1900 - The return of Colonel Arthur Montagu Brookfield , M.P., to Rye, East Sussex.
....Colonel Brookfield is home from the War, to the delight of the district generally, and of Rye in particular. From the battlefields he has come crowned with honourable distinction for valuable services rendered in a just and righteous cause, and how glad his friends, neighbours, and supporters were to see him home again safe and well, only those who were in Rye last night, and took part in the demonstration in the Ancient Town, could judge. Enthusiasm of a degree which has seldom been equalled in the old borough was manifest. Townsmen responded to the Mayor's desire that the place should be decorated and illuminated with alacrity, and the result was that last night the old historic borough was a blaze of colour. All those responsible are to be heartily congratulated upon the success of the welcome to their hero.
....When the headlight of the approaching engine shone clear in the darkness, the Mace-bearers, with their magnificent gilt maces, drew up on either side of the Mayor, who was in full Municipal regalia, and a sort of semi-circle was made. The carriage—the one which everyone cared about—drew up, as it happened, just opposite the position taken by the Corporation, and Colonel Brookfield, clad in khaki uniform, emerged, amidst loud cheering. With him were Surgeon-Captain Vidler (also in khaki), Mrs. Brookfield, Miss Brookfield, Mrs. E. Vidler, and Mrs. A. E. Vidler. The two soldiers looked well, but bore traces of hard campaigning. The Mayor offered them a few words of welcome, and then the company proceeded to the front of the station, where the gallant Colonel and his comrade were received with more cheering. A band was heard playing "See the conquering hero comes." All over the extensive yard were torches, carriages, cyclists, and horsemen, and in a short time a procession was formed.
....The greatest enthusiasm prevailed along the entire route, and it appeared that all Rye had turned out, notwithstanding the somewhat inclement weather, to join in one of the most popular demonstrations ever known in the Ancient Town. The borough was extensively decorated, and illuminated for the occasion, the appeal by his Worship the Mayor having been responded to with that cordiality which is characteristic of the representative inhabitants of Rye. Mention might be made of a few of the principal adornments. At the railway gates were flags and banners. Alderman Neeves and Messrs. Clarke Bros. displayed the inscription: "Welcome Home," and Mr. Dampier had over his doorway the words: "Welcome Home to Dr. Vidler," while at Councillor Gasson's were to be seen the words: "Bravo, Sussex Volunteers!" The Mayor had a large display of fairy lamps, and at Mr. Deacon's Library was the inscription: "Welcome Home to our gallant heroes." On the front of the premises occupied by Messrs. Chapman Bros, and Sharpey were seen the words: " Welcome Home," and effective electric light illumination. At the establishment of J, N. Masters. Ltd., was the inscription: "Welcome to our Heroes," and Mr. Adams's shop was illuminated with fairy lamps, etc. Councillor Truelove had an effective scheme of words: "Well done, Brookfield," The Landgate Tower was illuminated with gas, and was a specially attractive feature. The arch was outlined with lights, and surmounting were the Crown, and the letters, "V.R.," on either side being a large star. At nearly every house and shop along the route were fairy lamps, banners, and flags. A vast crowd followed the procession, which stopped, as before mentioned, outside the Town Hall and those taking a prominent part in the proceedings went up into the Council Chamber. Outside every available space was occupied, and in the uncertain glare of torches the scene was one which will long be remembered by all Ryers. The greatest excitement, enthusiasm and good temper prevailed.
Hastings and St Leonards Observer, Saturday 6th October 1900
Colonel Brookfield was the sitting Conservative Member of Parliament for Rye, and the Friday after his return from South Africa, there was a General Election, at which he comfortably retained the seat.
1900 - In the London Sheriff's Court on Friday (before Under-Sheriff Burchell and a jury), the case of "Garraud v. Smith," which was an action for the recovery of damages for breach of agreement, came on for hearing. Mr. Abinger was counsel for the plaintiff, but the defendant was not represented. Mr. Abinger said the plaintiff, Mrs. Annie Garraud, was a widow and for many years she had been a certificated hospital nurse. In 1890 she went to South Africa, and since then had gone through many campaigns, including the Mashonaland Campaign and the Jameson Raid. She was superintendent of the hospital at Barberton, and for her services in connection with the construction of the Beira Railway was presented by Mr. Cecil Rhodes with a farm. This year she was invalided home, and took a house at Northampton. Wanting something to do, she got into communication with a Mr. Jameson by means of a newspaper advertisement, and as a result was introduced to a Mr Smith (now not to be found), of whom she purchased for £200 a house in York-street, Marylebone. described as a "splendid hotel property." Plaintiff broke up her home in Northampton and went to the hotel, but the first night she was there she discovered the place was not a hotel, but a house of a disgraceful character. She accordingly shut the house up and sold off the furniture. sustaining a loss of £500 in all from the time she left Northampton. It was a heartless swindle, and he asked the jury to award heavy damages. Plaintiff gave evidence bearing out counsel's statement. In reply to Mr. Abinger she said that while in South Africa she met President Kruger, and was a guest at his house for three days. She also rode in his carriage and four with him, and at one place had been received with musical honours. Evidence was given showing that the defendant was last traced to Brighton, but could not now be found. The jury awarded £250 damages, and judgment for that amount was entered, with costs.
The Evening Express, Saturday 6th October 1900
