October 10 1908 A deputation of the unemployed is received by Hampstead Borough Council. Twelve men went in, leaving about 500 of their comrades outside. A councillor introduced them as bona fide workmen, not the rabble, of Hampstead, who c

100 years ago

October 10 1908

A deputation of the unemployed is received by Hampstead Borough Council. Twelve men went in, leaving about 500 of their comrades outside. A councillor introduced them as bona fide workmen, not the rabble, of Hampstead, who came to ask the council for a scheme of work to relieve the prevailing distress, which was very acute in the poorer parts of Hampstead. They are given a sympathetic hearing and the matter referred to the Works Committee for immediate consideration.

o Four Tottenham men are charged at Highgate Police Court with singing in the street for the purpose of gathering alms are described as respectable men who had been out of work for months. All had families and owed rent, and there was no food at their homes. The magistrate said, "You men are to be pitied, but I am sorry that there are thousands of others in the same state. Will you promise me to go to the Workhouse if you can't get work?" They agree and are discharged. One said their wives had come to see how they got on and would have to walk back to Tottenham, but the magistrate said the court missionary would help them.

o A pair-horsed ginger beer van was delivering at a house on Haverstock Hill when the animals suddenly bolted. Almost immediately a youth named Percy Clark, of Camden Town, climbed into the back of the van after a smart run and made his way to the front in order to seize the reins. The feat was accompanied by considerable risk, but he managed to bring the horses to a standstill in Chalk Farm Road. Clark's pluck and promptitude possibly prevented a serious mishap.