cornwall england newspaper
1847 NEWS
JUNE
4 JUNE 1847, Friday
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE
CORNWALL AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION MEETING - [Article has been
drastically reduced, with only the part about wages, etc. included. Mr. Heming is the
agent for the Earl of Falmouth.]
With reference to the agricultural labourer Mr. HEMING said he had ascertained from
personal enquiry in twenty parishes in this immediate neighbourhood, that the farmers are
giving their labourers nine and ten shillings a week, supplying them at the same time with
wheat at twenty shillings a bushel, and barley at ten shillings. Taking then into account
the value of the grain as compared with the reduced price, it would bring the wages of the
agricultural labourer to about 14s. a week, while MR. WILLYAMS stated only 12s. a
week to be the wages of the miner. He was in favour of Mr. Willyams's observations
with regard to tutwork or task work, rather than paying labourers by the day. He would
tell them how this was done. Lord Falmouth, with the view of relieving the rate-payers
of Kenwyn and Kea, and the distress of the poor in those parishes, employed a number of
men in reclaiming waste land. A certain price was fixed, and one of the men - a good
workman - was told to go and work a piece of ground and see what he could earn in the
day. He earned 2s., and the labourer's wages were accordingly fixed at that price, some
of them earning 2s., others 1s.6d., and some not more, he was sorry to say, than 7d. or 8d.
If men were paid by tutwork or task work, the industrious labourer would be well
remunerated, whilst the indolent man would not (hear, hear).
MR. GREGOR proposed the health of the Chairman, and spoke in high terms of
commendation of what he had done for the labourers, of his constant attendance at the
board of guardians, and of his farm buildings and labourers' cottages about Trelissick,
whereby he was changing the whole face of that neighbourhood. He then said that he
believed no set of men could have behaved better in these trying times than had the
farmers of this surrounding country. He was astonished when he heard what they had
done. However, it was not correct, as had been stated, that the labourers were all paid the
same in different districts of the county. He had no tutwork on his estate except a very
small portion; but he paid his labourers from 14s. to 10s. according as they deserved it,
and every body knew there was no secret about that. He paid some a half-sovereign, and
some 1s.6d. a day, who were not worth a shilling (laughter). He only wished that many
of the gentlemen there, and particularly Mr. Willyams, had sat with him at the board of
guardians for four hours and a half that morning, and then they would have seen whether
the agricultural labourer or the miner was best off (cheers, and a voice - "that is the way
to put it.") He would have seen that out of 200 applicants, there were only twenty from
the agricultural districts (bravo and cheers).
[A round of toasts ensued; the Chairman proposed "Umpires"; Mr. Tresawna returned
thanks for the umpires of Sheep, Mr. Julyan for Horses, and Mr. Rosewarne for Pigs
(who noted some of the pigs were so fat they were unfit for breeding, and therefore were
'scarcely noticed' by the judges). Mr. Willyams was happy to see prizes awarded to
persons from different parts of the county, instead of principally by those in the
immediate neighbourhood, and gave "the successful candidates". Mr Trethewy returned
thanks, and suggested they move the 'fat stock' show in the winter months, because of
the heat of the season.]
[Mr. Kempe proposed "the unsuccessful candidates"; and Mr. WILLS returned thanks in an able speech. He stated that the farmers in East Cornwall had kept back a stock of corn from the market in order to supply the wants of their labourers until Michaelmas. Many other gentlemen proposed others, which were all responded to, and thanks were given.]
AWARDS: To the Cottager in Kenwyn, Kea, and Feock, St. Clement, Merther, and Probus, who shall have brought up the largest family without parochial relief, GBP 5, J. UREN, Kenwyn, seventeen children; second ditto, GBP 3, JOHN RICHARDS, Kea, fourteen children.
Given by the Society To the Servant or Labourer in Husbandry, who shall have lived the longest period in one continuous service, GBP 2, J. BENNY, servant to Mr. W. ANDREW, St. Enoder, fifty-
two years; second ditto, JOHN KENT, servant to MR. S. SIMMONS, Lower St. Columb,
forty-four years.
ST. GERMANS ANNUAL CATTLE FAIR - This fair took place on Friday last, and the
weather being exceedingly fine, there was a very large number of farmers and dealers
present. The show of stock was exceedingly small; which, we believe, may be attributed
to the butchers having previously purchased largely at the farm yards. The cattle
exhibited were mostly of good quality; but the prices asked were so enormous that it was
with difficulty any business was transacted. In the few purchases that were made, as
much as GBP 3.9s. per cwt. for fat cows was obtained; two fine oxen and a cow,
belonging to MR. EWBANK, of Port Eliot, sold for rather more than GBP 106.
But the pride of the fair was a splendid Herefordshire Bullock, exhibited by Mr. ROSEVEAR, of
Trehunsey, Quethiock, which was purchased by MR. SUTTONS, of Devonport. There
were also eleven fine Bullocks sold by Mr. BROWNE, of Landrake, some of them
splendid animals. A lot of superior cows was purchased by Messrs. MOGG and JOYCE,
of Devonport; of Mr. R. MAYNARD, Penhearth. The show of Sheep was, on the whole,
pretty good, and an average amount of business was done. Among those animals we
observed eight splendid Hog Rams, exhibited by Mr. CREBER{?} of Hen.....
NEW POTATOES - Last week, the London market was furnished with an excellent
sample of new potatoes, which MR. THOMAS LEGGE, of Mount View, in the parish of
Ludgvan, dug from his own garden and a field adjoining. All the crops of potatoes in this
delightful and fertile part of the parish are looking exceedingly well, and are perfectly
free from disease.
THE POTATOE BLIGHT - Our Scilly correspondent informs us that a quantity of new
potatoes was shipped on Monday morning last, on board the "Lionesse" for Penzance;
and adds that the disease has again made its appearance in several fields where the
potatoes looked remarkably fine.
HELSTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL REGATTA - On Wednesday, the 26th ult., the
scholars of the Helston Grammar School were invited by the Rev. CANON ROGERS to
spend the day at Penrose, and to hold a juvenile regatta on the Loe Pool. The day was
remarkably fine, even for the merry month of May, there being brilliant sunshine to make
the happy party grateful for the shade afforded by the newly expanded foliage of the
veteran Penrose Oaks, and a breeze sufficiently fresh to fill the canvass of the fairy craft.
In the first class, the "Hebe," W. PENBERTHY, built by J. ENYS, Esq., carried away the prize;
in the second class, the "Emma," J. L. HICHENS; and in the third, the "Ellen," C. H.
JOHNS, also built by Mr. Enys, were the successful competitors.
After the race, the whole party, consisting of nearly sixty persons, joyfully adjourned to the wood, near the bar, where an elegant cold collation was laid to test the effects of air, exercise, and excitement, on the youthful appetite. After dinner, the health of Mr. and Mrs. ROGERS, was given by the master, and responded to by three times three such cheers as proceed
only from hearts which care has never wrung. The Helston amateur band embarked on
the Loe early in the day, and during both the regatta and dinner enlivened the scene by
"merry music borne across the wave." Among the guests were the Rev. C. A. Johns, (the
master), W. Broadley, C. Jenkyns, C. Hartley, Mrs. C.A. Johns, Mr. and Mrs. Enys, Mrs.
Glynn Grylls, the Misses Grylls, Popham, Hill, &c.
On the previous day the children of the Porthleven National Schools had been entertained on the same spot with tea and cakes, and it is difficult to say which of the two parties returned home most gratified with the day's festivities.
REMARKABLE CIRCUMSTANCE - As the children of a gentleman residing in Larne
were playing along the bench near that town, their attention was attracted to the neck of a
bottle projecting out of the sand; and, upon its being uncorked, a document was found
inside, of which the following is a verbatim copy: "September 1, 1843 - I, WILLIAM
CARSON, was born in a small fishing village in Cornwall. When fifteen I went to sea,
contrary to the wishes of my parents. Whilst making G[ra]belts, we ran upon a coral reef.
The boats were staved, and I alone escaped to land. Let those who find this short account
try, for God's sake, to free a poor wretch who has now been in banishment three years."
SCARCITY OF FOOD
Penzance - We are happy to learn that not the slightest disturbance took place in
consequence of the visit of a large body of miners to Penzance on Thursday, the 27th ult.,
although great loss was occasioned to the shopkeepers by the entire suspension of
business. After retiring a short distance from the town, the miners appointed a deputation
to wait on the magistrates and other gentlemen connected with mining, and the result was
an arrangement to supply all persons working at the mines in that neighbourhood who do
not earn more than 55s. per month, with barley till the first of September next, at a price
not exceeding 16s. per Cornish bushel. This arrangement was satisfactory to the men,
and large quantities of grain have since been delivered to them at the stipulated price.
Subscriptions will be made to assist the adventurers in the loss they will sustain.
Helston - On Saturday last, considerable excitement and uproar were created in the corn
market, about three o'clock in the afternoon, by about twenty noisy and dissatisfied
women, who came into the market, backed by some hundreds of miners armed with
bludgeons, with the full determination to have the corn sold at their own prices. In the
early part of the market, 36s. was asked for wheat, and 21s. for barley; but the farmers
soon found to their great annoyance that the prices fixed by the mob were 30s. for wheat,
and 16s. for barley. A scuffle ensued, but for want of firmness on the part of the farmers,
the mob soon had the ascendancy, and protested against any corn being carried out of the
market at a higher price than they had fixed.
A farmer of the name of LAWRENCE was the first to give way, and others followed his steps, notwithstanding the authorities of the town, backed by about seventy special constables, together with the police force, were ready to protect the farmers in the sale of their corn. There were about two hundred bushels of corn in the market at the time, which soon exchanged hands. We understand the authorities are prepared, should a breach of the peace again be preferred from selfish or malicious miners, to [again] press it by a detachment of troops who are on their way to the town, and to afford the farmers every protection. About seven o'clock, the miners began to leave the town, which at ten had assumed its usually quiet state.
Camborne - A few miners casually meeting together in the market-place, attempted to
stop the retailing of vegetables, and clubbed a few pence to pay the crier for publishing
through the town that no retailing would be allowed after that day; but whether they
intend to take any steps in the matter remains to be seen.
SHEEP STEALING - On Sunday morning last, a lamb was stolen from a field
belonging to Mr. J. HAWKE, of Roche, by HENRY CUNDY and HENRY GOUDGE,
the former of whom was captured by HOOPER, the constable of that parish, but the latter
escaped. Cundy has since been committed by Colman Rashleigh, Esq., for trial at the
sessions, It is hoped that Goudge may be yet taken; he is a young man about twenty-
three, five feet ten inches high, very broad across the shoulders, florid complexion, dark
hair and eyes, has no whiskers, and wore away a blue coat, light waistcoat, and drab
trousers.
