cornwall england newspaper


1849 NEWS

FEBRUARY



2 February 1849, Friday


CORNWALL AGRICULTURAL REPORT - JANUARY [Summary: what a farce; currently, a depressing state of things; prospects are gloomy. Cornish farmers are obtaining prices lower than the average, whilst paying rents equal to the best corn-producing areas in the kingdom. Prices for beef are approximately 10s. less per cwt. than last year, and there are many people anxious for employment, so wasteland should be cultivated.]

Up to this time the season has been unusually mild, and the young clovers and pastures have the appearance of May more than the end of January; but this, even in this county, is no assurance of a crop. The fact is, the method of sowing red clover so frequently as is usually done, cannot answer, and although we are every year eye witnesses of the failures that take place, yet no alteration is made, nor are there many who can venture to do so, being bound by their leases to sow a certain quantity, which if not fulfilled, they would be liable to an action for breach of covenant. What a farce!

Sheep fodder is now very plentiful, but notwithstanding the mildness of the weather the wheats are by no means forward, and a great portion of the early sown appeared at first to be very thin, the weather being very cold and uncongenial to vegetation during the greater part of October and November, and a large quantity of the seed having rotted. The later sown wheat came on more healthy and vigorous, but we have seen none "winter proud." A smaller breadth of winter vetches than usual has been sown this season, perhaps for various reasons, and the plants are strong though not forward. Some patches of rye are getting ankle high, and ready for being stocked, if necessary. In general the Swedes and Mangles are under an average crop, but the pasture turnips are mostly good, and of late have run off rapidly in the top. The plough, except on light soils, has been long at a stand still. We might also remark that the entrance to some turnip fields may be seen knee deep in mud, and the roads to the yards almost impassable by daily use; now by taking advantage of a dry day, and then keeping more carts at work, this evil might be remedied, and a considerable expense would be saved, to say nothing of the damage now caused by poaching the fields and destroying the roads; the turnips also would be twenty per cent. better for a little stowing.

The fairs of late, in this county, have been crowded with fat cattle and sheep, the former selling from 45s. to 50s. per cwt., and the latter from 5d. to 5 1/2 d. per lb. The Cornish wool-dealers are beginning to move out a little more in public, some having ventured to offer 6d. per lb.; but as this may catch the eye of a dealer at a distance, we wish it to be understood that the price named is offered for wool in the grease, and we are sure our dealers, for a very good reason, would like to avail themselves of their former privileges.

Under the present depressing state of things, there is a good excuse for farmers not proceeding with any improvements, and more particularly the Cornish farmers, who are now selling barley at 6d. per quarter below the average of the kingdom, and in some of the shipping ports 16s. per quarter is all they can get (whilst the expense of harvesting last season was enormous); yet the same price is paid to the tithe rent-charge as in the best corn districts of the kingdom. But gloomy as prospects are, and having been for some time past, yet may not the farmer look forward with a view to some improvement? Certainly the year commenced much more auspiciously than 1848; look at the manufactures of wool, cotton, and metals, and compare them with the state of things this time last year. It is well known that when these branches of our national industry are well employed, a large portion of the money which is circulated in consequence is soon laid out in the produce of the soil. And may we not also look to the discoveries in California as being one of the sources from which gold will one day flow into our market? Or is it to be excluded from the pockets of the English farmer

But since these cheering anticipations are somewhat remote, what is to be done during the interim for the agricultural labourers - who is to take care of them? [The article then pointed out there was quite a bit of wasteland on various estates which could be put under the plough, and mentioned that in most hamlets and villages there were numbers of people eager for employment, and the unions were crowded.] But the farmer also should do all in his power to employ the people and keep them as independent as possible; for when a man is once brought to obtain relief, he will not hesitate the second time to ask for a larger boon.

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

ECCLESIASTICAL - We understand that the Rev. E. SHUTTLEWORTH, of St. Mary's, Penzance, has been appointed to succeed the REV. T. S. CARLYON, as vicar of Egloshayle, in this county.

