cornwall england newspaper

1843 NEWS ARTICLE

DECEMBER

1 DECEMBER 1843, Friday

BODMIN LITERARY INSTITUTION. An institution, for literary and scientific purposes, with a library, museum, and reading-rooms, has just been established at Bodmin, MR. FREDERICK JAGO, being the secretary. MR. NORWAY is to give the introductory address at the opening on Tuesday next, and in order to add to the pleasures of the evening, music will be interspersed under the direction of MR. LUTMAN, whose musical abilities are well known and extensively appreciated. The institution starts with an excellent course of lectures and with a good subscription list - two of the prime essentials to a lasting prosperity.

LISKEARD INSTITUTION. On Tuesday se'nnight, a lecture on the history of the lower classes in England was given by S. R. PATTISON, Esq., of Launceston. The lecture conveyed much information and was listened to with great interest by the audience, who unanimously accorded their thanks, which the lecturer suitably acknowledged.

ST. AGNES MINERS' and MECHANICS' INSTITUTE On Friday evening last, MR. J. T. OPIE delivered a lecture on Astronomy and Geology, which was listened to with great attention, by a respectable audience.

LECTURE AT THE POLYTECHNIC HALL. On Tuesday evening last, CHARLES FOX, Esq., delivered a lecture on the History of the 15th and 16th centuries. After some very beautiful reflections on the condition of man during the periods immediately preceding those under consideration, the lecturer proceeded to review the condition of Europe in the early part of the 14th century, and particularly described the peculiar order of the Templars. Avignon, Niemes, and other cities of this period were pleasingly described. The character and conduct of Pope Boniface, and some other Papal Pontifs were dwelt on; and the extermination of the Knights Templars was a subject upon which the lecturer made some very beautiful remarks. The surprising characters who were found at this period in the monastic establishments were noticed[covering Thomas Aquinas, St. Francis of Assisi a nature lover and St. Louis. Mr. Fox also covered the courts of judicature, chivalry, the poetry of the Troubadours, and its influence upon Europe, the monkish missionaries who penetrated into Tartary and China, and Petrarch and Dante, "were the occasion of many exquisite reflections". He ended with the devastation of the plague. The entire article occupied almost one entire column, with the writer adding his poetic approval of the language and thought presented by Mr. Fox..]

PILCHARD FISHERY. St. Ives. On Wednesday morning last, several shoals of pilchards were seen in the bay, when the sean of HICHENS, BATTEN and Co. shot, and enclosed about 700 hogsheads. The fishermen are on the alert, and should the weather remain moderate, it was expected a large quantity would be taken the following day. Some of the driving boats brought in from 2000 to 3000 fine herrings, which were sold for 2s.9d. per hundred, for the Bristol market.

NEW RIVER STEAMER. A new vessel, 60 feet long, and 30 horse-power, is about to be built at Calstock, to ply on the river Tamar. She is, we understand, to be fitted in a very superior style, and to draw three feet of water only, by which she will be able to reach the "Weir Head" with parties of pleasure, &c.

THE MARCH OF IMPROVEMENT. We are glad to find that the ironmongers of Truro have acted on the recommendation given by us in last week' paper, and have agreed to close their shops at eight o'clock, except on market nights. This is an example worthy of imitation, especially by the grocers, who keep their shops open till a very late hour.

HORSE POISONING. A most atrocious case of revenge occurred last week, in the parish of Crowan, where a small farmer, of the name of HAMAID,[Hammid?] has had four horses poisoned with arsenic, three of which died, and a large quantity of the poison has been found in their stomachs. Strong suspicion having fallen on a man of the name of JONES, an apprehending warrant was issued against him last Monday, to the general constables of the country, and to the constables of St. Just, where he was at work in one of the St. Just mines. He was seen by the constables of St. Just, but eluded them by escaping by a back door from his house of residence. On the following morning, however, at nine o'clock, he was seen in Crowan, the parish in which his family resides, under Clowance Wall, walking in his miners dress, towards the south, or the Helston road. A more atrocious case than this has perhaps never been known in the annals of Cornwall, and we hope that the authorities in every parish will be on the alert in bringing the guilty party to answer before a court of justice the serious charge alleged against him.

THE INCENDIARY FIRE AT ST. COLUMB. We stated in our last that on Monday evening the 20th ult., about eight o'clock, a fire was discovered on the premises in the occupation of MR. J. POLKINHORN, situated near the Union-house, St. Columb. The property consisted of a mow of wheat and another of oats, and the fire originated in the former, which was entirely consumed, whilst the latter, being only three feet from it, shared the same fate. Strong suspicion being entertained against a person named GEORGE LIDDICOAT alias GREGOR, he was taken into custody; and on Thursday, the 23rd ult., was taken before DR. CLEMENTs, when evidence was adduced against him, from which it appears that the prisoner was once before prosecuted by Mr. Polkinhorn for stealing some meat from his larder, and that on the day of the fire he was refused more beer till he had paid the prosecutor for some he had already had. It was also proved that he had made several declarations of his intention to do Mr. Polkinhorn some secret injury, and that he had given a boy, on the day of the fire, a penny to buy him some Lucifer matches, after which he proceeded down the street in the direction where the fire occurred shortly after. The prisoner was fully committed for trial.

IMPOSTURE DETECTED. The impostor, HENRY WHITFORD, who, as we stated last week, had levied contributions on the western parishes under the name of BUTSON, for the pretended loss of a cow, has been apprehended by the constable of Gwithian, taken before the REV. WM. HOCKIN, and committed by that magistrate to two months' imprisonment, with hard labour, in the county home of correction.

MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. On the 13th ult, MR. JOHN TREGARTHA, a tenant farmer, occupying the glebe of St. Allen, went to Penzance, as it is supposed, on business, and put his horse into his brother's field at Madron, but did not go into the house. The family supposed that he had gone into town on business, and therefore his absence excited at first no alarm; but as he did not return either the next or following day great anxiety was excited and fears awakened for his safety. He was seen in Penzance on the 15th by two persons, but since that time nothing has been heard of him, and all search has proved fruitless. Mr. TREGARTHA was engaged to a young lady at St. Just, on whom, however, he had not called during this visit.

SUDDEN DEATH. MR. THOMAS COOMB, a clerk in the employ of Messrs. HARVEY and CO., of Hayle, died under the following circumstances on the night of Wednesday week: He drank an unusually large quantity of coffee with his supper, and went to bed. Shortly after, he complained of great pain in his chest, and before Mr. VAUDREY, surgeon, had arrived, the vital spark had fled. As a post mortem examination was made, it is not known what occasioned his death. Deceased has left a widow and a young family to bewail the loss of a kind husband and an affectionate parent.

8 DECEMBER 1843, Friday

ADVERTISEMENTS

PARISH OF ST. BURYAN

We, the undersigned, being Landowners, or duly authorized Agents of Landowners, within the Parish of Saint Buryan, in the Deanery of St. Buryan, in the County of Cornwall, whose interest is not less than one-fourth part of the whole value of the Lands subject to Tithes in the said Parish, do by this notice in writing under our hands, call a Parochial Meeting of Landowners and Titheowners within the limits of the said Parish, for the purpose of making a supplemental agreement, for fixing the period at which the Rent-charge agreed to be paid in lieu of Tithes of the said Parish should commence.

And we do hereby give Notice that such Meeting will be held at the house of JOSIAH SEARLE, Innkeeper, in the Church Village of the said Parish, on Friday, the Twenty-second day of December next, at the hour of Eleven in the Forenoon. Given under our hands this Thirtieth day of November, one thousand eight hundred and forty-three.

JNO. SCOBELL JOHN PAYNTER NICHS. PERMEWAN

JOHN TREMEWEN FRAS. PAYNTER ALFRED CHENHALLS

THOS. ROBERTS JOHN WALLISH JOHN GWENNAP

URIAH TONKIN, by Francis Paynter, his Attorney S.H. JAMES, as the Agent of the Earl of Falmouth

NEWS

ROYAL INSTITUTION OF CORNWALL

The ordinary meeting of the society, on Friday evening last, was very numerously attended, in consequence of notice having been given that the REV. W. HASLAM, of St. Perranzabuloe, would communicate to the meeting an account of his researches at the old church, which was for so long a period buried amid the sandhills. DR. BARHAM, one of the secretaries, having noticed the presents on the table, which from the annual meeting having taken place so recently, were not numerous, consisting principally of some specimens of lava and other materials from Vesuvius, and of some teasera and other ancient remains from Italy, presented by MR. ANDREW, of Hodsean, Mr. Haslam proceeded to give his statement, of which the following is a brief abstract: After noticing the interesting work of MR. TRELAWNEY COLLINS, in which he considered the learned author had not done justice to the antiquity of the "Old Church," which Mr. Haslam considers greater than that of any ecclesiastical ruins now existing, he proceeded to draw attention to the correspondence in its form with the descriptions given of the early churches in the writings of the Catholic fathers, differing from Saxon and Norman structures. There is, indeed, little in the general appearance of this interesting ruin, particularly as it now presents itself, half buried in sand, despoiled and broken down, to recommend it to the admiration of the beholder less indeed than many other ruins. It is not the ruin itself, but the associations with which it is connected that attract the stranger from his home to visit it. Can we look upon these simple and rudely-built walls and feel no interest in the simple piety of those who built them long centuries ago - in which they worshipped in simplicity as great as that of their church, and if they used not the prayers we now use, they surely used that beautiful collect of St. Chrysostom and prayed that "where two or three were gathered together in his name He (the Lord Jesus Christ) would grant their requests." St. Perran the patron Saint of Tynners, to whom the Church is dedicated, was born about the year 350, of noble parents, in Ireland; and, like many others of that time, forsaking his rank and station, and renouncing Druidism, went to Rome, where he was baptized, and applied himself to the cultivation of learning. After passing through the inferior orders of the ministry, he was consecrated a bishop, and soon after retired to his own country. He soon left Ireland again, and came to Cornwall with five others, all on the same gracious errand; and having landed near St. Ives, where one of his companions built a church, St. Perran travelled about eighteen miles eastward, where he took up his abode, and did many deeds to the honor and glory of God. At length, worn out by the infirmities of age, he called his brethren around him, and spoke to them concerning the Kingdom of God. He then commanded his grave to be prepared, and descending into it on the 5th of March, his spirit departed. He rests, continues the ancient narrative, in Cornwall, by the sea shore, 15 miles from Petrockstowe or Padstow, and 25 from Mousehole. In later ages, when human error wrongfully interposed a crowd of mediators, and holy men were worshipped in the place of God, pilgrimages began, and relics were venerated and even worshipped, and the sanctity of St. Perran was, among many others, abused to mercenary purposes. It is recorded that his shrine was a very great resort of pilgrims. The earliest record of a church in this place is in the reign of Edward the confessor, 1050, at which time there was a Dean and Canons established, and the church had the privilege of sanctuary. In doomeday book the parish is called Lan Piran, which means the church of Piran. Camden tells us that there is a church dedicated to St. Piran buried in this neighbourhood. NORDEN relates that the sand which had covered much of the parish had compelled them to remove their church. Subsequent historians relate the same tradition; but until about 55 years ago its site was unknown. Then it was accidentally discovered by an old man, now alive, who says he was the first who saw any part of the old church. Although numerous attempts were made from time to time to explore the ruin, none were successful until MR. MICHELL, with characteristic zeal and perseverance, accomplished the task, and once more restored this little sanctuary from the darkness, uncertainty, and mystery in which it was enveloped, to the broad glare of sunshine. The church lies very nearly east and west - its extreme length is 29 feet, its breadth 16 , the height of the gables is 19 feet, of the side walls 13 feet. When opened by Mr. Michell, all were in good preservation - even the holes or steps in which the rafters rested along the top of the side walls were as perfect as when the rafters were taken out of them. The walls are nearly two feet thick all around; the masonry of the rudest kind imaginable, affording no slight evidence of the antiquity of the structure. There is not any lime used either in the building or plastering, but china clay has been used instead. The principal entrance was in the south side, nearer to the west than the east end of the building. It was a neat semi-circular arched doorway, of parallel sides, with a splay, having a moulding unlike in detail any which has hitherto been known in this country, and which contrary to Saxon or Norman custom is continued along the arch, and down the sides of the doorway without imposts or base. This entrance was ornamented with three heads, now in the museum of the society, one at each side at the spring of the arch, and one on the key stone, but which are considered of later insertion. There is another smaller doorway, but without the ornaments, in the north-east corner of the church. Both these doors lead into the interior by a descent of three steps. The floor is of concrete composed of coarse sand and china clay. The interior of the church is distinctly divided into chancel and nave. Attached to the east wall was an altar-tomb lying lengthways east and west, not in the centre of the east wall. In the centre of this wall, and a little above the altar, was a small window, having a slight internal splay, about two feet wide, and round headed, and most probably about two and a half or three feet high. In the south wall of the chancel was another small window, of which the arch, the only one now remaining, is the rudest that can be seen. Such was the church, in 1835, when first recovered from the sands. Now, the south and east walls have fallen down, and its old enemy, the sand, which had preserved it from more ruthless enemies for many centuries, is again gathering round, as if jealous of its own dominion, and jealous of that precious relic which for ages has shed such a charm and such deep interest over that desolation and wild solitude. We regret that our space will not allow us to follow the reverend antiquary through the chain of reasoning by which he supported the claims of this little church to the highest antiquity, but our regret is lessened by the assurance which was given at the close of the meeting, that in compliance with the earnest desire of those who were present, this most interesting paper would very shortly be printed.