CORONERS' INQUESTS - [Much of the detail is removed; if you need a full copy of
the article, please contact me. jm]
Before Mr. Carlyon, at Tresillian, in the parish of Probus, on the body of WILLIAM
POPPIN, aged eighteen years, servant to Mr. Trethewy, of Tregoose. [Was returning to
Tresillian from Truro with a load of bone dust, in a waggon drawn by two horses. The
Mail Coach came up behind him, and blew his horn. Deceased, who had no reins, and
was improperly riding on the front part of the waggon, jumped off to pull in his horses,
and fell under the waggon wheels which went over him. Verdict, Accidental death.
Mr. Carlyon held another inquest, at Zelah, in the parish of St. Allen, on the body of
MARY JANE LAMPSHIRE, a little girl aged one year and seven months, who was
crushed under the wheel of a timber waggon the day before, as it was passing through
Zelah. The driver had no reins, and was riding on his lead [horse]. The coroner took
occasion to observe that is was the bounden duty of every master who sent persons with a
team of horses to supply him with reins, and that master were chargeable with great
neglect when failing to do so.
He also animadverted on the shameful carelessness of very many drivers where they constantly used the road, often asleep and generally on the wrong side of the road, without any reins to their horses, and consequently without the means of suddenly checking or guiding them. He said they were all liable to be fined, and he intimated that in the case then before him, he should make an example of the driver by getting him fined at the next justices' meeting. Similar verdict.
Before Mr. W. Hichens, Esq., at St. Hilary, on the body of a male child, found dead in a
pit or shaft belonging to a discontinued mine, (when in working called Penberthy Crofts)
in that parish. Mr. Sargeant, a surgeon at Marazion, testified the child was born alive, but
could not state the cause of death. Verdict, found dead, cause unknown.
At Gwithian, on the body of a female child found dead near the roadway on the
sandbanks. She had been buried, but only a short depth from the surface in the sand,
which had subsequently been torn up. Mr. George Vawdrey, surgeon at Hayle, testified
the baby was born alive, and lived for several weeks, but could not give any cause for
death. The verdict was similar to the last.
Before J. Hamley, Esq. - at the Cornish Arms, in the borough of Fowey, on the body of
William John Henry, aged eight years, son of Mr. DANIEL MADDICK, master of the
schooner "Touch-me-not," at Fowey. Deceased went on the beach on Saturday last,
where some balk was lying. The tide was flowing, which moved the pieces, and caused it
to slip onto the boy's head, causing instant death. Verdict accordingly.
EXETER DISTRICT BANKRUPTCY COURT - By JOHN HARVEY, of Liskeard. On the application of Mr. STEGDON, the last
examination was adjourned sine die, in consequence of the bankrupt being too poor to
attend. The Official Assignee (Mr. HIRTZEL) observed there was no estate whatever.
Re THOMAS LEVERS, of Charlestown, near St. Austell, Cornwall, cooper. This was a
meeting for choice. The bankrupt was examined by MR. CHARLES TURNER. He
stated that he had been in difficulties for ten years, and subscribed his embarrassment to
dealing in accommodation bills. [rest is cut off]
ADVERTISEMENTS
CAUTION - WHEREAS a CHEQUE, dated 2nd June, on Tweedy and Co., Redruth, for Fifteen
Pounds, payable to "Horse, -- or Bearer," was obtained from the undersigned under false
pretences. Notice is hereby given that the payment of the same has been stopped at the
Bank.
THOMAS GARLAND
Fairfield, Illogan, June 3, 1847
LOST
In TRURO, or between that town and HAYLE, a ROLL of PAPERS and LETTERS, of
no use to any person but the owner, who will feel obliged by their being sent to any of the
Wesleyan Ministers in Truro, Redruth, Camborne, or Hayle, when any reasonable
expenses will be paid.
Dated June 3, 1847
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that by Indenture of Assignment, bearing date the First
day of June instant, RICHARD BOSUSTOW, of Redruth, in the County of Cornwall,
hath assigned all his personal estate and effects whatsoever, to JAMES MEAD, of
Penryn, in the said County, Miller, and THOMAS HEYNES, of Redruth aforesaid,
Grocer, upon trust, for the benefit of all the Creditors of him the said Richard Bosustow,
who shall come in and execute the said Indenture of Assignment, and that the said
Indenture was duly executed by the said Richard Bosustow, on the First day of June
instant, in the presence of THOMAS COMMINS, Solicitor, Bodmin, and EDWIN
HARRIS, Clerk with THOMAS ROBERT HEARLE, of Redruth aforesaid, Solicitor, and
also by the said James Mead and Thomas Heynes, on the First day of June, in the
presence of the said Edwin Harris.
Dated this Second day of June, 1847. T. R. HEARLE
11 JUNE 1847, Friday
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE
CORNWALL RAILWAY - The first turf of this Railway was cut on Thursday morning last, at six o'clock, at Stoke, by EDWARD ST. AUBYN, Esq. After the turf had been cut, the men broached a barrel of beer with which to drink success to the undertaking. Devonport Paper.
THE POTATOE DISEASE - A report has been in circulation in the neighbourhood of Wadebridge of the potatoes being infected with the disease; but a correspondent requests us to contradict it as entirely without foundation. He states that potatoes have been dug in several gardens there quite free from disease, and of fine flavour; and that the later sorts are looking very well.
SEASONABLE RELIEF - At Wheal Vor and Wheal Rose mines, the adventurers have purchased large quantities of barley to be sold to their miners at 16s. per bushel.
MOORWINSTOW - SIR ROGER NEWDIGATE's prize for the best poem of the year, subject "Prince Charles after the battle of Culloden," has been adjudged to Mr. JOHN ADAMS of Moorwinstow, and of Magdalene Hall, Oxford. By a strange coincidence the fate and fortunes of this successful candidate have been identical with those of his namesake, the mathematician of Laneast. Both were the sons of respectable Cornish farmers; both to a great degree self-taught. Both entered their respective Universities dependent on their own exertions for success, and both have attained at an early period distinction and fame. Is it not an honour and [..] that all Cornwall has fostered in her moorland [bosom?] these talented sons of the West, identical even in name; the Philosopher of Laneast, and the poet of Moorwinstow!
HUGHES'S ROYAL MAMMOTH ESTABLISHMENT - This splendid establishment, as will be seen by an advertisement, is shortly about to visit the different towns of this county, and there is no doubt that their magnificent performances will be well patronised by the public. Mr. Hughes's is the most extensive equestrian and zoological establishment in the kingdom; in various parts it has earned a deserved celebrity, and especially at its late performances at the Drury-Lane Theatre, which were witnessed and highly approved of by the Royal Family and a large number of the nobility. On Wednesday, the 23rd instant, Mr. Hughes will make his entrance into Truro with a most imposing cavalcade of camels, horses, superb chariots, male and female artistes on their chargers, and elephants, with their keepers.
SUNDAY SCHOOL FESTIVAL - On Tuesday, the 1st instant, the children belonging to the different Sunday schools at St. Austell were regaled with tea and cake, and after spending the day in innocent amusement, each child on leaving the playground was presented with a large cake to carry home.
ST. IVES - The mackerel boats are bringing into this port from 1,000 to 1,500 fine fish every day, which are selling at 10d. per dozen. New potatoes were sold in St. Ives market on Saturday last, at 5s. per gallon. The crops in the neighbourhood are looking fine, and there is not the slightest appearance of blight to be seen. On Monday last, part of a vessel was washed ashore in Treen Bay, parish of Zennor. The vessel was foreign built, supposed to have been from 400 to 500 tons burthen, and the part washed ashore has been in the water some time.
LONGEVITY - Of ten funerals in the present year, in the parish of Feock, two were strangers; the ages of the remaining eight averaged more than eighty-one years.
ILL-TREATMENT OF A SHIP APPRENTICE - At a special petty sessions, held at the Porcupine Inn, Tywardreath, THOMAS MOON, late mate of the schooner "Mary," of Fowey, CHARLES HARVEY, master, was brought up for beating with a broomstick an apprentice on board the vessel called ROWATT. The assault was proved to have taken place at Seville, and the mate was fined GBP 1, and 18s. costs. Instead of masters and mates acting in this foolish manner, against the law, they ought on a refusal to perform necessary duties and orders, to enter at the time such contempt in the log-book, and have it witnessed; so that when in port the culprit may be brought before the Justices and committed to the treadmill. And if the offender be an apprentice, the time that he is working at the treadmill will not be deducted from the term of his apprenticeship, which must be fully served out.
FIRE - On Tuesday evening last, a fire broke out in the stable of MR. H. POLGLAZE, in the parish of Crowan. A boy went into the stable under the barn with a lighted candle, which set fire to some straw that was suspended from the floor. The barn was soon in flames and the whole of the working tools were consumed, although great exertions were made to save them. The dwelling house, which is attached to the barn, was saved. Unfortunately Mr. Polglaze was not insured.
MINE ACCIDENT - On Wednesday last a young man called GEORGE BORLASE was severely injured at Balleswidden mine, by the falling in of a large quantity of earth.
ACCIDENT - On Tuesday last, as WILLIAM AUSTEN, the driver of the Brilliant Omnibus, that travels from Penzance to Hayle, was in the act of [loading? at] Hayle Foundry, the horses took fright, and started off. The driver followed, and while attempting to check them with the reins, when he was knocked down, and the wheels went over both legs, which were seriously fractured. The poor fellow was immediately conveyed into MR. CROTCH's Hotel, where his injuries were promptly attended to by DR. WITHERINGTON. It is remarkable that although the horses galloped off at the rate of fifteen miles an hour without any one to manage them, they stopped without any check being applied at the Royal Standard Inn, about a quarter of a mile from the railway terminus, where they are accustomed to stop and meet the train.
CORNISH WRESTLING - [the word 'gave' in the first sentence was italicized, as were the words 'won' and 'bought' in the last. A lengthy article regarding the matches in London, which resulted in Cornish wrestlers taking all the top prizes despite having to wrestle in the Devon and Irish styles as well as the Cornish, was included in the paper. In that article, Mr. Gundry was highly praised as the TRUE "world champion", as he won in all the styles.]
It is stated in an Exeter paper that in the late match in London, Snell GAVE his back to Gundry, on the understanding that he was to have half the prize; and that Gundry afterwards took advantage of the Great Western Railway and bolted, leaving Snell ignorant of his whereabouts. Last week, however, it is said that Snell met Gundry at a public house at Exeter, and made him pay over the GBP 7.10s. that were due, besides 30s. towards the expenses of pursuing him. It is distinctly alleged in the Exeter papers that Gundry instead of having WON the belts in London, BOUGHT them; and we mention these statements in order that he may have an opportunity of refuting them if they are calumnies.
ST. AUSTELL WRESTLING - The annual wrestling came off on Tuesday, the 1st instant, and following day, when it is supposed there were not less than three thousand persons present to witness the play. Some of the first-rate men being in London, an opportunity was given to the middle class players. The first prize was won by CHARLES FAULL, of St. Austell; second ditto, WM. MATTHEWS, St. Cleer; third ditto, THOMAS MATTHEWS, St. Blazey; fourth ditto, EDWIN ARGALL, St. Agnes; fifth ditto, WILLIAM HODGE, St. Blazey; and sixth ditto, RICHARD EDWARDS, St. Austell.
