Sarah
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Taunton
Courier, and Western Advertiser 05 Oct 1898
Page 5 Column 7 &
Page 6 Various Columns
TAUNTON POLICE-COURT.
WEDNESDAY. - Before the Mayor (Alderman W. POTTER), Mr. Jefferys ALLEN-JEFFERYS, the ex-Mayor (Alderman W. LOCK), and Mr. C. J. GOODLAND.
SELLING DRINK DURING PROHIBITED HOURS. - Daniel CHANNING, of the Waggon and Horses, East Reach, Taunton, pleaded guilty to selling intoxicating liquors during prohibited hours of the previous Sunday. - P.C. KIDDLE stated that he went to the defendant's house on the morning in question at about a quarter to 12, and he found Arthur and Andrew SYLVESTER there, and the former was drinking beer from a half-pint cup. Witness remarked “This is how you do it Sunday mornings, is it?” and informed both the landlord and the SYLVESTERS that he should report them. Defendant expressed regret for what had occurred. He had taken out 22 or 23 licenses, but this was the first time he had been brought before the magistrates for any offence whatever, and he would see that nothing of the sort occurred again. - Mr. DURHAM informed the magistrates that the house had always previously been well conducted. The defendant was ordinarily a very careful landlord, and he did not think there was another man in the town who gave less trouble. - As this was defendant's first offence the Bench decided to deal leniently with him, and fined him 10s and 5s costs. His license was not endorsed. - Arthur SYLVESTER, tailor, and Andrew SYLVESTER, labourer, both of East Reach, Taunton, pleaded guilty to being found on the aforementioned licensed premises during prohibited hours, and as this was their first offence they were each fined 1s and 2s 9d costs.
BAD LANGUAGE. - Fredk. CALLY, a labourer, of Taunton, was charged with using obscene language in No. 15 Court, High-street, on the 17th inst., and was fined 2s 6d and 5s costs. - P.C. REDWOOD proved the case.
A WARNING TO MISCHIEVIOUS BOYS. - Frank BRYANT, a boy, pleaded not guilty to a charge of doing wilful damage to the amount of 1s to linoleum belonging to Mary Anne SIMMONS, of Albemarle-road, on the 26th ult. - Complainant went to Minehead on the day in question, and when she returned she heard that some boys had been damaging her door and linoleum by letting off squibs under the door. The door itself was scorched, and a hole was also burnt in the linoleum. She heard the defendant had caused the damage, and went to his home, but he denied the charge, alleging that he had been in another boy's house all the evening. BRYANT eventually admitted that he, together with a crowd of other boys, was letting off squibs in Albermarle-road on the evening in question, and that some of them were thrown into Miss SIMMONS's porch. He alleged that he was not the only boy who did the damage. - The magistrates said it was evident that Miss SIMMONS was subjected to a series of annoyances about which she had frequently complained, and they were determined to put a stop to such conduct. They therefore ordered the defendant to pay 1s damage, 4s fine, and 5s costs, and commended Miss SIMMONS for coming forward, not only in her own interest, but in that of the public generally, to check this kind of thing. - Mr. DURHAM mentioned that Miss SIMMONS had complained to him several times, but the boys knew the police too well to be caught by them.
SATURDAY. - Before Mr. Jefferys ALLEN-JEFFERYS (in the chair), Colonel HELYAR, and the Major (Alderman W. POTTER).
FROM THE EMERALD ISLE. - Margaret DALY, a middle-aged woman, who said she was a native of Ireland, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Castle Green on the 30th September. - P.S. WESTCOTT gave evidence to the effect that he found the defendant lying on the pavement near Clarke's Hotel helplessly drunk, and with a large crowd around her. He conveyed her to the station. - Discharged on promising to leave the town.
