Some Selected Reports from The Windsor and Eton Express
19th April 1834
Steeple Chase
A steeple chase for 50 sovereigns took place on Wednesday last, from near Watford to Ruislip Common, between Captain Horn's Zamiel, and Mr.Dyson's Cams, by Bolus, both ridden by the owners. The distance - three miles - was performed in about 12 minutes; the ground of the course went light, but the fencing was strong. At starting Zamiel took the lead, and kept it, closely followed by Cams, till they came to the river Colne, into which they both dashed in the most gallant style, Cams landing first and making running at a tremendous pace, till a yawning brook damped his ardour; he refused it twice, and it was not till Zamiel came up and gave him a lead that his rider could induce him to take it. It was now a neck and neck race, but Mr.Dyson turning to avoid a gate had to encounter a strong flight of double railing, which had to all appearances given Zamiel the race; but though too late to avoid it he seemed to be aware that he had thrown his chance away, and pushed his horse at the fence in a most determined manner, clearing near 16 feet of ground and four feet of railing. Both horses came into the last field together, Zamiel having a little the head till within two hundred yards of home, when Cams sprang forward and won by about two lengths. The cool judgement and extreme nerve with which the winner was ridden, was the subject of general admiration.
At the Old Bailey Sessions, on Saturday last, Wm.Green, a labourer, was indicted for maliciously setting fire to a stack of wheat and other property of Isaac Cane, a farmer at Colnbrook. - Mr.Phillips stated the case for the prosecution , from which it appeared that the prisoner was apprehended on mere suspicion. The fire took place on the evening of the 14th of February, and was, no doubt, the act of an incendiary; but the only proof against the prisoner was that he was seen with a lighted tobacco-pipe, about 200 yards from the prosecutor's premises, and when the fire broke out he was searched for, and found working the engine to extinguish it. The Learned Judges stopped the Counsel in his address, stating that from the deposition before them they were unanimously of opinion that there was not sufficient a case for the Jury to convict him. Under the direction of the Court the prisoner was Acquitted.
Staines, April 18
A piece of plate, purchased by subscription, has been presented to the Rev.James Hearn, by the inhabitants of Staines and Ashford, as a mark of respect for his active and benevolent labours during seventeen years in the parish of Staines, Ashford, and Laleham. The Reverend Gentleman's kind and charitable exertions on behalf of the poor, his sincere desire to fulfil the various duties of a parish priest, and his liberal co-operation in all charitable and useful institutions have gained him the best wishes of the inhabitants, and merited this public testimony of approbation of his conduct; which cannot but be as gratifying to the feelings of the Reverend Gentleman as the contemplation of the circumstances which have led to this expression of regard is to the inhabitants in general.
A man by the name of Bavin was charged yesterday before Sir J.Gibbons and Colonel Wood, by John Reynolds, Esq., with having assaulted him on Saturday last. The defendant was fined 5s including costs.