Atkinson, the solicitor in question, was engaged the West Riding police courts,
and could not be expected to be in two places at once. He asked the chief
constable, Mr. J Farndale, whether there was any reason why the prisoner should
not have bail, and it was at this stage that the incident arose. The chief
constable was proceeding to speak when Detective Willoughby, of the city
force, rose from his seat and stepped into the witness box, and said “Allow
me, Sir,”. He was going to speak when the chief constable said: “Willoughby,
step out of the box.” Willoughby: I will do. The chief constable preceded
to state that he would take responsibility of the prisoner being remanded. Detective
Willoughby: He is innocent; and if the case is gone on with I and Detective
green will give evidence in his favour. The chief constable said “Stand
down sir. If you don't if you don't know your position I will teach you.
Detective Willoughby: “You have done”. The stipendiary: “Is there any reason
why the prisoner should not have bailed? I cannot of course, shut my eyes to
what Willoughby has said”. The chief constable said he would agree to bail, and
the prisoner was remanded a £5 bail. The stipendiary to the chief constable:
“Of course you will inquire into this”. The chief constable: “Yes Sir; Very
seriously.” The incident then closed. After the police court proceedings
Willoughby was suspended by the chief constable, and his conduct will be
investigated by the Watch Committee.
The Liverpool Evening Express,
19 November 1903: BRADFORD POLICE COURT
INCIDENT. Resignation of the two detectives. A further development has taken
place in connection with the protest made in the Bradford City police court on
Monday by two detectives, and the lengthy proceedings there on Tuesday. Yesterday
morning detectives H Willoughby and George Green, who have served in the city
police for 14 years and 13 ½ years respectively, had an interview with the
chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, and both officers formerly attended their
resignations through him to the Watch Committee. The officers allege
that they have been treated unfairly. Willoughby had been under suspicion
since Monday, but Green was on duty up to yesterday morning.
The Manchester Evening News,
21 November 1903: THE BRADFORD POLICE
COURT INCIDENT, WATCH COMMITTEE’S INQUIRY. At the meeting of the Bradford Watch
Committee yesterday, Alderman JB Moorhouse presiding, a full investigation
was held into the incident which occurred in the police court on Monday,
and the subsequent prolonged hearing of the charge against a man named Whelan
on Tuesday. It will be remembered that Detective Willoughby, during the
application made from and made by the chief constable cover stepped into the
witness box and told the bench that William was innocent. He was reproved
by the chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, and subsequently suspended. On
Tuesday the magistrates held that the evidence given was too conflicting to
convict Whelan, and he was discharged, after Detective Willoughby and Detective
George Green had given evidence. At that hearing, however, police constable
Petty, in cross examination, stated he had reported Willoughby for using
obscene language on Monday night, when it was alleged he was the worse for
drink. On Wednesday both detectives handed in their resignation. Willoughby
's letter stated that since a county court action of July 8 he had been
unfairly treated by the chief constable; And Green alleged that he had met
with unfair treatment from police constables Petty and Kirk. The Watch
Committee met at 4:30 PM, and rose at 7:00 when the chief clerk, Mr F Stevens,
communicated the result to the press. The committee accepted the resignation
of both officers forthwith, and passed a resolution declaring that any
allegation of blame or unfairness against the chief constable was without fault
foundation. The committee expressed their confidence in him and his
manner of administrating the department under his charge. The point of the
decision appears to lie in the fact that as the resignations were accepted,
Willoughby and Green will be entitled to their proportion of pension for the
period of their service.
1904
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
6 January 1904: RAID ON A DISORDERLY
HOUSE. Today at Bradford Police Court *, a widow, was brought up in custody
on a charge of keeping a disorderly house. The Chief Constable (Mr Joe
Farndale) stated that the house had been under special observation since the 12th
of last month. Women had been seen to frequent the house in company with men.
The same women had been seen to take different men on different occasions. The
house was raided last night and a couple was found in the bedroom and another
couple in the front room. In answer to the Stipendiary the Chief Constable said
the woman had no husband.
Joseph Farndale’s
moral crusade turned its attention to offending picture postcards in 1904. The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
12 September 1904: Sir, it is about time that Bradford as a whole should
rise in protest at the support which Chief Constable Farndale is giving to the
whimsicalities of the free church council. First, the pubs (music
licences), then the theatres, and now the innocent shopkeeper are being made
to suffer. And all this fuss is being made about an unoffending picture
postcard, which is probably caused more merriment than anything, published
in Bradford during the last 12 months, and that included the satirical “J....”
Possibly Joseph Farndale would like to see the shop windows of fancy stationers
plastered with pictorial postcards depicting him in his glorious war paint.
Forsooth, it would be a subject to hand down to our children's children, that
is if the London comics did not steal the copyright. We shall next have an
objection about policemen smiling when on duty, and possibly the chiefs
thoroughbred may be induced to wear a shirt. I'm afraid that in this age
progress we are mentally on the decline, and it is certainly a pity that
they cannot find detectives something more to do than patrol the town in a
hunt after picture postcards, especially of the kind to which objection has
been taken. There is quite sufficient work for the police in looking after the
thieving fraternity, judging by the number of robberies that have recently
taken place in Bradford. Trusting that the bench, if it comes to that, will not
be guiled by these puritanical crusaders, believe me to be, J Jackson,
Girlington, September 11th, 1904.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
10 September 1904:
BRADFORD’S MORALS. THE SILLY ‘YUMMY YUM’ POSTCARDS. STRONG ACTION
BY THE CHIEF CONSTABLE. SUPRESSION OF PICTURE POSTCARDS.
One of the supressed
postcards
Chief Constable Farndale, the head of the Bradford police force,
has already gained some notoriety for his attitude on certain questions
affecting the morals of the people,
but his latest stricture is likely to bring him increased popularity
among the large class of citizens in this connection. It is to take the form of
the suppression of a certain class of picture post card, which has been largely
in demand in the city during the past weeks. In addition to the one reproduced
above there are two other equally ridiculous postcards purporting to depict
“Shipley Glen after dark.” Naturally enough, the action of the chief constable
is being strongly resented by certain retailers of picture postcards, and in
all probability these city magistrates will in a few days be called upon to decide
the issue. Yesterday, visits were paid to shops by officers of the police force
with special instructions from the Chief Constable to effect the purchase of
the complete set from each of the largest establishments in the centre of the
town. At the same time the proprietor or person in charge was made aware of the
mission of the police with the information that if the sale of these particular
cards was discontinued nothing further would be heard of the matter. In the
event of a refusal to comply with Mr Farndale's request, however, it was made
clear that proceedings would probably be instituted in the police court.
Almost without exception the shopkeepers have failed to comply
with his request, and have decided to fight the matter out. As a body they
maintain that the offending post cards are in no way immoral, but merely a
humorous satire upon the conversation usually heard in these places after
dusk. Regarding the sale of these particular cards some idea of the extent of
their popularity may be gathered from the fact that one dealer not far from the
bottom of Manchester Road declared that his sale for the past month has
averaged many thousands per week. In the course of an interview one manager
remarked: “I don't know what we're coming to. We shall have to show our
marriage licence to the milkman next. It would be far better if Mr Farndale
would only turn his attention to the number of loose women who are allowed to
wander about the streets at night in search of their prey, rather than try
to interfere with the innocent enjoyment to the people.” Another of the
offending shop men was equally indignant, and expressed himself thus: “Why
don't the police stop us from breathing? If we had exposed pictures for sale
which were allowed in other towns there would have been just cause for
complaint, but to seize an innocent little card with a few silly cover
ridiculous suggestions upon it seems to me to be perfectly absurd. I cannot
believe that the common sense of the Bradford Bench will be misled by such
tactics as these.” Generally the impression prevails amongst dealers in picture
postcards that the action of the Chief Constable is an unwarrantable
interference at the privileges of the people, and it will be interesting to
know what will be the ultimate result.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
12 September 1904: FOM THE SHOPKEEPER’S
POINT OF VIEW. Sir, from the shopkeeper 's point of view the action of the
Chief Constable, with regards to suppressing a certain series of picture
postcards, is puritanical in the extreme, and is another hardship upon a
class which already has enough to bear. While rates are steadily going up in
the town, the retail trade is growing worse, and this action seems to many of
us like the thin end of the wedge. Already stationers and other tradesmen have
been injured a good deal by the Bradford Exhibition, and it is hard indeed to find any justification for this latest
action. At the very worst the postcards can only be described as nonsensical,
and I would defy Mr Farndale to show any indecency about them.
Shopkeepers who deal in picture postcards now exercise a great deal of
discretion, and large numbers of those which are exhibited in shop windows on
the Continent are boycotted by retailers here. What these over-efficious authorities would say to some of the series
openly displayed in continental towns I don't know. But I can assure them that
in many cases one or two of the worst of a series imported from abroad is
destroyed. I admit that so far the matter has not become serious, but we regard
this of a warning of stricter measures yet forthcoming. Thanking you in
anticipation for inserting this letter. Yours truly. Indignant shopkeeper.
September 10 1904.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
27 December 1904: BRADFORD MAN AND HIS
RING. Bradford police called this morning, before the Stipendiary, Mr
Skidmore,... Thomas Harrington, 45, labourer, 35 Burlington St, pleaded
guilty to attempting to steal 2s 6d by trick from George Bates. The Chief
Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, said that on Christmas Eve the prisoner accosted
two young men from Dewsbury and ask them to buy a ring. It was only brass,
and he represented it to be 18 carat gold. The prisoner had been in trouble
29 times previously for all manner of offences. He was now sentenced to two
months imprisonment with hard labour.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
28 July 1904: WATER TOO COLD FOR
SUICIDE. At the Bradford police court this morning, John Morrell, 56, mill
hand, Paisley Street, was charged with attempting to commit suicide by
drowning at the Bradford canal on June 20th. The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph
Farndale, said that the prisoner was seen by two men lying full length on the
canal bank. They afterwards heard a splash and saw him in the water. He was
struggling and trying to get out, and on them rendering assistance he was
rescued. These Stipendiary: “Is this the man who said he found the water too
cold?” The chief constable: “It is Sir”. This Stipendiary: “He cooled himself,
and then wanted to get out. Well, I don't think this is a case of attempted
suicide”. The Chief Constable said that the prisoner had recently come from
America and had been staying with some friends in Bradford, but they could not
undertake to look after him. The prisoner had said he was sorry for what had
happened to, and he had signalled his intention of returning to America at the
earliest opportunity. These Stipendiary: “You will be discharged. And when you
go into the water again take your clothes off, and go to the baths.”
There was a visit by
the Prince and Princess of Wales to Bradford in 1904. The Bradford Weekly Telegraph,
7 May 1904: SECOND EDITION. OUR
ROYAL VISITORS. PRINCE AND PRINCESS AT MANNINGHAM MILLS. A TOUR OF THE
INDUSTRIAL HIVE. DEPARTURE FOR LONDON. THEIR HIGHNESSES PLEASED WITH VISIT. The
truth of the old maxim which says something of “the best laid schemes of mice
and men” was fully demonstrated on Friday when the Prince and Princess of Wales
made their return visit to Bradford for the express purpose of inspecting
Manningham Mills. The visit was to be of a strictly private character, and the
edict went forth but the movements of the royal couple yesterday were to be
kept strictly secret. But the fulfilment of the injunction appeared at the
outset to be well nigh possible, and, as everybody
expected, the whole scheme of arrangements leaked out, with the gratifying
results that Bradford had a still further opportunity of testifying
to its strong sense of a spirit of loyalty. To have made any attempts to
decorate the station at which the royal party were to alight would, of course, have
been to at once let out the secret, but this precaution made no difference, for
everybody appeared to be ‘in the know’, and again Bradford extended a hearty
welcome to their Royal Highnesses. The arrival at Frizinghall.
The Princess the Prince and Princess and suite travelled by a special train, to
which was attached the Great Northern Company’s royal saloon. It was due to
arrive at the frizinghall station at 11:19 AM. A few
minutes before that time the Mayor, Alderman David Wade, drove up to the station,
and was followed on the platform by the chief constable, Mr. J Farndale...
The Manchester Courier, 7 May
1904: ROYALTY AT BRADFORD. A
TOUY ROUND MANNINGHAM MILLS. Evidence of fresh interest taken by the Prince
and Princess of Wales in Bradford industries was afforded yesterday, when,
by arrangement, their Highnesses paid a private visit to Manningham Mills
to see for themselves the various manufacturing processes. The visit was
prompted in the first place by the Princess’s gratification and to some extent
surprise, when specimens of Bradford dress goods were submitted to her for selection
of dress material to wear at the opening of the Exhibition. So interested was
she in the products that she expressed a desire to see them in the making. The
old mayor, Alderman Wade, was consulted, and he suggested the Manningham Mills.
These mills are the largest silk works in the world, and give employment to
4,000 hands, though of course, the manufacture of worsted goods is what might
be called the staple industry of the city. In the silk world, however, the
name of Lister is supreme, and in commercial circles of Bradford there was
great satisfaction when it became known that the interest of the Prince and
Princess in the City’s industries would thus be practically displayed. The
Royal party travelled in the morning by special train from Arthington to Frizinghall - a suburban station of Bradford, where they
were met by the Mayor, the Town Clerk, Mr F Stevens, and the Chief
Constable. Mr J Farndale. The mayor had provided his private carriage for
their Highnesses, and rode with them through Lister Park, where the exhibition
is being held, to Manningham Mills...
1905
The Leeds Mercury, 6 January
1905: GAVE HER HOUSE KEY TO A
STRANGER. ** pleaded not guilty to a charge of stealing a handbag …
The Chief Constable (Mr J Farndale), who prosecuted, said the bag was stolen
from the Roebuck Inn, Nelson Street, where it had been left for a few minutes
by the prosecutor. Suspicion rested on the prisoner, and a detective visited
her house. She denied all knowledge of the stolen property, but on a search
being made the bag was discovered under a bed in her kitchen …
The Leeds Mercury, 9 February
1905: CRIME IN BRADFORD –
ANNUAL POLICE REPORT. The annual report of the chief constable of Bradford,
Mr Farndale, to the Bradford City Council for the year 1907 states that in
the period the number of crimes committed was 1,188, an increase compared with
the previous year of 39. For these offences 519 persons were arrested and 21
proceeded against, by summons, 436 were males and 101 females. Of the persons
proceeded against, 103 were committed for trial, 355 were dealt with summarily;
the cases against 78 were withdrawn or dismissed, and one prisoner died in
Leeds gaol while on remand. Although apparently there is an increase in crime
for the year 1904 as compared with the year 1903 of 39 offences, yet there
is a decrease in nearly every class of offence except simple and minor
larcenies, larceny from the person, and obtaining goods etc by false
pretences, except in particular the offence of attempting to commit suicide,
the same number being charged in 1904 as in 1983, ie
20.... There are now 313 members of the force who hold the St. John's ambulance
association first aid certificate...
There were further
developments in the use of fingerprints. The Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 10 February 1905:
IDENTIFICATION BY FINGER PRINTS
BRADFORD EXOPERIENCE
When the Bertillon method of identifying criminals by the
prints of their fingers was first introduced into England much doubt was
expressed as to the efficacy of the system. Those doubts have been to a great
extent dispelled by several recent cases, where criminals have been identified
by and convicted on the evidence of their fingerprints. Additional arguments in
support of the system has been supplied by the Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr
Joseph farndale, in his Annual Report just issued. Mr Farndale states that this
system of identifying criminals has been in operation in Bradford for the past
18 months, with highly satisfactory results, and he adds that it has been
of valuable assistance in the detection of serious crime. In one case a finger
impression was left on a glass panel which had been broken in effecting an
entry to an office; in another an impression was left on a small polished
medicine chest which had been opened; In a third case an impression was left on
a bathroom door, the top of which had been grasped by the thief in lowering
himself from the ceiling through which he had entered the premises; in a fourth
the thief drank beer from a bottle inside the premises entered, leaving a
finger impression on the bottle. All the articles mentioned were brought to the
Town Hall, where photographs of the impressions were taken and enlarged. In one
instance the impression was found to be identical with a finger impression of a
well known convicted thief, whose prints were
contained in the local record. He was arrested and upon this and evidence of a
circumstantial nature he was committed for trial and eventually convicted. In
other cases the thieves were apprehended upon circumstantial evidence, which
upon their trial was conclusively supported by further evidence that the fingerprint
impressions referred to with theirs, and they were convicted.
Mr Farndale states that the finger impressions of prisoners
sentenced at any court for indictable offences, that is, offences against the
person, against property with or without violence, forgery etc, are recorded at
the Habitual Criminals Registry at Scotland Yard, where there are at
present records of the impressions of over 100,000 prisoners. These
records are so classified that on the receipt of the impression of a prisoner two
or three minutes is sufficient to ascertain whether or not a duplicate copy is
on the record. If it is, the prisoner’s criminal history is supplied by
return of post. The result is that the courts dealing with old offenders have
their complete criminal history before them. Where no records are obtainable it
may safely be assumed that there has been no previous conviction of serious
crime.
The latest incidents in which the fingerprint identification has
been valuable in Bradford was before the stipendiary magistrate yesterday. **,
24, labourer, * Maltby St, and * *, 34, labour, * Dundas St, were charged with
stealing wines, cigars etc, value £30, the property of the Undercliffe
Bowling Green Club, and * was further charged with stealing a quantity of
whiskey, tobacco and cigars of value of £4, the property of **. Both prisoners
pleaded guilty.
Mr W G Purnell, who
prosecuted, said that the club premises were broken into between Saturday
January 23rd and Monday 30th. The only clue found was the impression of a
finger on a glass. This was photographed, and compared with a large number
of other fingerprint photographs. As a result of this * was arrested, and from
information which he gave to the police the arrest of * followed.
The Stipendiary, Mr Charles Skidmore, pointed out that the case
showed the value of fingerprints.
* was sentenced to six weeks imprisonment and * was fined 1s with
28s costs in the two charges against him, or an alternative of 14 days in the
first case and 10 days in the second case.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
3 April 1905: With reference to the
rather alarming incident which occurred at Belle Vue barracks on Friday last
during the police inspection, it would appear that the horse in question
scarcely merited the ‘character’ given it by the various reports which appeared
in the press. The Chief Constable has frequently ridden the animal on parade,
and whilst it is a fact that the horse has come down two or three times that
has been owing to the slippery state of the pavements. The statement that it
has thrown the ‘Chief’ appears to be both a libel on the animal itself and Mr
Farndale's horsemanship.
The Leeds Mercury, 12 May 1905:
THE HUMANE CHIEF CONSTABLE
BRADFORD MAYOR’S NOVEL VIEW
Some 40 chief constables of cities and boroughs in England and
Wales visited Bradford yesterday, the occasion being the annual meeting of
the Chief Constables’ Association.
Prior to the meeting which was held in the town hall, the Mayor,
Alderman W E B Priestley, entertained the visitors and a number of guests,
about 70 gentleman in all, to luncheon in the Great Northern Victoria hotel.
In submitting the toast of “the Association”, the Mayor who
presided over the function said it had often astonished him that people
should have should regard chief constables as hard, severe, and cruel men
and that they should look askance at the police officers and the heads of the
police force. That was a great pity, because he was sure that the only wish of
the officers was to do all they could for the benefit of the community. Whilst
carrying out the law, they should never forget that the biggest man was the
most humane man. Their greatness did not exist in adhering to the letter of
the law, but being lenient and charitable, and in help helping those people who
were tried in the courts to become men and women. (Hear, hear).
Mr FH Mardlin, Chief Constable of
Northampton, and President of the Association, in responding, warmly thanked
the Mayor for entertaining the members, and mentioned that it was the first
time they had been officially recognised in that manner.
Mr J Farndale, Chief Constable of Bradford, and president-elect of
the association, also responded. He expressed
the hope that the day would come when the public would regard the policeman as
their friend.
The Bradford police
set an early speed trap.
The Leeds Mercury, 22
September 1905:
BRADFORD MOTOR TRAP
STIPENDIARY MAGISTRATE
NEARLY RUN DOWN
A trap for unwary motorists on the Keighly Road, Frizinghall, Bradford, resulted in a prosecution at the
city county court yesterday. The defendant was *, electrical and mechanical
engineer, and he was summoned for driving a motor car at a speed exceeding
20 miles an hour.
The chief constable, Mr Farndale, said the defendant passed a
measured 220 yards at a speed equal to 24 miles, 1,276 yards, an hour. He
was timed by two police officers with stopwatches, who signalled each
other with umbrellas. The times varied 4/5 of a second, and the defendant
had been given the benefit of this by a calculation of the longest time.
The Stipendiary, Mr Skidmore, said the locality was most dangerous
one. He had nearly been run over himself there on the previous evening.
Inspector Seed, one of the police officers, said there was other
traffic on the road at the time, but no one was in danger.
Mr W G Purnell, on behalf
of the defendant, complained that the distance of 220 yards was much too short
and unfair. He pointed out the considerable difference one second would make in
timing over such a short distance, and expressed the opinion that the length
should be no less than 1/4 of a mile.
The Stipendiary said the police officers would not have been
visible to each other at this point if such a distance had been taken.
Proceeding, Mr Purnell said the defendant had had experience of
the motor trade generally for eight or nine years, and in the last three years
he had driven all over the United Kingdom without having a complaint raised
against him.
The defendant gave evidence, and estimated the speed of the car at
18 miles an hour. He admitted that he had no means on the car of
ascertaining its speed. He did not agree with the chief constable that
speed grew with motorists.
Mr North, a Bradford gentleman who was in the car at the time,
also estimated the speed at 18 miles.
The bench convicted, and imposed a fine of £3 and 9s 6d costs.
The Yorkshire Evening Post, 27
September 1905:
AN IMPORTANT APPOINTMENT
MOTORIST’S EXCUSE FOR ‘SCORCHING’ AT BRADFORD
THE STIPENDIARY MAGISTRATE AND A NEW BY LAW
Two further summonses against motorists for enforcing the legal
limit came on for hearing at the Bradford City court today.
In the first case Mr * on behalf of * pleaded guilty to exceeding
20 miles an hour.
The chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, said that the defendant
travelled over a distance of an eighth of a mile at a speed of 26 miles an
hour... There was however no traffic on the road at the time.
Mr * said that Mister* had a very important appointment to
keep. He was considered to be the most expert driver in Bradford, and he was
sorry that he had broken the law...
The Yorkshire Evening Post, 30
September 1905:
AN OPPONENT OF MOTOR TRAPS
BRADFORD CHIEF CONSTABNLE AND THE USE OF SPEED INDICATORS
THE COST OF ADMINISTERING THE ACT
In a report on the regulation of motor traffic in the city, the
Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr. J Farndale, strongly urges the Watch
Committee to apply to the local government board for a regulation reducing the
maximum speed to 12 miles an hour within a radius of 2 miles of the town hall.
With regard to motor traps, Mr Farndale says: “the only mode at
present of checking the speed is to have a given distance carefully measured
and policemen stationed there with stopwatches to check each car that travels
over the measured ground. This, I think, you will agree, is far from
satisfactory; it has the appearance of setting a trap for the purpose of
securing a conviction, and does not in the least secure any protection for the
public throughout the city.”
Mr Farndale expressed the view that the local authorities should
be in a position to check the speed of motor cars throughout the whole of their
district, and this could be done by having a power to refuse registration of
a car unless fitted with a speed and mileage recorder, and to prevent the
maximum speed being exceeded, by having additional power to refuse the
registration of a car so constructed as to exceed 12 miles an hour when
travelling on level plane on a level plane.
He does not advocate imprisonment for offences under the Motor Car Act ...
As to impounding the offender's car he said that this would be essential if
each car were to be required to carry a speed and mileage recorder, because it
would be necessary to submit the car to the court, in the condition in which it
was found when checked by the police....
1906
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
14 February 1906:
CHIEF CONSTABLE’S REPORT.
The Annual Report read by the Chief Constable, Mr. J Farndale,
contained the following passage: There are within your jurisdiction 1,108
licencing full licences for the sale of intoxicating liquors, including six for
premises which have been pulled down, as compared with 1,111 last year...
The following is a table showing the proportion of population to
each licenced house in Bradford as compared with other county boroughs:
|
Name of Town |
No of houses licensed |
Population in 1901 |
Proportion of population to each licensed house |
|
Sheffield |
1,780 |
409,070 |
229 |
|
York |
335 |
77,914 |
232 |
|
Halifax |
428 |
104,916 |
245 |
|
Bradford |
1,108 |
279,767 |
252 |
|
Bristol |
1,307 |
339,066 |
239 |
|
Huddersfield |
345 |
95,047 |
275 |
|
Hull |
825 |
240,259 |
291 |
|
Liverpool |
2,020 |
702,247 |
347 |
|
Leeds |
1,135 |
428,968 |
248 |
|
Middlesbrough |
168 |
91,302 |
543 |
… 19 persons have been proceeded against for being drunk and
refusing to quit licenced premises, or disorderly and refusing to quit,...
The number of prosecutions during the same for habitual
drunkenness under the Inebriates’ Act 1898, Section 2, was seven, six being males and one being female, of
whom two, a male and a female, were committed to Inebriates’ Homes. …
The Inebriates Act 1898 allowed non-criminal inebriates to be
admitted to reformatories for up to three years if they had been convicted of
drunkenness four times in one year. Criminal inebriates were also included if
they had been convicted of an imprisonable crime. State inebriate reformatories
could be established by the Secretary of State paid for by the government.
Certified inebriate reformatories satisfying the certification process of the
Secretary of State could be created on the application of the council of any
county or borough or of any persons desirous of establishing an inebriate
reformatory. The Habitual Drunkards Act 1879 had allowed authorities to
establish retreats for inebriates but payment by the inmate was required, thus
excluding those working-class drunkards most at risk and with the least
financial support.
Section 2(1) stated: Any person who commits any of the
offences mentioned in the First Schedule to this Act, and who within the twelve
months preceding the date of the commission of the offence has been convicted
summarily at least three times of any offences so mentioned, and who is a
habitual drunkard, shall be liable upon conviction on indictment, or if he
consents to be dealt with summarily on summary conviction, to be detained for a
term not exceeding three years in any certified inebriate reformatory the
managers of which are willing to receive him
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
8 May 1906: THE BRADFORD WALK.
RETURN OF BRITISH ATHLETES FROM ATHENS. The Bradford Walk. ... The Executive of
the Bradford and County Walking Association met last night at the George hotel,
Bradford to discuss the arrangements for the annual walk... A letter was read
from the Chief Constable of Bradford cover Mr. J Farndale, in which that
gentleman stated that there were certain objections to the walk starting from
the centre of the town, and a deputation consisting of... was appointed to
interview Mr Farndale on the matter.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
12 May 1906: BEGGING NUISANCE IN
BRADFORD. WHERE SYMPATHY IS WASTED. This morning, at the City Police Courts, three
blind persons were dealt with or for begging. The first was *, of the
Lodging Houses, charged with soliciting alms in Godwin Street; the second was
*, of George Street, charged with begging in Kirk Gate; and the other was *, of
Jermyn Street, charged with begging in Bank Church. The Chief Constable stated
that this was a serious offence, and a great nuisance in Bradford. The man *
was a vagrant in the true sense of the term. He had had friends who had left
him money which he had squandered in drink. He had been tried by a committee of
the Corporation, but he would do nothing, and persisted in getting his
living in this precarious way. He had been taught to work at the Blind
Institute, but he absolutely refused to follow employment there. * said that
the trade he had been taught to work at was not sufficiently remunerative. He
was sent to gaol for seven days hard labour. In the case of *, the Chief
Constable said he was worthless fellow. He was formerly at Halifax during the
time that he, Mr Farndale, was there. He was not blind then, but had brought
on his blindness by his vicious habits, and had been convicted 16 times for
all manner of offences, principally drunkenness. Then he came to Bradford and
had lived on the generous public ever since. He had since many times can been
convicted of drunkenness at Bradford. The Stipendiary asked: “Why don't you go
to the workhouse?” “Because I'd sooner have my liberty”. * was sent to gaol for
21 days hard labour.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
12 June 1906: BRADFORD WALKERS
ASSOCIATION. A meeting of the Bradford and County Walking Association was held
at the George Hotel last night, Mr J E Hammond presiding. A rough balance sheet
was presented, showing that the recent walk had been financial success. Votes of
thanks were accorded to the officials who had engineered the event. The Chief
Constable of Bradford, Mr. J Farndale, was complemented on the efficient way in
which he had dealt with the crowds that assembled, and votes of thanks were
also accorded to the police officials at Burley, Ilkley and Otley....
The Leeds Mercury, 26 December
1906: BRADFORD WOMAN LOSES
HER EYE. TWO MEN IN CUSTODY. At Bradford, yesterday, *, aged 47, warehouseman
of grey street, and *, 27, a carter of George Street, were charged with inflicting
grievous bodily harm on *, wife of *, a tailor of Waterfield Road. The
Chief Constable, Mr Farndale said the parties were more or less under the
influence of drink. * and his wife on invitation visited the *s in the
evening of Monday at 121 George Street and eventually quarrelled, and * came to
the police station to make a complaint. On his return he was told that his wife
had been turned into the backyard and that * had followed her. The woman was
found in such condition that she could not speak, her mouth being badly
injured, and her right eye burst, and was removed to the Infirmary. Mr Farndale
added that the doctors had little hope of saving the eye, which would probably
have to be removed that afternoon and the general state of the prosecutrix was
very precarious. These Stipendiary remanded the prisoners for a week. Last
evening the eye of the unfortunate woman was removed and she was reported to be
still in a serious condition.
1907
The police turned
their attention in 1907 to public dancing regulations. The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
23 January 1907: WHAT IS A DANCING
SCHOOL? BRADFORD PROSECUTION. A
POLICEMAN AND HIS AWKWARD PARTNER. Today at the Bradford Police Court, * of
Carlton house, Little Horton lane, was summoned for using a room for public
dancing without a licence. The Chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, said to the
proceedings were taken under the Public Health
Amendment Act. The stipendiary: I tried
this question many years ago in a test case. Continuing, the chief constable
said that the defendant was the occupier of rooms at the rear of his residence
in Little Horton lane. The rooms were built for the purpose of dancing. Up to
last year the defendant was the holder of a dancing licence in the Collegian
Rooms, and he had apparently transferred his business to these rooms, for which
he had no license. The only difference in the conduct between the two places
was that in the case of the Collegian Rooms, the tickets were sold at the door,
and at the rooms in Little Horton lane, tickets were sold for four nights, any
four nights during the season. Mr. Brown gave instruction in dancing on certain
nights in the week, and the other nights were devoted to public dancing. On one
occasion these rooms were let to a young man connected with a Bradford firm,
and this gentleman sold tickets to the public for dancing. The chief constable
argued that the rooms were not a dancing school within the meaning of the
Act, and should be subjected to the same conditions as other public dancing
institutions. PC Shaw, a probationer, who was sent to those rooms to make
inquiries, said he took out a ticket for four nights, and on the second night
he had to complain of his partner being awkward. The Stipendiary: Perhaps she
thought you were awkward. (Laughter). PC Shaw further stated that on almost
every occasion instruction in dancing was given by Mr. Brown, and new dances
were explained. Mr Alex Neil, who appeared for the defendant, denied that
the room had been used for public dancing, and maintained that the rooms were simply
a dancing school. Mr. Brown then went into the witness box, and made a
remark about the police witness, which was considered offensive. The chief
constable: Did you find anything amiss with the constable while you while at
your rooms? Mr. Brown: no. The chief constable: Why do you go out of your way
to say that the constable was no good? I did not say he was no good. I put it
to you that the reason why you don't take out a licence is because you object
to policemen coming into your rooms? Witness: I do not object to the police
coming, I am master at my own house. They stipendiary in dismissing the case
expressed the opinion that the rooms were dancing rooms to which the public
were promiscuously admitted.
The Public Health Amendment Act 1890 had as its purpose to
promote the public's health and to ensure “more effective provision ... for
improving sanitary conditions of towns and populace places in England and
Wales.”
The Manchester Evening News,
26 January 1907: A doubtful situation in
licencing law, as applied to dancing halls has arisen at Bradford, Yorkshire,
in consequence of a recent ruling by the stipendiary magistrate, Mr Charles
Skidmore. The Chief Constable, Mr. J Farndale, on Wednesday prosecuted a man
for using a room at the rear of his house for the purpose of public dancing and
music without a licence. After hearing the evidence the Stipendiary
dismissed the summons on the ground that the room was not used promiscuously
by the public. The matter was discussed yesterday by the Watch Committee, and
in view of the important bearing such a decision might have upon the conduct of
dancing halls in future, it was decided to take the opinion of the town clerk,
Mr F Stevens, as to whether there were sufficient facts to warrant an appeal
against these type injuries finding.