A DISOBEDIENT SERVANT. - John HUNT, locomotive proprietor, of Churchstanton, was summoned for working a locomotive on the highway, in the parish of Churchstanton, on the 17th September, without having a person preceding it with a flag. - Defendant pleaded not guilty. - Supt. COLLINGS, of Cullompton, proved the case, and stated that the flagman was riding on the locomotive when witness came up to it. The steerer then jumped down. - Defendant said he had told the flagman to get off the engine and walk, but he refused to do so. - Defendant was fined £1 and 5s costs, and the Bench recommended him to discharge his man if he refused to do what he was told.
LIVELY IN THE VILLAGE. - John BOOM, a labourer, of Beercrocombe, did not appear on a summons charging him with being drunk and disorderly at Hatch Beauchamp village on the 17th ult. - P.C. HOPPER? proved the offence, and defendant was fined 1s, and ordered to pay 6s costs.
A TRESSPASSER CAUGHT IN THE ACT. - Walter COLLINGS, a youthful labourer, of Pitminster, was summoned for trespassing on land in the occupation and possession of Mr. Ernest MATTOCK, of Pitminster. - Mr. C. P. CLARKE appeared for the prosecution, and said that on the evening of the 19th ult., between six and seven o'clock, two men in the employ of Mr. MATTOCK, named BURRIDGE and SHARP, were in a field, known as Tunnel Field, watching under a hedge a number of traps which had been set to catch rabbits for Mr. MATTOCK. The field faced the roadway, and COLLINGS, the defendant happened to be passing at the time, and looked over the hedge. Just at this moment a rabbit was caught in the trap, and defendant got over the hedge, took the rabbit out, and was going away with it, when he was stopped. There was another young fellow with him, but they were not able to catch him. - Defendant, who pleaded guilty, was fined 5s, and ordered to pay the costs.
A BRUTAL HUSBAND GOES TO PRISON. - SCENE IN COURT. - Jeremiah LAGDON, a musician, of Taunton, was summoned for having assaulted Mary Jane LAGDON, his wife, on the 15th ult. - He pleaded not guilty. - Before being sworn the wife, in an undertone, asked the Bench if they would allow her to withdraw the charge. - LAGDON: Press the charge, or leave it alone altogether. - Mr. DURHAM: That's not the way to talk in court. - The Magistrates' Clerk (Mr. E. T. ALMS): If you address anybody in court in that way --- LAGDON: I'm sorry, gentleman. - The Chairman: You hold your tongue, please, and don't try and intimidate the witness. - Mr. DURHAM: If you intimidate that woman again I'll lay an information against you and ask for a commitment at once. - LAGDON (to his wife): Mary Jane, don't do it. - The Chairman: You'll find yourself here directly with a very much more serious charge against you if you don't hold your tongue. - The defendant then sat down. - The Chairman: Stand up, if you please, when you are charged. - LAGDON: Mary Jane, I tell you not to do it. You have no evidence. - The Chairman (to the witness): Don't you be in the slightest way afraid of what he says. You are here to speak the truth. - Mrs. LAGDON repeated that she would like the charge withdrawn upon the defendant's promise not to molest her again. - After a short consultation between the Bench and the Clerk the Chairman, addressing the defendant, said: The Bench see you are rather inclined to prevent your wife giving evidence, and, therefore, instead of her conducting the prosecution Mr. DURHAM will do so and call your wife as a witness. - Mr. DURHAM, before calling the wife, said she had repeatedly been to his office and complained of her husband's treatment, while she had also been before the Court three or four times. The Bench had granted her a separation order, but that had become avoid in consequence of the fact that the defendant had gone and forcibly entered the house and continued to treat her badly. Mr. DURHAM also mentioned that some little time ago when the defendant was before the Court he was bound over in the sum of £10 to keep the peace for six months, and in the face of this assault it was his duty to recover the money. - The defendant asked the Bench to re-consider the matter and allow his wife to withdraw the charge, as she had told him that morning at breakfast she would do so. He had six children, and hoped the Bench would take the course he and his wife wished. - The Bench, however, decided to go on with the case, and the wife first gave evidence. She stated that about 1.30 on the afternoon in question she was leaving her house in South-street in order to go to her work when her husband and a soldier came up to her. She said nothing to him and he did not speak to her. He got in her way on the pavement, and as she passed him he kicked her in the leg. She continued to live with him until the following