cornwall england newspaper


1851 NEWS

JUNE



6 JUNE 1851, Friday



LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

CONSECRATION OF NEW CHURCHES - GERRANS - The consecration of the new church at Gerrans took place on Saturday, the 24th ult.; the foundation of the building was lad on the 26th of April, 1849, and it was opened for public worship on Easter Sunday, 1850.

It consists of a north and south aisle, with small north transept, the chancel separated by a light screen. The seats are open throughout; the east windows fitted with neat stained glass; the roof open, the chancel roof being at present plain, as it is intended that it shall be blue, powdered with stars. There are sittings in the church for 376 persons, only 120 of which are appropriated. The cost was met by private contributions, together with GBP 90 granted by the Incorporated Church Building Society, and the same amount by the Diocesan Society.

The new church is in design a restoration of the old building, which was greatly dilapidated, and which it became the object of the vicar, the REV. W. D. LONGLANDS, on his appointment in 1844, to repair. The usual ceremonial of consecration was performed by the Bishop, and the sermon on the occasion was preached by the REV. H. T. RODD, vicar of Gwinear, from Haggai, 1st chap. 8th verse. There were twenty-two clergymen present, including the Chancellor of the Diocese and the Archdeacon of Cornwall.

SAINT AGNES - This parish church was consecrated for divine worship on Wednesday, the 28th ult., by the Bishop of Exeter. The church was raised on the site of the last church, and forms one of the best buildings of the kind in the West part of Cornwall. The material is of a beautiful description, the stones being generally raised in the immediate vicinity; they are of a light killas, with courses in different colours, overlapping each other, making a beauty of appearance seldom excelled for building purposes in any other strata. The corners are granite, and the tower, spire, and windows are also granite. The windows are simple and elegant, their tracery chaste and displaying great taste; indeed, competent judges express great admiration of the church.

The REV. A. A. VAWDREY, through whose indefatigability the church has been built, deserves great praise in bringing it to such a successful issue. It will sit about six hundred persons, and the seats are all open and conveniently low, with proper kneeling hassocks. The roof is very plain, but handsome and lofty; on the whole the effect of the church is extremely satisfactory, and the Bishop expressed his pleasure in seeing such a commodious and beautiful church in this populous parish in which the recent census returns prove that the accommodation for public worship, as in most other mining parishes, is still deficient. The parishioners in this instance nobly and ably seconded Mr. Vawdrey in carrying out this laudable undertaking, and strangers unconnected with the parish very handsomely contributed to the same.

The Bishop arrived about eleven o'clock and immediately commenced the service appropriated for the consecration, and Mr. HITCHINS read and made the presentation. ... At the conclusion of the service, the communion was administered to the clergy and laity present; the clergymen present with those officiating were Chancellor MARTIN, and the REVs. DIX, BARNES, WALKER, BENNETTS, MOLESWORTH, the Dean Rural, HOSKEN, W.W. HARVEY, PHILPOTTS, TREWEEKE, HASLAM, LORD, WISE and PERRY.

This service being over, the Bishop repaired to the vicarage, and partook of luncheon, and the clergymen with a number of ladies and gentlemen went into MR. NEWTON's lawn and partook of a cold collation. This lawn is pleasingly and prettily situated on the brow of a hill, near the town, commanding an extremely beautiful view of the sea and beach. Beneath the shade of the trees, with a refreshing breeze cooling the intensity of the heat, Mr. Vawdrey took the chair, supported by about forty ladies and gentlemen. A plain but substantial cold luncheon was served, and a present of wine made it very agreeable.

After the cloth was removed, numerous toasts were given, and "the health of Mr. Vawdrey" was particularly distinguished. The Dean Rural proposed the toast, and Mr. Vawdrey responded by observing that he had received every kindness from his parishioners, and his desire was to live in peace with all. The church was partly built under trying circumstances, but these days had passed away and prosperity was returning slowly back again.

The party broke up very early, but reformed partly and took tea in the same place. The weather was extremely auspicious, and afforded an extensive and commanding view from the St. Agnes Beacon, which with its conical shape and isolated situation gives it pre-eminence to many hills in the county. The cliffs along the coast are exceedingly bold and romantic, with the caverns high and lofty, and afforded the strangers an agreeable and pleasant day.

REDRUTH UNION - The following is the population of this union as ascertained by the census:
Parishes ..........Males..............Females.........Total 1851....Total 1841....Increase....Decrease
Redruth...........4,964...............5,607.................10,571..........9,305............1,265.......... -----
Camborne.......5,168................6,719.................12.887........10,051...........2,826.......... -----
Gwennap.........4.807...............5,658.................10,465........10,794............ ------............329
Stithians...........1.171..............1,214................. 2,385........ 2,530........... ---- .............145
Illogan..............4,491...............4,727................. 9,218.......... 67xx............1,403.......... ----
Phillack............2,383...............2,454................. 4,777........... 4,055............. 722........ ----
Gwinear...........1,281...............1,354................. 2,635............ 2,802............. ---- ..........227
Gwithian.......... 316.............. 313................ 629............. 625............. 4........... -----
TOTALS ..........25,501.............28,015................53,567............48,047............6,221 ..........701
...................................................................................Deduct decrease..............701
...................................................................................Total increase................5,520

BOSCASTLE AND CAMELFORD AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY - The annual cattle exhibition took place on Tuesday last, in a field a short distance from Camelford. There was a good show of cattle and also a ploughing match, and a great number of persons were on the ground. After the business was finished on the ground, seventy-four persons partook of an excellent dinner at the Town Hall, provided by Mr. THOMAS SOLOMON, of the Darlington Arms. After dinner the prizes were awarded, and then followed some excellent speeches.

The following were the prizes: Best Hackney stallion, Mr. J. Skewes, Sithney; Best stallion for agricultural purposes, Mr. Bickell; Best bull, Mr., Thomas Pearse, Halwell; second best, Mr. Burnard, Altarnun. Best ram for the better land of the Hundred, Mr. Carter, Delabole Barton. Best ram for the high land of the district, Mr. Honey, Beney. Best boar, Mr. Carter, Delabole Barton; second best, Mr. Westlake, Altarnun. Best ploughman, single plough, Henry Smith; second best, John Prideaux. Best ditto with skim coulter, William Scott. Best sheep shearer, William Curtis; second best, John Gill.

ST. DENNIS FAIR - This fair was held on the 27th ult., when there was a good supply of cattle, but buyers were scarce, and such as were present evinced much reluctance to effect bargains, consequently but few bargains were made.

LISKEARD FAIR - this fair on Friday last was rather dull on account of so many fairs and cattle shows being held on the same day; there was a good show of cattle, but many buyers were at other places.

THE WRECK OF THE BRESONS - We may state in addition to the presentation of medals mentioned last week, that on Wednesday last a further presentation was made to men at Pendeen Coast Guard Station, by LIEUT. PEARSON, acting in the name of CAPTAIN STUART, Inspecting Commander. Silver medals of the Royal National Shipwreck Institution were then presented to JAMES BURN, ROBERT EASTAWAY, and JAMES KERLEY, in recognition of their services on the melancholy occasion.