TRURO CHORAL SOCIETY - A concert was given at Tuesday evening last, at the Music Hall, in aid of the society's funds, on which account no transferrable tickets were issued . For this reason, and in consequence of the unfavourable weather, and of a lecture being given and the same time at the Assembly-room, the attendance at the concert was much smaller than usual. Several of the bass singers were absent from indisposition, but notwithstanding this disadvantage, the choir went through the programme satisfactorily. The selection was a judicious one, consisting principally of choruses. [a list of selections was then given.] After the concert the REV. S. M. WALKER, of St. Enoder, highly complimented the musical director on the success of his exertions, and the choir on the progress they had made. He expressed his surprise that an institution of this kind, performing music of so high a character, was not better supported in Truro; it occasioned him a journey of ten miles to be present, and when he came he was sorry to find so many empty benches. MR. REGINALD ROGERS replied in behalf of the society, stating that the performances that night were not quite so satisfactory as they hoped to present, in consequence of the absence of several of the choir, from illness. He also spoke of the unfavourable weather and the lecture at the Assembly room as having partly caused the thin attendance. He hoped, however, that the public would continue to support the society, and the members would do their utmost to make it effective. He then announced that the society's annual meeting would be held in the following week.

THE POLICE AND THE FARMERS - For a long time it has been the custom of farmers attending the Truro market on Wednesdays, to assemble on the pavement in Boscawen street, in the vicinity of the entrance to the Church-lane, and extending to the Red Lion Hotel. From fifty to a hundred farmers may be seen congregated about this part for perhaps two or three hours every Wednesday, while they make their bargains and transact their business. The Mayor of Truro hath lately conceived a dislike to this proceeding of the farmers, so he hath, in his wisdom, issued a decree that they be removed as obstructers of the foot pavement.

On Wednesday last, the place being occupied as usual, two policemen were employed who with all that politeness for which policemen are remarkable, ordered the farmers off; whereupon some of the bold yeomanry, "their country's pride," resisted, and therefore had their names taken down with the view of bringing them before the tribunal of the Truro justices. Others of the farmers, looking askant at the peelers, withdrew to the centre of the street, where grumbling loud and strong showed that their wrath was kindled at what they deemed an interference with their prescriptive rights. There is a certain compartment in the market0house called the "carcase market," where it is said the farmers ought to go, as it was also intended for a corn exchange!

But the farmers complain that it is utterly unsuitable for them, being so dark a place that they cannot see the difference in samples, even with double-refracting spectacles; moreover the place is not large enough for their accommodation, and there are sundry crooks there to which dead pigs are hung, which [often] grease the farmers' clothes, no doubt to the great disfigurement thereof. Where unto this will lead we know not; but certainly the farmers ought to have good accommodation, and perhaps the Mayor will admit them into the Council-hall, himself keeping the key as heretofore.

BRAVERY REWARDED - On the 26th ult., when the schooner "Kitty," of Plymouth, was driven ashore and wrecked between Penzance and Marazion, several fishermen and one of the coast-guard put off in a boat at the risk of their lives to save the crew of the wrecked vessel, in which they succeeded. The inspecting commander of the coast-guard on the Penzance station, CAPTAIN DAVIES, R.N., having reported their noble conduct, the Royal National Institution for the preservation of life from shipwreck has transmitted through Captain Davies the sum of GBP 1 to each of the fishermen, JOHN CORVINE[?], JOHN CALLOWAY, JOHN CADDY, and WILLIAM COUCH, and a silver medal to W. H. SELLY, of the coast-guard, for their gallant conduct on the occasion.

LOSS OF LIFE AT SEA - The "Sophia," of Guernsey, BONNEL master, from St. Michael's for Cork, shipped a heavy sea on the 21st ultimo, which swept her decks, and washed three men overboard, carrying away the bulwarks, stanchions, and companion; the cargo was also shifted, the sails split, and the vessel otherwise disabled. The names of the men lost are ANDREW CAVEN of London, WM. WAKELEY, of Guernsey, and NATHANIEL TARGET, of Guernsey. The vessel has put into St. Ives.

FIRES - Last week at Padstow, a fire broke out in the house of Captain P. WILSON, in consequence of a board projecting through the wall into the chimney; the neighbours, however, gave their prompt assistance, and the flames were extinguished before much injury was done. On Saturday morning last, a fire broke out on the premises of CAPTAIN HENSLEY, at Marazion in a linhay where a quantity of straw and a cow were kept; but assistance being at hand, the fire was extinguished without doing any other damage than destroying the straw.

