South Yorkshire Times, November 1911

Cutting Wood

Action Against Mexborough Merchant

At Leeds County Court yesterday Messrs. James and John Henry Armitage sued Mr. Stephen Guest, timber merchant, Mexborough, for £80 for breach of agreement for selling certain timber in Swinefleet Park, near Goole.

Plaintiffs sued as executors and trustees of the late William Armitage. The trees were ready for cutting, and defendant’s tender was accepted.  It was stipulated that the timber should be removed only during dry and frosty weather, that it should be taken away by the roads and gates appointed, and that as little interference as possible should be caused to the course of agriculture.

The winter of 1910 was a wet one, and it was contended that nearly the whole of the timber was led by the defendant when the ground was sodden, with the result that the wheels sank deep into the ground, which became like a ploughed field. It was also claimed that certain gates and fences were broken down.

Eventually, as the result of a conference between the parties, defendant said he would not carry the case further.

Judgement was entered for the amount claimed with costs.