LONGEVITY - There is now living in the parish of St. Breock, near Wadebridge, an old woman named NANKIVEL, aged 102, who gets a part of her living by knitting stockings; she has lately knit a pair of the finest worsted, and sent them as a present to her Majesty. She is able to walk several miles at a time without assistance or company.

ROTATION OF THE EARTH - On Monday evening last, Mr. FLAMANK delivered a lecture at the Penzance Institute on the recently discovered demonstration of the rotation of the earth by the oscillation of the pendulum. MR. COUCH was in the chair. [The lecturer had various apparatus, but said it would have helped had he been able to suspend his pendulum from the ceiling. This the proprietors of the hall could hardly consent to, but Mr. Flamank, using his other apparatus, was able to give a very obvious demonstration of the main principles on which the theory depends.

He then addressed the doubts and difficulties connected with the subject, which lead some to condemn the theory, but expressed his belief that those doubters would be "found wanting," and that the theory appeared to be consistent with true principles and established on facts.]

EMIGRATION - The emigrant ship "John" which sailed from Plymouth in March last, reached New York harbour after a voyage of only twenty-eight days., We have seen a written testimonial from some of the passengers who went from Liskeard and its neighbourhood to the Captain JOSIAH SYMONS, in which they speak in the highest terms both of the character of the ship, of the unremitting kindness and attention of the captain, and of the general comfort with which the voyage was performed by all on board.

SMUGGLING - On the night of Saturday last, about eleven o'clock, two or three waggon loads of contraband goods, were landed near St. Ives breakwater, and carried through the town to the eastward. One of the coast-guard officers, in attempting to stop one of the waggons, was knocked down and held by two men until the waggon was gone beyond reach. This act exemplifies the old proverb, "the more public the more private.," The smack called the "St. George" of Bristol, which was lying in the bay at anchor has been stopped by the officers of customs, in consequence of the name on her stern being partially hid, and the boat having neither name of captain nor vessel.

DISREPUTABLE PRACTICES - Some miscreants have for some months past infested the neighbourhood of St. Agnes, and committed a number of petty depredations, and much wanton mischief. The first of these outrages commenced with a donkey, which was straying by the way side; this poor animal they caught and painted all over in white and dark stripes like the Zebra, the work being executed so well that the imitation was very striking. They next began with taking garden gates from their hinges and carrying them off to some distance, but in most instances they were recovered again.

In April last, much annoyance was occasioned to the Wesleyan Missionary deputation, who had hired a carriage at Truro to take them to St Agnes to hold a meeting there with the intention of returning to Truro the same night, but during the short interval of the missionary service some one carried off the pole of the carriage, in consequence of which they were detained over night. Some days after the pole was found in the parish church. [The day previous to the one on which the new church was consecrated, some one entered the vestry and carried off the gown and surplice belonging to the vicar, who had to meet the Bishop in borrowed canonicals.] Both articles have been found and restored to their owner.

A week ago, a horse belonging to the Wesleyan minister of St. Agnes, was greatly disfigured by having its tail and mane sheared, and Monday night a horse belonging to MR. JOHN JAMES, van proprietor, was treated in a similar manner. It is believed that all these disgraceful acts have been perpetrated by one and the same party, and probably ere long they will be detected and brought to justice.

ST. AUSTELL PETTY SESSIONS - At these sessions, held on Tuesday last, before Mr. TREMAYNE, Mr. C. B. GRAVES SAWLE, and Mr. EDWARD COODE, jun., JAMES BETTINSON, of St. Austell, aged thirteen years, was convicted under the Juvenile Offenders Act, for stealing a pair of boots and a quantity of turnips, the property of MR. THOMAS GROSE, and was ordered to be once privately whipped and discharged. GEORGE GEACH, of St Austell, aged eleven years, was convicted under the same act, for stealing a shovel and turnips from MR. GROSE, and eggs from Mr. WILLIAM THOMAS, of Towan, and was ordered to be once privately whipped and discharged.

THOMAS PHILLIPPS, aged fourteen, and THOMAS HOOPER, aged thirteen, were convicted of having stolen on the fourth day of May last, eight eggs, the property of MR. WILLIAM THOMAS, of Towan, and were committed to the house of correction at Bodmin, to be kept to hard labour for one calendar month. JOHN ANGILLY, of St. Stephens in Branwell, waggoner, was convicted of obstructing the turnpike road at St. Austell, on the 15th day of May, and fined 10s. and costs. WILLIAM HENRY KELLY, of St. Austell, was convicted for assaulting JOHN TUCKER, on the 31st ult., and fined GBP 1 and costs. There were some other cases, but none of public interest.

WEST PENWITH PETTY SESSIONS - The monthly meeting of the magistrates for this division was held in the Guildhall, Penzance, on Wednesday last. Two magistrates only were present, viz; the REV. H. E. GRAHAM and COL. SCOBELL. Several charges of assault, and cases for non-payment of poor rates from Madron and other parishes were heard and disposed of, but none of them merited public notice. MR. JOHN POOL, of Nancothan in Madron, and MR. THOMAS HICKS, of Sancreed, millers, were, on the information of MR. PURCHASE, inspector of weights for the district, severally fined GBP 2 for keeping and using defective weights. Two young men named GREEN and KEVERN were convicted of throwing a stone through the window of MR. JOHN WARREN, roper, Madron, and ordered to pay the expenses.

THOMAS BENNETTS, THOMAS FRIGGENS, and GEORGE BATTEN, carriers, of Penzance, were severally fined 7s.6d. for taking and carrying away shingle for ballast from the beach near the Easter Green, in the parish of Gulval. RICHARD WOOLCOCK, of Gulval, and his workman were each fined in the same amount for a similar offence. MR. WILLIAM MATHEWS, of Madron, appealed against the amount at which he was assessed for parochial rates in respect of the farms held by him in that parish. From the statements made by parties on behalf of the assessment, it would seem that, in the parish books, the annual value of Mr. Mathews's lands was estimated at a larger sum than the annual rent paid to the owner, but, in the opinion of competent valuers, the "parish value" was not at all too high, comparing Mr. Mathews's land with other land in the parish. The justices declined to alter the rate.

FIRE AT TORPOINT - About half-past eleven on Saturday, the workshop of Mr. TRELIVING, joiner, situate in Macy street, was observed to be on fire; and before the flames could be subdued, a dwelling house adjoining also became a prey. The workshop is burnt to the ground, and the dwelling house greatly injured. The floating engine, manned by seamen from the "St. George," under the command of CAPTAIN NIAS, was quickly brought to bear upon the premises, and soon ended all fear of further destruction. Great credit is due to Capt. Nias and the seamen who were at the fire for their exertions. We were also informed that Messrs. DAVY, REEFER, and EDGCUMBE made themselves as useful as possible at the scene of destruction. The amount of damage done is estimated at GBP 200. How the fire originated is not known.

