THE DIARY OF WILLIAM SELLERS

1,916

March 1^st. Patrol boat the trawler “Manx Queen” ashore on Filey Brigg.
The crew of thirteen were saved partly by the L.S.A. and the rest by the lifeboat. 2^nd. Russian coal laden steamer ashore at Flamborough.
Military Service Compulsion Act for single men comes into force today.
March 12^th. North easterly gale. Walked to Newbiggin Point to see an armed yacht which had gone ashore early in the morning. The yacht carried a gun fore & aft, a crew of fifty. Forty six of the crew were saved by the Filey L.S.A. The rest were drowned.The yacht was the property of a French millionaire & was lent to the British government for the period of the war.
During March the price of wheat has come down from 65/- per qr to 52/-.
The month of March has been very cold & wet.
No harrowing was possible till the last two or three days in t he month.
April 6^th. Left the village to live in a house at the Grange.
24^th. Potatoes are selling retail at Brid at 1/3 per stone. A fat bull made over £50 at Malton last week. A fat bullock of Mr Wheldon’s of Speeton made forty three pounds at Hull. The consignment averaged over £40 each. A London buyer is buying a considerable number of bullocks in the district.
29^th. Finished sowing corn. Sold a few potatoes off the farm at 1/- per stone. May 3^rd. New Military Service Compulsion Bill passed.
All men married or single up to 41 are liable for service.
May. First fortnight wet & cold rain nearly every day