Joseph Farndale CBE KPM

6 April 1864 to 22 February 1954

The Chief Constable of Bradford who pioneered the use of fingerprints, invented the police box, and played a key role in Bradford’s evolution at the start of the twentieth century

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The webpage of Joseph Farndale  which accompanies this page provides a full chronology of his life and source material for his story.

Joseph Farndale CBE KPM was born in Wakefield and educated at Field House Academy, Aberford. He joined the police at the age of 20. He became Chief Constable of Margate Borough Police. In 1897, he became the Chief Constable of York. In 1900 he became the Chief Constable of Bradford, in which post he served for thirty years. He was the first Chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners under the Road Traffic Act 1930.

He was awarded the King's Police Medal (“KPM”) in 1914 and appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (“OBE”) in the 1920 civilian war honours and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (“CBE”) in the 1924 Birthday Honours.

‘The Chief’ is known of all men, especially of those who pursue a devious career to the Town Hall and meet the Stipendiary face to face. Mr Farndale qualified for his position by going through the mill. It has been said “the policeman's life is not a happy one”, but that is when the enterprising burglar goes a burgling, and meets a solitary constable. There are compensations. Mr Farndale has risen in the profession and from constabulary duty done at Halifax he has become the commander of over 400 men, including those imposing figures who parade on our streets on prancing steeds. The Chief reached Bradford by way of Margate and York, where he held similar positions, but with a smaller number of men. Whether Bradford is the apex of his ambitions remains to be seen. Mr Farndale attained his present position by hard work and a resolute endeavour to qualify for the duties and responsibilities pertaining to the head of a large police force. He had for a model his uncle, Mr Joseph Farndale, a distinguished chief constable of Birmingham. The younger man tried to emulate the elder, and became a Chief Robert too. The Bradford chief was not always a policeman - he began as an apothecary, and tried to make pills and potions for pink people. But his heart was not in illness. His passion was to administer pills to the criminal classes. He has certainly doctored them to some purpose these last seven years in Bradford. Our artist depicts him in the uniform worn on state occasions, when he is apt to be mistaken for a Field Marshall or a General at least. Since he came to Bradford the Chief has smartened up the force, and it is now one of the most efficient in the Kingdom.

Early Years

Joseph Farndale was born at The Smith’s Arms, Thomas Lane, Wakefield on 6 April 1965, the son of Thomas Farndale, the Inn keeper of the Smith’s Arms, and Sarah Farndale formerly Bell. He was baptised on 4 June 1865.

In 1871 the family were still living at The Smith Arms, 1 Thomas Lane, Wakefield. Thomas Farndale, head of the household, was still the inn keeper, 34; Sarah Farndale, his wife, 37; Thomas W Farndale, a scholar, 8; Joseph Farndale, scholar, 6; Margaret Farndale, 3; Henry Farndale, 7 months; Ann Sunnergerson, a servant, from Canada; and Ann Eliza Lesle.

In December 1876 at Mr Reyner’s School, the usual half yearly examination was held on the 14th, 15th and 18th inst. For want of time the viva voce examination was omitted. The following is the prize list. Second English Course, J Farndale; Arithmetic, Second Class, J Farndale; Algebra, Second Class, J Farndale.

Joseph was later educated at Field House Academy in Aberford.

The 1881 Census, for 66 Thomas Lane, Wakefield listed Thomas Farndale, head, inn keeper, 41; Sarah Farndale, wife, 47; Thomas W Farndale, scholar, 18; Joseph Farndale, scholar, 16; Samuel Farndale, 14; Margaret Farndale, 13.

Joseph Farndale married Emma Selby on 1 June 1883. She died in 1936. Joseph and Emma had a family of three, Florence Farndale, who was born in Halifax in June 1884; Eveline Farndale, who was born in Halifax in December 1885, and Emma Farndale, who was born in Halifax in June 1893.

He seems to have worked for a short time with a chemist or apothecary business. He was apprenticed to a chemist. Chemistry, however, had no attraction to him. Becoming imbued with an ambition to make his mark in police and detective work, he joined the Halifax police force at the age of 20 as an ordinary constable.

The Halifax Police, 1884 to 1893 (9 years)

Joseph joined the police at the age of twenty in 1884. He was the nephew of Joseph Farndale who was the Chief Constable of Leicester, Chesterfield and Birmingham police.

Joseph extinguished a house fire in October 1889. About four o’clock on Thursday afternoon information was taken to the police office that a fire had broken out at the house occupied by Squire Ackroyd, carter, Governor Street, off Waterhouse Street. PC Farndale went to the place and found the door was locked and the room full of smoke. The door was forced open, and it was discovered that the bed was on fire. Farndale procured a few buckets of water and extinguished the fire, but not before the clothes and the bed were destroyed. Ackroyd and his wife were not at home during the afternoon and it is not known how the fire originated.

In January 1887 four young men, named respectively John Burke, Patrick Murphy, William Dawson and Thos Graham were brought up before Mr Jas Bairstow and Mr TS Highley of the borough court, Halifax. Charged with wandering abroad and begging in the neighbourhood of West Hill Park o the previous da. The Chief Constable said the prisoners seemed to belong to a gang who had come to the town from some other districts. They were seem leaving the beerhouse on Saturday night at eleven o’clock, and again at half past two on Sunday afternoon, the worse for drink. They went to the top of the town singing and begging through the streets. They seemed to be a very determined lot. PC Farndale, PC Gaukrodger and Sergeant Osborne gave evidence in corroboration of this statement. They were sent to prison for 14 days.

At the Halifax Police Court in September 1887, before Alderman Midgeley and Mr TS Scarborough, John Liley, Upper Kirkgate, and Jane Murgatroyd, of Bath Parade, a woman of loose character, were each charged with disorderly conduct on Monday night in Berwick Square, Halifax. PCs Farndale and Steele proved the charges. Prisoners were each fined 10s and costs. John Conway, a powerful looking man, of no fixed abode, was charged with being drunk on licensed premises on the 12th inst. PC Farndale found the prisoner at the Talbot Vaults on the day in question. A fine of 2s 6d and costs was imposed.

By December 1888, Joseph had been promoted to Sergeant. The unusual spectacle of a solicitor being ordered out was witnessed at the Halifax police court on Wednesday, Frederick J Chapman and Mark Briggs, millhands, Spring Hall lane, were charged on remand with having committed an unprovoked assault upon Franklin Ro, painter, on the evening of November 26th. Mr Moore, who was for the defence persisted in interfering and raising objections in the case with a vehemence which the Bench appeared to resent, and eventually, upon a sergeant from the adjoining barracks being called to speak to the fact of finding the complainant in the road, Mr Moore objected several times to his evidence. At last after several altercations with Mr Boorcock, the Bench told Mr Moore that if he again interfered they would have him removed from the court. Mr Moore persisted in his interference and the Bench directed the Chief Constable (Mr C Pole) to have him removed from court. Police Sergeant Farndale was entrusted with the task of carrying out the instruction of the Bench, but Mr Moore proceeded to leave the court, intimating that he would take action against the magistrate on account of the treatment he had received. The further hearing of the case was adjourned until Friday.

In January 1889 at a time of numerous shop robberies, Harriet Nicholl, a young married woman, was brought up in custody charged with four larcenies, only three of which were gone into, and she pleaded guilty. All the robberies were committed from shop fronts within a few hours of each other on Monday afternoon. PC Waddington and PC Farndale stated that when the woman was taken into custody she was perfectly sober. She was committed to the House of Correction for one month.

In August 1889 Wm Crabtree, shoemaker, was charged with being drunk and disorderly and with assaulting PC Wilson whilst in the execution of his duty. Sergeant Farndale said the prisoner’s conduct and language in the office were disgraceful – this was his third appearance.

In May 1890 Ellen Dobson, a married woman, whose husband is employed at the coal yard at the railway station, and who resides at Range-lane, Halifax, was brought before the magistrates. Police Sergeant Farndale said that shortly after ten o’clock the woman came to the police office with a knife in her hand and said she wanted to cut her throat. He sent for her husband. He was evidently suffering from the effects of drink. The husband said she had been drinking for a fortnight. They had no family. The woman was remanded.

By 1891 Joseph Farndale, head, 26, was described as a Police Clerk living at 18 Colberk Street, with Emma Farndale, his wife, 28; Florence Farndale, aged 6; Eveline Farndale, aged 5.

By 1891, he was Chief Clerk with the Halifax police, with ambitions for Chief Constableship, like his uncle. In September 1891 the Watch Committee of the Grantham Town Hall appointed Chief Inspector Holland, of Bootle, Liverpool, as Chief Constable of the Borough. Thirty applications were sent in, from which six were selected and applicants attended before the committee. The others included Chief Clerk Farndale, Halifax.

He soon gained a reputation as a detective when he chased down a forger to Liverpool. In December 1892 at the Halifax Borough Court on Monday, Charles Fawcett, of the Square, Halifax, was charged with having forged a cheque for £2,000 on the Halifax branch of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank, in the name of David Haigh, who has a deposit account there. Prisoner is only 19 years of age, has for some time been employed as a bank clerk at the bank. Prisoner is well known and respectably connected. For some time past he has expended his money lavishly, and Inspector Farndale, of the Halifax Borough Police Force, traced him to Walton on the Hill, Liverpool and arrested him on Saturday night. He had over £80 in his possession and a loaded six chambered revolver. The disclosures have created a great deal of a stir in Halifax.

Great interest was taken in the proceedings. The court was crowded long before 11 o’clock, the time for commencing, and many people were unable to obtain admission. Before the business was commenced the Mayor, on behalf of the bench, and Mr Storey, on behalf of the bar, welcomed 7 new magistrates who have recently been appointed.

Mr. Evans, in opening the case, stated that he should ask the bench to commit the prisoner for trial at the assizes on a charge of uttering a forged cheque knowing it to be forged. The evidence as to the forgery of the cheque was purely circumstantial, as no one had seen the prisoner write the name upon it. If prisoner was committed for trial, then the charge of forgery could afterwards be gone into at the assizes. For several years the prisoner had been employed at the Halifax branch of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank as a Ledger clerk. Among the customers of the bank was a gentleman named David Haigh, who on the 31st October placed the sum of £2,000 at the bank on deposit account. The prisoner was aware of this circumstance and being pressed for money by a man named Crabtree had made two unsuccessful attempts to borrow money from Mr Haigh. Prisoner told Mr Haigh that he had a considerable sum of money of his own, and if Mr Haigh at any time wished to borrow £100 he would be pleased to lend it to him. On the 6th December, when Mr Constantine, the cashier, went to the Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank about 9:30 in the morning, he found the prisoner and arrived before him, and had been alone in the premises. Prisoner informed Mr Constantine that a man had been to the bank, and had inquired for a cheque, though there were no loose ones on the counter, and prisoner stated that he had taken an unused chequebook from the safe and given it to the man in question. Prisoner described this man, and Mr Constantine replied, why that is Mr. David Haigh. Prisoner said that was the name of the person he had alluded to. At 2:30 in the afternoon, prisoner went to London and Yorkshire Bank, which is also on Crossley Street, in the absence of the manager. He saw the cashier, Mr Hemingway, to whom he said “I have come to open a current account with you”. He passed a check to Mr Hemingway, but the latter observed that there was no date, no figures, and no payee upon it, handed it back to the prisoner The latter said “I want you to fill it up”. Mr. Evans said that Mr Hemingway, with that simplicity and confiding trust in fallen and depraved nature which did more credit to his heart than his head, filled it up and put it in the name of the London and Yorkshire Bank. Mr Hemingway, at the request of the prisoner, also filled in the amount of £2,000. Later in the day the prisoner was made out the banker’s draft at the Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank, with which the cheque was to be paid, and got the manager, Mr Riley, to sign it. After the bankers draught had been issued to the London and Yorkshire Bank, the prisoner drew pounds 100 of the money to give a creditor who was pressing him. He subsequently drew out pounds 800 and pound 630 placed to the credit of its father's account at the Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank, and £200 was placed to his own credit. On the Friday he absconded and was arrested on the Saturday night by Inspector Farndale at Liverpool.

Evidence in support of the charge was given by Mr. James Arthur Riley, the manager of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank, and by Mr. David Haigh, bearing out Mr. Evans statement. The latter stated he had not signed the cheque in question.

Fawcett was committed to trial at the assizes bail being granted, himself, £1,000, and two sureties of £500 each.

Joseph Farndale became head of the Halifax detective department at Christmas 1892. The appointment of Chief Clerk Inspector Farndale to the head of the Halifax Detective Department will be perceived with favour by those with whom the Inspector will come into contact. During the discharge of the onerous duties of Chief Clerk he has displayed abilities which fit him for the post of Detective Inspector, and he is a worthy successor to the late Inspector, Mr E Newburn. The compliment paid by Mr Evans to Inspector Farndale, of the Halifax police on Friday on his smart capture of the alleged Forger Fawcett was well merited and adds another feather to the cap of the Inspector. The pace by Fawcett was hotter than generally known, and the young man being known to be in possession of firearms, the chase implied a certain amount of risk. Fawcett took the train to Littleborough, where he alighted. Rochdale was reached by a subsequent train, and Preston was afterwards visited, Fawcett taking the precaution to change his attire. The same evening Fawcett took part in a fancy dress ball at Preston and then decamped to Liverpool where the Inspector “ran him to earth” in the suburbs. Altogether the capture was a very smart one.

In January 1893 Mary Clough, an elderly woman, who refused to give any account of herself, was charged with larceny from the person of Annie Pollard on Saturday night last in the lower market. The prosecutrix, whilst standing near a pot stall, felt someone feeling her pocket and accused the prisoner of taking her purse. The prisoner indignantly replied “How dare you charge me with stealing your purse.” Subsequently however she ran away, but was noticed by Sergeant Greenwood and taken into custody. Chief Inspector Detective Farndale asked for a remand until Friday, which was granted. Chief Inspector Detective Farndale said the prisoner had been committed for penal servitude for similar offences at Preston and Manchester. At present she was supposed to be under police supervision, but she had never reported herself since leaving prison. She was committed to gaol for two months.

In the same month at the Halifax Borough Court, William Henry Meham, rag sorter, of Chapel Fold, was charged with behaving himself in a disorderly manner in Chapel Fold last night. When the prisoner’s name was called he stepped quickly into the box and stated “Yes, your Lordship”. Detective Inspector Farndale stated that the prisoner was a man of weak intellect. The Chairman (Dr Dolan) asked the inspector if the prisoner had a mother. Upon hearing the question the prisoner promptly replied, “I have a mother, doctor”. This led one of the magistrates to remark that the prisoner seemed wideawake.

In another incident Aquilla Halstead, landlord of the Crispin Inn, Smithy Stoke, was summoned for being drunk on his own licensed premises on the 7th inst. Detective Inspector Farndale stated that about eleven o’clock on the morning of the 7th the defendant came to the police office, and wished to know if he had been reported for being drunk. He also stated that he should be examined by a doctor. The defendant appeared to have braced himself up for the occasion. The defendant denied that he had had anything to drink when the constables came to the house except tea.

Joseph Farndale applied to be Chief Constable of St Albans in March 1893. The Watch Committee of the St Albans Town Council, held a special meeting on Tuesday evening to choose from the seven candidates, selected from 31 candidates the future head constable of the city. The selected candidates included Joseph Farndale, inspector and head of the detective department, Halifax. The post is worth £140 a year.

Chief Constable of Margate Police, 1893 to 1897 (4 years)

Joseph became Chief Constable of Margate Borough Police in June 1893.

Detective Inspector Farndale, of the Halifax Borough Police, has been appointed Chief Constable of Margate. Mr Farndale, who is only 30 years of age, is a native of Wakefield, being the son of a well known tradesman in that city. He was educated at Fieldhouse Academy, Aberford, and was intended for a chemist and druggist. Ten years ago, he relinquished that profession for the police force, which had greater attractions for him, and he became a constable at Halifax. His ability was recognised, and at the end of four years he has risen to be chief clerk. For six years he has discharged the duties of that position ably and successfully. Upon the retirement of Detective Inspector Newburn he was appointed head of the detective department, and the success which he achieved in another sphere followed him there. Mr Farndale's appointment to the Chief Constableship of Margate his well deserved. He is in a nephew of Chief Constable Farndale, of Birmingham, who also commenced at the bottom rung of the ladder, starting as a constable at Middlesbrough some 30 years ago.

The new chief constable of Margate, Mr Farndale, started, like his uncle, the chief constable of Birmingham, from the bottom rung of the ladder. A native of Wakefield, he began life in an apothecary’s shop, but at the age of twenty abandoned the pestle and mortar and took service in the Halifax police force. His choice of an occupation was justified in the event, for in four years he rose to be chief clerk, and five years later was appointed head of the detective department. He is still a young man, having yet to complete his thirty first year.

Joseph Farndale gave his report on licensing in September 1893. The annual licencing session for this borough was held on Thursday, the licencing committee being the Mayor (Councillor Leetham), the ex Mayor (Alderman Hermitage), and Messrs Keppel, Marshall, Pointon, Coleman and Head. The Clerk, (Mr Boys), read to the Chief Constable 's annual report, which was as follows.

Chief Constable’s office, Town Hall, Margate, 7 September 1893.

To the chairman and justices of the licencing committee for the borough of Margate.

Gentlemen, I have the honour to report, for your information that there are within your jurisdiction 123 premises licenced for the sale of intoxicating liquors, being an increase of two upon the number in existence at the last annual licencing meeting, and taking the population according to the last census, gives an average of 1 licenced house to 149 persons, but it is estimated that for 4 months during the year the average population will be at least 50,000, which will give an average of 406 persons to 1 licence. 74 of the licences are for the sale of beer, wines, and spirits, to be consumed on or off the premises; six for beer; 13 beer and wines; 2 wines; 4 beer; 3 for beer and wines to be consumed off the premises; 3 beer and spirits; 5 beer, wines and spirits; 6 wines; 2 wines and spirits; 1 beer cider and perry; 4 sweets. Seven of the licenced victuallers hold early morning licences. One room is licenced for billiards. 30 publicans and 12 private persons, making a total of 42, hold music and dancing licences. During the past year, 3 licence holders have been proceeded against for offences against the tenure of their licences, and the result is as follows: for being open during prohibited hours Henry Holier, off the Druids Arms was fined £5 and costs. For selling intoxicating liquor to drunken persons Robert Stokes, of the Hope and Anchor, was fined 20s and costs and a case of permitting drunkenness at the First and Last was dismissed. 4 persons have been convicted of being drunk on licenced premises. Licence holders had proceeded against 3 persons for refusing to quit their licenced premises. 51 persons, of whom 43 were males and 8 with females, have been preceded against for drunkenness and 41 were convicted. There is a decrease of 6 on the number preceded against during last year, and an increase of 6 up on the average for the last four years. 9 full licences and 6 off licences have been transferred but an application for the transfer of the licence of the Fort Castle Hotel, was refused and the present holder of the licence has not had the premises open for the sale of intoxicants since November last, and the premises have been closed for the greater part of the last four years. The justices have granted 119 extensions of the time of closing licenced premises on occasions of suppers, balls etc, being held on the premises. I have received notices of 7 applications for new licences, 3 of which are to sell beer, wine and spirits, 2 to sell beer and wines, 1 to sell spirits, and 1 to sell beer.

I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your obedient servant, Joseph Farndale.

Joseph became, in the antiquated language of the day, the Assistant Relieving Officer for Tramps. A letter was received from Mr J Farndale, Chief Constable of Margate, in which he state that his predecessor (Mr Buck) having held the appointment of assistant relieving officer for tramps, at a salary of £5 5s per annum, he should be pleased if the Guardians would appoint him to the post. On the motion of Mr Holttum, Mr Farndale was appointed to the same office at the same salary as his predecessor.

In August 1893, in the trial of a man charged with having acted as a pedlar and assault, Chief Constable Farndale said he had received several complaints of the conduct of pedlars, who intimidated women by forcing goods on them.

In a question of leaving horses uncontrolled in September 1893 Chief Constable Farndale said he took up these cases on grounds of public safety, as a few days before this offence a horse attached to a brewer’s van (which was being unloaded) ran away along Marine terrace and it was a miracle that there was not a serious accident.

Joseph was also the Inspector of Weights and Measures. In June 1894 Mr J Farndale, formerly detective inspector at Halifax, and now Chief Constable of Margate, has passed the examination held by the Board of Trade for inspector of weights and measures.

In the same month, the Coroner’s Inquiry into the death of John Dale, a carriage proprietor and greengrocer, which occurred under circumstances reported in our last issue, was resumed at the Town Hall. It will be remembered that a young cyclist named Frederick Louis Collins of Paradise Street, collided with the deceased as he was crossing the road. Collins was arrested and charged with manslaughter, and the hearing of the case was adjourned. Chief Constable Farndale asked the witness how he fixed the speed when he said the cyclist was riding about seven miles an hour.

In February 1895, he dealt with a case of a buyer who didn’t receive the incubator which he had bought. A desire sprung up in the breast of Mr Frederick Ind, of Margate, to become the possessor of an incubator, and to pacify his longing he advertised his requirement in the “Exchange and Mart”. The advertisement did not fail to escape the watchful eyes of Albert Edward Woodson of Neasham Road, Darlington, who considerately offered him one for the modest sum of 35s. With commendable promptitude and in good faith, Mr Ind forwarded the amount asked, but to his dismay no incubator arrived. The matter was then transferred to a third party, and Chef Constable Farndale, of Margate, took up the cudgels. He traced the young man with the incubator to 14 Tait Street, Carlisle, where he discovered him carrying on a brisk business in the name of Mr Hollands. He was promptly arrested, and at his lodging were found numerous letters, most of which contained postal orders. Alas! For the young man no incubator could be found, and as an excuse he pleaded poverty. He was escorted to Margate where the magistrates have remanded him for a week.

On 4 May 1895 Chief Constable Farndale, inspector of weights and measures, said he saw Henry Baker delivering coal from sacks at the Station Hotel. He asked Baker if he had delivered the coal ticket and he said that he had not, and continued to deliver the coal. Afterwards he entered the bar; and in consequence of what he (the Chief Constable) said to the previous witness, she handed him the ticket now produced.

Joseph Farndale was regularly involved in bicycling offences. In August 1895, William Sparn was summoned for riding a bicycle in Paradise street without giving an audible warning of his approach. Chief Constable Farndale said the defendant rode the bicycle, on the 3rd inst, between 7 and 8 o’clock in the evening, down Paradise street, and there collided with a foot passenger, who was crossing the roadway. He was not heard to whistle or ring his bell.

In October 1895 Superintendent Farndale, of Margate Borough Police, reported that during the year ended July 20th, 1895, 167 vagrants were relieved, viz: 154 men, 11 women, and two children, 19 of whom were sent to the Workhouse, and the remainder were accommodated in common lodging houses at Margate.

In February 1896 Jane Dack, domestic servant, aged 17, from Norfolk, was charged by her master, Mr Hugh Denny, 29 with stealing a gold ring and about £10. The prisoner pleaded guilty and said she was sorry for it. She also said her mistress had been very kind to her, and she had had a good place. Head Constable Farndale, having said she told him how she spent the money, and that she was seized with a temptation to steal, which she deeply regretted. Her mistress had very kindly informed the magistrates that she would take her back into service, therefore they would bind her over for six months to be of good behaviour to her mistress and everybody. The prisoner thanked the magistrates and her mistress, and said she would do all she could to be a good girl in future.

He became interested in the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (“RSPCA”). One evening in May 1896 an interesting ceremony was performed at the Margate Town Hall, the occasion being a presentation to Inspector George Walding, who, for the past two years and eight months, has energetically represented the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in this district, and who left yesterday for the Isle of Wight District, where he will have sole charge. Chief Constable Farndale, the Chief Constable, addressing Inspector Walding, said the members of the Force, from the highest and lowest, having been made aware that the authorities of the RSPCA in London had thought fit to remove him to another district, they wished in parting to show in some form of their appreciation of the services he, Inspector Walding, had rendered to the police in many ways during the time he had been stationed at Margate. With that view they had subscribed towards a small present, a walking stick, as an acknowledgement of his services, and as a memento of the good feeling which existed in the Force towards him. Personally, he, Mr Farndale, must say it was very gratifying to him as chief constable to find such a good feeling, existing between the police and a representative of the noble society, the RSPCA, and he thought it was the first occasion on which an officer of the society had had his services acknowledged in this way. The society ought to be proud of such an officer for the way in which he had discharged his onerous and often trying duties. Concluding, Chief Constable Farndale said: I ask you to in the name of myself and the whole members of the Force, to accept this walking stick as an acknowledgement of the able manner in which you have carried out your duties, the amicable way in which you have always worked with the police, and the ready assistance you have always given them. I am echoing the wishes of every man in the Force when I say I hope you will continue to be prosperous in your calling as an officer of this society, and that you and your wife may enjoy good health wherever you may be.

In August 1896 Joseph wrote, in reply to the Board’s letter, that he quite agreed with the Guardians that the accommodation for vagrants was inadequate in Margate, and he intended shortly to bring the matter before the local authority. It was not the custom to put vagrants into a common lodging house unless it was too late to send them by train to Minster.

There was concern about a motor car driving in excess of 2 miles per hour. Times were changing and the law needed to catch up. In August 1896 Charles Turrell, of 40 Holborn Viaduct, London, was summoned before the Borough Justices on Wednesday for, on two dates, driving a locomotive on the high street at a greater speed than two miles an hour. The Chief Constable said the locomotive was a motor car and came within the provisions of the Act. PC Bellingham proved that on 31st July he saw the defendant driving his motor car down Paradise Street to the Parade at the rate of 14 miles an hour. In cross examination by Mr Hills, he said he had seen another motor car on the street, and had not reported it; that one was driven carefully, and less than 14 miles an hour. Herbert Twyman swore that the motor car in this instance was driven at the speed of 14 miles an hour. Chief Constable Farndale, examined by Mr Hills, said he knew it was an offence to drive a motor car in the streets more than two miles an hour. He knew that a motor car was plying for hire in this borough for a month, and he had ridden in it. He did not proceed against the man by whom it was driven, because he did not think it was desirable to do so, but in this case, the driver travelled at a rate dangerous to the public, viz, 14 miles an hour. He did not know when he issued the summons that an Act of Parliament had been passed into law permitting motor vehicles to travel on the highway like other vehicles. Mr Hills stated that the Act had received Royal Asset; he could not say when; but it had passed through Parliament before the summons was issued. The case was dismissed, and the second summons was withdrawn.

In the early 1890s the first cars to be driven on the roads in Britain were imported. In 1895, the first man to own and drive a car in Britain was Evelyn Ellis. It is estimated that by 1895, there were still only about 15 cars in Britain, imported from abroad. By 1900, the number had risen to about 700. Work to build the first motor car in Britain began in 1892 by Frederick Bremner, a gas fitter and plumber. His vehicle first ran on the public highway in 1894. Fords started to arrive in Britain from about 1908.

At the same time his uncle, Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of Birmingham Police, was involved in a charge against a motor car driver for failing to have a man walking 20 yards ahead of the vehicle.

An early case of drunk horse and trap driving was brought to the Police Court in early January 1897. On Saturday, at the Margate Borough Police Court, a fly driver named John William Woodward, appeared in answer to a summons for being drunk in charge of a horse and trap, on Christmas Eve. Defendant continually interrupted whilst the officers gave evidence and caused much amusement when he made the remark “I was as sober as I am now.” It was quite evident that whilst the defendant stood in the dock he was suffering from the effects of liquor. The Chief Constable stated that he had seen several times previously convicted, but in view of the festive season, the chairman intimated that he would only be fined 10s and costs. Defendant: I won’t pay. The Chairman: Fourteen days. Defendant was about to be removed to the cells, when he shouted “Give us another minute” and clung to the rails of the dock. The assistance of three policemen had to be obtained in order to take the prisoner downstairs. Woodward was placed in the dock again on Monday morning when Chief Constable Farndale informed the magistrates that the prisoner was not in a fit condition to be admitted to the gaol on Saturday. He (prisoner) now wished to apologise for his conduct at the previous hearing and anted to know if the mayor would allow him time to pay the fine. Prisoner said he was sorry for what had occurred, but before going to the Court his master gave him some drink which upset him. The magistrates refused the application and the prisoner was removed below. A fly driver drove a one horse lightweight carriage.

In February 1897, on a charge against a man for wilfully setting fire to his chimney Chief Constable Farndale said when a witness told the defendant his chimney was on fire, he said he knew it, and was going to burn the place down. At that time there was a quantity of timber on a large coal fire, and some waste paper in the fender.

1897 was the year of the Jubilee of Queen Victoria. On Sunday morning the Mayor Alderman E Maltby and Corporation of Margate attended St. John's Church in state, accompanied by various public bodies and prominent local officials. The order of processions was as follows: mounted police; band of Number 7 company, 1st Cinque Ports VA; No 7 company, 1st CPVA under Lieutenant A Leetam, Captain E Wastall 1st VBEKR, Margate Lodge RAOB, Quiver lifeboat crew, Borough fire brigade under Superintendent Wells, the Town Crier, freemasons, aldermen, councillors, magistrates, officials, the town sergeant, His worship the Mayor, wearing his robes and chain, Margate Borough Police, under Chief Constable J Farndale. The route was from the town hall by way of Duke Street, Parade, and High Street, crowds of people lining the thoroughfares. At the church, which was crowded, the vicar of Margate, Reverend W H T Ashton Gwatkin, preached an appropriate sermon.

The omnibus bye laws were infringed in August 1897 when Edwin Gayward, 28, Byron Road, was summoned for conveying a greater number of persons in an omnibus of which he was the driver that he was authorised to do. Chief Constable Farndale said the proceedings were taken under the 15th of the Omnibus Bylaws, which laid down that no more than 18 persons, exclusive of the driver and conductor, should occupy an omnibus drawn by two horses. The defendant had 20 passengers, and when PC Leper pointed that fact out to him, before he left the stand, he defied to the constable and drove off. PC Leper having proved the case, the defendant said his break was licenced by the Watch Committee to accommodate 22 persons, but Alderman Wootton, who is on the Watch Committee, denied that was the case. Sergeant Ferrier said there were twenty adult passengers and one child. The defendant repeated that his break was licenced to carry 22, and that he did not know anything of 18. He admitted that, including children, he had 21 passengers; two children counted as one passenger. The defendant was fined 5s and 8s costs.

Chief Constable of York Police, 1897 to 1900 (3 years)

Joseph Farndale became Chief Constable of York from 1897 to 1900.

In September 1897 the Watch Committee of the York Corporation, at a meeting yesterday afternoon, had personal interviews with the four gentlemen selected for the final choice from the twenty seven applicants for the position of Chief Constable. Mr Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of Margate; Mr Jones Chief Constable of Grantham; Mr Pelley, Devon Police; and Inspector Reeve, Doncaster were the selected candidates, and the committee’s choice finally fell upon Mr Farndale. The new Chief Constable is thirty three years of age, and has held the position of Chief Constable of Margate since 1893. Prior to that time he had passed through various grades from the ranks, and had been send in command at Halifax.

The Watch Committee reported the resignation of Mr E T Lloyd as Chief Constable, and their proposal to appoint Mr John [sic] Farndale, now Chief Constable of Margate, as his successor at a salary of £300. After some discussion the report was adopted, and Mr Farndale, who was in attendance, was called into the room, and returned thanks for his appointment. He stated that he would be able to commence the duties on 1st of November.

The Watch Committee in Margate reported that they had accepted Mr Farndale’s resignation as chief constable, on his appointment to a similar position in York. They recommended that their satisfaction at the way in which he had discharged his duties should be engrossed on vellum and presented to him. They advised that a new chief constable should be advertised for. Mr Rigdon thought, whoever was appointed should personally discharge the duties of Inspector of Weights and Measures. Mr Rolfe said he noticed that there was a charge for an assistant’s services. He wished to know who authorised the payment? He had asked Mr Brooke, in the Finance Committee, but he did not know anything of it. Mr Brooke: so far as my memory served me, Mr Simmons also objected to the payment. Alderman Leetham spoke of the pleasure it gave him to hear of the report as to the satisfaction of Mr Farndale had given it to the Watch Committee, and he said he congratulated the chief constable on the his important appointment. Alderman Coleman said he knew when the inspection of weights and measures took place it was necessary that the Chief should be assisted. He suggested that, at the next meeting, a resolution should be carried as to the payment to the assistant.

Joseph was given a good send off from Margate. In October 1897, presentations were made to Mr Joseph Farndale, the chief constable of this borough, who has recently been appointed to the command of the city police of York. The mayor presided and there were present.

The Mayor said he had a very pleasing duty to perform - the presentation of a purse of gold to the chief constable, on his appointment to York, after having held his present office nearly five years. The magistrates and members of the Watch Committee well knew the ability with which he discharged his duty duties; And, so far as he was concerned, he, as Mayor, had worked very amicably with him during the present year. He believed he had done his duty thoroughly well and to the satisfaction of the burgesses. Of course the chief constable held a peculiar position. It was not likely that he would please the whole of the burgesses; on the contrary, a chief constable, if he discharged his duty impartially, as he had every reason to believe Mr farndale had, he was very likely to displease a number of persons; but he thought he would leave Margate with the good wishes of all whose good opinion desirable. He hoped, when he assumed his important duties in the ancient City of York, he would be successful in all he had to do. He was sure he would do it with his whole heart, as he had in Margate. In handing the purse and contents to Mr Farndale, his worship said it afforded him great pleasure to do so; And that he wished him every success in his new office (cheers).

Chief Constable Farndale said he did not know how to find words to express his thanks to those who had thus shown their appreciation for his services. He thought, when he came here, he had a difficult task before him. He followed a most excellent chief constable, Mr Buck, who did much to improve the police force; Therefore, it was most pleasing to him to find that he had succeeded in maintaining the efficiency of the force, which he is pleased to say was efficient in every sense. The town had splendid police accommodation, which was very inadequate when he came to Margate. He felt very grateful to the magistrates for their kind consideration when he conducted cases before them. It was no easy task to discharge his duties. He always considered the offenders and the interests of the town, and had received much encouragement from their worships. Referring to the Watch Committee he said that, whatever they did had a very great effect in a town such as Margate. He was pleased to find, by the resolution they had placed on their minutes, that he had satisfied them during the time he had been there. He then paid a high eulogy on his force, and made special mention of at most respected officer, Inspector Penfold (cheers). The whole of the members had helped in the maintenance of the good name of Margate, so far as policing was concerned. He would be pleased if he found such an efficient force at York. He expressed his thanks to the magistrates’ clerk and town clerk and their deputies; and said he should always remember Margate. His residence here had been very pleasant; and he hopes to be spared to see Margate a very prosperous and big centre.

The mayor expressed the regret of Alderman Leetham and Councillor Brown at their inability to be present.

The amount of the subscription was £46 7s 6d.

The Mayor then, on behalf of the police force, nearly the whole of whom gave their subscription to the fund, handed to the chief constable, a sword, supplied by Messrs Samuel Bros, Ludgate Hill, London on which was the following inscription “Presented to Joseph Farndale, chief constable, by the officers and men of the Margate police force, on his appointment as Chief Constable of the City of York, October 1897.” It also bears the monogram “JF”, and the Margate borough arms.

His worship stated that Margate has now a police force second to none anywhere (cheers). They were a fine body of men, and from Inspector Penfold, who judging by the cheers with which his name had been received, was deservedly popular, and to the youngest member all did their duty well.

Inspector Penfold thanked the Chief Constable for his kindness to the members, and expressed their best wishes for his happiness, and that of Mrs Farndale and family.

Chief Constable Farndale, in returning thanks, spoke of the great interest he had taken in all that concerned the welfare of those serving under him.

The officers and members of the borough fire brigade assembled at the Queens Arms, on Wednesday evening, and presented to Mr Farndale, a silver mounted inkstand. The presentation was made by Superintendent well; And the chief constable suitably acknowledged the gift. Several songs were sung during the evening.

On 1 November 1897 Mr J Farndale, the newly appointed Chief Constable of York, was sworn in at the York Police court, and entered upon his duties.

Clearly ambitious, it wasn’t long before Joseph Farndale was looking for another upgrade. In November 1898 four selected candidates for the appointment of chief constable of Sheffield are Mr. James Enright, chief constable of Rotherham; Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable of York; Commander Scott, chief constable of Salford, and Mr Edward Sperrin, Chief Superintendent at Liverpool There were 19 candidates. In December 1898 Mr A C Mackintosh, at present chief constable of Maidstone, formerly chief clerk in the Leeds police office, is among the applicants for the vacant chief constable ship of Newcastle. The list also includes the names of Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable of York, and Mr W H Jones, chief constable of Stockport. Another of the applicant is a London barrister, while the chief clerk of the Bucks County council figures in the list. In January 1899 the Watch Committee of Newcastle Corporation yesterday made a selection of five from the list of candidates for the position of Chief Constable of the city, at a salary to begin with of £500. The Council will be invited to make the final choice to which the Watch Committee will give effect next Friday. The selected five included Joseph Farndale, chief constable of York. He didn’t do well in the Newcastle Chief Constable application, perhaps it was too soon. A meeting of the Newcastle City Council was held yesterday, in the council chamber, Mr George Harkus, Mayor, presiding, the principal business being the appointment of a chief constable for the city. The following was the result of the vote voting: The first vote. The first vote was Wilson, 22; Wright, 20; Wymer, 10; Morant, 8; Farndale, 3. Second vote. The name of Mr Farndale was dropped. In January the Newcastle City Council yesterday took a vote upon the five candidates selected by the Watch Committee from the applicants for the position of Chief Constable. District Inspector James B Wright (37) was appointed. The other selected candidates included Joseph Farndale (34), chief constable, York.

On 8 January 1899, some person or persons wilfully killed a young swan on the Rover Ouse, near Clifton Ings, the property of the Ouse Navigation Committee, by shooting it in the neck. A reward was offered to any person giving such information as will lead to the conviction of the offender. Joseph Farndale, Chef Constable, Chief Constable’s Office, York.