POISONED BY CRABS - Three little girls living near the gas works, Penzance, went to the sea side in the immediate vicinity, and caught a quantity of small green crabs, which they carried home, and boiled, and heartily partook of them. In a short time, they were seized with severe and violent retching, showing all the signs of being poisoned. Medical aid was soon procured, but one of them named ELIZA JANE COLLINS, after lingering a few days, expired in much agony. It is supposed that the crabs had imbibed a quantity of gas or other poisonous matter, and that the girl died in consequence of its virulence. This should act as a warning to those who are accustomed to partake of such food, as it is said that when small and green, they are prejudicial to health.

CORONERS' INQUESTS - The following inquests have been held under MR. GILBERT HAMLEY, deputy coroner:
On the 20th ult., in the parish of st. Germans, on the body of JANE CULLOM, a widow woman of the parish of Rame. On the preceding evening deceased got into a cart at Rame for the purpose of going to visit her relations near Hessenford, in St. Germans. On passing through the village of Knackers, within a mile of where she was going, deceased was observed to fall back in the cart, and on two or three persons running to lift her up, she immediately expired. There was no evidence that she was subject to fits or seizures, but she was a delicate woman. Verdict, "died by the visitation of God."

On the 27th ult. In the parish of St. Ive, on the body of JANE DRAKES, a married woman who was supposed to have been in the family way about six weeks or two months. She had greatly suffered from sickness, and on the previous afternoon her husband on coming home saw her leaning down at the head of the table. He assisted her up stairs and put her on the bed, when she fell back and died in a few minutes. Whether the death was occasioned by exhaustion from sickness, or by some internal disease, did not appear. She lived on the best of terms with her husband, and the jury were satisfied that she died from natural causes.


13 JUNE 1851, Friday


REGENT HOUSE ACADEMY PENZANCE - The duties of this establishment were brought to a termination on Wednesday last, by the usual half-yearly distribution of prizes. The following young gentlemen who had distinguished themselves in the various studies, were then rewarded. In the first class, scripture and history, WILLIAM WOOD, Cheddar; geography and arithmetic, JAMES BAZELEY, Copperhouse; writing and general improvement, JOHN J. TRURAN, Madron; mathematics, JAMES RUNNALLS. In the second class, scripture and history, JOHN H. JAMES; geography and arithmetic, CHARLES A. RICHARDS; writing, CHARLES TONKING, Hayle; English grammar, FRANCIS HARVEY, Trelissick; general improvement, JAMES COURTENAY; voluntary studies, PETER COLLIVER. In the prepatory class, SAMUEL COOK, JOHN WILLIAMS, JOHN B. MERIFIELD, and JAMES T. BARNES obtained distinctions of merit. Latin prize, RALPH H. BODILY, French, JAMES B. BARNES; drawing, PHILIP B. STEPHENS, Hayle; drilling MORRIS E. JONES. At an exhibition of several articles of ingenuity, and skill, voluntarily made, FRANCIS R. MICHELL, Madron; R. C. PASCOE, GEORGE ASH, and JAMES BAZELEY, were severally rewarded.

WRESTLING AT COPENHAGEN-HOUSE, LONDON - These annual matches, in the Cornish style, commenced on Monday last, at the above house, and considering the unsettled rawness of the day, the suburban grounds were most numerously and respectably attended, many of the subscribers being present to witness the play - the prizes, being open to all players to contend for, drew forth a numerous lot of players from different counties. We have only space to name the winners in the well -contested matches, ROBINSON of Cumberland threw RATTENBURY of Devon; NICHOLSON, of Westmoreland, threw MOORE of Devon; PEARCE, of Cornwall, downing HOOPEL of Devon; STEPHENS, of Oxford, played a beautiful winning game with BOWDEN, of Devon. Several other matches came off, the last being the Giant, GLOYNE of Devon, being matched against BERRYMAN of Cornwall, a fresh man who came with the intention of wearing home the champion's belt, but the giant very obstinately disputed his claim playing a most severe bout for upwards of an hour, when night put an end to one of the finest day's wrestling ever seen in London.

THE CANTERBURY SETTLEMENT - The four vessels that sailed In September last for this new establishment arrived safe at their destination, and it is somewhat singular that three out of the four reached their port, within twelve hours of each other, on the 16th of December. The fourth, the "CRESSY," was eleven days after the others. They had a most prosperous voyage. The REV. E . PUCKLE sailed in the "RANDOLPH," and the passengers and crew of that vessel sent a deputation, unknown to Mr. Puckle, to wait on the REV. DR. SELWYN, the Bishop of New Zealand, to express their great affection for, and admiration of, the reverend gentleman's Zeal and christianlike demeanour to the whole of the numerous ship's company, that he had preserved harmony and peace throughout the voyage, and promoted the comfort and happiness of all.

The Bishop in reply said he was delighted to receive this testimony to Mr. Puckle's merits, he had heard of the unity that had prevailed on board of the "Randolph," and he was highly pleased that the reverend gentleman had been able to carry out, his, the bishop's, views, stated in one of his lordship's letters to England, and the "he had so knit all hearts as to have brought his flock with him." The bishop subsequently gave Mr. Puckle a most cordial and flattering reception, and we have no doubt that he will prove one of the most efficient and useful persons in the construction of this new colony. The circumstances which led to Mr. Puckle's removal from St. Mawes, have thus, as we are glad to learn, indirectly contributed to his own benefit, and to the general advantage of an interesting community.

[for more information on the Canterbury Settlement, please see http://www.teara.gov.nz/1966/C/CanterburyProvinceAndProvincialDistrict/Organised//Settlement/en ]

MENHENIOT FAIR - This fair on Monday last, was well supplied; the price for fat beasts from 40s. to 42s. per cwt; and of sheep about 5d. per lb.; store cattle, on account of the quantity of grass, sold well. On the whole prices were much the same as at late fairs, cows and calves sold at about 40s. per cwt.

HELSTON WHITSUN FAIR - In consequence of the unfavourable weather on Whit Monday, this fair altogether was the smallest which we remember. For fat bullocks, of which there were very few, the demand was brisk, and 42s. per cwt. were freely given. Lean cattle were worth 30s. per cwt. Although there were on the green a great number of horses, but few were of sufficient value to attract attention. The shows were of the most meager description, despite the protestation of the proprietors.

TRURO WHITSUN FAIR - This fair was held on Wednesday last. At the cattle fair, in the morning, there was a much smaller supply than usual, in consequence of Grampound fair (one of the principle cattle fairs in the neighbourhood) being held on the same day. Fat cattle sold at 40s. to 42s. per cwt., store cattle from 35s. to 38s. per cwt. The supply of lean cattle was small, the eastern dealers preferring to attend the Grampound fair to make their purchases of store bullocks; but though many buyers who usually attend this fair were absent, there was on the whole a tolerable sale in proportion to the supply, the tolls taken showing that about 108 bullocks of all descriptions had been disposed of in the course of the day. The number of sheep penned was 253, of which about 100 were sold, the price being about 5 1/2 d. per lb.

