Buckland Mill

Dover, Kent, UK

Newspaper cuttings for River Paper Mill

  • 9 Nov 1866 - THE LATE CASE OF WRECKING - At the Wingham petty sessions on Thursday a marine store dealer named Thomas Foster, was charged with offering for sale goods unlawfully taken from the wreck of the ship North, which was wrecked on the Goodwin Sands on 30th August.  It will be remembered that Thomas Foster was tried and acquitted at the last East Kent Sessions on the charge of stealing wrecked goods and with receiving them knowing them to have been stolen.  The present charge really involved the same alleged offence.  The Magistrate, after taking the evidence, without hearing Mr Francis for the defiance, dismissed the case on the grounds that there was not sufficient identification of the property delivered at Mr Phipps's paper mills on the 1st October.  The second and third charges were not gone into, but Mr Barrow asked for a case for the Queen's Bench, which was granted.

  • 25 Jan 1889 - BURGLARY - With respect to the burglary committed last week at the office of Mr. Phipps' Paper Mill at River, the burglar had evidentially obtained an entrance by opening the window with a chisel, and among the things taken was a cash box containing £6 and some foreign coins.  The police are in possession of some strong evidence against a man named Scamp, who was captured on Wednesday in the vicinity of Dover, and removed to Folkestone on a charge of being concerned with others in the burglaries in that neighbourhood.  His boots corresponded to the foot marks found in the vicinity of the office, and a considerable amount of money was found in his pockets amongst it being the coins in question.  It will be recollected that at the Dover County Police Court last week, Mr. John Hollis, jun, a respectable habitant of River, was brought before the Magistrate with being drunk and disorderly, and on that occasion the Bench dismissed the case and spoke in strong terms of the conduct of the police in marching the man handcuffed to Dover and locking him up all night, remarking that there was no reason why the man might not have been summoned.  It now appears that that the excited state of Mr Hollis, jun. (although he might have had a glass of beer), was mainly caused by the fact that on the occasion of the robbery at Messers. Phipps' mill, he told the police that he had seen a strange man about the Marquis of Ely's premises, whereupon the police for some unaccountable reason began to suspect Mr Hollis (jun) of the burglary at the mill, insisting on measuring his feet and searching his house and workshop.  We have heard one side of the case, but it does seem to us that the superior officer of the County Police should enquire whether his subordinates at River are acting as discreetly as they might, because apart form the natural irritation caused by such ungrounded suspicion, getting on the wrong scent in that way must have given the real burglar an opportunity of escaping.  We all the more regret to hear of the above incident owing to the fact that Mr Hollis (jun) bears an unblemished character, and his father whoi is bailiff for the Marquis of Ely, is one of the moist respected inhabitant of the village.

  • 22 Feb 1889 - THE ALLEGED RIVER BURGULAR - At the Kent Assizes on Wednesday, Soloman Scamp, 21 labourer who was supposed to have committed the burglary at the River Paper Mills, James William Arthur Isgar, bandsman in the East Kent Regiment, and George Clark, 21, labourer, pleaded guilty to breaking and entering the dwelling house of George Lefevre Pope, and stealing therefrom three overcoats and other articles at Folkestone, on 15th January.  Scamp also admitted two other charges pf burglary at Lyminge and Cheriton, and it was stated that he was wanted for other offences of a like nature at Marden, River, and other places.

Mr. G. L. Denman prosecuted.

The Judge strongly expressed himself against punishing prisoners for suggesting offences, particularly as it was unfair to a prisoner to be re-arrested after along term of imprisonment for offences that might have been investigated when he received his first sentence.

The judge expressed the opinion that the other prisoners had been led away by Scamp, and sentencing him to eight years of penal servitude.  Clark was sentenced to eighteen months hard labour, and Isbard to sixteen months hard labour.

  • 2 Jun 1893 - "Master of Town Porters" - an application was made by J D Edgar age 42, last of River Paper Mill 

  •  8 Feb 1895 - a series of lectures that includes a reference to the mill - see report

  • 6 Dec 1895 - PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY - A letter was read from Mr Crowshaw, manager to Messers Robinson and Fisher, River paper mill, stating that, owing to trespassers, the gate of the fence around the mill had been locked.  This had apparently been resented by certain people, and the fence had been pulled down, and although there were certain questions as to the ownership, they had been given instructions for the fence to be replaced, or otherwise it would be dangerous.  They understood that there was a right of way claimed to the water, and therefore the gate would not be locked, but to prevent trespass a fence would be erected on the south of the way to the water.  The letter also stated that whilst the gate had been locked the public were allowed to supply themselves from a fixed stand-pipe in the mill yard, but as there motive had been so misunderstood, they withdrew that privilege. 