Within months Joseph was applying for the vacancy for Chief Constableship of the city of Birmingham, after his uncle Joseph Farndale had resigned that post due to ill health. The Birmingham Watch Committee yesterday received tabulated statements concerning the applicants for the chief constableship of the city. There are exactly 50 applicants, and it is a notable fact that over half of them are gentlemen whose only qualification appears to be a military training. Among the candidates is Mr Farndale, the chief constable of York, a nephew of Mr Joseph Farndale, the retiring chief. In July 1899 the judicial sub-committee of the Birmingham Watch Committee yesterday held a special meeting to consider the applications – exactly 50 in number – for the office of Chief Constable, rendered vacant by the resignation of Mr Joseph Farndale. The proceedings which were conducted in private, lasted upwards of an hour, and at the conclusion it was stated that eight gentlemen had been selected to attend personally before a further meeting of the sub-committee, to be held Friday next, when the final choice will in all probability be made. The eight applicants in question included Joseph Farndale, 35, Chief Constable of York. A few days later the Birmingham Watch Committee at a special meeting this morning appointed Mr G H Rafter, Chief Constable of the City. Mr Rafter who is 42 years of age, has been District Inspector of the Royal Irish Constabulary at Boyle. The appointment was vacant owing to the retirement of Mr Joseph Farndale through ill health. Mr Rafter has had 16 years’ Irish police experience. So on Joseph Farndale’s resignation as Chief Constable of Birmingham through ill health, his nephew, also Joseph Farndale was shortlisted amongst eight to succeed his uncle, but in the event Sir Charles Haughton Rafter was appointed.

At York’s Lifeboat Saturday in July 1899 the Chief Constable (Mr J T Farndale) in his uniform, rode at the head of the procession, attended by a couple of mounted police.

In May 1899, York took possession of a splendid new fire engine. Yesterday afternoon, in St George’s Fields, the power of a new fire engine, which has been supplied to the town of Thornaby on Tees by Messrs Rose, of Manchester, was tested. The operations were under the superintendence of the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale). The engine is guaranteed to pump 350 gallons per hour, but when under full pressure it threw 153 gallons more, or a total of 503 gallons per hour.

The 80th birthday of the Queen was celebrated in May 1899 in York with becoming loyalty. The following magistrates preceded by the Chief Constable (Mr J Farndale) were the first of the civic dignitaries to arrive.

In June 1899 William H A F short, hairdresser and tobacconist, of Clarence street, York, was summoned for keeping his house and shop for the purpose of betting. Mr Farndale read the letter which was addressed to the defendant and signed by the witness, and which requested the defendant to put him sixpence ‘each way’ on several horses, the names of which were given. It was stated in the letter that if the money was not enough he would call that night. In answer to further questions, the witness said the letter was not written for himself, but he could not explain why he had used the word ‘me’ in the phrase ‘put me sixpence each way’. One of the horses won, but he did not go down that night or since, because he sent no money. The chief constable said there had evidently been an enclosure, as the letter referred to money.

Mr J R Wood, Coroner for the city, resumed the inquest in October 1899, in the Alma Terrace police station, on the body of John Dunn, of 76, Alma Terrace, who met his death on the night of second inst, from violence alleged to have been inflicted upon him by Thomas Norman Latham, a neighbour. Mr K E T Wilkinson appeared for the defence of Latham. Mr. J Farndale, chief constable, was present during the inquiry. Gertrude Young, living with her father, a compositor, at 29 Alma Terrace, corroborated the evidence given by her father on the last occasion. The noise they heard coming from Latham’s back kitchen on the night of 2nd October was like struggling, and the banging of pots and things flying about. They rushed out into the yard, and then heard what sounded like the splitting of a stick. They heard heavy blows being dealt by someone in Latham's yard.

In November 1899 Joseph took the opportunity to refer to the claims of the wives and families of our soldiers in arms in South Africa, and calling attention to the Lord Mayor's fund, suggested that a subscription towards it should be made in that room and that at that moment. (Applause).

When the Watch Committee raised Joseph Farndale’s salary in December 1899, questions were being asked about the number of applications he was making to apply for chief constableships of other cities. The councillors later conceded that they had been too penny pinching to retain leaders of the right calibre. Alderman Coning having proposed the reception of the Watch Committee's report, questions were put by Mr Hornsey and Mr. Carter. In replying to Mr Hornsey, the Alderman said he could not absolutely state how many applications for situations in other towns had been made by the chief constable. He informed Mr. Carter that the Council had no guarantee that the chief constable would not apply for an appointment elsewhere. The report having been received, Alderman Coning moved its adoption. In supporting the proposed advance of Mr Farndale salary from £300 to £350 per annum, he said he was a very efficient officer, who had already saved the city a considerable sum by the way in which he managed the Police Department. Mr Brown seconded the motion. Mr Hornsey: it is all very well for Alderman Coning to say he doesn't know how many times the chief constable has applied for situations elsewhere. Alderman Coning: Do you mean since he came to York? Mr Hornsey: Yes. Alderman Coning: oh! I thought you meant in his life (Laughter). Mr Hornsey said they should have a guarantee for something like permanent service within their public offices. The proper thing for the chief constable, if he was dissatisfied, to resign, and the Corporation should then advertise the office. Perhaps they would get someone twice as competent. He was saying nothing against the chief constable (Laughter). Had they elected a York man this would not have occurred.

In the same month a fire broke out in the Salem Chapel, York, last night which was fortunately subdued before it reached very large proportions, although it caused a considerable amount of damage while it lasted. The information of the outbreak was conveyed to the central police station by Mr. Smith of the steam laundry, Aldwark, by telephone at 4.46. The steamer and fire escape were at once sent off in the charge of Superintendent Gains and Inspector Mason who were subsequently joined by the chief constable Mr Farndale. On their arrival the brigade found flames issuing from the gallery windows on the left-hand side of the building. Mr Smith's men were at work with the hosepipe throwing water on the flames through the windows. The brigade connected their hose with the hydrant in St Saviourgate, and went into the building and played on the flames, which they soon succeeded in extinguishing. There are two means of heating the chapel, one by gas which warms the upper part and the other by hot water pipes which heats the lower portion, and it is supposed that the fire originated in some way from the gas apparatus.

Chief Constable of Bradford City Police Force, 1 August 1900 to 31 December 1930 (30 years)

Joseph became Chief Constable at Bradford in 1900, to succeed Roderick Ross, who had left for Edinburgh.

In June 1900, the eight candidates selected out of the applicants for the chief constableship of Bradford have been reduced to six, all of whom will appear before the watch committee next Friday. They included Mr. J Farndale, chief constable of York. By the end of the month Bradford’s new Chief Constable comes with an excellent reputation. Mr Farndale has had wide experience at Halifax, Margate, and York; he has passed through all grades, is a policeman by choice, and is a good disciplinarian without being a martinet. Having done some smart things himself as a subordinate, he may be trusted to recognise merit on the part of young officers under his charge. The Watch Committee’s choice, I firmly believe, will be justified by a better acquaintance with Mr Farndale. Mr Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of York, was yesterday selected by the Bradford Watch Committee as Chief Constable of that City, in succession to Mr R Ross, now of Edinburgh. Six selected candidates appeared before the Committee, there being originally twenty nine applicants. The salary attached to the office is £500.

The Chief Constableship of Bradford. Mr Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of York, was yesterday appointed Chief Constable of the city of Bradford, at a salary of £500 a year, in succession to Mr R Ross, who has become Chief Constable of Edinburgh. Mr Farndale was born at Wakefield in 1864, and first joined the Halifax force, where in the course of ten years he advanced to the degree of detective inspector. In 1888 he was appointed Chief Constable of Margate, and three years ago became Chief Constable of York.

In July 1900 there were congratulations and regrets in York. At the York City Police Court on Monday the magistrates present were the Lord Mayor, Alderman Rymer and Mr H Tennant. The Lord Mayor addressing the chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, said that since they had seen him in that court they had heard that he had been appointed to the chief constableship of Bradford. They could congratulate Mr Farndale, although he did not think that they could congratulate themselves. They could congratulate him on getting the appointment at Bradford, and upon the able way in which he had discharged his duties in that court. He had given universal satisfaction to the court in the way he had conducted himself, and it was with regret that they took leave of him. He hoped that Mr Farndale would be happy in his new appointment. Mr F J Munby, magistrates clerk, endorsed the remarks of the Lord Mayor. Mr H Tennant said that the Lord Mayor had stated the case very aptly as regarded the feelings of the magistrates. They regretted for their own sakes that Mr Farndale was going to leave York, but they could not properly say that they regretted that he had got the appointment at Bradford. Promotion was what people looked forward to, and they congratulated Mr Farndale on every ground. Mr Wilkinson, solicitor, said that personally he was very sorry that Mr Farndale was going to leave them. He had had a great deal to do with the chief constables and they could take his duties in that court very unpleasant or very pleasant and he was bound to say that his relations with Mr Farndale had been very amicable. Mr Farndale said that he naturally felt very proud of the great honour conferred on him by the authorities of Bradford, and it caused him a great amount of joy, but his cup of joy had been mixed with a little bitterness in leaving the ancient City of York. He felt very acutely the remarks made that morning. He said that he had been guided in performing his work in that court by the endeavour to do his duty between man and man. The chief constable has received letters of congratulation from the city members and from a large number of citizens.

The Bradford Watch Committee on Friday made the appointment of chief constable for the city, in succession to Mr R Ross, now of Edinburgh. The original applications numbered 29 and the six selected candidates were Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable of York. These attended before the committee, and Mr Farndale received the appointment, the salary attached to which is £500. Mr Farndale is 36 years of age and married. He is a native of Wakefield, and a nephew of the ex chief constable of Birmingham, who hailed from the Whitby district. He began his career as an ordinary constable at the age of 20 in the Halifax force. He was promoted step by step until at the age of 29 he was second in command in that borough. He then applied for and received the chief constableship of Margate, where he served for a little over four years. In 1897 he was elected chief constable of York, where the normal force is one of 78 men, though in special seasons it is increased to 200.

Clearly the issue was that the councillors of York were skimping on pay, and in consequence were not keeping their high officers. A special meeting of the York City council was held on Monday evening, to receive and consider the following report of the Watch Committee: “Your committee have to report that the chief constable has tendered his resignation, having received the appointment of chief constable at the city of Bradford. The committee desire to record their high appreciation of the efficient manner in which Mr Joseph Farndale has discharged the duties of chief constable of this city, and whilst congratulating him on his promotion to the chief constable ship of Bradford, they regret that his services will be lost to the city. The committee recommend that they be authorised to advertise for a successor to Mr Farndale at a commencing salary of £350 per annum. The chief constable will be required to act as Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures”. Mr Lund proposed, as a further amendment, that the salary offered be £300 instead of £350. Mr Chapman seconded. The sheriff hoped that the Corporation would not pass the amendment to come up but would agree to the larger amount in the hope that they might get a good man, and one who would remain with them. These frequent changes were very unsatisfactory. Alderman Purnell pointed out that the regulation of the cabs and carriages and of the weights and measures had been taken over by the Chief Constable since Mr Farndale took up the duties. Alderman Coning characterised the proposed reduction is a false economy, and was understood to say that the chief constable would be well worth to York the salary that he was receiving at Bradford. Mr Farndale had saved the city scores of pounds. Alderman Mackay: Many hundreds. Alderman Border supported the committee. Mr. Robinson said that taking into account the growth of the city and the increase in its population he thought it only right that there should be a corresponding increase in the chief constable salary. He should vote for £350. He, however, approved of Mr. J S Grey’s suggestion that they should intimate that no recommendation for another post or increase of salary would be granted for two years. Mr Weir also supported the committee. On being put to the vote the amendment was lost. They reported the committee with the omission of the word ‘commencing’ was then passed, and the Council rose.

A letter soon appeared to the editor of the Yorkshire Herald. Sir, will you allow me to give expression through your paper to the general opinion which exists in the city, that the corporation of York have made another serious mistake in permitting Mr Farndale to accept a more lucrative and responsible position, when an advance of salary would have secured his continued services in this city. If I am informed that on each of the three occasions when Mr Farndale became a candidate for vacant appointments, he had previously intimated his intention to the Watch Committee, but had received no encouragement to stir any advance either then, or in the future, and he was therefore compelled to obtain preferment outside the City of York, where his services would be better recognised and appreciated. There is another instance of that short sighted policy of penny wise and pound foolish, which characterised characterise the actions of the majority of our councillors. They never know when they have got a good man, and they had invariably let him slip through their fingers, rather than retain an efficient officer by paying him the salary his experience and services had can command elsewhere. I believe Mr Farndale has been nearly three years in York, and during the whole of that time, peace has reigned between the Watch Committee and their chief constable, which has never been the case for years previously, the police as a body have been better looked after, and have consequently become more efficient, there has been no friction between the chief and the magistrates, as formerly, and the city has been saved considerable expense in various ways by Mr Farndale's organisation and prudent arrangements, when important local functions required extra attention, or the calling in of assistance from neighbouring towns. This was never more forcibly exemplified than on the recent visit of the Prince of Wales, and the other members of the royal party, during the Royal Agricultural Show. By Mr Farndale’s judicious and ample arrangements, royalty was never better safeguarded, or better order maintained amongst the thousands of visitors who attended the show, whilst at least a couple of hundred pounds was saved to the ratepayers, as compared with previous royal visits. I know that it is now too late to retain Mr Farndale, but I trust the experience of the past will have its effect in inducing the council when appointing his successor to give some reasonable pledge that there would be an increase of salary, on satisfaction having been given, after a certain length of time. Yours, a ratepayer. July 21, 1900.

On 1 August 1900, Mr Farndale, the new Chief Constable, commenced his duties in Bradford this morning, when he took over the command of the city force.

On 9 August 1900 Mr J Farndale, late of York, and now the Chief Constable of Bradford, was formally introduced to his men.

In the same month a minute was published in York. Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace, acting in, and for the City of York in meeting, assembled on Monday, the 13th day of August, in the year of our Lord 1900, have pleasure in recording that during the last three years this city has been well and faithfully served in the office of Chief Constable by Mr Joseph Farndale, who has shown much foresight, patient ability, and judgement in the discharge of his duties; and the justices desire to convey to Mr Farndale their best wishes for his health and happiness in his new sphere of duty. The Lord Mayor was in the Chair.

There was a problem with juvenile crime in Bradford. Bradford is creating an undesirable reputation just now for juvenile criminality. Of late months the number of young persons brought before the City Court has been greatly in increase of anything experienced for some considerable period, and the Stipendiary Magistrate ha's intimated that he will in future adopt a much sterner attitude to those who are bought before him, especially after a first conviction. During the quarter just closed no less than 52 persons under the age of 16, consisting of 50 boys and 2 girls, have been charged with various offences, as compared with only five in the previous quarter. Recently there have been systematic raids on pigeon cotes and places where poultry is kept, whilst other youths have devoted their attention to stripping the metal from uninhabited houses and warehouses. The subject has occupied the serious attention of the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale), and he has come to the conclusion that the facilities afforded young persons for the disposal of the stolen property is an important element in the present undesirable condition of affairs. The law restricts the purchase of smaller quantities of metals, but this fact notwithstanding, there are brokers and marine store dealers who are open to take small lots of material from young people, and the police complain that they have not powered sufficiently comprehensive to deal in the most effective way with these dealers. To remedy this defect as far as possible, application is to be made to parliament in the next session cover for an extension of the powers the city police at present possess, and a clause to that effect has been included in the bill which the Bradford Corporation is promoting. By this means it is hoped something will be done to lessen the number of juvenile criminals in the district; And meanwhile the city Chief Constable is making what use he can of the powers he now possesses, and proceedings are to be taken against some dealers who have not, it is thought, exercised such discretion as is necessary by persons in their position. It is a fact that today there are in Armley gaol more young criminals from Bradford than from any other large city centre of population in the West Riding of Yorkshire.

In 1901, Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of Police, head, aged 36 was living at 2 Undercliffe Lane, Bradford with Emma Farndale, his wife, aged 38; Florence Selby Farndale, aged 16; Eveline Farndale, aged 15; Emma Elsie Gladys Farndale, aged 7; and Luch Woodhams and Maria Mocarthy, servants.

The new century was welcomed in at Bradford. In commemoration of the opening of the twentieth century, the Mayor (Mr W C Lupton), the members of the City Council, the chief officials of the Corporation, the city magistrates, and a number of gentlemen representing institutions of the town, attended Divine service yesterday at Bradford Parish Church. The procession consisted of a posse of police under Chief Constable Farndale (who had altogether 120 men on duty in connection with the proceedings).

In mid January 1901 a conference was held at the Bradford Town Hall yesterday between representatives of the Watch Committee of the city, the Bradford School Board, and the Bradford Board of Guardians with the object of considering the best means of putting into force the powers obtained by the Corporation in last year's bill for regulating street trading by children. The chairman of the Watch Committee, Mr J Moorhouse presided, and among others present were the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale). Considerable discussion took place as to the most desirable means of attaining the end in view, that of safeguarding the interests not only of the children, but also of the general public. It was ultimately resolved that a deputation representing the three authorities should visit Liverpool, where similar powers I've been exercised for some time, to inquire into the methods adopted there. Draft copies of the regulations proposed are to be submitted to the Board of Guardians and the School Board for approval before being adopted. A suggestion that children to be dealt with should not in the first instance be taken to a police station or the Workhouse was favourably received by all the parties.

The first annual report of the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, for the year ended December 31st, 1900, begins with an interesting reference to the “watching and policing of Bradford during the 19th century,” Mr Farndale says:

At the beginning of the century there were no police but the whole team was watched (at night time), by only seven watchmen, appointed by the commissioners, and this number was reduced in April of each year to two. In 1827 six additional watchmen were appointed, due no doubt to the increasing population, as in 1803 the population was 14,000, whereas in 1821 it had increased to 20,000. This state of things existed until 1847, with the exception that, the number of watchmen had been increased to 28. In these days a great economy seems to have been observed in clothing the Watchmen, as will be seen from a minute passed in 1804: “Resolved that two new coats be provided for two of the oldest Watchmen and that three of the old coats be appropriated in repairing for old ones.”

In the year 1831 the so-called police force must have been in a deplorable state according to the report of a Committee of Inquiry, which sees says as follows: They “regret to observe that whilst the population and commerce of this town have rapidly increased, its moral and municipal discipline is on the decline; and it is their opinion that without an entire reformation of the police at the town it may become very questionable whether even property itself may not become deteriorated to a ruinous extent; and they have but too much reason to apprehend the workings of a system of fraud on the one hand and negligence and extravagant on the other.”

On the grant of a charter of incorporation in 1847, a properly organised police force, with a responsible head, was established under Mr William Leveratt, and the full strength of it was 65. Mr Leveratt was succeeded by Mr F W Grantham of Leeds in 1859, and he remained at the head of the force until 1874, when Mr. James Withers was appointed. He was succeeded by Mr C J Paul in 1894, who was pensioned in 1898, and Mr R Ross was appointed. The strength of the force was increased periodically, due to the increase of population, until 1899, when the number was increased from 282 to 354, owing to the expansion of the city boundaries.

The following table shows a most gratifying improvement in the conduct of the police force during the past 35 years, and I think I may fairly claim that at the present time the moral tone of the force is good and that the efficiency is excellent:

Five years ending Percentage of offenders reported to watch committee

1870 – 15.44

1875 – 16.10

1880 – 10.83

1885 – 6.51

1890 - 4.93

1895 - 3.90

1900 - 2.97.

The authorised strength of the force on 31st December, 1900, was 554. The average age is 39 ½ years: height 5 foot 10 ½ inches; and length of service nine years and three months. The variations during the year were as follows: - 1 Sergeant and 12 constables resigned voluntarily, 6 constables resigned compulsory, 3 constables were dismissed, 1 Sergeant died, 1 constable absconded, and 1 Superintendent, 1 inspector, 2 sergeants and 4 constables were pensioned. The chief Constable, Mr R Ross, was appointed Chief Constable of Edinburgh.

In addition to 10 army reservists (constables in this force) who were called up for active service in South Africa in 1899, I have been called upon during the past year, thus making a total of 11. I'm glad to say that up to the present time only 1 man has been wounded, and in that case not seriously. There are 249 members of the force who hold the St. Johns Ambulance Association certificates; 43 of that number having gained the medallion. It is my attention to form a class without delay for interacting in this useful and very necessary work whose members do not hold certificates. First aid to the injured was rendered on 69 occasions, 8 being cases of fractures, 32 wounding, 19 fits, 3 burns, one poisoning, and five of other injuries.

The number of crimes committed during the year, known to the police, amounted to 747, an increase compared with the previous year of 156. For those offences 473 persons were arrested and 16 proceeded against by summons, 419 were males and 70 females. The number of robberies perpetrated was 539; the value of the property stolen being £4016 18s 6d, and the property recovered pounds £165 39s 1d. Comparing these figures with those of last year, it appears that there is an extraordinary increase in the value of property stolen; this is not the result of an increase in crime, but is owing to the fact that the value of the property stolen in four of the robberies exceeded the total stolen in the 1899, amounting to £1,685. Of this amount £1,450 was covered by insurance and only entailed the loss upon the owners of £235. In order to show that the work of the detective department has not been inferior to that of other years, by deducting the proceeds of these four robberies, £1685, from the total sum stolen, £4016, it will be seen the percentage of the property recovered is raised from 41.1 to 76.84, an actual increase upon the previous year. This percentage of detected robberies is 65.29.

The total number of persons preceded against four non indictable offences was 3,782, being in comparison with the previous year, a decrease of 180. Of these 2,357 were males and 845 female; 1,799 were preceded against by arrest, and 1,903 by summons; 1935 were convicted, and 1,418 discharged, 962 of that number being discharged on payment of costs, 11 committed to industrial schools, and 123 otherwise dealt with.

For drunkenness 463 males were preceded against, together with 178 females - a total of 641. Of this number 228 were fined or committed to gaol, 412 were discharged, 340 of this number being discharged on payment of costs, and one case withdrawn. Compared with the average number of cases proceeded against during the past five years, this shows an increase of 195.

Of keys 327 sets were deposited at the police office, the sum of pounds £325 11s 8d being received for rent. 645 lost children were taken charge of by the police, and subsequently restored to their parents. The number of premises found insecure during the year was 2,039. A notice was served upon the occupiers of the premises in all cases, requesting that more care should be taken when securing them. During the year 7 orders were made to keep dogs under proper control, and three to destroy dogs. Altogether 518 dogs were destroyed by the police during the year.

In April 1901 something of a divergence of sentiment between the magisterial bench and the chief of the police force arose in Bradford City Police Court yesterday. The magistrates dismissed a charge of selling drink during prohibited hours. Thereupon Chief Constable Farndale requested to be informed of their reasons for so deciding; and added the noteworthy remarks that he had a right to know, in order that he might deal with his men, and that if the bench did not believe his officers he should have to punish them. The magistrates declined to state any reasons, but added the case was a proper one to bring before the court.

The Chief Constable of Bradford was clearly trifling with the dignity and authority at the magistrates yesterday when he demanded reasons for the dismissal of a prosecution against a local licenced victualler. The grounds on which this official felt justified in preferring his demand are remarkable. “If you do not,” he said, “believe my officers, I must necessarily inflict some punishment on them.” Are we to understand, then, that the Chief Constable rewards or punishes the members of his force according to the measure of success or the extent of the failure which attend their prosecutions in the police court? Of course, Mr Farndale, cannot have intended that this construction should be placed upon his remark, but it is inevitable all the same. It is needless, of course, to explain that the dismissal of a case does not necessarily imply the censure on the prosecution or justify a charge of perjury being laid against the police officers concerning it. Many reasons enter into a final judgement at the Bench, and we're glad to see, if only for the officers say sake, that the Bradford justices yesterday made it clear that they thought the case in question was a proper one for investigation. Whether this was on so or not, it would never do to admit the Chief Constable's right when acting as a prosecuting counsel to cross examining the magistrates as to the reason lying at the back of any decision they may come to. Such a demand emanating from the other side would properly be regarded impertinence, and, in the interests of justice cover it is right and necessary to avoid the very appearance of partiality.

Joseph Farndale was already looking splendid in his mounted posse. The inspection of the Bradford City Police Force afternoon at Manningham park was quite a smart and interesting event. Beautiful spring weather prevailed, and the park looked well. The green on the left hand side of the main carriage drive had been staked off for the occasion by a number of flags, and shortly after two o’clock the men of the force were marshalled in various sections fronting the main road. The constables were paraded pending the arrival of the Government Inspector by Sergeant Brown (Drill instructor to the force). All told they numbered over 300 men. This included 25 sergeants, 13 inspectors, and superintendents Blenkinsop, Ackroyd, Bogart, White, and Thompson. Both officers and men were in full uniform, and presented an imposing appearance. Exceptional pains had been taken to thoroughly clean all the metal facings, and the citizens of Bradford have reason to be proud of the smart body of men whose duty it is to patrol the streets of this city and to protect our lives and belongings. A detachment of mounted police, in charge of inspector Mattocks, was a feature of the proceedings, and the detective staff, under the command of Chief Inspector Abbey, were attired in smart civilian dress and wearing silk hats. The Chief Constable, Mr Farndale, was the most conspicuous feature of the assembly. He was mounted on a spirited steed, and was dressed in an attractive uniform, with a glittering sword hanging by his side. His chapeau was surmounted by plumes.

At the City Police Court in May 1901 Mr Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable, referred to a case where a man had been stabbed in the shoulder by a penknife. He said it was reported in the papers that he had no authority for fixing bail in the case. He asserted that he had ample authority. The Stipendiary Magistrate (Mr Skidmore): Not in a serious case. Mr Farndale: I mean to a case of petty misdemeanour. In reply to Mr Skidmore the Chief Constable said the time of grating bail was on Saturday, he could not say exactly when. He then proceeded to quote authority, saying he had the right to fix bail as he did not consider the case a serious one. He could exercise his discretion. The Stipendiary Magistrate, after consulting the charge in the case, said it was a felony in which no bail should have been taken without a magistrate’s authority. He was not blaming the Chief Constable if it was irregular. Any magistrate would have fixed bail. There were 68 magistrates in Bradford. The matter then dropped.

At the City Court in the same month before the Stipendiary (Mr Skidmore) and other magistrates, a respectably dressed woman, twenty four years of age, was charged with keeping her house as a brothel. The Chief Constable (Mr Joseph Farndale) said that the prisoner had kept this house as a brothel since May last year. The police had received numerous complaints with regard to the conduct of the house, and the later had recently been under police supervision. Recently a number of men employed at a local show had frequently visited the prisoner. There was no drink found on the premises. A fine of £5 and 8s costs was imposed with an alternative of one month’s imprisonment with hard labour.

In 1901, Joseph Farndale became involved in a number of cases of fortune tellers ripping off their clients.

A curious case of fortune telling came before Mr Skidmore (Stipendiary Magistrate), who found the affair very funny. On the evening of May 25th a defendant was visited at his house by two of the police matrons.

According to the evidence of the former, the defendant’s first device was to fold two pieces of paper into the form of diamonds, after which he asked the visitors when and where they were born. Mr Skidmore: That is a very dangerous question to ask a lady; I hope you didn’t tell him (laughter). Continuing the witness said that the defendant wrote the information on the diamond formed papers, and then retired saying he was going to meditate as to what planet or planets the visitors were born under. After an absence of about ten minutes, he returned with the information that witness was born under Venus (laughter). He predicted for witness a lot of trouble and sickness this year, but said there would be a change for the better next year. She would he added do well as a lodging house keeper, and he warned her against taking a voyage on the water until next year; this year there was an evil aspect over her (laughter). Had the hour of her call been midnight he would have predicted a voyage abroad next year. He advised her to transact all her important business on the Thursday directly following a new moon. He told her that she would have two offers of marriage during the next year – one from a single man and one from a widower (laughter). Mr Skidmore: Is the defendant a widower? (renewed laughter). The witness said she paid the defendant 1s 6d for telling her fortune. The defendant told her if she preferred to have it written down it would cost 2s 6d.

In cross examination the defendant complained that the callers had given wrong names. Mr Skidmore: That doesn’t matter; they were told a great many things at your house that were wrong. Defendant: I didn’t send for them. Mr Skidmore: Nobody says you did. Defendant: I haven’t been doing much business during the last three or four years due to my health. Mr Skidmore: And you will do less after today.

Ellen Whitehouse, a married woman, corroborated the testimony of the first witness. The defendant predicted for her two offers of marriage (laughter).

Detective Haigh said he had made inquiries as to the defendant’s antecedents. He had ascertained that the defendant had drawn considerably over £1,000 from a gentleman in Knaresborough in this kind of business – driving away the evil aspect (laughter). He had been carrying on in this way for sixteen years. Mr Skidmore: I shouldn’t have thought there was so much money in Knaresborough. Detective Haigh: The gentleman there has now become seriously ill, and the doctor says it is all due to this man bothering him. He is nearly seventy years of age.

In reply to Mr Skidmore, the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale) aid there was no previous conviction against the defendant for this kind of offence, but he had been fined for assaulting his wife. He had been carrying on business for twenty years in Bradford and called himself a herbalist. Defendant (to the detective): I haven’t drawn over £1000 from that man. Detective Haigh: You have had £1 a week from him for over twenty years. Defendant: No, I haven’t had 10s. Mr Skidmore: You ought not to have had 10d.

Detective Haigh: He has gone down to this gentleman’s house regularly about once a week, ad has spent the night in boiling down beats’ hearts and putting it into ginger beer bottles to drive the evil spirits away. He would spend the night in this way and leave next morning. Mr Skidmore: I see, a sort of incantation (laughter).

The Chief Constable said the visitors to the defendant’s house were not confined to any particular class. This Knaresborough business had been put to an end.

Mr Skidmore (to the defendant): You are a rogue and a vagabond. That is what the law calls you. If you had been convicted before you would have been sent to prison for a long term without the option of a fine. There is no doubt that you have been carrying on this business and imposing upon His Majesty’s subjects for a long period of time. You will be fined £10 and 12s costs, or six weeks imprisonment.

In June 1901 at Bradford City Police Court a defendant was charged with stealing a pair of bathing drawers, value 6d, the property of the Bradford Corporation. The Chief Constable (Mr J Farndale) remarked that no fewer than 100 pairs of drawers had disappeared from one of the baths within the last six weeks.

In the same month the annual inspection of the City Police new clothing took place before the Bradford Watch Committee at the Belle Vue Barracks, Manningham Lane. Upwards of 300 officers and men were drawn up on parade under Chief Constable Joseph Farndale.

The report presented by the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, at the annual Brewster Sessions for the city, held on 21 August 1901, contains several favourable features. Taken all round the holders of licences in the city have conducted their houses well, and the returns as to drunkenness in Bradford compare favourably with those published for other large towns. According to the report 2.01%, per thousand population were preceded against, as compared with 4.16% at Leeds, and 3.39 at Sheffield. The figures relating to Bradford, in fact, are the lowest returns from eight of the largest towns of the country.

In the same month at the Bradford City Police Court Patrick Gorman, 18, millhand of 10 Grafton Street and William Redmond, 17, labour, of 21 Duncan Street were charged with breaking and entering the premises of number 131 East Parade, occupied by the Board and Case Makers’ Club, and stealing therefrom 6s 2d in cash and quantity of tobacco and cigarettes. The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, stated that the premises were discovered on Monday to have been broken into, and the prisoners were found inside with the stolen property and money in their possession. The prisoners were ordered to take their trial at the next quarter sessions.

In October 1901 Mrs Boyd Carpenter addressed a drawing room meeting in the Council Chamber of the Bradford Town Hall, on behalf of the Northern Police Orphanage and Police Convalescent Home. The Mayor presided over a very influential gathering, and there were present the Mayoress, Mr E P Arnold-Foster, Chief Constable Farndale, and Mr Hankinson, the deputy town clerk. The Mayor in the course of a brief introductory speech, said that the necessity for the extension of the upper sphere of the home's usefulness seemed most evident and pressing.

When Joseph’s uncle, Joseph Farndale died in 1901, at a meeting of the Watch Committee today, a letter was read from Mr J Farndale, Chief Constable at Bradford, thanking the committee for the resolution of condolence in respect to the death of the late Mr Joseph Farndale.

In November 1901, the police had to deal with a dodgy bookmaker. Since Saturday last it has been known in Bradford that the police had suspicions of the dealings of a local sporting man, and careful inquiries narrowed the suspect down to Mr. Kelly, who resides at Tennyson Place, off Otley road. He is of Irish descent and a Roman Catholic. He cannot be much more than 30 to 35 years old, and his unmarried. No man has loomed larger on the sporting side of Bradford life for some years past, and the stories of his turf winnings during the last two years have not lacked either in detail or in breath. He is he has been alleged to have one thousands upon thousands of pounds, £20,000 here, £10,000 there; Scarcely a big meeting having passed without some “personally authenticated” story of “Kelly's luck” being wafted Bradfordwards.... Kelly attended the Manchester November meeting on Saturday last, and we believe, shortly after leaving the course was met by Liverpool, London and Bradford detectives. It had come to the knowledge of the Liverpool police, through a search of Goudie’s rooms, that the absconding bank clerk had had heavy betting transactions with, or through, Kelly. Kelly says ‘through’ him. However the police thought there was sufficient to justify them in asking him for an explanation. This he was by no means willing to give, in fact, he courted investigations in the frankest fashion, whilst at the same time stating that what money had come through his hands from Goudie, who used a false name in transactions, had been accepted in legitimate fashion, and without any suspicion of the bona fides of the principal. However he was unable to give details at Manchester, and the detectives travelled with him to Bradford. Here he laid before them at his house an account of his transactions, together with telegrams, memoranda, and books relating thereto. At a subsequent interview at the town hall with the Chief Constable he promised to give all possible assistance, and his behaviour throughout his apparently been characterised by straightforwardness. He made no attempt to leave the town and was seen about there up to and including Thursday morning. It is believed that Mr Kelly, acting on legal advice, travelled to London on Thursday morning with the intention of surrendering to the police and meeting any charges that might be made against him, should any warrant be issued against him. A Bradford solicitor who is popularly supposed to have been advising him, certainly travelled to London that day. By a coincidence, on Thursday the Bradford chief constable, Mr J Farndale, received telegraphic instructions from Scotland Yard to arrest Kelly. It was then found that he had gone to London and last evening a further telegram was received stating that he had been arrested in London. The specific charge against him is that of ‘uttering forged bankers cheques well knowing that … etc’. No detail of the charge has been allowed to transpire, but it is believed that Kelly paid into his account at Bradford one or more of the forged cheques which Goudie is alleged to have been instrumental in issuing - these being duly honoured. The sum mentioned in connection with the case is £30,000, but here again rumour has more to say that any traceable fact. The friends of Kelly say that these cheques, or cheque as the case may be, were received in pursuit of legitimate transactions, and this, it is obvious, will be the line of his defence.

A dangerous practise was brought to light in a case heard at Bradford City court on 18 December 1901. Ezra Wilkinson, of Town Gate, Wyke, was charged with keeping 24 pounds of explosives in excess of the quantity permitted. The Chief Constable, Mr Farndale, said the case was serious, because the defendant had the explosives, which were fireworks, stored in a bedroom where boys were sleeping. The defendant, who said he did not know that he was committing any offence, was fined £2 13s 6d and 8s costs.

After Christmas 1901, in the opinion of one who ought to know there have been fewer cases of drunkenness in Bradford during the Christmas holidays this year than in other years. On the whole the streets have been kept fairly orderly, and great credit is due to the city police for their conduct in the matter. There has been too a complete absence of crime of a serious nature. This may be accounted for by the strict vigilance kept by the police on old offenders. The present chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, has taken full advantage of the Prevention of Crimes Act, by which act it is possible to send a man to prison for 12 months with hard labour on a charge of suspicious loitering, providing he has a bad character. This measure, judicially used, seems to be a powerful check on habitual criminality.

Soon after the New Year in 1902 the Bradford Watch Committee recommend that the salary of the Chief Constable (Mr Farndale) be increased from £500 to £600 per annum, and that by increases of £50 a year it should advance to a maximum of £800 per annum.

In January 1902, Joseph Farndale became involved in a moral crusade against music licences for the “Singing ‘oils” of Bradford. Transplant the average Midland “man about town” on a Saturday night or a bank holiday night, into any of the larger Yorkshire centres of population, and the first feature of “about town” life which would strike him would be the public house “singing ‘oil” or free and easy, for he knows none such. The present writer's first introduction to one was in 1893, at Sheffield, and the recollection of its melodiousness, its rowdiness, its rudimentary harmony, and its flood of ale, is yet with him. An atmosphere reeking with bad tobacco, a room crowded with men and women, in whom the “wine” with more than mellow, sloppy tables, sloppy songs, vigorous applause, and vigorous language, that is the sum and substance of the recollection. Since those days the Yorkshire singing ‘oil has somewhat improved but its main features remained the same on that night of all nights for alcoholic enjoyment - Saturday night. There is a little more outward seeming decency, and Bradford, Leeds, Sheffield... These recollections and reflections are prompted by the recent action of the Bradford chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale. In Bradford there are 618 hotels and public houses; 368 of these have music licences, and 37 other places have similar licences. Altogether 405 music licences are held in the city. These are two fully fledged musicals, two theatres, and St. Georges hall and the mechanics institute to contribute to the legitimate amusement of the week in week out. In addition 10 or a dozen public houses in the centre of the city run singing ‘oils, some with the concomitant dignity of a regular playbill, some with millie a scratch selection of paid or amateur talent.

The crusade of the Bradford chief constable against music licences was resumed at Bradford police court today, before the licencing boards bench, Mr S P Myers presiding. The interest in the proceedings has greatly subsided after the refusal at yesterday's sitting to renew the licence of the Granby hotel one of the best known “singing ‘oils” in the city. At the outset Mr A Neal said that after duly considering the matter he had decided to ask permission to state a case with a view to an appeal against the decisions in regard to the Roebuck Inn in and the Granby. He would hand in the conditions of the appeal. The appeal was based mainly on the chief constable's third ground of objection, referring to the breach of the conditions of the licence. The chairman assented to the course being taken. Alan Boocock, the landlord, applied for the renewal of this licence, which was objected to by the chief constable on the grounds that it was structurally unfit and that it was frequented by people of loose character. Sergeant Thornton gave evidence in support. He was detailing an incident he saw in October when Mr Neil observed, sotte voce, “Oh, go to church”. The chief constable: “I shan't go to church. I am here to do my duty. There is no sentiment about me”. The examination preceded.