The pleasure fair which had been looked forward to with great anticipation by many, was utterly spoiled by the rain, which commenced about one o'clock, and lasted with little cessation, throughout the day. A considerable number of standings, with the usual supplies of gingerbread, "sweets," toys, &c., were erected, and Moreland's theatre, shows of various kinds, "cheap Jacks," Punch and Judy, and other things, were getting into pretty good business when the rain came, and the publicans benefited by the people retreating into their houses and consuming their liquors. The police had no complaints of pick-pockets during the day, and had only to interfere on two or three occasions to stop some petty fights between riotous men and lads, which were quelled without difficulty. The principal damage done in the town was in the destruction of fancy bonnets by the rain to the great discomfort of the fair wearers. On Thursday the weather was again showery, and checked the enjoyment of the holiday people.

CORNWALL COUNTY COURTs - St. Austell - This court was held on Thursday the 5th instant, when thirty-two cases were entered for trial, but none of them were of any public interest.

Penzance - the sittings of this Court were held on Tuesday last. The list contained forty-five cases, but about half that number only came on for hearing. JAMES and others, v. The Mayor and Corporation of Penzance. This was an action in which the owners of the schooner, "Beryl," obtained a short time since in this court a verdict against the defendants for GBP 50 for damage sustained by that vessel whilst lying in Penzance pier. Against this decision of the learned judge, notice of appeal had been given on behalf of the defendants. MR. DARKE, for the defendants, now informed the court, that having obtained the opinion of counsel on the propriety of proceeding with this appeal, and after mature consideration, the defendants had decided on not taking the case to a superior court, and he now consented to the plaintiff's receiving from the court the amount of damages and costs.

CURLEY v. JOHN NANKERVIS - the plaintiff is a coast guard man stationed at Pendeen, in St. Just in Penwith, and the defendant a miner, residing in the same parish. It appeared that the parties had met on Good Friday last, at a public house at Morvah, kept by a person of the name of TROUNSON, and it was alleged on the part of the plaintiff, that he had been seriously insulted and assaulted by the parties who were drinking in that house, particularly by the defendant, who, it was sworn, had declared that he would be the death of the plaintiff before the night was over.

The plaintiff left the public-house at a late hour in company with another person called DAVY, and after he had proceeded about a mile on his way home he heard footsteps, and on looking round he saw the defendant; that the defendant then said, "Is that you, Curley," and upon his saying "yes," the defendant replied, "we will have it out now then" and immediately felled him to the ground, and commenced kicking him about the head and face inflicting serious wounds. The defendant then proceeded on his way leaving him on the ground.

It appeared that immediately on the scuffle taking place, Davy ran away, leaving the plaintiff and defendant together. The other persons who had been drinking at the public house some time afterwards, came up, found Curley lying on the ground bleeding profusely, and carried him to his house, where he was confined to his bed and prevented from attending to his duty for a period of thirty-nine days. During his confinement he was attended by MR. CAUDLE, surgeon, of St. Just.

In support of the plaintiff's case, the constable of Morvah was called, who deposed to the uttering of the threat by the defendant that he would kill Curley, and also by Davy, who swore that the defendant said "are you in the same mind now, we'll have it out." He saw the plaintiff and defendant "hitch" in the manner described, and then ran off the assistance.

The plaintiff, in his cross-examination, swore that he was not drunk, that he had assaulted no one for the evening, nor had he taken off his jacket to fight. Other witnesses were called in support of the plaintiff's testimony, and on cross-examination it was elicited that the plaintiff had taken off his jacket, and had had a scuffle with several parties in the house.

In answer to the charge, the defendant stated that he and his companions had been drinking, and spending the evening at the public house at Morvah, when the plaintiff and three others who had been drinking in another public house came in; the landlord refused to draw any spirits to the plaintiff, alleging as an excuse that it was after hours, although such was not the fact. He stated so because he saw that the plaintiff had had enough; up to this time no disturbance had taken place. The persons who came in with the plaintiff had some spirits drawn for them, of which the plaintiff partook.

Whilst drinking, a young man called JAMES NANKERVIS, who had been drinking at another public-house with the plaintiff, came in, and demanded of Curley and his companions his box, containing his money, which had been taken from him whilst he was asleep. Upon his asking, the plaintiff said "d... you, I will give you a receipt for the money" and immediately struck him. Whilst they were fighting, an uncle of James Nankervis, called THOMAS NANKERVIS, got up to take his part. The plaintiff immediately challenged him, and they fought several rounds. After a short time, the defendant asked his neighbour, a man called WILLIAMS, to assist him in separating them. The defendant then caught hold of the plaintiff, and Williams caught hold of the other man, and eventually the two were separated. The plaintiff then struck the plaintiff, and challenged to fight him, which defendant refused to do. Shortly after the defendant had occasion to go out of the house, and he was followed by the plaintiff, who again challenged him to fight. The plaintiff was however led away by a man called DAVY, but declaring that if he fell in with the defendant for night he would do for him.

The plaintiff and defendant, nothwithstanding this precaution, met and fought. The defendant is well known as a good wrestler in his parish. On other parities coming up, they found both the plaintiff and the defendant on the ground at a slight distance from each other; both were severely beaten. The plaintiff said he had been fighting with Nankervis, and would fight him again if the defendant would not throw him. The plaintiff was the best "boxer," and the defendant had one of his eyes badly blackened, and was bleeding profusely.

The plaintiff received a most excellent character from the officer in command at Pendeen station. The damages were laid at GBP 10, and after a long and protracted hearing, his Honor decided that the plaintiff bore marks which evidently were not inflicted by the fist, and that he had been subjected to severe treatment, and he therefore considered the verdict should be for the plaintiff, and taking all the circumstances of the case into consideration, that the damages were not laid at too high an amount in GBP 10, and should therefore award the plaintiff that sum with costs. Mr. PASCOE and Mr. ROSCORLA appeared for the respective parties.

TRESPASS IN PURSUIT OF RABBITS - At the Torpoint Petty Sessions, on Tuesday last, before Mr. J. C. ROBERTS and the REV. WALLIS ROBERTS, JOSEPH AGIDDY was charged with trespassing on certain inclosed lands, part of Wrickle Farm, in the parish of Sheviock, the property of Mr. CAREW, M.P., in search or pursuit of game.

From the evidence of WILLIAM BATE, it appeared that on the 19th of May last, he saw defendant in a field on Wrickle Farm, with three dogs, and on his coming up, Giddy was standing near a hole in the hedge; he observed a ferret in his hand, which he endeavoured to conceal, and from what he saw, had no hesitation in saying that defendant was in search of rabbits. The Magistrates considered the charge fully proved, and having been convicted before, was fined in the penalty of GBP 2 and costs, which was immediately paid. GEORGE HAINES, Mr. Carew's gamekeeper, who was entitled as informer, to a moiety of the fine, said if Giddy would refrain from trespassing on his master's or any other grounds in pursuit of game for twelve months, he would, at the end of that time hand over the money to him, as he did not wish to appropriate the money to his own use.