LECTURES AT THE POLYTECHNIC HALL. On Tuesday last, MR. ROBERT HUNT delivered a lecture on the Constituent Elements of Plants, and the influence of light on their growth, in which he detailed a great many original experiments just completed, or now in progress. On Tuesday next, Sir CHARLES LEMON, Bart., M.P., will lecture on the Growth and Decay of an Oak.

PILCHARD FISHERY. Goran Haven. On Monday last, the "Kitty," drift boat, belonging to Mevagissey, brought in 5,000 fine pilchards. The seans belonging to that place have been all put afloat and the drift boats also went out. Those belonging to this place took from 1,000 to 9,000 a boat. Some of the Mevagissey boats had greater catches, and many of them much smaller. Had the weather been as fine in the night as it was in the day, the boats would have been loaded as deep as they could swim with pilchards and hakes. On Wednesday morning, the drifters brought in from 100 to 2,000 a boat. Charlestown. All the seans belonging to this port were put to sea again on Tuesday. Large quantities of fish have been seen, and the drift boats have brought on shore about 8,000 very fine pilchards. If the weather continue fine, there are strong hopes of a good catch. Mount's Bay. On the 30th ult., several large shoals of pilchards appeared in the bay, and, after some delay and confusion, five seans shot, but only two of them were successful. The "Farmer" sean secured 150 hogsheads, and the Mullion Co., 400 hogsheads. On Friday, a sean shot at Mullion, and secured 104 hogsheads. Some of the drift boats were out, and took from 8 to 40 hogsheads each; and the entire amount secured is about 1,200 hogsheads. The prospect is still promising.

THE LATE INCENDIARY FIRE AT ST. COLUMB. We are glad to find that the subscription which has been set on foot to assist Mr. POLKINHORN, of the Red Lion, St. Columb, in bearing the heavy loss he has sustained by the late incendiary fire, the particulars of which appeared in a recent number of our paper, is progressing satisfactorily, and that the different banks in the western part of Cornwall, together with MR. W. H. JENKINS, wine merchant, Truro, and MR. W. F. GEEKE, druggist, St. Columb, have consented to receive the donations of the benevolent. We understand Mr. POLKINHORN is still confined to bed, a great sufferer in consequence of the injuries he sustained while endeavouring to save his property from destruction.

LUNACY. On Monday last, a Commission of Lunacy was held at the Thatched House Tavern, before FRANCIS BARLOW, Esq., to inquire into the state of mind of MRS. MARY HARTLEY, the wife of WINCHCOMBE HENRY HARTLEY, Esq., of Rosteage and Rosewarne, in this county, and described in the commission as of No. 8, Park-street, Grosvenor-square. There is another commission pending against the son of the unfortunate lady, whose property exceeds GBP 5,000 per annum. She was subject to extraordinary delusions, of which evidence was given. The inquiry was adjourned.

LIGHT GOLD. We understand that the various banks in this county have re-commenced weighing the gold - a charge of four-pence being made for a lighter sovereign and two-pence for a half-sovereign. It is necessary that the coin should turn the scale.