The Chairman said that he had an interview with Mr. Crowshaw, and they seemed desirous to settle the question by doing what was right and fair.  The public they considered would probably not require more than access to the river, and if they chose to fence in the land on the south side, they had a right to do so, and if that was questioned it might become a question of action.

It was decided to reply that the proposed arrangement seemed to meet the case, as the public right of way to the water was preserved.

  • 9 Sep 1898 - RIVER - The death occurred last week of a well-known inhabitant, Mr John Ratcliffe, aged 95, the oldest inhabitant of the parish.  For about half a century Mr Ratcliffe was employed at Phipps' River Paper Mill.  Mr Ratcliffe had a strong belief in the future of River, and we often heard him dilate on the time when it would join hands with Dover, and in reality what it almost is, one of the suburbs of the town.

  • 18 Nov 1898 - Stoker required, one used to engine preferred.  Apply River Paper Mills, near Dover

  • 18 Nov 1898 - DOVER DISTRICT COUNCIL - At the fortnightly meeting of this Council, held yesterday, Mr Jeken presided.

Pollution of the Dour - A letter was read from the Town Clerk of Dover, calling attention to a report that had been made to the Dover Town Council of the pollution of the Dour caused by effluent water from the tanks at the River Paper Mills flowing into the river.

Mr Adock said that that this question arose from his having brought this matter before the Dover Town Council.  He had thought that they might have the liquid passed into their sewer instead of polluting the river, but when the report came in, he found the quantity was more than he could ask the Town Council to take into their sewers.  Moreover, the Mill was not in the borough, and it would be necessary to get the authority of the Rural District Council before it could be brought into the borough.  As far as the borough was concerned, the subject was dropped and the matter was referred to the District Council.  He hardly thought this pollution of the river could go on; in fact, he heard it was likely to get worse, as it was stated that the aneline dyes were going to be used, and one day the river might be red, on another green, and on another blue.  He moved that the report be referred to their Surveyor and to Dr Robinson, and that they should be asked to prepare a report for the next meeting.

  • 14 Jul 1899 - STATE OF THE RIVER - A complaint was read from Dover Town Council that certain houses at River were discharging drains into the river.  A conversation took place as to the discharge from River Paper Mills into the river.  In the former case it was resolved the Town Council to specify the houses referred, and as to the mill no action was taken.

  • 1 June 1900 - Alderman Pepper remarked that they had none to many walks in Dover, and one of the most pleasant was to Kearsney, and the report, in dealing with that locality, was quite correct.  The debris from River Paper Mills was twice as bad as Messers WIggins, Teape and Co's, and he trusted that they would do something.  He had gone out there with some dogs, which went onto the water, and they came out looking as if they had been in an ink pond, and he was not sure that he could get them clean again. (Laugher). ....... see report

 

 

  • 19 April 1901 - FACTORY ACT PROSECUTION - At River Paper Mill

The Wingham Sessions at Dover yesterday were occupied by two summonses for infringement of the Factory Act, taken out by Mr J E Harleston, H M Factory Inspector, against Messers Phipps and Co, paper makers of River, the Bench consisted of Messers W H Burch Roshe, W J Adcock, G E Toomer, J H Monins, T A Terson and Major Lawes.

The first case was a summons against defendants for having allowed the employment in the mill of a boy aged under 16 years of age named Charles without having a medical certificate of fitness......... see report below

  • 9 May 1902 - THE POLLUTION OF THE DOUR -

  • 2 Jan 1903 - THE DOVER BOUNDARIES - The Local Government Board, after taking an abnormally long time for consideration, have decided to allow Dover Corporation to extend boundaries of Municipal Borough so as to include the lower part of River as far as the further side of River Paper Mills, and on the Upper Road as far as the Railway Hotel, just on this side of Kearsney Railway Station, but in-as-much as this would include a large part of the ratable value of River, it is understood that the taking of this would involve compensation to the Dover Rural District Council, and also necessitate the taking over of the River School Board debt.

  • 20 March 1903 - An elderly employee who has worked at Phipps Paper Mill for forty years, named Mrs Goldsack, was taken ill at the MIlls on Tuesday at 5 p.m., and was assisted home, but died at 10 o'clock the same evening.  The facts have been reported to the Coroner, and we believe that t will not be necessary to hold an inquest.

  • 12 Aug 1904 - SATURDAY - (Before M Pepper, and J L Bradley Esqrs) - THEFT OF APPLES - Albert Sharp and George Fensome were charged with being concerned together in stealing from an orchard at River POaper Mill's a quantity of apples, value 4s., the property of Mr Crawshaw.