The Yorkshire Evening News, 13
February 1907: EX LEEDS LANDLADY.
PIQUANT CASE AT BRADFORD LICENSING SESSIONS. MRS CARR’S APPLICATION GRANTED.
One of the most piquantly interesting cases at the Bradford City court during
the licencing sessions today was that in which *, widow, applied for a renewal
of the licence for all intoxicating liquors at the Wild Boar in, Bolton Rd. The
Chief Constable, Mr. J Farndale, took exception on the ground of “character not
satisfactory and not qualified by law.” Evidence was called as to the manner in
which she had previously conducted public houses in Leeds - the Roscoe and the
Lord Byron.
The Shipley Times and Express,
15 February 1907: BRADFORD LANDLADY AND
HER LICENCE. EXTRAORDINARY REVELATIONS AT THE SESSIONS. THE MAN IN THE GREEN
TIE. A PROMISE OF MARRIAGE AT THE ‘WILD BOAR’. For a considerable time on
Wednesday the city licencing sessions at the Bradford town hall bought a
marked resemblance to the divorce court, for one out of the score of
objections to renewals of licences led to serious allegations against the
character of the applicant. Two of those concerned in this case were parties
to a recent action in Leeds County Court for the payment of betting money, and
in addition, two or three of the witnesses had figured in a divorce case some
years ago. The applicant was *, of the Wild Boar Inn, Bolton Road, and the
renewal of the existing licence was objected to on the ground: “character not
satisfactory and not qualified by law.” Mr. A Willey of
Leeds appeared for the applicant. A point of order. At the outset a legal
argument took place between the Chief Constable, Mr. J Farndale and Mr Willey
as to whether the opening statement of Mr Farndale was in order. Mr Willey
submitted that the chief constable should give his objections on oath in the
witness box. He questioned his right in the capacity of the chief constable to
address the court from the solicitors’ table on behalf of the objector. He
should step into the witness box and be subject to cross examination. The
chairman: He is merely opening his case, and not making a statement of fact.
The bench ruled that Mr Farndale was in order in giving his statement in that
way. Mr Farndale then proceeded to state the reason for objecting to the
removal of the licence, and witnesses were afterwards called. Mr *, who
described himself as a turf commission agent, residing in Livingston Road,
Roundhay Road, Leeds, gave evidence as to his relations with the applicant. He
had known her for about 9 years, and they had cohabited as man and wife for
some years. On two occasions, he said he felt he had found * misconducting
herself with other men. Witness had carried on a betting business for the
benefit of the licenced premises. Under cross examination by Mr Willey, the
witness stated that he had no ill feeling against *. He was subpoenaed to
attend court, and, when asked previously to make a written statement concerning
the applicant he had declined. Mr Willey reminded witness of a case at Leeds
county court, in which claim he made against Mrs * respecting betting
transactions was not sustained. Witness returned to answer questions on the
case, objecting to its being tried over again, and was called to order by the
chairman...
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
8 March 1907: CITY POLICE ATHELETIC
CLUB. GYMNASTIC DISPLAY AT THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
At the Bradford Grammar School last night an interesting gymnastic
display was given by members of the City Police Athletic Club. Amongst
those present were the chairman watch committee, Alderman H B Priestman, and
the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale …
The Yorkshire Evening News, 22
March 1907: BRADFORD CONDITIING
HOUSE MANAGER TOO ILL TO APPEAR. FURTHER REMAND. The second phase of the
Bradford conditioning house case should have been gone into at the Bradford
City court today. In this aspect of the affair, *, manager, of 14 Melbourne
Place, Bradford, was charged with embezzling monies of the Bradford
Corporation: £22 10s, on march 14th 1906; £7 10s within the month last past; £7
16s, within six months last past, and £6 on March 14th 1903.... There was the
more grave accusation against *, but the opening there was a sensational
development in an intimation from Mr Gardner, before Mr Newell arrived, that
the prisoner should not be present, as a matter of fact he had not surrender to
his bail. Mr Gardner applied for a further remand, urging as his reason for
this that since appearing before the court the accused had been taken
seriously ill, and his condition continued to be so bad that he would be
unable to attend. He called Dr Rawson, who said he was called to see the
accused about three o’clock this morning, and found him in an unconscious
condition, as the effect of an epileptic seizure. The unconsciousness
continued, and there were two more seizures. The accused was still unconscious
up to nine o’clock this morning. The Stipendiary said that this evidence was
sufficient to warrant a remand. Chief Constable Farndale protested that the
prosecution might have been given notice of this application. Great expense had
been incurred in getting the witness here. The Stipendiary: We don't often get
notice of fits....
The next moral issue
to hit Bradford was the appearance of the actress known as Milo who posed as a
‘living statue’.
Actress Pansy Montague was also known as ‘La Milo’. Her posings as a statue, on the London stage and in various
music halls around the country, provoked controversy. Pansy Montague, ‘La
Milo’ appeared as a chorus girl and actress in Melbourne from about 1898,
and in 1901 understudied Nellie Stewart in Sydney. In 1905 she appeared in
Melbourne and Sydney for Harry Rickards’ Variety Theatre as ‘The Modern Milo’
in a series of poses described as a ‘facsimile of Ancient and Modern
Statuary and Sculpture’. In 1906 she went to England and Europe, where
through again exhibiting herself clad in next to naught, she revived
public interest in ‘living statues’. In the first half of 1907 the Bishop
of London called for the London Council to ban living statues, but at the
Coventry Pageant in August 1907 La Milo enacted the role of Lady Godiva, riding
a horse for five hours in pink ‘fleshings’ under
chiffon drapery and lengthy wig before 150 000 spectators including at least
one incensed clergyman. In 1908 at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham, she went
through a ceremony of marriage to a man going by the name of Ferdinand Eggena. In 1910, the couple appeared in court along with a
motor car agent named Percy Easton, the three accused of fraudulently deceiving
a jeweller. Pansy Montague claimed that over the past three years, she had
earned five thousand pounds a year and could buy herself all the jewels she
wanted. She and Easton were acquitted, but Eggena was
convicted. La Milo consistently laid claim to the integrity of her art,
in 1910 stating ‘There has been much opposition, much unkind criticism, which
has pained me very much, and in a half-night of weeping has made me determine
to give the whole business up. The only thing that has prevented me from doing
so is the conscientious conviction that I am in the right.’ From late
1914 she toured America to packed houses. Soon after, however, she disappeared
from the historical record; possibly, the war interrupted the supply of white
paint which was made for her by a German chemist to simulate marble.
The Yorkshire Evening News, 6
May 1907: LIVING STATUARY.
SUGGESTED PROHIBIUTION OF LA MILO AT BRADFORD. SHOCKINGITIS. There is still a
good deal of uncertainty as to whether there will be a general prohibition of
the living statuary exhibition throughout the country. La Milo, the premier posseuse, is billed to appear at Bradford this week, at
the Empire, and on Saturday morning the chairman of the Watch Committee,
Alderman H B Priestman, had a conference with the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph
Farndale who this morning, at a meeting of the Fire Brigade and Licencing
Committee, which has charge of such matters, will report against the
exhibitions of living statuary, and suggest prohibition. It is probable that
the licencing committee will resolve to visit the Empire before coming to any
decision.
The Hull Daily Mail, 7 May
1907: LA MILO AT BRADFORD.
CITY FATHERS WITNESS AND APPROVE. The Empire theatre, Bradford, where la Milo
is appearing this week, was crowded to excess at both performances last
night. It so happened that a meeting of the Corporation Fire Brigade and
Licencing Committee had been fixed for yesterday morning, when the subject of
the agitation was informally mentioned, and the committee decided to see the
performance before coming to any decision. Accordingly, at the first
performance last night, the members of the committee and some of their
wives, together with the Chief Constable, Mr Farndale, were in attendance,
when poses given by La Milo were Hebe, Canova’s Venus, the Venus de Milo,
Sappho, Maidenhood, and Diana. At the close of her performance La Milo was
accorded a hearty reception. Subsequently the members of the fire brigade and
licencing committee held another meeting at the town hall, under the presidency
of Alderman James freeman, when, after brief consideration of what they had
seen, they passed unanimously the following resolution: “The committee
visited the empire theatre, and witnessed the whole of the performance, and they
observed no breach of the rules and regulations in force in the city with
regard to dramatic licences.” La Milo’s performance will, therefore, be
continued in Bradford.
In June 1901, Joseph
Farndale made new law on the sale of beer to children under age, when he
appealed a decision of the Stipendiary Magistrate to the appeal court. The appeal established that beer could only be sold to children
under 14 (ostensibly for their parents!) as bottled beer, and not in an empty
bottle which was then corked and sealed by the publican. It is interesting to
remember that Joseph’s father was a publican in Wakefield!
The Shipley Times and Express,
14 June 1907: CASE ORDERED TO BE
REHEARD. Yesterday the Kings
Bench Divisional Court, composed of the Lord Chief Justice, and Justices
Darling and A T Lawrence, heard an appeal in the case of Farndale v Dillon,
from the decision of the Bradford Justices. It was a prosecution under the Intoxicating Liquor (Sale to Children) Act against Hy Dillon, having sent his son, under 14 years of age, to
the White Swan Inn, Lamb Lane, in January last, with a pint bottle which was not
corked for half a pint of beer. The boy came out with a bottle which was corked
but not sealed. The magistrates dismissed the information on the ground that
the father had done all he could. Their lordships sent the case back for
rehearing.
There were concerns
about the sale of alcohol to under age children. The Bolton Evening News, 14
June 1907: THE SALE OF BEER TO
CHILDREN. AN INTERESTING APPEAL. In
the King's Bench Division yesterday the case of Farndale v Dillon came before
the Divisional Court on appeal from a decision of the stipendiary magistrate Bradford.
The Stipendiary dismissed an information charging Henry Dillon with having,
contrary to the provisions of the Intoxicating
Liquor (Sale to Children) Act sent his son, a boy under
the age of 14 years, to the White Swan Inn, Lamb Lane, for half a pint of beer,
in a bottle which was not corked
concealed as required by the Act. The Stipendiary, in giving his decision, held
that the Respondent in sending a vessel capable of being corked and sealed,
had done all he could to observe the law, that the offence, if any, was
attributable to the person who supplied the beer. The Stipendiary, in the case
which he stated, further said that the solicitor for the Appellant raised the
point that the respondent contravened the Act by sending for half a pint of
beer at all, but that point was not raised before the bench they did not give
any decision upon it. Mr Scarlett, who appeared for the Appellant submitted
that the Act prohibited the sale of less than one reputed pint and that the
liquor must be in a corked and sealed vessel. The Lord Chief Justice said that
he had doubts about the case, and he thought it ought to go back to be heard on
the merits. Mr Justice Darling concurred. He was at the opinion that the
reasons given for refusing to convict were bad. The section under which the
information was laid subjected to a penalty any person knowingly sending a
child under the age of 14 for any description of intoxicating liquor,
“excepting such intoxicating liquors as are sold or delivered in corked and sealed
vessels in quantities not less than one reputed pint for consumption off the
premises only.” It appeared to him that
the exception referred to bottled liquors, such as bottled beer, bottled stout,
or other liquors sold in bottles, and that a person was not entitled to send
a child with an empty bottle for beer. Mr Justice A T Lawrence concurred. The
case was accordingly remitted to be heard and determined on its merits.
The Intoxicating Liquor (Sale to Children) Act 1901 was an Act
to prevent the sale of Intoxicating Liquor to Children. The Act prohibited the
sale of alcohol to children under 14 years of age, unless it was in a pint
measure that was corked and sealed for consumption off the premises.
The Warminster & Westbury
Journal, 21 December 1907: SUPPLYING BEER TO
CHILDREN. TO THE EDITOR OF THE WARMINSTER AMND WESTBURY JOURNAL. Sir, I have
with some surprise the statement under the heading “Supplying beer to children:
new police order in Wiltshire”, in your issue on Saturday last. As it is calculated
to convey an utterly erroneous impression, perhaps you would be so kind as to
allow me to state the actual position. The whole matter is due to a
misunderstanding of what occurred in the case of Farndale v Dillon. A man
was charged with sending his child under 14 years of age with a pint bottle for
half a pint of beer, and although an offence had undoubtedly been committed,
the minimum under the Act being a reputed pint, the magistrates did not
convict, and the prosecutor appealed. The case was properly sent back to the
magistrates to be determined on its merits, but in the course of the
judgement, Mr Justice Darling casually expressed his opinion that licences
could only serve children under 14 with bottled ale, stout etc and then the
Act did not allow them to supply a pint or more of draught beer even if the
vessel were corked and sealed at the time of the sale. This personal opinion
was not the force of law, and it is entirely contrary to the intention of the
Act, and the practise since 1901. It cannot be too widely known that it is
not a legal decision, but what lawyers call an obiter dictum. A very
eminent firm of London solicitors, and others who have been consulted, ridicule
such a contention, and the London Licenced Victuallers Central Board has
decided, in case of a conviction in London, to take the case to appeal. Yours
faithfully. Cecil H V Weston. Secretary West Wiltshire Licenced Victuallers and
Beer Retailers Protection Association. Star Inn, Warminster, December 16th
1907.
The Nottingham Evening Post,
28 December 1907: CHILDREN AND PUBLIC
HOUSES. AN IMPORTANT DECISION. Mr Muscat, appearing for the Commissioner of
Police, at Tower Bridge, made an important statement in a case against Richard
Simmons of the Coopers Arms public house, Bermondsey, of selling beer in an improperly
sealed bottle to a child under 14 years. He said that an entirely new
interpretation had been placed upon section one of the Intoxicating Liquor (Sale to Children) Act by
a special case, Farndale v Dillon,
which was decided by the divisional court on June 13th last. In that case it
was decided by the Lord Chief Justice, Mr Justice Darling, and Mr Justice
Lawrence, that a parent was not entitled to send a child under 14 years of
age with a bottle, or any other receptacle, for intoxicating liquor, even
though the publican afterwards corked it and re sealed it. By analogy it
seemed to be manifest that the necessary sequence from the reasoning in that
case was that the publican could not in law sell anything but the ordinary
bottled beer or other bottles intoxicating liquor to children under 14
years of age. The Commissioner of Police has been advised that such was the
effect of the decision, and he proposed to put it into operation. The bottom of
the Act, so to speak, has been knocked out by various decisions protecting this
the public and, but this was entirely new law, and would be acted upon at the
first opportunity. The present case was not one upon which the point could be
conveniently raised...
The Evening Dispatch, 28
December 1907: NEW VIEW OF THE
INTOXICATING LIQUORS ACT. An important decision of the London Commissioner of
Police regarding licencing prosecutions was announced by Mr Muskett, at the
Tower Bridge police court yesterday. The case was one in which Richard Simmons,
of the Cooper's Arms, Thomas Street, was summoned for selling beer in an
appropriate improperly sealed bottle to a child under 14 years of age. Mr
Muskett said an entirely new interpretation had been placed upon section two of
the Intoxicating Liquor (Sale
to Children) Act by a special case - Farndale
v Dillon ...
A tailor’s excuse
for the discovery of betting slips all over his shop. The Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 15 June 1907: A TAILOR AND HIS
CUSTOMERS. NOVEL DEFENCE IN A BETTING CASE. A novel defence was offered at
Bradford yesterday by *, 53, tailor, 34 East Parade, who is charged with
keeping the premises namely 2 Johnson Fold, Bradford, for the purpose of
betting. A youth named *, of 196, Ripon Street, was also summoned for being
found in a common gaming house, namely, 2 Johnson Fold. * pleaded not
guilty. * pleaded guilty. The Chief Constable, Mr. J Farndale said that the
premises at Johnson Fold was practically unfurnished. The house was kept
under observation for three days and during that time 36 people were seen
to enter the place. The premises were searched under a warrant and the two
defendants were found there. The room contained sporting literature, betting
slips relating to over 100 bets, while Wilkinson had over £100 in his
possession. Wilkinson made a novel defence. He was, he said, a tailor
by trade, and the betting slips must have fallen from the pockets of customers’
coats he was repairing. The Stipendiary: “Do you find money as well?”
Defendant: “Well I have found money. Once I found a diamond ring.” In regard to
the sporting literature, he said he read such papers daily. Sporting papers to
were to be found in every tailor shop in the country. He confessed he did a
little betting on his own account, but he was not a bookmaker, because he was
not sufficiently educated.
The Yorkshire Evening Post, 5
October 1907: BRADFORD’S HONOUR. THE
ROYAL CHARTER READ TODAY. BIG CROWDS ASSEMBLE AT THE TOWN HALL. An immense
crowd thronged the town hall square, Bradford, at noon today, to hear a public
reading by the Lord Mayor, Alderman J Godwin, of the royal charter granting
the dignity of a Lord Mayorality for the city. A
special platform had been erected at the main entrance to the town hall and
from this the Lord Mayor, attended by the lady mayoress, Mrs Godwin, members of
the City Council, magistrates, representatives of public body, and chief civic
officials read the patent. Stationed before the platform were attachments from
the Royal Field Artillery, from the Bradford Moor barracks... about 200 police,
under the chief constable, Mr Farndale, kept order. After the proceedings the
veterans were paraded before the Lord Mayor who briefly addressed them and made
each a gift of a sovereign.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
9 December 1907: BRADFORD EX WARRANT
OFFICER’S DEATH. Prior to the commencement of the ordinary business of the
Bradford Police Court this morning the stipendiary magistrate, Mr Skidmore,
referred to the death of ex Warrant Officer George Flood. His worship appeared
to be deeply affected by the death of his old bodyguard and said he
desired to give a public expression of regret on behalf of himself and his
colleagues on the bench at the untimely death of Flood. It was only the other
day that Flood was in court attending to his duties. He was an efficient
officer, and most obliging and attentive to his duties. He only retired a few
weeks ago on a well earned pension, and he, the
stipendiary, knew how difficult it was for him to sever himself from the duties
of the court. Left behind him is a bright example that was worthy of being
followed by all members of the force. They all desired to tender to his widow
and her family their deepest sympathy. The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale,
thanked these stipendiary for his kindly interest in one of the rank and file
of the force, and promised to do his utmost to see that the widow and his
family should receive every consideration.
The Yorkshire Evening News, 24
December 1907: POLICE BETS. THE ONLY
EVIDENCE AGAINST A PUBLICAN. BRADFORD CASE DISMISSED. William E Penn, landlord
of the Virginia Tavern, Thornbury, was summoned at Bradford today for using
the house for betting purposes, for suffering gaming, and for conducting a
lottery, the stake being 2s 8d in money. An officer said that he went and laid
bets with the defendant for the races at Kempton Park and Birmingham. On one
occasion on the invitation of a man, he played dominoes and last, paying for a
pint of beer. “Tip-it” was also played for pints of beer in the presence of the
landlord. In one instance he won a pool of 2s 8d and it was spent in beer and
cigars. Mr A Neill, for the defendant, “When you did not find any betting you
made some?” “Yes”. “Do you know the whole house was searched for slips of paper
except the bedroom in which the landlady was lying ill?” “Yes”. “Did you take
part in this dirty business?” Chief Constable Farndale: “I protest. We're here
to do our duty, and I ask for the protection of the court.” The chairman: “Put
it some other way Mr Neil”. Mr Neil: “I cannot find any other language to
describe it in. You will agree with me at the finish that it is a dirty
business, more than dirty”. The chairman, after the bench had retired, said the
only evidence against the defendant was that of the two officers called and on
examination these officers showed themselves to have been accomplices, and as
it was not customary to grant a conviction in such circumstances the case would
be dismissed.
1908
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
6 January 1908: THE NEW PROBATION ACT.
FIRST APPLICATION AT BRADFORD. The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, made an
application to at the city police court today, under the new Probation Act. It was in respect to a
charge of felony against a woolcomber, named *, 33,
54 beck St. The chief constable stated that this was a case of a man giving
way to crime through the influence of drink, and he asked that the prisoner
should be put on probation for 12 months. The magistrates, however, inflicted a
fine of 25s, including costs, with the alternative of 1 months imprisonment
with hard labour.
The Yorkshire Evening Post, 21
January 1908: FUNERAL OF MR CHARLES
SKIDMORE. LATE BRADFORD STIPENDIARY. INTERMENT AT DARLINGTON TODAY. The funeral
of the late stipendiary magistrate for Bradford, Mr Charles Skidmore, took
place today, at West Cemetery, Darlington. Prior to the removal of the coffin
to Midland station, a Bradford service was held at St Luke's church, Victor
Road, Manningham, the Reverend Canon Macguinness, vicar, the Reverend HG Jones,
vicar of Bradford, and the Reverand W S Smith taking part. There was a large
congregation, the principal mourners being... After the service the lengthy
procession, marshalled by the chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, proceeded along
Manningham lane...
The Bolton Evening News, 8
February 1908: DRUNK AT SIXTEEN. A
youth of 16, named *, described as a labourer, was charged at Bradford City
police caught on Friday with being drunk on the licenced premises of the
Bull's Head, also with refusing to quit and with doing wilful damage. The
youth was turned out of the in more than once, and on the last occasion he
smashed a window and taking a heavy file from his pocket threatened to use it
up on the barman. Kelly told the barman that he was 18 years of age. The chief
constable, Mr. J Farndale, informed the bench that the lad's mother was an
inmate at the union workhouse at Middlesbrough, and prisoner himself had
for some time been in a home at Birmingham. He appeared to have done himself no
good since his liberation from the home. “I'm afraid to, Sir, he comes from bad
stock”, said Mr farndale. Mr Amos Crabtree, presiding magistrate, said that as
prisoner had no home in the city the bench could not very well put him under
their probation officer. Fines amounting to 9s 6d and the costs were imposed,
the alternative of each being seven days in prison.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
18 February 1908: BRADFORD POLICE
INSPECTION. ‘MARCH PAST’ IN PEEL PARK. Colonel Eden, His Majesty's Inspector of
Police, visited Bradford today for the purpose of conducting an inspection
at the city police force. The visit was made on the occasion of an
imposing spectacle in Peel Park. Some 337 officers and men were marshalled
on parade in the park, these including 236 constables, 32 sergeants, 15
inspectors, 3 superintendents and the chief constable. As Colonel Eden presented
himself at the park, he was given a general salute in review order. The police
band, under the leadership of Inspector Chapman, discoursed suitable selections
of music, and a march past was admirably carried out. The chief constable,
Mr Joseph Farndale, was in command, and he was assisted by... the inspection
was very successful, and Colonel Eden complimented the chief constable and
the Watch Committee on the general efficiency of the force. The mounted men
in their new uniform presented a very smart appearance. The Inspector
subsequently attended the Town Hall and examined the books there, and
afterwards remarked that they were exceedingly well kept. The Government
Inspector appeared to be highly satisfied with everything he saw. Col Eden
and was afterwards entertained at lunch and by the Lord Mayor, Mr. J E Fawcett.
The Daily News (London), 19
February 1908: NEW LICENSING POINT. Mr
Marsham, the Bow Street magistrate, yesterday imposed a penalty of 5s and costs
on a publican in Bedfordbury for selling to a
child intoxicating liquor “not being such as is sold in cooked or sealed
bottles.” the police admitted this was a test case following the
decision of the High Court in Farndale v Dillon. The view there expressed
by the judges, said Mr Muskett, was that children should only be served with
liquids commonly sold in bottles already corked. Mr Marsham said he must be
bound by the decision of the High Court, but he offered to state a case if
desired.
Joseph and Emma’s
Silver Wedding.
The Halifax Evening Courier,
13 May 1908:
CHIEF CONSTABLE FARNDALE’S SILVER WEDDING. POLICEMEN AND A
PRESENT. UNPLEASANT SUGGESTIONS.
A meeting of the Bradford City council was held at the Town Hall
yesterday afternoon, the Lord Mayor, Mr. J E Fawcett, presiding. Alderman H B
Priestman, chairman of the Watch Committee, said he had received a number of
questions from Mr C A Glide with regard to a proposed silver wedding gift to
the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale. He had hoped that Mr Glide
would not have pressed these questions, but he was left with no alternative but
to answer them. The questions were as follows.
1. Is it a fact that a proposed presentation to the chief
constable on his silver wedding has been arranged by two inspectors in the
central division, in consultation with the three divisional superintendents?
2. Have the police constables expressed any desire to subscribe to
the fund and were they represented on the committee?
3. Have the police constables been informed by the superintendents
that £25 has to be raised, and that constables have to have to subscribe 1s,
sergeants 2s 6d, inspectors 3s 6d, and superintendents 5s each.
4. Have the constables been informed that they may pay their
subscriptions at 3d per week, and are the men being practically coerced into
subscribing for the fund by the publication of a list in which those who do not
subscribe are conspicuous by their absence?
In answer to these questions, Alderman Priestman said that the
presentation fund had been originated in the manner suggested. The two
inspectors and the three superintendents were the natural leaders in a movement
like this. The policemen had shown a distinct desire to contribute, and
there had been a pretty general response, and they were represented on the
committee which had control at the fund. But the men had not been informed that
£25 had had to be raised. Nor had any scale of contributions being fixed. It
was true that one month had been allowed during which payments might be made,
but there had been absolutely no coercion whatever, and he was convinced
from inquiries he had made that the matter was entirely voluntary. He
very much regretted that the movement should be spoiled by such imputations
being cast upon it. (Applause).
Mr. J H Palls asked if it were not a fact that the list had been
drawn up in such a way that each man's number and name was put down on the
sheet. It had not been left in the ordinary way for a man who desired to
contribute to put down his own name. Alderman Priestman said he had not seen
such a sheet as had been described. The matter then dropped. Chief constable
Farndale is well known in Halifax, where he was formally inspector.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
30 May 1908: Last week I mentioned
the purchase by Mr C E Horner a chocolate pom, loved by Mrs Farndale. The dog
has been named “Moneymaker”, and Mr Horner entered it for the annual show of
the London Pomerianian club, held this week in the
London Scottish Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate. It was successful in coming out on
top, winning first in both classes; also the clubs five guinea rose bowl for
best chocolate puppy over 6 and under 12 months old, the five guinea challenge
cup for the best puppy in the show, and the silver special for best chocolate
in novice class. He is thought to be the best male dog of this colour brought
out for years.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph, 1 June 1908:
BRADFORD’S CHIEF CONSTABLE. SILVER WEDDING CELEBRATIONS. PRESENTATIOMNS FROM MAGISTRATES AND CITY
POLICE.
On the occasion of the silver wedding of the Chief Constable of
Bradford and Mrs Farndale presentations from the city magistrates in the city
police took place in the town hall today.
Mr Farndale was married at Leeds on June 1st 1883, to Emma, the second daughter of the late Mr. Williams Selby, a highly
respected citizen of Wakefield. Mr Farndale was educated at Fieldhouse Academy,
Aberford, where he studied chemistry and law. Having decided to take up
policing as a career he joined the Halifax force in 1883, passing through the
various grades two second in command. He was appointed chief magistrate of
Margate, serving there for nearly five years. After serving at York he was
appointed to the chief constable ship of Bradford in 1901.
In making the presentation on behalf of the magistrates this
morning the Lord Mayor, Mr J F Fawcett, congratulated Mr and Mrs Farndale on
the auspicious event, and trusted they would have very many happy years of
happy married life. The chief constable had been with them for some time and
had won the respect of all the magistrates of the city, and bearing in mind the
work he had done, they desired to tend to him and to Mrs Farndale the two
vases as a token of appreciation. He sincerely hoped the Chief Constable's
work might decrease rather than increase, and from the course of legislation
there was going to be some reform in dealing with crime, and he should think
that Mr Farndale and Alderman Priestman, Chairman of the Watch Committee, would
probably be able to say that things were so satisfactory in the city that they
could make a reduction in the police force. They had certainly been free
from serious trouble for some time, but they make no boast too much.
Alderman Priestman also tended his congratulations and said that
during his chairmanship of the Watch Committee he had received most loyal
support from the chief constable. The tone of the force as a whole was set by
him, and he was endeavouring to keep it as high as possible....
Replying to the presentation which was then made by the Lord
Mayor, Mr Farndale said that during the 25 years of his police career he had
been in many difficulties, but none so great as the present one, for he did not
know how to thank them enough. When he came to Bradford he tried to maintain the
principles that had guided his career; justice without fear or favour, tempered
when possible with mercy. He referred to the difficulties of his post, and
said he had tried to do his duty not only as a Chief Constable but as a man.
(Applause). It was being discovered that the old system of punishment was
practically the way to nowhere, and they must adopt some other system of
reform if they hoped to do something for those unfortunate people who broke
the law and came into the courts of justice. Especially mentioning Mr.
David Wade, to whom the idea of the presentation was due, he thank them again
for their kindness and appreciation.
The presentation made to Mr and Mrs Farndale by the city police,
consisted of a solid silver epergne, having four holders for flowers,
with three sweet baskets hanging from the centre piece; a pair of
vases to match. All are of perfectly plain, polished silver, decorated by
rich piercings. The inscription richly engraved near the top of the epergne is
as follows: “Presented by the Bradford City Police to the Chief Constable and
Mrs Farndale to commemorate their silver wedding 1883 - June 1st - 1906” and
arms of the city on the reverse side while the monogram of Mr Farndale is
richly charred on the foot. This presentation piece was designed and
manufactured by Fattorini and sons, art and gold silversmiths, Bradford.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
1 June 1908: FATTORINI & SONS,
BRADFORD. HAVE NOW ON VIEW. … Solid silver centrepiece, having four flower
vases and three sweet dishes, with pair flower vases to match, presented by the
Bradford City police to the Chief Constable J Farndale Esquire and Mrs farndale.
To commemorate their silver wedding. 1883 - June 1st - 1908.
The Wakefield ad West Riding
Herald, 6 June 1908: Mr Joseph Farndale, who
is a native of Wakefield, being the son of a Thornes Lane licenced victualler, celebrated
his silver wedding on Monday. He was married on the 1st of June 1883, to
Emma, second daughter of the late Mr. Williams Selby, Wakefield. During the
day, Mr and Mrs Farndale with the recipients of many handsome presents,
including two solid silver dessert stands from the city judges, and a solid
silver epergne and pair of vases from the members of the city police force. Mr
Farndale’s uncle was chief constable of Birmingham.
In August 1908,
Joseph Farndale became involved in a significant murder case.
The Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 10 August 1908: THE BRADFORD MURDER
CHARGE. ACCUSED AGAIN IN THE DOCK. John William Ellwood, 44, agent, of
Edinburgh Street, Bradford, who is charged with the murder of Mr Thomas
Wilkinson, Legrams Lane, Bradford, cashier to Messrs
Fieldhouse and Jarrett, dyers and sizers, appeared on remand at the Bradford
City court on Saturday, when the case was further adjourned. During the short
time prisoner was in the dock he seemed quite composed and smiled as he
descended to the cells. The chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, asked the
magistrates to remand Elwood further until Saturday next. It was hoped that the
coroner's inquiry would be completed before that date, when the date could be
fixed to suit the conveniences of the court, and the representative of the
public prosecutor....
The Shipley Times and Express,
21 August 1908: THE BRADFORD OFFICE
MURDER. ELLWOOD BEFORE THE MAGISTRATES. STARTLING DEVELOPMENT. THE PRISONER
IDENTIFIED. STORY OF THE CRIME RETOLD. After three months, John William
Ellwood, 41, insurance agent, of 68 Edinburgh Street, Listerhills,
appeared again on Tuesday at the Bradford City court on the charge of causing
the death of Thomas Wilkinson at the office of Messrs Fieldhouse and Jarrett in
Swaize Street on July 31st. The facts of the case are
now fairly well known, for at the inquest last week, when a verdict of wilful
murder was brought against the prisoner, the evidence was fully gone into. Witnesses
told how they saw a man, thought to be Ellwood, enter the office with a parcel
like a poker with which the crime was committed; how they saw him leave
with without it, and walk away. The evidence as to his subsequent movements
was somewhat conflicting, but he is believed to have been seen in various parts
of the city, and have spoken about the crime to his friends and acquaintances.