PENZANCE IMPROVEMENTS. It has been proposed that the western entrance to Penance should be improved by widening the principal thoroughfare, which is, at present, inconveniently narrow. The persons owning the property that will be affected by the improvements require GBP 505 for the purchase. Towards this sum the Town Council agreed to give GBP170, if the remaining two-thirds were supplied by private subscription, and by the Board of Highways. For the consideration of this subject, a public vestry was held on Friday last, at which MR. DENNIS presided, when, after a long discussion, it was agreed, on the motion of MR. RICHARD PEARCE, that the improvements would be very desirable, and that one-third of the sum required, namely GBP 168.6s.8d., should be appropriated towards the object out of the highway rates, the same to be paid within three years.

TRURO POLICE. On Sunday last, WILLIAM STEPHENS of Summercourt, labourer, was apprehended by policeman WOOLCOCK, and on Monday, brought before N. F. BASSETT, mayor, and WILLIAM VICE, Esqrs. charged with stealing a waistcoat from the Union Hotel, the property of WILLIAM LULY, of Truro, wheel-wright. The prisoner was committed to take his trial at the next sessions.

On the same day, FRANCIS HAWKING, of Truro, butcher, was summoned before the magistrates to answer the complaint of GEORGE PAINE, inspector of police, for having, on Saturday last, exposed for sale a quantity of unwholesome beef in the market. He was fined 40s. and costs, and told that if he was again guilty of a similar offence, he would be committed to take his trial at the sessions. The mayor then gave orders to the police to burn the beef.

On Tuesday last, RICHARD and WILLIAM SEYMAN, natives of Exeter, were apprehended by policeman STAPLE, and taken before Dr. CARLYON, charged with stealing wet stockings from a line, the property of ANN WHITHORN, of Feock. The prisoners were both committed to take their trial at the next sessions.

SHEEP STEALING. On the night of Saturday, or the morning of Sunday se'nnight, a sheep, the property of Messrs. SYLVANUS and JOHN JAMES, of Truro, was killed in a corner of one of their fields on Chapel Hill, and everything taken away except its entrails. This is the second sheep that has been stolen from the Messrs. James within five weeks, and the ninth that has been stolen in the neighbourhood of Truro within a few months, without, we regret to add, conviction being brought home against any of the thieves.

ST. AUSTELL PETTY SESSIONS. At a petty sessions held on Tuesday last, several young men of the town and neighbourhood of St. Austell were charged with riotous and disorderly conduct, and obstructing the constable in the execution of his duty, on Sunday, the 19th ult., at St. Mewan Inn. They were fined from ten to twenty shillings each, with costs, or two months' imprisonment. We believe they preferred paying the fine.

FATAL MINE ACCIDENT. On Wednesday last, as a young man, named SAMUEL BAWDEN, of the parish of St. Erth, aged 19 years, was at work in the 110 fathom level, at Wheal Ninnis, in the parish of St. Hilary, a scale of ground fell on his head, and killed him on the spot.

CORONER['S INQUESTS. The following inquests have lately been held before W. HICHENS, Esq., on the 29th ultimo, in the parish of Gulval, on the body of JOHN WARREN, junr., aged 2 years, who caught his clothes on fire on the preceding day during a short absence of his mother from her house, who had gone into a field close at hand to fetch some potatoes, and died on the same day. Verdict, Accidental death.

On the 1st instant, in the parish of Wendron, on the body of PENELOPE TRELOAR, aged three years and ten months, who caught her clothes on fire on the 28th ultimo, and died the following day. Verdict, Accidental death. On the 4th instant, in the borough of St. Ives, on the body of JANE WILLIAMS, aged 50 years, who caught her clothes on fire on the preceding day, and died shortly afterwards. There was no one present at the time, and deceased was unable to explain the cause of the accident. Verdict, Accidental death.

15 DECEMBER 1843, Friday

TYWARDREATH USEFUL KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY. On Wednesday, the 6th instant, MR. S. DREW, of St. Austell, delivered a very interesting lecture in the Market-hall, on Astronomy, illustrated by the phantasmagoria lantern. The lecture particularly endeavoured to impress on the audience the advantages which result from the study of this science and at the conclusion a vote of thanks was unanimously tendered him for his very talented lecture. The next lecture will be delivered on Wednesday, the 3rd of January, by MR. WILLIAM HEWITT, of Fowey, on Duelling.

KENWYN. We stated three weeks ago, that at a parish meeting, MR. NICHOLAS BROWN, of St. Coose[?], had been elected to the office of rate-collector, for this parish, by a majority of 42 votes. This election the Board of Guardians did not choose to recognize, but fixed Wednesday, the 6th instant, for appointing a collector, when, another person was chosen to the office, and Mr. Brown, although elected by the parishioners, was rejected! Whether such a proceeding is strictly legal or not, we do not profess to know; but if it be, it is high time the law was altered. We believe Mr. Brown is a liberal, and the person elected is a protg of the Tories; but, of course, this circumstance had nothing to do with the matter, although the paid agents of the Tories, and some of their patrons, were as busily engaged in the election as if they were influenced only by party considerations. Surely the affair will not be allowed to pass over without investigation.

MILDNESS OF THE SEASON. A labouring man, at Trethawle, near Liskeard, having for some time past seen a wren creeping round a certain spot, was led to examine it, and found a nest with seven eggs. About ten days ago, he discovered that five of the eggs had been hatched, and that the birds are likely to live.