STRATTON AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY - On Friday last, the fourteenth annual exhibition of this society took place at Stratton, when the stock shown was of a superior description. After the exhibition about eighty persons partook of dinner at the Tree Inn, there being among them many of the clergy and gentry of the neighbourhood, with the Rev. J. Davis, rector of Kilkhampton, in the chair. On the cloth being withdrawn, a number of toasts were drunk and speeches made, of which we have received a long report, and shall insert it next week.
PENZANCE CORPUS CHRISTI FAIR - This fair was held on Thursday, the 3rd instant, when the show of fat oxen, cows, and sheep was unusually small, and business in the cattle line was dull. There was a considerable number of horses at the fair, but scarcely any of a superior description. The pleasure fair presented all kinds of attractions, and was kept up in a lively manner throughout the day.
HAYLE COPPERHOUSE FAIR - At this fair, on Tuesday last, there was a tolerable show of cattle, and the bargains made were at good prices.
HAY HARVEST - Hay harvest is becoming pretty general in the county. Around St. Austell the hay is in excellent condition, with a full average crop. Some fine bails of hay have also been cut in the neighbourhood of Helston, and around Penzance, Truro, and in other places the scythe is in full operation.
EARLY CROPS - We understand that a fine dish of green peas was gathered in the garden of MR. CARNE, of Ellenglaze, on Wednesday last. Mr. Carne is also drawing new potatoes, having a very fine crop, and perfectly free from disease.
CORONERS' INQUESTS - The following inquests have been held before John CARLYON, Esq., coroner, since our last report: On Saturday last, in the parish of Wendron, on the body of FRANCIS JENKIN, aged six years. The little boy was missed by his parents, who called some neighbours to assist in searching for him; and observing some marks at the edge of a pool where tinners had been streaming, they procured a crook and found the body, life being quite extinct. Verdict, found drowned.
On Monday last, at Truro, on the body of GEORGIANA MARIA RICHARDSON, a child of about three months' old, the daughter of Mr. Richardson, assistant surveyor of taxes in that town. On Sunday morning last, the child was found dead in bed by the side of the wet nurse, and from the appearance of the body, as well as the fact that the child was close to the nurse when she awoke, there could be no doubt but that she had been lying upon it. It appeared that the nurse had not adhered to the directions given her with respect to the child, and had been guilty of some degree of carelessness, for which she was reprimanded by the coroner. MR. SPRY, surgeon, having examined the body, gave it as his opinion that the child had died of suffocation, and the jury returned a verdict to that effect.
The following inquests have been held before J. HICHENS, Esq., coroner, since our last report: At Hayle, in the parish of Phillack, on the 5th instant, on the body of a lad named PETER NORTHEY, aged about twelve years, who met with his death by having, as it is supposed, slipped his feet as he was standing on a platform close to the wheel of the flour grist mill belonging to Messrs. Sandys, Carne, and Company, at Hayle, an fallen into what are termed the buckets of the wheel, through which he had been drawn round with it. He was seen standing on the platform by some boys who were bathing, and was almost instantly afterwards missed, and then again seen in the water on the other side of the wheel. He was speedily taken up, but from the injuries his head had sustained, there was little doubt his death was immediate. Verdict, accidental death.
On the 7th instant, at Goldsithney, in the parish of Perranuthnoe, on the body of WM. HENRY GILL, aged about eighteen years, whose death was occasioned at Wheal Jane mine in that parish, on the 5th instant, by the fall of a large mass of ground on him. There seemed to be no cause for apprehension of danger at the time, nor is blame attributable to any party. The young man was taken out almost immediately, but life was extinct, and it appeared that the weight of the ground had killed him instantaneously. Verdict, accidental death.
On the same day, in the parish of St. Just in Penwith, on the body of RICHARD WARREN. The deceased was a kibble-filler, working in Botallack mine, and on the Saturday preceding, was employed at the 150-fathom level, when a stone or some hard substance fell through the shaft and struck him on the head, depriving him of his senses for some time; but he afterwards recovered so as to converse with those about him, and to be taken to the surface, and thence to his home, where he died shortly after. He was attended by three medical practitioners, who found no external bruises, but attributed his death to some internal injury produced by the blow. Verdict, accidental death.
On the 8th instant, in the parish of Crowan, on the body of JOHN TRYTHALL, aged 55 years, who was a miner and worked at Carn Brae mine, where he regularly followed his labour, and attended on Saturday last, to receive his usual subsist. On Sunday evening last, he went to bed about eight o'clock, leaving his wife and one of his sons down stairs. The deceased slept in an inner room up stairs, and in about five minutes after he had gone to bed, after much coughing, he was heard to come from the inner to the outer chamber, and there fall on the floor, where the son on going up found him lying in a state of insensibility, and bringing up a little blood. The son held him up in his arms, but he expired a few minutes after. Verdict, natural death.
FOOD RIOTS IN THE MINING DISTRICTS -
REDRUTH -
We are sorry to have to report a very alarming and disgraceful riot at Redruth, on Friday last, which at one time threatened to be attended with serious, if not fatal consequences to the lives of some of the persons present. There had been apprehensions throughout the week that some of the parties who have distinguished themselves by their ignorant violence at Helston and Penzance, would endeavour to rouse the miners of the Camborne and Redruth districts to the same foolish interruption of the business of the market, as had been effected at the former places. Stephen Davey and John P. Magor, Esqrs., had therefore attended at the Redruth Vestry Room, on Thursday, (the earliest day on which the state of the neighbourhood was reported to them,) to swear in such of the inhabitants as were willing to act as special constables, in suppressing any disturbance which might occur, and a considerable number of gentlemen were appointed to the office. It was also judged advisable to requ!
est the presence of a military force, and a dispatch was sent to Penzance to that effect.
On Friday morning additional constables were continued to be appointed until about nine o'clock, when Captain Symonds arrived from Penzance with a detachment of sixty-four men of the 5th Fusiliers, and Lieut. McDougall, with forty-four Pensioners, armed and equipped for service. Shortly after their arrival, information was received that a riotous assemblage of two or three thousand persons had taken place at Pool, a village about two miles west of Redruth, and in the immediate neighbourhood of the Carn Brae, Tincroft, and other important mines; and that an attack had been made on the stores of Mr. Joel Blamey, an extensive flour merchant of that place. The magistrates above named, first with a party of constables and then with Captain Symonds's detachment, proceeded to Pool, and we have elsewhere stated the occurrences which took place there. The news of those proceedings produced great excitement in Redruth; and when after the lapse of an hour, it was observed that large nu!
mbers of persons were coming into the town from the direction of Pool, and assembling in groups in the street, and that parties of people of the town and neighbourhood were also beginning to crowd the streets, although evidently without concert, and, for the most part, as mere spectators, several of the sellers in the market commenced removing their goods, the shop keepers, generally, put up their shutters, and a party of special constables, distinguished by a bit of white tape tied on the breasts of their coats, paraded the town.
The magistrates also promptly directed that all public-houses and beer-shops should remain closed throughout the day; and the bellman announced that the Cornish Bank would be kept open until six o'clock, for the purpose of accommodating those miners with change who were accustomed to get it from the publicans; and to these judicious and kind arrangements we attribute it that the subsequent occurrences were not of a much more violent character.
It was now about one o'clock, and there were some thousands of persons in the street; but they continued moving about in small parties, evidently without any united or understood purpose, without any appearance of a leader among them, and with nothing to concentrate their numbers, or particularly attract their attention, when two market gardeners from the west, who had each a considerable heap of cabbages to sell, were required by one or two women to sell their stocks at a reduced price; and the noise with which the demand was made soon drew a crowd of persons together, who began to trample on the vegetables. The men, rather than have any further disturbance, expressed their readiness to sell at the required price if they could have protection from violence, and they applied to Mr. Davey, who was passing at the time, to protect them. That gentleman, with several of the special constables, immediately gave assistance in keeping back the crowd, and facilitating the sale of the!
vegetables; and in a very short time the whole were disposed of, Mr. Davey very handsomely offering to compensate the parties for any loss they might sustain by the reduction of price, which they had so readily submitted to with a view to the prevention of outrage.
But the populace were now unfortunately brought into one mass, and had their cue. Several voices exclaimed - "now for the meat market," and a large body of the crowd proceeded in that direction, soon entirely filling the place. No act of violence, however, had occurred, or any expression of a disorderly nature, except the occasional exclamation of meat 5d. per lb., or meat 4d. per lb., until a silly young butcher, thinking there was no danger of his determination and valour being put to the proof declared as some of the men were passing his stall, that, if any man touched anything belonging to him, he would put a knife into him. He was promptly reproved by a special constable, who was standing by; but the butcher had done the mischief, his brag was communicated to the crowd, and a rush was made upon him at once, which, but for the very active interference of the constables, would no doubt have ended in serious consequences. Several women at this time encouraged the men to acts of violence, and behaved themselves in the most outrageous manner, until the foolish boaster and his unfortunate next neighbour offered a portion of their meat at 5d. per pound. This compromise was accepted; but the tumult had given timely alarm to the other butchers, and while the attention of the mob was centred on the noise and uproar proceeding from this part of the market, they had quietly been sending off their meat to places of safety, so that by the time the first mentioned persons had sold their meat the market was empty.
A few cases of momentary opposition to the removal of the meat occurred, and there were a few minor exhibitions of violence in other parts of the market, but we believe that the case abovenamed was the only one in which any actual loss was sustained by the butchers.
It was now about four o'clock, and on leaving the meat market with the baffled crowd, we found Mr. Pendarves, Mr. Magor, the Rev. Thos. Pascoe, Capt. Nott of the Coast Guard, and other magistrates and gentlemen, assembled on the leads over the porch of Andrew's Hotel, with a crowd in front of nearly five thousand people. The two first named gentlemen endeavoured to prevail on the crowd to disperse, but no attention was paid to anything said, until Mr. Magor proposed the sending a deputation from the people to state their wishes to the magistrates. This plan was distrusted, apparently, as a trap for taking some of them into custody; or it was not acted on from want of recognized leaders, until two or three of the most worthless of the crowd volunteered their services, and Trevethan, of Chacewater, and Williams, a cattle jobber of Gwennap, were deputed by a kind of heedless acclamation, which was in itself evidence of the absence of organization among the populace. The men bei!
ng asked what they had to state, Williams began with saying that they require to have meat sold them at 4d. per pound. Mr. Magor happened to know who he was, immediately asked "will you sell your cattle at that price?" "No" said he, "nor yet for 5d. nor yet for 6d." Of course a conference with such a party as this could have no satisfactory result, and we regret exceedingly that the fellow's hypocrisy was not at once communicated to the crowd.
