(Continued)
I found out that as I became better known the number of callers at my office increased, and not only on police business. My office had become a place where people came to talk over any family difficulties and receive some sympathy, even if I could not always give them professional advice. And when I consulted perhaps the vicar or midwife I found that they too were involved in helping people out, so we all worked together.

In those days the beat policeman had many sides to his duties ­ not only "keeping the peace", but also such things as sheep dipping, pig licensing, tractor road licences, free licences for sheep dogs; and if he was unfortunate enough to have a case of suspected anthrax, swine fever, or foot and mouth reported to him he was responsible for disposing of the carcass by cremation or burying. Sheep dipping was quite enjoyable because while you watched the animals being dipped there was usually a good supply of liquid refreshment supplied by the farmer. Pig licences could be a nuisance since licences had to be issued from my office and nine times out of ten at a time I was relaxing when they were needed. Road licences for tractors were either free or reduced, according to the road distances covered. The Tax Office would send you the application and you had to confer with the farmer and then measure the distances to be covered. As I only had a 6ft. rule this was normally done from the comfort of the farmer's car using the mileometer.

Sheep dipping