The charge was that he did feloniously, wilfully, and of his malice of
forethought, kill and murder Thomas Wilkinson on July 31st 1908. The
accommodation of the court was filled to its uttermost and hundreds were unable
to gain admission. The prisoner’s wife and a few friends lingered in the
corridors outside. The magistrates present were the stipendiary, Mr H W W Wilberforce ,... Mr CF Lowenthall,
of London, prosecuted. He was instructed by Mr H R Watling. The police were
represented by the Chief Constable Mr. J Farndale and Chief Detective Inspector
Tolbert. Mr C L Atkinson again defended. Prisoner still unconcerned. When
prisoner stepped into the dock he seemed as unconcerned as ever. Throughout
he appeared not to notice the people, who were eyeing him keenly. He took a
seat in the dock and made himself as comfortable as possible...
The Nottingham Evening Post,
26 August 1908: OFFICE MURDER. FURTHER
EVIDENCE IN THE BRADFORD CASE. WHAT THE POST MORTEM REVEALED. PRISONER
COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. A further stage was reached in the Bradford office
murder trial today, when the Bradford City police court before the
stipendiary magistrate, Mr H W W Wilberforce, John
William Ellwood, aged 44, insurance agent, was brought up on remand, charged
with the wilful murder of Thomas Wilkinson, cashier, on Friday July 31st, at
the town office of messrs Fieldhouse and Jarrett,
dyers.... the first witness called was Dr FW Eurish
Hony, physician at Bradford royal infirmary, who spoke to conducting a post
mortem examining of the body of Wilkinson on Saturday, August 1st. He said
there were five small bruises on the back of the left wrist, a small bruise
over the right kneecap, and a slight abrasion, with bruising, on the right
middle finger, the last joint of which was fractured. There were also various
other comparatively slight injuries over the right shoulder and over the bridge
of the nose. Two inches above the right ear there was a triangular wound,
penetrating to the covering of the bone behind, and below this was a ragged
incision, penetrating almost to the bone. Other lacerations and incisions were
minutely described by the witness, who said that in many cases the bone was
splintered …Dr William Wrangham, Chief Police Surgeon, also
confirmed the post mortem evidence. He stated that he had received from Chief
Detective Inspector Talbot, the brown suit, produced, there were twelve blood
stains on the coat, two on the trousers, and one on the cap. The poker produced
also bore splashes and stains of blood... Detective Sergeant Knowles said that
on the night of July 31st, he received a communication from the witness
Pollard, and in inconsequence that he went to Edinburgh Street to the house
occupied by the prisoner at 4:45 the following morning. Prisoner, who was only
partly dressed, came downstairs and opened the door. Having admitted the
witness he went upstairs to finish dressing. The detective cautioned him, and
said, “I am going to apprehend you on suspicion of causing the death of Thomas
Wilkinson.” he replied, “I know nothing about it, but I will go with you.” The
witness then took him into custody, and removed him to the town hall, where he
was identified from among seven other prisoners by the witness Pollard. After
he had been thus identified the witness again cautioned and charged him, with
causing the death of Wilkinson. He made no reply, but folded his arms and
dropped his head. At this point the prisoner, who had been accommodated with a
seat in the dock, leaned forward to the witness and said “Speak the truth,
you liar!” Mr Atkinson his solicitor advised the prisoner to make no
comment on the evidence. Continuing, Detective Knowles said that in the town
hall he searched the prisoner and found amongst other properties 6 penny
postage stamps. These were all in one piece...
1909
The Yorkshire Evening Post, 1
January 1909: INCREASED CRIME IN
BRADFORD. RECORDER’S COMMENTS AT THE QUARTER SESSIONS TODAY. The Bradford
quarter sessions were commenced today, before the Recorder, Mr T R D Wright,
who was accompanied on the bench by the Lord Mayor, Mr. James Hill, and the
Chief Constable, Mr. J Farndale. In his charge to the grand jury, the
Recorder regretted that the return of the Chief Constable regarding the
indictable offences, and the number of persons procedeed
against in the past quarter, showed a considerable increase in both respects.
During the corresponding quarter of 80 days in the previous year, 310
indictable offences were reported, whilst in the past quarter of 84 days, the
number was 407, an increase of 97. The number of persons proceeded against
during the corresponding quarter in the previous year was 111, while in the
past quarter the number was 168, an increase of 57. Those figures were
regrettable, and the only comfort one could draw from them was that none of the
offences were serious. One hopes that the average might be made-up by a
corresponding decrease in the returns during the next quarter.
The Greenock Telegraph and
Clyde Shipping Gazette, 19 May 1909: COMMITTEE
ON PETROLEUM SPIRIT. The departmental
committee on petroleum spirit met yesterday at the Home Office. Mr. J Farndale,
Chief Constable at the city of Bradford, gave details of the working of the Petroleum Acts in
Bradford. Mr C MacDonald, chief officer under the Petroleum Act for the city of
Glasgow, considered that officers of the local authority should have power
to seize patrol petroleum spirit under certain circumstances without warrant.
Captain J de C Hamilton RN, retired, Chief Officer of the London Fire Brigade,
gave the requirements which he considered should be insisted upon for petroleum
spirit tank waggons etc.
There was a
tradition that a new Lord Mayor extended clemency to the first person to appear
before him. The Leeds Mercury, 18 November 1909: The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Alderman W Land, made his
official appearance at the City Court yesterday, where he was
welcomed by Mr W A Whitehead, senior magistrate.... after the Chief Constable,
Mr Joseph Farndale had spoken on behalf of the police, the Lord Mayor said that
whilst they as magistrates were always determined to preserve justice and
order, they were always desirous of tendering mercy in the administration of
justice. In accordance with custom, his lordship extended clemency to the
first person to appear before him, a tramp, who had been arrested for begging,
and was discharged.
1911
The Leeds Mercury, 10 February
1911: Chief Constable’s
Salary. The Watch Committee of Bradford Corporation have decided to recommend
the City Council to fix the maximum salary of the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph
Farndale, at £1,000 per annum to be reached by four annual advances of £50 each,
dating from April 1st next.
The Lancashire Evening Post,
15 February 1911: Bradford City Council,
yesterday, decided to increase the salary of the Chief Constable (Mr Joseph
Farndale) from £800 a year in four annual increments of £50 to £1,000 a year,
the first advance taking effect from April 1st next.
The Leeds Mercury, 27 March
1911: BRADFORD CITY’S
WELCOME. SALOONS ALREADY IN DEMAND FOR THE CRYSTAL PALACE FINAL. After the
match at Bramall lane, the Bradford City players were entertained to dinner
at the Grand Hotel, Sheffield. There was the usual round of toasts, and
everyone was in a jubilant mood. The players afterwards drove to the Midland
station in taxis and reached Bradford at 10:00. It was anticipated that there
would be a large crowd to receive them, but the members of the city party were
astonished to find that the station was packed from wall to wall with
thousands of enthusiasts, the crowd overflowing into Forster square and
Market Street. Chief Constable Farndale was on the scene with a large posse
of police, who managed to preserve a narrow gangway view. Some of the
players were completely overwhelmed by the boisterous attentions of their
supporters, and were completely swallowed up in the crowd....
The 1911 Census, for 4 Fagley Villas, Ecclesfield, Bradford listed Joseph
Farndale, head, 46, Chief Constable, City of Bradford; Emma Farndale, wife, 48
(27 years married); Florence Farndale, 26; Eveline Farndale, 25; and Loffie Gibson, general domestic servant.
A Wesleyan Mission
was picked up for unlicensed singing and dancing. The Yorkshire Post, 5 April
1911: SATURDAY CONCERTS IN A
WESLEYAN MISSION HALL. A MUSIC LICENCE NECESSARY. Mr H W W
Wilberforce, the Bradford stipendiary magistrate, yesterday gave his decision
in the case of the Chief Constable of Bradford v Thomas Pratt. He said that it
was alleged the defendant, as honorary secretary, was using for the public
music and singing, on Saturday evenings and without a licence, a room in the
Eastbrook hall, Bradford, a place registered for religious service. The
programmes showed that the concerts were opened with hymn and prayer, and were
followed by vocal and instrumental numbers, reproductions of songs, cinemagraphic views, and even occasional humorous items.
The charge for admission was small, and there was no attempt to secure a
profit. The concerts were organised by Mr Nield, the Wesleyan missioner, to provide innocent and elevating recreation
for persons who otherwise might be spending their Saturday evenings in a worse
fashion. The effort was laudable in the extreme, and neither that court nor
the justices who had been dealing with licences, would put any undue obstacle
in its way. The question he had to deal with was whether this was public
singing and entertainment of such character as to require a licence? It had
been contended that these concerts were really religious services, but after
seeing the programme, he did not think that could be sustained in the ordinary
meaning of the word ‘religious’. He hopes that the application for a licence
in this case would be nothing more than a mere formality, but it must be
gone through, if the concerts were to be continued. Mr Trewavas,
who appeared for the defendant, asked for an adjournment, so the committee
could consider their position. He did not apprehend that the decision of the
stipendiary would be challenged, but they were near the end of their concert
season, and it would be necessary to consult the committee having charge of
them, Eastbrook Hall not being run by one man, but by a committee. The
stipendiary said he had no doubt if it was decided to apply for a licence in
future, the chief constable would be willing to withdraw the case on payment of
costs, as it would be undesirable to record a conviction against such a place.
The Chief Constable, Mr Farndale, said that the promoters of similar concepts
in connection with other places of worship in the city secured occasional
licences, and the defendant could do the same. These stipendiary said that if
the defendant continued the concerts during the period of adjournment without a
licence, he would do so at his own risk. Mr Trewavas
said he would take the adjournment, which was granted for three weeks.
The Nottingham and Midland
Catholic News, 27 May 1911: Chief Constable on its
Practicability. The Bradford Chief Constable, Mr. James (sic, recte, Joseph) Farndale, writes: “I have read with much
interest the copy of the proposed scheme of the Leeds Catholic Diocesan
Association for the aftercare of discharged prisoners, and am of opinion
that the object of the Association is most commendable, while the method on
which it is proposed to work appears to me very practical,. I sincerely wish
you success in the good work, and feel that your efforts cannot fail to be
productive of much good.
When his daughter married on 7 June 1911, Joseph and Emma lived at Fagley Villas, Eccleshill, Bradford: PICKLES-FARNDALE.
June 7th, at Eccleshill Parish Church, by the Rev R B McKee, Charles, third son
of the late Benjamin Pickles, and Mrs Pickles, of Whetley
Lane, to Florence Selby, eldest daughter of Mr Joseph Farndale, Chief
Constable, and Mrs Farndale, of Fagley Villas, Eccleshill. At home, Jessamine
Lodge, Undercliffe, August 2nd and 3rd. (Leeds Mercury, 12 June 1911).
The Leeds Mercury, 24 June
1911: BRADFORD’s DECORATIONS.
The decorations and illuminations at Bradford have attracted so many
visitors from the neighbouring towns that the Decorations Committee has decided
to continue the arrangements throughout next week. Competent authorities who
have seen the efforts of other towns, assert that the Bradford show is without
doubt the finest in the provinces. The fairy fountain in Forster square has
been the chief obstacle object of admiration. On Monday and Tuesday the bands
in the town hall and Forster square will be continued, and if public
appreciation is sufficiently promising the entertainment will be extended over
the remainder of the week. In spite of the immense crowds which assembled to
see the coronation procession in Bradford, the various ambulance brigades in
the city only dealt with about 50 cases of fainting. The chief constable, Mr.
J Farndale, stated that the conduct of the crowds was exemplary, and he is
more than satisfied. Between 11:00 in the morning and midnight there was not a
single arrest of any description. The tramway receipts amounted to £1,394, as
compared with a record of £1,700 for Easter Monday.
The Leeds Mercury, 14 August
1911: A police constable
named *, aged 25 years, of Dawson Street, Bradford, was charged at the Bradford
City court on Saturday with being drunk, and having assaulted an old lady
named Nanny Wood, 75 years of age, of Belloc Street. The Chief Constable,
Mr Joseph Farndale, said that *, who had only been a constable for some five
months, went home about 10:00 on the night of August 4th in a drunken
condition. He addressed the woman Wood in foul language, and struck her on the
chest. * was fined 2s 6d and 7s costs on the charge of drunkenness and £1 and
11s costs for the assault. On the request of the Chief Constable he was also
suspended from duty until a meeting of the police authority.
The Leeds Mercury, 14 November
1911: BRADFORD. Chief
Constable’s disclaimer. The chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, made an
explanation at the Bradford City court yesterday with regard to the recent lottery
prosecution in connection with the Glyde Beaumont Legal Defence Fund. He
pointed out that it had been alleged that the prosecution had singled out this
case from amongst others for some vindictive motive. He was in London when the
case was heard or he would have explained the procedure of the police in these
cases. Many similar cases came to their notice, but when the police drew
attention the attention of the promoters to the fact that they were illegal they
were usually withdrawn. Those responsible for the lottery in question did
not stop it when requested to do so; hence the subsequent proceedings.
These stipendiary magistrate said it was unfortunate that it was not stated at
the time, as he understood that the defendant had not been one. The chief
constable replied to that that was so; The lady who sold the tickets had not
been warned, but the promoters had.
1912
There was some
mockery when Joseph Farndale laid down the rules for boxing competitions in
Bradford. The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 10 February 1912: BOXING CONTESTS IN BRADFORD. THE CHIEF CONSTABLE AND TRAINING
IN PUBLIC HOUSES. … Boxing, 3 August 1912: It would also appear that the proposed Blakeborough Kelly
contest is to prove a fizzle. Up to the time of writing no purse offers have
come to hand, and it has now been set forth that the men are prepared to
engage in a contest under Mr Farndale's rules. Ye gods! What are we coming
to when we are already asked to submit to the absurdity of seeing a grand
sport like boxing carried out under the rules as laid down by a man who knows
nothing of the game? It is more than an absurdity. It is monstrously unfair
and totally un-English.
Whist drives were
illegal. The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 29 August 1912: THE CHIEF CONSTABLE OF BRADFORD AND WHIST DRIVES. Mr J
Farndale, has intimated that the decision that whist drives at which prizes
are played for are illegal will be acted upon in the city. As a consequence
those interested in whist drives, which were very popular last winter, have
formed a committee for mutual defence.
1913
The Leeds Mercury, 28 January
1913: YORKSHIRE AUTO CLUB
DINNER. CHIEF CONSTABLE AND RESTRICTIONS. A LEEDS WINDFALL. The annual dinner
of the Yorkshire Automobile Club was held at the Queens Hotel, Leeds last night
and the gathering was a very large and influential one.... Pulling the strings.
Alderman Wiley proposed the toast of “the visitors” in the characteristic
speech. He said he was not going to pat the policeman on the back at all. He
thought they were an unmitigated nuisance to the motorist, and he did not
forget the chief constable who, pulled the strings of the prosecutions to which
the iniquitous motorists were from time to time subjected. Mr. J Farndale,
the chief constable of Bradford, responded to the toast.
There were problems
with a carters’ strike in Bradford in 1913. The Leeds Mercury, 29 May 1913: STRIKE SCENES AT BRADFORD. ENTIRE POLICE FORCE CALLED OUT.
STREET FIGHTING. LORD MAYOR OFFERS MEDIATION. HOPES OF SETTLEMENT. Extraordinary scenes in connection with the
carters strikes at Bradford created a ferment of excitement in the
principal streets of the city during the greater part of yesterday. The Lord
Mayor, who had been out of town, returned to Bradford yesterday afternoon, and
at once took steps with a view to bringing about a settlement of the dispute.
First he had a meeting at the town hall with representatives of the Bradford
Horse Owners Association, coal merchants and consumers’ association, the
Chamber of Trade and the cooperative society. These gentlemen placed their
views before his lordship, and practically agreed to accept him as arbitrator.
Later on, four representatives of the Carter Union attended, and the Lord Mayor
asked them if they were prepared to leave the matter in his hands. The reply
was in the affirmative, providing the terms offered were reasonable….
POLICE PRECAUTIONS. CONVOYS OF DRAYS ESCORTED THROUGH EXCITED
CROWDS. When it became evident that there was a danger of a prolonged struggle,
the chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, in response to an urgent request from
mill owners and merchants, made arrangements for an elaborate system of
convoying goods under police escort from the railway station depots to
their respective destinations. The appearance in the streets of large
numbers of mounted police and the parade of practically the whole of the
police force caused large crowds to gather, and these increased in the
afternoon when the half holiday released thousands of
shopkeepers and shop assistants. Indeed the strikers were completely
outnumbered by sightseers who had turned out to see the fun. At ten o’clock
processions of drays, chiefly laden with provisions, left the various depots.
In each case mounted police led the way, and also brought up the rear,
whilst a single file of police on foot walked on each side of the vehicles.
There was a good deal of cheering and hooting, and occasionally there were
conflicts between the escorts and the strikers, but the determined
nature of the police arrangements and the fact that three men who had been
arrested in connection with Monday’s disturbances had each been sentenced to
three weeks hard labour, had the desired effect....
The Shipley Times and Express,
30 May 1913:
WORK OF THE POLICE.
The Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 6 June 1913: NOW ON VIEW. Solid
silver cup, presented by Mrs. J Farndale to the Bradford City Police Athletic
Club for annual competition. Fattorini and sons, 21 Kirkgate, Bradford. Valuers
for probate. Telephone number 3061-2.
The police were
called to deal with ‘Bradford’s big fire’ in 1913. The Leeds Mercury, 12
September 1913: BRADFORD’S BIG FIRE.
POLICE AND RUMOURS OF INCENDIARISM. Huge crowds assembled in Cheapside to
inspect the damage caused by the great Bradford fire on Wednesday night.
The fire assessors from the various insurance companies concerned went over the
building during the day, and having regard to the valuable nature of stock, it
was computed that the damage would probably reach from £40,000 to £50,000. This
is but one of a series of big fires in the Bradford district this year.
It will unfortunately be a record year, the damage to date being somewhere near
£250,000. Having regard to the large number of disastrous outbreaks, the question
of incendiaries has naturally arisen in connection with the Cheapside fire.
It was rumoured among certain gentlemen who were present at the scene of the
fire that an anonymous communication had been received at the town hall
threatening that other fires would take place on certain dates. The Chief
Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, has, however, flatly denied that any such
communication has been received. The detective force has made close
investigations with a view to the possibility of incendiaries, but there is no
evidence in that direction. It appears that all the doors of the building
were securely locked at 7:45, and that the first flame was seen at 9.5 (sic).
All the windows and doors were intact when the fire brigade arrived. Shortly
after five o’clock last night an empty packing case was found to be on fire in
the churchyard of Cloth Mills, Manchester Road, occupied by Messrs Armitage and
Ibbetson. The fire was extinguished with a few buckets of water, but about ten
10 minutes past nine o’clock, a second packing case was found on fire outside
the glass and China shop of Harry Jackson, Manchester Road, quite close to Claugh Mills. Both these outbreaks are attributed to the
pranks of youthful incendiaries.
The Shipley Times and Express,
19 September 1913: THE BRADFORD POLICE CUP FINAL. The final tie for the
Challenge Cup presented by Mrs Farndale, wife of the chief constable of
Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, for competition among the cricket clubs in
the Bradford City police force was played at Idle on Monday. … the trophy
was presented to the captain of the winning team, Inspector Turner, by Mrs
Pickles, daughter of the chief constable, Mrs Farndale being unable to be
present owing to indisposition. Mrs Farndale was thanked for the gift, and
Mrs Pickles for handing it to the winners, at the instance of Inspector
Cromwell, seconded by Detective Inspector Haugh. In the course of a few
remarks, Mr Farndale said he had greatly enjoyed the game, and although he
did not expect policeman to be cricketers first, and officers of the law
afterwards, they were all pleased to see them so active on the cricket field.
Amongst those present at the presentation were Inspector G S Walker, of Idle
and Mrs Walker.
1914
In January 1914, Joseph Farndale was awarded the King’s Police
Medal for Meritorious Service. The Daily Citizen
(Manchester), Aberdeen Press and Journal, Lancashire Evening Post, Manchester Courier, Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, Birmingham Daily Post, Sheffield Daily Telegraph, Newcastle Journal, 1
January 1914: NEW YEARS HONOURS … POLICE MEDALS. The King’s Police Medal
has been awarded to a number of officers of the police forces and fire brigades
in the United Kingdom and Overseas Dominions. The rewards are made in recognition
of meritorious service or conspicuous gallantry. Among the England and
Wales recipients are … Chef
Constable Joseph Farndale (Bradford City Police) …
The Sheffield Independent, 1
January 1914: KING’S POLICE MEDAL. HONOURS FOR YORKSHIRE OFFICERS. His
Majesty has awarded the King’s Police Medal to a number of officers … Chief
Constable Joseph Farndale, Bradford City Police …
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
1 January 1914: The fount of honour has flowed very strongly in the
Yorkshire Direction this New Year’s Day … The only other honour is
the granting of the police medal, a much coveted honour in the service, to Mr
Farndale, the Chief Constable of Bradford.. It has been fairly earned,
as anyone who compares our police force with what it was antecedent to Mr
Farndale’s coming will readily acknowledge. Mr Farndale is one of the
Chief Constables who have risen from the ranks. His association with
Bradford (writes a public official) has produced a higher state of
efficiency than ever previously known, and our police force has earned the
distinction of being one of the finest in the country. The undesirable members
have been gradually weeded out, and there are fewer cases of over officiousness
on the part of our police than at any other period. A strict disciplinarian, Mr
Farndale has succeeded in impressing the men under his charge with a high
ideal of their duty to the community, and the Bradford policeman of today
is quite a different person to the man of twenty or thirty years ago. He is
more of a friend than a person to be feared, and while wrong doers are well
looked after they are always treated with the greatest consideration. The Bradford
Chief Constable has shown himself capable of handling difficult crowds, and his
conduct during the serious trade disputes in the city gained him general
approval.
Somewhat ominously, there followed the message: A Happy New Year
to all our readers. There is no reason why we shouldn’t take a cheerful view of
1914 …
BRADFORD CHIEF CONSTABLE. Congratulations
from the Bench. Today at the Police Court, the Stipendiary Magistrate (Mr W W Wilberforce), addressing the Chief Constable (Mr Joseph
Farndale) said: “I congratulate you on your well earned
honour. I am sure it is only the first of many others. Chief Constable; I thank
you.
The Yorkshire Evening News, 1
January 1914: KING’S POLICE MEDALS FOR YORKSHIRE. Amongst the recipients of
the King’s police medal for merit and bravery are … Joseph Farndale, Chief
Constable of Bradford City Police, with thirty one years’ able and devoted
service, for merit …
The Edinburgh Gazette, 2 January 1914. Whitehall, January 1 1914. His Majesty the King has been
graciously pleased to award the King's police medal to the following officers
of police forces and Fire Brigades in the United Kingdom, Indian India, and his
majesty's dominions beyond the seas: England and Wales.... Joseph farndale,
chief constable of the Bradford City police force.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 30 March 1920. 3785. Joseph Farndale Esq chief constable Bradford City
police.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
3 January 1914: THE HONOUR FOR THE
BRADFORD POLICE CONSTABLE. The Bradford Watch Committee met yesterday when a
resolution was passed congratulating the Chief Constable (Mr Joseph Farndale)
on the conferment upon him of the King’s police medal … Mr Farndale suitably
acknowledged the compliment.
The Whitby Gazette, 9 January
1914: Mr Joseph Farndale, the
Chief Constable of he Bradford City Police, was
included in the New Year’s Honours List as a recipient of the King’s Police
Medal. He is a son of Mr W Farndale, and a nephew of Mr Joseph Farndale, late
Chief Constable of Birmingham, who was born in Egton. (Note – in fact
Joseph’s father was Thomas Farndale, the innkeeper of Wakefield).
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
3 February 1914: The Chief Constable (Mr
Joseph Farndale) has been commanded to attend an investiture at Buckingham
Palace on February 12th, when he will be invested by King George
with the Police Medal, an honour conferred upon him by His Majesty at the
beginning of the year.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
11 February 1914: CHIEF CONSTABLE’S
REPORT. In his annual report to the justices, the chief constable, Mr Joseph
farndale, said...
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
12 February 1914: Bradford’s Chief
Constable (Mr Joseph Farndale) attended at Buckingham Palace today to
receive the decoration of the King’s Medal for meritorious police service.
Mr Farndale has gained distinction among the head constables of the country,
and the Royal distinction is justly merited. Telegrams congratulating Mr
Farndale were dispatched to him this morning by the Lord Mayor (Alderman
Arnold), who was chairman of the Watch Committee up to his election to the Lord
Mayorality, and by Mr T Sowden, the present chairman
of that committee.
The Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 12 February 1914: BREWSTER’S SESSIONS.
COMPENSATION PAYMENTS AT BRADFORD. CHIEF CONSTABLE AND THE EFFECT OF GOOD
TRADE. The Bradford Brewster sessions were held yesterday, Mr S P Myers
presiding. The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, reported that there are
1,041 licences, compared with 1,052 in the previous year … The chairman
remarked that the report was not quite so good as usual if the Chief
Constable’s suggestion regarding the increased drunkenness was correct, it
certainly was a pity when people got more money they got more drunk...
The Bradford Weekly Telegraph,
13 February 1914: KING DISTRIBUTES
HONOURS. The King held an investiture at Buckingham Palace yesterday
morning, when he personally bestowed the Insignia of the various honours
conferred at the New Year, and also gave the accolade of knighthood to various
knights.... amongst those rewarded awarded the Police Medal was Mr J Farndale,
the Bradford chief constable.
The Sheffield Daily Telegraph,
13 February 1914: ROYAL INVENTITURE. The
King held an investiture at Buckingham Palace yesterday, when he
personally bestowed the Insignia of various honours conferred at the new year.
His Majesty bestowed the Police Medal on members of the police and fire brigade
for distinguished service or conspicuous gallantry, and a number of acts
of bravery in saving life on the railway were recognised by the bestowal of the
Albert and Edward medals. Among the recipients of the King's Police Medal
were... Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable of the Bradford City police, 31 years service...
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
20 February 1914: CHIEF CONSTABLE’S
RECORD. COMPLIMENTS FROM THE BENCH. STIPENDIARY AND ROYAL RECOGNITION. At the
Bradford City Police Court this morning the chief constable, Mr Joseph
Farndale, was complemented by the bench on the honour recently conferred upon
him by His Majesty the King in the award of the King’s Medal for
meritorious conduct. The stipendiary magistrate presided, and there were
present Mr S P Myers, Mr W Tate, Mr JB Gordon, and Mr B Dobson. Addressing the
chief constable, the stipendiary magistrate said he had been asked by the
magistrates to congratulate him upon the distinction conferred upon him by
the Sovereign. “It is a great satisfaction to them”, he said, “that the
confidence we have always felt in your vigilance, integrity, and discretion has
been justified by royal approval.” “The position of the head of the police
force of a great city,” said Mr Wilberforce, “must always be one of the one of
extremely anxious responsibility, and that you have occupied that position for
so many years, with, I am told, an entire absence of any serious or hostile
criticism, is at once unusual and gratifying. The public are sometimes a
little suspicious of an interchange of
compliments between the bench and the police, and I hope I am justified in
saying that the opinion of the bench is shared by the community at large.
(Hear, Hear). The City, I hope, will long enjoy the benefit of your service.”
Mr C L Atkinson, on behalf of the members of the bar, associated himself with
the remarks of the stipendiary magistrate. The chief constable, who was wearing
the King’s Medal, expressed his sincere thanks for the generous congratulations
extended to him for an honour of which any chief constable had a right to be
proud. It came to but a few heads of the police forces, and fortunately for
him he had been chosen to receive it for doing what the king commanded, to
guard his people. 31 years was a long time to be in the public eye,
and to be responsible for the peace, good rule, and government at the boroughs
and cities in which he had served. The ordinary business of the court was then
preceded with.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
26 March 1914: REFERENCE AT THE POLICE
COURT. For the commencement of the ordinary business at the Bradford Police
Court today, the Lord Mayor, Alderman John Arnold, referred to the appointment
of the stipendiary magistrate, Mr H W W Wilberforce,
as metropolitan magistrate. It was with mixed feelings, he said that he rose to
express the deep regret which was felt by all at losing Mr Wilberforce as step
entry magistrate... Mr Joseph Farndale endorsed the remarks of the Lord Mayor,
and the ordinary business of the court was preceded with.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
6 April 1914: The Lord Mayor had
several engagements for this week. Tomorrow he presides over the meeting at the
City Council. On Wednesday he takes the chair at the annual meeting of the
charity organisation society to be held at the town hall and afterwards he is to
make a presentation to the chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, on behalf of
the officers and men of the police force, who are not only desirous of showing
appreciation of the recent awards to him of the King's Medal, but also of his
deep interest in their welfare.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
9 April 1914: POLICE CHIEF.
DISTINCTION FOR MR FARNDALE. KING’S POLIUCE MEDAL. CONGRATULATIONS FROM CITY
FORCE. The Bradford City police force yesterday honoured their chief constable,
Mr Joseph Farndale, by presenting him with a silver reading lamp to
commemorate the recent distinction conferred upon him by the King, when he
was the recipient of the King's police medal. The ceremony took place at the
Bellevue barracks, every department of the service being represented. The presentation
was made by the Lord Mayor, Alderman John Arnold, the chairman of the Watch
Committee, Councillor Thomas Sowden, presided, and he was supported by
councillors...
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
9 April 1914: WATCH CHAIRMAN’S
SPEECH. Councillor Sowden said the occasion was quite unique in character, and it
was a tribute to the police force of the city that they should show their
appreciation of the chief constable in the manner they were doing. It was
14 years since Mr Farndale came to Bradford, and since then many changes had
taken place in the police service. The force when Mr Farndale took charge was
391 strong; Today it was full 448. The scale of pay had twice been revised
on the recommendation of the chief, and in addition many facilities had
been provided for the men to profit themselves for the ever increasing duties
which they had to perform, including classes on police duty, first aid to the
injured, lifesaving, and jujitsu instruction. Of the many occasions that had
been granted, the most noteworthy was that of one days rest in seven.
(Applause). Neither had the recreation of the force being overlooked, and of
all the innovations made by the chief constable one of the most appreciated by
the general public was that of the police band. He understood, proceeded
councillor Sowden, that it was 31 years since Mr Farndale’s first appointment
in a police force, that being at Halifax. After gaining promotion to successive
grades of service he was, in 1895, appointed chief constable of Margate. At
that time he was 29 years of age, and the youngest man in England holding such
an honourable position. Four years later he was appointed chief constable of
York, and three years later Bradford secured him. “I don't think we have ever
had to regret that appointment,” concluded councillor Sowden.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
9 April 1914:
POLICE CHIEF. DISTINCTION FOR MR FARNDALE. KING’S POILICE MEDAL.
CONGRATULATIONS FROM CITY FORCE.
The Bradford City police force yesterday honoured their chief
constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, by presenting him with a silver reading lamp
to commemorate the recent distinction conferred upon him by the King, when he
was the recipient of the King's Police Medal...
Watch Chairman's speech. Councillor Sowden said that the occasion
was quite unique in character...
Glowing tribute by officers. Glowing tributes as to the chief
constable's work in Bradford were forthcoming from several officers who
formally asked the Lord Mayor to make the presentation. Police Constable
Davie remarked that since the Chief took office he had proved himself
their best friend. They now get paid for overtime, a concession very few
expected. He recalled special occasions when officers had to work 12 and 14
hours a day without anything to call. That was not so now.... Sergeant Gail,
of the detective department, said he found the Chief to be an officer and a
gentleman. Inspector Coleman, Chief Inspector Naylor, and Inspector Cromwell
followed, the latter remarking on the personal interest which the Chief took
in his men, and he was willing to give advice. Superintendent White,
who held office when the chief constable came to Bradford, said many beneficial
improvements had been made. In the old days a recruit after being given
his clothes, was shown around the beat and then left to find his way as best
he could. Today he was first trained for his duty... Lord Mayor’s Esteem.
In making the presentation, the Lord Mayor said no one had greater respect for
the chief constable than he had and he was pleased the force had shown their
esteem in the manner that they had... Mr Farndale, in acknowledgement,
said he accepted the gift as a token of goodwill between him and the
subscribers. It was a difficult task to control a large body of men from which
the public expected so much and at the same time retain their goodwill and
feelings, but at all times he felt satisfied that that existed to the full in
the Bradford force. Words fail to express how deeply he appreciated the
honour...
By the way, Mr Farndale told two good stories of his early
career.