Edith Lee, 6, Dublin Cottages River, said: About quarter to one yesterday I was in the River Paper Mills, and saw the defendant Sharp go through the hedge into Mr Crawsha's garden and pick some apples off the trees, I did not see the other boy.  I told my foreman, who shouted to him and he went away.  In the afternoon the Police called us out to see Sharp in the sorting room, and I identified him.  He denied it at first, and afterwards admitted having taken two.  The little boy, who was with the other one, said he had one Sharp had given him.  Both boys said they were guilty, and had nothing to say. 

It was said that each of the apples were valued at 6d each.

The boys were sent below till Monday in custody.

  • 8 Sep 1905 - COAL DUES - During June 6575 tons of coal were imported, and £366 5s 8d. collected as dues. 

The annual coal imported during July was 8210 tons and £45 18s 8d. dues collected.

In reply to the Mayor, the collector said that the trade at this time of year was slack, but continued up to the average.  At River 300 tons had been brought in by rail for the River Paper Mills, as fine coal could not be got in Dover.

The Mayor said he expected the difficulty of carting it there is the reason.

  • 28 Sep 1906 - The skeleton of a man was found by men engaged in excavating the ground for the re-building of the River Paper Mills, last Thursday.  The matter was reported to the coroner, and he said it would not be necessary to hold an enquiry.

  • 28 Feb 1908 - RIVER MILLS OFFERED FOR SALE - At the Mart, London on Monday, Messers Fuller, Horsey, Sons and Cassell, 11 Billiter Square, E.C., offered for sale the River Paper Mills and House adjoining, Dover.  The reserve price was not realised, and the property was not sold.

  • 18 March 1910 - The making of a tramway was expected to induce a building boom.  There is a little building going on, but no boom as yet, because the unfortunate closing of the River Paper Mill, has banished the workers, hence new houses are not in demand.  But the boom will come, and the building land alongside the line from the Recreation Ground to River Church for the coming enterprising builder.  The run from Dover to River terminus is not long enough to make anyone feel hungry, but after a ramble around a tea room is an attraction, and the people of River have had a good sense to make the necessary provision.

  • 29 Sep 1911 - SUPPLIMENTAL LISTS - Mr Birch submitted supplemental valuation lists in regard to the sub-parishes of Charlton, River and St Mary's.  The assessment for long rooms, Priory Hill, was increased to £30 gross, £25 10s. net, the dancing rooms having now been converted into a private residence.  The assessment of St Ursula's, Park Avenue, was also increased to £165 gross and £140 net, on account of additions.  The River Paper Mill and brickyard having been unoccupied for a considerable time, were reduced to a nominal assessment................

  • 20 Oct 1911 - RIVER MILL'S FORMER OWNERS DEATH.  The death occurred last week, at the age of 78, at East Sheen, of Mr Filmer Phipps, who formerly owned the River Paper MIlls, together with a large amount of property in River. 

The funeral took place at River Churchyard on Tuesday morning, the interment being in the family vault.  The service was conducted by the Rev. D. A. Townend (Vicar), assisted by the Rev. T. Evans (rector of Buckland).  The mourners included Mr. J. F. Phipps (son) and the two Miss Phipps (daughters).

  • 2 May 1913 - RIVER MILLS FOR RUBBER - Alterations, etc are now taking place to the old River Paper Mills, and rumour says they are to be used for the manufacture of rubber goods.  The water power has this week been tested.

  • 6 March 1914 - FUNERAL OF MR W H RAMM - The death occurred on Thursday last week of Mr W H Ramm, who was connected with the old River Paper Mill for Messers, Phipps and Co for upwards fo sixteen years, and since that time has been connected with the Glory Mills at Woburn, and at Helpston, near Peterborough.  The deceased went to Norwich on business on February 18th, and was coming from his hotel when he had an accident, and slipped on the stairs, and from the shock of this he never recovered, and passed away at his residence in Peterborough on February 26th.  The deceased was greatly respected.  The funeral took place at River Church on Tuesday, at 3.15, when the Rev D A Townend conducted the service, and a hymn, "Rock of Ages," was sung.  The coffin was polished oak with heavy brass fittings, and bore the following inscription:- "William Henry Ramm, born September 6th 1853, died February 26th, 1914,"==."  The mourners present were Mrs E Ramm (widow), Miss A Ramm and Mrs Barlow (sisters), Mr F Smith and Mr H R Smith (brothers in law), Miss E Smith (sister in law), Mr F D Smith and Mrs Gubbins (nephew and neice), Miss Robbins and friends in Rover, The following floral tributes were sent:- From his sorrowing wife, from his sister Alice, with sincere sympathy; from his sister Jessie, in loving memory; from his brother and sister-in-law and family (Gillingham) With deepest sympathy from his brother-in-law Henry, in loving memory; from his sister-in-law Eliza, with sincere sympathy and kind remembrance; from Mr and Mrs Bliss and family, with depest sympathy; from Mr and Mrs Williams, with deepest sympathy from friends in River, with sincere sympathy.  The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr H R Smith, London Road, Dover.