The Bradford licencing magistrates were occupied for many hours yesterday in hearing arguments and evidence for and against the granting of new music licences to which the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, had notified objection.

The Bradford licencing justices have made a noticeable reduction in the number of music licences. Certainly the evidence tended by the chief constable in many instances seemed conclusive of the contention of “no necessity” or else that the concert room had not been well conducted. Mr Neil set up an ingenious plea that Bradford people would have music, and he asked the magistrates to believe that the songs were of an elevating character. Now we're rather surprised that no police evidence was given as to the nature of the songs sung at these establishments. We rather fancy that there would have been some setoffs to “The heavenly city”, “Daddy”, and “The last chord.” The statistics of the music halls presented by Mr Farndale showed indisputably that Bradford has an enormous excess of these places, and that licences must have at one time been granted without the slightest reservation. The action or policy of the licencing justices will, we think, meet general approval. During the coming year no doubt the chief constable will take care to note whether the houses which have been continued are maintained on the high moral plane which Mr Neil himself claims should guarantee their existence.

In March 1902 Mr J Farndale, formerly chief of police of Margate, has been presented with a gold watch by the subordinate members of the Bradford force, in recognition of his successful endeavours to make the policeman’s lot a happy one.

Ah, take one consideration with another; With another, A policeman's lot is not a happy one; Ah!; When constabulary duty's to be done, to be done, A policeman's lot is not a happy one, happy one.

(The Pirates of Penzance, Gilbert & Sullivan, 1880)

The problem of fortune teller ‘scams’ returned in 1902. A well dressed and somewhat handsome woman named Mrs Annis Wood, of 7 Nelson Square, Bradford, was before the Bradfords Stipendiary, Mr C Skidmore, this morning on two charges of unlawfully telling fortunes. The chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, said that the prosecution was under the Vagrancy Act of 1824. Defendant had lived at the address named for three years, and her visitors numbered sometimes 100 a day. They were principally ladies, who called to have their fortunes told. Defendant looked at her clients’ hands and then pretended to tell them something about their future. After that she took their handkerchief, rolled it into a ball, and preceded with her story. They then paid a fee of a shilling or so, the amount varying according to the client's circumstances. Mrs Annie Ledger, of 39 Alexander St, said that on Friday, February 28, she visited the defendant's house, and arranged to call again on the following Thursday. She went at three o’clock, and arranged to call again at four o’clock. Defendant answered the door, and showed her into a room where there were five other ladies. These took their turns to visit Mrs Wood in another room, and witness, who had taken her wedding ring off, was the last but one. Witness said the defendant told her she was a single woman. The Stipendiary: “A very bad shot”. Witness: “She said I should not be engaged for a very long time. She then asked me if I knew a dark man with eyes darker than my own who had not been true to me? Then she asked if I knew another darker than her? I said no. She said he thought the world of me (laughter) and that I knew it. I told her I did not know that.” Then she said I was not really strong, that I should have a lot of sickness, but nothing dangerous. She gave a prescription, one ounce of Epsom salts, an ounce of magnesium, and announce of essence of peppermint. The Stipendiary: “That is what they call a love powder”. (Laughter). Witness, proceeding, said , “Then she said there would be two deaths in the family. I should not bother about one, but for the other I should have to go into a very deep mourning. The last death was to bring me some money. She asked me for my handkerchief, which she rolled up. She next told me that a married man thought more about me than he did about his wife, and there was no love between them. (Laughter). She said that if I was not careful it would be a law case. The man would go in for a divorce, and marry me at once if I was agreeable. She said I should have a very successful year. I should have money, and things would be brighter all around. I asked her fee, and she said 1s 6d. I put two single shillings down, and she took one and returned the other.” Witness added that she went at the instigation of the police. Cross examined by Mr Earnshaw, barrister, who appeared for the defendant,: “There was no pressure put upon me by the defendant. She did not know whether Mrs Wood advertised. She made a note of the proceedings when she got home. The Stipendiary: “If this is true it is an offence”. Mr Earnshaw submitted it was not a case of fortune telling. There was no intention to impose upon people. Palmistry was not illegal, and was not fortune telling. The act had been framed for the protection of people against gypsies. This was not an offence under the Act. The Stipendiary held that if the witness’s story was true an offence had been proved. Mr Earnshaw put his client into the box. Mrs Wood said that she had been engaged in clairvoyance for nine years, and in palmistry for four years. Mr Earnshaw, “How do you know you have the power of clairvoyance?” Defendant: “It is only in born”. Defendant added that before she took money she advised friends and neighbours gratuitously. People paid her what they thought fit. She remembered Mrs Ledger coming. She took her hands and read the lines. “They were very fine lines,” said the defendant in an impressive voice and with a theatrical air. “I said,” Defendant went on “you are a married lady.” she said “No”. I said “Be truthful to me and I will be truthful to you.” I said “you certainly know a gentleman that works at a large building within 3 minutes of the railway station. The gentleman before long will have an improvement in his position.” Defendant added that in the course of her career she had been consulted by a large number of people, about 25 a day, but not 100. Stipendiary: “A very nice way of getting a living. It is much easier than mine”. (Laughter). Defendant: “I only work four days a week. It is not true that I receive fees of a sovereign or even half a sovereign. I have had girls visit me of 18 years of age, but none younger. Mr Earnshaw: “Have you done it in the hope of reward?” Defendant: “A clergyman gets reward”. The chief constable, in answer to the Stipendiary, said that they estimated the Defendant was making £300 a year. She had plenty of clients, including carriage people. She told things to young girls which had caused stress in many respectable Bradford homes. He asked for the law to be enforced. Stipendiary: “If you come here again and the offences proved you will be sent to gaol. This morning I shall find you find you pounds £25 and 12 S costs, or one month. The chief constable was proceeding to examine his witness in the second case when Mr Earnshaw pleaded guilty. He asked for time in which to pay the fine. The Stipendiary: “I am pleased to see she can engage counsel”. Mr Earnshaw: “I am engaged by the Occultist's League, and not by Mrs wood. On the second charge a fine of £10 and 12s costs, or 21 days was imposed. The chief constable objected to allowing the defendant time to pay under the circumstances.

At Bradford yesterday, a well dressed woman named Mrs Annis Wood, of Nelson 7 Nelson Square, Bradford, was heavily fined for telling fortunes. Mr Earnshaw, barrister, who appeared for the accused, submitted that palmistry was not illegal. The Vagrancy Act of 1824 under which the present prosecution was laid was not meant to apply to cases like the present one, but was framed more for the protection of the public against gypsies. The chief constable, Mr Farndale, said that the defendant had had as many as 100 visitors a day, including carriage people.

At Bradford on 5 June 1902 the Chief Constable (Mr Joseph Farndale) stated that a police officer was never off duty until he left the service.

No extra hours in pubs were allowed in 1902 in Bradford for the Coronation, even though Joseph did not object. A special sitting of the Bradford licencing bench, Mr. J Godwin presiding, was held this morning at the town hall to consider the application of Mr. A Neil, on behalf of the licenced victors, for an hour extension, eleven o’clock to twelve midnight, on the nights of June 26th and 27th. Mr Newell appeared on behalf of the beer sellers. The chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, said he had no objection to the application. He was told that the Diamond Jubilee the police had had no cause of complaint. The Bench refused to grant any extension. Mr Neil also applied for an all night extension at the New Inn, Idle, stating that an ox was to be roasted in front of the hotel. The Bench refused the application.

However the baccarat players were not tolerated. The Chief Constable (Mr J Farndale) contended that baccarat was an unlawful game wherever it was played. The Stipendiary (Mr C Skidmore) found that, firstly, the club was a bona fide club; secondly, that baccarat was an unlawful game as habitually played there, and, thirdly, the club was kept for two purposes – social and gambling, and that constituted a common gaming house.

The folk of Bradford behaved well for the King’s Coronation. After the holiday for the new King’s coronation: Chief Constable Farndale expressed himself highly pleased with the conduct of the people yesterday and assures us that the police were given every assistance. To use his own words: “It was a good natured and thoroughly well-behaved crowd.” The streets were certainly well kept yesterday by the force.

In September 1902 the magistrates dismissed a charge brought against a Cleckheaton labourer, to Joseph’s consternation. The evidence was contradictory and the Bench decided not to convict. The Chief Constable (Mr J Farndale): Then, I am to understand you do not believe my officer? The Chairman: I don’t like your way of putting the question. I am sure it is far from us to accuse your officer of speaking an untruth. It is possible he has got a mistaken idea. The Chief Constable: Well, sir, I must do my duty. If I put men into the box whom you cannot believe then I must endeavour to rid the city of them. The Chairman: There is a want of corroboration on both sides. The Chief Constable: I am not complaining because you have discharged the prisoner. I am concerned as to the truthfulness of my officers. The Chairman: We do not feel justified in convicting. That is all. The matter then dropped.

In an article about the Halifax police force in February 1903 it was noticed that several men who have, or are still, filling chief constableships in other towns received their training under Mr Pole. A notable example is the present Chief Constable of Bradford (Mr J Farndale), Mr Farndale joined the Halifax borough force as a constable, and left with the rank of detective inspector, when he was appointed Chief Constable of Margate.

There was a Pen Portrait of Joseph Farndale in the Bradford Weekly Telegraph, Saturday 2 May 1903 entitled The Chief.

It may be either fortunate or unfortunate to know Mr Farndale, the gentleman who sits at the Town Hall as Chief Presenter of crime in the city of Bradford. If he is your friend, you will find him what the gamins call “OK”, but if you happen to come within the clutches of his myrmidons of the law you would be less appreciative, perhaps, of this man and his office. The chief constable has not been with us very long, but he has gained the respect of the law abiding citizens by his courtesy. He is not too big a man to oblige. We have known chief constables with a good deal fewer than 300 policemen at their beck and call who fancied all the powers of earth and heaven were committed to their charge. The swelling importance of such men is not pleasant to behold. Mr Farndale does not presume upon the dignity of his position, nor carry out his office despoticly in any way. He is rather of a modest and retiring disposition than otherwise and does not have thirst to fill the public eye. We have known some very autocratic chief constables. They used to exercise their functions mainly in county divisions and in the old days of quarter sessions. They were very great men in those days, and all chief constables were great men. The growth of democracy and the rise of county councils has reduced the awful state of the chiefs of police. They, for the most part, now do their duty like ordinary men. There was one of these personages in our youth who rejoiced in the dubious nickname, when in the army, of “Hellfire Jack”, and who as chief of police chastened public offenders in the street with a thick oaken stick, and who used to sit besides the magistrates on the bench and help the magistrates to administer the law.

Now we lay stress on the contrast between the old theology, beg pardon, the old style of chief constable, and the new. Mr Farndale is of the new model. His ideal is that the police should serve the people with civility and fidelity, and that perfect confidence should prevail between the force and the public. No man was more deeply hurt than he at the discredit thrown upon the Constabulary a few months back by the irregularities. Good relations exist between the chief constable hand and his men, and while strict he is no martinet. The consequences that we believe are force is an improvement on what it was a few years back. Mr Farndale having risen from the ranks, knows the whole round of a policeman's duties, and he judges his men with the eye of knowledge. The consequence is that the men had full faith in their chief, and tried to serve him well accordingly.

Mr Farndale is a quiet, dark man, who rules his men firmly, who tries to bring about obedience to the law, and yet is not guilty of straining the law against the accused person. As a rule a policeman acquires a certain amount of bias in the pursuit of his calling, and is not sufficiently inclined to give the prisoner the benefit of the doubt. We have seen no excessive straining after convictions on the part of Mr Farndale, and this is the more noteworthy as he has a police ancestry.

Mr Farndale was born at Wakefield in 1864, and is the nephew of Mr Joseph Farndale, the late distinguished chief constable Birmingham. He was educated at Field House Academy, Aberford, and was, early in life, apprenticed to a chemist. Chemistry, however, had no attraction to him. Becoming imbued with an ambition to make his mark in police and detective work, he joined the Halifax police force at the age of 20 as an ordinary constable. For 10 years he was connected with that force, during which time he worked his way successfully through the different grades of Constable, Detective Constable, Sergeant, Inspector, Chief Clerk, and Detective Inspector. In 1893, when second in command of the Halifax police force, Mr Farndale was appointed chief constable of Margate, which position he filled with marked success until 1897, when he was appointed chief constable of York. From there he came to Bradford, succeeding Mr Roderick Ross as chief constable in 1900.

During the three years he has been in Bradford, Mr Farndale has affected many reforms in the police administration of the city, and now it can truly be said that the force never was in a more efficient condition. With the example of his uncle before him, he is an enthusiast in his profession, and it was just that enthusiasm for his work which led to his rapid promotion in his early days of police service. Among his many smart pieces of work as a different detective at Halifax was his arrest of a bank clerk for forgery. The clerk absconded, and with but the slightest description, Mr Farndale started his pursuit, traced and followed his man to Littleborough, thence from place to place from Rochdale to Preston and Saint Helens to near Liverpool, where he ran his quarry to earth. In the course of his career some thousands of “wanteds” have passed through his hands, and his keen remembrance of faces once seen has often led to the arrest of the man wanted even after the lapse of a considerable time. Himself a smart man, Mr Farndale will tolerate none but smart men in his force; the sluggard has no sympathy from him, whereas the man of intelligence and security and is certain sooner or later to attract his high and receive promotion. Hence it may be that in the minds of some of his force he is unpopular, but he has the good opinion of the honest policeman, just as he enjoys the goodwill of the authorities and respectable portion of the community. Above all, he is a man of principle. His every action speaks that. From every town and city in which he has laboured Farndale has brought away some more or less tangible expression of appreciation of his work. When he went to Margate he found himself confronted with the difficulty of the overcrowding of passenger steamers. He faced the difficulty with unsparing hand. Some heavy fines were inflicted, and Mr Farndale today holds a special letter of thanks from the Board of Trade for the efforts which he made to curtail a practise which threatened disaster. Similarly the Bradford Temperance Party and free church council have thanked him publicly for the part paid him played in bringing about the suppression of the public house music licences. We cannot conclude this appreciative article without recounting an experience which he had in his early days at Bradford when he used to parade the streets at night disguised in order to ascertain for himself whether his men were doing their duty. Prowling about Westgate in the “wee sma’ hours” he was accosted by a constable, and peremptorily ordered to “move on or be locked up”. Failing to convince the constable as to his identity he discreetly “moved on” and we have not heard since of his zealousness leading him into such methods of supervision.

The Yorkshire Police and Lancashire Police met on 17 June 1903 at Park Ave, Bradford for the annual cricket fixture between the Constabulary of the two counties. Major Tarry, chief constable of Leeds, presided over the luncheon and there were also present Colonel Nesbitt, Mr G (sic) Farndale. The annual cricket match between Yorkshire and Lancashire Police was played at Park Avenue yesterday. At the interval there was a luncheon, at which the Chief Constable of Leeds, presided, and he gave the toast of “the Northern Police Orphanage and Convalescent Home, Harrogate”. In doing so he showed that in the three years before last year these matches had resulted in the handing over of £928 towards the institutions. Last year, probably on account of the war, it had been impossible to arrange the usual fixture. The Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, said that it was not a matter in which chief constables should interfere, but the Northern District served by the two institutions contained 13,000 policemen; and if each subscribed a penny a week the two institutions which they designed to benefit would receive a good income. The match during the afternoon was brought to an end by incessant rain.

The ceremony of swearing in Bradford special constables took place before the stipendiary in October 1903, there being some eighty of these assistant preservers of the peace. Mr Skidmore was, as usual, presented with a special constable staff, and he must have quite a big collection of these implements. Some of the “specials” asked Mr Farndale if they could not be given keepsakes of this kind, and the chief constable replied that in the case of riot or other necessity he would take care to arm these citizen Roberts. The last time the specials were called out was at the time of the Manningham mills trouble.

Joseph Farndale was a pioneer of the new use of fingerprints in Bradford. The city police authorities have just adopted the new system of identifying prisoners, and henceforth Bradford miscreants will be subjected to what is already known as the fingerprinted process. The old form of identification consisted of taking measurements, and a record of any marks on the person, together with photograph, but there were many defects in that system. The measurements were found to be unreliable and other methods employed were not altogether satisfactory. Often a great deal of valuable time was wasted in completing investigations regarding a prisoner's previous convictions, and the methods in which he carried out his work. The new system of establishing identity by means of a man's fingerprints appears to be a much more certain and satisfactory method, and from experiments which have recently been made at Scotland Yard it appears that there is no possibility of any mistake being made. Although new to Bradford, the system is by no means a recent invention, for it has for some time been adopted with very great success in other parts of the world. In China it has been used for many years with signal success, and in India it is likewise being utilised very extensively in all branches of the civil service and Police Department.

In the course of an interview with a “Telegraph” reporter had yesterday with the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, that gentleman said that the system was introduced into Scotland Yard some seven years ago as a means of identifying criminals of the worst type, and the authorities have so satisfied themselves with its efficiency that they are encouraging its general adoption. “It was brought to its present state of great utility,” said the chief constable, “by Mr Henry, the chief Commissioner of Police. At first it was confined to specially trained officials at the prisons throughout the country, but now sanction has been given for impressions to be taken by capable officers in any police force. Now the impressions are taken and sent by first post to Scotland Yard, and particulars of the man's identity are forwarded by the following post”.

In answer to a question as to the advantage of the new over the old system Mr Farndale replied: “In the old system the only method of identifying a prisoner was to show him or his photograph to the officer who had actually had him in custody, but in the new system once a man's impressions are secured they remain at the headquarters, Scotland Yard, and are always available.”

It is a well known fact that the impressions of the fingers of different persons are never like. The lines on the tips are part of his individuality, and, what is of more importance to the police, do not vary in formation at any period of his life.

Speaking on this point the chief constable said: “It is beyond doubt that there are no two sets of fingerprints identically the same. It has often been said that in the general design of fingerprints there are no two fingers alike. The system is the most perfect one. The more you study it the more satisfied you are regarding its practicability.”

But a work of this description must be of a complicated nature? interjaculated our representative.

“It would appear so,” replied the chief constable, £but Mr Henry, of Scotland Yard, has devised a most remarkable system of classification. It is in the form of a large cabinet, which already contains the impressions of about 50,000 criminals. These are classified in such a way that it could be easy for any officer after once becoming acquainted with the system to go to the cabinet and produce a person’s impressions in the space of a few seconds.”

The chief constable has studied the system for a couple of years, and is perfectly satisfied that it is the best system which has yet been introduced. Last week Detective Inspector Talbot and Sergeant Nicholson were at Scotland Yard, and these two officers, under the supervision of the Chief Constable, will have charge of the new system in Bradford. Already several impressions have been taken and sent to London, where they have been classified, and the convictions of the prisoner have been returned.

In November 1903 a general rumour has been going about the city lately to the effect that our account our Chief Constable, Mr. J Farndale, is a candidate for the vacancy which has occurred at Hull. The other day, in the course of some conversation I had with “the chief”, I learned that the report is absolutely without foundation. Mr Farndale is not likely to leave Bradford. He finds our city most congenial, and what is more, he is most happy with his men, and in fact finds much to be proud of in the force of which he is the head.

Joseph Farndale was involved in a furious row with his detective in November 1903 when a strange and somewhat exciting incident occurred in the Bradford City police court yesterday, whilst the stipendiary magistrate, Mr Charles Skidmore, was engaged with a case in which a labourer named John Whelan, of 10 Haworth St, Bradford, charged with loitering in White Abbey Road, Bradford, with intent to commit a felony. The solicitor whom the prisoner had retained was unable to be present, and it was therefore decided to remand the case until today, the stipendiary remarking that Mr Atkinson, the solicitor in question, was engaged the West Riding police courts, and could not be expected to be in two places at once. He asked the chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, whether there was any reason why the prisoner should not have bail, and it was at this stage that the incident arose. The chief constable was proceeding to speak when Detective Willoughby, of the city force, rose from his seat and stepped into the witness box, and said “Allow me, Sir”. He was going to speak when the chief constable said: “Willoughby, step out of the box.” Willoughby: I will do. The chief constable preceded to state that he would take responsibility of the prisoner being remanded. Detective Willoughby: He is innocent; and if the case is gone on with I and Detective Green will give evidence in his favour. The chief constable said “Stand down sir. If you don't if you don't know your position I will teach you. Detective Willoughby: “You have done”. The stipendiary: “Is there any reason why the prisoner should not have bailed? I cannot of course, shut my eyes to what Willoughby has said”. The chief constable said he would agree to bail, and the prisoner was remanded a £5 bail. The stipendiary to the chief constable: “Of course you will inquire into this”. The chief constable: “Yes Sir; Very seriously.” The incident then closed. After the police court proceedings Willoughby was suspended by the chief constable, and his conduct will be investigated by the Watch Committee.

A few days later the resignation of the two detectives was announced. A further development has taken place in connection with the protest made in the Bradford City police court on Monday by two detectives, and the lengthy proceedings there on Tuesday. Yesterday morning detectives H Willoughby and George Green, who have served in the city police for 14 years and 13 ½ years respectively, had an interview with the chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, and both officers formerly attended their resignations through him to the Watch Committee. The officers allege that they have been treated unfairly. Willoughby had been under suspicion since Monday, but Green was on duty up to yesterday morning.

At the meeting of the Bradford Watch Committee on 20 November 1903, Alderman JB Moorhouse presiding, a full investigation was held into the incident which occurred in the police court on Monday, and the subsequent prolonged hearing of the charge against a man named Whelan on Tuesday. It will be remembered that Detective Willoughby, during the application made from and made by the chief constable cover stepped into the witness box and told the bench that Whelan was innocent. He was reproved by the chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, and subsequently suspended. On Tuesday the magistrates held that the evidence given was too conflicting to convict Whelan, and he was discharged, after Detective Willoughby and Detective George Green had given evidence. At that hearing, however, police constable Petty, in cross examination, stated he had reported Willoughby for using obscene language on Monday night, when it was alleged he was the worse for drink. On Wednesday both detectives handed in their resignation. Willoughby 's letter stated that since a county court action of July 8 he had been unfairly treated by the chief constable; And Green alleged that he had met with unfair treatment from police constables Petty and Kirk. The Watch Committee met at 4:30 PM, and rose at 7:00 when the chief clerk, Mr F Stevens, communicated the result to the press. The committee accepted the resignation of both officers forthwith, and passed a resolution declaring that any allegation of blame or unfairness against the chief constable was without fault foundation. The committee expressed their confidence in him and his manner of administrating the department under his charge. The point of the decision appears to lie in the fact that as the resignations were accepted, Willoughby and Green will be entitled to their proportion of pension for the period of their service.

On 6 January 1904 at Bradford Police Court a widow, was brought up in custody on a charge of keeping a disorderly house. The Chief Constable (Mr Joe Farndale) stated that the house had been under special observation since the 12th of last month. Women had been seen to frequent the house in company with men. The same women had been seen to take different men on different occasions. The house was raided last night and a couple was found in the bedroom and another couple in the front room. In answer to the Stipendiary the Chief Constable said the woman had no husband.

Joseph Farndale’s moral crusade turned its attention to offending picture postcards in September 1904. A letter appeared: Sir, it is about time that Bradford as a whole should rise in protest at the support which Chief Constable Farndale is giving to the whimsicalities of the free church council. First, the pubs (music licences), then the theatres, and now the innocent shopkeeper are being made to suffer. And all this fuss is being made about an unoffending picture postcard, which is probably caused more merriment than anything, published in Bradford during the last 12 months, and that included the satirical “J....” Possibly Joseph Farndale would like to see the shop windows of fancy stationers plastered with pictorial postcards depicting him in his glorious war paint. Forsooth, it would be a subject to hand down to our children's children, that is if the London comics did not steal the copyright. We shall next have an objection about policemen smiling when on duty, and possibly the chiefs thoroughbred may be induced to wear a shirt. I'm afraid that in this age progress we are mentally on the decline, and it is certainly a pity that they cannot find detectives something more to do than patrol the town in a hunt after picture postcards, especially of the kind to which objection has been taken. There is quite sufficient work for the police in looking after the thieving fraternity, judging by the number of robberies that have recently taken place in Bradford. Trusting that the bench, if it comes to that, will not be guiled by these puritanical crusaders, believe me to be, J Jackson, Girlington, September 11th, 1904.

Chief Constable Farndale, the head of the Bradford police force, has already gained some notoriety for his attitude on certain questions affecting the morals of the people, but his latest stricture is likely to bring him increased popularity among the large class of citizens in this connection. It is to take the form of the suppression of a certain class of picture post card, which has been largely in demand in the city during the past weeks. In addition to the one reproduced above there are two other equally ridiculous postcards purporting to depict “Shipley Glen after dark.” Naturally enough, the action of the chief constable is being strongly resented by certain retailers of picture postcards, and in all probability these city magistrates will in a few days be called upon to decide the issue. Yesterday, visits were paid to shops by officers of the police force with special instructions from the Chief Constable to effect the purchase of the complete set from each of the largest establishments in the centre of the town. At the same time the proprietor or person in charge was made aware of the mission of the police with the information that if the sale of these particular cards was discontinued nothing further would be heard of the matter. In the event of a refusal to comply with Mr Farndale's request, however, it was made clear that proceedings would probably be instituted in the police court.

Almost without exception the shopkeepers have failed to comply with his request, and have decided to fight the matter out. As a body they maintain that the offending post cards are in no way immoral, but merely a humorous satire upon the conversation usually heard in these places after dusk. Regarding the sale of these particular cards some idea of the extent of their popularity may be gathered from the fact that one dealer not far from the bottom of Manchester Road declared that his sale for the past month has averaged many thousands per week. In the course of an interview one manager remarked: “I don't know what we're coming to. We shall have to show our marriage licence to the milkman next. It would be far better if Mr Farndale would only turn his attention to the number of loose women who are allowed to wander about the streets at night in search of their prey, rather than try to interfere with the innocent enjoyment to the people.” Another of the offending shop men was equally indignant, and expressed himself thus: “Why don't the police stop us from breathing? If we had exposed pictures for sale which were allowed in other towns there would have been just cause for complaint, but to seize an innocent little card with a few silly cover ridiculous suggestions upon it seems to me to be perfectly absurd. I cannot believe that the common sense of the Bradford Bench will be misled by such tactics as these.” Generally the impression prevails amongst dealers in picture postcards that the action of the Chief Constable is an unwarrantable interference at the privileges of the people, and it will be interesting to know what will be the ultimate result.

Another letter soon appeared. Sir, from the shopkeeper 's point of view the action of the Chief Constable, with regards to suppressing a certain series of picture postcards, is puritanical in the extreme, and is another hardship upon a class which already has enough to bear. While rates are steadily going up in the town, the retail trade is growing worse, and this action seems to many of us like the thin end of the wedge. Already stationers and other tradesmen have been injured a good deal by the Bradford Exhibition, and it is hard indeed to find any justification for this latest action. At the very worst the postcards can only be described as nonsensical, and I would defy Mr Farndale to show any indecency about them. Shopkeepers who deal in picture postcards now exercise a great deal of discretion, and large numbers of those which are exhibited in shop windows on the Continent are boycotted by retailers here. What these over-efficious authorities would say to some of the series openly displayed in continental towns I don't know. But I can assure them that in many cases one or two of the worst of a series imported from abroad is destroyed. I admit that so far the matter has not become serious, but we regard this of a warning of stricter measures yet forthcoming. Thanking you in anticipation for inserting this letter. Yours truly. Indignant shopkeeper. September 10 1904.

On 27 December 1904 before the Stipendiary, Mr Skidmore, Thomas Harrington, 45, labourer, 35 Burlington St, pleaded guilty to attempting to steal 2s 6d by trick from George Bates. The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, said that on Christmas Eve the prisoner accosted two young men from Dewsbury and ask them to buy a ring. It was only brass, and he represented it to be 18 carat gold. The prisoner had been in trouble 29 times previously for all manner of offences. He was now sentenced to two months imprisonment with hard labour.

At the Bradford police court on 28 July 1904, John Morrell, 56, mill hand, Paisley Street, was charged with attempting to commit suicide by drowning at the Bradford canal on June 20th. The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, said that the prisoner was seen by two men lying full length on the canal bank. They afterwards heard a splash and saw him in the water. He was struggling and trying to get out, and on them rendering assistance he was rescued. These Stipendiary: “Is this the man who said he found the water too cold?” The chief constable: “It is Sir”. This Stipendiary: “He cooled himself, and then wanted to get out. Well, I don't think this is a case of attempted suicide”. The Chief Constable said that the prisoner had recently come from America and had been staying with some friends in Bradford, but they could not undertake to look after him. The prisoner had said he was sorry for what had happened to, and he had signalled his intention of returning to America at the earliest opportunity. These Stipendiary: “You will be discharged. And when you go into the water again take your clothes off, and go to the baths.”

There was a visit by the Prince and Princess of Wales to Bradford in 1904. The truth of the old maxim which says something of “the best laid schemes of mice and men” was fully demonstrated on Friday when the Prince and Princess of Wales made their return visit to Bradford for the express purpose of inspecting Manningham Mills. The visit was to be of a strictly private character, and the edict went forth but the movements of the royal couple yesterday were to be kept strictly secret. But the fulfilment of the injunction appeared at the outset to be well nigh possible, and, as everybody expected, the whole scheme of arrangements leaked out, with the gratifying results that Bradford had a still further opportunity of testifying to its strong sense of a spirit of loyalty. To have made any attempts to decorate the station at which the royal party were to alight would, of course, have been to at once let out the secret, but this precaution made no difference, for everybody appeared to be ‘in the know’, and again Bradford extended a hearty welcome to their Royal Highnesses. The arrival at Frizinghall. The Princess the Prince and Princess and suite travelled by a special train, to which was attached the Great Northern Company’s royal saloon. It was due to arrive at the frizinghall station at 11:19 am. A few minutes before that time the Mayor, Alderman David Wade, drove up to the station, and was followed on the platform by the chief constable, Mr. J Farndale.

Evidence of fresh interest taken by the Prince and Princess of Wales in Bradford industries was afforded yesterday, when, by arrangement, their Highnesses paid a private visit to Manningham Mills to see for themselves the various manufacturing processes. The visit was prompted in the first place by the Princess’s gratification and to some extent surprise, when specimens of Bradford dress goods were submitted to her for selection of dress material to wear at the opening of the Exhibition. So interested was she in the products that she expressed a desire to see them in the making. The old mayor, Alderman Wade, was consulted, and he suggested the Manningham Mills. These mills are the largest silk works in the world, and give employment to 4,000 hands, though of course, the manufacture of worsted goods is what might be called the staple industry of the city. In the silk world, however, the name of Lister is supreme, and in commercial circles of Bradford there was great satisfaction when it became known that the interest of the Prince and Princess in the City’s industries would thus be practically displayed. The Royal party travelled in the morning by special train from Arthington to Frizinghall - a suburban station of Bradford, where they were met by the Mayor, the Town Clerk, Mr F Stevens, and the Chief Constable. Mr J Farndale. The mayor had provided his private carriage for their Highnesses, and rode with them through Lister Park, where the exhibition is being held, to Manningham Mills.

In January 1905 a woman pleaded not guilty to a charge of stealing a handbag. The Chief Constable (Mr J Farndale), who prosecuted, said the bag was stolen from the Roebuck Inn, Nelson Street, where it had been left for a few minutes by the prosecutor. Suspicion rested on the prisoner, and a detective visited her house. She denied all knowledge of the stolen property, but on a search being made the bag was discovered under a bed in her kitchen.

The annual report of the chief constable of Bradford, Mr Farndale, to the Bradford City Council for the year 1907 states that in the period the number of crimes committed was 1,188, an increase compared with the previous year of 39. For these offences 519 persons were arrested and 21 proceeded against, by summons, 436 were males and 101 females. Of the persons proceeded against, 103 were committed for trial, 355 were dealt with summarily; the cases against 78 were withdrawn or dismissed, and one prisoner died in Leeds gaol while on remand. Although apparently there is an increase in crime for the year 1904 as compared with the year 1903 of 39 offences, yet there is a decrease in nearly every class of offence except simple and minor larcenies, larceny from the person, and obtaining goods etc by false pretences, except in particular the offence of attempting to commit suicide, the same number being charged in 1904 as in 1983, ie 20. There are now 313 members of the force who hold the St. John's ambulance association first aid certificate.

In February 1905, there were further developments in the use of fingerprints. When the Bertillon method of identifying criminals by the prints of their fingers was first introduced into England much doubt was expressed as to the efficacy of the system. Those doubts have been to a great extent dispelled by several recent cases, where criminals have been identified by and convicted on the evidence of their fingerprints. Additional arguments in support of the system has been supplied by the Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph farndale, in his Annual Report just issued. Mr Farndale states that this system of identifying criminals has been in operation in Bradford for the past 18 months, with highly satisfactory results, and he adds that it has been of valuable assistance in the detection of serious crime. In one case a finger impression was left on a glass panel which had been broken in effecting an entry to an office; in another an impression was left on a small polished medicine chest which had been opened; In a third case an impression was left on a bathroom door, the top of which had been grasped by the thief in lowering himself from the ceiling through which he had entered the premises; in a fourth the thief drank beer from a bottle inside the premises entered, leaving a finger impression on the bottle. All the articles mentioned were brought to the Town Hall, where photographs of the impressions were taken and enlarged. In one instance the impression was found to be identical with a finger impression of a well known convicted thief, whose prints were contained in the local record. He was arrested and upon this and evidence of a circumstantial nature he was committed for trial and eventually convicted. In other cases the thieves were apprehended upon circumstantial evidence, which upon their trial was conclusively supported by further evidence that the fingerprint impressions referred to with theirs, and they were convicted.

Mr Farndale states that the finger impressions of prisoners sentenced at any court for indictable offences, that is, offences against the person, against property with or without violence, forgery etc, are recorded at the Habitual Criminals Registry at Scotland Yard, where there are at present records of the impressions of over 100,000 prisoners. These records are so classified that on the receipt of the impression of a prisoner two or three minutes is sufficient to ascertain whether or not a duplicate copy is on the record. If it is, the prisoner’s criminal history is supplied by return of post. The result is that the courts dealing with old offenders have their complete criminal history before them. Where no records are obtainable it may safely be assumed that there has been no previous conviction of serious crime.

The latest incidents in which the fingerprint identification has been valuable in Bradford was before the stipendiary magistrate yesterday. A 24 year old labourer, of Maltby St, and a 34 year old labourer of Dundas St, were charged with stealing wines, cigars etc, value £30, the property of the Undercliffe Bowling Green Club, and one of the men was further charged with stealing a quantity of whiskey, tobacco and cigars of value of £4. Both prisoners pleaded guilty.

Mr W G Purnell, who prosecuted, said that the club premises were broken into between Saturday January 23rd and Monday 30th. The only clue found was the impression of a finger on a glass. This was photographed, and compared with a large number of other fingerprint photographs. As a result of this one of the men was arrested, and from information which he gave to the police the arrest of the other followed.

The Stipendiary, Mr Charles Skidmore, pointed out that the case showed the value of fingerprints.

One of the men was sentenced to six weeks imprisonment and the other was fined 1s with 28s costs in the two charges against him, or an alternative of 14 days in the first case and 10 days in the second case.

With reference to the rather alarming incident which occurred at Belle Vue barracks in April 1905 during the police inspection, it would appear that the horse in question scarcely merited the ‘character’ given it by the various reports which appeared in the press. The Chief Constable has frequently ridden the animal on parade, and whilst it is a fact that the horse has come down two or three times that has been owing to the slippery state of the pavements. The statement that it has thrown the ‘Chief’ appears to be both a libel on the animal itself and Mr Farndale's horsemanship.

Some 40 chief constables of cities and boroughs in England and Wales visited Bradford on 11 May 1905, the occasion being the annual meeting of the Chief Constables’ Association. Prior to the meeting which was held in the town hall, the Mayor, Alderman W E B Priestley, entertained the visitors and a number of guests, about 70 gentleman in all, to luncheon in the Great Northern Victoria hotel. In submitting the toast of “the Association”, the Mayor who presided over the function said it had often astonished him that people should have should regard chief constables as hard, severe, and cruel men and that they should look askance at the police officers and the heads of the police force. That was a great pity, because he was sure that the only wish of the officers was to do all they could for the benefit of the community. Whilst carrying out the law, they should never forget that the biggest man was the most humane man. Their greatness did not exist in adhering to the letter of the law, but being lenient and charitable, and in help helping those people who were tried in the courts to become men and women. (Hear, hear). Mr FH Mardlin, Chief Constable of Northampton, and President of the Association, in responding, warmly thanked the Mayor for entertaining the members, and mentioned that it was the first time they had been officially recognised in that manner. Mr J Farndale, Chief Constable of Bradford, and president-elect of the association, also responded. He expressed the hope that the day would come when the public would regard the policeman as their friend.

The Bradford police set an early speed trap in September 1905. A trap for unwary motorists on the Keighly Road, Frizinghall, Bradford, resulted in a prosecution at the city county court yesterday. The defendant was an electrical and mechanical engineer, and he was summoned for driving a motor car at a speed exceeding 20 miles an hour. The chief constable, Mr Farndale, said the defendant passed a measured 220 yards at a speed equal to 24 miles, 1,276 yards, an hour. He was timed by two police officers with stopwatches, who signalled each other with umbrellas. The times varied 4/5 of a second, and the defendant had been given the benefit of this by a calculation of the longest time. The Stipendiary, Mr Skidmore, said the locality was most dangerous one. He had nearly been run over himself there on the previous evening. Inspector Seed, one of the police officers, said there was other traffic on the road at the time, but no one was in danger. Mr W G Purnell, on behalf of the defendant, complained that the distance of 220 yards was much too short and unfair. He pointed out the considerable difference one second would make in timing over such a short distance, and expressed the opinion that the length should be no less than ¼ of a mile. The Stipendiary said the police officers would not have been visible to each other at this point if such a distance had been taken. Proceeding, Mr Purnell said the defendant had had experience of the motor trade generally for eight or nine years, and in the last three years he had driven all over the United Kingdom without having a complaint raised against him. The defendant gave evidence, and estimated the speed of the car at 18 miles an hour. He admitted that he had no means on the car of ascertaining its speed. He did not agree with the chief constable that speed grew with motorists. Mr North, a Bradford gentleman who was in the car at the time, also estimated the speed at 18 miles. The bench convicted, and imposed a fine of £3 and 9s 6d costs.