It was during the time when the recruit did not receive any
preliminary instructions. He was simply shown his beat and told how long he had
to remain there. One “raw ‘un”, was informed that in eight hours he was
expected to walk round eight times. He started on his duty like a professional
walker, and then returned to the Town Hall. The Inspector asked him why he was
not on his beat. The recruit’s reply was: “Well, I was told to walk round eight
times, and I have done it, so I am going home.”
There is a similarity in the story about the recruit who was
supposed to be on duty one very wild wintry night. When the Sergeant visited
the beat he could not find the new constable, and
eventually visited the man's home. He knocked at the door and the recruit’s
head soon appeared at the bedroom window. Of course, he asked him why he was
not on the beat, and was forced to laugh when the recruit answered, “But,
Sergeant, there's no one aht; I thought it was no use
me stopping aht a neet like
this.”
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
28 April 1914: PRESENTATION BY THE
WATCH COMMITTEE. Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, was today
entertained to lunch and by the Corporation Watch Committee at the Town Hall in
recognition of the distinction recently confirmed upon him by being presented with
the kings medal...
July 1914 saw a
campaign against bad language by children in Bradford. The Dundee Evening Telegraph,
6 July 1914: CHILDREN URGED TO USE
FOUL LANGUAGE. References to drunkenness, foul language, and kindred vices in
the city of Bradford were made by the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale,
presiding over a meeting of 2,500 men in connection with Eastbrook hall, Wesleyan
mission. The Chief Constable appealed to the men present to use all their
influence in support of the temperance cause at Bradford. He regretted that
his figures with regard to drink showed some increase, but he hoped that was
not to be taken as a criterion of the insobriety of the city. There was another
problem, the problem of Bradford’s young people, which was a very grave one.
He trusted that the present purity crusade in the city would bear abundant
fruit, because he was satisfied that there were was great need for such a
campaign, especially among young people. (Hear, Hear). The bad language
indulged in by sections of the citizens was deplorable. A particularly
painful case came up in the Police Court recently. An individual took a
child of about five summers up to a constable in the street and insisted upon
the child using some very obscene language to the officer. The constable
very properly took the man into custody, and he got the punishment he deserved.
In conclusion, Mr Farndale urged the men of the Eastbrook mission to do all
they could to put an end to the filthy language in Bradford.
The Bradford Weekly Telegraph,
10 July 1914: MR FARNDALE: I consider
a tour of Great Britain, with a lecture on “Bad Language in big cities; its
curse and cure”, would be a pleasant relief from the constant cares of
Chief Constableship.
BRUTES WHO INFEST PUBLIC PARKS. A BRADFORD SUGGESTION. The
Bradford authorities are now very keenly alert about the protection of the
children who, while on holidays are on while the holidays are on colour spend
their time in the parks. It is well known that a certain class of men infest
parks where their conduct is a serious danger to children.... Sir Arthur
Godwin, formerly a member of the City Council, has interested himself in the
question. He has two objections to the employment of men to protect women and
children. His first is that the evidence the evil doers are very circumstance
in their behaviour if they notice a man insight, and secondly, women and
children are naturally averse to confide their troubles to a man full.... The
chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, did not care to express any opinion with
regard to the suggestion...
World War 1 broke out on 28 July 1914 (but
it would be ‘all over by Christmas” …).
The
Bradford Daily Telegraph, 25 September 1914:
Last night a number of us were duly sworn in as special constables for the
city of Bradford, but there is one little point upon which the members of the
unpaid brigade are a little exercised in their minds. The chief constable
explained that if, and when, we were called upon for active service, and
there was good reason to hope that there would be no necessity for anything of
the sort, we should receive badges of office, but, unless we
misunderstood him, we shall get nothing of the kind until that day shall
arrive. A question was addressed to Chief Constable Farndale on the point, but
his answer was not quite clear.
Very soon after the
outbreak of War, Regulations were made in Defence of the Realm.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph, 30 September 1914:
City of Bradford. Defence of the Realm Act, 1914.
Notice
is hereby given that the Secretary of State has, by order, extended the area in
which the Regulation here under set out is to be enforced to the whole of the
United Kingdom. The regulation will therefore be forthwith strictly enforced
within the city.
The
regulation is as follows: “No person shall in any area which may be
prescribed by order of a Secretary of State keep or have in his possession
any carrier or homing pigeons, unless he is obtained from the Chief Officer
of the Police of the district a permit for the purpose, which permit may at any
time be revoked, and the Chief Constable of Police may, if he considers it
necessary or expedient to do so, cause any pigeons kept in contravention of
this regulation to be liberated.”
By
order Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable.
The Defence of the Realm Act 1914 gave the government wide
ranging powers during the War, such as the power to requisition buildings or
land needed for the war effort, or to make regulations creating criminal
offences. The Act also conferred power to make Regulations during the War for
the Defence of the Realm.
By October 19154, a
Bradford Detective, the only Jewish policeman in the country at the time, was
wounded on the Marne and died of his wounds.
The Leeds Mercury, 6 October 1914: BRADFORD
DETECTIVE KILLED. News has reached Bradford of the death of Maxwell Solomon,
who before he went to the front was a Detective Officer in the Bradford City
police force, and believed to be the only Jew policeman in the country.
Solomon was of great value owing to his ability as a linguist. Before he joined
the Force he was in the 1st Battalion of the Scots Guards, and on the outbreak
of war went out with the first Expeditionary force. He faught
at Mons, and on the Marne, and received war wounds on the 17th of September, to
which he has succumbed in hospital. The Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr
Joseph Farndale, personally visited Leeds in order to express to Solomon’s wife
the sympathy of the Bradford police. Mrs Solomon lives with her mother in
Richmond Road, Leeds.
That same month,
Bradford received hundreds of Belgian refugees.
The Shipley Times and Express, 16 October 1914:
BELGIAN REFUGEES ARRIVE IN BRADFORD. A REAL YORKSHIRE WELCOME. AT HOME AT
THE CENTRAL BATHS. Amazing street scenes marked the arrival in Bradford last
night of 230 Belgian refugees. It is indeed, to be questioned whether on
any previous occasion the heart of the city has presented such a sight as it
did in this instant, and it is doubly doubtful whether the people themselves
have ever been stirred to such sympathy as has been aroused by the victims of
the modern Attila and his hordes... The Lord Mayor welcomed. … The station was
packed with people who had managed to elude the directions that only passengers
by local trains should be admitted and on the platform was gathered a
representative company of citizens including the Lord Mayor and Lady
Mayoress... Mr. J Farndale, chief constable...
The
Bradford Daily Telegraph, 24 October 1914: BELGIAN
REFUGEES. ANOTHER PARTY ARRIVE IN BRADFORD. A WARM WELCOME. Another party of
Belgian refugees arrived in Bradford last evening. Though the time of
arrival had been a well kept secret a large crowd of
people assembled in the centre of the city to give them a welcome... a large
detachment of Boy Scouts formed an escort on the police station and the party
were officially welcomed by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress... the chief constable,
Mr Joseph Farndale...
The
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 28 October
1914: REFUGEES IN THE NORTH Bradford last evening welcome to the third
batch of Belgian refugees. There were 44 in all, bringing the number now
comfortably housed in the city up to about 300. Most of the yesterday's
contingent were factory hands, porters, and their families. Those on the
station to welcome the refugees included the Lord Mayor... and the chief
constable Mr. J Farndale...
The Bradford Daily Telegraph, 16 October 1914:
CITY
OF BRADFORD
ALIENS
RESTRICTION (CONSOLIDATION) ORDER 1914
ALIENS
RESTRICTION (CHARNGE OF NAME) ORDER 1914
NOTICE
IS HEREBY GIVEN of the provisions of the Aliens
Restriction (Change of Names Order) 1914 extending and amending the Aliens Restriction (Consolidation) Order 1914.
1.
The
following article shall be inserted after Article 25 of the Principal Order: -
“25a.An alien enemy shall not, after the 12th day of October nineteen hundred
and fourteen, for any purpose assume or use, or purport to assume or use, or
continue the assumption or use of any name other than that by which he was
ordinarily known at the date of the commencement of the war.
Where
an alien enemy carries on or purports who continues to carry on, or is a member
of a partnership or firm which carries on or purports or continues to carry on
any trade or business under any name other than that which the trade or
business was carried on the date of the commencement of the war, he shall, for
the purposes of this order, be deemed to be using or purporting or continuing
to use a name other than that by which he was ordinarily known at the date of
commencement of the war.
Nothing
in this article shall affect the right of a woman who after the commencement of
the war marries an alien enemy to use the name which she acquires on her
marriage.
A Secretary of State may, if it appears
desirable in any particular case, granted exemption from the provisions of this
article.”
2.
In
Article 20 of the Principal Order, the word “Order” shall be substituted by the
word “Act”.
3.
This
order may be cited as the Aliens Restriction
(Change of Names Order) 1914.
Dated
this 15th day of October 1914.
Joseph
Farndale, Chief Constable, Central Police Office, Town Hall, Bradford.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
20 October 1914: “TERRIERS’ “ COLOURS HANDED OVER TO
THE LORD MAYOR. STIRRING CEREMONY IN BRADFORD The sound of bugles and
the sight of a large company of khaki clad men marching through the streets
attracted the attention of Bradford citizens for this morning, and a big crowd
followed the soldiers to the town hall square to see the ceremony which was
performed there. And well rewarded, too, they were, for they saw a smart parade
and a military function of an unusual character. The soldiers were the men
of the 6th Reserve Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment, and the object
of their special parade, was the handing over of the colours of the 6th
Battalion to the Lord Mayor for safekeeping. On arriving in the square, the
men, who were under command of the Lieutenant Colonel Hastings, with Major
Speight, commander of the depot, and Captain WPM Scott, formed up as three
sides of a square round the main entrance of the town hall, with the bugles to
the right and the colour party, consisting of Lieutenant Appleby, Lieutenant
Fell, Sergeant Major Brough, Colour Sergeant Johnson, Colour Sergeant Gavirts, and Colour Sergeant Kemp all in full dress
uniform, in the centre, with the two regimental banners. On the town hall steps
a large number of representative citizens had assembled amongst others present
being... the Chief Constable, Mr. J Farndale...
The
Bradford Daily Telegraph, 26 October 1914: NOT
A CIRCUS PARADE’. AIMS OF VOLUNTEER FORCE. SERIOUS DRILLING FOR SERIOUS
BUSINESS. CITY HEADQUARTERS OPENED. The opening of the new headquarters of the
Bradford City Volunteer Force in Leeds Road by the Lord Mayor, Alderman John
Arnold, this morning constituted a very notable function. Councillor John bland
presided, and he was supported by... the Chief Constable Mr Joseph Farndale...
By
November 1914, licensing hour restrictions during wartime were being considered. The Bradford Daily Telegraph,
4 November 1914: PUBLIC HOUSE HOURS. BRADFORD
LICENSING JUSTICES’ DECISION. NO CURTAILMENT FOR CIVILIANS. CHIEF CONSTABLE AND
A SATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENT. At the weekly sitting of the Bradford licencing
justices at the town hall this morning, Mr S P Myers presiding, reference was
made to the hours during which licenced houses remain open and the hours
during which soldiers may be served. Mr W A Whitehead, addressing the chief
constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, asked if he was prepared to make his statement
with regard to the city since the outbreak of the war. The Chief Constable, in
reply, said, as requested, he had to report that during the last three months
since the outbreak of war, August, September, and October, the number of
persons proceeded against was as follows:... That proved that the condition
of things was satisfactory, and that the state of drunkenness during this
exciting time was normal. He might say, as the justices were aware, that
recent legislation in licencing matters gave him the power, if he found it
essential at any time, to apply to the justices for a restriction of the hours
of sale of intoxicating liquors in public houses and clubs. He might say,
however, that he had no intention of doing that, having regard first to
the state of drunkenness as shown by the returns, and further because the
licence holders of the city had, in conjunction with the commanding officers,
representing the military authorities, agreed to certain restricted hours for
the serving of soldiers.
The
Leeds Mercury, 5 November 1914: PUBLICANS
AND SOLDIERS’ DRINKS. ARRANGEMENTS WITH ARMY AUTHORITIES. ACTION AT BRADFORD.
The question of restricting the hours at which licenced houses may remain open
in Bradford came before the Bradford licencing justices yesterday. The
chairman, Mr SP Myers, asked the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, to give a
report relating to the sobriety in the city during the war...
Joseph Farndale was
not a fan on restrictions on football which were being proposed. He felt that
the absence of events such as football matches tended to cause more drunkenness.
The Bradford Daily Telegraph, 26 November 1914:
Interviewed this morning by a member of our staff on the question of the
effect which the stopping of football would be likely to have on the amount of
drinking in this city, Mr. J Farndale, the chief constable, had no
objection to discussing the matter. He had always, he reminded his interview,
expressed strong views that the interest taken in football had done a great
deal to decrease drinking in Bradford, more particularly among the working
classes. Upon that he was emphatic. While he wished it to be understood that he
expressed no opinion whatever on the present crusade against the game, he
agreed that if it was stopped, it would not be without its effect on the city.
Formerly, before football gained the hold it now had upon the people, working
men went from their work on a Saturday afternoon straight to the public houses,
still in their working clothes, and there they would ‘stand their corners’,
with results which would be obvious, and too often it would mean that they
would forget (?) to take their wages
home.
The
Star Green ‘un, 28 November 1914: FOOTBALL
AND DRINK. BRADFORD CHIEF CONSTABLE SAYS STOPPAGE OF GAME WOULD LEAD TO
DRUNKENNESS. As is well known the chief constable of Bradford, Mr. J Farndale,
has more than once declared that the football matches on Saturday afternoons
had the effect of reducing drunkenness. In an interview this week he declared
that it was a remarkable thing that one very rarely saw a man at a football
match in his working clothes. He went straight home from his work, had a
wash, changed his clothes, left his money at home like a decent fellow, and
then went off to the match. The chief constable made it clear that he had
nothing whatever to say on the question of the present crusade for stopping the
game, but, speaking simply from the point of view of the effect of football
upon drinking and drunkenness, he would be very sorry to see football
stopped as he feared that it would mean a return to the old ways on the
part of many working men supporters of football from.
The Yorkshire Post, 23
December 1914: CRIMEAN VETERANS ENTERTAINED AT
BRADFORD. The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Alderman G H Robinson, following the
usual precedent at Christmas time, entertained the Crimean, Indian mutiny,
and other military and naval veterans at the town hall yesterday. about two
dozen being able to partake of his hospitality. They were also presented with a
gift of money. Among those present in addition to the Lord Mayor were... the
chief constable, Mr. J Farndale.
1915
In
January 1915, restrictions on drinking hours were imposed. The Leeds Mercury, 22 January
1915: NO DRINK AFTER NINE. BRADFORD
POLICE CHIEF AND CLOSING ORDER. From our Own Correspondent. The early
closing of public houses at Bradford, in accordance with an order issued by
the military authorities, began amid many protests and much discussion.
Confusion has arisen as to the extent exact meaning of the order, especially on
the point as to whether licences were allowed to keep open their houses after
9pm, the hour prescribed in the order for the suspension of the sale of
intoxicants, for the sale of non intoxicants and
food. Another point is whether extension of hours would be granted by
magistrates to hotel keepers catering for public dinners. The chief constable
of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, asked yesterday by the Mercury correspondent
to clear up these points, said the Justices had decided that they would not
grant any extension of hours for any purpose whatever. In the case of a
dinner being held at a hotel, the guests must cease to consume intoxicants at
9pm, but they may remain till 11pm to smoke, make speeches, or drink non
intoxicants. As to the obligation to close public houses altogether at 9pm, Mr
Farndale said that licence holders were not bound to do so by law, but he
should think, that as a matter of policy they would be well advised to close
their doors at that hour. The Bradford Wine, Beer and Spirit Trades Protection
and Benevolent Association, which has a membership of 300, have decided to
close their doors at 9pm while the order is in force.
The
Whitby Gazette, 5 February 1915: “One of
the greatest factors in the success of the Volunteer movement in Bradford Has
been” says the Volunteer Gazette, “the cooperation of the chief constable,
Mr Joseph Farndale, nephew of the late Mr Joseph farndale, chief constable
of Birmingham, a native of Whitby, who placed at the disposal of the executive
a number of men specially efficient in drill. Every drill station opened with a
policeman instructor in charge.”
The
Leeds Mercury, 21 April 1915: BRADFORD
POLICE AND WAR. The Annual Report of the chief constable of Bradford, Mr
Joseph Farndale, was yesterday issued to members of the watch committee.
This indicates that 1 Sergeant and 11 constables, all ex-army NCOs, have been
lent to the army's instructors. Two army reservists, who were members of the
force, have died whilst on active service, and three are prisoners of war in
Germany. The report points out that the duties of the police have been
considerably increased since the outbreak of the war, and especially in
connection with the Aliens Restriction Act and
the Defence of the Realm Act. A first police
reserve, consisting of men willing to serve should necessity arise, have been
enrolled, and a second police reserve of special constables in two classes,
paid and unpaid, has been formed.
The
Leeds Mercury, 3 May 1915: MAY DAY
FESTIVALS. BRADFORD RAISES FUNDS FOR ARMY HORSES. The advent of May was
celebrated at Bradford by a well organised effort to raise funds for the
care of sick and wounded horses at the front. It was promoted by the
Bradford branch of the RSPCA, with cordial assistance of the Lord Mayor,
Alderman G H Robinson. For a considerable time past a loyal band of workers had
been hard at work making red, white and blue favours, with a miniature horseshoe
at the centre, and on Saturday 1,500 lady collectors distributed these in
return for contributions. Judging by the numbers number of these appropriate
decorations worn as the day advanced, a handsome sum must have been collected.
The principal event of the day was a parade of horses and trade exhibits
arranged by officials of this Chamber of trade. This was marshalled under the
direction of the chief constable, Mr. J Farndale...
The
Yorkshire Post, 29 May 1915: THE DEATH OF
A PRISONER IN GERMANY. The chief constable of Bradford, Mr. J Farndale, has
received a communication from the officer in charge of prisoners of war at Gustrow, Germany, stating that Fred Harrison, a prisoner,
there, died on April 30th. The chief constable is requested to inform any
relatives of the man, of the matter, but no member of the Bradford police force
of the name of Fred Harrison has been serving with the forces in France.
The
Yorkshire Evening Post, 4 June 1915: A
BRADFORD SOLDIER SENT TO GAOL. At the Bradford City police caught today,
Private *, 27, a member of the 6th Battalion West Yorkshire regiment, pleaded
guilty to three charges of obtaining food by false pretences. He went to
three houses where borders were kept, and on the false representation that he
had come from various places to act as a drill instructor at Bellevue barracks,
he obtained food for several days. It appeared that the prisoner had been
convicted of stealing an overcoat 1912. He joined the 6th Battalion West
Yorkshire Regiment in January this year, and has been before the court on one
occasion for being an absentee. The chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, stated
that if the man's previous convictions had been known he would not have been
allowed to join the army. The prisoner was sent to gaol for one month.
A captured German
Field Gun was proudly paraded through Bradford in December 1915.
The Yorkshire Post, 21 December 1915: A
CAPTIVE GERMAN GUN’S RECEPTION AT BRADFORD. A 77 mm German field gun
captured at the battle of Loos is to be an exhibition in front of the town hall
at Bradford from tomorrow for some days. The reception of the gun is to be
made the occasion of a public ceremony. At the city boundary at Thornbury there
will be a procession formed for accompanying the gun to the city square. The
procession will be headed by mounted police, who will be followed by the police
band, 24 mounted men, and 130 on foot of the Army Service Corps at Bradford
Moor Barracks, the Lord Mayor, Mr. T Haworth mounted, and wearing the uniform
of the Bradford City volunteer force, who will be accompanied by Major
Hazlerigg, commanding the depot, ASC, at Bradford more barracks, and Major
Priestley, commanding the 3-2 West Riding Brigade RFA, and the Chief Constable,
Mr Joseph Farndale...
1916
Joseph Farndale did
not object to policemen attesting into the Army.
The Yorkshire Evening Post, 18 January 1916:
RECRUITING SLOW IN LEEDS. BRADFORD POLICE TO ATTEST. Group enlistments
fell off considerably in Leeds today, and the change was somewhat
unexpected after the briskness which marked recruiting yesterday. Quite a large
number of Leeds men are joining the Royal Navy division. Recruits who have
enrolled in the Army Reserve groups are allowed the privilege of transferring
into the Royal Navy division. Today is the last date on which men of groups 6,
7, 8 and 9 may lodge claims for postponement of service, and the offices
of the local tribunal in Great George Street will remain open until 9pm this
evening for the reception of claims. Already a very large number have been
lodged. The tribunal is still occupied with the consideration of the affairs of
men in the first full groups. At Bradford today recruiting under the Derby
scheme was brisker than yesterday, but married men still preponderate. The
chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, having received from headquarters the
guarantees necessary to him in regards to the maintenance of the efficiency of
service, has given his permission to all eligible members of the force to
attest.
The
Leeds Mercury, 10 February 1916: MANY
PUBLIC HOUSES. ELEVEN BEERHOUSE LICENSES ‘REFERRED’ AT BRADFORD. At the
Bradford town hall yesterday the annual Brewster session was held, Mr W A
Whitehead presiding. The chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, in his annual
report, said that during 1915 there were 909 persons proceeded against for
drunkenness … The chairman pointed out that there were 1,000 licences in
Bradford, and that half of them were grocers’ licences. The figures with regard
to drunkenness could not be regarded as satisfactory, because 999 persons were
preceded against in 1915 as compared with 791 persons in 19 12 and 739 in 1911.
Personally, he had been reluctantly forced to adopt the view by the express by
the chief constable at the last Brewster sessions, when he said that good
trade and increased spending led, among certain classes, which he believed to
be small, to an increase in drunkenness....
Patriotism was
encouraged in Bradford at the second anniversary of the outbreak of War.
The Leeds Mercury, 5 August 1916: DETERMINATION
OF THE PUBLIC. VICTORY MUST BE WON AT ALL COSTS. WAR ANNIVERSARY
DEMONSTARTIONS. Yesterday was the second anniversary of the declaration of
the war, and the occasion was marked in many towns by public gatherings, at
which the determination of the people to carry on the fight to victory found
expression. Several thousands of citizens in Bradford assembled in front of
the town hall yesterday afternoon, for the purpose of participating in a
demonstration of determination to continue the war to a victorious end.
Above the main entrance flags of the allies were draped and beneath was a large
platform on which work there were assembled the Lord Mayor, Mr Thomas
Haworth... The chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale,...
The Leeds
Mercury, 6 October 1916: PRINCESS MARIE
LOUISE INSPECTS BRADFORD’S WAR ACTIVITIES. A party of distinguished people
accompanied Princess Mary Louise on her tour of Bradford’s war activities
yesterday. Our picture shows the visitors grouped beside the YMCA. The chief constable, Mr. J farndale is on
the left.
A difficult conundrum arose as to whether tripe constituted ‘newly
cooked food’. The Yorkshire Post, 23 December 1916: TRIPE AFTER
EIGHT PM: PROBLEM FOR THE BRADFORD STIPENDIARY. At Bradford yesterday, *, tribe
dealer, of 148 Westgate, was summoned for keeping his shop open after 8pm in
the evening. The chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, who prosecuted, said it
was a case of selling tripe, and it would be for the bench to decide whether or
not tripe was a ‘newly cooked provision’. His submission was that the term
‘newly cooked’ applied only to provisions in a hot or nearly hot state. The
term ‘newly cooked’ had not been defined in the Order. In his district tripe
was cooked at least 12 hours before it was sold, and he therefore submitted
that it was not a ‘newly cooked food.’
1917
There was a tram crash in 1917. The Leeds Mercury, 9 January
1917: ALARMING TRAM SMASH AT WYKE. LADY CONDUCTOR’S TERRIBLE
EXPERIENCE. 22 PERSONS INJURED. Great alarm was created at Wyke, on the
outskirts of Bradford, in the early hours of yesterday morning by a tramcar
smash on the Wyke to Balin Bridge section of the Bradford corporation tramways.
An empty car was standing opposite Wyke council station about 7am, when, for
some unaccountable reason, it started to run down Wyke bank. It soon developed
an alarming speed, and when near the Red Lion Hotel, it crashed into another
car proceeding towards Balin Bridge. The later car was partly filled with
work people from the Wyke district, most of them were miners, and there were
also a few women. On the rear platform was the lady conductor, Jenny Regan, and
there were also a number of men seated outside the covered portion of the top
deck. Miraculous escapes. They were all taken completely by surprise when
the runaway smashed into them and completely wrecked the rear platform.
Miss Regan was in the most perilous position, and was thrown violently into the
road, while the men at the rear on the top were pinned fast. It was remarkable
that none of them were killed outright, and when the sensation subsided and
assistance was secured it transpired that there were no fewer than 20 cases of
serious injury. It was dark at the time and that made matters worse, but the
residents of Coley View, which is immediately opposite the scene of the
collision, and also the occupants of the Red Lion Hotel, at once did all in
their power to alleviate the sufferings of the injured. Chief constable
Farndale, Police Inspector Lilingwerta, and a number
of men from low Moor police station soon arrived, together with …
Fortunately there was a good supply of first aid requisites nearby in a hut
provided by a firm of motor car dealers, and later on ambulances arrived from
Brighouse and Bradford....
The Leeds
Mercury, 12 May 1917: Mr Farndale, Chief Constable of Bradford,
speaking from thirty three years experience of the
drunkard, said that he had come to the conclusion that the latter was prepared
at all times to make some excuse for getting drunk. He never blamed himself for
his drunkenness, but always complained of family troubles or his friends, or
some other imaginary cause.
TABLET
MEMORIAL TO BRAVE BRADFGORD FIREMEN. This group of members of the Bradford fire
brigade and licencing committee, together with men of the brigade, was
photographed on Monday evening at the Bradford fire station, where the bronze
tablet was unveiled in memory of the heroic conduct of the firemen last August,
on the occasion of a disaster at the Yorkshire munitions factory. Names,
reading from left to right: front row, Councillor Harry Rhodes, Councillor John
Lund, Councillor HP Wood, Councillor El lsles,
deputy chairman of the fire brigade committee, Councillor William Wade,
chairman, Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable, Councillor Thomas Taylor,
Councillor Walter Bateson, Councillor Haulstead. 2nd
row, Fireman Metcalf, Chief Officer James Scott, Fireman Thorpe, Ex Councillor
JW Swithenbank, Fireman Blakey, Councillor T Blyth, Alderman A Pickles,
Councillor E Siddle, Mr Unsworth, Mr. A Fattorini and at the end Superintendent
Forbes. Back row, Fireman Hall, Quigley, Flaxington, Robinson, Crighton, Masshender, Cousins, Mosby, Toothill, Horn, Place, Bartle,
Farrar (Bradford Weekly Telegraph,
13 July 1917).
A memorial service
for the Fallen was held in July 1917. The Leeds Mercury, 16 July 1917: BRADFORD’S FALLEN.
IMPRESSIVE MEMORIAL SERVICE AT PARISH CHURCH. The Lord Mayor of Bradford,
Alderman Abraham Peel, and many prominent citizens attended the parish church
yesterday afternoon on the occasion of a memorial service for all who had
fallen in the war, and particularly those from the city of Bradford.
An imposing procession was formed at the town hall and it included a
considerable number of officers and men from the local volunteer battalions,
the National Motor Volunteers, and the Legion of Frontiersmen. The Chief
Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, marshalled the proceeding which was led by
mounted police. The police band and the city volunteers also were in
attendance. The vicar, in the course of an eloquent dress, said: “There is a
hush over the city life today, politics are dead, businesses forgotten, and
other things that divide us are laid aside. As one great family we come to the
ancient House of Prayer to mourn and to sympathise.”
The
Bradford Weekly Telegraph, 2 November 1917: The
Lord Mayor had several engagements for the present week. Tonight he will
preside at the second annual smoking concert of the special constables of
Bradford, at which medals will be presented to the successful competitors by
the Chief Constable (Mr Joseph Farndale).
1918
The
Leeds Mercury, 30 January 1918: BRADFORD’S
LOSS. ELOQUENT TRIBUTES TO THE LATE LORD MAYOR. The people of Bradford are
keenly affected by the death of their Lord Mayor, Captain John Bland,
and expressions of deep sympathy with the relatives are to be heard on every
hand.... the Stipendiary Magistrate, Mr Beaumont Morice, referred to the
courageous manner in which the lord mayor had undertaken his duties and to the
noble manner in which he had been assisted by the lady mayoress, Miss Purcell.
Mr A G MacGuinnes on behalf of the bar, and the chief
constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, associated themselves with the foregoing
remarks...
The
Yorkshire Post, 11 March 1918: THE
ACHIEVEMENT OF BRADFORD. FIVE CRUISERS INSTEAD OF TWO. Bradford’s task was to
raise two cruisers on the value of £800,000, and the city which justly pride
itself in its patriotic response to national funds, subscribed the money for
five, the grand total of investments for the week amounting to £2,010, 000. The
total on Saturday was £509, 087.... The Lord Mayor announced the achievement
from a temporary platform at the tower entrance of the exchange. Accompanying
him were... Mr Joseph Farndale...
The King and Queen visited the Saltaire Mills in May 1918. The Shipley Times and Express,
31 May 1918:
KING AND QUEEN AT SHIPLEY.
OVER HALF AN HOUR AT SALTAIRE MILLS. INTRODUCTION AT THE MIDLAND STATION.
By coincidence the Royal
Party were at the Sir Titus Salt Bart & Sons, spinners and manufacturers at
the Saltaire Village between 3.05 and 3.40pm where James Farndale (FAR00555), a distant relative, was
the drawing foreman.
The visit on Wednesday
afternoon to Shipley of the King and Queen was an occasion of spontaneous
public demonstration such as is inspired among their people everywhere by their
Majesties, even when the visit, as was the case on Wednesday, was often
informal character. But war conditions gave to the meeting a realism in
which the Throne is seemed to be much more than a symbol, and it was in
the minds of many people that the quest was all the more interesting because it
was unofficial. There was more scope than usual for the personal element, and
the sentiment which the visit aroused was naturally strengthened by the
object of their Majesties’ visit, for their three days tour of the West
Riding of Yorkshire - beginning at Bradford on Wednesday morning and
terminating to date today at Leeds, was really an inspection of
representative textile factories that are engaged on work of national
importance. Consequently, local interest could not have been a greater
stimulus, and, so far as circumstances permitted the residents expressed their
appreciation of the royal favour that was conferred on them. They crowded the
places of interests, displayed a large quantity of decorations in street, shop
and residence considering there was no organisation behind this sort of
compliment to their Majesties; and in in a variety of other ways they indicated
the warmth and sincerity of their welcome. It was the first time for the
visit of a King and Queen and the inspection of Saltaire mills was also
high testimony to the industrial importance of the town and to the eminence
of the enterprising spinning and manufacturing Firm, Sir Titus Salt, Bart and
sons and co limited.
Shipley's association with
Royalty began in 1882 when the late King Edward V11 and Queen Alexandra stayed
two nights at Milner field, where, at the Prince as
the Prince and Princess of Wales, they came for the opening of the Bradford
Technical College. Coming to Saltaire Station by train, they were received by
the representatives of the town in the grounds of the Saltaire Congregational
Church, a roadway having been cut through the railway embankment. Next morning
they drove from Milner field through Saltaire and Shipley, being received by
the representatives of Bradford at the boundary of Frizinghall.
Among the decorations was an imitation gothic arch at the Frizinghall
entrance to Lister park, and the present permanent arch was afterwards erected
as a memorial of the visit. In May 1887, Royalty was again at Milner Field,
Princess Beatrice being the visitor. She had come to open the Saltaire Jubilee
Exhibition. The late Mr Titus Salt and Mrs Salt were on both occasions resident
at Milner Field. On September 27th 1916 her Imperial Highness the Grand Duchess
George of Russia came to Saltaire from Harrogate, accompanied by her two
daughters, the Princess Nina and Zenia, to open a patriotic bizarre.
Time and place.
It was a busy day for their
Majesties on Wednesday, when they kept the following timetable.
9:52 AM. Arrived in
Bradford, Midland Railway Station. Received by the Lord Mayor, Mr H Tetley, the
Town Clerk, Mr F Stevens, the Chief Constable, Mr Farndale.