About this time information was brought to the magistrates that the flour-store of Mr. Warmington, behind the Association Chapel, at the western end of the town, was being attacked, and as soon as it was certain that such was the case, Messrs. Magor and Pascoe, accompanied by Mr. Richard Davey, and a party of constables, proceeded thither, Mr. Stephen Davey remaining with the military, by request of Capt. Symonds, to give authority to any steps which they might find it necessary to adopt. On arriving at the stores, it was found that they had been broken into, and that a number of men, women, and children had opened sacks of flour, were filling bags, aprons, and handkerchiefs with their contents, and carrying off their disgraceful booty.
The constables, headed by Mr. Chipman, Sen., of the Clinton Arms, whose spirited behaviour is deserving of especial praise, attacked the thieves, rescued a large quantity of flour, and took possession of the place. No sooner, however, had the women and children got clear of the house than the mob commenced throwing very large stones at the party, and prepared to attack them in such force as obliged the gentlemen, who now had possession, to barricade the door, so as to hold out as long as possible, and enable them safely to evacuate their evidently untenable position. Two or three had received serious blows: Mr. Magor had been hit with a stone; Mr. Darke of Penzance, who was in attendance as clerk to the magistrates, was severely cut with a stone on the upper lip, which, we observed, bled profusely; and others, whose persons we could not, in the melee, distinguish, were also struck. Having closed the door and windows, the attack of the mob was successfully resisted, until at length a violent fellow of great strength broke in the door of the cellar with a grinding stone which he found in the yard, and which he wielded by the iron handle.
The constables, being unfurnished with staves, were then compelled to escape through the back window of an upper room, and in doing so one of them is said to have fractured a rib, and others to have sustained some severe injuries. Mr. Magor, seeing the serious aspect of affairs, had in the meantime gone off to fetch the military, who were waiting with Mr. S. Davey, in readiness, in the National School-room at the western end of the town. Some considerable time was, however, required to bring them to the spot, and when they arrived the mob had already cleared off the contents of fifteen sacks of flour during the time they had been holding undisputed possession of the place. When it was announced that the soldiers were approaching, there must have been two or three hundred people in the yard about the store, stealing and wasting the flour; but within the minute or two which preceded the appearance of the military, every creature had disappeared, some creeping over walls and ho!
uses which at any other time it would have been thought perfectly impracticable to scale.
The mob in the street continued in unabated numbers, although both Mr. Magor and Mr. Pascoe had repeatedly read the riot act and called on the people to disperse. The soldiers remained about three quarters of an hour in the passage leading from the street to the stores, and during this time the constables had captured the brute who had been most active and daring in inciting the people to acts of violence, and who is stated to be one of Breage.
After some time, Capt. Symonds's detachment was marched round by a back way into the street, and Mr. Magor again ordered the people to disperse, which they engaged to do if this fellow and one or two other prisoners were liberated. As it was now becoming dark, and several thousands of persons continued assembled in the streets in a state of great excitement, under all the circumstances, and to prevent the necessity for the active interference of the military, which must have been attended with considerable bloodshed, the magistrates determined to dismiss the prisoners, having first carefully ascertained their names and addresses, so that, by the aid of the civil force alone, they might be afterwards taken into custody and brought to justice. This was accordingly done, and the military marched to their quarters; but as the prisoners were escorted out of the town through the back way by two or three constables, the mob had not seen them set at liberty, and therefore continued !
for another half hour, clamouring for their production, and searching the premises, and even private dwellings about the yard for them. At last the liberated vagabonds were seen coming up the street, escorted by a mob shouting and cheering, and after receiving them with a loud hurrah the people at length began to disperse, at ten o'clock the streets being unusually quiet.
It was observed that very few Redruth men took any active part in the riot, which was chiefly carried on by persons from a distance, the principal actors among whom have been marked, and will be vigilantly watched, and, if found again offending, they will be punished with the utmost severity of the law.
The officers in command of the troops and pensioners, Capt. Symonds, and Lieutenants Rennie and McDougall, are deserving of great praise for their attention throughout the day to the wishes of the magistrates and the comfort of their men, in the whole of whose fatigues day and night they fully participated. The patience and good order also manifested by the soldiers in the trying circumstances in which they were placed, are the best testimony to their high state of discipline. The military left Redruth on Saturday night; but the neighbourhood continued after their departure in a very dissatisfied and unquiet state. Our correspondent states that apprehensions have been [entertained] of an attempt to disturb the County Court, which is to sit on Thursday, and every precaution is taken to prevent it; additional constables are chosen, and the military will be in readiness in the neighbourhood if required.
It was remarked by many on the occasion of this riot, that the most active and outrageous of the mob, were not industrious men who had been driven to desperation by distress, but indolent and bad characters, who urged on others in order that they might themselves have an opportunity of plundering whatever came in their way. There were, indeed, to their great disgrace, instances of men in good circumstances who excited the feelings of the crowd by false representations of the distress they were suffering. One man, among others, was very clamorous in complaining that he had only received 25s. wages for the last five weeks, and accosting Mr. Magor, the magistrate, he asked ":is not that too little for an old man like me?" Captain Tredinnick, of East Wheal Crofty, who was standing near, said he was very sorry to say that that man was his brother-in-law, and he could state that he and his sons, working in the same pair, had received during the last twelve months upwards of GBP 20!
0 from East Wheal Crofty mine. On afterwards referring to the books, Captain Tredinnick found that this man and his three sons (one of them being a boy who had earned about GBP 12) had received from the mine upwards of GBP244 during the last twelve months. Being also a small farmer, the man had absented himself from the mine for the last six weeks, having been employed in putting in his spring crops; and yet now he was going about among the mob complaining of ill-treatment and low wages from the mine! Wherever such an instance as this occurs, it deserves exposure.
We will also add that we are very sorry to be informed that an idea is prevalent among the people composing the mobs at Redruth and Pool, that the soldiers were afraid of them. Nothing can be more mistaken than this supposition. The military could only act when directed to do so by the civil power; and the magistrates being merciful, and dreading the effusion of blood, refrained from giving an order which would have sacrificed the lives of many of the rioters. The soldiers being drawn up, and remaining passive spectators of the outrages that were committed, displayed no fear - disciplined troops had no cause to fear an unarmed and disorganised multitude - but they showed that moral courage and true subserviency to discipline for which British soldiers are so distinguished. The mob, however, must not expect that such forbearance will again be shown them; for the law must be enforced, and if mild measures fail, those of a more serious character will have to be acted upon.
REDRUTH, Thursday, June 10, two p.m. - Previous to the sitting of the County Court large bodies of special constables were stationed in the neighbourhood of the court house, who very firmly and judiciously kept back a large crowd of persons which had come together. At half past ten, one hundred and seventy soldiers of the 5th Fusiliers and Pensioners were marched into the yards of the National School and Railway Station, within a few yards of the court; the constables had not any further trouble with the people, who at this time have all quietly dispersed.
The preceding account is from our own correspondent, in whom we have the fullest confidence; but the following description of the affair having reached us from a very respectable quarter, we deem it our duty to insert it:
In the food riot which occurred at Redruth, on Friday last, the populace were triumphantly successful in everything they undertook; and while there were at least a hundred constables and a hundred soldiers in the town, were permitted to enact scenes of violence which the least exhibition of determined resistance would have been sufficient to prevent.
From an early hour in the afternoon, it was apparent that the people were preparing for mischief; they had demanded a reduction in the price of vegetables, and obtained it; they had done the same in the meat market, and rendered it absolutely necessary that the butchers should secure their property by flight; they had broken into one store house in the disappointed hope of finding flour, and were actually plundering large quantities of that article from another warehouse while the military were drawn up under arms, the whole time, at an opposite extremity of the town.
It is true that a gallant effort had been made by a party of constables to rescue the property; but they were utterly unable to resist the overwhelming numbers of daring fellows they had to face; and after incurring imminent peril of the lives they were compelled to yield up the prey to the rioters. Fifteen sacks of flour had been carried off by men, women, and children, in portions varying from a pound to fifty pounds in weight, while the magistrates were reading the riot act, and again and again re-reading it, amidst the sneers and laughter of the people. At length it was found that the soldiers were approaching, and without waiting for them to make their appearance, in less than two minutes every soul of the people engaged in the pillage had taken flight in the utmost terror.
The ransacked store lay in a yard at the end of a long passage leading from the street; and in this passage did the soldiers remain for an hour drawn up, during which time the mob in the street were actually endeavouring to force the street door of the owner of the stores, within five or six yards of the rear of the soldiers, and were only prevented from accomplishing their purpose by a strong barricade of sacks of flour which was raised against the door - part of the door having actually been driven in. The constables had even captured a ringleader in the robbery, and placed him in charge of the military; but the mob insisted on his release, and not only obtained it, but even refused to disperse until the man again appeared at large among them - the soldiers having actually departed as soon as the prisoner was released, without waiting for the mob to separate. A few such successful riots at this, and it will be difficult to quell disturbances which a firm and energetic front would have instantly suppressed.
POOL -
On Friday morning last, about nine o'clock, several hundreds of persons, chiefly women and boys, congregated in front of Mr. Joel Blamey's corn stores at Pool; their number increased, with the addition of men, until they amounted to upwards of 3,000 persons, and they then delegated parties to request Mr. Blamey, as being the principal corn-factor in the village, to sell his flour at 50s. per sack. Mr. Blamey refused to comply, upon which the mob became very uproarious, notwithstanding the efforts of Mr. Marriott, the steward of Lady Basset, who was very active in attempting to appease them. That gentleman sent for Mr. Pike, the purser of Carn Brae mine, and there being also present Mr. Charles Reynolds, Captain Tredinnick, of East Wheal Crofty, Captain Joseph Vivian, of North Roskear, and other influential parties in the neighbourhood, these gentlemen severally addressed the tumultuous crowd, but all their efforts to quiet them were ineffectual, as the ringleaders determined!
to have some plunder.
At last the mob were further incited to violence by a woman who was waving her apron as a flag, and crying out "don't give him five minutes longer." Accordingly about the end of that time, the women commenced beating the door of the store-house with large stones; but that not answering their purpose directly, one of the women ran across the road to a smith's shop, and seized a sledge hammer, with which she gave such determined blows at the door that it soon yielded and the mob rushed in. Fortunately, Mr. Blamey had very little stock in the place, but all that was there was very soon plundered. The warehouse contained, besides flour, tea, coffee, pins, and other articles; and the appearance of the women was most ridiculous as they came out covered with flour, and with flour, tea, and other things all mixed up together in their aprons. About seven sacks of flour were carried away, GBP 25 worth of tea, a quantity of coffee, and about 20s. worth of pins, Mr. Blamey estimating hi!
s whole loss as amounting to about GBP 49.16s. One half of the flour was [scattered?] about the road, and only a very little had since been recovered, which was dropped at some places.
Shortly after the plundering commenced, three of the local magistrates arrived, and swore in a body of special constables; but on the mob becoming so outrageous, it was judged expedient to send for a detachment of the 5th Fusiliers, which had arrived at Redruth from Penzance that same morning by special train. Mr. Magor, the magistrate, and Captain Daw, of Carn Brea mine, were coming on the road in advance of the troops, when they met with two lads carrying flour, whom they seized and placed in confinement in Wheal Agar account-house.