In another incident of scorching, two further summonses against motorists for enforcing the legal limit came on for hearing at the Bradford City court today. In the first case the accused’s counsel pleaded guilty to exceeding 20 miles an hour. The chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, said that the defendant travelled over a distance of an eighth of a mile at a speed of 26 miles an hour. There was however no traffic on the road at the time. The accused’s counsel said the accused had a very important appointment to keep. He was considered to be the most expert driver in Bradford, and he was sorry that he had broken the law.

In the same month in a report on the regulation of motor traffic in the city, the Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr. J Farndale, strongly urges the Watch Committee to apply to the local government board for a regulation reducing the maximum speed to 12 miles an hour within a radius of 2 miles of the town hall.

With regard to motor traps, Mr Farndale says: “the only mode at present of checking the speed is to have a given distance carefully measured and policemen stationed there with stopwatches to check each car that travels over the measured ground. This, I think, you will agree, is far from satisfactory; it has the appearance of setting a trap for the purpose of securing a conviction, and does not in the least secure any protection for the public throughout the city.”

Mr Farndale expressed the view that the local authorities should be in a position to check the speed of motor cars throughout the whole of their district, and this could be done by having a power to refuse registration of a car unless fitted with a speed and mileage recorder, and to prevent the maximum speed being exceeded, by having additional power to refuse the registration of a car so constructed as to exceed 12 miles an hour when travelling on level plane on a level plane.

He does not advocate imprisonment for offences under the Motor Car Act 1903. As to impounding the offender's car he said that this would be essential if each car were to be required to carry a speed and mileage recorder, because it would be necessary to submit the car to the court, in the condition in which it was found when checked by the police.

The Annual Report read by the Chief Constable, Mr. J Farndale, contained the following passages. There are within your jurisdiction 1,108 licencing full licences for the sale of intoxicating liquors, including six for premises which have been pulled down, as compared with 1,111 last year. The following is a table showing the proportion of population to each licenced house in Bradford as compared with other county boroughs

Name of Town	No of houses licensed	Population in 1901	Proportion of population to each licensed house
Sheffield	1,780	409,070	229
York	335	77,914	232
Halifax	428	104,916	245
Bradford	1,108	279,767	252
Bristol	1,307	339,066	239
Huddersfield	345	95,047	275
Hull	825	240,259	291
Liverpool	2,020	702,247	347
Leeds	1,135	428,968	248
Middlesbrough	168	91,302	543

19 persons have been proceeded against for being drunk and refusing to quit licenced premises, or disorderly and refusing to quit. The number of prosecutions during the same for habitual drunkenness under the Inebriates’ Act 1898, Section 2, was seven, six being males and one being female, of whom two, a male and a female, were committed to Inebriates’ Homes.

The Inebriates Act 1898 allowed non-criminal inebriates to be admitted to reformatories for up to three years if they had been convicted of drunkenness four times in one year. Criminal inebriates were also included if they had been convicted of an imprisonable crime. State inebriate reformatories could be established by the Secretary of State paid for by the government. Certified inebriate reformatories satisfying the certification process of the Secretary of State could be created on the application of the council of any county or borough or of any persons desirous of establishing an inebriate reformatory. The Habitual Drunkards Act 1879 had allowed authorities to establish retreats for inebriates but payment by the inmate was required, thus excluding those working-class drunkards most at risk and with the least financial support.

Section 2(1) stated: Any person who commits any of the offences mentioned in the First Schedule to this Act, and who within the twelve months preceding the date of the commission of the offence has been convicted summarily at least three times of any offences so mentioned, and who is a habitual drunkard, shall be liable upon conviction on indictment, or if he consents to be dealt with summarily on summary conviction, to be detained for a term not exceeding three years in any certified inebriate reformatory the managers of which are willing to receive him.

The Executive of the Bradford and County Walking Association met in the evening on 5 May 1906 at the George hotel, Bradford to discuss the arrangements for the annual walk. A letter was read from the Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr. J Farndale, in which that gentleman stated that there were certain objections to the walk starting from the centre of the town, and a deputation was appointed to interview Mr Farndale on the matter.

On 12 May 1906, at the City Police Courts, three blind persons were dealt with or for begging. The first, of the Lodging Houses, charged with soliciting alms in Godwin Street; the second, of George Street, charged with begging in Kirk Gate; and the other, of Jermyn Street, charged with begging in Bank Church. The Chief Constable stated that this was a serious offence, and a great nuisance in Bradford. One man was a vagrant in the true sense of the term. He had had friends who had left him money which he had squandered in drink. He had been tried by a committee of the Corporation, but he would do nothing, and persisted in getting his living in this precarious way. He had been taught to work at the Blind Institute, but he absolutely refused to follow employment there. One accused said that the trade he had been taught to work at was not sufficiently remunerative. He was sent to gaol for seven days hard labour. In the case of another, the Chief Constable said he was worthless fellow. He was formerly at Halifax during the time that he, Mr Farndale, was there. He was not blind then, but had brought on his blindness by his vicious habits, and had been convicted 16 times for all manner of offences, principally drunkenness. Then he came to Bradford and had lived on the generous public ever since. He had since many times can been convicted of drunkenness at Bradford. The Stipendiary asked: “Why don't you go to the workhouse?” “Because I'd sooner have my liberty”. One man was sent to gaol for 21 days hard labour.

A meeting of the Bradford and County Walking Association was held at the George Hotel on 11 June 1906, Mr J E Hammond presiding. A rough balance sheet was presented, showing that the recent walk had been financial success. Votes of thanks were accorded to the officials who had engineered the event. The Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr. J Farndale, was complemented on the efficient way in which he had dealt with the crowds that assembled, and votes of thanks were also accorded to the police officials at Burley, Ilkley and Otley.

At Bradford, on Christmas Day 1906, a man, aged 47, warehouseman of grey street, and another, 27, a carter of George Street, were charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm on the wife of a tailor of Waterfield Road. The Chief Constable, Mr Farndale said the parties were more or less under the influence of drink. One man and his wife on invitation visited in the evening of Monday at 121 George Street and eventually quarrelled, and one of them came to the police station to make a complaint. On his return he was told that his wife had been turned into the backyard and that one of the accused had followed her. The woman was found in such condition that she could not speak, her mouth being badly injured, and her right eye burst, and was removed to the Infirmary. Mr Farndale added that the doctors had little hope of saving the eye, which would probably have to be removed that afternoon and the general state of the prosecutrix was very precarious. These Stipendiary remanded the prisoners for a week. Last evening the eye of the unfortunate woman was removed and she was reported to be still in a serious condition.

The police turned their attention in 1907 to public dancing regulations. On 23 January 1907 at the Bradford Police Court, a man of Carlton House, Little Horton Lane, was summoned for using a room for public dancing without a licence. The Chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, said to the proceedings were taken under the Public Health Amendment Act. The stipendiary: I tried this question many years ago in a test case. Continuing, the chief constable said that the defendant was the occupier of rooms at the rear of his residence in Little Horton lane. The rooms were built for the purpose of dancing. Up to last year the defendant was the holder of a dancing licence in the Collegian Rooms, and he had apparently transferred his business to these rooms, for which he had no license. The only difference in the conduct between the two places was that in the case of the Collegian Rooms, the tickets were sold at the door, and at the rooms in Little Horton lane, tickets were sold for four nights, any four nights during the season. Mr. Brown gave instruction in dancing on certain nights in the week, and the other nights were devoted to public dancing. On one occasion these rooms were let to a young man connected with a Bradford firm, and this gentleman sold tickets to the public for dancing. The chief constable argued that the rooms were not a dancing school within the meaning of the Act, and should be subjected to the same conditions as other public dancing institutions. PC Shaw, a probationer, who was sent to those rooms to make inquiries, said he took out a ticket for four nights, and on the second night he had to complain of his partner being awkward. The Stipendiary: Perhaps she thought you were awkward. (Laughter). PC Shaw further stated that on almost every occasion instruction in dancing was given by Mr. Brown, and new dances were explained. Mr Alex Neil, who appeared for the defendant, denied that the room had been used for public dancing, and maintained that the rooms were simply a dancing school. Mr. Brown then went into the witness box, and made a remark about the police witness, which was considered offensive. The chief constable: Did you find anything amiss with the constable while you while at your rooms? Mr. Brown: no. The chief constable: Why do you go out of your way to say that the constable was no good? I did not say he was no good. I put it to you that the reason why you don't take out a licence is because you object to policemen coming into your rooms? Witness: I do not object to the police coming, I am master at my own house. They stipendiary in dismissing the case expressed the opinion that the rooms were dancing rooms to which the public were promiscuously admitted.

The Public Health Amendment Act 1890 had as its purpose to promote the public's health and to ensure more effective provision for improving sanitary conditions of towns and populace places in England and Wales.

A doubtful situation in licencing law, as applied to dancing halls has arisen at Bradford, Yorkshire, in consequence of a recent ruling by the stipendiary magistrate, Mr Charles Skidmore. The Chief Constable, Mr. J Farndale, on Wednesday prosecuted a man for using a room at the rear of his house for the purpose of public dancing and music without a licence. After hearing the evidence the Stipendiary dismissed the summons on the ground that the room was not used promiscuously by the public. The matter was discussed yesterday by the Watch Committee, and in view of the important bearing such a decision might have upon the conduct of dancing halls in future, it was decided to take the opinion of the town clerk, Mr F Stevens, as to whether there were sufficient facts to warrant an appeal against these type injuries finding.

There were extraordinary revelations concerning a man in a green tie and a promise of marriage at the Wild Boar Inn. One of the most piquantly interesting cases at the Bradford City court during the licencing sessions on 13 February 1907 was that in which a widow, applied for a renewal of the licence for all intoxicating liquors at the Wild Boar inn, Bolton Rd. The Chief Constable, Mr. J Farndale, took exception on the ground of “character not satisfactory and not qualified by law.” Evidence was called as to the manner in which she had previously conducted public houses in Leeds - the Roscoe and the Lord Byron.

For a considerable time on Wednesday the city licencing sessions at the Bradford town hall bought a marked resemblance to the divorce court, for one out of the score of objections to renewals of licences led to serious allegations against the character of the applicant. Two of those concerned in this case were parties to a recent action in Leeds County Court for the payment of betting money, and in addition, two or three of the witnesses had figured in a divorce case some years ago. The applicant, of the Wild Boar Inn, Bolton Road, and the renewal of the existing licence was objected to on the ground: “character not satisfactory and not qualified by law.” Mr. A Willey of Leeds appeared for the applicant. A point of order. At the outset a legal argument took place between the Chief Constable, Mr. J Farndale and Mr Willey as to whether the opening statement of Mr Farndale was in order. Mr Willey submitted that the chief constable should give his objections on oath in the witness box. He questioned his right in the capacity of the chief constable to address the court from the solicitors’ table on behalf of the objector. He should step into the witness box and be subject to cross examination. The chairman: He is merely opening his case, and not making a statement of fact. The bench ruled that Mr Farndale was in order in giving his statement in that way. Mr Farndale then proceeded to state the reason for objecting to the removal of the licence, and witnesses were afterwards called. A man who described himself as a turf commission agent, residing in Livingston Road, Roundhay Road, Leeds, gave evidence as to his relations with the applicant. He had known her for about 9 years, and they had cohabited as man and wife for some years. On two occasions, he said he felt he had found the Applicant misconducting herself with other men. Witness had carried on a betting business for the benefit of the licenced premises. Under cross examination by Mr Willey, the witness stated that he had no ill feeling against the Applicant. He was subpoenaed to attend court, and, when asked previously to make a written statement concerning the applicant he had declined. Mr Willey reminded witness of a case at Leeds county court, in which claim he made against a woman respecting betting transactions was not sustained. Witness returned to answer questions on the case, objecting to its being tried over again, and was called to order by the chairman.

the Bradford Grammar School on 7 March 1907 an interesting gymnastic display was given by members of the City Police Athletic Club. Amongst those present were the chairman watch committee, Alderman H B Priestman, and the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale.

The second phase of the Bradford conditioning house case should have been gone into at the Bradford City court on 22 March 1907. In this aspect of the affair, the manager, of 14 Melbourne Place, Bradford, was charged with embezzling monies of the Bradford Corporation: £22 10s, on march 14th 1906; £7 10s within the month last past; £7 16s, within six months last past, and £6 on March 14th 1903. There was the more grave accusation, but the opening there was a sensational development in an intimation from Mr Gardner, before Mr Newell arrived, that the prisoner should not be present, as a matter of fact he had not surrender to his bail. Mr Gardner applied for a further remand, urging as his reason for this that since appearing before the court the accused had been taken seriously ill, and his condition continued to be so bad that he would be unable to attend. He called Dr Rawson, who said he was called to see the accused about three o’clock this morning, and found him in an unconscious condition, as the effect of an epileptic seizure. The unconsciousness continued, and there were two more seizures. The accused was still unconscious up to nine o’clock this morning. The Stipendiary said that this evidence was sufficient to warrant a remand. Chief Constable Farndale protested that the prosecution might have been given notice of this application. Great expense had been incurred in getting the witness here. The Stipendiary: We don't often get notice of fits.

The next moral issue to hit Bradford was the appearance of the actress known as Milo who posed as a ‘living statue’.

Actress Pansy Montague was also known as La Milo. Her posings as a statue, on the London stage and in various music halls around the country, provoked controversy. Pansy Montague, La Milo appeared as a chorus girl and actress in Melbourne from about 1898, and in 1901 understudied Nellie Stewart in Sydney. In 1905 she appeared in Melbourne and Sydney for Harry Rickards’ Variety Theatre as The Modern Milo in a series of poses described as a facsimile of Ancient and Modern Statuary and Sculpture. In 1906 she went to England and Europe, where through again exhibiting herself clad in next to naught, she revived public interest in living statues. In the first half of 1907 the Bishop of London called for the London Council to ban living statues, but at the Coventry Pageant in August 1907 La Milo enacted the role of Lady Godiva, riding a horse for five hours in pink fleshings under chiffon drapery and lengthy wig before 150,000 spectators including at least one incensed clergyman. In 1908 at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham, she went through a ceremony of marriage to a man going by the name of Ferdinand Eggena. In 1910, the couple appeared in court along with a motor car agent named Percy Easton, the three accused of fraudulently deceiving a jeweller. Pansy Montague claimed that over the past three years, she had earned five thousand pounds a year and could buy herself all the jewels she wanted. She and Easton were acquitted, but Eggena was convicted. La Milo consistently laid claim to the integrity of her art, in 1910 stating There has been much opposition, much unkind criticism, which has pained me very much, and in a half-night of weeping has made me determine to give the whole business up. The only thing that has prevented me from doing so is the conscientious conviction that I am in the right. From late 1914 she toured America to packed houses. Soon after, however, she disappeared from the historical record; possibly, the war interrupted the supply of white paint which was made for her by a German chemist to simulate marble.

A prohibition was discussed in May 1907. There is still a good deal of uncertainty as to whether there will be a general prohibition of the living statuary exhibition throughout the country. La Milo, the premier posseuse, is billed to appear at Bradford this week, at the Empire, and on Saturday morning the chairman of the Watch Committee, Alderman H B Priestman, had a conference with the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale who this morning, at a meeting of the Fire Brigade and Licencing Committee, which has charge of such matters, will report against the exhibitions of living statuary, and suggest prohibition. It is probable that the licencing committee will resolve to visit the Empire before coming to any decision.

The Empire theatre, Bradford, where la Milo is appearing this week, was crowded to excess at both performances last night. It so happened that a meeting of the Corporation Fire Brigade and Licencing Committee had been fixed for yesterday morning, when the subject of the agitation was informally mentioned, and the committee decided to see the performance before coming to any decision. Accordingly, at the first performance last night, the members of the committee and some of their wives, together with the Chief Constable, Mr Farndale, were in attendance, when poses given by La Milo were Hebe, Canova’s Venus, the Venus de Milo, Sappho, Maidenhood, and Diana. At the close of her performance La Milo was accorded a hearty reception. Subsequently the members of the fire brigade and licencing committee held another meeting at the town hall, under the presidency of Alderman James freeman, when, after brief consideration of what they had seen, they passed unanimously the following resolution: “The committee visited the empire theatre, and witnessed the whole of the performance, and they observed no breach of the rules and regulations in force in the city with regard to dramatic licences.” La Milo’s performance will, therefore, be continued in Bradford.

In June 1901, Joseph Farndale made new law on the sale of beer to children under age, when he appealed a decision of the Stipendiary Magistrate to the appeal court. The appeal established that beer could only be sold to children under 14 (ostensibly for their parents!) as bottled beer, and not in an empty bottle which was then corked and sealed by the publican. It might be recalled that Joseph’s father was a publican in Wakefield!

On 13 June 1907 the Kings Bench Divisional Court, composed of the Lord Chief Justice, and Justices Darling and A T Lawrence, heard an appeal in the case of Farndale v Dillon, from the decision of the Bradford Justices. It was a prosecution under the Intoxicating Liquor (Sale to Children) Act against Hy Dillon, having sent his son, under 14 years of age, to the White Swan Inn, Lamb Lane, in January last, with a pint bottle which was not corked for half a pint of beer. The boy came out with a bottle which was corked but not sealed. The magistrates dismissed the information on the ground that the father had done all he could. Their lordships sent the case back for rehearing.

There were concerns about the sale of alcohol to under age children. In the King's Bench Division yesterday the case of Farndale v Dillon came before the Divisional Court on appeal from a decision of the stipendiary magistrate Bradford. The Stipendiary dismissed an information charging Henry Dillon with having, contrary to the provisions of the Intoxicating Liquor (Sale to Children) Act sent his son, a boy under the age of 14 years, to the White Swan Inn, Lamb Lane, for half a pint of beer, in a bottle which was not corked concealed as required by the Act. The Stipendiary, in giving his decision, held that the Respondent in sending a vessel capable of being corked and sealed, had done all he could to observe the law, that the offence, if any, was attributable to the person who supplied the beer. The Stipendiary, in the case which he stated, further said that the solicitor for the Appellant raised the point that the respondent contravened the Act by sending for half a pint of beer at all, but that point was not raised before the bench they did not give any decision upon it. Mr Scarlett, who appeared for the Appellant submitted that the Act prohibited the sale of less than one reputed pint and that the liquor must be in a corked and sealed vessel. The Lord Chief Justice said that he had doubts about the case, and he thought it ought to go back to be heard on the merits. Mr Justice Darling concurred. He was at the opinion that the reasons given for refusing to convict were bad. The section under which the information was laid subjected to a penalty any person knowingly sending a child under the age of 14 for any description of intoxicating liquor, “excepting such intoxicating liquors as are sold or delivered in corked and sealed vessels in quantities not less than one reputed pint for consumption off the premises only.” It appeared to him that the exception referred to bottled liquors, such as bottled beer, bottled stout, or other liquors sold in bottles, and that a person was not entitled to send a child with an empty bottle for beer. Mr Justice A T Lawrence concurred. The case was accordingly remitted to be heard and determined on its merits.

The Intoxicating Liquor (Sale to Children) Act 1901 was an Act to prevent the sale of Intoxicating Liquor to Children. The Act prohibited the sale of alcohol to children under 14 years of age, unless it was in a pint measure that was corked and sealed for consumption off the premises.

In a letter in December 1901, Sir, I have with some surprise the statement under the heading “Supplying beer to children: new police order in Wiltshire”, in your issue on Saturday last. As it is calculated to convey an utterly erroneous impression, perhaps you would be so kind as to allow me to state the actual position. The whole matter is due to a misunderstanding of what occurred in the case of Farndale v Dillon. A man was charged with sending his child under 14 years of age with a pint bottle for half a pint of beer, and although an offence had undoubtedly been committed, the minimum under the Act being a reputed pint, the magistrates did not convict, and the prosecutor appealed. The case was properly sent back to the magistrates to be determined on its merits, but in the course of the judgement, Mr Justice Darling casually expressed his opinion that licences could only serve children under 14 with bottled ale, stout etc and then the Act did not allow them to supply a pint or more of draught beer even if the vessel were corked and sealed at the time of the sale. This personal opinion was not the force of law, and it is entirely contrary to the intention of the Act, and the practise since 1901. It cannot be too widely known that it is not a legal decision, but what lawyers call an obiter dictum. A very eminent firm of London solicitors, and others who have been consulted, ridicule such a contention, and the London Licenced Victuallers Central Board has decided, in case of a conviction in London, to take the case to appeal. Yours faithfully. Cecil H V Weston. Secretary West Wiltshire Licenced Victuallers and Beer Retailers Protection Association. Star Inn, Warminster, December 16th 1907.

In December 1907 an important decision was made regarding children and public houses when Mr Muscat, appearing for the Commissioner of Police, at Tower Bridge, made an important statement in a case against Richard Simmons of the Coopers Arms public house, Bermondsey, of selling beer in an improperly sealed bottle to a child under 14 years. He said that an entirely new interpretation had been placed upon section one of the Intoxicating Liquor (Sale to Children) Act by a special case, Farndale v Dillon, which was decided by the divisional court on June 13th last. In that case it was decided by the Lord Chief Justice, Mr Justice Darling, and Mr Justice Lawrence, that a parent was not entitled to send a child under 14 years of age with a bottle, or any other receptacle, for intoxicating liquor, even though the publican afterwards corked it and re sealed it. By analogy it seemed to be manifest that the necessary sequence from the reasoning in that case was that the publican could not in law sell anything but the ordinary bottled beer or other bottles intoxicating liquor to children under 14 years of age. The Commissioner of Police has been advised that such was the effect of the decision, and he proposed to put it into operation. The bottom of the Act, so to speak, has been knocked out by various decisions protecting this the public and, but this was entirely new law, and would be acted upon at the first opportunity. The present case was not one upon which the point could be conveniently raised.

An important decision of the London Commissioner of Police regarding licencing prosecutions was announced by Mr Muskett, at the Tower Bridge police court yesterday. The case was one in which Richard Simmons, of the Cooper's Arms, Thomas Street, was summoned for selling beer in an appropriate improperly sealed bottle to a child under 14 years of age. Mr Muskett said an entirely new interpretation had been placed upon section two of the Intoxicating Liquor (Sale to Children) Act by a special case - Farndale v Dillon.

A tailor’s novel excuse for the discovery of betting slips all over his shop was the subject of a case on 14 June 1907. A novel defence was offered at Bradford yesterday by a 53 year old tailor of 34 East Parade, who is charged with keeping the premises namely 2 Johnson Fold, Bradford, for the purpose of betting. A youth, of 196, Ripon Street, was also summoned for being found in a common gaming house, namely, 2 Johnson Fold. One pleaded not guilty and the other pleaded guilty. The Chief Constable, Mr. J Farndale said that the premises at Johnson Fold was practically unfurnished. The house was kept under observation for three days and during that time 36 people were seen to enter the place. The premises were searched under a warrant and the two defendants were found there. The room contained sporting literature, betting slips relating to over 100 bets, while Wilkinson had over £100 in his possession. Wilkinson made a novel defence. He was, he said, a tailor by trade, and the betting slips must have fallen from the pockets of customers’ coats he was repairing. The Stipendiary: “Do you find money as well?” Defendant: “Well I have found money. Once I found a diamond ring.” In regard to the sporting literature, he said he read such papers daily. Sporting papers to were to be found in every tailor shop in the country. He confessed he did a little betting on his own account, but he was not a bookmaker, because he was not sufficiently educated.

An immense crowd thronged the town hall square, Bradford, at noon on 5 October 1907, to hear a public reading by the Lord Mayor, Alderman J Godwin, of the royal charter granting the dignity of a Lord Mayorality for the city. A special platform had been erected at the main entrance to the town hall and from this the Lord Mayor, attended by the lady mayoress, Mrs Godwin, members of the City Council, magistrates, representatives of public body, and chief civic officials read the patent. Stationed before the platform were attachments from the Royal Field Artillery, from the Bradford Moor barracks, about 200 police, under the chief constable, Mr Farndale, kept order. After the proceedings the veterans were paraded before the Lord Mayor who briefly addressed them and made each a gift of a sovereign.

Prior to the commencement of the ordinary business of the Bradford Police Court on 9 December 1907 the stipendiary magistrate, Mr Skidmore, referred to the death of ex Warrant Officer George Flood. His worship appeared to be deeply affected by the death of his old bodyguard and said he desired to give a public expression of regret on behalf of himself and his colleagues on the bench at the untimely death of Flood. It was only the other day that Flood was in court attending to his duties. He was an efficient officer, and most obliging and attentive to his duties. He only retired a few weeks ago on a well earned pension, and he, the stipendiary, knew how difficult it was for him to sever himself from the duties of the court. Left behind him is a bright example that was worthy of being followed by all members of the force. They all desired to tender to his widow and her family their deepest sympathy. The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, thanked these stipendiary for his kindly interest in one of the rank and file of the force, and promised to do his utmost to see that the widow and his family should receive every consideration.

E Penn, landlord of the Virginia Tavern, Thornbury, was summoned at Bradford on 24 December 1907 for using the house for betting purposes, for suffering gaming, and for conducting a lottery, the stake being 2s 8d in money. An officer said that he went and laid bets with the defendant for the races at Kempton Park and Birmingham. On one occasion on the invitation of a man, he played dominoes and last, paying for a pint of beer. “Tip-it” was also played for pints of beer in the presence of the landlord. In one instance he won a pool of 2s 8d and it was spent in beer and cigars. Mr A Neill, for the defendant, “When you did not find any betting you made some?” “Yes”. “Do you know the whole house was searched for slips of paper except the bedroom in which the landlady was lying ill?” “Yes”. “Did you take part in this dirty business?” Chief Constable Farndale: “I protest. We're here to do our duty, and I ask for the protection of the court.” The chairman: “Put it some other way Mr Neil”. Mr Neil: “I cannot find any other language to describe it in. You will agree with me at the finish that it is a dirty business, more than dirty”. The chairman, after the bench had retired, said the only evidence against the defendant was that of the two officers called and on examination these officers showed themselves to have been accomplices, and as it was not customary to grant a conviction in such circumstances the case would be dismissed.

The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, made an application to at the city police court on 6 January 1908, under the new Probation Act. It was in respect to a charge of felony against a woolcomber, 33, 54 Beck Street. The chief constable stated that this was a case of a man giving way to crime through the influence of drink, and he asked that the prisoner should be put on probation for 12 months. The magistrates, however, inflicted a fine of 25s, including costs, with the alternative of 1 months imprisonment with hard labour.

The funeral of the late stipendiary magistrate for Bradford, Mr Charles Skidmore, took place on 21 January 1908, at West Cemetery, Darlington. Prior to the removal of the coffin to Midland station, a Bradford service was held at St Luke's church, Victor Road, Manningham, the Reverend Canon Macguinness, vicar, the Reverend HG Jones, vicar of Bradford, and the Reverand W S Smith taking part. There was a large congregation, the principal mourners being. After the service the lengthy procession, marshalled by the chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, proceeded along Manningham lane.

A youth of 16, described as a labourer, was charged at Bradford City police caught in February 1908 with being drunk on the licenced premises of the Bull's Head, also with refusing to quit and with doing wilful damage. The youth was turned out of the in more than once, and on the last occasion he smashed a window and taking a heavy file from his pocket threatened to use it up on the barman. Kelly told the barman that he was 18 years of age. The chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, informed the bench that the lad's mother was an inmate at the union workhouse at Middlesbrough, and prisoner himself had for some time been in a home at Birmingham. He appeared to have done himself no good since his liberation from the home. “I'm afraid to, Sir, he comes from bad stock”, said Mr Farndale. Mr Amos Crabtree, presiding magistrate, said that as prisoner had no home in the city the bench could not very well put him under their probation officer. Fines amounting to 9s 6d and the costs were imposed, the alternative of each being seven days in prison.

Colonel Eden, His Majesty's Inspector of Police, visited Bradford on 18 February 1908 for the purpose of conducting an inspection at the city police force. The visit was made on the occasion of an imposing spectacle in Peel Park. Some 337 officers and men were marshalled on parade in the park, these including 236 constables, 32 sergeants, 15 inspectors, 3 superintendents and the chief constable. As Colonel Eden presented himself at the park, he was given a general salute in review order. The police band, under the leadership of Inspector Chapman, discoursed suitable selections of music, and a march past was admirably carried out. The chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, was in command. The inspection was very successful, and Colonel Eden complimented the chief constable and the Watch Committee on the general efficiency of the force. The mounted men in their new uniform presented a very smart appearance. The Inspector subsequently attended the Town Hall and examined the books there, and afterwards remarked that they were exceedingly well kept. The Government Inspector appeared to be highly satisfied with everything he saw. Col Eden and was afterwards entertained at lunch and by the Lord Mayor, Mr. J E Fawcett.

Mr Marsham, the Bow Street magistrate, on 18 February 1908 imposed a penalty of 5s and costs on a publican in Bedfordbury for selling to a child intoxicating liquor “not being such as is sold in cooked or sealed bottles.” the police admitted this was a test case following the decision of the High Court in Farndale v Dillon. The view there expressed by the judges, said Mr Muskett, was that children should only be served with liquids commonly sold in bottles already corked. Mr Marsham said he must be bound by the decision of the High Court, but he offered to state a case if desired.

Joseph and Emma’s Silver Wedding took place in May 1908.

A meeting of the Bradford City council was held at the Town Hall on 12 May 1908, the Lord Mayor, Mr. J E Fawcett, presiding. Alderman H B Priestman, chairman of the Watch Committee, said he had received a number of questions from Mr C A Glide with regard to a proposed silver wedding gift to the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale. He had hoped that Mr Glide would not have pressed these questions, but he was left with no alternative but to answer them. The questions were as follows.

1. Is it a fact that a proposed presentation to the chief constable on his silver wedding has been arranged by two inspectors in the central division, in consultation with the three divisional superintendents?

2. Have the police constables expressed any desire to subscribe to the fund and were they represented on the committee?

3. Have the police constables been informed by the superintendents that £25 has to be raised, and that constables have to have to subscribe 1s, sergeants 2s 6d, inspectors 3s 6d, and superintendents 5s each.

4. Have the constables been informed that they may pay their subscriptions at 3d per week, and are the men being practically coerced into subscribing for the fund by the publication of a list in which those who do not subscribe are conspicuous by their absence?

In answer to these questions, Alderman Priestman said that the presentation fund had been originated in the manner suggested. The two inspectors and the three superintendents were the natural leaders in a movement like this. The policemen had shown a distinct desire to contribute, and there had been a pretty general response, and they were represented on the committee which had control at the fund. But the men had not been informed that £25 had had to be raised. Nor had any scale of contributions being fixed. It was true that one month had been allowed during which payments might be made, but there had been absolutely no coercion whatever, and he was convinced from inquiries he had made that the matter was entirely voluntary. He very much regretted that the movement should be spoiled by such imputations being cast upon it. (Applause).

Mr. J H Palls asked if it were not a fact that the list had been drawn up in such a way that each man's number and name was put down on the sheet. It had not been left in the ordinary way for a man who desired to contribute to put down his own name. Alderman Priestman said he had not seen such a sheet as had been described. The matter then dropped. Chief constable Farndale is well known in Halifax, where he was formally inspector.

Also in May 1908, Last week I mentioned the purchase by Mr C E Horner a chocolate pom, loved by Mrs Farndale. The dog has been named “Moneymaker”, and Mr Horner entered it for the annual show of the London Pomerianian club, held this week in the London Scottish Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate. It was successful in coming out on top, winning first in both classes; also the clubs five guinea rose bowl for best chocolate puppy over 6 and under 12 months old, the five guinea challenge cup for the best puppy in the show, and the silver special for best chocolate in novice class. He is thought to be the best male dog of this colour brought out for years.

On the occasion of the silver wedding of the Chief Constable of Bradford and Mrs Farndale presentations from the city magistrates in the city police took place in the town hall on 1 June 1908.

Joseph and Emma Farndale at their Silver Wedding in 1908 The controversial gifts

Mr Farndale was married at Leeds on June 1st 1883, to Emma, the second daughter of the late Mr. Williams Selby, a highly respected citizen of Wakefield. Mr Farndale was educated at Fieldhouse Academy, Aberford, where he studied chemistry and law. Having decided to take up policing as a career he joined the Halifax force in 1883, passing through the various grades two second in command. He was appointed chief magistrate of Margate, serving there for nearly five years. After serving at York he was appointed to the chief constable ship of Bradford in 1901.

In making the presentation on behalf of the magistrates this morning the Lord Mayor, Mr J F Fawcett, congratulated Mr and Mrs Farndale on the auspicious event, and trusted they would have very many happy years of happy married life. The chief constable had been with them for some time and had won the respect of all the magistrates of the city, and bearing in mind the work he had done, they desired to tend to him and to Mrs Farndale the two vases as a token of appreciation. He sincerely hoped the Chief Constable's work might decrease rather than increase, and from the course of legislation there was going to be some reform in dealing with crime, and he should think that Mr Farndale and Alderman Priestman, Chairman of the Watch Committee, would probably be able to say that things were so satisfactory in the city that they could make a reduction in the police force. They had certainly been free from serious trouble for some time, but they make no boast too much.

Alderman Priestman also tended his congratulations and said that during his chairmanship of the Watch Committee he had received most loyal support from the chief constable. The tone of the force as a whole was set by him, and he was endeavouring to keep it as high as possible....

Replying to the presentation which was then made by the Lord Mayor, Mr Farndale said that during the 25 years of his police career he had been in many difficulties, but none so great as the present one, for he did not know how to thank them enough. When he came to Bradford he tried to maintain the principles that had guided his career; justice without fear or favour, tempered when possible with mercy. He referred to the difficulties of his post, and said he had tried to do his duty not only as a Chief Constable but as a man. (Applause). It was being discovered that the old system of punishment was practically the way to nowhere, and they must adopt some other system of reform if they hoped to do something for those unfortunate people who broke the law and came into the courts of justice. Especially mentioning Mr. David Wade, to whom the idea of the presentation was due, he thank them again for their kindness and appreciation.

The presentation made to Mr and Mrs Farndale by the city police, consisted of a solid silver epergne, having four holders for flowers, with three sweet baskets hanging from the centre piece; a pair of vases to match. All are of perfectly plain, polished silver, decorated by rich piercings. The inscription richly engraved near the top of the epergne is as follows: “Presented by the Bradford City Police to the Chief Constable and Mrs Farndale to commemorate their silver wedding 1883 - June 1st - 1906” and arms of the city on the reverse side while the monogram of Mr Farndale is richly charred on the foot. This presentation piece was designed and manufactured by Fattorini and sons, art and gold silversmiths, Bradford.

A solid silver centrepiece, having four flower vases and three sweet dishes, with pair flower vases to match, presented by the Bradford City police to the Chief Constable J Farndale Esquire and Mrs Farndale. To commemorate their silver wedding. 1883 - June 1st - 1908.

Mr Joseph Farndale, who is a native of Wakefield, being the son of a Thornes Lane licenced victualler, celebrated his silver wedding on Monday. He was married on the 1st of June 1883, to Emma, second daughter of the late Mr. Williams Selby, Wakefield. During the day, Mr and Mrs Farndale with the recipients of many handsome presents, including two solid silver dessert stands from the city judges, and a solid silver epergne and pair of vases from the members of the city police force. Mr Farndale’s uncle was chief constable of Birmingham.

In August 1908, Joseph Farndale became involved in a significant murder case.

John William Ellwood, 44, agent, of Edinburgh Street, Bradford, who is charged with the murder of Mr Thomas Wilkinson, Legrams Lane, Bradford, cashier to Messrs Fieldhouse and Jarrett, dyers and sizers, appeared on remand at the Bradford City court on Saturday, when the case was further adjourned. During the short time prisoner was in the dock he seemed quite composed and smiled as he descended to the cells. The chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, asked the magistrates to remand Elwood further until Saturday next. It was hoped that the coroner's inquiry would be completed before that date, when the date could be fixed to suit the conveniences of the court, and the representative of the public prosecutor.

After three months, John William Ellwood, 41, insurance agent, of 68 Edinburgh Street, Listerhills, appeared again on Tuesday at the Bradford City court on the charge of causing the death of Thomas Wilkinson at the office of Messrs Fieldhouse and Jarrett in Swaize Street on July 31st. The facts of the case are now fairly well known, for at the inquest last week, when a verdict of wilful murder was brought against the prisoner, the evidence was fully gone into. Witnesses told how they saw a man, thought to be Ellwood, enter the office with a parcel like a poker with which the crime was committed; how they saw him leave with without it, and walk away. The evidence as to his subsequent movements was somewhat conflicting, but he is believed to have been seen in various parts of the city, and have spoken about the crime to his friends and acquaintances. The charge was that he did feloniously, wilfully, and of his malice of forethought, kill and murder Thomas Wilkinson on July 31st 1908. The accommodation of the court was filled to its uttermost and hundreds were unable to gain admission. The prisoner’s wife and a few friends lingered in the corridors outside. The magistrates present were the stipendiary, Mr H W W Wilberforce , Mr CF Lowenthall, of London, prosecuted. He was instructed by Mr H R Watling. The police were represented by the Chief Constable Mr. J Farndale and Chief Detective Inspector Tolbert. Mr C L Atkinson again defended. Prisoner still unconcerned. When prisoner stepped into the dock he seemed as unconcerned as ever. Throughout he appeared not to notice the people, who were eyeing him keenly. He took a seat in the dock and made himself as comfortable as possible.