ASSAULT ON A CONSTABLE - On Monday last, RICHARD BROOKS, of St. Austell, was committed by MR. EDWARD COODE, jun., to take his trial at the next quarter sessions on the charge of having on the 24th of May last, unlawfully assaulted JOHN WESTLAKE, Police Constable, whilst engaged in the execution of his duty.

COMMITTALS - On Friday the 6th instant, ELIZA KEY was committed by MR. COODE, jun., to the house of correction at Bodmin, for twenty-one days' hard labour, as an idle and disorderly person, for begging in the streets of Bt. Austell. On Saturday last, a man calling himself JAMES BLACK, was committed for trial by MR. ANSTIS and MR. BOASE, magistrates of Liskeard, for picking the pockets of the daughter of MR. HAINE, butcher, and MRS. STANTON, the wife of a labourer.

ACCIDENT - On Friday last, as a mason named ROBERT HARVEY, was working about some scaffolding belonging to the West Cornwall Railway, at Hayle, which had not been made sufficiently secure, the man fell to the ground, and one of the poles came on him with such force, that his thigh was instantly fractured. Apprehensions were entertained that amputation would be required, but it is now hoped that it will not be necessary. The patient is under the care of Dr. MILLETT, of Penpol, and is progressing favourably.

CORONERS' INQUESTS - The following inquests have been held before MR. HAMLEY, county coroner: On the 3rd instant, at St. Minver, on MARY JANE MATTHEWS, a child five years old, who was burnt to death by her clothes taking fire. The father was working in his garden in front of the house, and the mother had just gone upstairs, leaving the deceased and another child in the kitchen. The father heard a shriek, and on running in met the child coming out in flames. The fire was got out immediately, but she died in a few hours from the injury. Verdict, accidental death.

On the 7th instant, at Luxulyan, on JOHN TUCKER, a child ten months old. The father, who is a tailor, and the mother had gone out to work, leaving the child in the care of his grandmother and aunt. The grandmother had left for some purpose, and the aunt had gone to the back part of the house for some wood, when, on returning, she found the child's clothes all on fire; she got it out, but the child died in consequence in a few hours. Verdict, accidental death.

The following inquests have been held before Mr. GILBERT HAMLEY, deputy coroner: On Saturday last, at West Looe, on the body of a male infant, who died under the following suspicious circumstances, and who had been buried nearly a month.

An anonymous letter was sent to the coroner the day after the child died, which the coroner, of course, took no notice of, but there being so many rumours afloat, respecting the death of the child, and the mother having lost no less than seven children before, all who lived but a day or two, and no inquest being held on neither of them, the parish authorities now wrote the coroner, begging that the body might be disinterred, which was accordingly done.

The deputy coroner, in opening the case, said "this is an inquest which, from communications made to me, I have felt it my duty to institute, in order that you may inquire into the circumstances touching the death of this child. The jury will, I think, agree with me that there has been great remissness on the part of the peace officers of this parish, who, after hearing the various reports that had been in circulation respecting the death of the child, and knowing the character of the mother, and that no less than seven of her children had died in a most suspicious manner within a day or two of their births, that they had not acquainted the coroner of the case that an inquiry might have been gone into before you within a few hours of the child's death. I fear now it will be almost impossible for the medical gentleman, whom I have ordered to examine the body, to ascertain if there are any marks of violence. You will be good enough now to view the body, the evidence will then be laid before you, and it will be for you to say on that evidence whether there be any thing that will make ulterior proceedings necessary. I will say no more in the case at this stage of the proceedings, as it might appear like prejudging it. You will, of course, dismiss from your minds all the reports that may have reached you in the case, and be guided entirely by the evidence that will be called before you." The doctor, coroner, and jury, then viewed the body, but from the length of time since it had been buried, it was in such a state that it was almost impossible to go near it.

On retiring into the inquest room, the first witness examined was THOMAS MEDLAND, the sexton, who deposed that on Sunday the 18th of May, a little girl called ANN MEDLAND came to him and asked him to bury the baby, stating that the carpenter had put it into a box and refused to carry it away. He went to Mr. Medland's house and took away the box and buried it in the church-yard, but having heard some reports about the child, he would not have buried it had he not been told to.

CATHERINE BAWDEN stated that on Thursday the 15th of May, she was sent for to attend MARY ANN MEDLAND, who was in labour. Shortly after she came she was delivered of a fine, full-grown, healthy child; this was about seven o'clock in the evening. She kept the child down stairs all the night, and on the following day took it to the mother for a short time and then brought it down stairs again. On the following night she was afraid to remain with the child down stairs by herself, and sent for a woman called JANE HAMBLY to stay with her for company. About half-past four in the morning the child appeared quite well. At the mother's request they took it to her bed, and then the witness and Jane Hambly both left the house. About an hour after, Jane Hambly returned and went up stairs and found the child dead, and the mother apparently asleep. The child was quite warm.

Jane Hambly corroborated this statement, and stated that she had kept the child away from the mother as long as she could, because she (the mother) had lost so many before, and the neighbours said this one would go the same way, and if it did she (Jane Hambly) should like to see the last of it.

Several other witnesses were examined, who saw the child after it was born, and stated that it was a very fine child. MR. RICHARDS, a surgeon stated that it would be useless making a post mortem examination, as the body was in such a decomposed state as far as he was able to judge, there was no mark of violence on the body neither was there any injury on the head, but he could not take it upon himself to state what was the cause of death. The jury returned a verdict that the child was found dead, but there was not sufficient evidence for them to say what was the cause of its death. The jury all agreed that it was certainly a most suspicious case, and one with which the coroner ought to be made acquainted immediately after the death.

On Saturday last, Mr. GILBERT HAMLEY held an inquest at Callington, on the body of MARY STEPHENS. It appeared that the deceased cohabited with a man called JONAS ODGERS, a miner. SARAH KIT stated that she lived next door to deceased, who had been a strong healthy woman up to the last few days. She had lately complained of pains in her head. About eleven o'clock the previous day she went to her house and found her in bed, deceased said she would try to get up soon. Witness then left her, and hearing her child cry about two o'clock, again went up stairs and found her dead. Odgers stated that he had lived with deceased sixteen months, and that generally she had been a very healthy woman. At half-past six in the morning, he left her in bed, to go to the mine to work, having previously made her a cup of tea. On the previous night he had prepared a basin of gruel for her, the remains of which was found by the bedside, and thrown away before the inquest was held. Two other witnesses stated that deceased had complained of giddiness in the head for the last day or two, and stated that the man with whom she cohabited was always very kind to her, which fact was corroborated by deceased's father. Mr. HENDER, surgeon, examined the body, but found nothing to account for death; there were no indications of her having vomited, neither were there any external marks of violence on the body, but although he could not without making a post mortem examination of the body, state the cause of her death, he was of opinion that she died from natural causes. Verdict, found dead.

The following inquest have been held before Mr. JOHN CARLYON, county coroner: On Thursday last, at Point, in the parish of Feock, on the body of WILLIAM WESCOTT, aged 11 years. The deceased and two other little boys, much younger than himself, were last Wednesday evening in the Desilvering Smelting Works, at Point, amusing themselves with an iron tram waggon, weighing about 4 cwt., used for the purpose of drawing the pigs of lead from the works to the yard. They had got it on the rails, where there is an incline towards the yard, down which it ran. The deceased was at the end of the handle trying to push it back, but the impetus was too great for him, and he was jammed between the handle and some pigs of lead in the yard, by which he was so severely injured that he died the following morning. Verdict accidental death.

