WAR IN VILLAGE

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 April 1935, Page 4

WAR IN VILLAGE

APPEAL FOR PEACEMAKER

WORKINGTON, March 10

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 at Cockermouth County Court yesterday. Judge Allsebrook commented: “I thought the country I was coming to was Arcadian. But part of it. v'hile undoubtedly rural, is also savagemore savage than in some, parts of Central Africa.”

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 of the prime necessities of life, such as food and water, make even the most civilised men and women primitive and savage.” John James Hay ton, sen., a roadman and John James Hayton, jun„ claimed £5O and £25 general damages respectively for assault from John Scott, farmer, and his brother-in-law, Thomas Herrington, of Tliackwaite. There was a counter-claim by Scott for £25 damages.

The senior Hayton said Scott was passing his house leading a cartload of manure, and some of it fell on 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 Tliackwaite 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.