Mereworth Sing Song (1916)

Post date: Apr 07, 2016 1:18:13 PM

Extract from kent Messenger, 8th July 1916 shows government attempts to control alcohol were having limited success:

A MEREWORTH SING-SONG

William Crisp, licensee of the Black Lion, Mereworth, was summoned for committing a disorderly act by shouting on June 17th-—Mr. AJ.Ellis defended

P.C. Williams stated that about 9 p.m. on JUne 17th he told defendant it was time his customers had left. Three soldiers and some civilians afterwards left the premises. Witness noticed that the soldiers were under the influence of drink, and he drew the defendant’s attention to them. Defendant thereupon abused him, and said he didn’t want a —— policeman to caution him, and should do what he liked. Defendant then challenged him to fight, saying: “If you have anything to say, go over to the field opposite, and I will show you what I can do with a policeman." Witness asked the soldiers to go away, and after a, good deal of persuasion they left.

Fredk. Rule also spoke persuasively to the men, and defendant treated him similarly. Fredk. Rule, a munition worker at Vickers’,corroborated the constable.

Defendant,in the box, said a number of soldiers were having a “sing-song” at his house. They came there at ten minutes past eight, and left at 8.55. P.C. Williams afterwards said to him, “I must caution you about letting those men have so much beer.” He replied: “They have not had too much.” The constable then said :"I don’t want you to tell me my business,” and witness answered, “ I don’t want you to tell me mine.” It was untrue that he abused the constable or threatened Rule.

John Levett, of Pisenwell, Wateringbury, and Richard George Rich, were called by defendant, but the Bench considered the case proved, and inflicted a fine of £1 8s. Alfred Austen was summoned for a like offence the same evening, and fined £1, Supt. Ford stating that, from enquiries he had made he that Austen was the ringleader of the disturbance outside the Black Lion. George Candler, soldier, had to pay 10s. for using obscene language outside the house.