CORONERS' INQUESTS. On the 7th instant, an inquest was held before W. HICHENS. Esq., in the parish of St. Erth, on the body of SAMUEL BAWDEN, aged 17 years, who was accidentally killed on the preceding day, whilst at his labour in one of the shafts in Wheal Virgin mine, in that parish, by means of a large stone falling out of the side of the shaft, and jamming his head between it and the wall of the lode. The deceased died almost immediately after the accident. Verdict, Accidental Death.

On Monday last, an inquest was held by MR. GILBERT HAMLEY, deputy coroner, on view of the body of an illegitimate female infant, who died on Sunday morning. It appeared from the evidence of the mother, that the child had been born ten days. It had been very healthy and well since it was born, up to Saturday evening, when it was taken sick, and continued so all night. The next morning she went down stairs to get her breakfast, and on her return upstairs found the child dead. MR. EDMONDS, surgeon, stated that he delivered ELIZABETH BEST about ten days since of a female child. It was a very fine and healthy child. As soon as he heard the child was dead, he examined the body, but could not find any marks thereon; and from the appearance of the child there was nothing to induce him to believe that the child had died by any other than natural causes. The Coroner, in summing up to the jury, remarked that this was a rather suspicious case, for they had heard that the child was very well and healthy up to a certain time, that it had been taken suddenly sick, and continued so until it died. He would not wish the jury to believe otherwise than the medical gentleman had stated, and they ought to be guided in this case entirely by the medical witness; but the general supposition is, when a person in perfect health becomes all at once very sick, that person has taken some drug that would produce and cause that constant retching. And in children the signs and symptoms will correspond with those witnessed in adult persons. If, however, after the evidence they had heard, they were of opinion that the child had not died by any other than by natural causes there would be no occasion for a post mortem examination; if, on the other hand, they had heard anything which could induce them to believe to the contrary, he would order a post mortem examination to take place immediately. The jury, after asking the medical witness one or two questions, almost immediately returned a verdict that the deceased died from natural causes.

DEVON NEWS

THE EARLDOM OF PLYMOUTH. Died, on Friday, at his residence in Brook-street, , the Right Hon. HENRY WINDSOR, Earl of Plymouth. His lordship had only been ailing a very few hours, and his death was not at all expected. The late earl was the eighth of the family who had borne the title, and, dying without issue, the earldom may be considered extinct. The late earl was born on the 1st of February, 1768, and succeeded his brother ANDREW (seventh earl) on the 29th of January, 1837, having married in 1798, ANN, daughter of THOMAS COPERN[?], Esq. His lordship's father, the fourth earl, had five sons and four daughters, the deceased peer being the youngest of the family, and on his accession the only surviving male in remainder.

DEVON WINTER ASSIZES

The assizes conducted at Exeter on Monday morning, before the Hon. Sir S. Cresswell, knight. The learned judge arrived in Exeter on Saturday evening, and on Sunday attended divine service at the Cathedral. The calendar contains the names of 19 prisoners, who are charged with very serious offences, viz: ANDREW COLISILL, 19, SILAS WILMOTT, 18, burglary at Brixham; SAMUEL SCOYDEN, 16, burglary& housebreaking at Parkham; HENRY FROST, 19, JOHN WILLIAMS, 21, housebreaking; THOMAS BURYMAN PALMER, 57, horse stealing at Stoke Canon; ELIZA LEAR, concealing the birth of a child, at Chudleigh; JAMES WILLIAMS (on bail) affixing a threatening letter to a gate in the parish of Plymstock; THOS. MOASE (on bail), rape at Hartland; WILLIAM LEAR, 33, assisting to conceal the dead body of a child; ISAAC COLLARD, 51, wilful murder of his wife, at Hockworthy; JOHN CORNELIUS, 31, maliciously wounding with a skittle ball at Starcross; T. GOLLOP, 34, wilful murder of GEORGE SALTER; MARY PEARCE, 28, secreting the body of a child at Ufficulme; JOHN HOW, 16, highway robbery at Cockington; JANE SHAPCOTT, 35, wilful murder of a child at Southmolton; WILLIAM GRIFFIN, 22, and THOMAS FITDEW (on bail) highway robbery at Honiton; WM. RANDALL, 62, CHARLES TONKIN, [or Tos.in] 14, uttering counterfeit coin.

DREADFUL LOSS OF LIFE. Information has been received at Lloyd's Coffee-house of the total loss of the "Castle Tioram," and a lamentable sacrifice of life. From the brief particulars which arrived, it appears that the vessel belonged to Newfoundland, and that she sailed from Plymouth for Hamburg of the 14th of last month, under the command of Mr. GEORGE FOX, of Dartmouth. The vessel, after being out at sea for exactly a fortnight, having arrived off the coast of Denmark, about sixty miles from Ribe, became a complete wreck. Previous, however, to the vessel going down, a great number of poor fishermen put off to render all the assistance they could to the crew and vessel. In so doing, we regret to say that no less a number than 22 of those brave fellows met with a watery grave, many of them having left large families entirely unprovided for. To add to the calamity, the master and part of the crew also perished. The number of the latter cannot at present be ascertained, in consequence of the exact number of hands on board when the accident occurred not being known; but out of the entire crew five persons only escaped to relate the dreadful tale.

Published by Elizabeth Heard (widow), Printer and Publisher, Of No. 32, Boscawen-street, in the parish of St. Mary, in the Borough of Truro, in the County of Cornwall, and Printed and Published at her residence and Printing Office, situated at 32, Boscawen-street aforesaid.