9:57 AM. Arrived at town
hall, received by the Lord Mayor and the lady mayoress.
10:30 AM. leave the town
hall....
… 3:05 PM. Arrived at Sir
Titus Salt, Bart, and sons and Co limited, Saltaire, spinners and manufacturers.
Received by Sir James Hill, Bart, MP.
3:40 PM. Left Sir Titus
salt, Bart, sons and Co limited...
Arrival at Shipley.
When their Majesties reached
Shipley the streets were gay with flags and bunting, some were connected with
decorations, the sun was at full power, and thousands of people from far and
near were sightseeing, in a word, it was Kings weather for a King's visit, and
the summer scene with an arch of blue sky overhead was perfect.
The appointed route to
Saltaire was lined with spectators, thousands turning out to see their
Majesties. But traffic was well controlled by the police and special constables
in charge of Inspector Folks. Just outside the mills the Bradford City
volunteer band took up a position, and during the interval the crowds waited
for the role visitors, played up to date collections of music. The mills were
not running during the afternoon, all the hands having been given half holiday,
excepting those required in the department's through which their Majesties were
to pass....
The
Leeds Mercury, 31 July 1918: A CHIEF
CONSTABLE’S SALARY. There was a protracted discussion at a meeting of the
Bradford City council yesterday afternoon with regard to the proposal of the War Wages Committee to make an allowance of
20% of his salary to chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, in consideration
of the fact that he was at present entitled to retire on a pension of £666, it
being understood that he would continue in office for the period of the war at
least. Mr C A Glide moved, as an amendment, that this allowance be not made, on
the ground that the remuneration of £1,000 a year now paid was satisfactory in
the circumstances. The amendment was defeated by 31 votes to 15, and the
proposal of the committee to pay the extra 20% allowance was carried.
1919
The
Yorkshire Evening Post, 9 June 1919: THE
LATE ALDERMAN PEEL OF BRADFORD. Sympathetic references to the death of Alderman
Abraham Peel were made at the Bradford City court today. The deputy mayor, Mr W
Barber, said Alderman Peel was one of nature's gentlemen. Success had never
spoiled him. As Lord Mayor of the city during 1916 to 1917, one of the most
critical periods of the war, he performed functions appertaining to the
office to the satisfaction of all. His many friends had sustained a sad loss by
his death. The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, said Alderman Peel rather fought
shy of the court because he had no wish to meet out punishment to his fellow
men. He constantly endeavoured to put the wrongdoer on the right path...
By 1919, Joseph
Farndale was acting in a licensing and censorship capacity in respect of the
new cinemas. The Kinematograph
Weekly, 3 July 1919: It was stated at the annual licensing sessions
held on June 25 that there were 40 places licenced under the Kinematograph Act 1909, a decrease of one. Of
these, 26 held annual licences and 11 dramatic licences. The chief constable, J
Farndale, said that the conduct of all these places had been good.
The
Yorkshire Evening Post, 21 November 1919: BRADFORD MANUFACTURER’S ALLEGED THEFTS. A
question of a bank's money. At Bradford today, *, 39, manufacturer, 9
Bolingbroke Street, was further remanded on the following charges: (1)
purloining a quantity of worsted and cotton yarn, (2) stealing a quantity of
Worcester and cotton yarn, total value £42, the property of Messrs Guevara
Limited, between August 26 1918 and January 9/19/19. When the accused was
before the court last Saturday, it was stated by the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph
Farndale, that the total value of the property alleged to have been stolen ran
into four figures....
1920
Joseph Farndale was
made an OBE in 1920.
The Leeds
Mercury, 31 March 1920: Mr. J Farndale, Bradford chief constable, OBE
(Sachs).
There was concern in
1920 about factory morals. The Huddersfield
Daily Examiner, 15 March 1921: FACTORY MORALS. The Chief Constable of
Bradford, Mr. J Farndale, speaking in that city yesterday, said there was
too much looseness permitted amongst the opposite sex in factories. There
was undo familiarity between boys and girls, he declared. It grew until they
came to manhood and womanhood, then disaster followed. Responsible persons
in factories should check that freedom of speech between young people.
It was unfortunate that those who employed them did not give greater attention
to that phase of city life.
1921
The
1921 Census
for Bradford listed Joseph Farndale, 57 years old, married, born Wakefield,
Police Chief Constable, Bradford, appointed by the Bradford Watch Committee;
Emma Farndale, 58 years old, also born in Wakefield; Eveline Farndale, single,
26 years old, at home, born Halifax; and Emma Elsie Gladys Farndale, single, 28
years old, single, born Halifax, at home.
The Leeds
Mercury, 13 April 1921: Leeds Investiture. Mr Joseph Farndale,
Chief Constable of Bradford, who received the OBE yesterday.
The
Kinematograph Weekly, 22 September 1921: Joseph
Farndale (Chief Constable of Bradford) said that although it might not be known
generally, it was a fact that there had never been a picture turned down by
the Bradford authorities. That was due to the standard set by men like
Henry Hibbert and Sydney Carter, who were pioneers in Bradford and in the
country. The police were not out to worry the industry. They were only
concerned in the welfare of the people, especially the young. The charge of
showing things not good for young people could not be levelled against the
picture houses of Bradford. As a censor of pictures, said the chief
constable, his trouble was the standard and thereafter, to be quite honest, he
had left the standard to the Trade and with that standard in Bradford the
authorities were quite satisfied....
1922
The police were
concerned about a growing trend to make fancy dress costumes from cotton wool
in 1922. The Hull Daily Mail, 19 January
1922: COTTON WOOL DRESSES NOT ALLOWED. Emphasis was laid at the
Bradford Licencing Court on Wednesday up on the dangers of wearing fancy
dresses made of cotton wool at dances. An application was made by a local
football club for a dancing licencing connection with a fancy dress bull to be
given shortly at St Chads schools, Bradford. The chief constable, Mr. J
Farndale, told the applicant that a licence could only be granted if an
undertaking were given that no cotton wool, or other inflammable material,
would be used on any of the fancy dresses. Mr Farndale reminded the Court
that on New Year Eve, a young Bradford girl was burnt to death owing to her
costume, which was made almost entirely of cotton wool, catching fire.
The applicant promised that no such materials would be allowed, and the licence
was granted.
The
Yorkshire Evening Post, 6 February 1922: In
consideration of his continuing to serve, it is recommended that the salary
of the Bradford chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, be augmented by an
allowance at the rate of 12 ½ percent,
amounting to £156 5s.
The
Leeds Mercury, 10 July 1922: A number of
police races were also included in a lengthy programme. The Mile Relay West
Riding championships was won easily by Bradford City police; PC Joy, Bradford,
won the Mile West Riding Championship walk in 8 minutes. 1-5 seconds; a …
prizes to the value of £200 were distributed by Mrs J Farndale, wife of the
chief constable.
An early drunk
driving offence:
The
Scotsman, 30 October 1922: FATAL MOTOR
ACCIDENT. SEQUEL IN BRADFORD COURT. *,
aged 47, a textile finisher, carrying on business at Wind Hill, and
residing at Bingley, both near Bradford, was remanded on Saturday at Bradford
on a charge of being drunk in charge for motor vehicle, when an accident
occurred in which two men were injured, in the early hours of Friday morning,
and one of them died on Saturday morning. Chief constable Farndale, stating the
circumstances, said that early on Friday morning two taxi drivers, William
George Gledhill of Tudor Street, Bradford, and George Margerson, of Intake
Road, Bradford, were fixing spare wheels to a motor car in Manningham Lane.
Their lights were burning, and they were under a lighted street lamp. The
prisoner approached in another car at a rapid rate, and did not stop, although
warned by an onlooker. He ran into the stationary motor car, and Gledhill
sustained a fracture of the skull and Margerson had a broken leg. Both were
taken to the Infirmary, and Gledhill died on Saturday. Mr Farndale said that *
did not stop after the accident, although summoned to do so by a policeman. He
nearly charged into his officer. Later other police officers called on him to
stop, but he did not do so. A sixth policemen, however, boarded the
footboard, half a mile away, and caused the prisoner to stop. He found him to
be drunk. * was remanded being allowed bail himself at £1000 and two
securities of £500 each.
The
Leeds Mercury, 30 October 1922: SENSATION
AT BRADFORD. MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE AGAINST MOTORIUST. BINGLEY MAN. There were
sensational developments at Bradford on Saturday following the terrible
motor smash which, as previously reported in the late Mercury, occurred in
the city late on Thursday night. George William Gledhill, taxi cab driver, of
Tudor Street, succumbed to the injuries which he sustained in the affair; and
*, 47, textile finisher of North Terrace, Bingley, carrying on business at Wind
Hill, who is alleged to have caused the accident, was charged with
manslaughter. He was remanded until Friday, £2,000 bail being allowed, to
sureties of £500 and his own recognisance of £1,000. The circumstances of the
tragedy were related to the Bradford bench by the chief constable, Mr Joseph
Farndale, who stated that about midnight on Thursday, *, accompanied by another
motor driver, was engaged in fixing a wheel in a car to a car, standing in
Manningham Lane. The vehicle was on the hear side of the road with the red rear
light in proper order, and within range of a streetlight. While they were thus
engaged, the prisoner approached the spot in an open car, and when 30 yards
away was called upon to stop by a civilian. *, however, was stated to have
taken no heed the warning, and immediately afterwards the crash
occurred, both men being injured. The accused, proceeded Mr farndale, did
not pull up after the accident and ignored several other police signals. Three
constables, a Chief Inspector, and a Sergeant all stood in the middle of the
road at various points and vainly attempted to stop the car. One of the
officers, indeed, would himself have been a victim had it not been for his
agility. A quarter of a mile from the scene of the mishap however a fourth
constable managed to jump on the footboard of the car and detained the man,
*, it was alleged, was found drunk. Representing the prisoner Mr E Cawthorn
stated that though on bail * immediately went to the town hall and surrendered
to the charge of manslaughter, which he anticipated on hearing of Gledhill's
death. He was quite prepared to meet their charge and pleaded ‘not guilty’. He
had driven a motor car for many years without any offence. It is learnt that
George Margerson, Hillside Road, Bradford, who was also involved with * in the
collision, is progressing favourably.
1923
The
Leeds Mercury, 15 March 1923: THE ‘LISTEN
INN’. ALCOHOL AERIALS OPPOPSED. VARIOUS VIEWS. Our announcement yesterday that
a Leeds publican had applied for permission to install a wireless set in his
public house has aroused considerable opposition, and attracted some
support. It is evident that if a large number of people have their way the
“listen in” will not be a sign which will be very prominent in Leeds just yet.
Amongst those who oppose the idea is the Reverend WJ Tunbridge, of the Oxford
place Wesleyan Chapel, who states that he objects chiefly because he thinks
it will make a special appeal to the young people. Several other people
engaged in work of a religious or temperance nature oppose the suggestion on
the ground that it will encourage drinking. As against that, a Leeds publican
in a large way of business, roundly condemns such opposition. He stated
that the innovation would not make for more drinking, and suggested that it
would be as well if those who are opposed to such installations in public
houses would consider the introduction of sets into the Sunday schools and
churches. He imagined it might increase their popularity. In other towns the
matter is being warmly discussed... Chief constable's view. The chief constable
of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale said that looking on the question on broad
lines he did not see how the justices could refuse licences for the
installation of the listening-in sets provided that the licence holder
installed the apparatus in a room in his house which was licenced for music. He
expressed the opinion that there was no necessity in such a case for him to get
another music licence for a wireless installation....
The Nottingham
Evening Post, 15 March 1923. RADIO HURDY GURDY. LATEST INNOVATION FOR
STREET MUSICIANS. POLICE VIEWS ON PUBLIC HOUSE INSTALLATIONS. …
The
Leeds Mercury, 23 April 1923: POLICE RUSE
THAT FAILED. BRADFORD DETECTIVES’ PLAN. DUMMY NOTES. That the Bradford
bullion box thieves did not get away with even a ten shilling note of
their £17,500 haul is placed beyond doubt in consequence of counting
operations which took place in the Bradford chief constable’s office on
Saturday. The 20,000 currency notes recovered from the vacant brewery, where
they had been hidden by thieves, were sorted and checked by a staff of bank
clerks, all of whom had a number of red taped bundles before them, each
containing £500. Some of these appeared to have been tampered with, but it was
found that in every case the contents were intact. The wealth was formally
handed over by the chairman of the Watch Committee, Mr H A H Roads, and the
chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, to representatives of the National Union
and Provincial Nank, and immediately afterwards the money was transferred to
the strong rooms of the Market Street branch, to which the bul;lion
box was originally consigned. The police have not yet laid their hands upon
either the culprits or the box itself, but careful inquiries have at length
yielded trace of the latter.
The visit by the
Prince of Wales in May 1923.
The Yorkshire Post, 1 May 1923: PRINCE OF WALES
VISIT TO BRADFORD. OFFICIAL PROGRAMME. The official programme for the visit of
the Prince of Wales to Bradford on Wednesday, May 30, was issued last night as
follows: 9:45 AA: His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales KG and party,
accompanied by the Earl and Countess of Harewood, will leave Harewood house by
motor car for Bradford. 10:30 AM. Arrival of the Prince at the new workshops of
the Royal Institution for the Blind at Frizinghall,
where the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Alderman Thomas Sowden JP and Mrs
Sowden, accompanied by the town clerk, Mr N L Fleming, and the Chief Constable,
Mr Joseph Farndale OBE, will await him. The Prince will then inspect the
interior of the new workshops and will see the blind inmates at work....
Bradford
Ladies to be presented to the Prince of Wales today.
The Leeds Mercury, 30 May 1923: Mrs J Farndale,
wife of the chief constable of Bradford.
The
Yorkshire Post, 31 May 1923: LUNCHEON AND
PRESENTATIONS. Subsequently, in the Chief Magistrate 's room, a number of
prominent ladies and gentlemen were presented to His Royal Highness as
follows: Lady Barnby, Sir Francis and Lady Watson... Mrs Farndale...
The
Evening Dispatch, 31 May 1923: LUNCHEON
SPEECHES. LORD MAYOR’S TRIBUTE TO POLICE CHIEF. The visiting chief constables
were entertained to luncheon at the Queen’s Hotel at midday by the Lord Mayor
Alderman David Davis. Submitting the toast of ‘the Association’, the Lord Mayor
referred to the honour bestowed upon Birmingham by the Association, choosing
the city's chief constable as president. “Our chief constable,” he added
“has been known to us for many years, and I venture to think he is one of the
keenest administrators of the police force, who has always given satisfactory
satisfaction to us.” … The toast of “the Lord Mayor” was submitted by Mr. J
Farndale, Bradford, who was the nephew of the late chief constable at of
Birmingham....
The
Daily News (London), 27 August 1923: SWEEPSTAKES
SCARE. POLICE WARNING MAKES PROMOTORS UNHAPPY. Bradford is in the grip of a
sweepstakes fever. The committee of one Liberal Club is promoting one on
the St. Leger, the tickets being five shillings a piece. The prizes are expected to amount to many
thousands of pounds. Thousands of tickets have already been sold. Many other
organisations are promoting sweeps in the city, and a warning given by a
highly placed police official at Leeds, namely, “that all sweepstakes
are illegal and the promoters are liable to prosecution,” has caused
a scare among the promoters in Bradford. The Chief Constable Bradford, Mr
Joseph Farndale, asked to make a statement on the subject, replied: “The law is
there, and it is our duty to prosecute if the law is broken”. This may be taken
to mean that if the clubs promoting sweets sweepstakes sell only to their own
and affiliated members, they need not fear being troubled by the police.
The
Leeds Mercury, 15 October 1923: Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable
Bradford, on Saturday completed 40 years service with
the police force, and 23 years in his present position. Mr Farndale,
formerly Chief Constable Margate and later at York, came to Bradford in 1900.
In that year 747 indictable offences were dealt with in Bradford, as against
1,340 last year.
1924
January 1924 saw a
terrible mill collapse in Bradford. The Dundee Evening Telegraph, 10 January 1924: TERRIBLE
SPINNING MILL DISASTER. TOP FLOOR COLLAPSES; FALLS THROUGH BIUILDING. ,ANY
KILLED AND INJURED: WORKERS IMPRISONED IN DEBRIS.
The
Bradford Daily Telegraph, 10 January 1924: MILL
COLLAPSES. TERRIBLE DISASTER REPORTED AT BNRADFORD. KILLED, INJURED AND
MISSING. A mill is reported to have collapsed at Bradford, Yorkshire,
today, resulting in loss of life and injuries to many work people. One
of the first messages states that one person is dead, that seventeen people
have been taken from the wreckage more or less seriously injured, and that 30
or 40 people were buried. A later telegram says: the upper floor of a spinning
wheel in Wharfe Street, Bradford, occupied by Messrs G H Leather Limited,
spinners, collapsed. Heavy masses of machinery crashed through the doors
beneath and a large number of work people were buried in the debris.
Large numbers of police and firemen under Chief Constable Farndale and chief
officer Scott are working feverishly to render aid to the work people
still imprisoned in the ruins. Masses of heavy spinning machinery are being
dragged up from the basement by ropes. 30 to 40 men were pulling on the ropes
at one period. The police, fearing another fall, cleared all the helpers out of
the building. One helper was almost hysterical because just before the order
was given he had found a woman pinned beneath the massive timber. The scenes in
the facility of the mill were tragic in the extreme. Groans could be heard
coming from the pile of debris. The disaster was reminiscent of the Newlands
Mill disaster at Bradford in 1882, when 54 lives were lost. The Reverend W
E Cunliffe, vicar of the parish in which the mill stands, was quickly on the
scene and offered a prayer in the building as the rescue work preceded.
Elizabeth Dawson, of Ripon Street, who has been employed in the mill for two
years, was the nearest worker to escape injury. She states that a girl beside
her went through the floor. There was no warning she told the police a
press representative. “The first thing I heard was a great noise. For an
instant I thought it was the machinery running away commerce it sometimes does,
but I soon realised something awful had happened. The frame next to mine and the
girl working it went down, and so did others. I was paralysed with terror and
rooted to the spot as my mates vanished. I saw that the control of the floor
had gone, but the girl at each seemed to be safe.” …
The
Hull Daily Mail, 11 January 1924: HEROIC
RESCUE WORK. Immediately after the catastrophe, the police, fire brigade,
ambulances, doctors cover nurses and others likely to be of assistance were
summoned. Soon the mill yard was full of ambulances and motor cars cover and
doctors and nurses were continually arriving. Chief officer Scott took command
of the rescue operations and he was later that later assisted by chief
constable the chief constable, Mr Joseph farndale, and Superintendent Turner.
It was soon apparent that the task of removing the wreckage would be one of
extreme difficulty and delicacy, because most of the imprisoned men and women
were in the centre of the debris, and the slightest slip by the rescuers or the
unfortunate displacement of a single piece of wood might have led to an
increase of the death roll.
There was another
gruesome murder case in Bradford in February 1924.
The Daily Evening Telegraph, 28 February 1924:
ACCUSED MAN ASKS FOR BAIL. HAIRDRESSER’S JOKE LEADS TO ARREST. The man
seized by Bradford police late last night in connection with the murder of
Mrs Reaney was formally charged at 5:45 this morning with the murder. Later
he was taken to the magistrates and remanded. His name was given as *, 47, of
Howard Street, Little Horton Lane, Bradford, and he described himself as an
engineer. From about midnight until 4:30 this morning the police were engaged
in searching the house of the accused man and they returned to the town hall
taking with them a quantity of goods of which they had taken possession. * is a
man of pale complexion, with the hair going a little grey. The charge against
him was that he did feloniously, wilfully, and with malice aforethought,
kill and murder one Elizabeth Reaney, between 9pm on February 22 at 8:30pm
on February 23. The charge sheet recorded the fact that the sum of £16 was
found in the prisoner's possession. Inspector Wardell appeared in the dock and
the chief constable Mr Joseph Farndale said that in view of the charge
proffered against the prisoner he had had to ask for a remand in custody for
eight days. The prisoner: “Can I have bail sir?”. The stipendiary magistrate
“no”. A remand and was granted. Information which led to *’s arrest was
given by a hairdresser named *, who, in the course of an interview today, said
that * called it his shop on Tuesday morning for a shave. He had a heavy growth
of beard, and one eye was badly discoloured. * asked jokingly whether his wife
had hit him with a flat iron, and he replied that he had fallen from a tram
car. * thought nothing more of the incident until he saw the police
description, and then he gave the information to the police. The prisoner is a
married man, but has been living apart from his wife during the past two years.
He resided for eight years in the home in which he was arrested.
The
Gloucester Citizen, 28 February 1924: THE
BRADFORD MYSTERY. MAN DETAINED ON SUSPICION. …
The
Derby Daily Telegraph, 28 February 1924:
BRADFORD MURDER. SUSPECT BROUGHT BEFORE THE MAGISTRATES. REMANDED IN CUSTODY. …
The
Leeds Mercury, 11 April 1924: Chief
Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, has received a letter from a Bradfordian in America expressing appreciation of the
assistance given him by the press in tracing his brothers and sisters who
reside in the city. The writer was Mr EI Lloyd, of Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Joseph Farndale was
made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) (“CBE”) in
the King’s Birthday Honours List in June 1924.
The
Halifax Evening Courier, 3 June 1924: HONOUR
FOR CHIEF CONSTABLE. Included in the Kings’ honours list today is an award to
Mr Joseph Farndale, OBE, Chief Constable of Bradford. He is being made a
Companion of the Order of the British Empire (civil division). Mr Farndale
was formerly a Halifax policeman and native of Wakefield, he joined the Halifax
force on attaining his majority, about 1883, gained rapid promotion and rose to
Inspector. In June 1893 he was appointed Chief Constable Margate, and after a
stay of three years became Chief Constable of York. In June 1900 he secured his
present position, and in April 1921 was decorated with the Order of the British
Empire.
The
Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 3 June 1924: TWO
BARONETCIES AND NUMEROUS NEW KNIGHTS. NO PEERAGES. Public and police service
recognised … CBE … Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable Bradford. …
The
Yorkshire Post, 3 June 1924: Several
north country police officials appear in the order of the British Empire lists,
including … Mr. J Farndale, chief constable Bradford …
The
Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 3 June 1924 –
CBE - ... Joseph Farndale, chief constable, Bradford …
The
Edinburgh Gazette, 6 June, 1924: 3rd June
1924. The King has been graciously pleased, on the occasion of his Majesty's
birthday, to give orders for the following promotions in, and appointments to,
the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire: to be commanders of the civil
division of the said Most Excellent Order: … Joseph Farndale, Esquire, OBE,
chief constable Bradford.
By 1924, Bradford
was having to deal with significant traffic problems.
The Leeds Mercury, 2 September 1924: TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN BRADFORD STREETS TOO NARROW FOR
PRESENT CONDITIONS. NEEDS OUTGROWN. Some
notable indications of the growth of Bradford’s traffic problems are given
in a report on the subject by chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale. A special
committee of the watch committee is considering means of dealing with the
problem. Since 1924 the number of persons killed or injured by motor
vehicles in Bradford has increased by 173% and in the same period the
number of motor vehicles registered or licenced have increased by 1,225%...
The Evening Courier, 2
September 1924: STREET CONGESTION. The
Chief Constable of Bradford has issued a voluminous report on street
congestion and the possible ways in which it may be alleviated. His
strong point is that “The streets are not of sufficient width to meet the
present traffic requirements, unless some restrictions are imposed by
legislation upon the user of defined streets.” Bradford was constructed when
traffic requirements were comparatively small and many of its streets were
inadequate for the present and rapidly increasing pressure of motor traction,
but it may be remarked incidentally, Halifax is much older town and, owing to
its narrow streets, it awkward corners and its stiff gradients, its plight is
far worse than that of its neighbour. Hence the importance of Mr Farndale’s
suggestions, for we shall have to face the problem boldly one of these
days. Mr Farndale emphasises the difficulties created by the trams upon
fixed tracks, a point of which we have often referred. He regards this as a
serious obstruction to free movement, for it frequently holds up progress or
drives parking vehicles onto the off side of the road and creates congestion. The
loading of heavy vehicles at warehouses is another frequent cause of
delay and this can only be obviated by structural alterations, not always
possible, which would permit of such work being done in quieter byways. Mr
Farndale makes a number of suggestions. The first essential is that slow
moving traffic should be kept to the left or near side of the road, but
there are few streets that will accommodate three parallel lines of traffic and
that means the constant holding up of speedier vehicles by the slow traffic.
Hence the idea of prescribed streets for classified through and local
traffic. The essential heavy and slow vehicles should be kept clear of the
centre of town with prescribed routes for their journeys. It is also suggested
that certain streets might be scheduled as “one way” streets during certain
hours, the practical difficulty here is that parallel streets within reasonable
distance of each other should be available. Mr Farndale also points out that
excellent service in the cause of safety could be given by the in inclination
of “safety first” methods in school teaching. And he touches on the speed
limit idea, which is being mooted for Halifax through a special resolution
at tomorrow night's council meeting. He quotes the Departmental Committee on the Taxation and Regulation of
Road Vehicles as saying that the
imposition of a fixed speed limit is not the most effective method of ensuring
the safety of the public, suggesting in populous areas and dangerous places
the institution of a standard form of cautionary sign.
The Leeds Mercury, 27 September 1924: Major General Atchorley inspected 320
officers and men of the Bradford police yesterday at the Bellevue barracks. He
is seen, in bowler hat, with Mr Joseph Farndale, the chief constable of
Bradford, and officers of the force. Joseph Farndale is third from left
behind Major General Atchorley in the bowler hat.
1925
There
was opposition to the payment of an additional allowance to Joseph Farndale by
1925. The Halifax Evening Courier, 14 January 1925: BRADFORD TRAM PASSES TO CEASE AT THE END OF
THE MONTH. Bradford tramways committee has got its way at last on the question
of the issue of tram passes … . A protracted discussion took place on the
recommendation of the Watch Committee to grant a non pensionable allowance of
£150 per annum to Chief Constable Farndale, formerly an inspector of Halifax,
for long service, but it met the same fate as it had done previously. The
socialists were up in arms against the grant, and despite the support of the
Liberal Chairman of the Watch Committee, of the Conservative chairman of the
Estimate Subcommittee, and another Liberal, the proposal was defeated by 33
votes to 21.
Joseph
Farndale was unwell in 1925 and had to have an operation.
The Yorkshire
Post, 2 May 1925: NEWS OF
THE NORTH. CHIEF CONSTABLE OF BRADFORD INDISPOSED. The Chief Constable of
Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale CBE, through indisposition missed a meeting of
the watch committee yesterday, for the first time since his appointment nearly
25 years ago. Mr Farndale completes a quarter of a century service with the
Bradford police force next month.
The Halifax
Evening Courier, 21 May 1925: The
Chief Constable of Bradford (Mr Joseph Farndale) is making satisfactory
progress after his recent operation.
By
1925, Joseph was becoming veruy interested in traffic control as the roads
faced increasing problems of congestion. Joseph was instrumental in the recognition of a
need for national rarther than local traffic rules. The
Citizen, 29 June 1925: TRAFFIC
CONTROL. REPORT BY POLICE AND ROAD USERS. UNIFORM LAW SUGGESTED. Recommendations
of considerable importance for dealing with the traffic problem are contained
in the report of the committee of representatives of the police forces in
Great Britain and of road users, which was issued on Saturday by the stationary
office. The committee, which conducted an exhaustive inquiry into “present day
traffic problems from the police and road users point of view,” was presided
over by Mr J Farndale, Chief Constable of Bradford. In summarising their
conclusions, the committee states that the development of the use of
mechanically propelled vehicles have become more and more a matter of national
rather than local concern, which makes it desirable that there should be
more uniformity in the law relating to the regulation and control of
traffic. Traffic being no longer local in character, it is well nigh
impossible for drivers and others who use the highway to recognise boundaries
and become informed of the several local requirements when boundaries
are reached. Regulations for the control of traffic should be consolidated,
amended, and brought up to date, and made uniform throughout the country.
Any powers dealing with the regulation and control of all classes of traffic
should be of general application by an Act of Parliament, and not under local
acts or by laws. On the question of the mechanical transport generally, the
committee refer to pillion riding on motorcycles, and stated: “we have
considered this subject, but are of the opinion that it should not be further
proceeded with, and make no recommendation here on.” The general opinion is
also expressed that no motor coach or large omnibus with more than 14 seats
should be permitted to be driven on unsuitable by-roads. The committee also considered
the obstruction and delay caused by heavy motor cars caused owing to the
ability of drivers of certain heavy motor cars to hear or see the signal
given by drivers desiring to overtake them, and recommend that the ministry
of transport should promote legislation on the matter as early as possible.
Attention is also called to the necessity of an efficient brake on every
pedal cycle. The committee strongly urged that all points where traffic
constables are stationed should be well illuminated. They suggest the
wearing of white gloves by all traffic duty constables, but do not consider
that the wearing of white mackintoshes would be of any material advantage.
Being of opinion that cab stands in busy streets take up road space, and
crawling cabs are a great nuisance, they recommend: (a) that a greater number
of cab stands be provided, where it can be done without causing obstruction;
(b) that the number of cabs on anyone stand be limited; and (c) that more cab
stands should be linked up with the telephone system....
The Leeds Mercury, 10 December
1925: BRADFORD LOSE TRADE TO LEEDS. PEOPLE
CANNOT SHOP WHERE THEY LIKE. STATEMENTS AT ‘BUS BATTLE INQUIRY’. From our own
correspondent, Bradford, Wednesday. The statements that Bradford shopkeepers
are losing trade to Leeds because of the lack of travelling facilities into
the city, was made here today, when an Inspector of the Ministry of
Transport, Mr R H Tollerton, conducted an inquiry into another appeal by the
West Riding Automobile Company against the decision of the Bradford Corporation
not to allow them to run motorbuses from Wakefield, past the city boundary at
Drighlington, into the centre of Bradford. The opening of the inquiry marked the
renewal of the “battle of the buses”. Bradford and West Riding bus
companies regard the appeal as a “test case” on the results of which hangs the
fate of their own applications. A year ago the ministry upheld an appeal by the
West Riding Automobile Company, and stated its intention of issuing an order
compelling the corporation to go up licences, but did not do so comment the
licencing year having expired meantime.... the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph
Farndale, asked by Mr Beaumont if he approved of the running of omnibuses by
the Corporation, said he certainly did not. “I don't approve of the trams
running in the centre of the city,” he said. “if I had my way, I would take
them out of the streets altogether.” The ministry's decision will be known in
due course.
1926
A
new ‘Safety First’ initiative began in 1926, which Joseph later bnecame very
involved with. The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer 17 December 1926: LORD MAYOR ON STREET PERILS. Some interesting figures and comments on
the recent startling increases in street accidents were given at a
meeting of representatives of all sections of the community held at the
Bradford Town Hall yesterday, at which it was decided to inaugurate a local
“safety first” council, to be affiliated to the national “safety first”
association.... the Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, said
he despaired of educating the present generation. Pedestrians would wander
about the roads like the domestic fowl, though even that bird was now better
educated and at least got out of the way. It was a remarkable thing that
accidents were the fewest during the “peak times” of traffic....
The Leeds Mercury 17 December 1926: The
Chief Constable (Mr Joseph Farndale) said the domsetic fowl was more
educated in the rules of “safety first” than the pedestrian , for, at any
rate, it did clear out of the way. It was a remarkable thing that accidents
were infinitesimal when the heaviest traffic was on the road, as compared with
the other parts of the day.
1927
Joseph
Farndale was a supporter of self regulation in cinemas, though still had quite
conservative views about what they should be showing. The Nottingham Journal, 28 March 1927: A Chief Constable’s View. The chief
constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, interviewed on the subject, a day or
two ago, said that he had been in favour of cinema performances for years.
“It would be better for the morals of the young people,” he said, “to keep them
off the streets. It would be for their general well being.” The Chief Constable
went on to remark that he would like to have cinemas open generally, not
isolated picture houses here and there, although he would restrict restrict the
entertainment to the exhibition of suitable films. “Naturally,” he added,
“comedy would be barred; The films would be of an elevating type.”