On Monday, at St. Stephens, on the body of SARAH BROWN, aged 5 years, who caught her clothes on fire, during the absence of her parents, who had gone to St. Austell market last Friday, and was so dreadfully burnt before the fire could be extinguished that she only survived about three hours. [She had been left in charge of her eldest sister, aged 11 years. She tried to move a kettle over the fire, and her clothes caught on fire.] Verdict, accidental death.

On Tuesday, at West Basset mine, Illogan, on the body of JOHN WATERS. The deceased was one of Camborne, and for some time prior to the 19th of December, 1849, he had been in an insane state of mind, and not able to follow his occupation as a miner. On that day, he wandered away from home, and was never seen again. Some miners were clearing out an old adit in the West Basset sett, and found a body at the bottom of a shaft that had not been used for ten or eleven years. It was identified by his sons, who recognized the shoes and hat deceased wore. Verdict, found dead.

On the same day, at Redruth, on the body of GEORGE ROSKILLY, aged thirty-one years. Deceased was a breaksman on the West Cornwall Railway, proceeding from Dolcoath to Portreath, on Tuesday morning, with a train which had nine trucks or waggons, each laden with about four tons of copper ore. Reaching a spot where breaks were applied, deceased applied the break to the first waggon, and was in the act of crossing to the other side, when by some means his foot slipped, and he fell between the two tracks. The stoker, who saw what happened, told the engine driver, who stopped the train as soon as possible, and returned to the spot, where they found the body. [There were obvious head injuries, and he had died instantly.] The train was not going at more than six miles an hour, and no blame could be attributed to the engine driver, or any other party connected with the train. Deceased had been employed in the same capacity about five years, and bore a most excellent character. He has left a widow and three children. Verdict, accidental death.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

"SMUGGLING" at ST. IVES
SIR - Having seen a paragraph in your paper of last week headed "smuggling" and that a vessel named the "St. George," of Bristol, had been detained at the port of St. Ives by the customs, in consequence of the name in her stern not being sufficiently plain, I beg to inform you that I am the master of the above named smack, and that I brought her to anchor in St. Ives Bay, on Saturday morning the 31st of May last, for the purpose of taking in some baskets of fish, being at the time bound up channel. To my surprise, on Monday, she was brought into port by the custom-house officers and coast guard. The general belief in this town and neighbourhood is that one of the coast guard was rambling from a public house late on Saturday night, he fancied he met a waggon, loaded with contraband goods, and in his attempt to stop the waggon, was either knocked down, or from other causes, he fell under the waggon. This circumstance has caused the detention of my vessel, as at that time she was the only one in the bay. The vessel is still under an arrest, and I very much doubt whether I shall not lose the confidence of my employers, unless the business is thoroughly explained.

How far they have a right to detain the ship I am at a loss to conceive. Had this occurred in any other port, I should, with my crew, be in a state of great distress. I am a native of this port, and am in consequence thrown upon my friends for my daily bread. If you will favour me by inserting the above in your next week's columns, I shall ever feel grateful/

I am, Sir, your most obedient humble servant, JAMES WILLIAMS St. Ives, June 10, 1851 P.S. - The vessel has a four-inch letter in her stern, perfectly plain.

THE TRIGG AGRICULTURAL MEETING
SIR - Your most excellent Reporter has, I hope, for once committed an error. He makes me say at the Bodmin Agricultural Meeting, when referring to Mr. TREMAYNE's famous "lament" - "good old Mr. Tremayne's dungheap," instead of Mr. Tremayne's "dear old dungheap."

If not an error, I did not intend to use the words I refer to.

Will you kindly insert this letter, corrective of two epithets which are much too familiar to be courteous. I am, sir, your obedient servant, N. KENDALL Pelyn, June 7, 1851 (The words in our report were - good old Mr. Tremayne's "dear old dungheap.")


[the line above, in parentheses, appeared in the paper, just as given


20 JUNE 1851, Friday


ADVERTISEMENTS

HORRORS OF TRANSPORTATION
IN THE TOWN-HALL, TRURO MR. COCKNEY respectfully announces to the Inhabitants of Truro, that he will deliver two LECTURES on the above subject in the TOWN HALL, Truro, on MONDAY and TUESDAY next, June the 23red and 24th instant, illustrated with a Diorama of Van Diemen's Land. For particulars see hand-bills. Reserved seats 1s.; second seats 6d; back seats 3d; children and schools half-price.

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

POPULATION OF CORNWALL - The following is the population of the county, as ascertained on the 31st of March, 1851:................................................................................................. since 1841 UNIONS.......................................................................POPULATION.............INCREASE....DECREASE
Stratton........................................................................... 8, 580........................_______...... 852
Camelford....................................................................... 8,445......................... 382............ ______
Launceston.....................................................................16,819......................... 92............ ______
Bodmin....................................................... ....................20,492.........................________.... 308
Liskeard...........................................................................33,792........................ 7,317......... ______
St. Germans.....................................................................16,542........................ 422.......... ______
St. Columb.......................................................................17,360........................ 1,193......... ______
St. Austell........................................................................31,915........................ 507.......... ______
Truro ..............................................................................42,209........................ ______....... 939
Falmouth .......................................................................21.049........................ ______........ 651
Helston...........................................................................28,399........................ ______........ 4,139
Redruth.......................................................................... 53,567....................... 5,520........... ______
Penzance.........................................................................53,456...................... 3,342.......... ______
Scilly............................................................................... 2,651....................... 69............ ______

A total increase of 11,955
The Marriages, Births and Deaths registered within the above unions, during the ten years 1841-1851, show the following results:
Excess of births over deaths..........................47,511
Excess of persons in 1851, as above..............11,955
Therefore, emigrated & c. .............................35,556

The population of the above Unions was 193,039 in 1801, and the present number is 355,276, with the biggest increase in population being between 1811 and 1821. (40,732)
The most populous parish:
In 1851, Camborne......... 12,887
In 1841, Madron............ 11,144
In 1831, St. Austell.......... 8,758
In 1821, Madron............. 7,235
In 1811, Redruth............. 5,903
In 1801, Madron............. 4,940

SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARIES - The Fifty-first anniversary of the Castle Street Sunday School, Launceston, was held on Sunday last, when two sermons were preached by the Rev. W. SPENCER, of Devonport, to large audiences. On the Wednesday following, the annual meeting was held at the Western Subscription Rooms, when about three hundred children, and five hundred visitor and friends took tea; after which addresses were delivered by the Rev. W. SPENCER and J. HORSEY (Baptist) and also by REV. JEWELL, MR. HICKS, MR. A. EYRE, MR. GEAKE, and MR. PATTISON, which appeared to make a deep impression on the large number of persons who were present.