22 DECEMBER 1843, Friday

ADVERTISEMENTS

NOTICE

All persons indebted to the Estate of MR. EDWARD BOLITHO, deceased, of Callington, in the county of Cornwall, carpenter, are requested to send in their respective amounts to MR. NICHOLAS PIKE, of Callington, aforesaid; and all persons having any claims on the said Estate, are desired to send the particulars thereof to the said Mr. PIKE, on or before the 12th day of January next, that the same may be examined. Callington, December 19, 1843

I, NICHOLAS DONNITHORNE, Gentleman, at present, and for twelve months past, residing in the Town of Tregonry [or -ey], within the County of Cornwall, and being out of employment and business, but have previously thereto, and for forty years and upwards, been a Farmer, residing at Penzance, within the Parish of Creed, in the said County, do HEREBY GIVE NOTICE, that I intend to present a Petition to the Commissioner of the Court of Bankruptcy for the Exeter District, praying to be examined touching my Debts, Estate, and Effects, and to be protected from all process, upon making a full disclosure and surrender of such Estate and Effects, for payment of my just and lawful Debts. And I hereby further give Notice that the times when the matter of the said Petition shall be heard is to be advertised in the London Gazette, and in the West Briton newspaper, published at Truro, within the said County of Cornwall, one month at the least after the date hereof. As witness my hand this Twenty-ninth day of November, in the year of our Lord One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Forty-three. NICHOLAS DONNITHORNE

NEWS

A long article on "The figures of Rhetoric", which included a comparison between the styles of Demosthenes and Cicero. The best quote - "nothing is so rare as excellence in the art of speaking."

PILCHARD FISHERY, St. Ives - On Thursday morning, the 14th instant, several large shoals of pilchards were seen passing westward, but not within reach of the seans. About noon, however, the sean of Bolitho and Co. shot, and enclosed about 400 hogsheads, part of which were sold fresh. The greater part of the men were paid off on Wednesday, and the season may be considered as over. The average quantity exported from this place for the last 22 years is 5,000 hogsheads, and the quantity this year will be about 1,000 hogsheads. The present number of seans is 183, so that the fishery this season is an entire failure.

COURT MARTIAL. On Tuesday last, a court martial assembled on board H.M. S. "San Josef," at Devonport, for the trial of MR. CHRISTIE, acting second Master of the "Swift" packet, on a charge preferred against him by LIEUT. DOUGLAS, Commander of that vessel. Mr. Christie was placed in charge of the spirits, and at Rio de Janerio it was discovered that 100 gallons of rum were deficient from the ship's store, of which he could give no account, and subsequently he admitted having made away with it. The defendant, by the sentence of the court, was "dismissed the service, and rendered incapable of joining it again, and to be mulcted of all the wages which may be due to him."

THE NAVY. MR. A. JAMES DEWAR, Master's Assistant, has been appointed from H. M. Packet "Swift," to H. M. Ship "Racer," South America.

CORNISH ENGINES. the number of pumping-engines reported for the month of November is 37. The quantity of coals consumed being 2502 tons, lifting in the aggregate 25,000,000 tons of water 10 fathoms high; the average duty of the whole is, therefore, 57,000,000 lbs. lifted one foot high by the consumption of a bushel of coal.

TRURO POLICE. On Thursday, the 14th inst., WILLIAM TREBILCOCK, labourer, of Truro, was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and using threatening language towards his father. He was required to find sureties to GBP10 to be of good behaviour for twelve months; and, in default of such sureties, was committed to the house of correction for six calender months. On Friday last, JAMES VARCO, mason, of Truro, was charged with indecently exposing his person in the streets, and was committed to the house of corrections for three calender months, to be kept to hard labour. On Monday last, HENRY HARRIS, of Tregenna, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in the streets, and was fined 5s. with costs. On Wednesday, THOMAS SIMMONS, of Truro, dealer in gingerbread and baskets, was charged with assaulting WILLIAM HOCKING, cooper, by throwing a pint of hot tea in his face. He was fined 10s., and costs, and was cautioned by the bench that if again brought up on a similar charge, the full penalty of GBP 5 would be inflicted.

CAUTION TO WAGGONERS. On Tuesday last, as MR. BAWDEN's waggon was left standing by the driver near the Horse and Jockey, Meneage-street, Helston, a boy struck the horses with a whip, which caused them to start off at a rapid pace; and in turning the corner, the shaft of the waggon struck a girl of the name of WILLIAMS, about eleven years of age, and killed her on the spot. We hope the conduct of the driver, in leaving his team, will meet with the punishment it so richly deserves.

ACCIDENTS. On Thursday,the 14th instant, MISS ANN BONE fell from the loft door of her father's residence, in the borough of Fowey, to the beach below, a height of from 30 to 40 feet, by which fall she broke her thigh, and was other wise much bruised. Hopes are entertained of her recovery. On Saturday last, as three men, named MICHAEL ELLIS, WILLIAM SEMMANS, and JAMES NANKERVIS, were coming into Pendeen Cove in a small boat, from fishing, the boat was capsized, and William Semmans nearly lost his life, having been taken out of the water by his companions in a senseless state.

CORONER'S INQUESTS. On Saturday last, an inquest was held before W. J. GENN, Esq., coroner for Falmouth, on the body of MR. PALMER, draper, who died very suddenly on the morning of that day; and on Monday, a port mortem examination took place, when it was found that death had been caused by rupture of the left ventricle of the heart. Verdict accordingly.

An inquest was held at Helston, on Wednesday se'nnight, before T. P. TYACKE, Esq., the borough coroner, on view of the body of RICHARD GUNDRY, who died on the preceding day. It appeared from the evidence adduced that deceased rose at his usual hour, and was intending to go to his farm about three miles from town, as was his usual custom, but finding himself rather cold, he sat himself down near the fire, and died instantaneously. Verdict, died by the visitation of God.