Soon afterwards the soldiers arrived, being followed by thousands of miners from Redruth, and the excitement was intense. The military were formed across the road, the crowd being on both sides of them, and the magistrates read the riot act; but as no further measures were taken to disperse the mob, we are informed by a most respectable eye witness, that the whole proceedings were completely laughed at by the rioters. It is even stated by some who were present that the mob, thinking the military were afraid of their numbers, came close up to the soldiers' bayonets, and touched them, asking if they were sharp and would do any harm - a plain proof that a Cornish mob is not very familiar with these terrible weapons.
While the soldiers were in this position, the attention of the crowd was diverted by hearing of the two boys being in custody at Wh. Agar account-house, and a large body of them hastened away to effect their rescue. On arriving at the account house, the mob insisted on having the door opened, threatening to "nack" Capt. Eddy down; but as he had not the key, they broke into the place, and rescued the lads that were confined there. The mob having nothing more to occupy them, they then went to Redruth to engage in further rioting, as we have before stated; and the military, being no longer needed at Pool, were marched off to be present at the Redruth disturbance. Mr. Blamey was in his dwelling house (which is detached from the warehouse) at the time of this riot; and of course he was in considerable alarm, it having been reported the night before that his house was to be set on fire by the mob.
CAMBORNE - On Saturday morning last, a number of miners interfered with the gardeners who come to the market in this town, insisting that they should sell the vegetables themselves, instead of disposing of them to the retailers to sell to the public, as is the usual custom. The authorities perceiving the movement, with the view of avoiding a disturbance, ordered that it should be as the people demanded, and thus all passed off quietly. Rumours, however, were constantly circulated throughout the day of the intended [riot?] of the miners, and of their marching into the town, to the very great alarm of many nervous people. To provide against what might happen, arrangements were made by the authorities to preserve the public peace, the soldiers being kept in readiness at Redruth the whole of the day, and an engine being fully prepared to take them instantly to Camborne on the breaking out of any disturbance. The butchers, not knowing but that they might be visited with mob law, as their brethren of the same trade were the previous day at Redruth, brought but little meat into the market, which was very soon all sold at from 7d. to 7 1/2 d. per lb. In the evening there was a trifling disturbance about the sale of cabbages; and as night approached an unusual number of men, carrying sticks, paraded the streets, in consequence of which it was deemed advisable by the authorities to stop the drawing of all liquors for the night. After some time the streets became more tranquil, and eventually, we are happy to say, the day passed off without any breach of the peace by riotous assemblages. HELSTON - In consequence of the outbreak, and threats made use of by the miners on Saturday week, the Secretary of State was applied to for protection, and on Friday last a detachment of the 5th Fusiliers, (about sixty), arrived at Helford, on board the "Confiance" steamer, under the command of Captain Ashpittal and Lieut. Madden, and marched from thence to Helston, where they arrived about seven o'clock in the evening. The mayor and other authorities were unanimous in their determination to defend the town and property of the inhabitants, for which purpose the mayor requested during Friday, that the whole of the special constables (about seventy), would form themselves into three bodies. One division, which was under the superintendance of Mr. Frederick Hill, was requested to meet him at the council chamber at eight o'clock on Friday evening, where they were suitably organized, and requested to take charge of the corn market during the Saturday. Another party, under the direction of Mr. Glynn Grylls, had charge of the meat and butter market; and the third body, under the superintendence of Mr. Thomas Rogers, was placed in front of the corn market to protect the farmers in bringing in their corn, and to communicate with the mayor and magistrates, who were supported by the Rev. Canon Rogers and Mr. Popham, county magistrates. The military were stationed at the Angel Inn, about twenty yards from the corn market, to await the orders of the mayor in case of an outbreak. About twelve o'clock, which is the usual time for the corn being brought into the market, four of the petty constables of the borough were stationed at the market gates and required each person to give up his stick before he was allowed to enter. This step soon convinced the miners that the authorities had determined to suppress the unjustifiable steps taken by the mob on the previous Saturday. It must, however, be understood that the farmers alone [were responsible for] allowing about ten noisy and turbulent women, backed by a large number of miners, to say they would have their corn for whatever price they might put on it; and upon which not a farmer in the market ever applied to the authorities to protect him, but tamely submitted to the law as laid down by the women. The corn market, in consequence of the disturbance on the previous Saturday, was but very thinly supplied. Barley met with a ready sale at about 16s. to 17s. per bushel, wheat fetched 30s. to 32s. The police force, during the day, had their eye on several noted and dissatisfied characters, and on one in particular called Williams, (alias Allcompane), of Ashton, in Breage, who is reported to have been foremost in the riots at Redruth, on Friday last. Two women also, named Champion and Mollard, are noted as notoriously noisy characters. The market throughout was conducted very peaceably, and at nine o'clock the town assumed its usual appearance of quietness and order. The military are to be augmented by about two hundred men on Saturday next. FALMOUTH - Considerable excitement has prevailed in this town, since the riot on Friday last at Redruth, from an apprehension that the misguided men would visit this place. On Saturday, rumours prevailed more or less during the day, that the miners were on the road to the number of many thousands; and the alarm was so great at Penryn that several of the shops were closed, and business suspended, especially in the meat and green markets. On Wednesday it was again reported that the miners were coming; but it eventually appeared that the report emanated from an application of the magistrates at Redruth to the authorities at Pendennis Garrison for the assistance of the military, to preserve the peace of the town on Thursday, on which day it was feared an attempt would be made to interfere with the holding of the County Court at Redruth. A detachment of the 5th Fusiliers, under Capt. Symonds, and a body of Pensioners under Lieut. McDougall accordingly left Falmouth on Thursday at 5 o'clock in the morning for Redruth. The "Confiance" steam tug arrived from Plymouth just as they were leaving, with another detachment of the 5th Fusileers, under Capt. Kennedy, about seventy men with a number of Artilliery men and four field-pieces. At Penryn it is said that several of the corn factors have determined to order no more corn or flour as they are only thereby putting their lives and property in jeopardy. Thus the foolish rioting that has taken place will have the effect of rendering corn and provisions more scarce than before, and thereby add to the sufferings of the community. ST. AGNES - Amidst the riotous assemblies of miners and other labourers in various parts of the county for some weeks past, it is worthy of remark that those of the parish of St. Agnes have conducted themselves in a most patient and orderly manner; notwithstanding upwards of eight hundred miners, who were employed in the Royal Polberron Consols, were, without any previous notice, obliged to desist from working in consequence of an injunction having been served thereon. By reason of this unexpected event happening so near their "pay-day", and without any prospect of receiving their wages, the persons who were in the habit of supplying them with food from month to month, refused to furnish them with further supplies, and thereby a great number of them with large families were compelled to beg for bread or employment. The principal inhabitants of St. Agnes, having taken into consideration the distressed state of these poor men, and finding they were desirous of employment in any way by which they might procure bread for their families, commenced repairing old and making new but necessary roads in the parish, about which a great number have been and still are employed, until more suitable work can be obtained by them. Stephen and Richard Davey, Esqrs., also, hearing of their deplorable condition, immediately advised with their steward, and gave employment to about sixty of the most needy, on the uncultivated part of their lands on Tywarnhayle farm, by which praiseworthy measure those poor miners earned and are still earning their bread without complaint, or expressing the least desire or inclination to disturb the peace of the parish or neighbourhood, which reflects the greatest credit both on the employed and employers.
18 JUNE 1847, Friday
FOOD RIOTS IN THE MINING DISTRICTS
JUNE 18, 1847
St. Austell - We regret to state that on Friday last a riotous assemblage of people committed outrages at St. Austell, similar to those that have been perpetrated by mobs in some other parts of the county. (May 14, Wadebridge; June 11, Redruth and Pool.) It will be seen, however, by the following account, that through the foresight, prudence, and firmness of the authorities, the rioters were dispersed without bloodshed, and the chief offenders have been brought within the power of justice.
At an early hour on Friday morning last, rumours were prevalent in St. Austell that the miners at the Charlestown United mines, which are in that neighbourhood, were assembling themselves and coming into the town with a large number of men from the China Clay works, which are also in the immediate vicinity. It was a body of these men, in conjunction with others, that had alarmed the inhabitants of Wadebridge some weeks before, by their proceedings when endeavouring to prevent the shipment of corn; and the people of St. Austell had good reason to fear their violent spirit, if they were not opposed in a firm and decided manner. Mr. Coode, the clerk of the peace for the county, who resided in St. Austell, happened at this time to be absent from home; and Mr. Tremayne, an influential magistrate of the vicinity, was an Sydenham, in Devonshire.
Mr. Thomas Coode, the Under-Sheriff, and Mr. Shilson, of the firm of Coode, Sons, and Shilson, received information, between seven and eight o'clock in the morning, that about fifty of the miners belonging to Charlestown United mines had gone in the direction of the China Clay works in the neighbourhood of Roche. They immediately sent for Sir Joseph Graves Sawle, Bart, and Mr. Thomas Hext, the nearest resident magistrate; and also dispatched a special messenger to the High-Sheriff, Nicholas Kendall, Esq., of Pelyn, to apprise him of the intelligence they had received. Not only did the Under-Sheriff and Mr. Shilson promptly take these steps, but they at once made arrangements by which they received from the mines and clay works in the neighbourhood speedy information of what was further doing amongst the miners and clay workmen. Sir Joseph Sawle very quickly arrived, and then Mr. T. Hext.
Before the arrival of the Sheriff, information was received from different quarters of such a nature as convinced the Under-Sheriff, magistrates, and Mr. Shilson, of the necessity of sending for the military. They dispatched another messenger, who met the Sheriff at St. Blazey Gate, and that gentleman, with the greatest promptitude, wrote from that place a short note to the commanding officer of a detachment of the 5th Fusiliers, then stationed at Bodmin, to come with his men to St. Austell. In the meantime, the magistrates proceeded to swear in special constables, and to take other measures for protecting the inhabitants of the town and their property.
And here we should state as an instance of the foresight of the authorities, that they had previously prepared lists of parties who were liable to serve as constables, in order to promptly meet the contingency of an outbreak; and through this measure they had now no difficulty in selecting at once as many men as were necessary, and were likely to make efficient constables. About ninety of these were sworn in, and each of them was furnished with a rather formidable staff, which, if they were not compelled to use, were sufficient to give them confidence in the presence of a turbulent mob.
Orders were issued to all the innkeepers and beer-house-keepers to close their houses; and most of the shops in the town were also closed. Although it was market-day, the fear being visited by a mob deterred the butchers from attending, until seeing that special constables were sworn in and measures taken to preserve the peace, they regained confidence, and brought their meat to the stalls as usual.
