Some Selected Reports from The Windsor and Eton Express
Saturday, April 2, 1831.
We have what we deem authority for stating, that it has been intimated from a certain quarter to the Independent Electors of Windsor, that they should withhold their sentiments in favour Parliamentary Reform. Twice have requisitions by the most respectable inhabitants of the Town been attempted to be got up in favour of the Reform Bill, and on both occasions has their object been defeated by the influence above alluded to.
Thursday was the day for appointing overseers of the poor of this parish for the ensuing year, when at the request of the Mayor and Justice, on the part of the inhabitants, two of the late overseers, Messrs. Burge and Rangecroft consented to serve the office again; and Mr. Newman and Mr. Pond were appointed as their colleagues. The Mayor complimented the late overseers on the able and judicious manner in which they had performed the duties of their office. The appointment of two of the old overseers to serve with those newly chosen, will, it is expected, have a very beneficial effect on the parish generally.
The watermen have been engaged during the past week in dragging the Thames, in search of the unfortunate Carter, who was drowned near Surley Hall last week; but the body has not yet been found. A subscription had been commenced for the purpose of remunerating the persons so employed for their services.
A man named Thomas Reeve, who had come from London by the Windsor coach on Thursday afternoon, and was proceeding towards his sister's residence in Clewer Fields, was suddenly taken ill, and fell down near the Gas Works; luckily, one of the men employed in the Works, perceiving his situation, hastened to the spot and rendered his assistance in raising him up, and conveying him to his sisters residence; where medical aid was immediately procured, but it was found that the poor man was quite dead.
George Baker, a native of Egham, was committed to Horsemonger lane gaol on Tuesday, by Mr. Ward, of Englefield green, charged with stealing four fowls from the farm of Mr. Leecan, of Egham. Two of the fowls were offered for sale in our market on Saturday last, where the prisoner was taken into custody.
Ann Horton, a servant in the employ of Mrs. M'Bean of Castle-street, was committed to Gaol by the Mayor on Thursday night, charged with stealing some trinkets the property of her mistress. The prisoner will take her trial at our Sessions on Friday next.
BUCKS - CHALYBEATE SPRINGS AT CHESHAM.- Nearly 11 years have elapsed since the valuable medical properties of these waters were made known to the public. Many persons during this time have been greatly benefited by them; and some very striking instances of their efficacy are well known in the neighbourhood. It is probable that the comparatively insulated situation of Chesham may prevent its becoming a place of great resort; but as the water, when properly secured, retains its virtue a considerable time, it is sent to a great distance. The little pump room erected over the springs was opened for the season last week; and we are glad to find that so much attention has been paid to the grounds, which are in a high state of cultivation. This spot, which not long since was a moorish swamp, now forms an agreeable promenade. Mr. Clayton, who first introduced the Siberian corn into this country, has cultivated part of these grounds with that very beautiful wheat. He states as a proof of its remarkable productiveness that he has counted 1742 grains in one ear.
At the Magistrates Chamber, Aylesbury, on Saturday, the time of the Magistrates was occupied in the appointment of overseers for the different parishes within the three Hundreds of Aylesbury. Mr. Francis Layt [?], statuary, and Mr. Thomas Hyde, grocer, were appointed for Aylesbury; and Mr. Edward Terry, brewer, for the hamlet of Walton. The Magistrates recommended that in future the names of proper persons to serve the office should be in future inserted in the rate-book instead of on a piece of paper, as was done by several parishes not disposed of this day.
The news of the division and second reading of the Reform Bill reached Aylesbury at ten on Wednesday morning, by an express despatched by Lord Nugent, and diffused the greatest joy through the town and neighbourhood. The Union Flag was hoisted over the church, and the bells rang during the greater part of the day; in the evening a numerous party of gentlemen dined together at the King's Head Inn in honour of the event, and a band of music paraded the streets.
The conduct of Lord Nugent and his Hon. Colleague, Mr. Rickford, who both voted for the measure, has met with the most unqualified approbation from their constituents in the Borough and Hundreds of Aylesbury; and should a dissolution of Parliament take place, not the slightest doubt exists that they would both be again returned, and in the most triumphant manner.