ACCIDENT - On Tuesday the 23rd ultimo, as MR. THOMAS RICHARDS, innkeeper, of Penzance, was stepping over some pieces of hoop-iron at Hayle, he fell and broke his leg in two places. He was brought home, and medical aid was procured, but after considerable suffering, he expired on Saturday evening last.

SUDDEN DEATH - MRS. SOWDEN, wife of MR. G. SOWDEN, grocer, of Bodmin, aged 73 years, had been unwell for a few weeks and whilst sitting by the fire in the shop on Monday evening she complained of a severe pain in the head, and died almost immediately.

TRURO PETTY SESSIONS - At a petty sessions held on Thursday, the 1st instant, before MR. COLLINS, MR. ANDREW, MAJOR POLWHELE, CAPT. WIGHTMAN, and CAPT. KEMPE, MR. A. STEPHENS was fined nominally 1s. for refusing to pay toll at Castle Hill Gate, the bench being unanimous in their opinion that the toll was payable. MR. SMITH appeared for the Trustees, and Messrs. BENNALLACK and STOKES for the defendant.

HORSE STEALING - On Sunday night last, a horse belonging to MR. TREMAIN, of Bodrean, about three miles from Truro, was stolen from the stable. The loss was discovered on the following morning, the thief having turned all the horses (about six or seven) out of the stable, and selected the best of them., He has since been discovered to be a man called EDWARD DINGLE, of St. Austell, who formerly lived with Mr. Tremain as a farm servant, and broke in the horse which on this occasion he stole. It appears that the fellow after stealing the horse took it to Roche, where on Monday forenoon, about eleven o'clock, he offered to sell the animal to a tailor called BALL. The tailor had some suspicion that the horse had been stolen; he took the animal but did not buy it; and after some time he succeeded in getting Dingle into a public house, where he asked him how he obtained the horse. Dingle said it was his father's; but Ball having stated his suspicions, Dingle, after he had been drinking some time, confessed that he stole the horse on Sunday night from Mr. Tremain's stable, at Bodrean. On this Mr. Ball had the man taken into custody, and gave information of the circumstance to Mr. Tremain.

ROBBERY AT PORTREATH - On the night of Friday last, some cellars belonging to the Portreath company were broken into, and a quantity of rope, junk, &c. were taken. Suspicion fell on a young man named OPPY, of the neighbourhood of Redruth, as he had been observed lurking about the village on Friday evening, and on inquiry being made at Redruth, it was found that some rope of the description of that missing had been sold in the town by Oppy, who has since been committed for trial at the Assizes. The same man is also suspected of having broken into a small room attached to the house of MRS. BLEWETT, of Portreath, and of taking therefrom about forty pounds weight of ship bread, the property of MRS. BLEWETT.

CORONERS' INQUESTS - The following inquest has been held before MR. CARLYON, coroner: On Saturday last, at Gwennap, on the body of WILLIAM KINSMAN, miner, aged sixteen years, who died from injuries he received on the preceding Wednesday, by falling from one of the ladders in his way up from work in the United Mines. Verdict, Accidental Death.

The following inquest was held before MR. HICHENS, coroner: On Monday last, at Mousehole, on the body of MRS. MARY WRIGHT, widow of MR. ABRAHAM KNIGHT, who had been for many years a shipwright in the dockyard at Devonport. For several weeks past she had exhibited aberration of mind at intervals, but without causing her friends to apprehend that she would destroy herself. On Christmas eve deceased attended a prayer-meting at Mousehole when her nephew while giving out the hymns, suddenly fell back insensible, which so alarmed Mrs. Wright that she never recovered from the effects of the fright, and on Saturday last she cut her throat with a razor. Verdict, temporary insanity.

The following inquest has been held before MR. RESCORLA, coroner of Penzance: On Monday last, on the body of a child four years old, called Rossiter, the son of THOMAS ROSSITER, watchmaker and jeweller. Mrs. Rossiter stated that on Wednesday morning two persons called at her house to whom she gave two glasses of gin, and left the decanter on the table while she went out for a few minutes. The two persons then left, and the child was alone in the room. When she returned she saw the gin was gone from the bottle, and charged the child with drinking it. He staggered into the courtlage and did not appear to get worse for four or five hours. He then slept for about two hours, after which warm water was given to him, and a surgeon was sent for, but he became worse, had a fit on Wednesday evening, and continued in a languishing state till Friday morning, when he died. Deceased drank about half-a-noggin of gin, and had not previously had his breakfast.