We are informed that the miners from the Charlestown mines compelled the men at other places, and at the China Clay works, who were disinclined to go with them, by threats of violence. They went to the clay works at Lansellsen and other places to induce the men to leave their work. From the clay works they proceeded to Wheal Beam, where they pressed all the men that were at grass, and sent underground for the miners to come up, threatening that if they did not, they would stop the engines and turn the water in upon them. It is said that they were even about to carry their threats into execution, and took up many of the ladders.
They also dispatched ten or twelve of their emissaries to Polgooth mine, who sent down underground for the men to come up, and on their doing so one of them was deputed by the others to go and inform Capt. Bell, the agent of the mine, of the errand of the men from the Charlestown mines. Capt. Bell promptly told his men that if any of them left their work at the mine, they should never more have employment there; and in consequence all the men of Polgooth mine returned to their labours.
Capt. Bassett, the principal agent of the Charlestown United mines, afterwards met a number of men from those mines, armed with large clubs, which he persuaded them to drop, telling them that if they had any grievance to represent, they should go into the town and state it in a peaceable manner. At length large bodies of men were seen on the hills between St. Austell and Roche; but fortunately the military were fast approaching at the time in omnibuses, each drawn by four horses.
Mr. Elias Martin, proprietor of china clay works, and who keeps general stores at Carthew, feared that the people on the hills were coming to attack his stores, and went to Captain Johnson, commanding the military, to request that he would have them out of the omnibuses in order to scare the mob. The Captain did so, and the effect, we are informed, was such that a large number of miners went home again, leaving the subsequent disorders of the day to be chiefly accomplished by the china clay men. It is said that very few miners, as compared with their first numbers, entered the town, although they had been the chief instigators of this riotous assembling of other labourers.
Between one and two o'clock, some small bodies of miners made their appearance in the town, but without any shew of combination, or attempt at mischief. The inhabitants, however, were in a considerable state of excitement; and about this time Lieutenant Drew and seven men of the coast-guard, armed with muskets and bayonets, marched into the Town Hall, they having been sent for from Porthpean. Small parties of china clay labourers also made their appearance, but they principally came in in small numbers, the sight of the military having had the effect of breaking up the large bodies that were seen on the hills. The town, however, was becoming filled, there being a great number of women and boys in the streets, and these, in fact, formed a very large proportion of the mob throughout the day.
At length the rioting was begun in real earnest by a larger body of men than had before entered, and who came in from the Bodmin road. The first act was to proceed to the shop of Mr. Rowe, a baker. Two of the men entered and asked Mrs. Rowe for a crib. She desired them to wait a little; upon which one of the fellows who had a "double-pick hilt" said they would have it, and began to throw the bread into the street among the mob. He was pushed out of the shop by Mrs. Rowe, but again entered flourishing his pick hilt, and threatening to knock her brains out. Mrs. Rowe's shop was plundered of about 5s. worth of bread, and the mob then proceeded to Mr. Secombe's shop, the fellow with the pick hilt marching in front, and flourishing it over his head.
On their arrival at the shop this fellow struck the door and broke it. They then went to the shop of Miss Trudgian, who gave them all the bread she had; and they next went down the old western hill, with the intention, it is believed, of pillaging the corn and flour stores of Mr. Warne. By this time, however, the military had arrived in the town, and the Sheriff and Under-Sheriff having received notice of what the mob were doing, followed and overtook them at Mr. Hodge's foundry. The Sheriff had previously dispatched a messenger requiring the troops to follow him, and they did so under the command of Captain Johnson and Lieut. Fitzgerald, and accompanied by Sir Joseph Sawle, Mr. T. Hext, and Mr. Shilson. The Sheriff and Under-Sheriff then addressed the mob outside the entrance of the foundry.
There appeared at this time to be no organisation or recognized leaders amongst them; each one bawled out for himself anything he thought proper to state as a grievance or a threat. Most of them were young men, and with one or two exceptions, there was nothing in their appearance to denote distress. They were asked what they had to complain of, and said they wanted to have corn at one shilling a gallon; they were in a state of distress, they said, and wanted to reduce the price of corn, the latter being their principal cry.
The result of the conference was that the Sheriff requested them to state any grievance that they wished to represent, in a peaceable manner; and said that he and the gentlemen present would meet a deputation of their body to hear what they had to complain of. Some of the poor misguided men were averse to this, but others thought it the proper course, and asked what time they should send the deputation. The Sheriff said he was ready to hear them immediately. It was then agreed that a deputation of twelve men should be sent to the National School Room at half-past four o'clock, where the gentlemen would hear what they had to say. The High-Sheriff, Under-Sheriff, Magistrates, Constables, and Military then returned to the Town Hall, the mob following them up the hill cheering and making varied noises.
About this time the streets were very full, there being, it is supposed, upwards of two thousand persons in them. The multitude presented a most motley appearance, there being women, lads, and miners intermixed with china clay men in their white dresses and other men in dark dresses, some few of the workmen of the town having felt a sympathy with the mob and joined them. Before the expiration of the time, however, at which the Sheriff was to receive the deputation, the mob became impatient, it being evident that some of them wanted to be plundering.
They broke into the shop of Mr. Pedler, a flour dealer, but the Sheriff was very soon upon them with the constables and coast-guard. He captured one of the mob who was in the house, a man called Payne, and handed him over to the coast-guard, but by some means, in the confusion of the moment, the fellow got out of their hands. Another man, called Roberts, attempted to strike the High-Sheriff with a stick; but the Sheriff seized his arm, and the fellow was immediately taken into custody by the constables and brought through the mob to the lock-up in the Town Hall.
Notwithstanding this breach of faith on the part of the mob, they having engaged to await the conference with the deputation, it was still thought proper by the Sheriff to meet the latter, who came to see him outside the National School Room. He and the gentlemen present there explained to them, that it was useless for them to think the gentlemen had power to reduce the price of corn. That was quite out of the question; but he would undertake, on condition of their dispersing, to call a meeting of the gentlemen and persons of influence in the neighbourhood at an early day, to consider what measures could be taken to alleviate their distress.
The Sheriff also questioned the spokesman of the deputation, and elicited that he worked at the China Clay works, and earned 10s. a week. He admitted that with over-time, he could get 12s. a week, and that he had a wife and one child. Captain Michell, who was standing by, said that that man's son got 1s. a day wages; and the Sheriff told him he ought to be ashamed of himself to come there. The man, however, persisted that he was in distress, and before he went away begged a shilling of the Sheriff. The general complaint by the deputation was that they could not earn wages enough to get bread for their families; but on leaving the Sheriff they undertook to get their companions to quit the town. It was, however, evident that they had no control or influence over the rest of the people, and thus there was no dispersion of them.
The Sheriff and gentlemen with him then returned to the Town Hall, where he addressed the mob, informing them of what had taken place between him and the deputation, and requesting and calling on them to go to their houses, otherwise he should be compelled to read the Riot Act. The men refused to leave the town unless the prisoner that had been taken was given up to them.
The Sheriff said he would rather suffer his right hand to be cut off than he would release the prisoner. He told them he would not be dictated to, and that it was useless for them to attempt to make any terms with him; he was there as the representative of the Queen to keep the peace, and instead of being dictated to he must dictate to them. He again advised them to go to their houses, and then retired into the Town Hall. The mob, however, became more and more clamorous for the release of the prisoner, and some of them, both men and women, made use of threats which we are ashamed should proceed from the mouths of Cornishmen and Cornish women.
It was getting towards evening, and it was though advisable that the Sheriff should read the riot act. Proclamation was therefore made, and the Sheriff explained to the mob that every person who did not disperse within one hour after the reading of the act, would be guilty of felony, and liable to be punished for it; and that he should at the expiration of the hour proceed to seize the ringleaders if they did not disperse.
The riot act was read at nine minutes before six, and the Under-Sheriff afterwards went down to the men at the entrance of the Town Hall, and earnestly entreated them to go to their homes, telling them what would be the consequence if they remained. But this made no impression on the mob, who said they were determined to have the prisoner by force. A man called John Cock, of Broadlane, in the parish of Roche, got upon an elevated place near the Town Hall, and addressed the mob. The prisoner was confined in the Town Hall, and turning to the Sheriff, who appeared at one of the windows, this John Cock said - "if you let the man out, we will go home immediately, but if you will not, we will take him by force; if you meddle with us it will be death for you; we will have life for life, and blood for blood." The mob was most uproarious about this period, and cheered the fellow during his address, saying they would level the place to the ground.
The High Sheriff, however, was determined to concede nothing. About seven o'clock, a pick was brought to the gates of the Town Hall, where the prisoner was confined, which the mob had sharpened at a blacksmith's shop. There was then great shouting among the crowd; but the hour having expired after reading the riot act, it was now resolved to disperse them. Captain Johnson ordered his men to load their muskets, they being then in the Town Hall; and the magistrates selected about thirty of the most powerful men amongst the constables and special constables.
The soldiers were then marched down into the street and formed, which movement occasioned the crowd to fall back, and the space in front of the military was instantly occupied by the selected constables and special constables, who, with the Sheriff at their head, rushed up the streets, seized and brought in the ringleaders of the mob by force. In the course of a very short time, thirteen of the most violent of the mob were thus captured. The Sheriff, in the most gallant manner, captured several of the most determined of the rioters with his own hand.
The Under-Sheriff, magistrates, and other gentlemen were also duly at their posts, and extremely active at this critical period. Ultimately fourteen of the rioters were brought in as prisoners; but the military were not ordered to move until some time afterwards, when the special constables having scoured the streets, Captain Johnson's men were marched through with fixed bayonets, and experienced no resistance. The only thing that occurred was the pricking with the bayonets of one or two persons who were loitering about. The soldiers were then ordered back again, and the streets became quiet between ten and eleven o'clock.
After the town had been tranquillized, the magistrates retired into a room adjoining the Town Hall, where they had the prisoners brought before them, took the examinations of witnesses against them, committed thirteen, and remanded one for a short time. The prisoners were placed in Kellow's omnibus, guarded by a corporal and six soldiers, with constables, and drawn by four horses. There were reports that a rescue was to be attempted on the moors, and to guard against the possibility of any conflict with the people, the prisoners were conveyed to Bodmin by way of Lostwithiel. The prisoners left St. Austell about half-past one; the Sheriff accompanied the van in his gig, and at four o'clock he delivered his charge into the hands of Mr. Everest, the governor of the gaol, and returned to St. Austell.
On Saturday morning the magistrates again met, and took informations against John Cock, the man who addressed the mob outside the Town Hall, and against a man called Rouse, of the parish of St. Austell, who was carrying a pick-hilt in the early part of Friday. Warrants were made out, and about nine o'clock in the evening half a dozen constables were dispatched to Roche and Molinnis. They captured John Cock in his bed, but the other man had absconded. Cock was brought to St. Austell, and evidence being given against him, he was committed and conveyed to Bodmin. Two other men were also apprehended on warrants, but it appearing that they had been no great participators in the riot, they were discharged on entering into recognizances to keep the peace for twelve months.