A further stage was reached in the Bradford office murder trial today, when the Bradford City police court before the stipendiary magistrate, Mr H W W Wilberforce, John William Ellwood, aged 44, insurance agent, was brought up on remand, charged with the wilful murder of Thomas Wilkinson, cashier, on Friday July 31st, at the town office of messrs Fieldhouse and Jarrett, dyers. The first witness called was Dr FW Eurish Hony, physician at Bradford royal infirmary, who spoke to conducting a post mortem examining of the body of Wilkinson on Saturday, August 1st. He said there were five small bruises on the back of the left wrist, a small bruise over the right kneecap, and a slight abrasion, with bruising, on the right middle finger, the last joint of which was fractured. There were also various other comparatively slight injuries over the right shoulder and over the bridge of the nose. Two inches above the right ear there was a triangular wound, penetrating to the covering of the bone behind, and below this was a ragged incision, penetrating almost to the bone. Other lacerations and incisions were minutely described by the witness, who said that in many cases the bone was splintered. Dr William Wrangham, Chief Police Surgeon, also confirmed the post mortem evidence. He stated that he had received from Chief Detective Inspector Talbot, the brown suit, produced, there were twelve blood stains on the coat, two on the trousers, and one on the cap. The poker produced also bore splashes and stains of blood... Detective Sergeant Knowles said that on the night of July 31st, he received a communication from the witness Pollard, and in inconsequence that he went to Edinburgh Street to the house occupied by the prisoner at 4:45 the following morning. Prisoner, who was only partly dressed, came downstairs and opened the door. Having admitted the witness he went upstairs to finish dressing. The detective cautioned him, and said, “I am going to apprehend you on suspicion of causing the death of Thomas Wilkinson.” he replied, “I know nothing about it, but I will go with you.” The witness then took him into custody, and removed him to the town hall, where he was identified from among seven other prisoners by the witness Pollard. After he had been thus identified the witness again cautioned and charged him, with causing the death of Wilkinson. He made no reply, but folded his arms and dropped his head. At this point the prisoner, who had been accommodated with a seat in the dock, leaned forward to the witness and said “Speak the truth, you liar!” Mr Atkinson his solicitor advised the prisoner to make no comment on the evidence. Continuing, Detective Knowles said that in the town hall he searched the prisoner and found amongst other properties 6 penny postage stamps. These were all in one piece.

The Bradford quarter sessions were commenced on 1 January 1909, before the Recorder, Mr T R D Wright, who was accompanied on the bench by the Lord Mayor, Mr. James Hill, and the Chief Constable, Mr. J Farndale. In his charge to the grand jury, the Recorder regretted that the return of the Chief Constable regarding the indictable offences, and the number of persons proceeded against in the past quarter, showed a considerable increase in both respects. During the corresponding quarter of 80 days in the previous year, 310 indictable offences were reported, whilst in the past quarter of 84 days, the number was 407, an increase of 97. The number of persons proceeded against during the corresponding quarter in the previous year was 111, while in the past quarter the number was 168, an increase of 57. Those figures were regrettable, and the only comfort one could draw from them was that none of the offences were serious. One hopes that the average might be made-up by a corresponding decrease in the returns during the next quarter.

The departmental committee on petroleum spirit met on 18 May 1909 at the Home Office. Mr. J Farndale, Chief Constable at the city of Bradford, gave details of the working of the Petroleum Acts in Bradford. Mr C MacDonald, chief officer under the Petroleum Act for the city of Glasgow, considered that officers of the local authority should have power to seize patrol petroleum spirit under certain circumstances without warrant. Captain J de C Hamilton RN, retired, Chief Officer of the London Fire Brigade, gave the requirements which he considered should be insisted upon for petroleum spirit tank waggons etc.

There was a tradition that a new Lord Mayor extended clemency to the first person to appear before him. The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Alderman W Land, made his official appearance at the City Court on 17 November 1909, where he was welcomed by Mr W A Whitehead, senior magistrate after the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale had spoken on behalf of the police, the Lord Mayor said that whilst they as magistrates were always determined to preserve justice and order, they were always desirous of tendering mercy in the administration of justice. In accordance with custom, his lordship extended clemency to the first person to appear before him, a tramp, who had been arrested for begging, and was discharged.

I am grateful to Bradford Museums and Galleries for letting me share this picture of Joseph Farndale from their collection dated 1911 and painted by John Snowden.

Their notes record that The chief Constable of Bradford was born at Wakefield in 1864. He was educated at Field House Academy, Aberford and was early in life articled as a chemist, but he became imbued with an ambition to make his mark in police and detective work and at twenty years of age joined the Halifax force as a constable. During his ten years' connection with the force he worked his way successively through the different grades of constable, detective constable, inspector, chief clerk and detective inspector. He was also a member of the Halifax Fire Brigade. In 1893, when second in command of the Halifax force, Mr farndale was appointed chief Constable of Margate. In 1897 he was appointed chief Constable of York and in 1900 was appointed chief Constable of Bradford. He had the honour of receiving the King's Police Medal in 1914 at Buckingham Palace as a reward for meritorious service.

In February 1911, the Watch Committee of Bradford Corporation have decided to recommend the City Council to fix the maximum salary of the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, at £1,000 per annum to be reached by four annual advances of £50 each, dating from April 1st next.

Bradford City Council, yesterday, decided to increase the salary of the Chief Constable (Mr Joseph Farndale) from £800 a year in four annual increments of £50 to £1,000 a year, the first advance taking effect from April 1st next.

In March 1911, after the match at Bramall lane, the Bradford City players were entertained to dinner at the Grand Hotel, Sheffield. There was the usual round of toasts, and everyone was in a jubilant mood. The players afterwards drove to the Midland station in taxis and reached Bradford at 10:00. It was anticipated that there would be a large crowd to receive them, but the members of the city party were astonished to find that the station was packed from wall to wall with thousands of enthusiasts, the crowd overflowing into Forster square and Market Street. Chief Constable Farndale was on the scene with a large posse of police, who managed to preserve a narrow gangway view. Some of the players were completely overwhelmed by the boisterous attentions of their supporters, and were completely swallowed up in the crowd.

The 1911 Census, for 4 Fagley Villas, Ecclesfield, Bradford listed Joseph Farndale, head, 46, Chief Constable, City of Bradford; Emma Farndale, wife, 48 (27 years married); Florence Farndale, 26; Eveline Farndale, 25; and Loffie Gibson, general domestic servant.

A Wesleyan Mission was picked up for unlicensed singing and dancing on 4 April 1911. Mr H W W Wilberforce, the Bradford stipendiary magistrate, yesterday gave his decision in the case of the Chief Constable of Bradford v Thomas Pratt. He said that it was alleged the defendant, as honorary secretary, was using for the public music and singing, on Saturday evenings and without a licence, a room in the Eastbrook hall, Bradford, a place registered for religious service. The programmes showed that the concerts were opened with hymn and prayer, and were followed by vocal and instrumental numbers, reproductions of songs, cinemagraphic views, and even occasional humorous items. The charge for admission was small, and there was no attempt to secure a profit. The concerts were organised by Mr Nield, the Wesleyan missioner, to provide innocent and elevating recreation for persons who otherwise might be spending their Saturday evenings in a worse fashion. The effort was laudable in the extreme, and neither that court nor the justices who had been dealing with licences, would put any undue obstacle in its way. The question he had to deal with was whether this was public singing and entertainment of such character as to require a licence? It had been contended that these concerts were really religious services, but after seeing the programme, he did not think that could be sustained in the ordinary meaning of the word ‘religious’. He hopes that the application for a licence in this case would be nothing more than a mere formality, but it must be gone through, if the concerts were to be continued. Mr Trewavas, who appeared for the defendant, asked for an adjournment, so the committee could consider their position. He did not apprehend that the decision of the stipendiary would be challenged, but they were near the end of their concert season, and it would be necessary to consult the committee having charge of them, Eastbrook Hall not being run by one man, but by a committee. The stipendiary said he had no doubt if it was decided to apply for a licence in future, the chief constable would be willing to withdraw the case on payment of costs, as it would be undesirable to record a conviction against such a place. The Chief Constable, Mr Farndale, said that the promoters of similar concepts in connection with other places of worship in the city secured occasional licences, and the defendant could do the same. These stipendiary said that if the defendant continued the concerts during the period of adjournment without a licence, he would do so at his own risk. Mr Trewavas said he would take the adjournment, which was granted for three weeks.

In May 1911, the Bradford Chief Constable, Mr. James (sic, recte, Joseph) Farndale, writes: “I have read with much interest the copy of the proposed scheme of the Leeds Catholic Diocesan Association for the aftercare of discharged prisoners, and am of opinion that the object of the Association is most commendable, while the method on which it is proposed to work appears to me very practical. I sincerely wish you success in the good work, and feel that your efforts cannot fail to be productive of much good.”

When his daughter married on 7 June 1911, Joseph and Emma lived at Fagley Villas, Eccleshill, Bradford: Pickles-Farndale. June 7th, at Eccleshill Parish Church, by the Rev R B McKee, Charles, third son of the late Benjamin Pickles, and Mrs Pickles, of Whetley Lane, to Florence Selby, eldest daughter of Mr Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable, and Mrs Farndale, of Fagley Villas, Eccleshill. At home, Jessamine Lodge, Undercliffe, August 2nd and 3rd.

Also in June 1911 the decorations and illuminations at Bradford have attracted so many visitors from the neighbouring towns that the Decorations Committee has decided to continue the arrangements throughout next week. Competent authorities who have seen the efforts of other towns, assert that the Bradford show is without doubt the finest in the provinces. The fairy fountain in Forster square has been the chief obstacle object of admiration. On Monday and Tuesday the bands in the town hall and Forster square will be continued, and if public appreciation is sufficiently promising the entertainment will be extended over the remainder of the week. In spite of the immense crowds which assembled to see the coronation procession in Bradford, the various ambulance brigades in the city only dealt with about 50 cases of fainting. The chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, stated that the conduct of the crowds was exemplary, and he is more than satisfied. Between 11:00 in the morning and midnight there was not a single arrest of any description. The tramway receipts amounted to £1,394, as compared with a record of £1,700 for Easter Monday.

In August 1911 a police constable aged 25 years, of Dawson Street, Bradford, was charged at the Bradford City court on Saturday with being drunk, and having assaulted an old lady named Nanny Wood, 75 years of age, of Belloc Street. The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, said that the policeman, who had only been a constable for some five months, went home about 10:00 on the night of August 4th in a drunken condition. He addressed the woman Wood in foul language, and struck her on the chest. He was fined 2s 6d and 7s costs on the charge of drunkenness and £1 and 11s costs for the assault. On the request of the Chief Constable he was also suspended from duty until a meeting of the police authority.

The chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, made an explanation at the Bradford City court on 13 November 1911 with regard to the recent lottery prosecution in connection with the Glyde Beaumont Legal Defence Fund. He pointed out that it had been alleged that the prosecution had singled out this case from amongst others for some vindictive motive. He was in London when the case was heard or he would have explained the procedure of the police in these cases. Many similar cases came to their notice, but when the police drew attention the attention of the promoters to the fact that they were illegal they were usually withdrawn. Those responsible for the lottery in question did not stop it when requested to do so; hence the subsequent proceedings. These stipendiary magistrate said it was unfortunate that it was not stated at the time, as he understood that the defendant had not been one. The chief constable replied to that that was so; The lady who sold the tickets had not been warned, but the promoters had.

There was some mockery when Joseph Farndale laid down the rules for boxing competitions in Bradford in August 1912. It would also appear that the proposed Blakeborough Kelly contest is to prove a fizzle. Up to the time of writing no purse offers have come to hand, and it has now been set forth that the men are prepared to engage in a contest under Mr Farndale's rules. Ye gods! What are we coming to when we are already asked to submit to the absurdity of seeing a grand sport like boxing carried out under the rules as laid down by a man who knows nothing of the game? It is more than an absurdity. It is monstrously unfair and totally un-English.

Whist drives were illegal. Also in August 1912, Mr J Farndale, has intimated that the decision that whist drives at which prizes are played for are illegal will be acted upon in the city. As a consequence those interested in whist drives, which were very popular last winter, have formed a committee for mutual defence.

The annual dinner of the Yorkshire Automobile Club was held at the Queens Hotel, Leeds on the evening of 27 January 1913 and the gathering was a very large and influential one. Pulling the strings, Alderman Wiley proposed the toast of “the visitors” in the characteristic speech. He said he was not going to pat the policeman on the back at all. He thought they were an unmitigated nuisance to the motorist, and he did not forget the chief constable who, pulled the strings of the prosecutions to which the iniquitous motorists were from time to time subjected. Mr. J Farndale, the chief constable of Bradford, responded to the toast.

There were problems with a carters’ strike in Bradford in 1913 when extraordinary scenes in connection with the carters strikes at Bradford created a ferment of excitement in the principal streets of the city during the greater part of yesterday. The Lord Mayor, who had been out of town, returned to Bradford yesterday afternoon, and at once took steps with a view to bringing about a settlement of the dispute. First he had a meeting at the town hall with representatives of the Bradford Horse Owners Association, coal merchants and consumers’ association, the Chamber of Trade and the cooperative society. These gentlemen placed their views before his lordship, and practically agreed to accept him as arbitrator. Later on, four representatives of the Carter Union attended, and the Lord Mayor asked them if they were prepared to leave the matter in his hands. The reply was in the affirmative, providing the terms offered were reasonable.

When it became evident that there was a danger of a prolonged struggle, the chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, in response to an urgent request from mill owners and merchants, made arrangements for an elaborate system of convoying goods under police escort from the railway station depots to their respective destinations. The appearance in the streets of large numbers of mounted police and the parade of practically the whole of the police force caused large crowds to gather, and these increased in the afternoon when the half holiday released thousands of shopkeepers and shop assistants. Indeed the strikers were completely outnumbered by sightseers who had turned out to see the fun. At ten o’clock processions of drays, chiefly laden with provisions, left the various depots. In each case mounted police led the way, and also brought up the rear, whilst a single file of police on foot walked on each side of the vehicles. There was a good deal of cheering and hooting, and occasionally there were conflicts between the escorts and the strikers, but the determined nature of the police arrangements and the fact that three men who had been arrested in connection with Monday’s disturbances had each been sentenced to three weeks hard labour, had the desired effect.

In May 1913, the police arrangements are being very effectively carried out, the organisation at the headquarters being efficient and complete. Nearly the whole of the available forces on duty, and the rank and file are in readiness for any emergency at the town hall and at the police quarters at Aldermanbury. The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, has a wonderful faith in his own men, and it is commendable to note that he has not once considered the question of calling in outside help. For some time there has been a working agreement between Bradford, Leeds and Hull, by which it is possible for either of these authorities to summon assistance at a few hours’ notice and under this agreement the Bradford authority has already given help to other towns. Things would have come to a very bad state indeed before the Bradford Chief Constable would think of communicating with outsiders.

In June 1913, a solid silver cup was presented by Mrs. J Farndale to the Bradford City Police Athletic Club for annual competition. Fattorini and sons, 21 Kirkgate, Bradford. Valuers for probate.

The police were called to deal with Bradford’s big fire in September 1913. Huge crowds assembled in Cheapside to inspect the damage caused by the great Bradford fire on Wednesday night. The fire assessors from the various insurance companies concerned went over the building during the day, and having regard to the valuable nature of stock, it was computed that the damage would probably reach from £40,000 to £50,000. This is but one of a series of big fires in the Bradford district this year. It will unfortunately be a record year, the damage to date being somewhere near £250,000. Having regard to the large number of disastrous outbreaks, the question of incendiaries has naturally arisen in connection with the Cheapside fire. It was rumoured among certain gentlemen who were present at the scene of the fire that an anonymous communication had been received at the town hall threatening that other fires would take place on certain dates. The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, has, however, flatly denied that any such communication has been received. The detective force has made close investigations with a view to the possibility of incendiaries, but there is no evidence in that direction. It appears that all the doors of the building were securely locked at 7:45, and that the first flame was seen at 9.5 (sic). All the windows and doors were intact when the fire brigade arrived. Shortly after five o’clock last night an empty packing case was found to be on fire in the churchyard of Cloth Mills, Manchester Road, occupied by Messrs Armitage and Ibbetson. The fire was extinguished with a few buckets of water, but about ten 10 minutes past nine o’clock, a second packing case was found on fire outside the glass and China shop of Harry Jackson, Manchester Road, quite close to Claugh Mills. Both these outbreaks are attributed to the pranks of youthful incendiaries.

The final tie for the Challenge Cup presented by Mrs Farndale, wife of the chief constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, for competition among the cricket clubs in the Bradford City police force was played at Idle in September 1913, The trophy was presented to the captain of the winning team, Inspector Turner, by Mrs Pickles, daughter of the chief constable, Mrs Farndale being unable to be present owing to indisposition. Mrs Farndale was thanked for the gift, and Mrs Pickles for handing it to the winners, at the instance of Inspector Cromwell, seconded by Detective Inspector Haugh. In the course of a few remarks, Mr Farndale said he had greatly enjoyed the game, and although he did not expect policeman to be cricketers first, and officers of the law afterwards, they were all pleased to see them so active on the cricket field. Amongst those present at the presentation were Inspector G S Walker, of Idle and Mrs Walker.

In January 1914, Joseph Farndale was awarded the King’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service. The King’s Police Medal has been awarded to a number of officers of the police forces and fire brigades in the United Kingdom and Overseas Dominions. The rewards are made in recognition of meritorious service or conspicuous gallantry. Among the England and Wales recipients are Chief Constable Joseph Farndale (Bradford City Police).

The fount of honour has flowed very strongly in the Yorkshire Direction this New Year’s Day. The only other honour is the granting of the police medal, a much coveted honour in the service, to Mr Farndale, the Chief Constable of Bradford.. It has been fairly earned, as anyone who compares our police force with what it was antecedent to Mr Farndale’s coming will readily acknowledge. Mr Farndale is one of the Chief Constables who have risen from the ranks. His association with Bradford (writes a public official) has produced a higher state of efficiency than ever previously known, and our police force has earned the distinction of being one of the finest in the country. The undesirable members have been gradually weeded out, and there are fewer cases of over officiousness on the part of our police than at any other period. A strict disciplinarian, Mr Farndale has succeeded in impressing the men under his charge with a high ideal of their duty to the community, and the Bradford policeman of today is quite a different person to the man of twenty or thirty years ago. He is more of a friend than a person to be feared, and while wrong doers are well looked after they are always treated with the greatest consideration. The Bradford Chief Constable has shown himself capable of handling difficult crowds, and his conduct during the serious trade disputes in the city gained him general approval.

Today at the Police Court, the Stipendiary Magistrate (Mr W W Wilberforce), addressing the Chief Constable (Mr Joseph Farndale) said: “I congratulate you on your well earned honour. I am sure it is only the first of many others. Chief Constable; I thank you.

The Bradford Watch Committee met yesterday when a resolution was passed congratulating the Chief Constable (Mr Joseph Farndale) on the conferment upon him of the King’s police medal. Mr Farndale suitably acknowledged the compliment.

Somewhat ominously, there followed the message on 1 January 1914, a Happy New Year to all our readers. There is no reason why we shouldn’t take a cheerful view of 1914.

In February 1914 the Chief Constable (Mr Joseph Farndale) has been commanded to attend an investiture at Buckingham Palace on February 12th, when he will be invested by King George with the Police Medal, an honour conferred upon him by His Majesty at the beginning of the year.

Bradford’s Chief Constable (Mr Joseph Farndale) attended at Buckingham Palace today to receive the decoration of the King’s Medal for meritorious police service. Mr Farndale has gained distinction among the head constables of the country, and the Royal distinction is justly merited. Telegrams congratulating Mr Farndale were dispatched to him this morning by the Lord Mayor (Alderman Arnold), who was chairman of the Watch Committee up to his election to the Lord Mayorality, and by Mr T Sowden, the present chairman of that committee.

At the Bradford Brewster sessions held on 11 February 1914, Mr S P Myers presiding, the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, reported that there are 1,041 licences, compared with 1,052 in the previous year. The chairman remarked that the report was not quite so good as usual if the Chief Constable’s suggestion regarding the increased drunkenness was correct, it certainly was a pity when people got more money they got more drunk.

The King held an investiture at Buckingham Palace on 12 February 1914, when he personally bestowed the Insignia of the various honours conferred at the New Year, and also gave the accolade of knighthood to various knights.

His Majesty bestowed the Police Medal on members of the police and fire brigade for distinguished service or conspicuous gallantry, and a number of acts of bravery in saving life on the railway were recognised by the bestowal of the Albert and Edward medals. Among the recipients of the King's Police Medal were Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable of the Bradford City police, 31 years service.

At the Bradford City Police Court this morning the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, was complemented by the bench on the honour recently conferred upon him by His Majesty the King in the award of the King’s Medal for meritorious conduct. The stipendiary magistrate presided, and there were present Mr S P Myers, Mr W Tate, Mr JB Gordon, and Mr B Dobson. Addressing the chief constable, the stipendiary magistrate said he had been asked by the magistrates to congratulate him upon the distinction conferred upon him by the Sovereign. “It is a great satisfaction to them”, he said, “that the confidence we have always felt in your vigilance, integrity, and discretion has been justified by royal approval.” “The position of the head of the police force of a great city,” said Mr Wilberforce, “must always be one of the one of extremely anxious responsibility, and that you have occupied that position for so many years, with, I am told, an entire absence of any serious or hostile criticism, is at once unusual and gratifying. The public are sometimes a little suspicious of an interchange of compliments between the bench and the police, and I hope I am justified in saying that the opinion of the bench is shared by the community at large. (Hear, Hear). The City, I hope, will long enjoy the benefit of your service.” Mr C L Atkinson, on behalf of the members of the bar, associated himself with the remarks of the stipendiary magistrate. The chief constable, who was wearing the King’s Medal, expressed his sincere thanks for the generous congratulations extended to him for an honour of which any chief constable had a right to be proud. It came to but a few heads of the police forces, and fortunately for him he had been chosen to receive it for doing what the king commanded, to guard his people. 31 years was a long time to be in the public eye, and to be responsible for the peace, good rule, and government at the boroughs and cities in which he had served. The ordinary business of the court was then preceded with.

Bradford City police force yesterday honoured their chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, by presenting him with a silver reading lamp to commemorate the recent distinction conferred upon him by the King, when he was the recipient of the King's police medal. The ceremony took place at the Bellevue barracks, every department of the service being represented. The presentation was made by the Lord Mayor, Alderman John Arnold, the chairman of the Watch Committee, Councillor Thomas Sowden, presided, and he was supported by councillors.

In April 1914 Councillor Sowden said the occasion of the Watch Committee Speech was quite unique in character, and it was a tribute to the police force of the city that they should show their appreciation of the chief constable in the manner they were doing. It was 14 years since Mr Farndale came to Bradford, and since then many changes had taken place in the police service. The force when Mr Farndale took charge was 391 strong; Today it was full 448. The scale of pay had twice been revised on the recommendation of the chief, and in addition many facilities had been provided for the men to profit themselves for the ever increasing duties which they had to perform, including classes on police duty, first aid to the injured, lifesaving, and jujitsu instruction. Of the many occasions that had been granted, the most noteworthy was that of one days rest in seven. (Applause). Neither had the recreation of the force being overlooked, and of all the innovations made by the chief constable one of the most appreciated by the general public was that of the police band. He understood, proceeded councillor Sowden, that it was 31 years since Mr Farndale’s first appointment in a police force, that being at Halifax. After gaining promotion to successive grades of service he was, in 1895, appointed chief constable of Margate. At that time he was 29 years of age, and the youngest man in England holding such an honourable position. Four years later he was appointed chief constable of York, and three years later Bradford secured him. “I don't think we have ever had to regret that appointment,” concluded councillor Sowden.

The Bradford City police force yesterday honoured their chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, by presenting him with a silver reading lamp to commemorate the recent distinction conferred upon him by the King, when he was the recipient of the King's Police Medal.

Glowing tributes as to the chief constable's work in Bradford were forthcoming from several officers who formally asked the Lord Mayor to make the presentation. Police Constable Davie remarked that since the Chief took office he had proved himself their best friend. They now get paid for overtime, a concession very few expected. He recalled special occasions when officers had to work 12 and 14 hours a day without anything to call. That was not so now.... Sergeant Gail, of the detective department, said he found the Chief to be an officer and a gentleman. Inspector Coleman, Chief Inspector Naylor, and Inspector Cromwell followed, the latter remarking on the personal interest which the Chief took in his men, and he was willing to give advice. Superintendent White, who held office when the chief constable came to Bradford, said many beneficial improvements had been made. In the old days a recruit after being given his clothes, was shown around the beat and then left to find his way as best he could. Today he was first trained for his duty. In making the presentation, the Lord Mayor said no one had greater respect for the chief constable than he had and he was pleased the force had shown their esteem in the manner that they had. Mr Farndale, in acknowledgement, said he accepted the gift as a token of goodwill between him and the subscribers. It was a difficult task to control a large body of men from which the public expected so much and at the same time retain their goodwill and feelings, but at all times he felt satisfied that that existed to the full in the Bradford force. Words fail to express how deeply he appreciated the honour.

By the way, Mr Farndale told two good stories of his early career.

It was during the time when the recruit did not receive any preliminary instructions. He was simply shown his beat and told how long he had to remain there. One “raw ‘un”, was informed that in eight hours he was expected to walk round eight times. He started on his duty like a professional walker, and then returned to the Town Hall. The Inspector asked him why he was not on his beat. The recruit’s reply was: “Well, I was told to walk round eight times, and I have done it, so I am going home.”

There is a similarity in the story about the recruit who was supposed to be on duty one very wild wintry night. When the Sergeant visited the beat he could not find the new constable, and eventually visited the man's home. He knocked at the door and the recruit’s head soon appeared at the bedroom window. Of course, he asked him why he was not on the beat, and was forced to laugh when the recruit answered, “But, Sergeant, there's no one aht; I thought it was no use me stopping aht a neet like this.”

Also in April 1914, Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, was today entertained to lunch and by the Corporation Watch Committee at the Town Hall in recognition of the distinction recently confirmed upon him by being presented with the kings medal.

July 1914 saw a campaign against bad language by children in Bradford. References to drunkenness, foul language, and kindred vices in the city of Bradford were made by the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, presiding over a meeting of 2,500 men in connection with Eastbrook hall, Wesleyan mission. The Chief Constable appealed to the men present to use all their influence in support of the temperance cause at Bradford. He regretted that his figures with regard to drink showed some increase, but he hoped that was not to be taken as a criterion of the insobriety of the city. There was another problem, the problem of Bradford’s young people, which was a very grave one. He trusted that the present purity crusade in the city would bear abundant fruit, because he was satisfied that there were was great need for such a campaign, especially among young people. (Hear, Hear). The bad language indulged in by sections of the citizens was deplorable. A particularly painful case came up in the Police Court recently. An individual took a child of about five summers up to a constable in the street and insisted upon the child using some very obscene language to the officer. The constable very properly took the man into custody, and he got the punishment he deserved. In conclusion, Mr Farndale urged the men of the Eastbrook mission to do all they could to put an end to the filthy language in Bradford.

At the same time Joseph commented that I consider a tour of Great Britain, with a lecture on “Bad Language in big cities; its curse and cure”, would be a pleasant relief from the constant cares of Chief Constableship.

The Bradford authorities at the same time were very keenly alert about the protection of the children who, while on holidays are on while the holidays are on colour spend their time in the parks. It is well known that a certain class of men infest parks where their conduct is a serious danger to children. Sir Arthur Godwin, formerly a member of the City Council, has interested himself in the question. He has two objections to the employment of men to protect women and children. His first is that the evidence the evil doers are very circumstance in their behaviour if they notice a man insight, and secondly, women and children are naturally averse to confide their troubles to a man full. The chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, did not care to express any opinion with regard to the suggestion.

Wartime Policing

World War 1 broke out on 28 July 1914.

On 24 September 1914 a number of us were duly sworn in as special constables for the city of Bradford, but there is one little point upon which the members of the unpaid brigade are a little exercised in their minds. The chief constable explained that if, and when, we were called upon for active service, and there was good reason to hope that there would be no necessity for anything of the sort, we should receive badges of office, but, unless we misunderstood him, we shall get nothing of the kind until that day shall arrive. A question was addressed to Chief Constable Farndale on the point, but his answer was not quite clear.

Very soon after the outbreak of War, Regulations were made in Defence of the Realm. At the end of September 1914 under the Defence of the Realm Act, 1914, Notice was hereby given that the Secretary of State has, by order, extended the area in which the Regulation here under set out is to be enforced to the whole of the United Kingdom. The regulation will therefore be forthwith strictly enforced within the city.

The regulation is as follows: “No person shall in any area which may be prescribed by order of a Secretary of State keep or have in his possession any carrier or homing pigeons, unless he is obtained from the Chief Officer of the Police of the district a permit for the purpose, which permit may at any time be revoked, and the Chief Constable of Police may, if he considers it necessary or expedient to do so, cause any pigeons kept in contravention of this regulation to be liberated.”

By order Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable.

The Defence of the Realm Act 1914 gave the government wide ranging powers during the War, such as the power to requisition buildings or land needed for the war effort, or to make regulations creating criminal offences. The Act also conferred power to make Regulations during the War for the Defence of the Realm.

By October 1914, a Bradford Detective, the only Jewish policeman in the country at the time, was wounded on the Marne and died of his wounds. News has reached Bradford of the death of Maxwell Solomon, who before he went to the front was a Detective Officer in the Bradford City police force, and believed to be the only Jew policeman in the country. Solomon was of great value owing to his ability as a linguist. Before he joined the Force he was in the 1st Battalion of the Scots Guards, and on the outbreak of war went out with the first Expeditionary force. He fought at Mons, and on the Marne, and received war wounds on the 17th of September, to which he has succumbed in hospital. The Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, personally visited Leeds in order to express to Solomon’s wife the sympathy of the Bradford police. Mrs Solomon lives with her mother in Richmond Road, Leeds.

That same month, Bradford received hundreds of Belgian refugees. Amazing street scenes marked the arrival in Bradford last night of 230 Belgian refugees. It is indeed, to be questioned whether on any previous occasion the heart of the city has presented such a sight as it did in this instant, and it is doubly doubtful whether the people themselves have ever been stirred to such sympathy as has been aroused by the victims of the modern Attila and his hordes. The station was packed with people who had managed to elude the directions that only passengers by local trains should be admitted and on the platform was gathered a representative company of citizens including the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress and Mr. J Farndale, chief constable.

Another party of Belgian refugees arrived in Bradford last evening. Though the time of arrival had been a well kept secret a large crowd of people assembled in the centre of the city to give them a welcome. A large detachment of Boy Scouts formed an escort on the police station and the party were officially welcomed by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress and the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale.

Bradford last evening welcome to the third batch of Belgian refugees. There were 44 in all, bringing the number now comfortably housed in the city up to about 300. Most of the yesterday's contingent were factory hands, porters, and their families. Those on the station to welcome the refugees included the Lord Mayor and the chief constable Mr. J Farndale.

In the same month Notice was given of the provisions of the Aliens Restriction (Change of Names Order) 1914 extending and amending the Aliens Restriction (Consolidation) Order 1914.

1. The following article shall be inserted after Article 25 of the Principal Order: - “25a. An alien enemy shall not, after the 12th day of October nineteen hundred and fourteen, for any purpose assume or use, or purport to assume or use, or continue the assumption or use of any name other than that by which he was ordinarily known at the date of the commencement of the war.

Where an alien enemy carries on or purports who continues to carry on, or is a member of a partnership or firm which carries on or purports or continues to carry on any trade or business under any name other than that which the trade or business was carried on the date of the commencement of the war, he shall, for the purposes of this order, be deemed to be using or purporting or continuing to use a name other than that by which he was ordinarily known at the date of commencement of the war.

Nothing in this article shall affect the right of a woman who after the commencement of the war marries an alien enemy to use the name which she acquires on her marriage.

A Secretary of State may, if it appears desirable in any particular case, granted exemption from the provisions of this article.”

2. In Article 20 of the Principal Order, the word “Order” shall be substituted by the word “Act”.

3. This order may be cited as the Aliens Restriction (Change of Names Order) 1914.

Dated this 15th day of October 1914.

Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable, Central Police Office, Town Hall, Bradford.

There was a stirring ceremony on 20 October 1914 when the Terriers’ Colours were handed over to the Lord Mayor. The sound of bugles and the sight of a large company of khaki clad men marching through the streets attracted the attention of Bradford citizens for this morning, and a big crowd followed the soldiers to the town hall square to see the ceremony which was performed there. And well rewarded, too, they were, for they saw a smart parade and a military function of an unusual character. The soldiers were the men of the 6th Reserve Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment, and the object of their special parade, was the handing over of the colours of the 6th Battalion to the Lord Mayor for safekeeping. On arriving in the square, the men, who were under command of the Lieutenant Colonel Hastings, with Major Speight, commander of the depot, and Captain WPM Scott, formed up as three sides of a square round the main entrance of the town hall, with the bugles to the right and the colour party, consisting of Lieutenant Appleby, Lieutenant Fell, Sergeant Major Brough, Colour Sergeant Johnson, Colour Sergeant Gavirts, and Colour Sergeant Kemp all in full dress uniform, in the centre, with the two regimental banners. On the town hall steps a large number of representative citizens had assembled amongst others present being the Chief Constable, Mr. J Farndale.

The opening of the new headquarters of the Bradford City Volunteer Force in Leeds Road by the Lord Mayor, Alderman John Arnold, on 26 October 1914 constituted a very notable function. Councillor John bland presided, and he was supported by the Chief Constable Mr Joseph Farndale.

By November 1914, licensing hour restrictions during wartime were being considered. At the weekly sitting of the Bradford licencing justices at the town hall this morning, Mr S P Myers presiding, reference was made to the hours during which licenced houses remain open and the hours during which soldiers may be served. Mr W A Whitehead, addressing the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, asked if he was prepared to make his statement with regard to the city since the outbreak of the war. The Chief Constable, in reply, said, as requested, he had to report that during the last three months since the outbreak of war, August, September, and October, the number of persons proceeded against was as follows: That proved that the condition of things was satisfactory, and that the state of drunkenness during this exciting time was normal. He might say, as the justices were aware, that recent legislation in licencing matters gave him the power, if he found it essential at any time, to apply to the justices for a restriction of the hours of sale of intoxicating liquors in public houses and clubs. He might say, however, that he had no intention of doing that, having regard first to the state of drunkenness as shown by the returns, and further because the licence holders of the city had, in conjunction with the commanding officers, representing the military authorities, agreed to certain restricted hours for the serving of soldiers.

The question of restricting the hours at which licenced houses may remain open in Bradford came before the Bradford licencing justices yesterday. The chairman, Mr SP Myers, asked the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, to give a report relating to the sobriety in the city during the war.

Joseph Farndale was not a fan on restrictions on football which were being proposed. He felt that the absence of events such as football matches tended to cause more drunkenness.: Interviewed on 26 November 1914 by a member of our staff on the question of the effect which the stopping of football would be likely to have on the amount of drinking in this city, Mr. J Farndale, the chief constable, had no objection to discussing the matter. He had always, he reminded his interview, expressed strong views that the interest taken in football had done a great deal to decrease drinking in Bradford, more particularly among the working classes. Upon that he was emphatic. While he wished it to be understood that he expressed no opinion whatever on the present crusade against the game, he agreed that if it was stopped, it would not be without its effect on the city. Formerly, before football gained the hold it now had upon the people, working men went from their work on a Saturday afternoon straight to the public houses, still in their working clothes, and there they would ‘stand their corners’, with results which would be obvious, and too often it would mean that they would forget (?) to take their wages home.

As is well known the chief constable of Bradford, Mr. J Farndale, has more than once declared that the football matches on Saturday afternoons had the effect of reducing drunkenness. In an interview this week he declared that it was a remarkable thing that one very rarely saw a man at a football match in his working clothes. He went straight home from his work, had a wash, changed his clothes, left his money at home like a decent fellow, and then went off to the match. The chief constable made it clear that he had nothing whatever to say on the question of the present crusade for stopping the game, but, speaking simply from the point of view of the effect of football upon drinking and drunkenness, he would be very sorry to see football stopped as he feared that it would mean a return to the old ways on the part of many working men supporters of football from.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Alderman G H Robinson, following the usual precedent at Christmas time, entertained the Crimean, Indian mutiny, and other military and naval veterans at the town hall yesterday. about two dozen being able to partake of his hospitality. They were also presented with a gift of money. Among those present in addition to the Lord Mayor were the chief constable, Mr. J Farndale.

In January 1915, restrictions on drinking hours were imposed. The early closing of public houses at Bradford, in accordance with an order issued by the military authorities, began amid many protests and much discussion. Confusion has arisen as to the extent exact meaning of the order, especially on the point as to whether licences were allowed to keep open their houses after 9pm, the hour prescribed in the order for the suspension of the sale of intoxicants, for the sale of non intoxicants and food. Another point is whether extension of hours would be granted by magistrates to hotel keepers catering for public dinners. The chief constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, asked yesterday by the Mercury correspondent to clear up these points, said the Justices had decided that they would not grant any extension of hours for any purpose whatever. In the case of a dinner being held at a hotel, the guests must cease to consume intoxicants at 9pm, but they may remain till 11pm to smoke, make speeches, or drink non intoxicants. As to the obligation to close public houses altogether at 9pm, Mr Farndale said that licence holders were not bound to do so by law, but he should think, that as a matter of policy they would be well advised to close their doors at that hour. The Bradford Wine, Beer and Spirit Trades Protection and Benevolent Association, which has a membership of 300, have decided to close their doors at 9pm while the order is in force.

“One of the greatest factors in the success of the Volunteer movement in Bradford Has been” says the Volunteer Gazette on 5 February 1915, “the cooperation of the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, nephew of the late Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable of Birmingham, a native of Whitby, who placed at the disposal of the executive a number of men specially efficient in drill. Every drill station opened with a policeman instructor in charge.”

The Annual Report of the chief constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, was issued on 20 April 1915 to members of the watch committee. This indicates that 1 Sergeant and 11 constables, all ex-army NCOs, have been lent to the army's instructors. Two army reservists, who were members of the force, have died whilst on active service, and three are prisoners of war in Germany. The report points out that the duties of the police have been considerably increased since the outbreak of the war, and especially in connection with the Aliens Restriction Act and the Defence of the Realm Act. A first police reserve, consisting of men willing to serve should necessity arise, have been enrolled, and a second police reserve of special constables in two classes, paid and unpaid, has been formed.