Dr. BERRYMAN, who was called in, said he found the child laboring under congestion of the brain, and in a state of insensibility; the cause of death was the spirits the deceased had unfortunately taken. The coroner said it was open for the jury to inquire whether there had been such caution and circumspection as exonerated all parties from blame; or whether there had been such negligence as to render any party amenable to the law. Verdict, "died from the incautious drinking of gin."


9 February 1849, Friday


16 February 1849, Friday


RATE OF MORTALITY &C. - The report from the Registrar General shows the following: From the Redruth and Penzance districts, including a population of about 100,000, the following returns were made: In the Redruth district during the quarter ending 31st of December, the deaths were 240; in the corresponding quarter of 1847, the deaths were 197. In the Penzance district the deaths during the last quarter were 255, while in the corresponding quarter of the previous year the number was 191. The Registrar at St. Ives reports that the deaths in his district during the last quarter were fifty-seven, being above the average, owing to the concurrent prevalence of hooping cough and measles, and also of an epidemic dysentery. The Registrar at Marazion reports that the deaths during the last quarter were eighteen. From want of employment, he states, the laboring class have left the district in great numbers, which accounts for both births and deaths being below average. Sickness very much prevails, and it is protracted in particular instances by the difficulty which is found in obtaining out-of-door relief to the sick poor. Extreme poverty prevails in the district. The Registrar at Penzance reports that the deaths have been one hundred and four during the last quarter, which is rather above the average, owing to the occurrence of twenty-two cases of dysentery in the early part of the quarter. The number of births is below average, in consequence partly, the registrar says, of my having several to register, and partly to the extensive emigration of young and middle aged married persons from this district.

The meteorological observation by MR. GLAISHER, of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, show that the changes of temperature during the last quarter have been frequent and great. There have been an unusually large number of exhibitions of the Aurora Borealis, and the magnetic instruments have been greatly disturbed. The amount of electricity in the atmosphere has been small. The meteorological observations at Truro, Falmouth, and Helston are given as usual, and it is deduced that the monthly mean temperature in Cornwall and Devon during the quarter exceeded those at other places in the kingdom; but it is remarked "there seems to have been a good deal of bad weather in those counties, and more snow, hail and sleet seem to have fallen [there] than elsewhere." The fall of rain in Cornwall and Devon was 12-3 inches, whilst at most other places in the kingdom it was 8-5 inches. It is observed that the fall of rain during 1848 all over the country was about one-third more than ! the average fall, and this excess took place during the first three quarters. The fall in the last quarter was about the average at most places.

HELSTON AMATEUR THEATRICALS - These amateurs held their first performance at the Assembly Room on Friday evening last, before a crowded and fashionable auditory. The room was fitted up as a theatre, and the comedy of "John Bull," or the Englishman's Fireside, was performed on the occasion. The piece was exceedingly well put upon the stage, and reflects the highest credit on the party. The humorous and excellent acting of "Dennis Brulgrudden," and his servant "Dan," drew forth hearty laughter and applause, and the character of the "Honorable Tom Shuffleton" was admirably played; the highly finished gentleman and the practices of the "New School" were well pourtrayed, and appeared in striking contrast to the rustic simplicity of Dan. The characters of Job Thornbury and Peregrine were also well received by the audience. Lady Caroline should not be forgotten; she was richly dressed and played her part admirably. In fact all the characters were very effectively rendered, and showed that the greatest care and attention had been bestowed in getting up the piece. EMIDY's band of Truro, and the Helston glee singers kept up the amusements between the acts, and the evening's entertainment was concluded with the laughable farce of "The Village Lawyer" or "The Lawyer outwitted," both pieces having elicited the most lively expressions of satisfaction throughout. We understand that the theatre will be again opened on Tuesday night next, and that the surplus proceeds of both the performances will be applied to charitable purposes.