The Newcastle
Daily Chronicle, 5 September 1927: NEW
PRISON METHODS. GOVERNOR’S WAY TO HELP WRONGDOERS TO DO RIGHT. “We are the
catch ‘em and keep ‘em society,” said the Governor of Armley Prison, Mr S N
Roberts, referring to himself and Mr Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of
Bradford. They both spoke at the Eastbrook Wesleyan brotherhood, yesterday, the
Chief Constable being in the chair. Mr. Roberts said that the prisons were
receiving a different type of person than they got many years ago. “That is
partly due,” he said, “to the lives so many young folks live. So many of them
get into the habit of spending 25s for every pound they earn, and there is
bound to be a crash. Unfortunately some of them land into our hands. If we
treat them as having made mistake, and not as being really wicked, I think we
shall be able to help them.” Mr. Roberts added that people had no right to
expect a discharged prisoner to make further payment after he had paid the
price the law demanded.
1928
The Yorkshire
Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 30 April 1928: DUKE’S COMPLIMENT. MUCH IMPRESSED BY THE
POLICE OF BRADFORD. The chief constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, has
received the following telegram from the Duke of York, respecting the
police arrangements for the Royal visit to the city on Friday: “Warmly
congratulate you and all concerned on the admirable arrangements made today.
Was much impressed by the appearance and efficiency of the police. ALBERT.”
Joseph was the first chairman of the new Police
Athletics Association, formed in 1928. The Leeds
Mercury, 29 June 1928: POLICE
ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION. TRIBUTE TO THE WORK OF CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT
ASPINALL. From our own correspondent,
Selby, Thursday. The police forces in England, Scotland and Wales are being
asked to take part in a great athletic festival, to be heard on held on August
11, at the Liverpool Police athletic ground. The Police Athletic Association
has just been formed, and the Prince of Wales is the first patron, the Chief
Constable of Bradford, Mr. J Farndale, is chairman, and Mr H rich, chief
constable of Middlesbrough, honourable secretary and, the joint presidents
being the Secretary of State for Home Affairs and the Secretary of State for
Scotland. The first annual champ championship sports to be held as stated at
Liverpool are open to all police forces in Great Britain that are affiliated to
the PAA. The new Association will be affiliated to the AAA, SAAA, NCU, and
NAWA. 17 championships will be decided, including sprints, flat races, relay,
walking match, long and high jump, cycle and hurdle races, wrestling, putting
the shot, and throwing the hammer. The winner of each championship will hold
the trophy for one year. The man who has brought to a successful issue the new
organisation is the Superintendent of Selby police, Superintendent H Aspinall,
who is corresponding secretary of the competition.
There
was some confusion in 1929 about the permissability of mask wearing. The Leeds Mercury, 11 January 1929: LOVE MATCHES AT DANCES. A BRADFORFD TOPIC.
SHOULD THESE MASKS BE BANNED? From our Bradford Staff, Thursday. Someone is
trying to settle the Bradford Watch Committee with the reputation of
“killjoy.” When the Bradford Automobile Club sent a circular announcing its
fancy dress dinner dance to the Bradford office of the Leeds Mercury
today, a Reporter was set wondering by a footnote reading: “the Bradford
Watch Committee prohibits the use of masks.” although the Watch Committee
has much to do, including “the execution of all duties and the exercising of
the powers devolving upon or exercisable by the Council under the Chimney
Sweepers Acts, Explosive Acts, Performing Animals Acts,” and so on, censorship
of fancy dress costumes appears to be no part of its duties, unless of
course it comes under the Wild Birds Protection Acts, 1882 at 1908. Mr George
Muff, a member of the committee, told the Reporter he knew of no such ban on
masks. “I can only suggest that as there are so many love matches made at
fancy dress balls, the Chief Constable thinks people should make them with
their eyes open; and seeing that so much of the rest of the body is visible
it would be a pity to cover up the face.” he said. “A mask gives a fellow like
me a chance to get hold of a pretty girl for a dance, and it gives a girl with
neither good looks nor anything else the hope of getting off for a dance, if
not for good.” The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, said: “I don't know
that we make any reservations about masks. What happens is this: that the
licences of dance rooms are held responsible to the justices as to the
costumes, and possibly, therefore, they feel their licences would be endangered
if any complaint were made as to the doings of any person present. It is a
matter for the management.” The Midland Hotel, where the Automobile Club Dance
will be held, knows nothing of the alleged “prohibition” and no stipulation is
made by the management.
The Leeds
Mercury, 4 April 1929: HOLIDAY
‘SAFETY FIRST’. HEAVY MOTOR TRAFFIC MAKES PEOPLE CAUJTIOUS. From our Bradford
Staff, Wednesday. During the holidays there was no serious accident in
Bradford. The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, in conversation with the
Mercury, said that at holiday times, when the streets are busy, accidents
are less common. “The increase in accidents,” Mr Farndale went on, “is
not as large as might be gathered from reading the newspapers. They collect
the accidents during the weekend from all over the country and have a column
headed “weekend fatalities”. The column would be just as long if they were to
collect the number of people scalded by their firesides during each weekend. In
the last few years traffic has gone up 100%, and fatal accidents only 2%.” Mr
Farndale holds that the safety first campaign is bearing fruit, and that
pedestrians are more careful in crossing the roads.
Joseph
Farndale was the inventor of the police box (and therefgore the Tardis).
The Leeds Mercury 24 June 1929: POLICE BOX
INVENTOR. Several Yorkshire towns are greatly interested in Bradford's
discovery that the man who invented the police boxes with which, as in the
case of other places throughout the country, that city is shortly to be
“ringed”, is its own chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale. He has just
revealed that he was the first to suggest such a scheme, in a talk with
a government inspector six or seven years ago. Mr Farndale is a native of
Wakefield, where he was born 65 years ago, and he attended the Field House
Academy, Aberford. Attracted by a police career he joined the Halifax force
when he was 20 years of age, and in 1893, when he had risen to be second in
command at Halifax, was appointed chief constable of Margate. After four years
Mr Farndale became chief constable of York, and in 1900 succeeded Mr Roderick
Ross as Chief Constable of Bradford, where a feature of his administration has
been his provision for the organised recreation of members of the force.
The Yorkshire
Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 24 July 1929. POLICE STATIONS IN MINIATURE. Bradford chief constable,
Mr Joseph Farndale, who is a native of Wakefield, should, I am told, be a proud
man when London adopts the police telephone boxes that already “ring” several
cities in the provinces, including Newcastle and Manchester, and will shortly
be installed at Bradford. The idea of these miniature police stations, kiosk
shaped, and equipped with a telephone, desk and red warning lamp outside the
four policemen on patrol, came first from Mr Farndale, who suggested them
when a government inspector visited Bradford six years ago to inspect the
cities 12 district police stations. Talk turned on the convenience of the
stations, and Mr Farndale explained that by his police box system there could
be a police service at as many as 100 points in the city, instead of the
present 12 points. The plan was tried at Sunderland and other places, and
now London is to make a start with seventy of the boxes. It is hoped that they
will prove to be as convenient to reach as fire alarm boxes. Mr Farndale
started his police career at Halifax in 1884, and became chief constable at
Bradford in 1900 after three years as chief constable of York.
Another
visit to Bradford by the Prince of Wales in 1929. The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 13 November 1929:
PRINCE’S VISIT TO BRADFORD. COMMERCE HOUSE OPENING AT NOON TODAY. BUSY FIVE
HOURS. Bradford citizens are ready to give a Royal Yorkshire welcome to His
Royal Highness the Prince of Wales on his visit to the city today. The
Prince last visited not the prince's last visit was in 1923, when he opened the
new buildings at the Royal Institution for the Blind at Frizinghall and
distributed cheques to representatives of the local hospitals... The Prince
will be met at the Exchange Station by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Alderman
Angus H Rhodes,... the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale...
The Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 14 November 1929: EARLY ARRIVAL. The Prince arrived in
Bradford at 10:15. He had travelled by train from London, accompanied by his
equerry, Captain Aird, of the Grenadier Guards, and was accorded an official
welcome at the Exchange Station by the Lord Mayor, Alderman Angus Rhodes, with
whom were Mr Douglas Hamilton, president of the Chamber of Commerce; Mr N L
Fleming, town clerk; Mr H T Tulloch, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce; and
the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale. He was loudly cheered as he passed
through the centre of the city on his way to fulfil the first engagement, a
visit to the dress goods mill of Messrs John Priestman and Co at Ashfield,
where he saw all the processes of manufacture, from the state of wool in the
top, to the fashioning of the complete fabric, at least, up to the point where
it was sent off to be dyed....
Joseph
Farndale presented a portrait of Sir Robert Peel to the Home Office on behalf
of the county and boprough police in November 1929. The Yorkshire Evening Post, 14 November 1929: GIFT TO HOME OFFICE. BRADFORD CHIEF MAKES A
PRESENTATION. A painting of Sir Robert Peel was presented to the Home Office
today by Mr. J Farndale, chief constable of Bradford, on behalf of the county
and borough police forces of England and Wales, to mark the attainment of its
centenary. The portrait is a full length cover life-size picture in oils,
which Mr H W Pickersgill RA, painted just a century ago, when Sir Robert was
Secretary of State for the home department. He is shown shown holding in his
right hand a document, on which is inscribed, “the Metropolitan Police draught
bill.”
The Tamworth
Herald, 23 November 1929: POLICE
GIFT TO THE HOME OFFICE. SIR ROBERT PEEL’S PORTRAIT. A painting of Sir Robert
Peel was presented to the Home Office on Thursday last week by the county and
borough police forces of England and Wales to express their congratulations to
the Metropolitan Police force on reaching its centenary. The picture is a full
length life-size portrait in oils, which HW Pickersgill RA, painted just a
century ago when Sir Robert Peel was home secretary. He is shown holding in his
right hand a document on which is inscribed: “the Metropolitan Police draught
bill.” Mr. J Farndale, Chief Constable Bradford, made the presentation, and the
Home Secretary, in reply, said that Sir Robert had built better than he knew,
and the general social system had strengthened the reasons which caused him to
act at that time. The police force was now an army of more than 60,690 men. The
gift would be treasured as a portrait in its proper place of a very great man.
The Kinematograph
Weekly, 5
December 1929: LORD MAYOR’S VISIT. There was quite a large and appreciative
audience at the first public exhibition of “Disraeli”, which took place
at St George’s Hall, Bradford on Monday afternoon. The Lord Mayor of Bradford,
Alderman Angus roads, was publicly welcomed on the stage by Edgar Mitchell.
Also present were F Marsden, city engineer, and the chief constable of
Bradford, Joseph Farndale. Mr Farndale although he saw the film at the private
show, expressed his pleasure at once seeing it again, saying he intended yet
again making a visit to St George’s Hall.
The Leeds
Mercury, 23 December 1929: MORE
ROOM FOR BRADFORD CARS. To obviate congestion by motorists, the Chief Constable
of Bradford cover Mr Joseph Farndale, has added eight parking grounds to
the list of 38 which previously existed. Motorists attending the football
matches that Valley Parade will now be able to leave their cars on the ground
which stretches from Cornwall Road to Trafalgar Street, and patrons of the
Prince’s Theatre will be able to park their vehicles on the ground in St John
Street. Other grounds are in Upper Kirkgate, Rawson Road, Randall Well Street,
Thurnscoe Road, Midland Road and Trinity Road.
1930
In
1930, Joseph had turned his attention back to intoxicants and drunkenness,
particularly where intoxicants were quietly added to ginger beer.
The Yorkshire
Evening Post 22 January 1930:
SOMETHING IN THE GINGER ALE. BRADFORD LEANINGS.
INSIDE INN SIGNS OF POTENT PORTENT.
Mention of signs made by public house
customers when they want “something in” there ginger ale, was made by the
Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr. J Farndale, giving evidence before the Royal
Commission on Licencing, in London, today.
Mr Farndale suggested that there should be a
return to the old system whereby police, finding persons on licenced premises
in non permitted hours, should be able to call on them to satisfy a court that
they were there legally.
“When we find persons on licenced premises during
non permitted hours now,” he said, “Unless we can prove consumption of
intoxicants they are committing no offence”.
He suggested that drinking went on behind
locked doors during closing hours, when to all outward appearances the
public houses were closed, and added: “If the police visit a house in the
afternoon, one of the favourite drinks is ginger ale, and it is difficult for
the police to prove there are intoxicants in it. There are certain signs
between customer and barmaid or licensee when he wants something in the ginger
ale.”
Drunkenness increasing.
“It is my opinion that the wave of sobriety
immediately after the after the War is now moving in the opposite direction,
and drunkenness is increasing.” Mr Gerald France: “In what class of community
is this drunkenness most observable?” Mr Farndale: “Among the middle-aged.
There is not much drunkenness among young people, I am pleased to say.” “Would
you attribute to the clubs a certain proportion of this drunkenness?” “Very
much of it. The publican takes great care not to permit drunkenness on his premises.
I contend that where drink is sold and consumed the law should apply equally
throughout.” Mr Farndale concluded that he welcomed the tide house system, as
it led to better supervision.
The Edinburgh
Evening News, 22 January 1930: SIGNALS
TO BARMAIDS. GINGER ALE WITH A DUIFFERENCE. INCREASED DRUNKENNESS. Mystic
signals between barmaids and customers were referred to before the royal
Commission on licencing in London today. Mr. J Farndale, Chief Constable
Bradford, said that if the police visited a public house in the afternoon one
of the favourite drinks was ginger ale, and it was difficult for the police to
prove there were intoxicants in it. “There are certain signs,” he declared,
“between customer and barmaid or licensee when he wants something in the ginger
ale. It is my opinion,” added Mr Farndale, “that the wave of sobriety
immediately after the War is now moving in the opposite direction and that
drunkenness is increasing.”
There
were continued misogynist victorian views of women and drinking. The Western Daily Press 22 January 1930: DOES MODERN WOMAN DRINK MORE? SHE NOW VISITS
PUBLIC HOUSES OPENLY. BUT USED TO ENTER BACK DOOR SLYLY. OPINIONS VARY. … WHEN
THEY ENTERED SLYLY. Evidence before the Royal Commission on licencing yesterday
concerned the sobriety or otherwise of modern women, and their changed
attitude to public houses. It was claimed by the Rhonda Stipendary
Magistrate, that the Welsh women were sober, and that few visited licenced
houses, but the Hull Stipendiary expressed the opinion that whereas
women once entered public houses slightly by the back door, they now visited
them quite openly and such drinking was more in evidence.... Mr J R
MacDonald, Stipendary Magistrate for Hull, giving evidence, said “A decent
woman has not the same feeling about going into a public house as she had when
I was a youngster. I was shocked, as a young man, when I saw a woman going
into a public house. I do not think I would be shocked nowadays.” Dealing
with the general question of drinking by women, and referring particularly to
wife desertion, Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable of Bradford, said that the
number of cases in which it was alleged that drink had caused recourse to
proceedings under the
Married Women Acts was almost
negligible. Drinking by women on licenced premises is more in evidence today.
At one time women entered public houses slyly by the back door. Today they
enter quite openly by the front door.”
The Shipley
Times and Express, 1 February 1930: POLICE
DENY ROUGH METHODS. At a meeting of the Bradford Corporation Watch Committee,
on Friday of last week, a long discussion took place on the allegation put
forward by the Trades Council, at the instance of the Shipley Trades Council
that police officers in the Bradford Force had used unduly rough method
methods to women on picket duty during the recent strike at Lunds Mill,
Bolton Woods, Frizinghall. The chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, submitted
reports denying these allegations. A resolution was passed supporting
the claim that the allegations were unfounded.
There
was a bit of a ‘spat’ between Joseph and an inspectior at an Inquiry in March
1930. The Leeds Mercury, 20 March 1930: POLICE CHIEF AND AN INSPECTOR. CONFLICT AT A
LEEDS INQUIRY. The Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr. J Farndale, and Mr. J
Atkinson, an inspector of the ministry of transport, came into conflict at the
hearing, at the education offices, Leeds, yesterday, at an appeal by Messrs
Wood Brothers (Blackpool) Limited against the refusal of Leeds Corporation and
the Corporations of Bradford and Halifax to grant licences to three of their
motor buses to ply for hire between Blackpool, Blackburn, Halifax, Bradford,
and Leeds. The “breeze” occurred when the chief constable of Bradford was
dealing with Bradford's position. The Inspector had intimated he was
concerned with the Blackburn route to Blackpool and had not with all the
alternative routes, and that as the appellant’s original application showed
this route, the route must be considered. Mr Farndale said the Bradford
Watch Committee had only been concerned with the application as to a through
service. They had considered nothing more than a through passenger service
between Bradford and Blackpool. The inspector: “Do you mean that the Watch
Committee as a statutory committee did not consider the conditions contained in
the companies letter?” “That is so.” The inspector: “Am I to report to the
minister that the chief constable of Bradford informs me that the conditions
upon which these licences were asked were not laid before the committee?” “Was
the letter laid before your committee?” “No”. No attempt to mislead. The
Inspector added he would not have it said that the chief constable was the
person who suggested that licences should be issued. Being in a statutory
position, the committee had a duty to act in a judicial manner, and the
opinion of an official was not evidence on which they could act. Mr Farndale:
“All these applications all set out on the agenda, giving the name of the firm,
and the destination. I give the existing services, and so on, and all and that
the committee can come to their decision.” The Inspector: “Would not that be
misleading if they did not have the formal evidence before them?” “I
have never misled my committee, and I do not intend to do so.” Evidence was
given on behalf of Halifax corporation as to the services already in existence.
This concluded the inquiry. There was a similar report in The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 20
March 1930: BUS
LICENCES TO BLACKPOOL. BRADFORD CHIEF CONSTABLE AND INSPECTOR. ‘BREEZE’ AT
INQUIRY.
The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 5 April
1930: BRADFORD
BUSES TO MANCHESTER. INQUIRY INTO REFUSAL TO GRANT LICENCE. COMMITTEE
PROCEDURE. The refusal of the Bradford corporation licencing committee to
granted licence to message on Hurst and Co of Ripponden near Halifax, to run a
bus service between Bradford and Manchester was the subject of administrative
transport inquiry at Bradford yesterday.... The chief constable, Mr. J
farndale, said the committee were guided by the public demand for these licences...
The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 14 May
1930: SAFETY
FIRST. LEEDS COOPERATION IN THE NATIONAL WEEK. Leeds safety first council
is cooperating in the National Safety first the National Safety week, from
Monday next until May 21.... a similar campaign is to be held in Bradford,
commencing on Sunday, with a service at Eastbrook hall, to be addressed by the
West Riding organiser, Mr T Goodall, with the Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr J
Farndale in the chair....
Noise pollution from loud gramaphones was an issue
in December 1930. The Leeds Mercury, 11 December 1930: DISTURBING ELEMENTS. The Chief Constable of
Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, has received complaints from various people of
grammar phones and wireless loud speakers being on operated in such a way as to
become annoying. I can sympathise with those people who have made the
complaints, writes the Bradford correspondent, for up to a short time ago I
myself was a victim of such suffering. I live at a point on which the sound
waves from three gramophones were focused. On one occasion the
gramophones played simultaneously, “It ain't gonna rain no more,” “Everyone
calls me Tarzan,” and “I parted my hair in the middle.” At the same time a
piano broadcast: “Won't you buy my pretty flowers?”. The climax came, and this
was one of the reasons for my having since removed, when a young man next door
started a jazz band.
Traffic Commissioner 1930 to 1938
The Sheffield
Daily Telegraph 16 December 1930 (and
reported in multiple
newspapers): Mr
Joseph Farndale, the Chief Constable of Bradford, has been appointed the
traffic commissioner for Yorkshire.
The Leeds
Mercury, 16 December 1930: TRAFFIC
CHIEF IN YOPRKSHIRE. MR J FARNDALE APOINTED. The chief constable of Bradford,
Mr Joseph Farndale, has been appointed chairman of the traffic commissioners
for Yorkshire by the Ministry of Transport. He will take up his duties on
January 1, and his resignation as chief constable will be considered by
the corporation Watch Committee on Friday. Mr Farndale’s new headquarters
will be in Leeds. Mr Farndale, who was born in 1864, has been chief
constable at Bradford for 30 years. He was educated at the Fieldhouse Academy,
Aberford, and at 19 forsook chemistry for the police force, joining the Halifax
force as a constable. Promotion came quickly and it was when he was second in
command that he was appointed to the position of chief constable Margate, where
he spent five years. In 1897 he left Margate to be chief constable of York, and
three years later he came to fill a similar position at Bradford. At the end of
the War Mr Farndale received the honour of CBE. Mr Farndale will always be
remembered in Bradford police circles for the work he has done in the
interests of his men. He was responsible for the formation of the Bradford
City police band, acknowledged to be one of the foremost combinations of its
kind in the north. It was due to him that many of the recreative sides of the
force came into existence.
The Sheffield
Daily Telegraph, 18 December 1930: TRAFFIC
COMMISSIONERS. CAN YORKSHIRE CHAIRMAN SPEAK YORKSHIRE? Asked by Mr Thomas
Snowden whether he was now in a position to announce the appointment of the
chairman of the traffic commissioners for Yorkshire and eastern areas, Mr
Herbert Morrison said he had appointed Mr. J Farndale CBE at present
Chief Constable Bradford. Sir Haviland Hiley, KBE, whose appointment he
announced on December 10th, would be the chairman of the Eastern Area. Mr. T
Snowden: “Can he say if Mr Farndale is a Yorkshireman?” Mr Morrison: “Yes,
Sir.” Mr Snowden: “Can he speak the Yorkshire language?” (Laughter). There was
no answer.
There
was contorversy, particularly in the Socialist Party about appointing a retired
Chief Constable, entitled to a two thirds of salary pension to a salaried role
of Traffic Commissioner. The Nottingham Journal 18 December 1930: Newspaper House, Wednesday night. The
announcement made today of the appointment of the last of the nine
commissioners under the new traffic act is unpopular with the Labour Party.
West Riding with socialist members in particular told me that they have no
personal objection to the chief constable Bradford becoming the commissioner
for their area. On the contrary, if they had their way Mr Farndale would have
been more greatly honoured some time ago. Socialists generally, however, are
uneasy for the preservation of the principle of one man one job or put it more
accurately, one man one income. So many of these new commissioners
appointed by Mr Morrison have been gentlemen with substantial pensions
in addition to the very adequate salaries their new posts carry. It is
inconceivable to them that efficient men could not have been found from among
those who were not eligible for retiring pensions. As it is, the minister has
not satisfied his colleagues with having looked far beyond the services and the
bar for men who, after all, will be required to exercise more than purely
prohibitive functions. There are other things in the spirit of the Traffic Act beyond ensuring clean number plates and an
insurance certificate. Is it possible that there are no organisers outside the
police or War Office? Anyway, the socialists tell me they intend to try to find
this out at Question Time tomorrow.
The Leeds
Mercury 17 December 1930: YORKSHIRE’S
NEW TRAFFIC CHIEF. The members of the Bradford City police force learnt
with mixed feelings of the appointment of their chief constable, Mr Joseph
Farndale, as chairman of the traffic commissioners for Yorkshire. They will be
the first to congratulate him, but they will also be the first to
regret his departure from the city. For “the Chief” is loved by them all.
I have been in contact with members of the Bradford force now for many years,
and always I have heard him referred to in the to in terms of the deepest
admiration and respect. Those under him who have had to go into the long
room he occupies immediately under the town hall clock, and offer explanations
in reply to his searching questions, are probably the loudest in their praise
of him. They say of him that he will always listen to a “straight tale,”
that he is scrupulously fair, ready to afford a second and often
third chance, and that none but the deliberate liar need fear him.
This is the third appointment under the new Road Act to go to an applicant from Yorkshire.
The Yorkshire
Post and Leeds Intelligencer 19 December 1930: YORKSHIRE TRAFFIC POST. QUESTION ABOUT
SALARY OF MR FARNDALE. Mr H Morrison, Minister of Transport, replying to Mr
longbottom, Socialist, Halifax, said that Mr Farndale, chief constable of
Bradford, had been appointed by him as chairman of the traffic commissioners
for Yorkshire for a term of three years at a salary of £1,000 per annum. He
was 65 years old and would, he understood, be entitled to a pension in
respect of his past service in the police force on the usual scale.
The Leeds
Mercury 19 December 1930: SALARY
AND PENSION. BRADFORD SOCIALISTS CRITICISE MR FARNDALE’S APPOINTMENT. The
appointment of Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable Bradford, as chairman of the
traffic commissioners of Yorkshire, was criticised at a meeting of Bradford
trades council tonight. Resolutions were being discussed for submission to a
conference of Yorkshire Federated Trades Councils, to be held at Sheffield. A
Brighouse resolution expressed the opinion that where an adequate pension
was paid upon retirement, it should be made a condition that the recipient did
not engage in paid employment. Mr. James Harrison, a socialist member of
Bradford City council, said that Bradford was providing a bad example of what
should not be done. A corporation official whose pension on leaving would be
about £880 per annum, had been appointed to another position at a salary of
£1,000. As a council, they had always been opposed to retired policeman of any
rank taking positions and it was altogether out of reason that such a thing
should be done when there were between two and three millions of unemployed in
the country.
A
reflection as he ended his career as Chief Constable reflected on the old days,
and the more recent innovations of the Police Box, the Flying Squad and the use
of police radios. The Leeds Mercury, 20 December 1930: ROBERT IS DIFFERENT SAYS MR JOSEPH FARNDALE.
THIRTY YEARS A CHIEF. From our Bradford Staff, Friday. 30 years a chief
constable. It is a big slice out of a man's life. For so long has Mr Joseph
Farndale been Chief Constable of Bradford, and when, at the Watch Committee
meeting this afternoon, he handed in his resignation to take effect at the year
end, thus enabling him to take his appointment as Chairman of the Traffic
Commissioners for Yorkshire, he found the wrench hard to make. One who
was there, said afterwards, “When he referred to his men and their loyalty
to him he could hardly speak, and was almost in tears.” He himself said, “To
part with my men now is like parting with one's family.” Before the
meeting, he talked with a Mercury reporter of his 30 years as a chief
constable. Since 1900, he said, the strength of the Bradford force have
been increased by 75%, pay of a police constable by 140%, and the higher ranks
had also received considerable percentage increases. “The duties of a
policeman have increased enormously in importance, and today we are
recruiting men of a class totally different from that of 30 years ago. We
have degree men in the force, and we draw from the secondary schools.
Recruits before they become constables, are given an intensive training
which did not exist when I became chief.” Thirty years ago the duties of a
policeman in Bradford were occupied largely with rowdies in certain parts of
the city, which were known for the violence of the characters frequenting them.
The helmet was needed to save the old time policeman's head from violence.
It was his crash helmet, protecting him from the sticks and weapons of
hooligans. Such protection is seldom required now, said Mr Farndale, the city
is practically quiet. As time went by the police forces had to equip themselves
to deal with the problems presented by a modern world. Fast moving traffic
came. The crooks made full use of it. The police checkmate was the
Flying Squad. Mr Farndale was the first chief constable to realise that
the old type of police stations were out of date. The modern crook moves so
quickly that unless he is caught red handed, the chances of capture dwindle. So
Mr Farndale scrapped all the old police stations in Bradford and planned 100
fully equipped police boxes on the very doorsteps of the citizens. By using
the police box system, he said, citizens can obtain the assistance of
the police almost at a moment’s notice. Now experiments are going on to
ascertain the extent to which the police can make use of wireless in the
detection and prevention of crime. The questions of secret wavelengths and
codes has to be considered. Experiments are being conducted in Bradford
with wireless vans, which will mature in the very near future. Such vans
would be able to patrol the city at regular periods of the day, receiving
instructions from headquarters by wireless, and acting on them without
being under the necessity of making points at given times. The hooligans of the
old days who committed crime crimes of violence against the person were often
caught red handed. The type of crime prevailing today, however, requires
great investigative investigation qualities, hence our detective department
department with its highly qualified staff. Mr Farndale paid a warm tribute
to his detectives. Bradford, he said, is fortunate in having a very
efficient effect detective staff in the charge of Superintendent Petty, who
started his police career in the same year that I was appointed Chief
Constable. No murder of recent years has gone undetected. What of the
police force 30 years hence? “I do not see that there can be any greater
demand on the intelligence of the police force of the future than there is
today,” he said. “full advantage, of course, will have to be taken off
scientific developments.” Mr Farndale believes in the local force doing its
job without calling in outside aid. “It is not altogether what a detective
knows,” he said. “it is what he can get to know. People are more likely to
give information and assistance to them to men they know, representing
their own force, rather than to a stranger. I believe in the local force doing
its own job when it is as efficient as that of the Bradford force, which has
never failed yet.”
His
funny stories were still the same stories as he always told (see the same
stories told on 9 April 1914)! The Leeds Mercury 24 December 1930: ON THE BEAT. Chatting with Mr Joseph
Farndale who is resigning his post as chief constable of Bradford to take
up his appointment as Chairman of the Traffic Commissioners for Yorkshire, I
was told two good stories of recruits of his early days. One of these recruits
had been appointed to a beat, but he failed to make his point with the
Sergeant. A search was made. The Sergeant found him at home. “What on earth are
you doing here?” asked the Sergeant. “Why” said the recruit “there's nobody out
on a night like this!” The other story concerns a recruit who had been told to
devote himself to patrolling a number of buildings. It was estimated that to do
the tour of the buildings with efficiency and thoroughness would take an hour,
so the Sergeant said “Your job is to walk eight times round.” In three hours,
the recruit turned up at the police station. “I'm going home now,” he said.
“I've been round eight times.”
1931
Joseph
Farndale began his duties as Chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners on
1 January 1931, which coinccided with the commencement of the new Road Act and
the end of the unobserved 20mph speed limit. The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 2 January 1931: COMMISSIONERS IN CHARGE. Mr Joseph Farndale,
Chairman of Commissioners for the Yorkshire traffic area, began his duties
yesterday at the Area Headquarters, 5 Swinegate, Leeds. The Commissioners, only
the chairman of whom has been appointed, are the first occupants of the new
offices, comprising 3 floors and a basement directed by the Leeds
Corporation as a frontage to the extension of these Swinegate tramway depot.
All official communication should be addressed to Mr Jr Williams, clerk to the
commissioners, at that address. So far as outward appearances go, writes the
motoring correspondence of the Yorkshire Post, the operation of the new Act
appears to have little or no visible effect. This is due, of course, to the
fact that the abolition of the speed limit is more a matter of legal
definition than of actual practise, as the old speed limit of 20 miles
an hour has not been observed for years past. Observation of the road
yesterday, therefore, disclosed but little, if any alteration. Nor did reports
received by the Automobile Association and the automobile club from their
scouts indicate any change of behaviour.
The Road Traffic Act 1930 for the ‘control of
traffic on the roads’ followed the Royal Commission report on transport.
Speedometers on cars were made compulsory from 1932 and speed limits for cars
were removed because ‘the existing speed limit was so universally disobeyed
that its maintenance brought the law into contempt. At the same time, the Third
Parties (Rights against Insurers) Act 1930 protected motorists who suffered
accidents.
The
debate about Joseph’s appointment after his retirement from the police
continued. The Leeds Mercury, 16 January 1931: ‘MUCH MALIGNED MAN’. Mr F Radcliffe said Mr
Farndale was a much maligned man both from the democratic and municipal
points of view. So far as the new appointment was concerned there was not a
better man in the district for the job. Mr J W Flanigan, who also paid
tribute to Mr Farndale, said the country was run by permanent officials. Mr A R
Ellis said if the resolution was passed it would “tacked upon an individual.”
The real feeling of the meeting was that they were opposed to the
appointment of men who were passed the retiring age to highly remunerative
posts, when they were already entitled to retire on pensions of something
like £800 a year. He moved the successful amendment that a deputation be
appointed to meet the Minister of Transport to hear his side of the story.
The Leeds
Mercury, 16 January 1931: FROM
OUR BRADFORD STAFF. A resolution brought by Bradford Typographical Society to
Bradford Trades Council tonight, protesting against the appointment of the
former Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, to the position of
chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners, was deferred, and amendment,
proposing that a deputation should meet Mr Herbert Morrison, Minister of
Transport, on the matter, was carried. Mr Morrison is to visit Bradford
shortly. Commenting on the resolution, a delegate said they were tackling the
thing at the wrong end. It was useless bothering their heads about people
getting situations in which there was no scope for the working class. They
should occupy themselves with the question of constables retiring on pension
and filling jobs which could be filled by the unemployed. Another delegate said
they were not concerned with this appointment in particular. It was the whole
system that was wrong. It was likely that Mr Farndale's appointment had been
suggested to the minister by some permanent officials.