The advent of May was celebrated at Bradford by a well organised effort to raise funds for the care of sick and wounded horses at the front. It was promoted by the Bradford branch of the RSPCA, with cordial assistance of the Lord Mayor, Alderman G H Robinson. For a considerable time past a loyal band of workers had been hard at work making red, white and blue favours, with a miniature horseshoe at the centre, and on Saturday 1,500 lady collectors distributed these in return for contributions. Judging by the numbers number of these appropriate decorations worn as the day advanced, a handsome sum must have been collected. The principal event of the day was a parade of horses and trade exhibits arranged by officials of this Chamber of trade. This was marshalled under the direction of the chief constable, Mr. J Farndale.

In May 1915 the chief constable of Bradford, Mr. J Farndale, has received a communication from the officer in charge of prisoners of war at Gustrow, Germany, stating that Fred Harrison, a prisoner, there, died on April 30th. The chief constable is requested to inform any relatives of the man, of the matter, but no member of the Bradford police force of the name of Fred Harrison has been serving with the forces in France.

On 4 June 1915 the Bradford City police caught a 27 year old Private soldier, a member of the 6th Battalion West Yorkshire regiment, pleaded guilty to three charges of obtaining food by false pretences. He went to three houses where borders were kept, and on the false representation that he had come from various places to act as a drill instructor at Bellevue barracks, he obtained food for several days. It appeared that the prisoner had been convicted of stealing an overcoat in 1912. He joined the 6th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment in January this year, and has been before the court on one occasion for being an absentee. The chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, stated that if the man's previous convictions had been known he would not have been allowed to join the army. The prisoner was sent to gaol for one month.

A captured German Field Gun was proudly paraded through Bradford in December 1915. A 77 mm German field gun captured at the battle of Loos is to be an exhibition in front of the town hall at Bradford from tomorrow for some days. The reception of the gun is to be made the occasion of a public ceremony. At the city boundary at Thornbury there will be a procession formed for accompanying the gun to the city square. The procession will be headed by mounted police, who will be followed by the police band, 24 mounted men, and 130 on foot of the Army Service Corps at Bradford Moor Barracks, the Lord Mayor, Mr. T Haworth mounted, and wearing the uniform of the Bradford City volunteer force, who will be accompanied by Major Hazlerigg, commanding the depot, ASC, at Bradford more barracks, and Major Priestley, commanding the 3-2 West Riding Brigade RFA, and the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale.

Joseph Farndale did not object to policemen attesting into the Army. Group enlistments fell off considerably in Leeds today, and the change was somewhat unexpected after the briskness which marked recruiting yesterday. Quite a large number of Leeds men are joining the Royal Navy division. Recruits who have enrolled in the Army Reserve groups are allowed the privilege of transferring into the Royal Navy division. Today is the last date on which men of groups 6, 7, 8 and 9 may lodge claims for postponement of service, and the offices of the local tribunal in Great George Street will remain open until 9pm this evening for the reception of claims. Already a very large number have been lodged. The tribunal is still occupied with the consideration of the affairs of men in the first full groups. At Bradford today recruiting under the Derby scheme was brisker than yesterday, but married men still preponderate. The chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, having received from headquarters the guarantees necessary to him in regards to the maintenance of the efficiency of service, has given his permission to all eligible members of the force to attest.

At the Bradford town hall on 9 February 1916 the annual Brewster session was held, Mr W A Whitehead presiding. The chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, in his annual report, said that during 1915 there were 909 persons proceeded against for drunkenness. The chairman pointed out that there were 1,000 licences in Bradford, and that half of them were grocers’ licences. The figures with regard to drunkenness could not be regarded as satisfactory, because 999 persons were preceded against in 1915 as compared with 791 persons in 19 12 and 739 in 1911. Personally, he had been reluctantly forced to adopt the view by the express by the chief constable at the last Brewster sessions, when he said that good trade and increased spending led, among certain classes, which he believed to be small, to an increase in drunkenness.

Patriotism was encouraged in Bradford at the second anniversary of the outbreak of War. 4 August 1916 was the second anniversary of the declaration of the war, and the occasion was marked in many towns by public gatherings, at which the determination of the people to carry on the fight to victory found expression. Several thousands of citizens in Bradford assembled in front of the town hall yesterday afternoon, for the purpose of participating in a demonstration of determination to continue the war to a victorious end. Above the main entrance flags of the allies were draped and beneath was a large platform on which work there were assembled the Lord Mayor, Mr Thomas Haworth, the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale.

Princess Marie Louise inspects Bradford’s War Activities. A party of distinguished people accompanied Princess Mary Louise on her tour of Bradford’s war activities yesterday. Our picture shows the visitors grouped beside the YMCA. The chief constable, Mr. J Farndale is on the left.

Tablet Memorial to Brave Bradford Firemen. This group of members of the Bradford fire brigade and licencing committee, together with men of the brigade, was photographed on Monday evening at the Bradford fire station, where the bronze tablet was unveiled in memory of the heroic conduct of the firemen last August, on the occasion of a disaster at the Yorkshire munitions factory. Names, reading from left to right: front row, Councillor Harry Rhodes, Councillor John Lund, Councillor HP Wood, Councillor El lsles, deputy chairman of the fire brigade committee, Councillor William Wade, chairman, Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable, Councillor Thomas Taylor, Councillor Walter Bateson, Councillor Haulstead. 2nd row, Fireman Metcalf, Chief Officer James Scott, Fireman Thorpe, Ex Councillor JW Swithenbank, Fireman Blakey, Councillor T Blyth, Alderman A Pickles, Councillor E Siddle, Mr Unsworth, Mr. A Fattorini and at the end Superintendent Forbes. Back row, Fireman Hall, Quigley, Flaxington, Robinson, Crighton, Masshender, Cousins, Mosby, Toothill, Horn, Place, Bartle, Farrar, 13 July 1917).

A memorial service for the Fallen was held in July 1917. The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Alderman Abraham Peel, and many prominent citizens attended the parish church yesterday afternoon on the occasion of a memorial service for all who had fallen in the war, and particularly those from the city of Bradford. An imposing procession was formed at the town hall and it included a considerable number of officers and men from the local volunteer battalions, the National Motor Volunteers, and the Legion of Frontiersmen. The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, marshalled the proceeding which was led by mounted police. The police band and the city volunteers also were in attendance. The vicar, in the course of an eloquent dress, said: “There is a hush over the city life today, politics are dead, businesses forgotten, and other things that divide us are laid aside. As one great family we come to the ancient House of Prayer to mourn and to sympathise.”

The Lord Mayor had several engagements in November 1917. Tonight he will preside at the second annual smoking concert of the special constables of Bradford, at which medals will be presented to the successful competitors by the Chief Constable (Mr Joseph Farndale).

In January 1918 the people of Bradford were keenly affected by the death of their Lord Mayor, Captain John Bland, and expressions of deep sympathy with the relatives are to be heard on every hand. The Stipendiary Magistrate, Mr Beaumont Morice, referred to the courageous manner in which the lord mayor had undertaken his duties and to the noble manner in which he had been assisted by the lady mayoress, Miss Purcell. Mr A G MacGuinnes on behalf of the bar, and the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, associated themselves with the foregoing remarks.

In March 1918, Bradford’s task was to raise two cruisers on the value of £800,000, and the city which justly pride itself in its patriotic response to national funds, subscribed the money for five, the grand total of investments for the week amounting to £2,010, 000. The total on Saturday was £509, 087. The Lord Mayor announced the achievement from a temporary platform at the tower entrance of the exchange. Accompanying him were Mr Joseph Farndale and others.

The King and Queen visited the Saltaire Mills in May 1918. By coincidence the Royal Party were at the Sir Titus Salt Bart & Sons, spinners and manufacturers at the Saltaire Village between 3.05 and 3.40pm where James Farndale, a distant relative, was the drawing foreman.

The visit on Wednesday afternoon to Shipley of the King and Queen was an occasion of spontaneous public demonstration such as is inspired among their people everywhere by their Majesties, even when the visit, as was the case on Wednesday, was often informal character. But war conditions gave to the meeting a realism in which the Throne is seemed to be much more than a symbol, and it was in the minds of many people that the quest was all the more interesting because it was unofficial. There was more scope than usual for the personal element, and the sentiment which the visit aroused was naturally strengthened by the object of their Majesties’ visit, for their three days tour of the West Riding of Yorkshire - beginning at Bradford on Wednesday morning and terminating to date today at Leeds, was really an inspection of representative textile factories that are engaged on work of national importance. Consequently, local interest could not have been a greater stimulus, and, so far as circumstances permitted the residents expressed their appreciation of the royal favour that was conferred on them. They crowded the places of interests, displayed a large quantity of decorations in street, shop and residence considering there was no organisation behind this sort of compliment to their Majesties; and in in a variety of other ways they indicated the warmth and sincerity of their welcome. It was the first time for the visit of a King and Queen and the inspection of Saltaire mills was also high testimony to the industrial importance of the town and to the eminence of the enterprising spinning and manufacturing Firm, Sir Titus Salt, Bart and sons and co limited.

Shipley's association with Royalty began in 1882 when the late King Edward V11 and Queen Alexandra stayed two nights at Milner field, where, at the Prince as the Prince and Princess of Wales, they came for the opening of the Bradford Technical College. Coming to Saltaire Station by train, they were received by the representatives of the town in the grounds of the Saltaire Congregational Church, a roadway having been cut through the railway embankment. Next morning they drove from Milner field through Saltaire and Shipley, being received by the representatives of Bradford at the boundary of Frizinghall. Among the decorations was an imitation gothic arch at the Frizinghall entrance to Lister park, and the present permanent arch was afterwards erected as a memorial of the visit. In May 1887, Royalty was again at Milner Field, Princess Beatrice being the visitor. She had come to open the Saltaire Jubilee Exhibition. The late Mr Titus Salt and Mrs Salt were on both occasions resident at Milner Field. On September 27th 1916 her Imperial Highness the Grand Duchess George of Russia came to Saltaire from Harrogate, accompanied by her two daughters, the Princess Nina and Zenia, to open a patriotic bizarre.

It was a busy day for their Majesties on Wednesday, when they kept the following timetable.

9:52 AM. Arrived in Bradford, Midland Railway Station. Received by the Lord Mayor, Mr H Tetley, the Town Clerk, Mr F Stevens, the Chief Constable, Mr Farndale.

9:57 AM. Arrived at town hall, received by the Lord Mayor and the lady mayoress.

10:30 AM. leave the town hall.

3:05 PM. Arrived at Sir Titus Salt, Bart, and sons and Co limited, Saltaire, spinners and manufacturers. Received by Sir James Hill, Bart, MP.

3:40 PM. Left Sir Titus salt, Bart, sons and Co limited...

Arrival at Shipley.

When their Majesties reached Shipley the streets were gay with flags and bunting, some were connected with decorations, the sun was at full power, and thousands of people from far and near were sightseeing, in a word, it was Kings weather for a King's visit, and the summer scene with an arch of blue sky overhead was perfect.

The appointed route to Saltaire was lined with spectators, thousands turning out to see their Majesties. But traffic was well controlled by the police and special constables in charge of Inspector Folks. Just outside the mills the Bradford City volunteer band took up a position, and during the interval the crowds waited for the role visitors, played up to date collections of music. The mills were not running during the afternoon, all the hands having been given half holiday, excepting those required in the department's through which their Majesties were to pass.

There was a protracted discussion at a meeting of the Bradford City council on 30 Juily 1918 with regard to the proposal of the War Wages Committee to make an allowance of 20% of his salary to chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, in consideration of the fact that he was at present entitled to retire on a pension of £666, it being understood that he would continue in office for the period of the war at least. Mr C A Glide moved, as an amendment, that this allowance be not made, on the ground that the remuneration of £1,000 a year now paid was satisfactory in the circumstances. The amendment was defeated by 31 votes to 15, and the proposal of the committee to pay the extra 20% allowance was carried.

Inter War Years

Sympathetic references to the death of Alderman Abraham Peel were made at the Bradford City court on 9 June 1919. The deputy mayor, Mr W Barber, said Alderman Peel was one of nature's gentlemen. Success had never spoiled him. As Lord Mayor of the city during 1916 to 1917, one of the most critical periods of the war, he performed functions appertaining to the office to the satisfaction of all. His many friends had sustained a sad loss by his death. The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, said Alderman Peel rather fought shy of the court because he had no wish to meet out punishment to his fellow men. He constantly endeavoured to put the wrongdoer on the right path.

By 1919, Joseph Farndale was acting in a licensing and censorship capacity in respect of the new cinemas. It was stated at the annual licensing sessions held on June 25 that there were 40 places licenced under the Kinematograph Act 1909, a decrease of one. Of these, 26 held annual licences and 11 dramatic licences. The chief constable, J Farndale, said that the conduct of all these places had been good.

At Bradford on 21 November 1919 a 39 year old manufacturer, 9 Bolingbroke Street, was further remanded on the following charges: (1) purloining a quantity of worsted and cotton yarn, (2) stealing a quantity of Worcester and cotton yarn, total value £42, the property of Messrs Guevara Limited, between August 26 1918 and January 9/19/19. When the accused was before the court last Saturday, it was stated by the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, that the total value of the property alleged to have been stolen ran into four figures.

Joseph Farndale was made an OBE in 1920.

Joseph Farndale at his award of OBE in 1920 Joseph Farndale’s Coat of Arms, as Chief Constable of Bradford Leeds Investiture. Mr Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of Bradford, who received the OBE

Arms: A field of azure, a court and a conviction. Beneath the working tools of a master policeman - bullseye, bracelets, and truncheon all ending in Black Mariah. The fingerprints tell their own tale.

Supporters: Dexter, a mounted policeman, sinister, ditto.

Crest: The gaolers keys.

Motto. Vigilantibus, ‘To the watchful’.

In April 1920 the Chief Constable of Bradford (Mr Joseph Farndale) has been notified that an award of war service medals has been made to nearly 100 Bradford special constables who serve in the police force served in the police force during the war.

There was concern in 1920 about factory morals. The Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr. J Farndale, speaking in that city yesterday, said there was too much looseness permitted amongst the opposite sex in factories. There was undo familiarity between boys and girls, he declared. It grew until they came to manhood and womanhood, then disaster followed. Responsible persons in factories should check that freedom of speech between young people. It was unfortunate that those who employed them did not give greater attention to that phase of city life.

The 1921 Census for Bradford listed Joseph Farndale, 57 years old, married, born Wakefield, Police Chief Constable, Bradford, appointed by the Bradford Watch Committee; Emma Farndale, 58 years old, also born in Wakefield; Eveline Farndale, single, 26 years old, at home, born Halifax; and Emma Elsie Gladys Farndale, single, 28 years old, single, born Halifax, at home.

In September 1921 the Lord Mayor and Sir William Wade responded to “Prosperity to the city of Bradford” (proposed by Mr H Hibbert), and Mr Farndale, chief constable, said he was glad to say that in Bradford the authorities had had no trouble with the cinema trade. He had left the standard of pictures to the exhibitors, and both he and the licencing committee were more than satisfied. (Applause).

Joseph Farndale (Chief Constable of Bradford) said that although it might not be known generally, it was a fact that there had never been a picture turned down by the Bradford authorities. That was due to the standard set by men like Henry Hibbert and Sydney Carter, who were pioneers in Bradford and in the country. The police were not out to worry the industry. They were only concerned in the welfare of the people, especially the young. The charge of showing things not good for young people could not be levelled against the picture houses of Bradford. As a censor of pictures, said the chief constable, his trouble was the standard and thereafter, to be quite honest, he had left the standard to the Trade and with that standard in Bradford the authorities were quite satisfied.

The police were concerned about a growing trend to make fancy dress costumes from cotton wool in 1922. Emphasis was laid at the Bradford Licencing Court on Wednesday up on the dangers of wearing fancy dresses made of cotton wool at dances. An application was made by a local football club for a dancing licencing connection with a fancy dress bull to be given shortly at St Chads schools, Bradford. The chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, told the applicant that a licence could only be granted if an undertaking were given that no cotton wool, or other inflammable material, would be used on any of the fancy dresses. Mr Farndale reminded the Court that on New Year Eve, a young Bradford girl was burnt to death owing to her costume, which was made almost entirely of cotton wool, catching fire. The applicant promised that no such materials would be allowed, and the licence was granted.

In February 1922 in consideration of his continuing to serve, it is recommended that the salary of the Bradford chief constable, Mr. J Farndale, be augmented by an allowance at the rate of 12 ½ percent, amounting to £156 5s.

In July 1922 a number of police races were also included in a lengthy programme. The Mile Relay West Riding championships was won easily by Bradford City police; PC Joy, Bradford, won the Mile West Riding Championship walk in 8 minutes 1-5 seconds; prizes to the value of £200 were distributed by Mrs J Farndale, wife of the chief constable.

There was an early drunk driving offence in October 1922 when a textile finisher aged 47, carrying on business at Wind Hill, and residing at Bingley, both near Bradford, was remanded on Saturday at Bradford on a charge of being drunk in charge for motor vehicle, when an accident occurred in which two men were injured, in the early hours of Friday morning, and one of them died on Saturday morning. Chief constable Farndale, stating the circumstances, said that early on Friday morning two taxi drivers, William George Gledhill of Tudor Street, Bradford, and George Margerson, of Intake Road, Bradford, were fixing spare wheels to a motor car in Manningham Lane. Their lights were burning, and they were under a lighted street lamp. The prisoner approached in another car at a rapid rate, and did not stop, although warned by an onlooker. He ran into the stationary motor car, and Gledhill sustained a fracture of the skull and Margerson had a broken leg. Both were taken to the Infirmary, and Gledhill died on Saturday. Mr Farndale said that the accused did not stop after the accident, although summoned to do so by a policeman. He nearly charged into his officer. Later other police officers called on him to stop, but he did not do so. A sixth policemen, however, boarded the footboard, half a mile away, and caused the prisoner to stop. He found him to be drunk. The accused was remanded being allowed bail himself at £1000 and two securities of £500 each.

There were sensational developments at Bradford on Saturday following the terrible motor smash which, as previously reported in the late Mercury, occurred in the city late on Thursday night. A taxi cab driver, of Tudor Street, succumbed to the injuries which he sustained in the affair; and a 47 year old textile finisher of North Terrace, Bingley, carrying on business at Wind Hill, who is alleged to have caused the accident, was charged with manslaughter. He was remanded until Friday, £2,000 bail being allowed, to sureties of £500 and his own recognisance of £1,000. The circumstances of the tragedy were related to the Bradford bench by the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, who stated that about midnight on Thursday, the victim, accompanied by another motor driver, was engaged in fixing a wheel in a car to a car, standing in Manningham Lane. The vehicle was on the hear side of the road with the red rear light in proper order, and within range of a streetlight. While they were thus engaged, the prisoner approached the spot in an open car, and when 30 yards away was called upon to stop by a civilian. The accused, however, was stated to have taken no heed the warning, and immediately afterwards the crash occurred, both men being injured. The accused, proceeded Mr farndale, did not pull up after the accident and ignored several other police signals. Three constables, a Chief Inspector, and a Sergeant all stood in the middle of the road at various points and vainly attempted to stop the car. One of the officers, indeed, would himself have been a victim had it not been for his agility. A quarter of a mile from the scene of the mishap however a fourth constable managed to jump on the footboard of the car and detained the man, it was alleged, was found drunk. Representing the prisoner Mr E Cawthorn stated that though on bail the accused immediately went to the town hall and surrendered to the charge of manslaughter, which he anticipated on hearing of Gledhill's death. He was quite prepared to meet their charge and pleaded ‘not guilty’. He had driven a motor car for many years without any offence. It is learnt that George Margerson, Hillside Road, Bradford, who was also involved in the collision, is progressing favourably.

In March 1923 a Leeds publican who had applied for permission to install a wireless set in his public house has aroused considerable opposition, and attracted some support. It is evident that if a large number of people have their way the “listen in” will not be a sign which will be very prominent in Leeds just yet. Amongst those who oppose the idea is the Reverend WJ Tunbridge, of the Oxford place Wesleyan Chapel, who states that he objects chiefly because he thinks it will make a special appeal to the young people. Several other people engaged in work of a religious or temperance nature oppose the suggestion on the ground that it will encourage drinking. As against that, a Leeds publican in a large way of business, roundly condemns such opposition. He stated that the innovation would not make for more drinking, and suggested that it would be as well if those who are opposed to such installations in public houses would consider the introduction of sets into the Sunday schools and churches. He imagined it might increase their popularity. In other towns the matter is being warmly discussed. The chief constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale said that looking on the question on broad lines he did not see how the justices could refuse licences for the installation of the listening-in sets provided that the licence holder installed the apparatus in a room in his house which was licenced for music. He expressed the opinion that there was no necessity in such a case for him to get another music licence for a wireless installation.

In April 1923 the Bradford bullion box thieves did not get away with even a ten shilling note of their £17,500 haul is placed beyond doubt in consequence of counting operations which took place in the Bradford chief constable’s office on Saturday. The 20,000 currency notes recovered from the vacant brewery, where they had been hidden by thieves, were sorted and checked by a staff of bank clerks, all of whom had a number of red taped bundles before them, each containing £500. Some of these appeared to have been tampered with, but it was found that in every case the contents were intact. The wealth was formally handed over by the chairman of the Watch Committee, Mr H A H Roads, and the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, to representatives of the National Union and Provincial Nank, and immediately afterwards the money was transferred to the strong rooms of the Market Street branch, to which the bullion box was originally consigned. The police have not yet laid their hands upon either the culprits or the box itself, but careful inquiries have at length yielded trace of the latter.

There was a visit by the Prince of Wales in May 1923.

The official programme for the visit of the Prince of Wales to Bradford on Wednesday, May 30, was issued last night as follows: 9:45 AA: His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales KG and party, accompanied by the Earl and Countess of Harewood, will leave Harewood house by motor car for Bradford. 10:30 AM. Arrival of the Prince at the new workshops of the Royal Institution for the Blind at Frizinghall, where the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Alderman Thomas Sowden JP and Mrs Sowden, accompanied by the town clerk, Mr N L Fleming, and the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale OBE, will await him. The Prince will then inspect the interior of the new workshops and will see the blind inmates at work.

Bradford Ladies were presented to the Prince of Wales. Subsequently, in the Chief Magistrate 's room, a number of prominent ladies and gentlemen were presented to His Royal Highness as follows: Lady Barnby, Sir Francis and Lady Watson, Mrs Farndale and others.

Mrs J Farndale, wife of the Chief Constable of Bradford, 1923

The Leeds Mercury, 30 May 1923: Mrs J Farndale, wife of the chief constable of Bradford.

In the same month visiting chief constables were entertained to luncheon at the Queen’s Hotel at midday by the Lord Mayor Alderman David Davis. Submitting the toast of ‘the Association’, the Lord Mayor referred to the honour bestowed upon Birmingham by the Association, choosing the city's chief constable as president. “Our chief constable,” he added “has been known to us for many years, and I venture to think he is one of the keenest administrators of the police force, who has always given satisfactory satisfaction to us.” The toast of “the Lord Mayor” was submitted by Mr. J Farndale, Bradford, who was the nephew of the late chief constable at of Birmingham.

In August 1923 Bradford was in the grip of a sweepstakes fever. The committee of one Liberal Club is promoting one on the St. Leger, the tickets being five shillings a piece. The prizes are expected to amount to many thousands of pounds. Thousands of tickets have already been sold. Many other organisations are promoting sweeps in the city, and a warning given by a highly placed police official at Leeds, namely, “that all sweepstakes are illegal and the promoters are liable to prosecution,” has caused a scare among the promoters in Bradford. The Chief Constable Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, asked to make a statement on the subject, replied: “The law is there, and it is our duty to prosecute if the law is broken”. This may be taken to mean that if the clubs promoting sweets sweepstakes sell only to their own and affiliated members, they need not fear being troubled by the police.

In October 1923 Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable Bradford, on Saturday completed 40 years service with the police force, and 23 years in his present position. Mr Farndale, formerly Chief Constable Margate and later at York, came to Bradford in 1900. In that year 747 indictable offences were dealt with in Bradford, as against 1,340 last year.

January 1924 saw a terrible mill collapse in Bradford. A mill is reported to have collapsed at Bradford, Yorkshire, today, resulting in loss of life and injuries to many work people. One of the first messages states that one person is dead, that seventeen people have been taken from the wreckage more or less seriously injured, and that 30 or 40 people were buried. A later telegram says: the upper floor of a spinning wheel in Wharfe Street, Bradford, occupied by Messrs G H Leather Limited, spinners, collapsed. Heavy masses of machinery crashed through the doors beneath and a large number of work people were buried in the debris. Large numbers of police and firemen under Chief Constable Farndale and chief officer Scott are working feverishly to render aid to the work people still imprisoned in the ruins. Masses of heavy spinning machinery are being dragged up from the basement by ropes. 30 to 40 men were pulling on the ropes at one period. The police, fearing another fall, cleared all the helpers out of the building. One helper was almost hysterical because just before the order was given he had found a woman pinned beneath the massive timber. The scenes in the facility of the mill were tragic in the extreme. Groans could be heard coming from the pile of debris. The disaster was reminiscent of the Newlands Mill disaster at Bradford in 1882, when 54 lives were lost. The Reverend W E Cunliffe, vicar of the parish in which the mill stands, was quickly on the scene and offered a prayer in the building as the rescue work preceded. Elizabeth Dawson, of Ripon Street, who has been employed in the mill for two years, was the nearest worker to escape injury. She states that a girl beside her went through the floor. There was no warning she told the police a press representative. “The first thing I heard was a great noise. For an instant I thought it was the machinery running away commerce it sometimes does, but I soon realised something awful had happened. The frame next to mine and the girl working it went down, and so did others. I was paralysed with terror and rooted to the spot as my mates vanished. I saw that the control of the floor had gone, but the girl at each seemed to be safe.”

Immediately after the catastrophe, the police, fire brigade, ambulances, doctors cover nurses and others likely to be of assistance were summoned. Soon the mill yard was full of ambulances and motor cars cover and doctors and nurses were continually arriving. Chief officer Scott took command of the rescue operations and he was later that later assisted by chief constable the chief constable, Mr Joseph farndale, and Superintendent Turner. It was soon apparent that the task of removing the wreckage would be one of extreme difficulty and delicacy, because most of the imprisoned men and women were in the centre of the debris, and the slightest slip by the rescuers or the unfortunate displacement of a single piece of wood might have led to an increase of the death roll.

There was another gruesome murder case in Bradford in February 1924. The man seized by Bradford police late last night in connection with the murder of Mrs Reaney was formally charged at 5:45 this morning with the murder. Later he was taken to the magistrates and remanded. His name was given and he was aged 47, of Howard Street, Little Horton Lane, Bradford, and he described himself as an engineer. From about midnight until 4:30 this morning the police were engaged in searching the house of the accused man and they returned to the town hall taking with them a quantity of goods of which they had taken possession. The accused is a man of pale complexion, with the hair going a little grey. The charge against him was that he did feloniously, wilfully, and with malice aforethought, kill and murder one Elizabeth Reaney, between 9pm on February 22 at 8:30pm on February 23. The charge sheet recorded the fact that the sum of £16 was found in the prisoner's possession. Inspector Wardell appeared in the dock and the chief constable Mr Joseph Farndale said that in view of the charge proffered against the prisoner he had had to ask for a remand in custody for eight days. The prisoner: “Can I have bail sir?”. The stipendiary magistrate “no”. A remand and was granted. Information which led to the accused’s arrest was given by a hairdresser, who, in the course of an interview today, said that the accused called it his shop on Tuesday morning for a shave. He had a heavy growth of beard, and one eye was badly discoloured. The hairdresser asked jokingly whether his wife had hit him with a flat iron, and he replied that he had fallen from a tram car. He thought nothing more of the incident until he saw the police description, and then he gave the information to the police. The prisoner is a married man, but has been living apart from his wife during the past two years. He resided for eight years in the home in which he was arrested.

In April 1924 Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, has received a letter from a Bradfordian in America expressing appreciation of the assistance given him by the press in tracing his brothers and sisters who reside in the city. The writer was Mr EI Lloyd, of Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

Joseph Farndale was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) (“CBE”) in the King’s Birthday Honours List in June 1924. Included in the Kings’ honours list today is an award to Mr Joseph Farndale, OBE, Chief Constable of Bradford. He is being made a Companion of the Order of the British Empire (civil division). Mr Farndale was formerly a Halifax policeman and native of Wakefield, he joined the Halifax force on attaining his majority, about 1883, gained rapid promotion and rose to Inspector. In June 1893 he was appointed Chief Constable Margate, and after a stay of three years became Chief Constable of York. In June 1900 he secured his present position, and in April 1921 was decorated with the Order of the British Empire.

The King has been graciously pleased, on the occasion of his Majesty's birthday, to give orders for the following promotions in, and appointments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire: to be commanders of the civil division of the said Most Excellent Order: Joseph Farndale, Esquire, OBE, chief constable Bradford.

By 1924, Bradford was having to deal with significant traffic problems. Some notable indications of the growth of Bradford’s traffic problems are given in a report on the subject by chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale. A special committee of the watch committee is considering means of dealing with the problem. Since 1924 the number of persons killed or injured by motor vehicles in Bradford has increased by 173% and in the same period the number of motor vehicles registered or licenced have increased by 1,225%.

The Chief Constable of Bradford has issued a voluminous report on street congestion and the possible ways in which it may be alleviated. His strong point is that “The streets are not of sufficient width to meet the present traffic requirements, unless some restrictions are imposed by legislation upon the user of defined streets.” Bradford was constructed when traffic requirements were comparatively small and many of its streets were inadequate for the present and rapidly increasing pressure of motor traction, but it may be remarked incidentally, Halifax is much older town and, owing to its narrow streets, it awkward corners and its stiff gradients, its plight is far worse than that of its neighbour. Hence the importance of Mr Farndale’s suggestions, for we shall have to face the problem boldly one of these days. Mr Farndale emphasises the difficulties created by the trams upon fixed tracks, a point of which we have often referred. He regards this as a serious obstruction to free movement, for it frequently holds up progress or drives parking vehicles onto the off side of the road and creates congestion. The loading of heavy vehicles at warehouses is another frequent cause of delay and this can only be obviated by structural alterations, not always possible, which would permit of such work being done in quieter byways. Mr Farndale makes a number of suggestions. The first essential is that slow moving traffic should be kept to the left or near side of the road, but there are few streets that will accommodate three parallel lines of traffic and that means the constant holding up of speedier vehicles by the slow traffic. Hence the idea of prescribed streets for classified through and local traffic. The essential heavy and slow vehicles should be kept clear of the centre of town with prescribed routes for their journeys. It is also suggested that certain streets might be scheduled as “one way” streets during certain hours, the practical difficulty here is that parallel streets within reasonable distance of each other should be available. Mr Farndale also points out that excellent service in the cause of safety could be given by the in inclination of “safety first” methods in school teaching. And he touches on the speed limit idea, which is being mooted for Halifax through a special resolution at tomorrow night's council meeting. He quotes the Departmental Committee on the Taxation and Regulation of Road Vehicles as saying that the imposition of a fixed speed limit is not the most effective method of ensuring the safety of the public, suggesting in populous areas and dangerous places the institution of a standard form of cautionary sign.

Major General Atchorley inspected 320 officers and men of the Bradford police yesterday at the Bellevue barracks. He is seen, in bowler hat, with Mr Joseph Farndale, the chief constable of Bradford, and officers of the force. Joseph Farndale is third from left behind Major General Atchorley in the bowler hat.

There was opposition to the payment of an additional allowance to Joseph Farndale in January 1925. A protracted discussion took place on the recommendation of the Watch Committee to grant a non pensionable allowance of £150 per annum to Chief Constable Farndale, formerly an inspector of Halifax, for long service, but it met the same fate as it had done previously. The socialists were up in arms against the grant, and despite the support of the Liberal Chairman of the Watch Committee, of the Conservative chairman of the Estimate Subcommittee, and another Liberal, the proposal was defeated by 33 votes to 21.

Joseph Farndale was unwell in 1925 and had to have an operation. The Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale CBE, through indisposition missed a meeting of the watch committee yesterday, for the first time since his appointment nearly 25 years ago. Mr Farndale completes a quarter of a century service with the Bradford police force next month.

By May 1925 the Chief Constable of Bradford (Mr Joseph Farndale) is making satisfactory progress after his recent operation.

By 1925, Joseph was becoming very interested in traffic control as the roads faced increasing problems of congestion. Joseph was instrumental in the recognition of a need for national rather than local traffic rules. Recommendations of considerable importance for dealing with the traffic problem are contained in the report of the committee of representatives of the police forces in Great Britain and of road users, which was issued on Saturday by the stationary office. The committee, which conducted an exhaustive inquiry into “present day traffic problems from the police and road users point of view,” was presided over by Mr J Farndale, Chief Constable of Bradford. In summarising their conclusions, the committee states that the development of the use of mechanically propelled vehicles have become more and more a matter of national rather than local concern, which makes it desirable that there should be more uniformity in the law relating to the regulation and control of traffic. Traffic being no longer local in character, it is well nigh impossible for drivers and others who use the highway to recognise boundaries and become informed of the several local requirements when boundaries are reached. Regulations for the control of traffic should be consolidated, amended, and brought up to date, and made uniform throughout the country. Any powers dealing with the regulation and control of all classes of traffic should be of general application by an Act of Parliament, and not under local acts or by laws. On the question of the mechanical transport generally, the committee refer to pillion riding on motorcycles, and stated: “we have considered this subject, but are of the opinion that it should not be further proceeded with, and make no recommendation here on.” The general opinion is also expressed that no motor coach or large omnibus with more than 14 seats should be permitted to be driven on unsuitable by-roads. The committee also considered the obstruction and delay caused by heavy motor cars caused owing to the ability of drivers of certain heavy motor cars to hear or see the signal given by drivers desiring to overtake them, and recommend that the ministry of transport should promote legislation on the matter as early as possible. Attention is also called to the necessity of an efficient brake on every pedal cycle. The committee strongly urged that all points where traffic constables are stationed should be well illuminated. They suggest the wearing of white gloves by all traffic duty constables, but do not consider that the wearing of white mackintoshes would be of any material advantage. Being of opinion that cab stands in busy streets take up road space, and crawling cabs are a great nuisance, they recommend: (a) that a greater number of cab stands be provided, where it can be done without causing obstruction; (b) that the number of cabs on anyone stand be limited; and (c) that more cab stands should be linked up with the telephone system.

In December 1925 statements that Bradford shopkeepers are losing trade to Leeds because of the lack of travelling facilities into the city, was made here today, when an Inspector of the Ministry of Transport, Mr R H Tollerton, conducted an inquiry into another appeal by the West Riding Automobile Company against the decision of the Bradford Corporation not to allow them to run motorbuses from Wakefield, past the city boundary at Drighlington, into the centre of Bradford. The opening of the inquiry marked the renewal of the “battle of the buses”. Bradford and West Riding bus companies regard the appeal as a “test case” on the results of which hangs the fate of their own applications. A year ago the ministry upheld an appeal by the West Riding Automobile Company, and stated its intention of issuing an order compelling the corporation to go up licences, but did not do so comment the licencing year having expired meantime.... the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, asked by Mr Beaumont if he approved of the running of omnibuses by the Corporation, said he certainly did not. “I don't approve of the trams running in the centre of the city,” he said. “if I had my way, I would take them out of the streets altogether.” The ministry's decision will be known in due course.

A new ‘Safety First’ initiative began in 1926, which Joseph later became very involved with. Some interesting figures and comments on the recent startling increases in street accidents were given at a meeting of representatives of all sections of the community held at the Bradford Town Hall yesterday, at which it was decided to inaugurate a local “safety first” council, to be affiliated to the national “safety first” association. The Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, said he despaired of educating the present generation. Pedestrians would wander about the roads like the domestic fowl, though even that bird was now better educated and at least got out of the way. It was a remarkable thing that accidents were the fewest during the “peak times” of traffic.

The Chief Constable (Mr Joseph Farndale) said the domestic fowl was more educated in the rules of “safety first” than the pedestrian , for, at any rate, it did clear out of the way. It was a remarkable thing that accidents were infinitesimal when the heaviest traffic was on the road, as compared with the other parts of the day.

Joseph Farndale was a supporter of self regulation in cinemas, though still had quite conservative views about what they should be showing. In March 1927 the chief constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, interviewed on the subject, a day or two ago, said that he had been in favour of cinema performances for years. “It would be better for the morals of the young people,” he said, “to keep them off the streets. It would be for their general well being.” The Chief Constable went on to remark that he would like to have cinemas open generally, not isolated picture houses here and there, although he would restrict the entertainment to the exhibition of suitable films. “Naturally,” he added, “comedy would be barred; The films would be of an elevating type.”

“We are the catch ‘em and keep ‘em society,” said the Governor of Armley Prison, Mr S N Roberts, in September 1927, referring to himself and Mr Joseph Farndale, Chief Constable of Bradford. They both spoke at the Eastbrook Wesleyan brotherhood, yesterday, the Chief Constable being in the chair. Mr. Roberts said that the prisons were receiving a different type of person than they got many years ago. “That is partly due,” he said, “to the lives so many young folks live. So many of them get into the habit of spending 25s for every pound they earn, and there is bound to be a crash. Unfortunately some of them land into our hands. If we treat them as having made mistake, and not as being really wicked, I think we shall be able to help them.” Mr. Roberts added that people had no right to expect a discharged prisoner to make further payment after he had paid the price the law demanded.

In April 1928, the chief constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, has received the following telegram from the Duke of York, respecting the police arrangements for the Royal visit to the city on Friday: “Warmly congratulate you and all concerned on the admirable arrangements made today. Was much impressed by the appearance and efficiency of the police. Albert.”