- On Tuesday last, the children belonging to the different Sunday schools in St. Austell were regaled with tea, cake, bread and cream. Those belonging to the Wesleyan school with their teachers and friends walked to Trewhiddle, about half a mile from the town, where they enjoyed themselves in a field. After taking tea, they were allowed to walk through the seat of MR. BATH and returned to the chapel yard, when the band played the national anthem and the children returned to their homes highly gratified with their day's enjoyment. The Independent school was entertained in a similar way in a field at Trevarrick.

APOTHECARIES' HALL - The following gentlemen passed their examination in the science and practice of medicine, and received certificates to practice on Thursday the 12th of June, 1851: RICHARD CLARK PARKIN, and JAMES STACEY HICHENS, Redruth.

ST. AUSTELL FAIR - The annual Whitsun-fair was held here on Thursday the 12th instant, but from the very wet state of the weather, it was the smallest ever remembered.

THE SHIP "DAEDALUS" - The friends of the numerous passengers who left Padstow for Quebec this spring in the ship "Daedalus" will be gratified to learn that they arrived out, all well, on the 27th of May, and were much pleased with the ship and captain. We copy the following from the Quebec Morning Chronicle:

"Quebec, May 27th, 1851 To Mr. THOMAS BULMAN, master of the ship "Daedalus" from Padstow - Sir, We, the passengers on board the ship "Daedalus," beg leave to tender our sincere thanks to you before parting, for your unwearied attention to the comfort and health of all, both night and day, during the voyage; also, for the great order and cleanliness of the ship through your good discipline. We beg you will accept this pencil case as a small token of our respect, for your great kindness and skilful management. We shall feel pleasure in recommending any of our friends... to take their passage in any ship which you may command. Wishing you health and happiness, we remain, sir, yours truly, J. P. and Gertrude VERCOE and five children, of Bodmin; THOMAS KNIGHT and PHILIP KNIGHT, of Roche; JAMES CARDELL BLAMEY, Lower St. Columb; A. BESWATHERICK, of St. Miniver, of behalf of the other passengers."

TRURO POLICE - On Monday last, JOHN HARRIS, of Veryan, labourer, was committed for trial at the sessions, for stealing a fustian waistcoat, and also for stealing a shoe, belonging to THOMAS WILLOUGHBY, ostler at the White Hart, Truro.

ELIZABETH TREWOLLA, of Castle-street, Truro, was charged with stealing a pound of butter, the property of FRANCIS GUNDRY, of the Queen's Head, Truro. She was also charged with stealing a leg of lamb, the property of JAMES MACDONALD, of Redruth, confectioner, who had bought the meat in Truro market, and left it at the Queen's head. The prisoner was remanded till Wednesday last, when she was committed for stealing the butter. The other charge was dismissed, the prosecutor not appearing.

LAUNCESTON - BIGAMY - THOMAS BROWN FARTHING, a person for nearly twelve years, has been in her Majesty's service in the Artillery, was apprehended by SAMBELL, police officer, and charged before MR. THOMAS PEARSE, magistrate for the district, with being married to a woman in York, his wife still living in Launceston. It appears in the evidence given that the person to whom he has been lately married, possessed a little money, and with a part of it purchased his discharge, and after living with her a short time, he abandoned her and sought to obtain possession of the little property which his industrious and hard-working wife had realized during his absence. The case was referred to York, where he has been sent to take his trial.

COMMITTALS - On Monday last, a girl named CRABB was taken before the REV. DR. FLETCHER, and committed to Bodmin, charged with stealing a quantity of ribbon from MRS. WM. HENWOOD, straw bonnet maker, St. Austell, by whom she had been employed as an occasional servant.

On Saturday last, a young man named HENRY HARVEY, an apprentice with MR. SAMUEL TRUSCOTT, of St. Austell, was committed to Bodmin gaol for twenty-one days, for absconding from his master.

SHIPWRECK IN MOUNT'S BAY - On the afternoon of Wednesday, last week, the lugger "Olivia," in making for Gwavas Lake, when about two miles off St. Loy, came up with a sloop running in the same direction. As no sign of distress was hung out she did not at first attract any particular attention, but soon after passing her she was observed to be rapidly sinking. The "Olivia" then endeavoured to come up with her, and on nearing her, a man was observed holding on a water keg with a chain in each hand. The "Olivia" was able to approach so near as to discover that he had received a severe cut over the eye, which was bleeding profusely. A rope was immediately flung towards him, but as he made no effort to reach it, and soon after fell flat on his back and made no attempt to rise again, it was concluded that he was dead. A few floating articles were then picked up, and the "Olivia" hovered about in the neighbourhood of the sloop for some time, in the hope of picking up some of the crew, who might have been floating about. The attempt, however, proved fruitless, and the weather continuing very stormy, the "Olivia" was compelled to run for her own safety. The unfortunate vessel has since been found to be the "Plymouth Packet," CAPT. HITCHENS, laden with stone for Scilly.

ACCIDENTS - On Friday last, as a labouring man named OAKEM was in the act of excavating some part of the new line of railway between Angarrack and Hayle, a quantity of earth gave way and broke one of his legs.

On the following Monday, one of the navvies fell from a scaffolding at Hayle Foundry, and pitched to his head on some pig iron, then lying in the way. He was immediately conveyed to his lodgings, and MR. ANGOVE, surgeon, in the absence of DR. MILLETT, hastened to the spot, when it was found that the head and neck had been severely cut besides other injuries. Both these parties, however, are likely to do well.

MELANCHOLY DEATH OF A CHILD - On Friday last, the body of a boy about five years old, the son of CAPT. H. POPE, of Padstow, was picked up floating on the river there. It is supposed that he had fallen off some rock into the water.

CORONERS' INQUESTS - On Tuesday last, an inquest was held at Maula Lane-end, in the parish of Illogan, before Mr. JOHN CARLYON, coroner, on the body of STEPHEN WILLIAMS, miner, aged 19 years, who died from injuries he received by a fall, whilst at work on Friday last. Verdict, accidental death.

On the 18th instant, an inquest was held before MR. GILBERT HAMLEY, deputy coroner, at East Looe, on view of the body of ELIZABETH SCANTLEBURY, who was found on the preceding morning in a dying state, with her throat cut. It appeared from the evidence that a niece of deceased went to her house in the morning about half-past seven for the purpose of dressing her children. Not finding her aunt in the bed room, and observing that her bed had not been slept in, she asked the children where their mother was. They not being able to tell her, she went down stairs, and on entering the shop found deceased lying on the floor. She made an alarm, and a person called TOMS, who lived in the same house, came down stairs and assisted in bringing her into the kitchen, when it was discovered that her throat was cut in a frightful manner. MR. CLOGG, surgeon, was soon in attendance and closed the wound, but she died in a few hours.

Deceased had been in a desponding state for some weeks, fearing she had brought her husband into difficulties, having given too many orders for shop goods. On Saturday evening she sent for her brother and told him it was nearly all over with her, and she wished she had thrown herself into the sea. Only a few minutes before she committed the act, she was seen by a neighbour to take down the kitchen window shutter. Several witnesses spoke as to her being low in spirits lately. She had nine children and was afraid she would not be able to maintain them. A razor, with which she had cut her throat, was found close to her side. The jury returned a verdict of "temporary insanity."