LISKEARD INSTITUTION - MR. W. MOORSHEAD gave an excellent lecture to the members of this Institution evening last, at the Town-hall, which was crowded for the occasion. The next lecture will be given on Thursday next by MR. GEORGE DAWSON, of Birmingham, on the "Characteristics and Tendencies of the Age."

STEEPLE CHASE - A steeple chase, for a bet of GBP 20 a side, came off on Saturday last at Bodmin, between MR. HAWKE, farmer, of the parish of St. Kew, and MR. GILBERT, farmer, of the parish of Lanreath. The distance, about three miles, and over between thirty and forty hedges, was accomplished within fourteen minutes. Mr. Hawke won by about half a dozen yards; he generally led his nag over the hedges, but had one fall. There were many spectators, and in the afternoon a large company dined at the "Fifteen Balls."

THE EARL OF ST. GERMANS and HIS TENANTRY - The Earl of St. Germans has arranged with his tenantry, that the rent due at Michaelmas shall be paid at Lady-day, thus allowing them a half-year's rent in hand, and, in addition, in consideration of the depressed state of the market, he has expressed his intention at the next audit to take off ten per cent from the rent.

FALMOUTH COUNTY COURT - There were no cases of public interest tried at this court. Of the insolvents, T.W. POLGLASE and J. THOMAS passed their final examination, and obtained certificates, The petition of WILLIAM COOPER was opposed by MR. GENN and MR. MOORMAN, and after a long hearing was dismissed by the Court, because of omission in the schedule.

WISE v LUGG - We are informed that the report of the proceedings in the Prerogative Court, on the 3rd instant, in the case of Wise v. Lugg, which we copied from the Times of the 5th instant, is materially incorrect. The will was stated to bear date the 22nd of February, 1846, the deceased dying in December of the same year, aged seventy; instead of which, the will was made and executed in February 1843, the deceased being then sixty-seven, nearly four years before her death. The codicil was written by the deceased in March, 1846, but not executed till August.

HELSTON OYSTERAGE - On Monday last, JOHN ROBERTS, the younger, of Crowgey, in the parish of Constantine, was committed by MR. POPHAM, to take his trial at the next assizes for having, on the 10th instant, stolen a quantity of oysters from the Helford oyster beds, the property of Mr. TYACKE, of Merthen. Roberts has since been admitted to bail.

SERIOUS ACCIDENT - On Saturday last, MR. THOMAS RODDA, clerk for MR. JAMES CLARKE, of the brewery at Helston, was walking across a rotten plank which was carelessly laid on a mash-tub in the brewery, when it gave way, and Mr. Rodda fell in. Fortunately the water and mash (which was boiling at the time) reached no further than his knee; he was, however, very much scalded, and, in the fall, he seriously injured the cap of his knee. We hear that Mr. Rodda is now in a fair way of recovery.

ACCIDENT - MR. EDWARD PEARCE, cattle dealer, of Camelford, when driving some cattle on Wednesday morning last, had occasion to get over a hedge, in doing which he fell, and fractured his leg and dislocated his ancle.

MINE ACCIDENT - On Tuesday night last, an accident occurred in blasting, at Stray Park mine, in the parish of Camborne, which caused instantaneous death to a miner named JOHN WHEARNE, residing at Penponds, who has a wife and four small children to lament his untimely loss.

CORNWALL INFIRMARY - Admitted on Tuesday last, one case of accident. February 14th, admitted this day, three in-patients, and three out-patients; discharged four in-patients cured, and two made out-patients. Four beds vacant in the men's general ward, and six in the women's; four in the men's eye ward, and four in the women's.


23 February 1849, Friday


LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

ECCLESIASTICAL - The Rev. G. SHARP has been licensed to the Curacy of Mabe in this county; and the Rev. D. LEWIS to that of Phillack and Gwithian.

TESTIMONIAL OF RESPECT TO THE REV. J. SYMONDS, LATE OF FALMOUTH - We have before noticed with much pleasure the origination of a subscription for providing a suitable testimonial of respect and esteem to the Rev. J. Symonds from the members of his late congregation at Falmouth Church. As it has also afforded us gratification to state, that the collection of the necessary subscription, which, it will be remembered, was limited to very small individual contributions, elicited expressions of the most kindly regard towards the Reverend gentleman, and was attended with circumstances of a very gratifying nature.