Joseph was the first chairman of the new Police Athletics Association, formed in 1928. The police forces in England, Scotland and Wales are being asked to take part in a great athletic festival, to be heard on held on August 11, at the Liverpool Police athletic ground. The Police Athletic Association has just been formed, and the Prince of Wales is the first patron, the Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr. J Farndale, is chairman, and Mr H Rich, chief constable of Middlesbrough, honourable secretary and, the joint presidents being the Secretary of State for Home Affairs and the Secretary of State for Scotland. The first annual champ championship sports to be held as stated at Liverpool are open to all police forces in Great Britain that are affiliated to the PAA. The new Association will be affiliated to the AAA, SAAA, NCU, and NAWA. 17 championships will be decided, including sprints, flat races, relay, walking match, long and high jump, cycle and hurdle races, wrestling, putting the shot, and throwing the hammer. The winner of each championship will hold the trophy for one year. The man who has brought to a successful issue the new organisation is the Superintendent of Selby police, Superintendent H Aspinall, who is corresponding secretary of the competition.

There was some confusion in 1929 about the permissibility of mask wearing. Someone is trying to settle the Bradford Watch Committee with the reputation of “killjoy.” When the Bradford Automobile Club sent a circular announcing its fancy dress dinner dance to the Bradford office of the Leeds Mercury today, a Reporter was set wondering by a footnote reading: “the Bradford Watch Committee prohibits the use of masks.” although the Watch Committee has much to do, including “the execution of all duties and the exercising of the powers devolving upon or exercisable by the Council under the Chimney Sweepers Acts, Explosive Acts, Performing Animals Acts,” and so on, censorship of fancy dress costumes appears to be no part of its duties, unless of course it comes under the Wild Birds Protection Acts, 1882 at 1908. Mr George Muff, a member of the committee, told the Reporter he knew of no such ban on masks. “I can only suggest that as there are so many love matches made at fancy dress balls, the Chief Constable thinks people should make them with their eyes open; and seeing that so much of the rest of the body is visible it would be a pity to cover up the face.” he said. “A mask gives a fellow like me a chance to get hold of a pretty girl for a dance, and it gives a girl with neither good looks nor anything else the hope of getting off for a dance, if not for good.” The Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, said: “I don't know that we make any reservations about masks. What happens is this: that the licences of dance rooms are held responsible to the justices as to the costumes, and possibly, therefore, they feel their licences would be endangered if any complaint were made as to the doings of any person present. It is a matter for the management.” The Midland Hotel, where the Automobile Club Dance will be held, knows nothing of the alleged “prohibition” and no stipulation is made by the management.

In April 1929 the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, in conversation with the Mercury, said that at holiday times, when the streets are busy, accidents are less common. “The increase in accidents,” Mr Farndale went on, “is not as large as might be gathered from reading the newspapers. They collect the accidents during the weekend from all over the country and have a column headed “weekend fatalities”. The column would be just as long if they were to collect the number of people scalded by their firesides during each weekend. In the last few years traffic has gone up 100%, and fatal accidents only 2%.” Mr Farndale holds that the safety first campaign is bearing fruit, and that pedestrians are more careful in crossing the roads.

Joseph Farndale was the inventor of the police box (and therefore the Tardis).

Several Yorkshire towns are greatly interested in Bradford's discovery that the man who invented the police boxes with which, as in the case of other places throughout the country, that city is shortly to be “ringed”, is its own chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale. He has just revealed that he was the first to suggest such a scheme, in a talk with a government inspector six or seven years ago. Mr Farndale is a native of Wakefield, where he was born 65 years ago, and he attended the Field House Academy, Aberford. Attracted by a police career he joined the Halifax force when he was 20 years of age, and in 1893, when he had risen to be second in command at Halifax, was appointed chief constable of Margate. After four years Mr Farndale became chief constable of York, and in 1900 succeeded Mr Roderick Ross as Chief Constable of Bradford, where a feature of his administration has been his provision for the organised recreation of members of the force.

Bradford chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, who is a native of Wakefield, should, I am told, be a proud man when London adopts the police telephone boxes that already “ring” several cities in the provinces, including Newcastle and Manchester, and will shortly be installed at Bradford. The idea of these miniature police stations, kiosk shaped, and equipped with a telephone, desk and red warning lamp outside the four policemen on patrol, came first from Mr Farndale, who suggested them when a government inspector visited Bradford six years ago to inspect the cities 12 district police stations. Talk turned on the convenience of the stations, and Mr Farndale explained that by his police box system there could be a police service at as many as 100 points in the city, instead of the present 12 points. The plan was tried at Sunderland and other places, and now London is to make a start with seventy of the boxes. It is hoped that they will prove to be as convenient to reach as fire alarm boxes. Mr Farndale started his police career at Halifax in 1884, and became chief constable at Bradford in 1900 after three years as chief constable of York.

Another visit to Bradford by the Prince of Wales in November 1929. Bradford citizens are ready to give a Royal Yorkshire welcome to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales on his visit to the city today. The Prince last visited not the prince's last visit was in 1923, when he opened the new buildings at the Royal Institution for the Blind at Frizinghall and distributed cheques to representatives of the local hospitals... The Prince will be met at the Exchange Station by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Alderman Angus H Rhodes, the Chief Constable, Mr Joseph Farndale and others.

The Prince arrived in Bradford at 10:15. He had travelled by train from London, accompanied by his equerry, Captain Aird, of the Grenadier Guards, and was accorded an official welcome at the Exchange Station by the Lord Mayor, Alderman Angus Rhodes, with whom were Mr Douglas Hamilton, president of the Chamber of Commerce; Mr N L Fleming, town clerk; Mr H T Tulloch, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce; and the chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale. He was loudly cheered as he passed through the centre of the city on his way to fulfil the first engagement, a visit to the dress goods mill of Messrs John Priestman and Co at Ashfield, where he saw all the processes of manufacture, from the state of wool in the top, to the fashioning of the complete fabric, at least, up to the point where it was sent off to be dyed.

Joseph Farndale presented a portrait of Sir Robert Peel to the Home Office on behalf of the county and borough police in November 1929. A painting of Sir Robert Peel was presented to the Home Office on Thursday last week by the county and borough police forces of England and Wales to express their congratulations to the Metropolitan Police force on reaching its centenary. The picture is a full length life-size portrait in oils, which HW Pickersgill RA, painted just a century ago when Sir Robert Peel was home secretary. He is shown holding in his right hand a document on which is inscribed: “the Metropolitan Police draught bill.” Mr. J Farndale, Chief Constable Bradford, made the presentation, and the Home Secretary, in reply, said that Sir Robert had built better than he knew, and the general social system had strengthened the reasons which caused him to act at that time. The police force was now an army of more than 60,690 men. The gift would be treasured as a portrait in its proper place of a very great man.

There was quite a large and appreciative audience at the first public exhibition of “Disraeli”, which took place at St George’s Hall, Bradford in December 1929. The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Alderman Angus roads, was publicly welcomed on the stage by Edgar Mitchell. Also present were F Marsden, city engineer, and the chief constable of Bradford, Joseph Farndale. Mr Farndale although he saw the film at the private show, expressed his pleasure at once seeing it again, saying he intended yet again making a visit to St George’s Hall.

In the same month, to obviate congestion by motorists, the Chief Constable of Bradford cover Mr Joseph Farndale, has added eight parking grounds to the list of 38 which previously existed. Motorists attending the football matches that Valley Parade will now be able to leave their cars on the ground which stretches from Cornwall Road to Trafalgar Street, and patrons of the Prince’s Theatre will be able to park their vehicles on the ground in St John Street. Other grounds are in Upper Kirkgate, Rawson Road, Randall Well Street, Thurnscoe Road, Midland Road and Trinity Road.

In 1930, Joseph had turned his attention back to intoxicants and drunkenness, particularly where intoxicants were quietly added to ginger beer. Mention of signs made by public house customers when they want “something in” their ginger ale, was made by the Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr. J Farndale, giving evidence before the Royal Commission on Licencing, in London, today. Mr Farndale suggested that there should be a return to the old system whereby police, finding persons on licenced premises in non permitted hours, should be able to call on them to satisfy a court that they were there legally. “When we find persons on licenced premises during non permitted hours now,” he said, “Unless we can prove consumption of intoxicants they are committing no offence”. He suggested that drinking went on behind locked doors during closing hours, when to all outward appearances the public houses were closed, and added: “If the police visit a house in the afternoon, one of the favourite drinks is ginger ale, and it is difficult for the police to prove there are intoxicants in it. There are certain signs between customer and barmaid or licensee when he wants something in the ginger ale.”

“It is my opinion that the wave of sobriety immediately after the after the War is now moving in the opposite direction, and drunkenness is increasing.” Mr Gerald France: “In what class of community is this drunkenness most observable?” Mr Farndale: “Among the middle-aged. There is not much drunkenness among young people, I am pleased to say.” “Would you attribute to the clubs a certain proportion of this drunkenness?” “Very much of it. The publican takes great care not to permit drunkenness on his premises. I contend that where drink is sold and consumed the law should apply equally throughout.” Mr Farndale concluded that he welcomed the tide house system, as it led to better supervision.

Mystic signals between barmaids and customers were referred to before the royal Commission on licencing in London today. Mr. J Farndale, Chief Constable Bradford, said that if the police visited a public house in the afternoon one of the favourite drinks was ginger ale, and it was difficult for the police to prove there were intoxicants in it. “There are certain signs,” he declared, “between customer and barmaid or licensee when he wants something in the ginger ale. It is my opinion,” added Mr Farndale, “that the wave of sobriety immediately after the War is now moving in the opposite direction and that drunkenness is increasing.”

There were continued misogynist Victorian views of women and drinking. An article appeared on 22 January 1930 asking Does the Modern Woman Drink More? She now visits Public Houses Openly, but used to enter by the Back Door slyly. Evidence before the Royal Commission on licencing yesterday concerned the sobriety or otherwise of modern women, and their changed attitude to public houses. It was claimed by the Rhonda Stipendary Magistrate, that the Welsh women were sober, and that few visited licenced houses, but the Hull Stipendiary expressed the opinion that whereas women once entered public houses slightly by the back door, they now visited them quite openly and such drinking was more in evidence. Mr J R MacDonald, Stipendary Magistrate for Hull, giving evidence, said “A decent woman has not the same feeling about going into a public house as she had when I was a youngster. I was shocked, as a young man, when I saw a woman going into a public house. I do not think I would be shocked nowadays.” Dealing with the general question of drinking by women, and referring particularly to wife desertion, Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable of Bradford, said that the number of cases in which it was alleged that drink had caused recourse to proceedings under the Married Women Acts was almost negligible. Drinking by women on licenced premises is more in evidence today. At one time women entered public houses slyly by the back door. Today they enter quite openly by the front door.”

At a meeting of the Bradford Corporation Watch Committee in February 1930, a long discussion took place on the allegation put forward by the Trades Council, at the instance of the Shipley Trades Council that police officers in the Bradford Force had used unduly rough method methods to women on picket duty during the recent strike at Lunds Mill, Bolton Woods, Frizinghall. The chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, submitted reports denying these allegations. A resolution was passed supporting the claim that the allegations were unfounded.

There was a bit of a ‘spat’ between Joseph and an inspector at an Inquiry in March 1930. The Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr. J Farndale, and Mr. J Atkinson, an inspector of the ministry of transport, came into conflict at the hearing, at the education offices, Leeds, yesterday, at an appeal by Messrs Wood Brothers (Blackpool) Limited against the refusal of Leeds Corporation and the Corporations of Bradford and Halifax to grant licences to three of their motor buses to ply for hire between Blackpool, Blackburn, Halifax, Bradford, and Leeds. The “breeze” occurred when the chief constable of Bradford was dealing with Bradford's position. The Inspector had intimated he was concerned with the Blackburn route to Blackpool and had not with all the alternative routes, and that as the appellant’s original application showed this route, the route must be considered. Mr Farndale said the Bradford Watch Committee had only been concerned with the application as to a through service. They had considered nothing more than a through passenger service between Bradford and Blackpool. The inspector: “Do you mean that the Watch Committee as a statutory committee did not consider the conditions contained in the companies letter?” “That is so.” The inspector: “Am I to report to the minister that the chief constable of Bradford informs me that the conditions upon which these licences were asked were not laid before the committee?” “Was the letter laid before your committee?” “No”. No attempt to mislead. The Inspector added he would not have it said that the chief constable was the person who suggested that licences should be issued. Being in a statutory position, the committee had a duty to act in a judicial manner, and the opinion of an official was not evidence on which they could act. Mr Farndale: “All these applications all set out on the agenda, giving the name of the firm, and the destination. I give the existing services, and so on, and all and that the committee can come to their decision.” The Inspector: “Would not that be misleading if they did not have the formal evidence before them?” “I have never misled my committee, and I do not intend to do so.” Evidence was given on behalf of Halifax corporation as to the services already in existence.

The refusal of the Bradford corporation licencing committee to granted licence to message on Hurst and Co of Ripponden near Halifax, to run a bus service between Bradford and Manchester was the subject of administrative transport inquiry at Bradford yesterday. The chief constable, Mr. J farndale, said the committee were guided by the public demand for these licences.

Leeds safety first council is cooperating in the National Safety first the National Safety week, from Monday next until 21 May 1930. A similar campaign is to be held in Bradford, commencing on Sunday, with a service at Eastbrook hall, to be addressed by the West Riding organiser, Mr T Goodall, with the Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr J Farndale in the chair.

Noise pollution from loud gramophones was an issue in December 1930. The Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, has received complaints from various people of grammar phones and wireless loud speakers being on operated in such a way as to become annoying. I can sympathise with those people who have made the complaints, writes the Bradford correspondent, for up to a short time ago I myself was a victim of such suffering. I live at a point on which the sound waves from three gramophones were focused. On one occasion the gramophones played simultaneously, “It ain't gonna rain no more,” “Everyone calls me Tarzan,” and “I parted my hair in the middle.” At the same time a piano broadcast: “Won't you buy my pretty flowers?”. The climax came, and this was one of the reasons for my having since removed, when a young man next door started a jazz band.

Traffic Commissioner, 1930 to 1938 (8 years)

Mr Joseph Farndale, the Chief Constable of Bradford, has been appointed the traffic commissioner for Yorkshire.

The chief constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, has been appointed chairman of the traffic commissioners for Yorkshire by the Ministry of Transport. He will take up his duties on January 1, and his resignation as chief constable will be considered by the corporation Watch Committee on Friday. Mr Farndale’s new headquarters will be in Leeds. Mr Farndale, who was born in 1864, has been chief constable at Bradford for 30 years. He was educated at the Fieldhouse Academy, Aberford, and at 19 forsook chemistry for the police force, joining the Halifax force as a constable. Promotion came quickly and it was when he was second in command that he was appointed to the position of chief constable Margate, where he spent five years. In 1897 he left Margate to be chief constable of York, and three years later he came to fill a similar position at Bradford. At the end of the War Mr Farndale received the honour of CBE. Mr Farndale will always be remembered in Bradford police circles for the work he has done in the interests of his men. He was responsible for the formation of the Bradford City police band, acknowledged to be one of the foremost combinations of its kind in the north. It was due to him that many of the recreative sides of the force came into existence.

Asked by Mr Thomas Snowden whether he was now in a position to announce the appointment of the chairman of the traffic commissioners for Yorkshire and eastern areas, Mr Herbert Morrison said he had appointed Mr. J Farndale CBE at present Chief Constable Bradford. Sir Haviland Hiley, KBE, whose appointment he announced on December 10th, would be the chairman of the Eastern Area. Mr. T Snowden: “Can he say if Mr Farndale is a Yorkshireman?” Mr Morrison: “Yes, Sir.” Mr Snowden: “Can he speak the Yorkshire language?” (Laughter). There was no answer.

There was controversy, particularly in the Socialist Party about appointing a retired Chief Constable, entitled to a two thirds of salary pension to a salaried role of Traffic Commissioner. In December 1930, the announcement made today of the appointment of the last of the nine commissioners under the new traffic act is unpopular with the Labour Party. West Riding with socialist members in particular told me that they have no personal objection to the chief constable Bradford becoming the commissioner for their area. On the contrary, if they had their way Mr Farndale would have been more greatly honoured some time ago. Socialists generally, however, are uneasy for the preservation of the principle of one man one job or put it more accurately, one man one income. So many of these new commissioners appointed by Mr Morrison have been gentlemen with substantial pensions in addition to the very adequate salaries their new posts carry. It is inconceivable to them that efficient men could not have been found from among those who were not eligible for retiring pensions. As it is, the minister has not satisfied his colleagues with having looked far beyond the services and the bar for men who, after all, will be required to exercise more than purely prohibitive functions. There are other things in the spirit of the Traffic Act beyond ensuring clean number plates and an insurance certificate. Is it possible that there are no organisers outside the police or War Office? Anyway, the socialists tell me they intend to try to find this out at Question Time tomorrow.

The members of the Bradford City police force learnt with mixed feelings of the appointment of their chief constable, Mr Joseph Farndale, as chairman of the traffic commissioners for Yorkshire. They will be the first to congratulate him, but they will also be the first to regret his departure from the city. For “the Chief” is loved by them all. I have been in contact with members of the Bradford force now for many years, and always I have heard him referred to in the to in terms of the deepest admiration and respect. Those under him who have had to go into the long room he occupies immediately under the town hall clock, and offer explanations in reply to his searching questions, are probably the loudest in their praise of him. They say of him that he will always listen to a “straight tale,” that he is scrupulously fair, ready to afford a second and often third chance, and that none but the deliberate liar need fear him. This is the third appointment under the new Road Act to go to an applicant from Yorkshire.

Mr H Morrison, Minister of Transport, replying to Mr Longbottom, Socialist, Halifax, said that Mr Farndale, chief constable of Bradford, had been appointed by him as chairman of the traffic commissioners for Yorkshire for a term of three years at a salary of £1,000 per annum. He was 65 years old and would, he understood, be entitled to a pension in respect of his past service in the police force on the usual scale.

The appointment of Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable Bradford, as chairman of the traffic commissioners of Yorkshire, was criticised at a meeting of Bradford trades council tonight. Resolutions were being discussed for submission to a conference of Yorkshire Federated Trades Councils, to be held at Sheffield. A Brighouse resolution expressed the opinion that where an adequate pension was paid upon retirement, it should be made a condition that the recipient did not engage in paid employment. Mr. James Harrison, a socialist member of Bradford City council, said that Bradford was providing a bad example of what should not be done. A corporation official whose pension on leaving would be about £880 per annum, had been appointed to another position at a salary of £1,000. As a council, they had always been opposed to retired policeman of any rank taking positions and it was altogether out of reason that such a thing should be done when there were between two and three millions of unemployed in the country.

A reflection as he ended his career as Chief Constable reminisced on the old days, and the more recent innovations of the Police Box, the Flying Squad and the use of police radios.

30 years a chief constable. It is a big slice out of a man's life. For so long has Mr Joseph Farndale been Chief Constable of Bradford, and when, at the Watch Committee meeting this afternoon, he handed in his resignation to take effect at the year end, thus enabling him to take his appointment as Chairman of the Traffic Commissioners for Yorkshire, he found the wrench hard to make. One who was there, said afterwards, “When he referred to his men and their loyalty to him he could hardly speak, and was almost in tears.” He himself said, “To part with my men now is like parting with one's family.” Before the meeting, he talked with a Mercury reporter of his 30 years as a chief constable. Since 1900, he said, the strength of the Bradford force have been increased by 75%, pay of a police constable by 140%, and the higher ranks had also received considerable percentage increases. “The duties of a policeman have increased enormously in importance, and today we are recruiting men of a class totally different from that of 30 years ago. We have degree men in the force, and we draw from the secondary schools. Recruits before they become constables, are given an intensive training which did not exist when I became chief.” Thirty years ago the duties of a policeman in Bradford were occupied largely with rowdies in certain parts of the city, which were known for the violence of the characters frequenting them. The helmet was needed to save the old time policeman's head from violence. It was his crash helmet, protecting him from the sticks and weapons of hooligans. Such protection is seldom required now, said Mr Farndale, the city is practically quiet. As time went by the police forces had to equip themselves to deal with the problems presented by a modern world. Fast moving traffic came. The crooks made full use of it. The police checkmate was the Flying Squad. Mr Farndale was the first chief constable to realise that the old type of police stations were out of date. The modern crook moves so quickly that unless he is caught red handed, the chances of capture dwindle. So Mr Farndale scrapped all the old police stations in Bradford and planned 100 fully equipped police boxes on the very doorsteps of the citizens. By using the police box system, he said, citizens can obtain the assistance of the police almost at a moment’s notice. Now experiments are going on to ascertain the extent to which the police can make use of wireless in the detection and prevention of crime. The questions of secret wavelengths and codes has to be considered. Experiments are being conducted in Bradford with wireless vans, which will mature in the very near future. Such vans would be able to patrol the city at regular periods of the day, receiving instructions from headquarters by wireless, and acting on them without being under the necessity of making points at given times. The hooligans of the old days who committed crime crimes of violence against the person were often caught red handed. The type of crime prevailing today, however, requires great investigative investigation qualities, hence our detective department department with its highly qualified staff. Mr Farndale paid a warm tribute to his detectives. Bradford, he said, is fortunate in having a very efficient effect detective staff in the charge of Superintendent Petty, who started his police career in the same year that I was appointed Chief Constable. No murder of recent years has gone undetected. What of the police force 30 years hence? “I do not see that there can be any greater demand on the intelligence of the police force of the future than there is today,” he said. “full advantage, of course, will have to be taken off scientific developments.” Mr Farndale believes in the local force doing its job without calling in outside aid. “It is not altogether what a detective knows,” he said. “it is what he can get to know. People are more likely to give information and assistance to them to men they know, representing their own force, rather than to a stranger. I believe in the local force doing its own job when it is as efficient as that of the Bradford force, which has never failed yet.”

His funny stories were still the same stories as he always told (see the same stories told on 9 April 1914. Chatting with Mr Joseph Farndale who is resigning his post as chief constable of Bradford to take up his appointment as Chairman of the Traffic Commissioners for Yorkshire, I was told two good stories of recruits of his early days. One of these recruits had been appointed to a beat, but he failed to make his point with the Sergeant. A search was made. The Sergeant found him at home. “What on earth are you doing here?” asked the Sergeant. “Why” said the recruit “there's nobody out on a night like this!” The other story concerns a recruit who had been told to devote himself to patrolling a number of buildings. It was estimated that to do the tour of the buildings with efficiency and thoroughness would take an hour, so the Sergeant said “Your job is to walk eight times round.” In three hours, the recruit turned up at the police station. “I'm going home now,” he said. “I've been round eight times.”

Joseph Farndale began his duties as Chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners on 1 January 1931, which coincided with the commencement of the new Road Act and the end of the unobserved 20mph speed limit. Mr Joseph Farndale, Chairman of Commissioners for the Yorkshire traffic area, began his duties yesterday at the Area Headquarters, 5 Swinegate, Leeds. The Commissioners, only the chairman of whom has been appointed, are the first occupants of the new offices, comprising 3 floors and a basement directed by the Leeds Corporation as a frontage to the extension of these Swinegate tramway depot. All official communication should be addressed to Mr Jr Williams, clerk to the commissioners, at that address. So far as outward appearances go, writes the motoring correspondence of the Yorkshire Post, the operation of the new Act appears to have little or no visible effect. This is due, of course, to the fact that the abolition of the speed limit is more a matter of legal definition than of actual practise, as the old speed limit of 20 miles an hour has not been observed for years past. Observation of the road yesterday, therefore, disclosed but little, if any alteration. Nor did reports received by the Automobile Association and the automobile club from their scouts indicate any change of behaviour.

The Road Traffic Act 1930 for the ‘control of traffic on the roads’ followed the Royal Commission report on transport. Speedometers on cars were made compulsory from 1932 and speed limits for cars were removed because ‘the existing speed limit was so universally disobeyed that its maintenance brought the law into contempt. At the same time, the Third Parties (Rights against Insurers) Act 1930 protected motorists who suffered accidents.

The debate about Joseph’s appointment after his retirement from the police continued. Mr F Radcliffe said Mr Farndale was a much maligned man both from the democratic and municipal points of view. So far as the new appointment was concerned there was not a better man in the district for the job. Mr J W Flanigan, who also paid tribute to Mr Farndale, said the country was run by permanent officials. Mr A R Ellis said if the resolution was passed it would “tacked upon an individual.” The real feeling of the meeting was that they were opposed to the appointment of men who were passed the retiring age to highly remunerative posts, when they were already entitled to retire on pensions of something like £800 a year. He moved the successful amendment that a deputation be appointed to meet the Minister of Transport to hear his side of the story.

In January 1931 a resolution brought by Bradford Typographical Society to Bradford Trades Council tonight, protesting against the appointment of the former Chief Constable of Bradford, Mr Joseph Farndale, to the position of chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners, was deferred, and amendment, proposing that a deputation should meet Mr Herbert Morrison, Minister of Transport, on the matter, was carried. Mr Morrison is to visit Bradford shortly. Commenting on the resolution, a delegate said they were tackling the thing at the wrong end. It was useless bothering their heads about people getting situations in which there was no scope for the working class. They should occupy themselves with the question of constables retiring on pension and filling jobs which could be filled by the unemployed. Another delegate said they were not concerned with this appointment in particular. It was the whole system that was wrong. It was likely that Mr Farndale's appointment had been suggested to the minister by some permanent officials.

A suggestion that the Bradford Trades Council should protest against the appointment of the Chief Constable of the city, Mr. J Farndale, as Traffic Commissioner, was made at the meeting of the council last night. One of the grounds of the protest was that Mr Farndale “he is already entitled to inadequate retiring allowance.”

Speaking at the annual meeting of the Shipley Trades and Labour Council, at which Mr. J Hudson presided on Tuesday, Councillor TJ Grey JP, chairman of the Shipley Urban Council, frankly stated his views with regard to the present state of unemployment. “Some steps ought to be taken,” he said “to organise labour against the attitude of the government of this country in giving jobs to men like Farndale, of Bradford, and Chamberlain, of Leeds, who are in receipt of big fat pensions, and who are going on to ages of 70 and 75 at £1000 a year salaries.”

Mr Longbottom, Socialist, Halifax cover asked the Minister of Transport, in the House of Commons yesterday, whether seeing he has appointed Mr Joseph Farndale CBE ex chief constable of Bradford, to be chairman of the traffic commissioners for Yorkshire, he will state the amount per and that Mr Farndale will receive in pension for past services in the police force. Mr Morrison said he understood the usual practise was to grant 2/3 of salary for pension purposes, and as Mr Farndale’s salary was £1,250, presumably he would get about £800 a year. Ministerial ministerial cries of “oh.”. Mr Longbottom asked the Minister if he would see that in all appointments of inspectors and examiners under the Road Traffic Act 1930, they should be persons not in receipt of pensions from positions previously held. Mr Morrison went on “I will bear in mind the suggestion of the honourable member, with which I am in general sympathy, but the predominant consideration must be the selection of the best qualified candidate in each case.” Mr Farndale is to have £1,000 a year for his new work.

Joseph Farndale was given a good send off from the Bradford Police.

Over 300 officers and men of the Bradford City police force and Bradford special constablry paraded at the Belle Vue Barracks, Bradford, yesterday, when presentations were made to Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable of the city for 30 years, and now chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners, and Mrs Farndale, who, unfortunately, was unable to be present. Chief Superintendent Johnson presented to Mr Farndale a silver plate, which is to be attached to a mahogany wardrobe, the gifts of the officers and men of the regular force, and also a Rose Bowl on behalf of the Bradford City Police Athletic Club.

Expressing gratitude at the treatment received by the force from Mr Farndale, Chief Superintendent Johnson said the Chief’s view had always been prompted by justice and fairness, and they would remember him for his humanity and enthusiasm. They wished him success in his new position, and hoped he and Mrs Farndale would have health and prosperity for many years to come. (Applause). Superintendent Turner, Superintendent Chapman, Chief Inspector Bowden, who referred to the many occasions when he had had to approach Mr Farndale with requests on behalf of the men, and Sergeant Cook also spoke. Mr Frank Greenwood, deputy chairman of the Corporation Watch Committee and chairman of the Special Constabulary, presented Mr Farndale with a cut glass electric reading lamp on behalf of the Specials. Mr Greenwood said Mr Farndale had given the Specials every assistance he could. Mr E Hoyle, treasurer, Mr W Taylor and Superintendent Taylor also spoke for the Specials.

Expressing thanks, Mr Farndale said that if a man took on the position he had held for so long simply for the remuneration he would be a decided failure. He must have the heart and mind to do right to those who honoured him with their confidence, and go beyond the question of LSD. He had felt that from the first day he joined the service, and had tried to recruit into the service men of that class, not men who were simply seeking a job for the remuneration, but men with the best intention of serving the public to the best of their ability. That had been his guide, and he had still to find a decided failure. That was what made him proud at the moment. Referring to the value of the special constables, Mr Farndale said they had set an example which ought to be followed not by hundreds but by thousands of men in the city. On behalf of the Police, Mr Farndale then presented gold watches to two Bradford boys who helped acting Sergeant Downey in apprehending a thief on December 13. The boys were Douglas James Walton, 15, and Ernest William Mullin, both of Fitzgerald Street.

“No matter where I am, I shall be a policeman to the end of my time. I cannot help it. I was practically born into the service, and I shall die in the service, although I may not be an active member”. In those words Mr Joseph Farndale for 30 years chief constable Bradford, said farewell to his men as they stood, forming a great square of blue, at Belle Vue barracks yesterday afternoon. It was an occasion all those present will remember, the final March, the old “Chief” standing at the salute, and then the police band playing “Auld Lang Syne.” “I leave my reputation in your hands, and I leave it wholeheartedly because I know you will never fail. He said “I want my successor to realise that the men I have put in service, and the officers I have promoted, are the right men to serve this city, and that they will continue to serve it to the end of their day.”

Chief Superintendent Johnson presenting a token of Bradford esteem to his retiring chief, Mr Joseph Farndale, who has been appointed Chairman of Traffic Commissioners for Yorkshire.

And so Joseph Farndale’s work as Chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners began. When the Yorkshire Area Traffic Commissioners, under the chairmanship of Mr. J Farndale, resumed their public sitting at Sheffield yesterday, the United Motor Services applied for a renewal of a licence for a service between Sheffield and Skegness, Mablethorpe and Sutton on sea.

The Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain were responsible for the licensing and regulation of the operators of heavy goods vehicles, buses and coaches, and the registration of local bus services within Great Britain. The main duties to be performed by the Area Traffic Commissioners, otherwise than in the Metropolitan Traffic Area, may he summarised as follows: (1) The granting of public service vehicle licences and the inspection of such vehicles from the point of view of fitness and suitability; (2) The granting and backing of road service licences and the attaching of conditions thereto for the control and co-ordination of passenger services by road; (3) The granting of licences to drive or to act as conductor of a public service vehicle; (4) The granting of consents to local authorities to operate public service vehicles on routes outside their areas under Part V of the Act; (5) Advising the Minister on orders made by local authorities under Section 90 of the Act in respect of the routes, stopping places, parking places and stands for public service vehicles; (6) All matters incidental to the above such as: (a) The holding of public sittings for the hearing of applications for, and objections to, the grant or backing of road service licences and for other purposes; (b) The collection of fees; (c) The keeping of accounts and records; (d) The presentation of an annual report, etc.

Leeds had its first experience on 2 June 1931 of the new Traffic Commission which will play a vital part in the development of this country in the next few years. Three elderly gentlemen, plainly dressed and serious looking, sat on the bench occupied at other times by a High Court judge. They combine both executive and judicial functions. Their jurisdiction embraces over 4000 motor buses over 6000 drivers. On semi circular benches in front of them were other gentlemen, piles of papers, plans and maps. High above the jury box hung a huge map of Leeds covered with wriggling lines in gay colours. Beneath, alone, was a young man who rose from time to time and prodded the map with long pointer. The court also contains shorthand writers, clerks and three people in the public gallery. The presiding commissioner, Mr Joseph Farndale, was formerly chief constable of Bradford. He is white haired. Without his moustache he would look like some of the assize judges who have often occupied that chair. He speaks slowly, giving weight to every word.

In the same month, applications to run express services between Leeds, and Blackpool, Morecambe, Scarborough, Filey and Bridlington were made by Mrs R Bark (Leeds) Limited. Mr Barr said he had taken at a yearly average of 16,000 people to Blackpool at the August bank holiday and at August bank holiday used as many as 40 coaches, some obtained from other companies by arrangement, on the Blackpool route alone. Mr Farndale remarked that they were very much concerned about the congestion on the roads at bank holiday times, particularly on the roads to Blackpool. They had had such alarming reports. Congestion had to be dealt with by the Commissioners and it was felt important for them to find out the number of vehicles likely to be on the roads at these rush periods. A railway official gave evidence that the number of passengers from Leeds to Blackpool by rail had decreased from 146,000 in 1927 to 127,000 in 1930. Receipts in the same period had gone down from £36,416 to £23,534.

It soon became necessary to define an ‘excursion’. Particular interest in the sitting of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners at the town hall, Leeds yesterday lay in the first announcement of a definition of “excursion”. The word itself does not occur in the Road Act, but the traffic commissioners have issued forms of application for licences for “excursions and tours” as well As for stage carriages and express carriages. Mr. J Farndale, the presiding commissioner, said yesterday, at the opening of the session, that it might benefit to the public to know the exact meaning the Commission is applied to the term. They had decided that an excursion was “a journey to and from a specified destination to be completed in one day in at an inclusive fare.” in other words it was a day trip. The condition should be attached to all licences issued by the commissioners.

A ruling given yesterday by the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners, sitting at Leeds town hall, as to what constitutes an excursion coach for the purposes of a traffic licence, came as a bombshell to a number of applicants. The chairman, Mr Joseph Farndale, said an excursion was a journey to and from that specified destination, to be completed in one day as an inclusive fare; In other words, it was to be a day trip, and a condition to that effect would be put on all licences granted in respect of applications for permission run excursions.

In August 1931 in reply to Mr Beaumont, for the opposing bus companies, Mr Straker said he held it to be quite possible to run a public service with a four seater car. If his application was granted he was prepared to purchase six and seven seater cars. Mr Beaumont: “do you think for strangers who have never seen each other before would find a journey to Blackpool attractive?” “I do”. The chief come the chief commissioner, Mr. J farndale: “the sex it will be mixed. Moment came at: “well, that will make it more attractive.” Laughter.

Before the Yorkshire traffic commissioners at York yesterday, Mr JF Skelton of Gleadless, Sheffield, applied for an existing service between works workshop and Sheffield to be increased from A2 hourly service to an hourly service. Mr EP Merit for Ellen yard ask the applicant what reason he had for suggesting that it was the object to the bus company to drive the passengers to the railway. Applicant: “well, I know the railways are not doing very well.” the chief commissioner, Mr. J Farndale: “are you a shareholder?” “no”. Laughter. The applicant said that people had remarked to him that they preferred to ride in nice bosses like his rather than the grey green railway buses.

At a sitting of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners at Leeds in September 1931 when the Pendleton Co-operative Society made application to make excursions and tours through the Yorkshire area to York, Scarborough and Bolton Abbey, the Chairman, Mr Joseph Farndale asked “to whom is the dividend credited on the fares for these tours?” … Mr Farndale “There is a funeral branch, and you can get a dividend on that.”

In June 1931 Mr Joseph Farndale, Chairman of the Commissioners, during yesterday’s sitting in Leeds Town Hall, gave the official definition of an excursion as a “journey to and from a specified definition to be completed in one day at an inclusive fare – a day trip”

Nearly 60 applications to run excursions and tours and to vary conditions of bus services were made to the Yorkshire Area Traffic Commissioners at a sitting in April 1931 (Mr Joseph Farndale and Alderman J Law) at Sheffield Town Hall.

In November 1931 the Leeds Corporation objected, before the Yorkshire Area Traffic Commissioners yesterday, to the granting of licence to Mrs Smallpage of Leeds, for the running of a bus service from Easy Road to Hudson Rd. The applicant desired in the main to serve people wanting to go to the works of Messrs Montague Burke Burton. Mr H R MacDowell on behalf of the Corporation asked Mr Smallpage, who appeared for the applicant, how he collected his fares. Mr Smallpage: “I get one of the girls to collect them.” “How do you check them?” “I think there is a bit of honesty left in the world.” The chairman, Mr. J Farndale: “and you think this girl is that bit of honesty?”

Chesterfield some time ago provided Brighton with its town clerk in the person of Mr J H Rothwell CBE. Brighton has now furnished Chesterfield with its new chief constable in the person of Superintendent Wells. In a letter to the editor of this journal Mr Rothwell says “I have not released out that the Watch Committee, the council and the ratepayers generally in West Chesterfield will very soon be satisfied that they had secured in their new chief constable a man who is possessed of all the attributes which they have the right to expect in a selected candidate for such a responsible position.” It is remarkable how in the past Chesterfield has been the jumping off ground for many important positions in the person of Mr Farndale, the uncle of the late chief constable of Bradford, who is now traffic commissioner for the Midland area.

In March 1932, Sheffield Corporations wish that the new thoroughfare, Castlegate, should be used as the starting point for all excursions and tours from the centre of the city met with little enthusiasm from motor coach owners at a sitting of the Yorkshire area traffic commissioners at Sheffield town hall yesterday... During the questions about fares charged for running to Doncaster races, the Chairman, Mr. J Farndale, said the commissioners had had operators in the district attend a conference so that there could be cooperation and agreement.

During a public sitting of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners in Leeds on 10 January 1933, the chairman, Mr Joseph Farndale, made an important announcement in regard to the large number of road services to Blackpool. The commissioners had before them a long series of applications for road service licences to continue existing stage and express services to Blackpool from Leeds, Sheffield, Chesterfield and various places in the West Riding. “Have you had an opportunity of considering the statistics sent in by the applicants”, Mr Farndale said, “The commissioners had come to the conclusion that the Blackpool traffic was still too heavy during the winter months. They suggested that the various operators on the route should endeavour to enter into a working agreement, covering the winter season, whereby some of the traffic might be eliminated, for some of the services were obviously running light. It is clear for the to the commissioners, he added, that something will have to be done, and they would rather that the operators themselves found some scheme than the commissioners should have to force one upon them.