Mr. Beale, the contractor for Buckland parish, Bucks, told the Magistrates at Aylesbury on Saturday last that he was minus this year by his contract �71, in addition to his loss of time and trouble !
On Monday night week three sheep were stolen from Mr. Mather's ground, Bledlow, Bucks, and killed within a quarter of a mile of the farm, leaving the heads, skins, &c. in a pit. Ten pounds rewards has been offered on the apprehension of the offenders.
The following inquisitions have lately been held before J. Burnham, Esq one of his Majesty's coroners for the county of Buck.- At the hamlet of Westcott, in the parish of Waddesdon, on view of the body of Thos. Norris, labourer, who having gone to a chandler's shop, about seven o'clock in the evening, to purchase some articles of grocery, and, his sight being very defective, walked into a pond of water five feet in depth. The deceased was not found till upwards of two hours after this fatal occurrence. Verdict - "Found drowned." It is something remarkable the Jurors convened upon this inquest were all married persons, related, and of the name of Saunders. - At Marsh End, in the parish of Newport Pagnell, on view of the body of George Payne, a poor child, aged twelve years, who was found drowned in a lock in the Grand Junction Canal. The deceased was keeping some sheep in Newport field, and in the act of walking over one of the over-layers of the dock, when he fell into it and was instantly drowned - Verdict as above.
UXBRIDGE, March 31. - The last public amateur Concert for the season took place on Monday evening last, the 28th inst at the White Horse, Uxbridge, under the direction of the Amateur Musical Society, when a most brilliant assemblage of beauty and fashion filled the large Assembly Room. The Principal Vocal Performers engaged for the occasion were Miss George, Mrs Gill, Mr. Wylde, Mr. Benson, and Mr. T. Heron - Instrumental ditto, Mr. C. Benedict, Mr. Powell, Mr. Newsom, Mr. Morris, Messrs. Pontyfix, and Messrs. Niebor, Leader, Mr. Niebor; Conductor, Mr. E. Pontyfix.- Pianist, Mr. Charles Benedict. - Miss George was in good voice, and sang her songs with taste and considerable power of intonation. Like praise cannot be awarded to the Gentlemen engaged - Mr. Powell performed a concerto on the violoncello, with great correctness; and nothing could be more brilliant, or elicit greater applause then the inimitable fingering of Mr. Benedict, who presided and played a concerto on the piano-forte. The first part commenced with Mozart's Grand Sinfonia, and concluded with that of Artaxerxes, which were played.- The second part began with the overture to Tancredi, concluding with the National Anthem.
Henry Hibbert was charged with stealing three cows, the property of Wm. Everest Stephens, at Sutton. The cows were missed from the field of the prosecutor, and on making search the prisoner was found driving them home towards Reigate. As he gave no satisfactory account as to how he came by them, he was apprehended. He now affected on his trial to be silly. He had, however, been convicted before, and he was sentenced to be transported for life. William Rolfe was convicted of stealing four yellow battens, the property of Charles Schofield, at Kingston-on-Thames. John Carpenter was charged with stealing a horse, the property of Henry Fielder, at Kingston upon Thames. On examination the prosecutor admitted that he had frequently given the prisoner leave to use his horse whenever he chose, and as he was only found riding it on the present occasion, the Jury found a verdict of Not Guilty.
GOOD FRIDAY.- The Corporation of Reading distributed the usual donations of two pounds each to two young men who have served the term of their apprenticeships; one pound each to five poor butchers; and twenty nobles, four pounds, and three pounds to three maid servants, who have continued in any one service five years in either of the parishes of this borough. The fortunate candidates were, William Powell, late apprentice to Mr. Pearton, and Richard Wright, late apprentice to Mr. Warwick; Joseph Read, John Johnson, Thomas Adams, William Willis, and James Rider, butchers; Eliza Griffin, servant to Dr. Valpy, Caroline Wicks, servant to the Rev. Mr. Douglas, and Hannah Birch, servant to Mr. William Blandy. There were twenty candidates for the last mentioned gifts, whose term of service averaged eight years each.