We regret to state that a lawless spirit, and a disposition to plunder, seemed to be the ruling motive of a portion of the mob that on this occasion visited St. Austell. Some of the men might, indeed, have ignorantly supposed that they could enforce a reduction of the price of corn, and it is to be regretted that they are not more enlightened on the subject. It is, however, thought by many that a general pillage of the provisions in the town was intended.
Many of the women throughout the afternoon were provided with large baskets, sacks, pillow-cases, and aprons, and were continually inciting the men to break open the shops. It was a woman who chiefly induced the men to break into Mr. Pedlar's shop, and when the High-Sheriff entered with the constables they were in the shop plundering. They were also heard to be urging the men to attack the soldiers. It is said that in the morning, after asking the butchers the price of meat, the women said "Oh, we shall have it cheaper by and by;" and a man used similar words in the shop of Mr. Badge, flour dealer.
The town would most probably have been extensively plundered had not the authorities, and those under their direction, so well performed their duties. The inhabitants are loud in their praise of the cool, firm, and gallant bearing of the High-Sheriff on this trying occasion, which rebounds much to his honour; and the conduct of the Under-Sheriff, magistrates, gentlemen, constables, and military is also spoken of as having been beyond all praise.
There is no doubt that great distress prevails in the district, but it is unfortunate that any who are in distress should think they can relieve themselves in any degree by resorting to acts of violence and crime. We fear there were many among the crowd at St. Austell who had been imposed upon by the representations of wicked and designing men. There appears to be good evidence of this, for some of the most clamorous among the mob, as at the Redruth riots, were not men who were in actual distress.
The leader of those who committed the first outrage by breaking into Mr. Rowe's shop, is a man possessed of some property, and in easy circumstances. One of the deputation who said he had only 10s. a week, has been proved by his employer to have been earning on an average GBP 4. 2s. a month at the clay works. He has built a good cottage, and is about to build another.
Many of the men who went from the Charlestown mines will receive GBP 6 at the pay day on Saturday next, and Captain Barrett states that the average earnings of the men in those mines are GBP 3 10s. per month. The china clay labourers get 10s. a week for working eight hours a day, including their dinner hour; so that the men, having an opportunity of working extra time, may increase their wages to 12s. weekly, and those who have families may set their children also at work. The wages of the china clay labourers was formerly 1s. 6d. a day, but since the first of January, they have been increased to 1s. 8d.; and it is said that there is no scarcity of employment.
The High Sheriff, in pursuance of the promise he made to the deputation at the National School Rooms, convened on Monday last, at the Town Hall, St. Austell, a meeting of the owners of land, mines, and clay works in the neighbourhood, to consider the [possibilities] of meeting the great distress amongst the labourers of the district. The meeting was numerously attended by the influential inhabitants of the neighbourhood, and the chair was taken by the High-Sheriff, supported by several of the leading landowners of the district.
The CHAIRMAN opened the proceedings by stating some particulars of his conference with the deputation from the crowd on Friday last, which we have already substantially given. As by their subsequent conduct the people had broken faith with him, it might be said that the notice for a meeting that day might have been suspended; but as there were doubtless many cases of suffering (most probably amongst those who were not riotously inclined) he hoped they would think with him that the notice had been judiciously issued. He then stated that the object of the meeting was to raise a subscription; and he would recommend that to all persons who could really prove that their wages were not sufficient to provide food for their families, relief tickets should be issued.
Mr. TREMAYNE said he had only yesterday heard of the occurrences at St. Austell, and he had come down forty or fifty miles to express his extreme regret that he was not present to aid in the gallant and successful efforts made there on Friday last. He was sure they must all feel the greatest gratitude to the High Sheriff, the gentlemen who supported him, and to the constables, who exerted themselves in a most manly manner. He believed that the miners had been excited and misled by certain foolish women, who drew them to the town and swelled the crowd. He understood, indeed, that the miners present were extremely few; and notwithstanding the manner in which the people had acted, he considered it to be their duty to express regret in their first resolution at the distress that prevails. His belief was that the real sufferers were silent, and that those clamourers had no claim to their regard.
As to any supposition, however, that any subscription of theirs could have the effect of lowering the prices of corn in the country, it was quite absurd, as every man who had paid the least attention to the subject must know. These people last Friday had acted in a manner that he feared would do them great mischief. There could be nothing like cheapness unless there was an ample supply; and there could not be an ample supply unless there were persons who made it their trade to buy and sell. He believed that the effect of the disturbances would be to prevent those who traded in corn from increasing their stores; they should, therefore, under the sanction of a committee, take means of ascertaining the quantity of corn and flour in the district, and assist in protecting what was there from outrage.
It should also be the [obligation] of all employers to employ as many of the population as they possibly could, and enable them to meet the difficulty of the times. Having done that there would be extreme cases of distress to be provided for, such as would legitimately come before the Board of Guardians; and he could testify, from his own knowledge, that in that district they had strained the law to the utmost in giving relief to such cases. There were, however, some cases, perhaps, to which the law was not applicable, and those might be very properly relieved by means of a public subscription. He concluded by moving the first resolution, which expressed sympathy with the distress prevailing in the country.
The Hon. G. M. Fortescue said they must all feel grateful to the High-Sheriff for his gallant, firm, judicious, and merciful conduct on Friday last. He agreed with Mr. Tremayne that their funds, however large, could have no effect on the general price of corn; the way to lower the price of corn would be to give those who trade in it efficient protection, for if the traders in America, Russia, France, and other parts learn that corn is insecure in this country, they will of course remove it to other places, where prices are nearly equal to the prices of which we are complaining. He then seconded the resolution.
The Chairman, before putting the resolution, said he would take the opportunity of thanking Mr. Tremayne and Mr. Fortescue for the kindness with which they had spoken of him. ...(He thanked everyone else for their parts, especially Captain Johnson.)
Captain Johnson thanked the High-Sheriff for the kind expressions he had used towards him, and his men. He was happy that their presence only was required - that they were not compelled to use their arms, and hoped their conduct would always merit such praise.
The resolution was carried unanimously, as also were all the succeeding resolutions.
Sir Joseph Sawle, Bart., s[econd]ed the resolution; and the Chairman, in putting it to the meeting, explained that they were not at all pledging themselves by it to become flour-dealers.
Mr. ROBARTES moved an urgent recommendation to all adventurers in mines, clay works, and other works, to take measures such as they might think expedient to keep the population fully employed, and enable them to meet the exigency of the times.
Mr. T. HEXT seconded the resolution.
Sir Joseph SAWLE, Bart., proposed the fourth resolution - that to meet extreme cases a subscription should be opened, to be at the disposal of a committee, who should sit weekly of oftener to consider each case as brought before them.
Mr. SHILSON said he had great pleasure in seconding the resolution, and had no doubt that it would be responded to by the gentlemen in the neighbourhood. He also hoped that in common humanity and charity, those who were receiving large profits from the labour of the poor would allow those poor sufficient wages to enable them to live. (hear hear
Mr. TREMAYNE said he most cordially agreed with that sentiment, and had expressed it at different times at the Board of Guardians.
M. LAKES, Chairman of the Board of Guardians, observed that the gettings of a number of persons who paid to the poor rates were only 15s. or 16s. a week; and however much he approved of the last resolution, he would not put the paupers in a better condition than those who contributed to them. He only threw out the suggestion, but he believed that a great deal of the distress would be remedied if every man received a fair day's wages for a fair day's work, and were allowed to go and buy in the best and cheapest market. (hear hear)
Mr. Lakes, however, thought there was not that extent of distress that was supposed by some; and Captain COCK, of china clay works, afterwards made some observations to the same effect.
The Hon. G. M. FORTESCUE expressed his surprise that the truck system should prevail in the neighbourhood of St. Austell, and hoped that they would speedily do away with it.
The committee was then appointed, consisting of Sir Joseph Sawle, Bart., Mr. T. Hext, Mr. Lakes, and a number of the influential inhabitants of the neighbourhood, agents of mines, and clay works, &c.
The Rev. R. TAYLOR, of St. Mewan, made some observations respecting the composition of the committee, and spoke in condemnation of the truck system, or anything like it.
Mr. JOHN HOSKINS said he was personally an employer of from fifty to sixty men, and he believed that not one of them was concerned in the riots, or wanted food. Alluding to the wages of workers, he felt there were very few at the China clay works that got so little as 10s. a week; taking the average, he believed their earnings were from 12s to 14s a week. In the mines, he knew they earned GBP 3 a month, and Captain Barrett had told him that GBP 3 10s. was about the average wages.
The CHAIRMAN said the committee would have to write to the non-resident landowners, and inform them of what had been done. The subscription was then entered into, when the Hon. G. M. Fortescue gave GBP 30; Sir Joseph Sawle, 30; Mr. Tremayne, 50; the Hon. Mrs. Agar and Mr. Robartes, 50; Mr. Coode, 30; Mr. T. Coode, 20; Mr. Kendall, 20; Mr. T. Hext, 10; Mr.Shilson, 10; Rev. R. Taylor, 10' and several of the respectable inhabitants of St. Austell also instantly put down their names, making a subscription upwards of 200.
Mr. HOSKINS, before the chairman left his position, said there was a great deal of ignorance among the miners and workmen in the neighbourhood, which they should try to remove. There was an excellent leading article in the West Briton last week, and also an address to the miners. He thought a digest of the leading article might be prepared and circulated among the miners, as also some copies of the address. Mr. Fortescue said he thought it was a valuable suggestion.
25 JUNE 1847, Friday
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE
THE POTATOE CROP - We are happy to say that the potatoes in the neighbourhood of Redruth continue to present the most healthful appearance. One day last week a few spots seemed blighted with the wind, and much alarm began to be entertained; but we believe that in every case they have recovered strength, and no trace of "the disease" has yet been visible. Our St. Ives correspondent states that the crops in that neighbourhood are looking remarkably fine. In consequence of the effect of the North-east wind a few days since it was feared that the disease had again visited the potatoe; but they are now become quite recovered and healthy. Fine kidney potatoes were sold in the market on Saturday last at 2d. to 2 � d. per pound.
In the neighbourhood of Truro and in other parts of the county the crop also bears a healthy appearance, and promises to be very productive. There were found in a few days since under one stalk in a plot tilled by Mr. WILTON, of the New-road, Truro, upwards of forty potatoes, many of them being of large size, and the whole crop entirely free from disease.
HUGHES'S MAMMOTH ESTABLISHMENT - On Wednesday last, Truro was crowded as on a fair day, to witness the procession through the streets, of Hughes's Royal Mammoth Establishment. The windows, balconies, and every available place from which the cortege might be seen were crowded to excess, and it was deemed prudent generally to close the shops, on account of the throng.