Monday, when he threw her out of the house, and that night she slept at a public-house. - Fred CULVERWELL, of Alma-street, also gave evidence, and stated that upon seeing his wife LAGDON went across the road and tried to stop her. She endeavoured to get into the road so as to avoid him, when he deliberately kicked her in the leg and went into his house. - LAGDON, in defence, first apologised to the Bench for his behaviour at the beginning of the hearing, and said it was done in a fit of temper, as his wife had promised not to come there. He had tried all he could to go on properly, but he had been brought there upon frivolous charges. What he objected to was his wife going to public-houses and running up bills in his name for beer, and also sending the children at all hours for beer. He also alleged that his wife pawned the clothes, &c., for beer. - The Magistrates' Clerk reminded him that he made that allegation the last time he was before the Court, and he was then informed that she had to pawn the things in order to get food. - LAGDON replied that this was not so, for she earned nearly £1 a week, and her daughter 10s 6d, and with his money as well there should be no need to want for food. If he were to be attached to that woman she would make him a second Cakebread. - The Chairman: You have not the slightest reason to be attached to the woman. She is not your wife, because she has had a separation. - Defendant: She came back upon her own invitation. I am willing that she should have my pension, and I will clear out of the town and leave her alone. - Mr. DURHAM, in reply, hoped the Bench would not believe one word the man had said. He had had plenty of chances, and it was all his own fault. - The Chairman told the defendant he had treated his wife very badly, and for the assault he would go to prison for seven days with hard labour, and a summons would be issued against him to show cause why his recognisances should not be estreated.
The case against Mrs. WARRY, who was summoned for assaulting Rhoda PROLE, will be found reported among our North Curry news.
FIVEHEAD.
HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICES were held in the Parish Church on Sunday last, commencing with an early celebration of the Holy Communion, followed by matins with Holy Communion at 11 o'clock, and evensong at 6.30. Good congregations attended. The Rev. J. RIGBYE, vicar, conducted the services, and preached appropriate sermons, closing his discourses with earnest appeals for contributions for the Taunton Hospital. The collections, with proceeds of sale of fruit and vegetables, amounted to about £5 8s. The interior of the sacred edifice was beautifully decorated with corn, fruit, vegetables, flowers, a wheat mow, hayrick, harp, lyre, and an immense loaf of bread, weighing 48lbs. Great credit is due to all who kindly assisted in the good work. The services were fully choral, and the choir deserves praise for the creditable manner in which the musical portion was rendered. Hymns A. & M. were used, and the evening service included the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis by E. TURNER. The anthem, “Ye shall dwell in the land” (J. STAINER), was nicely rendered. The Te Deum was sung at the close of the evening service as a special thanksgiving for the ingathering of the harvest.
SHEPTON BEAUCHAMP.
PARISH COUNCIL, Friday. - Present: The Chairman, Messrs. LEAN, ASH WILLMENT, and the Clerk, Mr. ROWSELL. - Tenders were received for attending to the parish lamps from Cornelius CORNELIUS and Henry NURTON, and the latter contract was accepted. - It was agreed to have a new iron post and lamp fixed opposite Mr. SMITH's shop, and a new oak post for the lamp in Love-lane. - Cheques were drawn for the Local Government Board, Messrs. SHIER and FISH, for expenses incurred in connection with the enquiry as to the additional burying ground. - It was decided to issue a precept on the overseers for a rate of 1d in the £ for general purposes, and 1½d in the £ for lighting expenses.
MIDDLE LAMBROOK.
HARVEST FESTIVAL. - Harvest thanksgiving services were held in the Congregational Chapel on Sunday in last week. The Pastor, the Rev. G. SAY, was the preacher. On Tuesday a public tea was provided in the School-room, to which about 100 sat down. A public meeting followed, presided over by Mr. J. T. HEBDITCH, of New Cross. Excellent addresses were delivered by the Revs. H. T. MADDEFORD, of South Petherton, and E. BREMNER, of Stoke. The harvest thanks-offerings were afterwards offered for sale and realised a good sum. The collections and proceeds of the sale amounted to about £9. The choir, under the leadership of Miss May DARBY, of Burrow Farm, rendered efficient service at each of the meetings. Miss F. PORTER, organist, presided at the instrument.
