Digest of stories from the Beds & Herts Saturday Telegraph: February 3rd, 1917.

• Mr Funge in the grounds of Prince Bibescu's royal palace in Romania.

Mr and Mrs Arthur Kent, of Hazelbury Crescent, Luton, have heard from their daughter Ethel and son-in-law Jesse Funge who, as previously reported, had to flee before the German invasion of Romania and had reached a point not yet penetrated by the Germans.

The letter dated January 10th said: "Just a short note to let you know we are leaving for Russia, if possible, on Saturday, the 13th. We have had a rough time over those brutal Germans, lost practically everything."

[Jesse William Funge was a gardener at Luton Hoo before marrying Ethel Kent in 1913 and moving to Romania as a gardener at Prince Bibescu's royal palace. Following the German invasion of Romania, the couple and their baby daughter escaped to Russia only to face more horrors during the Russian Revolution. They eventually managed to escape from Russia and got back to Luton in late October 1919, when they were photographed (right). Their story, published in the Tuesday Telegraph of November 4th, 1919, is reproduced below.]

• There was a very human touch in a case at an occasional court in Luton on Thursday, when a smart young soldier named George C. Spandler, of Naseby Road, admitted being absent from the London Regiment without leave. It appeared that the young fellow had enlisted voluntarily in 1914 and had been in France for two years, where he was wounded and then sent to a convalescent camp at Seaford. His father had also been at the Front for two years and had come home on leave, and he wanted to see him. It was the only chance and he took it, although refused a pass. He was remanded for escort and advised to tell his story to his commanding officer.

• The nation is warned by Food Controller Lord Devonport that unless the consumption of food is reduced voluntarily he will not hesitate to impose compulsion. He defines weekly maximum allowances as 4 lb bread (or its equivalent in flour). 2½ lb meat, ¾lb sugar. Heads of families should endeavour to limit themselves to the purchase of such quantities per person per week.

• On Wednesday evening Mr Arnold White, the famous naval and military critic, visited Luton and addressed an important gathering of military men on naval matters. Col C. H. Alexander, Commandant of the 6th Reserve Brigade R.F.A., presided.

• A singular and perhaps unique platform gathered at Park Street Baptist Lecture Hall, Luton, on Wednesday, when the three vice-presidents of the Band of Hope who had visited Switzerland together conducted the gatherings. Mr A. A. Gale occupied the chair, and Mr Arthur Cole and Mr T. G. Hobbs gave lecturettes upon the glories of that country.

• Yesterday, Beds County Council adopted a temporary scheme for coping with the spread of venereal disease, and the scheme includes the borough of Luton. Mr Whitworth regretted that arrangements could not have been made with the hospitals at Bedford and Luton to take part in the work. After considerable discussion it was also agreed that a sub-committee be appointed to carry out an educational campaign.

• The Waller Street Wesleyan Circuit has been severely stricken of late, no fewer than five fervant and greatly valued local preachers having passed to their rest during the last few months. We record today with regret the death of Mr Jabez Horton (Messrs J. Horton and Co, corn and seed merchants, Cheapside), whose demised occurred yesterday afternoon at a quarter to two o'clock. Born at Limbury, the former town councillor and alderman (1883-1913) was aged 65 and lived at 3 Old Bedford Road. He began his business career after working for miller Mr Druit at Biscot windmill.

• Lutonians generally will learn with the keenest satisfaction that the Mayor of Luton (Alderman J. H. Staddon) has been elected a member of the National Council of the Y.M.C.A. The great efforts of Luton's chief citizen on behalf of the Y.M.C.A. will go down with the history of both the town and the organisation as a great achievement.

• Luton Town's visit to Watford is always a tit-bit for the home club's spectators. Watford have done rather better this last week or two, but they are so badly off financially that it is doubtful is they will be able to carry on. Both sides fielded fairly strong teams and the result was a goal-less draw.