The Halifax
Evening Courier 16 January 1931: DEPUTATION
TO MINISTER. BRADFORD TRADES COUNCIL AND TRAFFIC APPOINTMENTS. A suggestion
that the Bradford Trades Council should protest against the appointment of the
Chief Constable of the city, Mr. J Farndale, as Traffic Commissioner, was made
at the meeting of the council last night. One of the grounds of the protest was
that Mr Farndale “he is already entitled to inadequate retiring allowance.” …
The Shipley
Times and Express 17 January 1931: COUNCILLOR
T J GRAY AND THE GOVERNMENT. HAS TO BE FORCED TO DFO THINGS. CRITICISM OF
TRANSPORT APPOINTMENTS. Speaking at the annual meeting of the Shipley Trades
and Labour Council, at which Mr. J Hudson presided on Tuesday, Councillor TJ
Grey JP, chairman of the Shipley Urban Council, frankly stated his views
with regard to the present state of unemployment..... “Some steps ought to
be taken,” he said “to organise labour against the attitude of the government of
this country in giving jobs to men like Farndale, of Bradford, and
Chamberlain, of Leeds, who are in receipt of big fat pensions, and who
are going on to ages of 70 and 75 at £1000 a year salaries.”...
The Leeds
Mercury 22 January 1931: MR
FARNDALE’S PENSION. HALIFAX MEMBER ASKED QUESTIONS IN COMMONS. Mr Longbottom,
Socialist, Halifax cover asked the Minister of Transport, in the House
of Commons yesterday, whether seeing he has appointed Mr Joseph Farndale CBE ex
chief constable of Bradford, to be chairman of the traffic commissioners for
Yorkshire, he will state the amount per and that Mr Farndale will receive in
pension for past services in the police force. Mr Morrison said he understood
the usual practise was to grant 2/3 of salary for pension purposes, and as Mr
Farndale’s salary was £1,250, presumably he would get about £800 a year.
Ministerial ministerial cries of “oh.”. Mr Longbottom asked the Minister if he
would see that in all appointments of inspectors and examiners under the Road Traffic Act 1930, they should be persons not in receipt of
pensions from positions previously held. Mr Morrison went on “I will
bear in mind the suggestion of the honourable member, with which I am in
general sympathy, but the predominant consideration must be the selection of
the best qualified candidate in each case.” Mr Farndale is to have £1,000 a
year for his new work.
Joseph
Farndale was given a good send off from the Bradford Police. The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 6 February 1931:
FAREWELL TO CHIEF CONSTABLE. BRADFORD’S OFFICERS’
TRIBUTES TO MR FARNDALE.
Over 300 officers and men of the Bradford City
police force and Bradford special constablry paraded at the Belle Vue Barracks,
Bradford, yesterday, when presentations were made to Mr Joseph Farndale, chief
constable of the city for 30 years, and now chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic
Commissioners, and Mrs Farndale, who, unfortunately, was unable to be present.
Chief Superintendent Johnson presented to Mr Farndale a silver plate,
which is to be attached to a mahogany wardrobe, the gifts of the
officers and men of the regular force, and also a Rose Bowl on
behalf of the Bradford City Police Athletic Club.
Expressing gratitude at the treatment received by
the force from Mr Farndale, Chief Superintendent Johnson said the Chief’s view
had always been prompted by justice and fairness, and they would
remember him for his humanity and enthusiasm. They wished him success in
his new position, and hoped he and Mrs Farndale would have health and
prosperity for many years to come. (Applause). Superintendent Turner,
Superintendent Chapman, Chief Inspector Bowden, who referred to the many
occasions when he had had to approach Mr Farndale with requests on behalf of
the men, and Sergeant Cook also spoke. Mr Frank Greenwood, deputy chairman of
the Corporation Watch Committee and chairman of the Special Constabulary,
presented Mr Farndale with a cut glass electric reading lamp on behalf
of the Specials. Mr Greenwood said Mr Farndale had given the Specials every
assistance he could. Mr E Hoyle, treasurer, Mr W Taylor and Superintendent
Taylor also spoke for the Specials.
Expressing thanks, Mr Farndale said that if a
man took on the position he had held for so long simply for the remuneration he
would be a decided failure. He must have the heart and mind to do right to
those who honoured him with their confidence, and go beyond the question of
LSD. He had felt that from the first day he joined the service, and had tried
to recruit into the service men of that class, not men who were simply seeking
a job for the remuneration, but men with the best intention of serving the
public to the best of their ability. That had been his guide, and he had
still to find a decided failure. That was what made him proud at the moment.
Referring to the value of the special constables, Mr Farndale said they
had set an example which ought to be followed not by hundreds but by thousands
of men in the city. On behalf of the Police, Mr Farndale then presented gold
watches to two Bradford boys who helped acting Sergeant Downey in
apprehending a thief on December 13. The boys were Douglas James Walton, 15,
and Ernest William Mullin, both of Fitzgerald Street.
The Leeds
Mercury 06 February 1931: BRADFORD
CHIEF CONSTABLE’S FAREWELL. “No matter where I am, I shall be a policeman to
the end of my time. I cannot help it. I was practically born into the
service, and I shall die in the service, although I may not be an active
member”. In those words Mr Joseph Farndale for 30 years chief constable
Bradford, said farewell to his men as they stood, forming a great square of
blue, at Belle Vue barracks yesterday afternoon. It was an occasion all those
present will remember, the final March, the old “Chief” standing at the
salute, and then the police band playing “Auld Lang Syne.” “I leave my
reputation in your hands, and I leave it wholeheartedly because I know you will
never fail. He said “I want my successor to realise that the men I have put in
service, and the officers I have promoted, are the right men to serve this
city, and that they will continue to serve it to the end of their day.”
And so Joseph Farndale’s work as Chairman of the
Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners began. LNER OPPOSITION. SHEFFIELD TO SKEGNESS MOTOR COACH SERVICE.
When the Yorkshire Area Traffic Commissioners, under the chairmanship of Mr. J
Farndale, resumed their public sitting at Sheffield yesterday, the United Motor
Services applied for a renewal of a licence for a service between Sheffield and
Skegness, Mablethorpe and Sutton on sea....
The
Trafic Commissioners for Great Britain were responsible for the licensing
and regulation of the operators of heavy goods vehicles, buses and coaches, and
the registration of local bus services within Great Britain (not the whole
of the UK). Hansard,
Volume 244, 5 November 1930 defined
The main duties to be performed by the Area Traffic Commissioners, otherwise
than in the Metropolitan Traffic Area, may he summarised as follows: (1) The
granting of public service vehicle licences and the inspection of such vehicles
from the point of view of fitness and suitability; (2) The granting and backing
of road service licences and the attaching of conditions thereto for the
control and co-ordination of passenger services by road; (3) The granting of
licences to drive or to act as conductor of a public service vehicle; (4) The
granting of consents to local authorities to operate public service vehicles on
routes outside their areas under Part V of the Act; (5) Advising the Minister
on orders made by local authorities under Section 90 of the Act in respect of
the routes, stopping places, parking places and stands for public service
vehicles; (6) All matters incidental to the above such as: (a) The holding of
public sittings for the hearing of applications for, and objections to, the
grant or backing of road service licences and for other purposes; (b) The
collection of fees; (c) The keeping of accounts and records; (d) The
presentation of an annual report, etc.
The Leeds Mercury, 3 June 1931: TRAFFIC BIG THREE. COMMISSIONERS AT WORK.
Leeds had its first experience yesterday of the new Traffic Commission which
will play a vital part in the development of this country in the next few years.
Three elderly gentlemen, plainly dressed and serious looking, sat on the
bench occupied at other times by a High Court judge. They combine both
executive and judicial functions. Their jurisdiction embraces over 4000
motor buses over 6000 drivers. On semi circular benches in front of them
were other gentlemen, piles of papers, plans and maps. High above the jury box
hung a huge map of Leeds covered with wriggling lines in gay colours.
Beneath, alone, was a young man who rose from time to time and prodded the map
with long pointer. The court also contains shorthand writers, clerks and three
people in the public gallery. The presiding commissioner, Mr Joseph Farndale,
was formerly chief constable of Bradford. He is white haired. Without his
moustache he would look like some of the assize judges who have often occupied
that chair. He speaks slowly, giving weight to every word.
The Leeds Mercury 06 June 1931: JOURNIES TO THE SEA. Applications to run
express services between Leeds, and Blackpool, Morecambe, Scarborough, Filey
and Bridlington were made by Mrs R Bark (Leeds) Limited. Mr Barr said he had
taken at a yearly average of 16,000 people to Blackpool at the August bank
holiday and at August bank holiday used as many as 40 coaches, some obtained
from other companies by arrangement, on the Blackpool route alone. Mr Farndale
remarked that they were very much concerned about the congestion on the
roads at bank holiday times, particularly on the roads to Blackpool. They
had had such alarming reports. Congestion had to be dealt with by the
Commissioners and it was felt important for them to find out the number of
vehicles likely to be on the roads at these rush periods. A railway official
gave evidence that the number of passengers from Leeds to Blackpool by rail had
decreased from 146,000 in 1927 to 127,000 in 1930. Receipts in the same period
had gone down from £36,416 to £23,534.
It
soon became necessary to define an ‘excursion’. The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer 6 June 1931: AN EXCURSION BY MOTOR BUS. TRAFFIC
COMMISSIONERS DEFINITION. EMBARRASSING POINT. Particular interest in the
sitting of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners at the town hall, Leeds
yesterday lay in the first announcement of a definition of “excursion”.
The word itself does not occur in the Road Act, but the traffic commissioners
have issued forms of application for licences for “excursions and tours”
as well As for stage carriages and express carriages. Mr. J Farndale, the
presiding commissioner, said yesterday, at the opening of the session, that it
might benefit to the public to know the exact meaning the Commission is applied
to the term. They had decided that an excursion was “a journey to and from a
specified destination to be completed in one day in at an inclusive fare.” in
other words it was a day trip. The condition should be attached to all
licences issued by the commissioners...
The Liverpool
Daily Post, 6 June 1931: ‘EXCURSION’
A DAY TRIP ONLY. BOMBSHELL FOR MOTOR COACH OWNERS. RULING UPSETS SUMMER
PROGRAMMES. A ruling given yesterday by the Yorkshire Traffic
Commissioners, sitting at Leeds town hall, as to what constitutes an
excursion coach for the purposes of a traffic licence, came as a
bombshell to a number of applicants. The chairman, Mr Joseph Farndale, said
an excursion was a journey to an from that specified destination, to be
completed in one day as an inclusive fare; In other words, it was to be a day
trip, and a condition to that effect would be put on all licences granted in
respect of applications for permission run excursions.
The Yorkshire
Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 13 August 1931: FOUR SEAT CARS. In reply to Mr Beaumont, for
the opposing bus companies, Mr straker said he held it to be quite possible to
run a public service with a four seater car. If his application was granted he
was prepared to purchase six and seven seater cars. Mr Beaumont: “do you think
for strangers who have never seen each other before would find a journey to
Blackpool attractive?” “I do”. The chief come the chief commissioner, Mr. J
farndale: “the sex it will be mixed. Moment came at: “well, that will make it
more attractive.” laughter....
The Sheffield
Daily Telegraph, 14 August 1931: ‘PEOPLE
LIKE NICE BUSES’. SHEFFIELD APPLICANT’S POINT FOR TRAFFIC COMMISSIONERS. Before
the Yorkshire traffic commissioners at York yesterday, Mr JF Skelton of
gleadless, Sheffield, applied for an existing service between works workshop
and Sheffield to be increased from A2 hourly service to an hourly service... Mr
EP merit for Ellen yard ask the applicant what reason he had for suggesting
that it was the object to the bus company to drive the passengers to the
railway. Applicant: “well, I know the railways are not doing very well.” the
chief commissioner, Mr. J farndale: “are you a shareholder?” “no”. Laughter.
The applicant said that people had remarked to him that they preferred to ride
in nice bosses like his rather than the grey green railway buses....
The Sheffield
Daily Telegraph, 30 September 1931: Co-op
Tours – Dividend Question raised. At a sitting of the Yorkshire Traffic
Commissioners at Leeds, when the Pendleton Co-operative Society made
application to make excursions and tours through the Yorkshire area to York,
Scarborough and Bolton Abbey, the Chairman, Mr Joseph Farndale asked “to whom
is the dividend credited on the fares for these tours?” … Mr Farndale “There is
a funeral branch, and you can get a dividend on that.”
The Leeds
Mercury 6 June 1931: “Day
Trip” says Mr Farndale Declining the granting of ‘period excursions”, Mr
Joseph Farndale, Chairman of the Commissioners, during yesterday’s sitting in
Leeds Town Hall, gave the official definition of an excursion as a “journey to
and from a specified definition to be completed in one day at an inclusive fare
– a day trip”
The Sheffield
Daily Telegraph, 13 April 1931: Nearly
60 applications to run excursions and tours and to vary conditions of bus
services were made o the Yorkshire Area Traffic Commissioners (MR Joseph
Farndale and Alderman J Law) at Sheffield Town Hall yesterday.
The Yorkshire
Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 12 November 1931: BUS TO LEEDS WORKS. FARES COLLECTED BY GIRL
PASSENGER. The Leeds Corporation objected, before the Yorkshire Area Traffic
Commissioners yesterday, to the granting of licence to Mrs Smallpage of Leeds,
for the running of a bus service from Easy Road to Hudson Rd. The applicant
desired in the main to serve people wanting to go to the works of Messrs
Montague Burke Burton. Mr H R MacDowell on behalf of the Corporation asked Mr
Smallpage, who appeared for the applicant, how he collected his fares. Mr
Smallpage: “I get one of the girls to collect them.” “How do you check them?”
“I think there is a bit of honesty left in the world.” The chairman, Mr.J
Farndale: “and you think this girl is that bit of honesty?”...
The Derbyshire
Times, 12 December 1931: Chesterfield
some time ago provided Brighton with its town clerk in the person of Mr J H
Rothwell CBE. Brighton has now furnished Chesterfield with its new chief
constable in the person of Superintendent Wells. In a letter to the editor of
this journal Mr Rothwell says “i have not released out that the Watch
Committee, the council and the ratepayers generally in West Chesterfield will
very soon be satisfied that they had secured in their new chief constable a man
who is possessed of all the attributes which they have the right to expect in a
selected candidate for such a responsible position.” It is remarkable how in
the past Chesterfield has been the jumping off ground for many important
positions... in the person of Mr Farndale, the uncle of the late chief
constable of Bradford, who is now traffic commissioner for the Midland area...
1932
The Sheffield Independent, 9
March 1932: CASTLEGATE AS A ‘BUS TOUR
CENTRE’. SHEFFIELD CORPORATION WISH. OWNERS OBJECT. Sheffield Corporations wish
that the new thoroughfare, Castlegate, should be used as the starting point for
all excursions and tours from the centre of the city met with little enthusiasm
from motor coach owners at a sitting of the Yorkshire area traffic
commissioners at Sheffield town hall yesterday... During the questions about
fares charged for running to Doncaster races, the Chairman, Mr. J Farndale,
said the commissioners had had operators in the district attend a conference so
that there could be cooperation and agreement...
The Sheffield
Daily Telegraph, 23 September 1932: BUS
EXCURSIONS. SHEFFIELD OBJECTION TO THE PROPOSED FARE. …
1933
The Yorkshire
Post and Leeds Intelligencer 11 January 1933: TO BLACKPOOL. VIEW THAT TRAFFIC IS TOO
HEAVY. During a public sitting of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners in Leeds
yesterday, the chairman, Mr Joseph Farndale, made an important announcement in
regard to the large number of road services to Blackpool. The
commissioners had before them a long series of applications for road service
licences to continue existing stage and express services to Blackpool from
Leeds, Sheffield, Chesterfield and various places in the West Riding. “Have you
had an opportunity of considering the statistics sent in by the applicants”, Mr
Farndale said, “The commissioners had come to the conclusion that the
Blackpool traffic was still too heavy during the winter months. They
suggested that the various operators on the route should endeavour to enter
into a working agreement, covering the winter season, whereby some of the
traffic might be eliminated, for some of the services were obviously running
light. It is clear for the to the commissioners, he added, that something will
have to be done, and they would rather that the operators themselves found some
scheme than the commissioners should have to force one upon them.
The Leeds
Mercury, 11 January 1933: “TOO
MANY ‘BUSES TO BLACKPOOL”. An important announcement about the large number of
bus services to Blackpool was made at a sitting of the Yorkshire traffic
commissioners in the town hall, Leeds, yesterday by the chairman Mr Joseph
Farndale...
The
controversy over Joseph Farnale’s pension and salary returned, when Halifax
refused to pay their share. The Leeds Mercury, 4 May 1933: HALIFAX COUNCIL JIB AT A PENSION. Pointed
comments were made at Halifax Town council meeting tonight by Alderman A W
Longbottom, ex MP for Halifax, respecting the half year’s contribution to the
pension of Mr Joseph Farndale, ex chief constable of Bradford, and now chairman
of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners. For some time Mr Farndale was a
police officer at Halifax before he went to Bradford. Alderman Longbottom,
Socialist, said for the past three years he had opposed Mr Farndale's
appointment to a post under the Minister of Transport. He could not
agree that the money of Halifax ratepayers should be used towards paying a
pension of nearly £900 a year to a man who is now in receipt of a government
appointment for which he got a salary of £1,200 a year. He knew it could be
said that the appointment was made by a Socialist government, of which he,
Alderman Longbottom, was a member. Mr Farndale was a man who had been in a
decent position all his working life, and when he was considered to be too old
to continue to perform the duties, a beneficial public granted him a pension of
£16 a week. Any person in receipt of a pension of such a rate could not in any
degree be considered to be lacking in the essentials of life. But not content
with that Mr Farndale applied for and was given a post which could be filled by
thousands of university trained men who were out of a job. That should not be
allowed to continue, and he asked the Council to say they were not going to
tolerate one man having a pension of £16 a week and that appointment of £20 a
week. The Mayor, Alderman William Crabtree, said he was informed by the town
clerk that they would have to pay it as it was an instruction from the
government. The town clerk, Mr P Saunders, said they had to pay Bradford
and Bradford had to pay ex chief constable Farndale, a pension. Halifax
had to pay their proportion based on the number of years Mr Farndale served in
Halifax. After Alderman Longbottom 's amendment not to pay the salary
had been carried, the Mayor added: “the amendment is carried, but I
don't think you will do any good by it.” (Laughter).
The Grimsby
Daily Telegraph, 4 May 1933: THINGS
THAT HAPPEN. A PENSION AND A BIG SALARY. Halifax Town Council last night
refused to sanction the payment of £8 8s 6d for half yearly
contribution to the pension of Mr Joseph Farndale, ex chief constable of
Bradford, who is now the chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners.
Alderman A W Longbottom, moving at resolution that the amount should not be
paid, said he would not agree to ratepayers money being used towards paying a
pension of nearly £900 year to a man now holding a government appointment for
which he received a salary of £1,200 a year. The town clerk, Mr P Saunders,
said the Council were bound to pay the contribution but the council voted
against it.
The Leeds
Mercury, 30 May 1933: WHERE
THEY ARE GREAT TRAVELLERS. Perhaps the unconscious humour of some of the
witnesses keeps them fresh. As for example the man from Bramham who declared
that Bramham folk travelled a lot: they even went as far as Harrogate
sometimes. And the man from Aberford who took exception to the remark of Mr
Joseph Farndale, the chief constable commissioner, that Aberford had not
changed for 50 years by pointing out that at least three new houses had been
built.
1934
But
Joseph Farndale was working very hard as Traffic Commissioner, so perhaps it
might be said that he was earning his salary. The Leeds Mercury 25 May 1934: MR FARNDALE’S BUSY DAYS. The business of
granting licences to road hauliers under the Road and Rail Traffic Act of 1933 is a long one, and I think that Mr Joseph
Farndale, who is the licencing authority for Yorkshire, ought to have the
admiration and sympathy of everybody for the hours he has to put in,
listening to the applications for licences and objections to the applications. On
Wednesday he sat over 5 hours, hearing 70 applications, and yesterday he sat 6
½ hours, hearing another 70; And today he has another 75 facing him.
The Road and Rail; Traffic Act 1933 was an Act
to make provision for regulating the carriage of goods on, roads by motor
vehicles and for - controlling the use of vehicles on certain roads ; to amend
certain provisions of the Road Traffic Act, 1930; to amend the law relating to
railways
and to make provision for constituting a
council to advise on questions in connection with the means of, and facilities
for, transport ; and for purposes connected with the matters aforesaid.
The Yorkshire
Post and Leeds Intelligencer 25 May 1934: When today’s cases have been heard Mr Joseph Farndale,
chairman of the licencing authority for the Yorkshire traffic area, will
have heard 220 applications within three days.… PUBLIC CARRIER LICENCES.
220 APPLICATIONS IN THREE DAYS AT LEEDS. Mr Joseph Farndale, chairman of the
licencing authority for the Yorkshire traffic area, had a six and a half
hour sitting in Leeds yesterday, following a five hours sitting in
the previous day. He was dealing with applications for “A” and “B” licences
from Hollyoaks, public carriers and haulage contractors. Yesterday he dealt
with about 70 applications, the previous day with 75 and another 73 will be
submitted to him today. An “A” licence application was made by Harry Lund
(Otley) Limited, Lords Road, Otley, who in addition to being removal and
heritage haulage contractors, are motor dealers …
The Yorkshire
Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 29 May 1934: … Mr Joseph Farndale, who used to be Chief Constable of
Bradford is blessed with a sense of humour, and so, too, are some of the
applicants, though they may have been unconscious that of the fact. An
applicant from a village near Scarborough was enumerating what he wanted to
carry in his vehicle. In his list were “carcasses” and the chairman
asked him what he meant by that. The applicant thought for a moment and then
ventured the explanation “dead carcasses.” eventually “carcasses” were
defined as “butchers meat.”
The Halifax
Evening Courier, 24 July 1934: HE
DRAWS THE FIRE ENGINE. When a Masham, North Yorkshire, man applied for a
licence from commercial vehicle at the licencing authority court at Leeds,
yesterday, he told the chairman, Mr Joseph Farndale, that among his duties he had
to draw the Masham fire engine to fires. Mr Farndale: “What happens when
a fire breaks out and your vehicle is 40 miles away?” applicant: “They have
to look for us or get us on the telephone.” Mr Farndale: “You ask the fire
to wait?” Applicant: “It is not often we have a fire.” Applicant was
granted a licence to carry farm produce, cattle foods, corn, building
materials, furniture and refreshments and was told by the chairman that he
would be allowed to draw the fire engine where and when required.
The Leeds
Mercury, 13 November 1934: BUSES
FOR GIRL WORKERS. A YORKSHIRE APPLICATION. The Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners,
sitting in Leeds yesterday, heard an application for a special short bus
service in the early morning to take young girls from Bradford to Messrs Henry
Mason’s Mills, Shipley... Mr F H Whittaker for the applicants Messrs B & B
Tours Limited, said that Masons had asked for a special service to take 28
girl work workers from Bradford to Shipley at 5:40 AM and return them at night.
A witness for Messrs B & B Tours said that Messes Masons desired to offer
proper protection to the get young girls in the early morning in the late night
travel. Mr C R Hodgson for Allan yard company: “Do you think there is any
danger of the girls going wrong in between the station and the mill?”
(laughter). The Chairman, Mr J Farndale: “Is there any danger of the bus going
into the canal?” (laughter). The Chairman intimated that the application would
be considered.
The Shipley
Times and Express, 17 November 1934: TO BE CONSIDERED. An application by B&B Tours
Limited, to run a special early morning and late night express carriage service
between the Alhambra, Bradford and Masons Mill, Shipley for a number of girls
engaged on special work at the mills, came before the Yorkshire Traffic
Commissioners on Monday. Mr F H Whitaker, for the applicants, said the
operators wanted a short period licence for 28 girls who live in Bradford. The
mill owners had decided to pay for the bus at a rate of 7s 6d a journey, and no
deductions would be made from the work people's wages. It might be held he
contended that there was no need to apply for a licence, as the carriage had
been engaged at contract rate. The operators wished to make the application in
open court, however, to ensure being on the right side of the law. A witness
for the coach company said from mill owners wanted to offer protection to the
girls by running the coach straight to the mill. Mr C R Hodgson, for the London
and northeastern railway company,: “Is there any danger of the girls going
wrong at that hour in the morning between the station and the milk?”
(laughter). The chairman, Mr Joseph Farndale: “Is there any danger of the bus
going into the canal?” (laughter). The witness added that though provisional
arrangements had been made to run the service for three months, it could be
terminated by a week's notice on either side. Mr Hodgson: “Do you say you will
stop the service if you were given a weeks notice?” Witness: “Yes, there will
be no passengers.” Mr Hodgson went on: “Do you realise that you are applying
for an express carriage licence for three months, and if the Authorities
instruct you, your duty will be to run the service?” The witness said the
service would still be run if the commissioners ordered them to continue it. Mr
WH Leatham, for Bradford Corporation, submitted that the operators were not
particular about how far the girls would have to travel in Bradford in order to
join the bus at the Alhambra. Mr Farndale: “They take the view perhaps that
they are safe in Bradford, but not outside.” (laughter). The application will
be considered.
The Yorkshire
Evening Post, 30 November 1934: A WALK
OVER. LEEDS INQUIRY. APPLICATIONS THAT WERE NOT OPPOSED. A strange, almost
uncanny, peace reigned at today's public inquiry in Leeds held by the licencing
authority for the Yorkshire traffic area. For the first time since these
inquiries were instituted under the Road and Rail Traffic Act there were no experiences from the railway
companies to applications from road hauliers for licences for their vehicles.
The commissioner, Mr Joseph Farndale, instead of having to listen to road
hauliers and solicitors until late in the afternoon, heard 35 applications in
less than two hours...
The Leeds
Mercury, 5 December 1934: A
CRITIC IN LEEDS TRAFFIC COURT. MR FARNDALE’S RETORT TO BARRISTER. A complaint
against the way in which some applications for commercial vehicles were
presented was made yesterday by Mr G Woodward, a barrister, representing the
LME and LNE Railway companies, at a sitting of the Yorkshire traffic licencing
authority in Leeds … Mr Woodward said evidence had been put to witnesses at
such a speed that had been impossible to take notes of all the points, some
of which, might have been contested by the railway companies. Referring to one
application, he said, “In this particular case we are in a difficulty. We know
the final results, but it is quite impossible for us to follow what the
application really is. I must admit I do not know yet what is in the
application.” Mr. J Farndale, the licencing authority, said, “Well I do.
Please do not go on commenting about the procedure of this court. I am the
authority here, and it is for me to say whether or not I think the
applications are being properly presented.” …
1935
The Yorkshire
Post and Leeds Intelligencer 16 January 1935: ‘WAR OF THE ROSES.’ OPERATING LANCASHIRE
‘BUSES IN YORKSHIRE. I have heard of this war of the roses before, said Mr
Joseph Farndale, chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners, when an
application was heard at Sheffield today from a Lancashire road operator to
run excursions and tours from Yorkshire...
The Leeds
Mercury, 31 January 1935. … At a
sitting of the Authority in Sheffield recently, Mr Farndale withheld his
decision as to the licensing of one lorry until he had heard evidence of a
representative of this steel works, for whom the applicants claim to have
carried out extensive haulage.
The Leeds
Mercury, 12 February 1935: To
another applicant who referred several times to his “fleet of vehicles” Mr
Farndale said: “your fleet consists of one vehicle doesn't such?”. “Two,
Sir,” the applicant replied. “Well, two, then.” said Mr Farndale. “but even
that isn't a very large fleet to command.”
The Leeds
Mercury, 6 March 1935: SIR
WILLIAM HART IN LEEDS AGAIN. The work of the licencing of goods vehicles is
getting heavier and heavier, and I have already written about the long hours
that Mr Joseph Farndale as the Authority for the Yorkshire traffic area,
puts in. This work, which is in addition to the licencing of passenger
vehicles, have become so heavy that a deputy has been appointed and the
appearance of Sir William iheart in that position in Leeds yesterday was very
interesting, since it marked the return of one of Leeds most distinguished men.
1936
The Leeds
Mercury, 4 June 1936: HAULAGE
RATES AND STABILISATION. SUGGESTED MOVE TO PREVENT PRICE CUTTING. A move
towards stabilisation of haulage rates, which were the subject of
comment by the chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners, Mr Joseph
Farndale, in his annual report in March, is reported in the June issue
of the Bradford Chamber of trade journal. Mr Farndale said it had been become
increasingly evident that the question of the stabilisation of rates for road
haulage was one which needed to be tackled urgently, and that, as the licencing
authorities were not endowed with statutory powers in that regard to the fixing
of rates, the initiative must lie with the operators and their associations...
Joseph’s
First Wife, Emma, died on 1 September 1936.
The Bradford
Observer, 2 September 1936: MRS
FARNDALE. FORMER BRADFORD CHIEF CONSTABLE BEREAVED. Death occurred yesterday of
Mrs Emma Farndale, wife of Mr Joseph Farndale, of Oakdene, Slingsby walk,
Harrogate. Mr Farndale, who is chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners,
was chief constable of Bradford from 1900 to 1930. Mrs Farndale was a woman
of charming personality. She was aged 73, and was the second daughter of
the late Mr William Selby, of Wakefield. She married Mr Farndale in 1883.
The Yorkshire
Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 2 September 1936: MRS J FARNDALE. The death occurred
yesterday, at the age of 73, have Mrs J Farndale, of Oak Dean, Slingsby walk,
Harrogate, wife of Mr Joseph Farndale, chairman at the Yorkshire Traffic
Commissioners, and ex Chief Constable of Bradford. Mrs Farndale was the second
daughter of the late Mr William Selby, of Wakefield. During her husband's
service of 30 years as chief constable of Bradford she made many friends,
but took little part in public life. She was married in 1883.
The Bradford
Observer, 2 September 1936) : FARNDALE
– On September 1st, at Oakdene, Slingsby walk, Harrogate, Emma,
dearly loved wife of Joseph Farndale, in her 74th year. Funeral arrangements
later.
The Bradford
Observer, 5 September 1936 – FARNDALE
– On September 1st On September 1st at Oakdene, Slingsby walk,
Harrogate, Emma, dearly loved wife of Joseph Farndale, in her 74th year.
Funeral service at christchurch, harrogate, at 11:45 AM. Today, Saturday,
September 5th, prior to internment at stonefall cemetery.
The Bradford
Observer, 7 September 1936: FUNERAL
OF MRS FARNDALE. The funeral took place at Christchurch, Harrogate, on
Saturday, of Mrs Emma farndale, who died at her home, Oakdene, Slingsby walk,
Harrogate, on Tuesday at the age of 73. Mrs Farndale was the wife of Mr Joseph
Farndale, the chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners and former chief
constable Bradford. The Rev J F Wrangham Hardy conducted the service, which
proceeded the internment at Stonefall cemetery, Harrogate. In addition to
family mourners among those present were Mr R L Matthews, chief constable of
Leeds and Mrs Matthews, Chief Superintendent Petty, representing the chief
constable of Bradford, Mr. T Rawson, Alderman Angus Roads, chairman of the
Bradford watch committee, Detective Chief Inspector Eastern, representing
detective Superintendent Price, Chief Inspector Hardy and Inspector Robinson,
all of the Bradford police.
The Leeds
Mercury, 23 September 1936. Carrying
of Corpses – haulier on grim part of his business. Corpses were
among the goods carried by a haulier who made an application to the Yorkshire
Traffic Licensing Authority (Mr Joseph Farndale), sitting at 44 The Headrow,
Leeds yesterday for renewal of his existing licence. He said he carried on a
rather specialised haulage business. When Mr Farndale asked him for distances
he said he had been asked to fetch something from Preston. Mr Farndale: “Was
that a Corpse?” – “Yes”. Mr Farndale: “You don’t require authority to carry
a corpse Corpses are not goods”. The applicant: “They have asked us to be
ready to carry them.” The existing licence was renewed.
1937
The Leeds
Mercury, 18 February 1937: NORTH
CAVE HAULIER’S ADMISSION. LORRY WITHOUT LICENCE. Mr. J Farndale the licencing
authority for Yorkshire under the Road
and Rail Traffic Act, at York,
today, refused a licence to Sydney Gledhill trading as the Boothferry Haulage
Company ...