The testimonial provided was a splendid Silver Inkstand (value about twenty guineas), bearing the following inscription: "Presented to the Rev. John Symonds, B.A., late Curate of Falmouth, by his congregation, as a Testimonial of their esteem and regard, 1849." A deputation of the committee, consisting of Mr. W.J. CLARKE (chairman of the committee), Mr. T. P. DIXON, Mr. P. HOCKING, Mr. J. T. PASKO, and Capt. CHARLTON, proceeded to the residence of the Rev. J. Symonds, at Stratton Place, and were very kindly received by him. [a copy of the speech given by Mr. Clarke followed. In it, he referred to the fact that subscriptions were limited to 2s. 6d., which was an amount the committee felt most in the congregation could meet, but many people had stated they wished they could contribute more.]

HELSTON AMATEUR THEATRICALS - The assembly-room in this town has been engaged for some weeks past by the Amateur Theatrical Society and on Tuesday evening the members of the society gave their second performance, which attracted a crowded audience from the town and neighbourhood. The stage was fitted up in a very appropriate style, and was most admirably adapted for the occasion. The burlesque tragic opera of "Bombastre Furioso" was first introduced, and was received with general satisfaction; in fact, it would be difficult to single out either character as having been imperfectly acted. The King Artaxominious was represented by a gentleman who had evidently some considerable knowledge of stage performances, and Distaffina could scarcely have been represented more efficiently; every gesture of the gentleman was as graceful as it was expressive.

This was followed by "Box and Cox,' which was first produced at the Royal Lyceum Theatre in the latter part of the year 1847. The gentlemen acted their parts in this play remarkably well. The comic farce of "The Irish Tutor" or "New Light" next engaged the attention of the audience, and in this Dr. O'Toole was played with considerable ability; the manner of the Doctor was so grotesque, his brogue so rich, and he danced and fiddled with such true Tipperary glee, that all present were sorry to see the curtain fall. Mr. Titwell was also well received and Doctor Flail, when examining Dr. O'Toole as to his system of teaching, shewed him to be a fair specimen of certain modern professors of ancient languages. The villagers excited considerable merriment, and danced with much spirit, to the satisfaction of all present.

The whole was concluded by the ludicrous farce of "The Village Lawyer". Here the most remarkable character was Sheepface, who sustained the character throughout in a wonderful manner. His looks and postures being admirable, and very superior to anything that could have been expected from him. It is satisfactory to find that this society is so well supported by the town and neighbourhood.

TRURO POOR LAW UNION - We understand that at the meeting of the Board on Wednesday last, it was determined that a central union-house should be erected on some eligible spot in the neighbourhood at Truro.

THE LATE FLOODS - The subscription which was set on foot for the relief of those who had been so seriously injured by the flood which recently inundated the lower parts of Truro, has been most liberal; the amount collected has exceeded GBP 320, which has been distributed among thirty-four individuals who had sustained losses of varying severity.

THE TRURO SOCIETY FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF INDUSTRY - The annual meeting of this society was held on the 13th instant, when it was stated by the Treasurer that the sum paid for needlework during the past year was GBP 33.13s.4d. There had been 3, 133 garments made, and clothing had been sold to the amount of GBP 80.7s.9d. The object of this society is to furnish employment for poor persons of good character, by supplying them with needle work at their own houses, consisting of various useful articles of apparel for the poor.

COLLISION AT SEA, and LOSS OF LIFE - On the night of Monday, the 12th instant, the "Valiant" of St. Ives, COGAR, master, was run down off Hartland Point, and all the crew perished. The brig "Maid of Erin" HARRY, master, has since put into Falmouth, with loss of jib-boom, and cutwater damaged, having been in collision with another vessel on the night of the 12th instant, off Hartland Point. Since the accident took place reports have been in circulation in St. Ives, reflecting on the conduct of the chief mate of the "Maid of Erin," the captain being below at the time; and in contradiction of these reports we have received statements by the chief mate and three of the crew of the "Maid of Erin," who were on deck when the accident occurred, about 9h.40m. p.m., between Hartland Point and Murt. Mr. SHORT, the chief mate, states that immediately the approach of the other vessel was reported by the watch, the wheel was put hard down, and the brig brought to the wind; but in a moment she was struck by the other vessel, which was coming from the westward at about six miles an hour. The "Maid of Erin" was knocked around with her head to the eastward, and the other vessel proceeded on her course as if nothing had occurred. She was out of sight in about fifteen minutes, went away under full sail, and appeared not to be seriously damaged.

