VILLAGE CIVIL WAR

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 95, 23 April 1935, Page 10

VILLAGE CIVIL WAR

APPEAL FOR PEACEMAKER

The washing of a household mop in a mountain stream from which the people^ of Thackthwaite, a hamlet in the Lake District, get their water supply was stated to be the origin of a feud which was investigated atȣockermouth County Court, states the' "Daily Telegraph." Judge j^llsebrook commented: "I thought the country I was,cbniing to was Arcadian. But part of it, while undoubtedly rural, is also savagemore savage than in 'some parts of Central Africa." V

He hoped that someone, whether the parson, or a landowner, or someone else in authority, would try to put a stop to this village civil war. "The powers that be should see that a proper water supply is provided for this hamlet," he added. "Lack .'jot the prime necessities of life, such as 'food and water, make even the most civilised men and women and savage." John James Hayton, a roadman, and John James Hayton, jun., claiifled £50 and £25 general damages respectively for assault from Scott, farmer, and hjs brother-in-law, Thomas Herrington, of. Thackthwaite. There was a counter-claim by Scott for, £25 damages. :

The senior, Hayton said Scott was passing his house leading a cartload ot manure, and some of it fell oh the ground. In the dispute that followed Scott struck him. Then his son ran out and pulled Scott away.

Mr. Blackledge, for the defence, said Thackthwaite had -been an extraordinarily unfortunate village for a long time. The trouble apparently arose over the small water supply. People living higher up the stream were accused of fouling the water by tipping rubbish into it. What' had originally been . a little grumble became a feud, in which sticks were used.

The Judge gave judgment for Scott and Harrington on the claim by the Haytons, and for Scott on his' counterclaim for £5. . n ' ■ •