The Leeds
Mercury, 10 July 1937: FISH
AND CHIPS FOR BUS PASSENGERS. DIFFICULTIES OF RUNNING SMALL SERVICES. Amusement
was caused during the sitting of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners at
Scarborough today when the proprietor of a small bus service said it was
difficult for his driver to attend closely to his fares as he had, on occasion,
to get fish and chips for his passengers. Thomas Colin Glover, of
Amotherby, Milton, applied for a modification of his stage carriage licence
between Pickering and Great Barugh to allow fare stages on route for the
benefit of farmers on market days. Mr Glover admitted that owing to a mistake
he had charged 4d for a sixpenny fare stage on one occasion. The passengers
slipped in unnoticed by the driver, and should never have been picked up. He
had been told that he must not travel on that particular bus in future. It is
much harder, he added, for these small proprietors to run services officially
as efficiently as the big companies. Though you may hardly believe it, my driver
may have fish and chips to get for his passengers, with the result that he does
not collect his tickets until the last minute.” (laughter). The chairman, Mr.
J Farndale: “He should see to his bus tickets, not a fish and chips.” …
Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 28 October 1937:
Mr Joseph Farndale, the Licencing Authority for Yorkshire Traffic Area,
sat at York yesterday and heard applications for variation of licences. His
questioning of an applicant is recorded in the newspaper.
1938
Joseph
Farndale married his second wife, Margaret Emmott in December 1937, and it
became public knowledge in January 1938.
The Dundee Courier, 1 January 1938: Traffic Chief Weds at
72. Mr Joseph Farndale, 72 year old chairman of Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners
and formerly Chief Constable of Bradford, yesterday married Miss Margaret
Emmott, Sowerby Bridge, who practices as a chiropodist in Leeds. The ceremony took
place in Leeds, unknown to the staff at the Traffic Commissioners’ office
there. Mr Farndale’s home is at Harrogate. After the wedding Mr and Ms Farndale
left for London. Mr Farndale was awarded the King’s Police Medal in 1914 and
has been President of the Chief Constable’s Association.
Joseph Farndale married Maggie Emmott, registered Leeds North
in the fourth quarter of 1937. (GRO Vol 9b page 824).
The Leeds Mercury, 1 January 1938:
MR JOSEPH FARNDALE. QUIET WEDDING IN LEEDS. Mr Joseph Farndale, chairman of
the Yorkshire traffic commissioners, and a former chief constable Bradford, was
quietly married to a Leeds chiropodist, Miss Margaret Emmett yesterday. None
but a few close friends and relatives at the bride and bridegroom knew of the
ceremony, and no hint of the wedding had become known to wider circles. Mr
Farndale is 72, and his bride an attractive woman, described by a friend
yesterday as “on the right side of 40.” She is well known as a
chiropodist, practising in Cavendish Chambers. Neither the staff of the
Traffic Commissioners office nor the employees of Miss Emmett knew anything of
the wedding until it was over, and Mr and Mrs Farndale had left for london.
Miss Emmert said she would be away for a few days. Mr Farndale is well known in
many parts of the country. A native of Wakefield, he served with the Halifax
police force before becoming chief constable of Margate. Later he became chief
constable of York and then a Bradford. He was awarded the Kings Police Medal in
1914, and in 1924 was made a Companion of the British Empire. He is a past
president of the Chief Constables Association. He became chairman of the
Yorkshire traffic commissioners after his retirement from the Bradford force.
Had the wedding being generally known there would have been a large gathering
of friends at from Brunswick Methodist Church, where the ceremony was performed
by the Reverend W E Sangster.
The Western Morning News, 1
January 1938: MARRIED AT 72. FORMER CHIEF CONSTABLE WEDS CHIROPODIST.
Mr Joseph Farndale 72 years old chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners
and formerly chief constable Bradford, yesterday married miss Margaret Emmett
of Sowerby Bridge, who practises as the chiropodist in Leeds. The ceremony took
place at Leeds, unknown to the staff at the traffic commissioners office there.
Mr Farndale's home is at Harrogate. After the wedding Mr and Mrs Farndale left
for London. Mr Farndale was chief constable of Margate and of York before
becoming chief constable Bradford in 1900. He was awarded the King's Police
Medal in 1914, and has been president of the chief constable's association.
The Northern Whig, 1 January 1938:
TRAFFIC CHIEF MARRIES AT 72. Mr Joseph Farndale, 72 year old chairman of the
Yorkshire traffic commissioners, and formerly chief constable Bradford,
yesterday married miss Margaret Emmett of sarabi bridge who practises as a
chiropodist in Leeds...
The Leeds Mercury, 1 January 1938:
MARRIAGES. FARNDALE-EMMOTT. December 31, 1937, at Brunswick Wesleyan Church,
Leeds, Joseph Farndale CBE, of Harrogate, to Margaret, second daughter of Mr.
Smith Emmett, of Sowerby Bridge.
The Huddersfield and Holmfirth
Examiner, 1 January 1938: YORKSHIRE TRAFFIC CHIEF WEDS AT SEVENTY TWO.
Ceremony unknown to his staff. Mr Joseph Farndale, 72 year old chairman of the
Yorkshire traffic commissioners, and formerly chief constable Bradford, today
married miss Margaret Emmett, of Sowerby Bridge, who practises as a chiropodist
in Leeds ..
Maggie Emmott was born in Sowerby in 1893. So she was 44 in
1937. She died in 1965 and is buried at St Peter’s Church, Sowerby.
Not long
afterwards, Joseph Farndale announced that he was retiring as Chairman of the
Traffic Commissioners. The Halifax Evening
Courier, 5 November 1938: RETIRING. Mr Joseph Farndale, chairman of the
Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners since the establishment of the Commission in
1930, has intimated that at the end of this year he proposes to retire
from the post. Mr Farndale began his career as a policeman in Halifax
borough police force. He subsequently became chief constable of Margate, then
at York, and finally of Bradford in 1900. He retired in 1930 to accept the
chairmanship of the Traffic Commission. Towards the end of the year he married
the daughter of Mr. Smith Emmitt, off Sowerby Bridge.
The Yorkshire Evening Post 07
November 1938: MR JOSEPH FARNDALE TO RETIRE. TRAFFIC COMMISSION
CHAIRMAN. ONE OF THE FIRST APPOINTED UNDER 1930 ACT. The Secretary to the
Ministry of Transport announces that Mr Joseph Farndale who has been chairman
at the Traffic Commissioners for Yorkshire traffic area since January 1 1931
and was appointed and was one of the original chairman appointed under the Road
Traffic Act 1930, will vacate that office on December 31. Mr Farndale
who is a native of Wakefield was born in 1864, and before taking over his
present position was chief of Bradford police from 1900. He joined Halifax
police force at the age of 19, and passed through every grade of the service.
He was chief constable of Margate and then chief constable of York, before
going to Bradford. Mr Farndale pioneered the police box system making a
suggestion to the government for their establishment some years before they
were generally adopted. His appointment in 1931 as Chairman of the Traffic
Commissioners, a salaried post, caused some controversy. Protests were made at
meetings of the Bradford Trades Council, and questions were asked in the House
of Commons. Mr Herbert Morrison, at that time Minister of Transport, said Mr
Farndale would draw a pension as a retired police officer in the region of £800
a year. When he retired to take over the appointment, 300 officers and men
paraded in Belle Vue barracks, Bradford, and presentations were made to him. Mr
Farndale has been president of the chief constable's association, and was
awarded the King's Police Medal in 1914. In 1924 he was given the CBE. His
marriage at the end of last year to Miss Margaret Emmett, second daughter of
Miss Smith Emmett, of Sowerby Bridge, caused a surprise. The ceremony which was
kept a closely guarded secret, took place at Brunswick Methodist Church, Leeds.
The bride, a chiropodist, practised in the Head Row. Mr Farndale’s first wife
died in September 1936.
The Leeds Mercury, 8 November
1938: MR J FARNDALE TO RETIRE. TRAFFIC COURT CHAIRMAN. The secretary
to the Ministry of Transport announces that Mr Joseph Farndale who has been
chairman of the Traffic Commissioners for the Yorkshire traffic area since
January 1931 and was one of the original chairman appointed under the Road
Traffic Act 1930, will vacate that office on December 31....
The Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 8 November 1938: MR J FARNDALE TO RETIRE. CHAIRMAN OF
TRAFFIC COMMISSIONERS. The Secretary to the Ministry of Transport announces
that Mr Joseph Farndale who has been chairman of the traffic commissioners for
the Yorkshire traffic area since January 1 1931, and is one of the original
chairman appointed under the Road Traffic Act 1930, will vacate that office on
December 31...
His last public activity as a Traffic Commisioner was to open
the new Barnsley Bus Station. :
Mr. J Farndale, CBE, chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners,
cutting the tape at the opening of the new Barnsley omnibus station on
Wednesday. The South Yorkshire Times and Mexborough &
Swinton Times, 23 December 1938: BARNSLEY’S SPLENDID NEW BUS STATION.
TRACTION ENTERPRISE PRAISED. LEAD FOR REST OF COUNTY. TRAFFIC COMMISSIONERS’
TRIBUTE.
1939
However, Joseph Farndale didn’t relax and continued to be
inviolved in traffic regulation, and the ‘Safety First’ campaigns. The Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 1 February 1939: BRADFORD SAFETY FUIRST COUNCIL. “We talk
about the danger of being at war, but we're at war in a way one considers in a
way when one considers the fatalities that take place annually on the roads”,
said Mr Ben Wade who was re-elected chairman of the Bradford Safety First
council at the annual meeting in the town hall yesterday... the following
officers were elected... Mr Joseph Farndale, vice chairman...
Joseph Farndale was soon chairing an Inquiry. The Huddersfield Daily
Examiner, 14 June 1939: PETROL SUPPLIES. BIG JUMP IN DEMAND
BEFORE BUDGET DAY. A big jump in demand for petrol in March was attributed to
budget prospects when Messrs Isherwood and Co of Manchester made a successful
application for authority to add a fourth tank wagon to their fleet at the
Road and Rail Traffic Act inquiry held by Mr Joseph Farndale in Manchester
yesterday. Evidence was given that since May 1, 219 tonnes of business had
been given to other hauliers because the firms fleet could not cope with the
demand. This was not economical and was inconvenient to the customers owing to
the delays. After inspecting returns of the carryings, Mr Farndale granted a
licence for the extra vehicle.
His idea of reintroducing very low speed limits had probably
passed their day. The Bradford Observer, 5 October 1939: 10 MPH
SPEED LIMIT. SUGGESTION AT BRADFORD SAFETY FIRST COUNCIL. At a meeting of the Bradford
Safety First council yesterday, Mr Joseph Farndale, former chairman of the
Yorkshire traffic commissioners, suggested that a 10 miles an hour limit
should be introduced in congested areas. He said that during the blackout
it was clear a pedestrian could see a motor car but it was doubtful whether a motorist
could see a pedestrian. Mr Farndale said that he could not see how a motorist
could possibly make out pedestrians who were wearing dark clothing when
crossing a highway and he advised pedestrians to take greater care. “I think
there should be a 10 mile an hour speed limit for motorists in congested
areas.”
The Leeds Mercury, 26 October
1939: ONE IN TEN A WARDEN. Mr G Fea, Divisional Air Raid Warden
in Bradford, who had given an address on the activities of wardens in the city,
said in reply to questions by Mr Farndale, that one in 10 of the 400 full
time wardens in Bradford was a woman. While there was no rule relating to
age, particular attention had been paid to the suitability of women wardens. In
his address, Mr Fae said there had always been the best relations between the
wardens and the permanent staff at Bradford. “We were able to laugh at the
happenings in Leeds” said Mr Fae. He criticised “the idea of drawing a straight
line between air raid wardens and special constables duties.”...
However Joseph’s views of the role of women remained very
much ‘of their time’. The Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer, 26 October 1939:
‘SLIPS OF GIRLS’ AS WARDENS. ‘WOULD NOT BE MUCH USE IN AN AIR RAID’. “Slips
of girls of 20 wearing air raid wardens helmets” were referred to by Mr
Joseph Farndale, former chairman of Yorkshire traffic commissioners and former
chief constable at Bradford, at a meeting of the Bradford safety first council
yesterday. Mr Farndale said he had seen such girls in some other cities, and he
did not think they would be much use during an air raid. Women wardens should
be women of mature age who would not take fright. Alderman Henry
Hudson, a former Lord Mayor of Bradford, asked who was in a position to
judge whether a girl 20 would have less nerve during an air raid than a
woman of woman of 60.
The Leeds Mercury 27 October
1939: ‘SLIPS OF GIRLS’ AS WARDENS. An ex service reader writes strongly
opposing the opinion expressed by Mr Joseph Farndale, the former chief
constable at Bradford, that “slips of girls wearing wardens helmets” would not
be of much use in air raids. He says: Mr Farndale should have seen the
service girl motor drivers in France gave in 1914 to 1918. One organisation
carried the relatives of badly wounded men from the ports to hospitals and
thence to rest billets. This work called for the highest courage and
resource. Much of it was night driving, and this had to be done without
lights, over war worn roads with war worn vehicles, difficult to start and very
liable to stop. They went all over northern France and had to deal with
constant error rates, pacifying their passengers, people whose grief made them
particularly difficult to handle. When in “rest” the girls lived in service conditions....
The Leeds Mercury 28 October
1939: THOSE ‘SLIPS OF GIRLS’. Criticism by Mr Joseph Farndale,
former chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners and a former chief
constable of Bradford, of “slips of girls” wearing air raid wardens helmets
were soon answered in Leeds by some of the “slips of girls” themselves.
One reply was: “Some girls can be very cool and calm. On the other hand
elder women might be nervous and jumpy.” Another 20 year old asked: “Are
old women going to take less fright than young ones?” While not wishing to
enter into the argument upon the respective merits as air raid wardens of older
women and slips of girls, we feel it is unfair to suggest if such a
suggestion was intended, that young girls should not be allowed to take up
these responsible posts. Has Mr Farndale forgotten the skill and courage,
often under fire, of the WAACs, the ambulance drivers and the nurses in the
last World War? Does he consider the girls of today differ greatly from their
mothers and that in the hour of need they would not show the same courage
and skill? Young girls who have volunteered to play their part in our civil
defence plan are receiving the same training as men. One male warden in Leeds
described them as keen and capable. When our young men are ready already being
called upon to serve their country's cause in the field of battle, the girls
they leave behind are also eager to shoulder their burden. And here's the
best of luck to them!
1940
The Yorkshire Evening Post, 8
May 1940: £1,000 A YEAR PENSION. WHEN CHIEF CONSTABLE OF
BRADCFORD RETIRES. When the chief constable of Bradford, Mr Thomas Rawson,
retires, the City Council yesterday approved the grant to him of a special
pension of £1,000 per annum for two years after which the position will be
reviewed, the city will have two former chief constables on their pension
role. In 1930 Mr Joseph Farndale, Mr Rawson's predecessor, retired and
since january 1931 has been receiving a pension of £833 6s 8d, a year, 2/3 of
his salary of £1,250. He was chief constable for 30 years and in the police
service for 47 years. Mr Rawson have had 30 years police service in Carlisle,
Macclesfield, Hareford, Swansea and Bradford, but only a little over nine years
has been spent in Bradford. Since he came to Bradford, however, he has
reorganised and been chief officer of the fire brigade, a duty which did not
devolve upon Mr Farndale. As chief officer Mr Rawson received a non pensionable
allowance of £105 per annum...
The Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 25 June 1940: DELAY AFTER DIALING ‘0’ Doctor B
Wade expressed the opinion that all road users were taking more care. He
suggested that, in view of the many cars parked in commercial street and other
principal streets in Leeds, it would be very difficult to avoid confusion
during an air raid. He complained of delay amounting to five or ten minutes
in obtaining a reply after dialling ‘0’ on the telephone, and made the
suggestion that the city police telephone number which is now five figures, might
be simplified for emergency purposes.... Mr J Farndale suggested the
substitution for emergency purposes of another single figure than 0 which he
understood was used for a number of calls....
The Bradford Observer, 1
August 1940: Mr Joseph Farndale, former chairman of the Yorkshire
Traffic Commissioners Former chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners
also said he does not think fines did much good to the faulty motorist.
“the simple thing to do is to take the motorist off the road, suspend his
licence,” Mr Farndale added.
The Bradford Observer, 1
August 1940: MOTORISTS RECORDS. Mr Stuart Hurst, of the Leeds
Safety First council, is rightly proud of the fact that as a motorist he is
driven for over 30 years without accidental fine. When he mentioned this at the
Bradford Safety First council meeting yesterday it was found that two of the
members had a similar experience. One was Mr Joseph Frndale, who had been chief
constable of Bradford and chairman of the Yorkshire traffic Commission
commissioners, and the other was Mr HD Shore, who in 36 years of driving has
been fined only once, he had to pay 5s for a technical offence, in 1910, of
leaving the Brooklyn's track without a car horn.
1941
The Bradford Observer, 8 March
1941: MILITARY ASKED TO HELP IN YORKSHIRE ROAD SAFETY. The
West Riding Federation of Safety First Councils, which changed its name
yesterday to the West Riding Federation of Accident Prevention Councils, is
to request the GOC Northern Command to appoint a military transport officer
as a member of the Federation .. Mr
Joseph Farndale pointed out that it had been admitted in Parliament that there
were 300 accidents a day to military vehicles which was an enormous number.
He thought that to some extent there were rivers of military vehicles who
were under the erroneous impression that they had the right of road over any
other vehicle and that they could disregard signals and do as they
please...
The Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 15 April 1941: MR JOHN LAW. Mr. John Law, a former
mayor of Halifax and Yorkshire traffic commissioner has died at his home in
Halifax aged 76... He was elected mayor in 1928, and was a Yorkshire traffic
commissioner with Mr. J farndale...
1942
The Bradford Observer, 30
January 1942: INCREASE OF 10 IN BRADFORD ROAD FATALITIES. Doctor
Ben Wade chairman of the Bradford Council of the Royal Society for the
Prevention of Accidents, disclosing Bradford Rd accident figures for 1941 at
the meeting of the town hall yesterday, pointed out that although the number of
fatalities was 10 more than in 1940, the figures for other accidents showed a
decreased dot in the election of officers,... Mr Joseph Farndale...
Joseph Farndale did not like the idea of changing the rule of
the road to drive on the right in the UK. The Bradford Observer, 25 September 1942: ‘KEEP TO THE
RIGHT’ SUGGESTION FOR TRAFFIC. The suggestion that traffic should revert to
the continental and American system of travelling on the right was put
forward by Dr Ben wade, chairman, at the meeting yesterday of the Bradford
Council of these Royal Society of the Prevention of Accidents … Mr Joseph
Farndale said he could not see there would be any advantage from the point of
view of preventing accidents by changing a rule of the road which was already
so well established...
1945
Joseph Farndale advocated eliminating the use of amber in
traffic lights. The Bradford
Observer, 6 November 1945: THE AMBER LIGHT.
The deputy chief constable, Mr B Hudson, presented a return showing that
so far this year there had been 914 road accidents as compared with 976 for the
whole of 1944. There were 11 fewer fatal accidents, 39 against fifty. Mr. J
Farndale come out former chief constable Bradford, said he advocated
elimination of the amber light at robot crossings years ago, because many
motorists proceeded on it, but the ministry ruled it out...
1947
The Bradford Observer, 15
January 1947: BRADFORD ACCIDENT. COUNCIL IS TOLD ‘WOMEN ARE THE
TROUBLE’. I get very little trouble from schoolchildren. The people I get
trouble from our women. This was the answer given by Bradfords Accident
Prevention Council yesterday by Captain C W Codrington, assistant divisional
area organiser for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, after Mr
Joseph Farndale, presiding, had commented on children's road behaviour... Mr
Farndale said he had spent many hours at street crossings in Leeds, and schoolchildren
seemed to cross anywhere but at an authorised crossing. He had seen parents
with children doing this, and thought that if parents crossed with their
children at the proper places the children themselves would be more inclined to
follow the safety first teaching in schools...
1948
In 1948, there was an article summarising the history of the
Bradford Police, inclouding during Joseph Farndale’s time. The Bradford Observer, 5
January 1948:
BRADFORD’S POLICE FORCE IS 100 THIS MONTH.
This month sees the 100th birthday at the city of Bradford
police force, which was formed on 1 January in 1848.
The police took over from the watchmen, several of whom
enrolled as constables. The original force comprised a chief constable, 1
Superintendent, 6 sergeants, 2 detective officers, and 58 constables, and it
was divided into two distinct sections, the day police in the night police.
The borough police station was situated in Swaine Street, and
at first only that part of the borough under the jurisdiction of the Watching
and Lighting Commissioners was “watched”” by the police. Later, when street
lighting was extended into Manningham, Great Horton, and Bowling, additional
constables were engaged, although the residents objected on the grounds of
unnecessary expense.
Top hatted.
The original “bobbies” who received 17s a week, wore blue
frock coats and top hats, while beards and “mutton chop” whiskers with the
order of the day. Instead of a whistle, the men used a rattle, similar to those
now favoured by football supporters, which they carried in their tailcoats.
During its lifetime, the forces contained in its ranks a
number of officers who achieved prominence in police circles, while some of the
older citizens will doubtless recall “characters” who were respected and
sometimes feared by the residents of particular localities. In all there have
been eight chief constables, including Mr Joseph Farndale CBE who held the
post for more than 30 years. The present chief, Mr H S Price OBE, rose to
the position after joining the forces a constable.
Pioneers.
The Bradford force has a proud record of pioneer work,
notably in the detection of crime by scientific means. It was the first
force in the country to secure a conviction solely by means of fingerprint
evidence. This was in 1905, when a man whose fingerprints were found on a
tumbler was sent to prison for breaking into a club and stealing property.
In photography too, the Bradford police have always
been at the forefront. In 1938 an innovation was created by filming the
activities of men engaged in street battling in the heart of the city.
Incidentally when the film was subsequently exhibited at the trial, the men completely
abandoned their defensive attitude as they proudly and excitedly identified
themselves on the screen!
The local force can also claim to have led the way in
utilising photomicrography, that is the photographing of objects as small as
125th thousandth of an inch, and colour photography has been incorporated into
the process.new line radio work.
The force was a pioneer in the use of radio in police work,
and in 1932, chief constables from different parts of the country attended the
demonstration held in the city. Nowadays, motor cars equipped with two ray two
way radio apparatus patrolled the city by day and by night. Manned by uniformed
constable and a detective officer, they can be at the scene of any occurrence
within a few minutes.
The two offices transmit their reports verbally to
headquarters, where shorthand typists type them out, and all the men have to do
is to sign them at the completion of their tour of duty. Over 40 girls are now
employed at the police headquarters on clerical and telephone duties. When it
was proposed to appoint a “secretary” to the force in 1848 the chief constable
said it was not necessary, since he and the Superintendent could cope with all
the clerical work!
Those now responsible for the force realised that maximum
efficiency can only be obtained by ensuring the contentment and well-being of
the personnel, and much attention is paid to the welfare of men who perform
arduous duties in very trying climatic conditions. In addition, many social
functions are held within the force, and at meetings of various discussion
groups a frank interchange of views is encouraged.
Sporting record.
These features go a long way toward keeping the men in good
heart, and it is not surprising that last year H M Inspector of Constabulary,
after paying tribute to the high standard of efficiency, said that he was
assured that a measure of it is due to the fact was due to the fact that
Bradford had a happy force.
Bradford policemen have a fine record in the world of sport.
In particular they have excelled in running, and what greater deterrent could
there be to those contemplating crime? The collection of handsome trophies in
the chief constable office testifies to the athletic prowess of a police force
whose relay team has several times defeated that of a force five times as big,
the metropolitan police.
War work.
The police choir, too, has captured many prizes, while the
military band, composed largely of ex army musicians, has a big reputation. The
annual concerts and sports meeting organised by the police Athletic Club are
firmly established institutions in the life of the city.
Naturally the police had a gruelling time during the war
years, but they received invaluable help from a willing body of
auxiliaries. As in previous wars, many policemen joined the armed forces,
where most of them intake attained officer rank and several were decorated. As
recruiting was entirely suspended throughout the late war, this now ranks is a
major task.
The city forces certainly had its full share of spectacular
triumphs, but it rank as its greatest achievement to the fact that, despite
current difficulties, including the enforcement of the many restrictions
incidental to present day life, the force continues to retain the goodwill and
confidence of the citizens whom it is proud to serve, help and protect.
1949
The Bradford Observer, 9
February 1949: REASONS FOR THE CLAUSE. Alderman D Black, chairman
of the Bradford Watch Committee, said: “I know it is unusual for a chairman of
the committee to speak immediately after a white paper resolution, but I do so
for a certain reason. And that is because the mover of the resolution is
confused and he does not know why clause 94 is being brought before the public.
There is a purpose and a reason. Had we known, or we been absolutely certain,
that all we had to say and all we wanted to say would have been published in
the press, word for word, without any omission, we might have made a
statement.” There were safeguards which would not be abused. As far back as
1929, recalled Alderman Black, the then town clerk of Bradford had been
asked by the Chief Constable, Mr Farndale, for the same powers as were
in clause 94 today. Mr Farndale at that time had felt that police powers
were insufficient to deal with the existing crime of the day, but no bill was
forthcoming.
1951
By 1951, Joseph Farndale was a prouid old Chief Constable,
enjoying watching the police on parade.
The Yorkshire Observer, 12 July 1951.
With all the precision of Guardsmen, and with their band playing British
Grenadiers, Bradford city police yesterday marched past Lieutenant Colonel Sir
Frank Brook, H M Inspector of Constabulary, at their annual inspection in
Peel Park. There are plenty of ex Guardsman in the police, and RSM Briten,
had he been present, would have been proud of the way the Brigade's traditions
were carried on. Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable of Bradford until 1930,
was there bearing his 80 years likely. Asked what he thought of the parade,
he said: “It maintains the standard I set a long time ago.”
Honours
Joseph was awarded the King’s Police Medal (“KPM”) in
1914 when he was Chief Constable of Bradford City Police Force, and appointed
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (“OBE”) in the 1920 civilian
war honours and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (“CBE”) in the
1924 Birthday honours.
His records state that he was appointed with his OBE on the 1
January 1920 and he was invested by the Lord Lieutenant of West Riding of
Yorkshire at Leeds Town Hall on the 12th April 1921. He was promoted from an
Officer of the Order and was appointed a CBE on the 3 June 1924. He attended an
Investiture at Buckingham Palace on the 9 July 1924.
The London Gazette states that all of Joseph Farndale’s
awards are connected to his work with the Bradford Police department.
(Central Chancery of the
Orders of Knighthood, St James’s Palace
London SW1A 1BH).
1954
Joseph Farndale,
died age 89, on 22 February 1954 at his home in Harrogate. (DR)
His death was recorded in the sub-district of Harrogate on 22
February 1954, at the age of 89. He was a retired police constable, Bradford,
CBE.
Joseph Farndale died in February 1954 and there was an
obituary placed in the Yorkshire Post. It states: The death has occurred at
his home, The Flat, Ripon Road, Harrogate, of Mr Joseph Farndale, who was, for
30 years from 1900, Chief Constable of Bradford. He was 89. Mr Farndale was
appointed first chairman of the Traffic Commissioners for Yorkshire under the
Road Act and resigned his Bradford post. He was former Chief Constable of
Margate and of York, after serving in every grande of the police force at Halifax.
A Wakefield man, he joined the Halifax Borough Police Force at the age of 19.
He was awarded the Police Medal in 1914 and the CBE in 1924.
The Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 24 February 1954: MR JOSEPH FARNDALE. The death
has occurred at his home, the flat, Ripon Road, Harrogate, of Mr Joseph
Farndale, who was, for 30 years from 1900, Chief Constable Bradford. He was 89.
Mr Farndale was appointed first Chairman of the Traffic Commissioners for
Yorkshire under the Road Act, and resigned his Bradford post. He was former
Chief Constable of Margate and of York, after serving in every grade of the
police force at Halifax. A Wakefield man, he joined the Halifax borough police
force at the age of 19. He was awarded the Police Medal in 1914 and the CBE in
1924. Mr Farndale’s first wife died in 1936, and two years later he married at
Brunswick Methodist Church, Leeds, Miss Margaret Emmett, of Sowserby Bridge.
His bride was a chiropodist and practised in Cavendish Chambers, the Head Row,
Leeds.
The Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 26 February 1954: MR JOSEPH FARNDALE. FROM OUR
HARROGATE STAFF. Six police officers from Bradford acted as bearers at
the funeral at Harrogate, yesterday, of Mr Joseph Farndale, Ripon Road,
Harrogate, a former chief constable of York and Bradford who became first
chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners. The service at Christchurch
was conducted by the Reverend C H Pickthorn, and a contingent of 30 police
officers from Bradford were headed by the chief constable, Mr H S Price, who
also represented the Lord Mayor, Councillor Angus Crowther, the Association of
Chief Officers of Police and Mr. T Rawson, former chief constable Bradford. The
family mourners were: Mrs M farndale, widow; Miss E farndale, daughter, Mr and
Mrs P Norwood, Mrs N Hey, Mr A Emmott, Mr and Mrs H webster, Mrs Hugh
Robertson, Mrs Z Jennings, Miss Owram, and Mr H A Stanger. Superintendent E
Stubbs, Harrogate, representing the chief constable of the West Riding, Sir
Henry Studdy, and was accompanied by Chief Inspector T Todd and Inspector A
Mothersdale, both of Harrogate. Others present other others present included
Major F S Eastward, chairman of the licencing authority and regional transport
commissioner, also representing headquarters, ministry of transport and Civil
Aviation and Mr E Russell Gurney, deputy licencing authority, Mr HH Herman,
chief constable of York, Mr Harry Ambler, assistant chief constable of
Bradford, who also who also represented Councillor H Rhodes, Alderman John Shee,
chairman the Bradford watch committee, and Alderman F Duce, deputy chairman, Mr
H Scott, chairman, and Mr A E Clements, secretary, Bradford branch, National
Association of retired police officers, and Mr. J W Lawrence, West Yorkshire
Road Car Company.
The Yorkshire Post and Leeds
Intelligencer, 25 February 1954: FARNDALE. – February 22, 1954 In
his 90th year, Joseph's CBE, of the flat, 5 Ripon road, Harrogate, late chief
constable Bradford, dearly loved husband of Margaret Farndale. Funeral service
at Christchurch, Harrogate, today, thursday, at 11:00 AM, internment at
stonefall at 11:30 AM. Will friends please meet at the church. No mourning and
no flowers please.
The Yorkshire Observer, 26
February 1954: LAST TRIBUTES TO MR J FARNDALE. Present and
past members of the Bradford police city police and West Riding
Constabulary were among those who attended the funeral service at Christchurch,
Harrogate yesterday of Mr Joseph Farndale, a former chief constable of Bradford
and York, and a former chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners, who died
at his home in Ripon Road, Harrogate, aged 89. The service was conducted by the
Reverend C H Pickthorn, curate in charge, prior to Interment at Stonefall
cemetery. A contingent of 30 police officers from Bradford was headed by...
The Halifax Daily Courier
& Guardian, 24 February 1954: CONSTABLE WHO BECAME A POLICE
CHIEF. DEATH OF MR JOSEPH FARNDALE. Mr Joseph Farmdale, Halifax constable who
became chief constable of Bradford 16 years after entering the police service,
and who later, became chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners, has died
at his home, at Ripon Road, Harrogate. He was 89. Born in Wakefield and
educated at Fieldhouse Academy, Aberford, Mr Farndale became an apprentice
chemist, but on reaching the age of 21, decided to enter the police force,
joining in Halifax as a constable. His police career was brilliant. He
had rapid promotion to the Halifax in the Halifax force and took a post
as chief constable of Margate in 1893. During his time in Halifax, he was
secretary of the Halifax Police Athletic Club. Mr Farndale became chief
constable of York in 1897, and three years later, chief constable Bradford. In
1914 he received the King's Police Medal and, in a 1924, the CBE. Police box
pioneer. The police box system was pioneered by Mr farndale. Retiring from
police service in and in 1930, at the age of 66, Mr Farndale was appointed
chairman at the Yorkshire traffic commissioners. He retired from this position
in 1938. Mr Farndale’s first wife died in 1936, and the following year he
married miss Margaret Emmett, second daughter of Mr. Smith Emmett of Beechwood,
Sowerby Bridge, a former Co president of the Calder Valley Poet Society.
Research
Notes:
National Archives
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