Charles CLEMO, who had been fifteen or sixteen years at sea in different ships, and Thomas PARNELL, who had been twenty years a mariner, speak of the master and mate of the "Maid of Erin" as being extremely careful men; in the present instance not the least blame was to be attached to them on account of the collision, and they had no opportunity of rendering assistance to the other vessel, because she sailed away. Peter GOULLE bears similar testimony to the other men, and states with them that the "Maid of Erin" was left in an unmanageable state for nearly an hour after the accident. The mate and the seamen speak of the vessel that came into collision with the "Maid of Erin" as being unknown to them.

COURT CASES - Redruth - Anna TONKIN, wife of J. Tonkin, gardener, sought compensation for damages sustained in consequence of a violent assault and battery alleged to have been committed on her by Elizabeth TEAGUE, wife of William Teague, fruiterer. Both the parties reside at Redruth, and in addition to their engagements in that town, usually attend the Saturday's market at St. Day, at which place, on Saturday, December the 31st, the assault complained of took place. The defendant pleaded, first, that she did not assault the plaintiff; secondly, that if she did, it was in self-defence, and therefore justifiable. Mr. PASCOE, of Penzance, appeared for the charge, and Mr. ROGERS of Helston, for the defence.

After a very protracted trial lasting all the afternoon of Thursday, and three or four hours on Friday last, a verdict was given for the plaintiff, damages 10s., the jury recommending that each party should pay her own costs, which recommendation the judge acceded to, and made his order accordingly, and as the plaintiff will have to pay the cost of the summonses and hearing, with doctor's bill for 16s., and other expenses, amounting altogether to nearly GBP 5, she may be regarded as pretty well punished for going to the new shop of justice.

Of the insolvents, Thomas GEORGE, of Gwithian, Philip SHEPHERD, of Hayle, and Stephen CHEEK, of Redruth, received their final orders. Stephen NICHOLLS, of Redruth, inn-keeper and hatter, passed his first examination unopposed.

WRENCHING KNOCKERS AT CAMBORNE - On Monday night last, the inhabitants of Camborne suffered depredations similar to those which occurred at Truro a few weeks since, such as wrenching knockers, removing shutters from shop windows, breaking down garden doors, and other doings of the same character. These disgraceful practices are now becoming very general in many towns in the county, which should cause the protectors of the public peace and property to be on the look out for the delinquents, and when caught, an example should be made by giving them a little wholesome amusement at the "mill", which would powerfully deter them from repeating such Quixotic exploits. Amongst the valiant achievements of the night, the shutters from the window of Mr. WILLIAMS, of the "Horse and Jockey", were removed, and consigned to the safe custody of Mr. John SODDY's cellar; the shop steps of Mr. RUNDLE, carpenter, were carried to the church-yard, and in afterwards refixing them, the apprentice sustained a fall from the top but is now doing well; and in various parts of the town, shops were partly opened, to the astonishment and affright of the respective occupants. One woman, however, has made a declaration that she felt fully convinced some calamity, great or small, was about to visit Camborne, she having seen the previous Saturday, a bright star shining over the town, throughout the day.

SMUGGLING - At Falmouth Guildhall, on Monday last, before the Mayor and Lieut. HILL, Peter CARR, a cook on board the "Caledonia," MENHENIOT, master, was charged with smuggling six boxes of cigars and a pound and a half of Cavendish tobacco. Mr. CHINA, a custom-house officer, stated that he was looking through the ship on Sunday last, and found the goods buried in the coal hole, on which the prisoner said they belonged to him. He was remanded till Saturday, in order that the case may be communicated to the Board of Customs.

STEALING CABBAGES - On Thursday, the 15th instant, two women, named COAD and WEBB, were taken before the Rev. Dr. FLETCHER, and sentenced to one month's imprisonment in the house of correction for stealing cabbages, on the previous night, from the field of Mr. Thomas GOLDING, innkeeper, of Callington.

