When charged in February 1931 of allowing gaming in the house, Mr.
Ralph Loades said that he had been licensee of the house for 21 years
- so from 1910?
On 26th December 1930, a wild duck and a rabbit had been put up for a
competition at darts by a Mr. Abraham Winterton. Mill hand Frederick
William Hardy had paid his 3d and scored 78 with his three darts,
winning the duck. Matthew George Gamble, a small-holder, won the
rabbit, having also paid 3d for his three darts. Mr. Ralph Loades said
he was unaware of the event since he was not in the room at the time.
Before the magistrates on 2nd February 1931, charges originating from
the events of 26th December were dismissed, owing to insufficient
evidence against Mr. Loades. However, he had admitted to paying 3d
towards a raffle, drawn on 27th December, for a second rabbit, which
was won by labourer, William Eden.
It was reported that Mr. Ralph Loades had been admitted to hospital
on Monday, 27th August 1930, having broken a leg, sustained when he
fell from a tree.
Another report stated that he had fallen from a ladder, having been
collecting apples.