On Thursday, the 21st instant, an inquest was held by JOHN CARLYON, Esq., at Cr..ton mine, in the parish of Kenwyn, on the body of JOHN OATS[or Outs], aged three years, who caught his clothes on fire, six weeks ago, during the absence of his mother for a short time, and was severely burnt, but lingered till Wednesday, when he died. Verdict, Accidental Death.

THE WEST OF ENGLAND POCKET BOOK FOR 1844. We see among other additions to this annual just published, a list of the magistrates of Cornwall and Devon, with their residences and the division in which they act, a very necessary and useful appendage to a work that comprises so much of a directory of this and the adjoining county. We are quite sure the general utility and comprehensive nature of the contents of this pocket book will ensure its patronage among all men of business, and give it a place on the table or desk of every gentleman and professional man, as one of the most serviceable books of reference, relating to the two western counties, published.

29 DECEMBER 1843, Friday

LAUNCESTON NEW MARKET. This market was opened on Saturday last, and afforded ample accommodation for the abundant quantity of edibles sent there for sale. On the whole it is believed to have been the best market ever seen in that town, and capable of vieing with the other markets of the country. A cow and sheep, bred and fed by MR. J. PARSONS, of Hexworthy, called forth much attention. These animals were slaughtered by MR. HENDER, whose stall was admirably laid out with choice descriptions of meat. An ox and a sow, Hereford breed, fed by Mr. LOBB, and exhibited by Messrs. RUNDLE and CALL, were of an excellent description. Messrs. BARTLETT showed a North Devon, a choice animal, fed by MR. PERRY, Milton Abbott; and a sheep, fed by MR. A. PARSONS, of Lifton, was remarkably fine. The market was largely attended, and sales were readily effected. It is expected that the market will in future receive greater support from a distance, as it is capacious, and equal to the purpose for which it has been erected.

CHRISTMAS BOUNTY. On the 21st instant, MRS. ANDREW, of Nansough, according to her annual custom, gave a shilling each to the poor of the parish of Ladock, and 6d. each to those of St. Erme. There were upwards of a hundred applicants from the former parish, and nearly thirty from the latter.

ST. GORAN PENNY CLOTHING CLUB. The annual distribution of the funds of this society took place on Thursday, the 21st instant, in the school-room at the Church-town, when 94 contributors received clothing to the amount of nine shillings and two-pence each for their penny a week. It has been our happiness to watch this excellent institution from its first commencement in the parish, and each succeeding year adds to the conviction of its great utility both as teaching lessons of economy and engendering good and kindly feelings between the poor and those above them in rank, to whom it affords opportunities of knowing the really destitute and deserving. It is also pleasing to observe the ladies interesting themselves in this delightful work and "labor of love;" and too much praise cannot be given them for their exertions, assistance, and presence on the occasion. As usual, the REV. D. JENKINS, with his considerate kindness, allowed the use of the school-room, in which three stalls were fitted up, and occupied by three drapers, thus affording an opportunity to the recipients of buying of those they preferred. Many exclaimed, "If it had not been for this club, I should not have had such good bedding, gowns, &c." They feel grateful to their benefactors for thus remembering the poor.

FALMOUTH PROVIDENT INSTITUTION. It appears from the accounts of this Institution that the number of poor depositors in the last year fro coals was 334, and that their payments amounted to GBP 101.3s.10d. The 334 depositors are to be considered as so many families. Among these families order tickets were distributed for coals to the amount of GBP 125.4s. Besides these there were issued wholly on charity 68 order tickets at 8d. to 57 distressed families; making altogether GBP 127.19s.4d, distributed in coals by means of this institution during the last winter. As a proof of the good effect of such institutions, the committee state that some of the poor who were careless about depositing for the first year or two after the establishment of this society, have since become regular depositors; and others, having experienced the benefits resulting from provident and frugal habits, are become depositors in the Savings Bank.

WORTHY OF IMITATION. Messrs. SANDYS, CARNE, and VIVIAN, of Hayle, lately distributed to the workmen employed in their establishments, according to annual custom, in lieu of what is commonly called "a way-goose dinner," the following sums: to each man, 4s.; to each young man, 3s.6d.; to each lad, 3s.; to each boy, 2s.6d. this method is highly to be commended, as it enables the receiver to use the gift in the manner best suited to his wants. A dinner was provided for their agents.

FEAST FOR THE POOR. On Christmas-day, the poor in Truro workhouse were treated with a dinner of roast beef and plum pudding, and a pint of beer each, which had been kindly provided by the private subscription of the gentlemen composing the board of guardians. Seventy-two persons sat down to dinner, the average of whose ages was upwards of 70 years. The inmates of Probus workhouse had a similar treat.

FALMOUTH. On Christmas=day, the poor in the town and parish work-house at Falmouth, were regaled with roast beef and plum pudding, in the presence of several ladies and gentlemen who went to see them partake of their treat. The fare was of the best description, and an extra allowance was given to each individual.