  • 25 Aug 1916 - Extensive alterations are being carried out at Bushey Ruff House in preparation for a new tenant.  This mansion, we understand, was recently purchased by Sir William Crundall, who also purchased premises of the old River paper mill, which it is said a Belgian syndicate intend to use as a factory for a new undertaking.

  • 8 Dec 1916 - At present time no steps are being taken at the old River Paper Mill in regards to its conversion into a glass factory.  The wooden buildings have been taken down, and the bare walls, more or less a ruinous state, have been untouched for some time.

  • 23 Jan 1925 - The death has taken place at Harrogate of Mr Crawshaw, at one time manager of River paper Mills, which is now in ruins.

  • 13 July 1928 - RIVER PAPER MILL CHIMNEY FELLED - On Sunday the 120ft. high chimney shaft of River Paper Mills was felled by the well known steeplejacks, Messers W. Larkin and Son, of Bow, London.  This is the final end of these paper mills, which were established nearly 150 years ago by Mr Thomas Radford, whose grave is in the adjoining River Churchyard.  They were built about 100 years ago by Mr W. Phipps, and continued in possession of that family until about 20 years ago, when they were closed down.  At that time they were used for the manufacture of brown and wrapping paper, and the competition of foreign mills was too strong.  The mills have since remained derelict, although there was at one time a suggestion of using them for a tannery that was much resented by the adjoining residents, and most of the buildings have been razed.  The tall chimney, however, has stood as a land mark.  It has been [purchased by Mr J. F. Matthews, of Folkestone Rd, for bricks that it contains, and he arranged with Mr Larkins to demolish the chimney.  Work commenced on Friday, a wedge shaped hole being cut into the base so that the chimney would fall into the site of the mill.  It was expected that the fall would take place on Saturday, but the work had to be postponed until Sunday.  In the gap, when it became of some size, were placed laths, the bending of which showed if there was any forward movement of the chimney.  As this became apparent bricks were removed from either side till at last the forward movement became apparent, and the workmen ran from the danger area.  It was not till 12.35 that this occurred, and then the chimney began to make a slight move over in the direction expected.  It continued to slowly topple over till an angle of 70 degrees was reached.  Then the shaft broke in two half way up, followed by another fracture half way between that and the top.  Before it got to an angle of 45 degrees the chimney completely collapsed and fell to the ground, a cloud of bricks and dust fell with a dull thud.  There had been a large crowd waiting to watch the fall.  As the chimney is very close to River Church the service was not held in the church but around the war memorial on the other side of the path to the Alkham road.  The same form repaired the top of the chimney some 22 years ago after it had been struck by lightning.  On that occasion the top of the chimney was removed and an iron band substituted.

  • 26 April 1929 - sale of rubble from the demolished River Paper Mill chimney.

  • 27 June 1930 - CO-OPERATORS JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS - On Wednesday next the River and District Co-operative Society will celebrate its Jubilee.  The Society was started by the employees of River paper Mill co-operating together to buy their groceries,  and a small shop was opened at River.  The society has now grown into a very big undertaking with a large number of shops in Dover, River, Eythorne and Ayelsham, and an immense membership.  On Wednesday all the Society's premises will close at 12 o'clock.  A procession of members and vehicles will start from the Sea Front at 2.30 p.m., headed by the Folkestone British Legion Band, for Chalton Mill Recreation ground at Kearsney, where children's sports begin at 2.30 p.m.  Afterwards there will be tea on the ground, side shows, and dancing in the evening.

  • 6 March 1936 - The death occurred recently at South Shield, of Mr Bernard Ashton Keeler, who left Dover about 30 years ago, after having been employed since boyhood at Phipps' Paper Mill, which used to eb close to River Church.  Mr Keeler had been a Methodist local preacher for more than 30 years, having commenced that work at River prior to leaving this district.  He leaves a widow and grown up family.  Mr keeler was well known in Dover, as he visited the town every year.

  • 2 Jan 1937 - RIVER DIAMOND WEDDING - Mr and Mrs R Fakeley, of 41, Minnis Lane River, on Wednesday celebrated their diamond Wedding.  Mr Fakeley is 84 years of age, and Mrs Fakely is 84 years of age, and they have lived at River for the past sixty years.  They were married at the Buckland Wesleyan Chapel on January 27th, 1877, by the Rev, John Verco.  Mr Fakeley was for nearly forty years a foreman at Phipps' River Paper Mills.

  • 18 Feb 1944 - The sale of River Paper Mill