CURRY RIVEL.
HARVEST FESTIVAL. - The Congregational harvest services were held on Sunday in the last week, when the Rev. J. PHELPS, pastor, conducted the morning and evening services, the latter being attended by a crowded congregation. In the afternoon a young people's meeting was held, when the Rev. S. JONES delivered an appropriate address. - The services were continued on Tuesday afternoon and evening. In the afternoon the Rev. J. G. JAMES, M.A., of Yeovil, preached an excellent sermon. A public tea followed, to which a good number sat down, the following ladies presiding at the tables:- Miss SMALL, Mrs. WEAVER, Mrs. SLIGO, and Mrs. J. STACEY. In the evening a public meeting was held, presided over by Mr. G. E. COLTHURST, and addressed by the Rev. J. G. JAMES, J. C. EASTERBROOK (Somerton), S. JONES (Langport), and the Pastor. The church was prettily decorated, and reflected great credit on those who had so willingly assisted.
PARISH MEETING, Monday, September 26 th. - Present: Mr. G. K. WEAVER (in the chair), Messrs. J. E. CALDER, Joseph LANG (district councillor), T. SMALL, S. S. WEBB, Dr. VEREKER, Messrs. James WHITE, F. EDWARS, T. PODGER, E. W. WYATT, J. CROSS, and W. J. OSMOND. - The Chairman said they were met together to discuss the water supply of Curry Rivel. They had an abundant supply of water at Barrington which he believed was enough to supply Curry Rivel and Drayton. He though that as there was such an abundance, and more than they (Curry Rivel) would require, that if any other parish was in more need of it than they were they ought to willingly give it up. - Dr. VEREKER said, speaking from a scientific point of view, there was not a drop of good water in Curry Rivel. It was much too hard for dietetic use. - On the proposition of Dr. VEREKER it was decided to ask the District Council to take what steps they thought necessary to deal with the water supply.
MUCHELNEY.
HARVEST FESTIVAL. - The Vicar (Rev. James TARGETT) officiated morning and evening at the harvest festival services which were held on Sunday in last week. The sacred edifice was prettily decorated by the Misses TARGETT, HALEN, TRAVES, H. STUCKEY, CREESE, and Mr. J. E. WESTLAKE and Mr. J. HAMBLIN. Miss GILES ably presided at the harmonium. The collections were in aid of the Taunton and Somerset Hospital.
ILMINSTER.
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PETTY SESSIONS.
WEDNESDAY. - Before Mr. W. SPEKE (in the chair), Colonel BLAKE, and Mr. James LEAN.
LICENSING. - The Bench granted an occasional license to Mr. J. MARTIN, of the Green Dragon Inn, Combe St. Nicholas, to sell in a field at Combe Beacon on October 7th, the occasion of the annual ploughing matches of the Combe Agricultural Society. - A similar indulgence was granted to Mr. J. NORTH, of the Castle Inn, Buckland St. Mary, on October 6th, the date of the annual ploughing match there. - For the same occasion Mr. GRABHAM, of the Lamb and Flag Inn, Buckland, was granted an hour's extension.
DISMISSED. - George MALE, of Barrington, had been summoned for assaulting Phoebe BRIDGE, of the same parish, on August 2nd. - Neither party appeared to this summons, which was adjourned from the previous Court, but as defendant had paid the costs the Bench dismissed it.
TRYING TO LEAD THE DONKEY ASTRAY. - Wm SALISBURY, turnip hoer, of Pitney, South Petherton, did not appear to a summons for being drunk and disorderly in that town on August 23rd. - P.S. COOMBS said defendant was very drunk and was trying to get his donkey to walk on the pavement. He thrashed the animal on the head and witness took the stick away. - Fined 4s and 6s costs.