The controversy over Joseph Farndale’s pension and salary returned, when Halifax refused to pay their share. In May 1933 pointed comments were made at Halifax Town council meeting tonight by Alderman A W Longbottom, ex MP for Halifax, respecting the half year’s contribution to the pension of Mr Joseph Farndale, ex chief constable of Bradford, and now chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners. For some time Mr Farndale was a police officer at Halifax before he went to Bradford. Alderman Longbottom, Socialist, said for the past three years he had opposed Mr Farndale's appointment to a post under the Minister of Transport. He could not agree that the money of Halifax ratepayers should be used towards paying a pension of nearly £900 a year to a man who is now in receipt of a government appointment for which he got a salary of £1,200 a year. He knew it could be said that the appointment was made by a Socialist government, of which he, Alderman Longbottom, was a member. Mr Farndale was a man who had been in a decent position all his working life, and when he was considered to be too old to continue to perform the duties, a beneficial public granted him a pension of £16 a week. Any person in receipt of a pension of such a rate could not in any degree be considered to be lacking in the essentials of life. But not content with that Mr Farndale applied for and was given a post which could be filled by thousands of university trained men who were out of a job. That should not be allowed to continue, and he asked the Council to say they were not going to tolerate one man having a pension of £16 a week and that appointment of £20 a week. The Mayor, Alderman William Crabtree, said he was informed by the town clerk that they would have to pay it as it was an instruction from the government. The town clerk, Mr P Saunders, said they had to pay Bradford and Bradford had to pay ex chief constable Farndale, a pension. Halifax had to pay their proportion based on the number of years Mr Farndale served in Halifax. After Alderman Longbottom's amendment not to pay the salary had been carried, the Mayor added: “the amendment is carried, but I don't think you will do any good by it.” (Laughter).

Halifax Town Council last night refused to sanction the payment of £8 8s 6d for half yearly contribution to the pension of Mr Joseph Farndale, ex chief constable of Bradford, who is now the chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners. Alderman A W Longbottom, moving at resolution that the amount should not be paid, said he would not agree to ratepayers money being used towards paying a pension of nearly £900 year to a man now holding a government appointment for which he received a salary of £1,200 a year. The town clerk, Mr P Saunders, said the Council were bound to pay the contribution but the council voted against it.

Perhaps the unconscious humour of some of the witnesses keeps them fresh. As for example the man from Bramham who declared that Bramham folk travelled a lot: they even went as far as Harrogate sometimes. And the man from Aberford who took exception to the remark of Mr Joseph Farndale, the chief constable commissioner, that Aberford had not changed for 50 years by pointing out that at least three new houses had been built.

Joseph Farndale was working very hard as Traffic Commissioner, so perhaps it might be said that he was earning his salary. In May 1934, the business of granting licences to road hauliers under the Road and Rail Traffic Act of 1933 is a long one, and I think that Mr Joseph Farndale, who is the licencing authority for Yorkshire, ought to have the admiration and sympathy of everybody for the hours he has to put in, listening to the applications for licences and objections to the applications. On Wednesday he sat over 5 hours, hearing 70 applications, and yesterday he sat 6 ½ hours, hearing another 70; And today he has another 75 facing him.

The Road and Rail Traffic Act 1933 was an Act to make provision for regulating the carriage of goods on, roads by motor vehicles and for - controlling the use of vehicles on certain roads ; to amend certain provisions of the Road Traffic Act, 1930; to amend the law relating to railways and to make provision for constituting a council to advise on questions in connection with the means of, and facilities for, transport ; and for purposes connected with the matters aforesaid.

In May 1934, when today’s cases have been heard Mr Joseph Farndale, chairman of the licencing authority for the Yorkshire traffic area, will have heard 220 applications within three days. Mr Joseph Farndale, chairman of the licencing authority for the Yorkshire traffic area, had a six and a half hour sitting in Leeds yesterday, following a five hours sitting in the previous day. He was dealing with applications for “A” and “B” licences from Hollyoaks, public carriers and haulage contractors. Yesterday he dealt with about 70 applications, the previous day with 75 and another 73 will be submitted to him today. An “A” licence application was made by Harry Lund (Otley) Limited, Lords Road, Otley, who in addition to being removal and heritage haulage contractors, are motor dealers.

Mr Joseph Farndale, who used to be Chief Constable of Bradford is blessed with a sense of humour, and so, too, are some of the applicants, though they may have been unconscious that of the fact. An applicant from a village near Scarborough was enumerating what he wanted to carry in his vehicle. In his list were “carcasses” and the chairman asked him what he meant by that. The applicant thought for a moment and then ventured the explanation “dead carcasses.” eventually “carcasses” were defined as “butchers meat.”

When a Masham, North Yorkshire, man applied for a licence from commercial vehicle at the licencing authority court at Leeds, in July 1934, he told the chairman, Mr Joseph Farndale, that among his duties he had to draw the Masham fire engine to fires. Mr Farndale: “What happens when a fire breaks out and your vehicle is 40 miles away?” applicant: “They have to look for us or get us on the telephone.” Mr Farndale: “You ask the fire to wait?” Applicant: “It is not often we have a fire.” Applicant was granted a licence to carry farm produce, cattle foods, corn, building materials, furniture and refreshments and was told by the chairman that he would be allowed to draw the fire engine where and when required.

The Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners, sitting in Leeds on 12 November 1934, heard an application for a special short bus service in the early morning to take young girls from Bradford to Messrs Henry Mason’s Mills, Shipley. Mr F H Whittaker for the applicants Messrs B & B Tours Limited, said that Masons had asked for a special service to take 28 girl work workers from Bradford to Shipley at 5:40 AM and return them at night. A witness for Messrs B & B Tours said that Messes Masons desired to offer proper protection to the get young girls in the early morning in the late night travel. Mr C R Hodgson for Allan yard company: “Do you think there is any danger of the girls going wrong in between the station and the mill?” (laughter). The Chairman, Mr J Farndale: “Is there any danger of the bus going into the canal?” (laughter). The Chairman intimated that the application would be considered.

An application by B&B Tours Limited, to run a special early morning and late night express carriage service between the Alhambra, Bradford and Masons Mill, Shipley for a number of girls engaged on special work at the mills, came before the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners. Mr F H Whitaker, for the applicants, said the operators wanted a short period licence for 28 girls who live in Bradford. The mill owners had decided to pay for the bus at a rate of 7s 6d a journey, and no deductions would be made from the work people's wages. It might be held he contended that there was no need to apply for a licence, as the carriage had been engaged at contract rate. The operators wished to make the application in open court, however, to ensure being on the right side of the law. A witness for the coach company said from mill owners wanted to offer protection to the girls by running the coach straight to the mill. Mr C R Hodgson, for the London and northeastern railway company,: “Is there any danger of the girls going wrong at that hour in the morning between the station and the milk?” (laughter). The chairman, Mr Joseph Farndale: “Is there any danger of the bus going into the canal?” (laughter). The witness added that though provisional arrangements had been made to run the service for three months, it could be terminated by a week's notice on either side. Mr Hodgson: “Do you say you will stop the service if you were given a weeks notice?” Witness: “Yes, there will be no passengers.” Mr Hodgson went on: “Do you realise that you are applying for an express carriage licence for three months, and if the Authorities instruct you, your duty will be to run the service?” The witness said the service would still be run if the commissioners ordered them to continue it. Mr WH Leatham, for Bradford Corporation, submitted that the operators were not particular about how far the girls would have to travel in Bradford in order to join the bus at the Alhambra. Mr Farndale: “They take the view perhaps that they are safe in Bradford, but not outside.” (laughter). The application will be considered.

A strange, almost uncanny, peace reigned at a public inquiry in Leeds in November 1934 held by the licencing authority for the Yorkshire traffic area. For the first time since these inquiries were instituted under the Road and Rail Traffic Act there were no experiences from the railway companies to applications from road hauliers for licences for their vehicles. The commissioner, Mr Joseph Farndale, instead of having to listen to road hauliers and solicitors until late in the afternoon, heard 35 applications in less than two hours.

A complaint against the way in which some applications for commercial vehicles were presented was made in December 1934 by Mr G Woodward, a barrister, representing the LME and LNE Railway companies, at a sitting of the Yorkshire traffic licencing authority in Leeds … Mr Woodward said evidence had been put to witnesses at such a speed that had been impossible to take notes of all the points, some of which, might have been contested by the railway companies. Referring to one application, he said, “In this particular case we are in a difficulty. We know the final results, but it is quite impossible for us to follow what the application really is. I must admit I do not know yet what is in the application.” Mr. J Farndale, the licencing authority, said, “Well I do. Please do not go on commenting about the procedure of this court. I am the authority here, and it is for me to say whether or not I think the applications are being properly presented.”

In a question of Lancashire buses operating in Yorkshire in January 1935, I have heard of this war of the roses before, said Mr Joseph Farndale, chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners, when an application was heard at Sheffield today from a Lancashire road operator to run excursions and tours from Yorkshire.

At a sitting of the Authority in Sheffield recently, Mr Farndale withheld his decision as to the licensing of one lorry until he had heard evidence of a representative of this steel works, for whom the applicants claim to have carried out extensive haulage.

To another applicant who referred several times to his “fleet of vehicles” Mr Farndale said: “your fleet consists of one vehicle doesn't such?”. “Two, Sir,” the applicant replied. “Well, two, then.” said Mr Farndale. “but even that isn't a very large fleet to command.”

By March 1935, the work of the licencing of goods vehicles is getting heavier and heavier, and I have already written about the long hours that Mr Joseph Farndale as the Authority for the Yorkshire traffic area, puts in. This work, which is in addition to the licencing of passenger vehicles, have become so heavy that a deputy has been appointed and the appearance of Sir William Heart in that position in Leeds yesterday was very interesting, since it marked the return of one of Leeds most distinguished men.

In June 1936, a move towards stabilisation of haulage rates, which were the subject of comment by the chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners, Mr Joseph Farndale, in his annual report in March, is reported in the June issue of the Bradford Chamber of trade journal. Mr Farndale said it had been become increasingly evident that the question of the stabilisation of rates for road haulage was one which needed to be tackled urgently, and that, as the licencing authorities were not endowed with statutory powers in that regard to the fixing of rates, the initiative must lie with the operators and their associations.

Joseph’s First Wife, Emma, died on 1 September 1936. Death occurred yesterday of Mrs Emma Farndale, wife of Mr Joseph Farndale, of Oakdene, Slingsby walk, Harrogate. Mr Farndale, who is chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners, was chief constable of Bradford from 1900 to 1930. Mrs Farndale was a woman of charming personality. She was aged 73, and was the second daughter of the late Mr William Selby, of Wakefield. She married Mr Farndale in 1883.

During her husband's service of 30 years as chief constable of Bradford she made many friends, but took little part in public life.

On September 1st at Oakdene, Slingsby walk, Harrogate, Emma, dearly loved wife of Joseph Farndale, in her 74th year. Funeral service at Christchurch, Harrogate, at 11:45 AM. Today, Saturday, September 5th, prior to internment at Stonefall cemetery.

The funeral took place at Christchurch, Harrogate, on Saturday, of Mrs Emma Farndale, who died at her home, Oakdene, Slingsby walk, Harrogate, on Tuesday at the age of 73. Mrs Farndale was the wife of Mr Joseph Farndale, the chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners and former chief constable Bradford. The Rev J F Wrangham Hardy conducted the service, which proceeded the internment at Stonefall cemetery, Harrogate. In addition to family mourners among those present were Mr R L Matthews, chief constable of Leeds and Mrs Matthews, Chief Superintendent Petty, representing the chief constable of Bradford, Mr. T Rawson, Alderman Angus Roads, chairman of the Bradford watch committee, Detective Chief Inspector Eastern, representing detective Superintendent Price, Chief Inspector Hardy and Inspector Robinson, all of the Bradford police.

In the same month Joseph was dealing with a professional issue relating to the carrying of Corpses. Corpses were among the goods carried by a haulier who made an application to the Yorkshire Traffic Licensing Authority (Mr Joseph Farndale), sitting at 44 The Headrow, Leeds yesterday for renewal of his existing licence. He said he carried on a rather specialised haulage business. When Mr Farndale asked him for distances he said he had been asked to fetch something from Preston. Mr Farndale: “Was that a Corpse?” – “Yes”. Mr Farndale: “You don’t require authority to carry a corpse Corpses are not goods”. The applicant: “They have asked us to be ready to carry them.” The existing licence was renewed.

Amusement was caused during the sitting of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners at Scarborough on 10 July 1937 when the proprietor of a small bus service said it was difficult for his driver to attend closely to his fares as he had, on occasion, to get fish and chips for his passengers. Thomas Colin Glover, of Amotherby, Milton, applied for a modification of his stage carriage licence between Pickering and Great Barugh to allow fare stages on route for the benefit of farmers on market days. Mr Glover admitted that owing to a mistake he had charged 4d for a sixpenny fare stage on one occasion. The passengers slipped in unnoticed by the driver, and should never have been picked up. He had been told that he must not travel on that particular bus in future. It is much harder, he added, for these small proprietors to run services officially as efficiently as the big companies. Though you may hardly believe it, my driver may have fish and chips to get for his passengers, with the result that he does not collect his tickets until the last minute.” (laughter). The chairman, Mr. J Farndale: “He should see to his bus tickets, not a fish and chips.”

Second Marriage and Retirement

Joseph Farndale married his second wife, Margaret Emmott in December 1937, and it became public knowledge in January 1938.

Traffic Chief Weds at 72. Mr Joseph Farndale, 72 year old chairman of Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners and formerly Chief Constable of Bradford, yesterday married Miss Margaret Emmott, Sowerby Bridge, who practices as a chiropodist in Leeds. The ceremony took place in Leeds, unknown to the staff at the Traffic Commissioners’ office there. Mr Farndale’s home is at Harrogate. After the wedding Mr and Ms Farndale left for London. Mr Farndale was awarded the King’s Police Medal in 1914 and has been President of the Chief Constable’s Association.

Mr Joseph Farndale, chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners, and a former chief constable Bradford, was quietly married to a Leeds chiropodist, Miss Margaret Emmett yesterday. None but a few close friends and relatives at the bride and bridegroom knew of the ceremony, and no hint of the wedding had become known to wider circles. Mr Farndale is 72, and his bride an attractive woman, described by a friend yesterday as “on the right side of 40.” She is well known as a chiropodist, practising in Cavendish Chambers. Neither the staff of the Traffic Commissioners office nor the employees of Miss Emmett knew anything of the wedding until it was over, and Mr and Mrs Farndale had left for london. Miss Emmert said she would be away for a few days. Mr Farndale is well known in many parts of the country. A native of Wakefield, he served with the Halifax police force before becoming chief constable of Margate. Later he became chief constable of York and then a Bradford. He was awarded the Kings Police Medal in 1914, and in 1924 was made a Companion of the British Empire. He is a past president of the Chief Constables Association. He became chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners after his retirement from the Bradford force. Had the wedding being generally known there would have been a large gathering of friends at from Brunswick Methodist Church, where the ceremony was performed by the Reverend W E Sangster.

Mr Joseph Farndale, 72 year old chairman of Yorkshire traffic commissioners, and formerly chief constable Bradford, yesterday married miss Margaret Emmett, Sowerby Bridge, who practises as a chiropodist in Leeds. The ceremony took place in Leeds, unknown to the staff at the traffic commissioners office there. Mr Farndale's home is at Harrogate. After the wedding Mr and Mrs Farndale left for London. Mr Farndale was awarded the King's Police Medal in 1914 and has been President of the Chief Constable's Association.

The marriage took place yesterday at Brunswick Wesleyan Chapel, Leeds, of Mr Joseph Farndale, a former chief constable of Bradford, and Margaret, second daughter of Mr. Smith Emmett, of Sowerby Bridge. The wedding had been kept a close secret and only a few personal friends were present at the ceremony. The Rev W E Sangster, minister of Brunswick Methodist Church, officiated. Miss Emmett is in business as a chiropodist in Cavendish Chambers, the Head Row, Leeds and it is understood that Mr Farndale first met her through visiting the establishment for professional treatment. Members of Miss Emmett staff’s did not know that the ceremony was to take place yesterday, and the news of the wedding came as a complete surprise to Miss Emmett’s friends in Leeds. Miss Emmett has been a Sunday school teacher at Sowerby Bridge and her father Mr. Smith Emmett, is a well known lay preacher in that district. Mr Farndale, who is chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners, was born in Wakefield in 1864... The Yorkshire Observer understands that a short honeymoon is being spent in London, and Mr and Mrs Farndale will take up residence close to the bride's former home in Steinbeck Road, Leeds.

Maggie Emmott was born in Sowerby in 1893. So she was 44 in 1937. She died in 1965 and is buried at St Peter’s Church, Sowerby.

Not long afterwards, Joseph Farndale announced that he was retiring as Chairman of the Traffic Commissioners. The Halifax Evening Courier, 5 November 1938: RETIRING. Mr Joseph Farndale, chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners since the establishment of the Commission in 1930, has intimated that at the end of this year he proposes to retire from the post. Mr Farndale began his career as a policeman in Halifax borough police force. He subsequently became chief constable of Margate, then at York, and finally of Bradford in 1900. He retired in 1930 to accept the chairmanship of the Traffic Commission. Towards the end of the year he married the daughter of Mr. Smith Emmitt, off Sowerby Bridge.

At the end of 1938, the Secretary to the Ministry of Transport announces that Mr Joseph Farndale who has been chairman at the Traffic Commissioners for Yorkshire traffic area since January 1 1931 and was appointed and was one of the original chairman appointed under the Road Traffic Act 1930, will vacate that office on December 31. Mr Farndale who is a native of Wakefield was born in 1864, and before taking over his present position was chief of Bradford police from 1900. He joined Halifax police force at the age of 19, and passed through every grade of the service. He was chief constable of Margate and then chief constable of York, before going to Bradford. Mr Farndale pioneered the police box system making a suggestion to the government for their establishment some years before they were generally adopted. His appointment in 1931 as Chairman of the Traffic Commissioners, a salaried post, caused some controversy. Protests were made at meetings of the Bradford Trades Council, and questions were asked in the House of Commons. Mr Herbert Morrison, at that time Minister of Transport, said Mr Farndale would draw a pension as a retired police officer in the region of £800 a year. When he retired to take over the appointment, 300 officers and men paraded in Belle Vue barracks, Bradford, and presentations were made to him. Mr Farndale has been president of the chief constable's association, and was awarded the King's Police Medal in 1914. In 1924 he was given the CBE. His marriage at the end of last year to Miss Margaret Emmett, second daughter of Miss Smith Emmett, of Sowerby Bridge, caused a surprise. The ceremony which was kept a closely guarded secret, took place at Brunswick Methodist Church, Leeds. The bride, a chiropodist, practised in the Head Row. Mr Farndale’s first wife died in September 1936.

His last public activity as a Traffic Commissioner was to open the new Barnsley Bus Station.

Mr. J Farndale, CBE, chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners, cutting the tape at the opening of the new Barnsley omnibus station on Wednesday.

Mr Farndale said it was a pleasant experience to be with them at the opening of the new bus station. He had held the office of chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners for eight years, and the development of bus stations he had hoped for had not come to pass. Therefore one had to give credit to the Yorkshire Traction Company for having such a splendid example in Barnsley. (Applause). “It is a magnificent station, and I am sure his Worship the Mayor and those associated with him in the corporation will now realise the great responsibility and the great cost of which the ratepayers of Barnsley have been relieved.” The people of Barnsley and those in the neighbourhood should be grateful to the Yorkshire Traction Company for the many thousands of pounds they had spent in putting up such an excellent station. He was sure the public would appreciate it to the full. He hoped it would lead to greater success for the Yorkshire Traction Company. Mr Farndale told many good stories relating to Mr Robinson's proud claim that he was a Yorkshireman, and the yorkshireman's habit of calling a spade a spade. Mr Farndale said that when people came before him for a licence and did not get it they were very disappointed. “They don't express themselves to me,” he said, “but I know what they're thinking.” They would realise what compliments he got. Mr Farndale said that on many occasions he had seen the Yorkshire Traction Company buses on the road and what superior and fine vehicles they were compared to what they knew years ago in that district.

However, Joseph Farndale didn’t relax and continued to be involved in traffic regulation, and the ‘Safety First’ campaigns. In February 1939, “We talk about the danger of being at war, but we're at war in a way one considers in a way when one considers the fatalities that take place annually on the roads”, said Mr Ben Wade who was re-elected chairman of the Bradford Safety First council at the annual meeting in the town hall yesterday. The following officers were elected, Mr Joseph Farndale, vice chairman.

Joseph Farndale was soon chairing an Inquiry. In June 1939 there was a big jump in demand for petrol in March was attributed to budget prospects when Messrs Isherwood and Co of Manchester made a successful application for authority to add a fourth tank wagon to their fleet at the Road and Rail Traffic Act inquiry held by Mr Joseph Farndale in Manchester yesterday. Evidence was given that since May 1, 219 tonnes of business had been given to other hauliers because the firms fleet could not cope with the demand. This was not economical and was inconvenient to the customers owing to the delays. After inspecting returns of the carryings, Mr Farndale granted a licence for the extra vehicle.

His idea of reintroducing very low speed limits had probably passed their day. In October 1939, at a meeting of the Bradford Safety First council yesterday, Mr Joseph Farndale, former chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners, suggested that a 10 miles an hour limit should be introduced in congested areas. He said that during the blackout it was clear a pedestrian could see a motor car but it was doubtful whether a motorist could see a pedestrian. Mr Farndale said that he could not see how a motorist could possibly make out pedestrians who were wearing dark clothing when crossing a highway and he advised pedestrians to take greater care. “I think there should be a 10 mile an hour speed limit for motorists in congested areas.”

In October 1939, Mr G Fea, Divisional Air Raid Warden in Bradford, who had given an address on the activities of wardens in the city, said in reply to questions by Mr Farndale, that one in 10 of the 400 full time wardens in Bradford was a woman. While there was no rule relating to age, particular attention had been paid to the suitability of women wardens. In his address, Mr Fae said there had always been the best relations between the wardens and the permanent staff at Bradford. “We were able to laugh at the happenings in Leeds” said Mr Fae. He criticised “the idea of drawing a straight line between air raid wardens and special constables duties.”

However Joseph’s views of the role of women remained very much ‘of their time’. In October 1939 “Slips of girls of 20 wearing air raid wardens helmets” were referred to by Mr Joseph Farndale, former chairman of Yorkshire traffic commissioners and former chief constable at Bradford, at a meeting of the Bradford safety first council yesterday. Mr Farndale said he had seen such girls in some other cities, and he did not think they would be much use during an air raid. Women wardens should be women of mature age who would not take fright. Alderman Henry Hudson, a former Lord Mayor of Bradford, asked who was in a position to judge whether a girl 20 would have less nerve during an air raid than a woman of woman of 60.

An ex service reader writes strongly opposing the opinion expressed by Mr Joseph Farndale, the former chief constable at Bradford, that “slips of girls wearing wardens helmets” would not be of much use in air raids. He says: Mr Farndale should have seen the service girl motor drivers in France gave in 1914 to 1918. One organisation carried the relatives of badly wounded men from the ports to hospitals and thence to rest billets. This work called for the highest courage and resource. Much of it was night driving, and this had to be done without lights, over war worn roads with war worn vehicles, difficult to start and very liable to stop. They went all over northern France and had to deal with constant error rates, pacifying their passengers, people whose grief made them particularly difficult to handle. When in “rest” the girls lived in service conditions.

Criticism by Mr Joseph Farndale, former chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners and a former chief constable of Bradford, of “slips of girls” wearing air raid wardens helmets were soon answered in Leeds by some of the “slips of girls” themselves. One reply was: “Some girls can be very cool and calm. On the other hand elder women might be nervous and jumpy.” Another 20 year old asked: “Are old women going to take less fright than young ones?” While not wishing to enter into the argument upon the respective merits as air raid wardens of older women and slips of girls, we feel it is unfair to suggest if such a suggestion was intended, that young girls should not be allowed to take up these responsible posts. Has Mr Farndale forgotten the skill and courage, often under fire, of the WAACs, the ambulance drivers and the nurses in the last World War? Does he consider the girls of today differ greatly from their mothers and that in the hour of need they would not show the same courage and skill? Young girls who have volunteered to play their part in our civil defence plan are receiving the same training as men. One male warden in Leeds described them as keen and capable. When our young men are ready already being called upon to serve their country's cause in the field of battle, the girls they leave behind are also eager to shoulder their burden. And here's the best of luck to them!

Joseph’s pension was back in the spotlight in May 1940. When the chief constable of Bradford, Mr Thomas Rawson, retires, the City Council yesterday approved the grant to him of a special pension of £1,000 per annum for two years after which the position will be reviewed, the city will have two former chief constables on their pension role. In 1930 Mr Joseph Farndale, Mr Rawson's predecessor, retired and since January 1931 has been receiving a pension of £833 6s 8d, a year, 2/3 of his salary of £1,250. He was chief constable for 30 years and in the police service for 47 years. Mr Rawson have had 30 years police service in Carlisle, Macclesfield, Hareford, Swansea and Bradford, but only a little over nine years has been spent in Bradford. Since he came to Bradford, however, he has reorganised and been chief officer of the fire brigade, a duty which did not devolve upon Mr Farndale. As chief officer Mr Rawson received a non pensionable allowance of £105 per annum.

In June 1940, Doctor B Wade expressed the opinion that all road users were taking more care. He suggested that, in view of the many cars parked in commercial street and other principal streets in Leeds, it would be very difficult to avoid confusion during an air raid. He complained of delay amounting to five or ten minutes in obtaining a reply after dialling ‘0’ on the telephone, and made the suggestion that the city police telephone number which is now five figures, might be simplified for emergency purposes. Mr J Farndale suggested the substitution for emergency purposes of another single figure than 0 which he understood was used for a number of calls.

Mr Joseph Farndale, former chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners Former chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners also said he does not think fines did much good to the faulty motorist. “the simple thing to do is to take the motorist off the road, suspend his licence,” Mr Farndale added.

Mr Stuart Hurst, of the Leeds Safety First council, is rightly proud of the fact that as a motorist he is driven for over 30 years without accidental fine. When he mentioned this at the Bradford Safety First council meeting yesterday it was found that two of the members had a similar experience. One was Mr Joseph Farndale, who had been chief constable of Bradford and chairman of the Yorkshire traffic Commission commissioners, and the other was Mr HD Shore, who in 36 years of driving has been fined only once, he had to pay 5s for a technical offence, in 1910, of leaving the Brooklyn's track without a car horn.

In March 1941, the West Riding Federation of Safety First Councils, which changed its name yesterday to the West Riding Federation of Accident Prevention Councils, is to request the GOC Northern Command to appoint a military transport officer as a member of the Federation. Mr Joseph Farndale pointed out that it had been admitted in Parliament that there were 300 accidents a day to military vehicles which was an enormous number. He thought that to some extent there were rivers of military vehicles who were under the erroneous impression that they had the right of road over any other vehicle and that they could disregard signals and do as they please.

Joseph Farndale did not like the idea of changing the rule of the road to drive on the right in the UK in September 1942. The suggestion that traffic should revert to the continental and American system of travelling on the right was put forward by Dr Ben wade, chairman, at the meeting yesterday of the Bradford Council of these Royal Society of the Prevention of Accidents. Mr Joseph Farndale said he could not see there would be any advantage from the point of view of preventing accidents by changing a rule of the road which was already so well established.

In November 1945, Joseph Farndale advocated eliminating the use of amber in traffic lights. The deputy chief constable, Mr B Hudson, presented a return showing that so far this year there had been 914 road accidents as compared with 976 for the whole of 1944. There were 11 fewer fatal accidents, 39 against fifty. Mr. J Farndale come out former chief constable Bradford, said he advocated elimination of the amber light at robot crossings years ago, because many motorists proceeded on it, but the ministry ruled it out.

In January 1947, an article wrote that I get very little trouble from schoolchildren. The people I get trouble from our women. This was the answer given by Bradfords Accident Prevention Council yesterday by Captain C W Codrington, assistant divisional area organiser for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, after Mr Joseph Farndale, presiding, had commented on children's road behaviour... Mr Farndale said he had spent many hours at street crossings in Leeds, and schoolchildren seemed to cross anywhere but at an authorised crossing. He had seen parents with children doing this, and thought that if parents crossed with their children at the proper places the children themselves would be more inclined to follow the safety first teaching in schools.

In 1948, there was an article summarising the history of the Bradford Police, including during Joseph Farndale’s time.

This month sees the 100th birthday at the city of Bradford police force, which was formed on 1 January in 1848.

The police took over from the watchmen, several of whom enrolled as constables. The original force comprised a chief constable, 1 Superintendent, 6 sergeants, 2 detective officers, and 58 constables, and it was divided into two distinct sections, the day police in the night police.

The borough police station was situated in Swaine Street, and at first only that part of the borough under the jurisdiction of the Watching and Lighting Commissioners was “watched”” by the police. Later, when street lighting was extended into Manningham, Great Horton, and Bowling, additional constables were engaged, although the residents objected on the grounds of unnecessary expense.

The original “bobbies” who received 17s a week, wore blue frock coats and top hats, while beards and “mutton chop” whiskers with the order of the day. Instead of a whistle, the men used a rattle, similar to those now favoured by football supporters, which they carried in their tailcoats.

During its lifetime, the forces contained in its ranks a number of officers who achieved prominence in police circles, while some of the older citizens will doubtless recall “characters” who were respected and sometimes feared by the residents of particular localities. In all there have been eight chief constables, including Mr Joseph Farndale CBE who held the post for more than 30 years. The present chief, Mr H S Price OBE, rose to the position after joining the forces a constable.

The Bradford force has a proud record of pioneer work, notably in the detection of crime by scientific means. It was the first force in the country to secure a conviction solely by means of fingerprint evidence. This was in 1905, when a man whose fingerprints were found on a tumbler was sent to prison for breaking into a club and stealing property.

In photography too, the Bradford police have always been at the forefront. In 1938 an innovation was created by filming the activities of men engaged in street battling in the heart of the city. Incidentally when the film was subsequently exhibited at the trial, the men completely abandoned their defensive attitude as they proudly and excitedly identified themselves on the screen!

The local force can also claim to have led the way in utilising photomicrography, that is the photographing of objects as small as 125th thousandth of an inch, and colour photography has been incorporated into the process.

The force was a pioneer in the use of radio in police work, and in 1932, chief constables from different parts of the country attended the demonstration held in the city. Nowadays, motor cars equipped with two ray two way radio apparatus patrolled the city by day and by night. Manned by uniformed constable and a detective officer, they can be at the scene of any occurrence within a few minutes.

The two offices transmit their reports verbally to headquarters, where shorthand typists type them out, and all the men have to do is to sign them at the completion of their tour of duty. Over 40 girls are now employed at the police headquarters on clerical and telephone duties. When it was proposed to appoint a “secretary” to the force in 1848 the chief constable said it was not necessary, since he and the Superintendent could cope with all the clerical work!

Those now responsible for the force realised that maximum efficiency can only be obtained by ensuring the contentment and well-being of the personnel, and much attention is paid to the welfare of men who perform arduous duties in very trying climatic conditions. In addition, many social functions are held within the force, and at meetings of various discussion groups a frank interchange of views is encouraged.

These features go a long way toward keeping the men in good heart, and it is not surprising that last year H M Inspector of Constabulary, after paying tribute to the high standard of efficiency, said that he was assured that a measure of it is due to the fact was due to the fact that Bradford had a happy force.

Bradford policemen have a fine record in the world of sport. In particular they have excelled in running, and what greater deterrent could there be to those contemplating crime? The collection of handsome trophies in the chief constable office testifies to the athletic prowess of a police force whose relay team has several times defeated that of a force five times as big, the metropolitan police.

The police choir, too, has captured many prizes, while the military band, composed largely of ex army musicians, has a big reputation. The annual concerts and sports meeting organised by the police Athletic Club are firmly established institutions in the life of the city.

Naturally the police had a gruelling time during the war years, but they received invaluable help from a willing body of auxiliaries. As in previous wars, many policemen joined the armed forces, where most of them intake attained officer rank and several were decorated. As recruiting was entirely suspended throughout the late war, this now ranks is a major task.

The city forces certainly had its full share of spectacular triumphs, but it rank as its greatest achievement to the fact that, despite current difficulties, including the enforcement of the many restrictions incidental to present day life, the force continues to retain the goodwill and confidence of the citizens whom it is proud to serve, help and protect.

In February 1949 Alderman D Black, chairman of the Bradford Watch Committee, said: “I know it is unusual for a chairman of the committee to speak immediately after a white paper resolution, but I do so for a certain reason. And that is because the mover of the resolution is confused and he does not know why clause 94 is being brought before the public. There is a purpose and a reason. Had we known, or we been absolutely certain, that all we had to say and all we wanted to say would have been published in the press, word for word, without any omission, we might have made a statement.” There were safeguards which would not be abused. As far back as 1929, recalled Alderman Black, the then town clerk of Bradford had been asked by the Chief Constable, Mr Farndale, for the same powers as were in clause 94 today. Mr Farndale at that time had felt that police powers were insufficient to deal with the existing crime of the day, but no bill was forthcoming.

By 1951, Joseph Farndale was a proud old Chief Constable, enjoying watching the police on parade. With all the precision of Guardsmen, and with their band playing British Grenadiers, Bradford city police yesterday marched past Lieutenant Colonel Sir Frank Brook, H M Inspector of Constabulary, at their annual inspection in Peel Park. There are plenty of ex Guardsman in the police, and RSM Briten, had he been present, would have been proud of the way the Brigade's traditions were carried on. Mr Joseph Farndale, chief constable of Bradford until 1930, was there bearing his 80 years likely. Asked what he thought of the parade, he said: “It maintains the standard I set a long time ago.”

His death

Joseph Farndale, died age 89, on 22 February 1954 at his home in Harrogate. He was a retired police constable, Bradford, CBE.

The death has occurred at his home, The Flat, Ripon Road, Harrogate, of Mr Joseph Farndale, who was, for 30 years from 1900, Chief Constable of Bradford. He was 89. Mr Farndale was appointed first chairman of the Traffic Commissioners for Yorkshire under the Road Act and resigned his Bradford post. He was former Chief Constable of Margate and of York, after serving in every grade of the police force at Halifax. A Wakefield man, he joined the Halifax Borough Police Force at the age of 19. He was awarded the Police Medal in 1914 and the CBE in 1924.

The death has occurred at his home, the flat, Ripon Road, Harrogate, of Mr Joseph Farndale, who was, for 30 years from 1900, Chief Constable Bradford. He was 89. Mr Farndale was appointed first Chairman of the Traffic Commissioners for Yorkshire under the Road Act, and resigned his Bradford post. He was former Chief Constable of Margate and of York, after serving in every grade of the police force at Halifax. A Wakefield man, he joined the Halifax borough police force at the age of 19. He was awarded the Police Medal in 1914 and the CBE in 1924. Mr Farndale’s first wife died in 1936, and two years later he married at Brunswick Methodist Church, Leeds, Miss Margaret Emmett, of Sowserby Bridge. His bride was a chiropodist and practised in Cavendish Chambers, the Head Row, Leeds.

Six police officers from Bradford acted as bearers at the funeral at Harrogate, yesterday, of Mr Joseph Farndale, Ripon Road, Harrogate, a former chief constable of York and Bradford who became first chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners. The service at Christchurch was conducted by the Reverend C H Pickthorn, and a contingent of 30 police officers from Bradford were headed by the chief constable, Mr H S Price, who also represented the Lord Mayor, Councillor Angus Crowther, the Association of Chief Officers of Police and Mr. T Rawson, former chief constable Bradford. The family mourners were: Mrs M farndale, widow; Miss E farndale, daughter, Mr and Mrs P Norwood, Mrs N Hey, Mr A Emmott, Mr and Mrs H webster, Mrs Hugh Robertson, Mrs Z Jennings, Miss Owram, and Mr H A Stanger. Superintendent E Stubbs, Harrogate, representing the chief constable of the West Riding, Sir Henry Studdy, and was accompanied by Chief Inspector T Todd and Inspector A Mothersdale, both of Harrogate. Others present other others present included Major F S Eastward, chairman of the licencing authority and regional transport commissioner, also representing headquarters, ministry of transport and Civil Aviation and Mr E Russell Gurney, deputy licencing authority, Mr HH Herman, chief constable of York, Mr Harry Ambler, assistant chief constable of Bradford, who also who also represented Councillor H Rhodes, Alderman John Shee, chairman the Bradford watch committee, and Alderman F Duce, deputy chairman, Mr H Scott, chairman, and Mr A E Clements, secretary, Bradford branch, National Association of retired police officers, and Mr. J W Lawrence, West Yorkshire Road Car Company.

Present and past members of the Bradford police city police and West Riding Constabulary were among those who attended the funeral service at Christchurch, Harrogate yesterday of Mr Joseph Farndale, a former chief constable of Bradford and York, and a former chairman of the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners, who died at his home in Ripon Road, Harrogate, aged 89. The service was conducted by the Reverend C H Pickthorn, curate in charge, prior to Interment at Stonefall cemetery. There was a contingent of 30 police officers from Bradford.

Mr Joseph Farndale, Halifax constable who became chief constable of Bradford 16 years after entering the police service, and who later, became chairman of the Yorkshire traffic commissioners, has died at his home, at Ripon Road, Harrogate. He was 89. Born in Wakefield and educated at Fieldhouse Academy, Aberford, Mr Farndale became an apprentice chemist, but on reaching the age of 21, decided to enter the police force, joining in Halifax as a constable. His police career was brilliant. He had rapid promotion to the Halifax in the Halifax force and took a post as chief constable of Margate in 1893. During his time in Halifax, he was secretary of the Halifax Police Athletic Club. Mr Farndale became chief constable of York in 1897, and three years later, chief constable Bradford. In 1914 he received the King's Police Medal and, in a 1924, the CBE. Police box pioneer. The police box system was pioneered by Mr farndale. Retiring from police service in and in 1930, at the age of 66, Mr Farndale was appointed chairman at the Yorkshire traffic commissioners. He retired from this position in 1938. Mr Farndale’s first wife died in 1936, and the following year he married miss Margaret Emmett, second daughter of Mr. Smith Emmett of Beechwood, Sowerby Bridge, a former Co president of the Calder Valley Poet Society.

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