ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 15 JUNE 1894

CORRESPONDENCE — JUSTICES’ JUSTICE

Sir,—In your issue of last Friday, a case was reported of a man named Samuel H------ being summoned before the Andover County Bench, on the charge of trespassing in search of game. According to that report, a shepherd stated in his evidence that “he saw defendant coming along the road, he passed by, and then defendant began searching the hedge.” Assuming the road to be a public one how could the defendant have been trespassing on any one’s land? Your report did not state whether the defendant, when searching the hedge, had in his possession gun, dog, nets or ferrets; and assuming he had neither, where is the necessary legal proof that he was in search of game at all? Nor does it appear that any previous conviction was proved against him. Notwithstanding the bench, in their great wisdom, though fit to fine the man £1 and costs.

Your readers no doubt remember that some months since the same three magistrates committed a man to prison for three weeks without the option of a fine for pocketing a dead rabbit; but the facts of that case being brought under the notice of the Secretary of State the man’s release was at once ordered. Should not this case be reported to the same authority[?]

I beg to enclose my card, And remain, Sir, LOVER OF JUSTICE.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO — 13 JUNE 1919

SWIMMING CLUB

There was a good attendance at a meeting held on June 4 to consider the desirability of re-starting the Swimming Club, which died out in the autumn of 1914, as nearly all the members were with the Colours. After discussion it was decided that it only need for the club to be known for it to be a success. The Mayor kindly consented to be the president of the club, and several residents in the town and district promised their support. It was decided that the objects of the club should be to teach swimming, and the methods of saving life; to promote decency in bathing; to popularise swimming by giving prizes for competition. It was decided to form a section of the club for ladies.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 16 JUNE 1944

ANDOVER “SALUTES THE SOLDIER”

It is the proud boast of the Town and District that throughout the years of war, many though the appeals have been, residents have responded magnificently. Their generosity has been become a by-word throughout the South of England, and apart from charitable appeals, the War Savings record bears comparison with any other Town or Rural District of its size in the South, for in the special War Savings Weeks up to the present nearly three quarters of a million pounds has been contributed by large and small investors and small savers in the locality.

This week is “Salute the Soldier” Week, and it is a fitting coincidence that it is taking place at the beginning of one of the greatest, probably the greatest, adventure in history of the British and Allied Armies who are now fighting on the soil of France for the first time since 1940. The Army, by its gallantry and bravery over Normandy, has unconsciously provided an additional incentive to the people not only to reach the target of £200,000, but to smash it completely. If the enthusiasm of the Committee is any guide to triumph, it will be done.

FIFTY YEARS AGO — 13 JUNE 1969

REDCLIFFE-MAUD REPORT — “IT MEANS THE END OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT”

Andover will become part of a massive new authority including Southampton and Winchester, if the Redcliffe-Maud report on local government reform is accepted. The drastic shift to regional control would mean the end of local councils as they are known. Andover Borough Council would become little more than an advisory body reporting on local climate with the parish councils to the central authority. All rural district councils would disappear completely.

England would be divided into eight areas or provinces and Andover included in a South East Province stretching from Northampton to the Isle of Wight and Romsey to the east coast. The province would be divided into 17 unitary authorities.

Two of these will affect the Andover area. Unit 57 is named Southampton and South Hampshire and includes Southampton, the boroughs of Andover, Eastleigh, Romsey and Winchester and part of the New Forest. This covers an area of 561 square miles with a population of 477,000.

Kingsclere and Whitchurch Rural District Council would disappear and join Unit 52 centred on Reading and Berkshire. Pewsey Rural District Council would suffer the same fate joining the Wiltshire unitary authority of the South West Province.

Immediate local reaction is one of bitter disappointment. Mr.J.Whatley, Andover borough town clerk, said: “I am very disappointed with this. After three years they have only produced this. I do not see the point of a province that includes the Isle of Wight and Corby, that ceases to be local government.

“It means the end of local government. People in the areas will have very little to say. All they will be able to do will be to complain.”

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 17 JUNE 1994

TEST VALLEY WORST FEARS CONFIRMED

Test Valley Borough Council’s fears that its ‘go it alone’ plans have been snubbed were confirmed this week.

The Local Government Commissioners outlined their draft recommendations for the future of local government in Hampshire — and their suggestions are totally at odds with the borough’s views.

As reported in the Andover Advertiser recently, the Commission favours the retention of Hampshire County Council and all the existing districts except in Southampton and Portsmouth which would revert to ‘county borough’ status.

A secondary option suggests creating seven all-purpose unitary Hampshire authorities linking Andover with Basingstoke and the Stockbridge / Romsey area with Winchester and Alton.

Borough council leader Cllr Eileen Haselden said: “The commission appears totally to have ignored the council’s proposals which reflected the views of local people, and proposed an option for which there was no local support.

“Why shouldn’t the people of Test Valley have the same control as city dwellers over their important public services?”