REDRUTH UNION HOUSE. The inmate paupers of this union were enabled to celebrate the Christmas in the most approved old English manner. The governor's family, consisting of 33 men, 120 women, and 150 children, after attending the chapel, in which service was performed by the REV. J. W. HAWKSLEY, sen., sat down to a dinner which very few gentlemen would wish to have to pay for every day - veritable mountains of beef and plum pudding, and streams of beer; beef of the best cuts, and plum pudding that really deserved to be called by that very respectable appellation, and not the mere lock jaw dumplings which, too frequently for the inmates of union-houses, usurp the honourable title. The paupers "ate and were filled," and were SATISFIED, moreover, and very grateful to the subscribers in general, at whose expense they had been feasted, especially to MR. ALLEN, the assistant clerk, to whose kind hearted exertions in the collection of subscriptions they were mainly indebted for their feast, and who had obtained money sufficient to give the paupers a tea on New-year's day. It has been a real, hearty, merry Christmas for the poor people; and it did one's heart good to see the happy faces of the company, and their industrious application in the business which had called them together, and to hear the merry carol which followed "the withdrawal of the cloth." The Rev's J. W. Hawksley, sen. and jun., and their ladies, and several respectable inhabitants of the neighbourhood, attended to witness the festivities.

TRURO PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS. The children of these schools, to the number of 225, were assembled in St. Mary's church, on the afternoon of Christmas day. The services were commenced by the children singing a hymn; and after prayers had been read, the REV. W. W HARVEY questioned some of the classes on the catechism, &c., and affectionately admonished them as to the value of the instruction they received, their future attendance and behaviour at church, &c. The service was then concluded by the children singing "The Song of the Angels." From the church they proceeded to their school rooms, in Old Bridge-street, with their teachers and a number of ladies who were present at the examination, when each child was presented with a large plum cake. Smaller cakes were provided for those children who had been less attentive to their teachers, and irregular in their attendance; but it was pleasing to see that there were few offenders, especially among the girls. The children again sang a hymn, and retired to their homes, apparently highly delighted with their Christmas treat. Promises were made to the children that, where their good conduct entitled them to it, they should be rewarded at other periods of the year.

GRAND BALL AT PLYMOUTH. There was a grand ball at Elliott's Hotel, on Wednesday evening, the 20th instant, under the patronage of the Countess of Mount Edgcombe, which exhibited an unusual degree of splendour. Among the company present were Lady and Miss MOLESWORTH, besides many others of the first families of Cornwall and Devon, and the beautiful suite of rooms had an exceedingly gay and animated appearance. Dancing was kept up very spiritedly to a late hour.

FIRE IN LADOCK. On Saturday morning last, about 10 o'clock, a fire was discovered in a stable belonging to MR. WILLIAM WARD, of Menna, in the parish of Ladock, which destroyed that building, and a loft over it, containing a quantity of straw, potatoes, &c; but, owing to the exertions of the neighbours, and the calmness of the weather, the adjoining buildings and some stacks of corn were saved. We are sorry to learn that there is reason to believe this fire was the act of an incendiary. The authorities are, however, on the alert, and it is expected the guilty party will shortly be detected. MR. WARD, who was uninsured, is a loser to the amount of about GBP 25.

HAYLE. A man, called JOHN BARKER, was committed to the county jail, on Tuesday last, for one calendar month, at hard labour, for having attempted to drown himself. We trust that he will be taught to know the difference between climbing the tread-mill and frightening women, and that he will be a little humanized by prison discipline.

CORONER'S INQUESTS. the following inquests have been held before W. HICHENS, Esq., since our last report: On the 20th instant, in the parish of Wendron, on the body of MARTHA REED, aged 70 years, who died suddenly on the 17th instant. Verdict, Natural Death.

On the same day, in the same parish, on the body of MARY JENKIN, aged 5 years and 11 months, who caught her clothes on fire on the 16th instant, and died on the 19th. Verdict, Accidental Death.

On Monday last, an inquest was held at the Crown and Anchor, Falmouth, before W. J. GENN, Esq., coroner, on the body of a soldier which was found floating in the pier the preceding day. It appeared that the body was that of JOHN BRAWN, private, belonging to the detachment of the 75th regiment at Pendennis Castle, and that he was last seen in the town on the Saturday night, in a state of intoxication, near the quay. His face was bruised, and it is supposed he fell over the pier, and was drowned before any alarm was given. Verdict, Found drowned.

EDITORIAL (only a part of one). A word on the prospects with which we enter on 1844. They are such as tend to inspire gratitude and hope. A quiet but sensible improvement has taken place in the general commerce of the country during the latter part of the past year. There are no longer those loud complaints which we lately heard from the northern towns. Without any sudden change, or unexpected cause of demand, there has been a steady increase in the sale of manufactured goods. That the agricultural interest should be somewhat unsettled is the natural consequence of its affairs being now in a transition-state. The uncertainty that prevails respecting the corn-laws cannot but have a prejudicial effect. � In our own county we rejoice to hail the improvement - gradual, and therefore more likely to be lasting - that has taken place in the price of copper, and also that tin is rising from the ruinous depression to which it has so long been subject. To the general prosperity of commerce the iron-trade is an exception. The ensuing spring, however, will, in all probability, give it an impetus. It requires but a slight demand to absorb all the speculative stocks, and it seems impossible that an article of such vast consumption can remain unaffected by the revival of trade going on everywhere around it.

[It was also pointed out that when the paper was established in 1810, "to advocate popular rights was to incur a suspicious singularity. SIDNEY SMITH says that in this country, no man of less than five hundred a year has a right to have any political opinions of his own. The Cornish Tories of those days embraced this maxim to its full extent. The very attempt to establish an independent journal was regarded as an act of treason against their local supremacy." jm]

Published by Elizabeth Heard (widow), Printer and Publisher, Of No. 32, Boscawen-street, in the parish of St. Mary, in the Borough of Truro, in the County of Cornwall, and Printed and Published at her residence and Printing Office, situated at 32, Boscawen-street aforesaid.

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