At half-past eleven o'clock, the imposing cavalcade came down Lemon Street, and proceeded through a part of the town, the most striking objects being the "Egyptian Dragon Chariot" with its cupola twenty-one feet high, containing a brass band, and drawn by four large camels; and the "Burmese Imperial Carriage and Throne," drawn by two fine elephants, the driver in East Indian costume, and conveying an idea of Oriental splendour. Both these carriages were richly decorated with burnished gold ornaments and carved work. There were also several magnificent wardrobe and travelling carriages, drawn by camels and horses, a number of beautiful horses in rich trappings, ladies on horseback, ponies of Lilliputian sire, &c., the whole presenting a most striking and novel appearance.
One of Mr. Hughes's camels is said to have fallen on the road near Killagannon, and broken his shoulder-bone, through which it was obliged to be killed. At two o'clock, and also in the evening, the establishment performed in Mr. Reed's � of Lemon-street, where a great number of persons attended to witness the horsemanship, gymnastics, and� &c. The establishment has visited most of the principal towns in the county, and the performances have been largely attended.
WADEBRIDGE FAIR - The supply of every description of cattle at this fair on Tuesday last was large, but the sale was by no means brisk in the morning. Later in the day, however, a great many bargains were made at prices, for cattle, from 2s. to 3s. per cwt, less than those realized at previous fairs; but cows and calves sold at a very high rate. A large number of Sheep were disposed of at prices not exceeding 6 1/2d. per lb., but several pens remained unsold.
STRATTON - The foundation stone of the New Market House was laid on Tuesday week, in the presence of a very large assemblage of the inhabitants.
ARRIVAL OF CORN - During the past week, Falmouth harbour has presented quite a gay appearance, there having arrived a large fleet of vessels from foreign parts, which put into the harbour to await orders. Many of the vessels were of very considerable tonnage, and the whole fleet were laden with grain to the amount, it is stated, of between two and three hundred thousand quarters. There have also been large arrivals at other ports, particularly at Cork and Yarmouth, the supplies being principally from the Mediterranean. A large number of shipping have arrived laden with Indian corn, and in consequence that grain has fallen materially in value not only in London and Liverpool, but likewise in Ireland.
THE SCARCITY - On account of the prevalent distress, the clergymen and gentlemen of St. Columb Minor held a special vestry on the 19th ult., when a subscription to relieve the distressed poor was entered into. Subsequently a rate of four-pence in the pound has been collected , and six pounds worth of bread distributed weekly for the last four weeks, which have been most thankfully received. Many have thus been kept from throwing themselves entirely on the union � a measure to be deprecated by all, both as regards additional expenses and the feeling of those compelled to submit to what they consider the greatest degradation. It is intended to continue the same amount of bread until there is a favorable change in the price of food.
SUPPLIES FOR THE POOR - A cargo of flour has been imported into Wadebridge, for the people of Bodmin. It is being sold at reduced rates to the subscribers by whose money it was purchased, and to all those persons to whom subscribers give tickets. Last week it was sold at 3s. a dozen lbs., and with it was given 3 lbs. of Indian meal. T. J. AGAR ROBARTES, Esq., has given GBP 100 towards the subscription.
STATE OF THE MINING DISTRICTS - The mining districts of Redruth and Camborne have continued during the past week in the same state of tranquility and order as reported in our last. The prompt and decisive warning of the consequences of insubordination to the law, which has been given in the arrest of several of the parties in the late riot, has had its proper effect, and it has not been judged necessary for the present to apprehend any more of the delinquents. Several persons continue, however, to be vigilantly watched by the police, and the least return of disorder would lead to their immediate arrest.
THE LATE RIOTS AT ST. AUSTELL - Two of the ring-leaders in these riots, named CHARLES FAULL and RICHARD KESSEL, were committed on the 17th instant by Sir J. S. G. Sawle, Bart., to await their trial.
FALMOUTH CHURCH - An elegant stained-glass window has been placed in the east end of Falmouth church, above the communion table, by the Rev. W. J. COOPE, in memory of his late father, at a cost of upwards of GBP300.
TRIBUTE OF RESPECT - A very elegant and chastely executed marble Tablet has been erected in the Torpoint Chapel of Ease, by permission of the Rev. R. DUNNING, the incumbent, by the officers and crew of H. M. brig "Star," in memory of their high respect for and appreciation of the many excellent qualities of their late beloved Commander, R. DUNLOP, Esq. The inscription is as follow: "As an affectionate memorial, this Tablet was erected by the officers and crew of H. M. brig "Star," to the memory of their beloved Captain, Robert John Wallace Dunlop, Esq., born November 21st, 1811, who died on the coast of Africa, May 11th, 1846. With kindness of manner and solicitude for the happiness of those under his command, were combined undaunted energy and indefatigable perseverance. A braver spirit never floated on the bosom of the mighty deep."
A "TIMBRIN" OF NEIGHBOURS - Not far from Stratton are three adjoining farms, the names of whose occupiers are OAK, ASH, and IVEY. Mr. Oak's farm is called Bush, Mr. Ash's, Crockwood, and Mr. Ivey's, Woods. Mr. Ash has an overseer called Wood, and is also landlord of the Tree Inn in Stratton.
FORGERY - FREDERICK BODY, a butcher and a respectable dealer in cattle at Devonport, was committed by the borough justices of Liskeard, on Saturday last, to take his trial at the ensuing assizes for forging the name of JOHN HYNE, the government contractor for supplying meat at Plymouth, to a cheque for GBP 66, and obtaining money to the amount thereof. It appeared that in the month of September last, the prisoner presented this cheque, which was drawn on the Naval Bank, Plymouth, at the Devon and Cornwall Bank, Liskeard, for payment. It was cashed by the manager, and the prisoner gave his name as Richard HICKS, of Tregonnick, Duloe. The cheque was forwarded next day to the Naval Bank at Plymouth, when it was discovered to be a forgery, and returned again to the Devon and Cornwall Bank.
Inquiry was set on foot for the prisoner, but it was soon found that there was no such person resident in Duloe, nor any such place at Tregonnick in the parish, as the prisoner had represented. No clue as to the prisoner or knowledge of the writing could be ascertained, and the bank had instituted proceedings against Hyne for the recovery of the amount obtained under the cheque.
However, on Monday, the 14th inst., the prisoner again made his appearance at the bank, and presented a written cheque drawn also on the Naval Bank, and signed "John Hyne, for GBP 57, for the purpose of obtaining cash. The manager immediately recognized the prisoner as the person who had obtained cash for the former cheque; and after requesting him to write his name on the back of the cheque, which he did, as GEORGE HENWOOD, of Trelent, St. Pinnock, (there being no such person or place in that parish), he was charged with the forgery, and immediately given into custody. The prisoner was immediately taken before the mayor, and remanded to Saturday last, when he was again brought up; and after an investigation, which lasted for several hours, he was fully committed.
Mr. LAVERS, solicitor of Plymouth, conducted the prosecution, and Mr. HERRING, of Devonport, defended the prisoner. Mr. EDMONDS, solicitor, of Plymouth, also attended on behalf of Mr. Hyne. The prisoner has a wife and five small children, and up to this period has borne an excellent character, and dealt largely with the farmers of that neighbourhood. Bail to a large amount was offered by the prisoner and his friends, but refused by the magistrates.
TRURO POLICE - On Monday last, SUSAN WILLIAMS and MARY ANN WILLIAMS were committed for trial for stealing an Orleans dress, the property of MRS. BURNETT. The dress was stolen from the house of WALTER ALLEN, living in Coombe's Lane, Truro, the prisoner Susan Williams being a servant in the house.
CONCEALMENT OF BIRTH � A single woman named GRACE STEVENS, residing at Travalgan, in the parish of St. Ives, was lately unwell, and her relatives having suspicion, charged her with having been delivered of a child. She at first stoutly denied it, but afterwards admitted the fact, and went to a stable not far distant, whence she fetched the body of the child. An inquest was held on it on Friday last, and there being no marks of violence apparent, the jury returned a verdict of natural death.
ROBBERY - On Friday last, a robbery was committed at the farm house of Mr. HENRY REYNOLDS, of Menadarva, near Camborne. Some thief broke open the dairy window, through which he entered, and carried off considerable quantities of flour, wheat, bacon, butter, and cream. There is no clue at present likely to lead to the discovery of the offender.
SHOE AND HAT ROBBERY - On Monday last, a man named VIDDICOMB, belonging to Stricker, was committed by Sir J.S. G. Sawle, Bart., charged with stealing six pounds worth of shoes from MR. MELLOW, shoemaker, and four hats from MR. GEACH, hatter, both of St. Austell. It appears that this man drove a waggon for MR. MEDLAND, and was in the habit of carrying those goods above mentioned. When taken into custody, he was wearing one of the hats, and a pair of shoes, which were sworn to by the owners.
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE
Re THOMAS LAVERS, of Charlestown, Cornwall, cooper. This was a sitting for last examination. It appeared that the balance-sheet had not been filed in time, and the examination was therefore adjourned to the 24th, at the expense of the bankrupt.
Re RICHARD BOSUSTOW, of Redruth, grocer. This was a meeting for choice, which was adjourned, it being stated that some arrangement would probably be made which would supersede the bankruptcy.
Re JOHN NOTWILL, of Falmouth, grocer and baker, a dividend of 3s.6d. in the pound was declared.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
THE FLAMANK FAMILY
SIR � "Cornubiensis" is correct as to the present representative of the Gonronson branch of the Flamank family. I think that, if he be as familiar with the other families of the county as he seems to be with this one, he may almost be termed an Encyclopaedia of Cornish genealogies.
The REV. HENRY FLAMANK was of (or rather from) the Gonronson branch; and, as it has been stated, he was ejected from the living of Lanivet. He had been, previously, chaplain to the Governor of Pendennis Castle. In the Gentleman's Mag. Vol. 61, p. 919, there is a copy of a warrant, sent by Oliver Cromwell, for the appointment of Henry to the chaplaincy. Rev. ROGER FLAMANK, an elder brother, was, at the same time, ejected from the living of Sithney. He afterwards resided in St. Enoder. The last sermon that he preached was, it is said, from this text, (in reference to the sacrifices that he had made) "The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up."
I think, with "Cornubiensis," it is "desirable that the present opportunity should be taken," for tracing the Gonronson part of the family, from John the head of that branch, to John who died in 1720; (not, perhaps, that it is necessary for the "dissipating of the least shadow of doubt:") but I have not yet been able to do so. I am not, however, without hopes that family records (which, too often, are carefully put away and carelessly forgotten and become the common property of rats instead of antiquaries) will yet come to light and supply the desideratum. This parchment roll, to which I have before referred, exhibits the two branches of Boscarne and Gonronson as collateral, but does not supply all the names.
Hals says of Flamank of Gonronson that he bears the same arms as Flamank of Bodmin. (In Mr. D. Gilbert's Par. His. Corn., vol. 1 p. 387) Lyson says of Gonronson, that it was "the seat some time of a younger branch of the Flamanks." (M.B. C., Par. Hist. p. 88) It was "a younger branch;" but it ceases to be so, for there is none older � it is now either the elder, or the only branch.
I am your most obedient servant, A June 5, 1847
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