CHEAPER TO SPEAK THE TRUTH. - Sidney BRISTER, blacksmith, of Kingsbury Episcopi, was summoned for riding a bicycle without a light after dark at South Petherton. - P.S. COOMBS said defendant gave a false name and address, and he experienced some trouble in finding out who he really was. - The Bench said if BRISTER had given his correct name and address he would have been let off with a caution; as it was he would have to pay 6s.
A VALIANT DRUNKARD: NOT AFRAID OF A HUNDRED “BOBBIES.” - Alfred HARRIS, labourer of Shepton Beauchamp, was summoned for being drunk and disorderly at Ilminster on August 31st, Fair-day. - P.C. CROSS said defendant was very drunk and violent, and challenged the best man in Ilminster to come forward and engage in single combat. When requested to go away he refused, and said he did not care for a hundred “bobbies.” Coming towards witness in a fighting attitude the latter had to close with him, and with assistance took him to the police-station. He acted like a madman, and did 2s worth of damage to goods outside Mr. PARRETT's shop. - Mr. LEAN said he should have thought defendant would have had plenty to do to look after and provide for his young wife and family. - This being the first offence, a fine of 2s 6d only and 6s costs was inflicted.
WANT OF GOOD MANNERS. - Thos. BEALEY, a youth, of Shepton Beauchamp, denied being of disorderly behaviour on September 18th. - P.C. ISAACS said defendant was one of a gang of youths who paraded Barrington roads on the Sunday evening in question, accosting females, laughing aloud and swearing. - Mr. LEAN remarked that there was a good deal of this sort of nuisance going on at Shepton Beauchamp and Barrington on Sunday evenings. - Fined 5s inclusive.
PIG ASTRAY. - Joseph ROWSWELL, farmer, of Shepton Beauchamp, was summoned for allowing four pigs to stray on the highway. - The facts, which were admitted, having been stated by P.S. COOMBES, the summons was dismissed with a caution.
ILLEGAL MOVEMENT OF SWINE. - William John MALE, pig dealer, of Barrington, did not answer to a summons for moving ten pigs along the highway without having made the usual declaration. - P.C. ISAACS proved the case, and a fine of £1 and 6s costs was inflicted.
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME. - Louisa GIFFORD and Georgina MONKTON, her daughter, were summoned for assaulting Thomas GIFFORD, labourer, of Pitway, South Petherton on September 23. - Prosecutor said on the evening in question he returned from Lambrook, where he had been working, and asked his wife, the first-named defendant, to get him some tea. She and the other defendant, his step-daughter, replied in chorus that there was none for him. He ventured to remark that there were tow of them in the house, and he thought they should give him some tea, whereupon they both “falled upon him,” got him on the ground, and pummelled him, traces of which were still visible upon his physiognomy. As there was no peace for him he went out of the house, but they followed and stoned him, also hurling half-a-brick at him, this missile striking the target. They also threatened to knife him. He had been married to Louisa for seven years, but chiefly on account of the step-daughter the union had not been a happy one. As soon as he and his wife had a word Georgina took up something with which to strike him. - Mrs. GIFFORD said in the last few years she had obtained separation orders from the defendant at Ilminster and Somerton, but he would not keep away from her nor pay the money as directed by the magistrates. He used her very cruelly, and what she and her daughter had done was in self-defence. - The Bench made a similar order to that made by them on the former occasion, that GIFFORD should pay his wife 5s a week for maintenance, the husband to have the custody of the oldest boy, and the wife to keep the three younger children. - The summonses for assaulting were dismissed, and the costs remitted.
AFFILIATION. - Henry STEPHENS, a private in the Somerset Regiment, was summoned by Kate BEVIS, 21, a single woman, of Ilminster, and formerly of Horton and Perry-street, Chard, to show cause, &c. - Evidence having been given by applicant and her brother, the Bench made an order on defendant to pay 1s a week towards the child's maintenance till it is 13 years of age. - The costs were remitted.