ROBBERY - John MOYLE, of Camborne, on Monday last, was committed for three months by the Rev. Uriah TONKIN, of Lelant, for breaking a lock and committing other damage, with intent to rob the material house at Stray Park and Camborne Vean Mines.

HOUSEBREAKING - On Sunday evening last, the dwelling house of Mr. James CRABB, of Callington, was broken into whilst the family were at chapel; but after searching every part of the house, (it is supposed for money), the thieves departed without carrying off any thing. They have not been apprehended.

SLEEP-WALKING - On Monday night last, the inhabitants of St. Stephens church-town, by St. Austell, were greatly alarmed by a cry of "they are robbing us," and persons were running in several directions, many having hurried away from their beds to ascertain what was the matter. It was then found that the bed-room window of the house of Mr. Charles ESTERBROOK, a farmer, had been thrown open, although footsteps were discovered, no thieves had entered the house. It appears that his youngest son, a boy about twelve years of age, whilst sleeping, opened the window, fell on the ground, and walked a distance of upwards of a mile without any clothes on, when he gave the alarm. On awaking, the boy appeared to have no recollection of what he had done.

CORONERS' INQUESTS - The following inquests have been held by Mr. CARLYON: On Monday, at Probus, on the body of Jane, the wife of Thomas GATLEY, aged 57 years. Deceased worked on Mr. DOBLE's farm, at Barteliver, and last Saturday morning, finding she did not come to work as usual, a female was sent to her house to inquire the reason, and found her just inside the door, stretched at full length on the ground in a dying state. Assistance was immediately procured, but she died shortly afterwards. She had enjoyed excellent health up to that time, and had on all her clothes as if she was going to her work. Verdict, "apoplexy".

On the same day, at Redruth, on the body of Maria STRIPLING, aged 29, the wife of a pedlar at Redruth, whose death was reported to have been accelerated, if not in great measure caused, by some medicine which had been given to her by a person called Amelia DICKENS, of Redruth. There was a peculiarity attending the case, inasmuch as deceased appeared to have lived twenty-four hours, without any apparent pulsation, which, in a person so young, was most unusual. But it was proved to the satisfaction of the jury that the medicine given to her by Mrs. Dickens was of a very harmless description, and that the death was caused by disease of the heart. The jury returned a verdict to that effect.

On Monday last, an inquest was held before Mr. Gilbert HAMLEY, at Callington, on view of the body of William KINSMAN a little child thirteen months old. It appeared that the child was riding in a carriage drawn by some children. One of them observed the child groaning and looking black in the face and immediately took it out and carried it home, but it died on the road. Verdict, "Visitation of God".

On the following day, Mr. Gilbert Hamley held an inquest at Linkinhorne, on the body of John HARPER who was killed by a kibble falling on him in consequence of the chain breaking in Phoenix mine. On Saturday last the chair was examined by a blacksmith by order of Capt. SECCOMBE and pronounced to be in good order; and the jury were perfectly satisfied that there was no blame to be attached to any one belonging to the mine, and returned a verdict of "Accidental death". This is the first accident that has happened in this mine for twelve years.

ADVERTISEMENT

WEST CORNWALL CALIFORNIA COMPANY

A PUBLIC MEETING of the inhabitants of Falmouth, and its neighbourhood was held at Dingley's Royal Hotel, Falmouth, on Thursday the 15th instant, for the purpose of forming a company to raise a capital of GBP 7,500 by the issue of 300 shares of GBP 25 each to equip an expedition to the Gold Region of California. The Mayor presided on the occasion, and opened the proceedings by explaining the object of the meeting, and reading the printed prospectus, - which was approved of by those present. A Provisional Committee of Management, composed of six members, was appointed, from a body of shareholders, with power to add to their number, in connexion with a secretary, to endeavour to carry out the intention of the meeting. A great number of shares are taken up in the county, and in London, by most respectable parties, who express their high opinion of the system to be adopted; which, if carried out, can scarcely fail to yield an unparalleled return to those who have subscribed to the undertaking.

All persons desirous of investing in this feasible scheme, are requested to apply for shares and further particulars to Mr. BOTTRALL, of Camborne, agent; to the Falmouth Bank; or to the Secretary,

Mr. R. R. BROAD, jun. FALMOUTH, February 17, 1849




[  BACK  ]