CORNWALL COUNTY COURTS

Helston - JENKIN v ALLEN - MR. T. ROGERS appeared for plaintiff.This was an action for the recovery of GBP 50, the balance of principal and rent due on the defendant's note of hand. Judgment for plaintiff for GBP 50.

Penzance - SCOTT against J. S. SCOTT - This matter came before the Court at these sittings on the 10th inst., but want of space prevented its insertion in our last paper.

The plaintiff and defendant stand in the relationship towards each other of nephew and uncle.The defendant is a marble mason, carrying on business in Penzance.The action was brought for the recovery of GBP 4.5s.6d., as due to the plaintiff for wages, and the matter came on for hearing at the previous sittings in May.The case was then partially gone into and the leading facts connected with the plaintiff's claim and with the defence were elicited; these are shortly as follows:

Mr. BORLASE (of the firm MILLETT and BORLASE) appeared for the plaintiff, and MR. PASCOE for the defendant.There were two accounts produced by the plaintiff, one showing a balance of GBP 5.15s.6d. for wages, for work done between the months of February and November, 1848, and the other account showing a balance of GBP 4.5s.6d., as due on a promissory note and for over-work (the amount claimed for over-work being GBP 1.17s.6d.) both balances making a total of GBP 10.1s., although the plaintiff sought to recover GBP 4.5s.6d. only.

The defendant's attorney after perusing the accounts observed on their apparent incongruity, and remarked that the claim for over-work was now made for the first time.He then stated that, with the exception of the claim for over-work, the defendant had paid the plaintiff all he owed him, that the truth of this statement could be borne out by the defendant's accounts, which were kept in a clear and detailed manner, and according to which the plaintiff had been overpaid several shillings.He added that, even supposing any balance were due to the plaintiff, he had forfeited all claim to it by his conduct on leaving the defendant at a moment's notice and a at a time when a press of business particularly required his services.

After considerable discussion the parties mutually agreed to leave the matter to MR. ROBERT MATTHEWS, of Penzance. MR. MATTHEWS, at these sittings, (June the 10th) delivered his award.It appeared that the plaintiff had kept no regular accounts, that he was very uncertain in his cash entries, and that the very partial accounts produced by him did not cover more than half the time he worked with the defendant. He had kept no account of lost time, and his accounts were evidently guess-work, whereas the defendant had kept a regular record of the time worked and of weekly payments; and in addition to dates &c., other circumstances were given, which on inquiry, satisfied the referee that the defendant's accounts were entitled to full credit. The defendant's accounts showed plaintiff had been paid 11s.5d. more than his due.

This, however, did not include the plaintiff's claim for over-work, with regard to which, the referee stated that the defendant had agreed to pay it for the sake of having a settlement, notwithstanding many serious objections he had to it, although it had come upon him unawares, and the existence of which he only knew of on the morning of the court day. Under these circumstances, after deducting from the plaintiff's claim for over-work, the amount overpaid him on the general account, a balance of GBP 1.6s.1d. remained for the plaintiff to pay.

His Honor remarked on the absurdity of an action being brought on such accounts as produced by the plaintiff, then directed the verdict to be entered in accordance with the award.

REDRUTH - ARSENIC CASE - This Court sat on Wednesday and Thursday, the 11th and 12th instant, when the case of ARNALL v FOX came on for hearing. The plaintiff sought to recover damages for injury caused to a crop of turnips alleged to have been occasioned by the effluvia of arsenic from a burning house recently erected by the defendant in the neighbourhood of Redruth. The case was tried in January, and a verdict given for defendant, but a new trial had been moved for and granted on the ground of surprise.

MR. T. ARNALL, the plaintiff, stated he rented three fields at North Country in the autumn of 1849; one part of one of the fields was in potatoes, another in turnips, and another in mangold wurtzel; the potatoe crop was excellent, the others not so good because not sufficiently manured.The defendant had not them erected his burning-house. When he found them commencing the building, he objected, but was told it would be constructed so as to prevent any damage. He sowed a new crop of mangold and turnips on that assurance, but the first time it was used, he found the ground crusted and burnt up. Told the man at the burning-house I believed the arsenic had destroyed my crop; observed on the ground dry white particles. [The turnips came up beautifully, until the wind blew a different direction then blew over the field and covered it with a "white dew".] Estimated damage received at GBP 8.15s. My cow got in among the turnips for five minutes one day, and her hair was pitched as if she had been out all night.

JOHN COCK said he prepared the field for tillage in May, 1850; one day the crop looked well, next morning by three o'clock, one half of the crop was destroyed. Had ploughed the land about three inches deep; Hickes told him he was ploughing too deep and turning up the sand.

jOHN ADAMS had seen one day like a hoar frost on the crop.[His testimony reinforced that of the other prosecution witnesses.]

MR. GEORGE ARNALL was in the habit of damming the main stream which supplied this burning house; had done so at the time these crops were said to have failed; should not think that at such times the launder of the blowing house could have more than an inch and a half of water, but was never on the spot to see the stream.

CAPT. JAMES WHITE was the proprietor of the fields. When Mr. Arnall took the ground there had been an excellent crop of potatoes, a bushel to a lace. There was nothing in the bottom that was injurious for grass or vegetables. The water had been an inch and a half deep at that time.Had now let the fields to another for the same amount as Arnall, GBP 5.16s.

JOHN ALLEN, a tin dresser, has been for twelve years accustomed to burning houses. Remembers erecting a blowing-house for the late MR. REUBEN MAGOR ,on the same principle as Mr. Fox's, twenty years ago. That was found to answer well.

CAPT. JAMES ROSCROW deposed to the scarcity of water in the summer of 1850.

CAPT. GEORGE HICKES is toller under the Lords of the land; had known the fields all his time, and never saw or heard of any bad crops on them; knows the principle of this blowing house; it was bad to let the water from the flue go over the wheel, if it fell perpendicular it would not do much harm, "but the end of the flue ought to be stuffed down in the water". In consequence of complaints, went there with Mr. BRIDGMAN, one of the Lords, who saw the trees looking white, and Mr. BURTON said he would alter it.

MR. RICHARDS, surgeon, had heard the description of the flue, had not examined it, did not think its construction likely to affect the arrest of arsenical effluvia. It was well calculated to arrest sulphurous acid but not arsenious. A small quantity of water would immediately absorb the sulphurous acid. If there was any sulphurous vapour in that court a bason of water would attract it all; did not think it possible that any sulphurous vapour could escape from this flue, but water would have no effect upon arsenic acid; one of the products of tin burning; the arsenic was volatized at 380 degrees of heat, and having almost no affinity for water would pass over two hundred fathoms of it unchanged and leave the flue the same as it entered it. If the launder were kept quite full of water so that the vapour must pass through the water, the arsenious acid would become converted into arsenic acid by abstraction of oxygen from the water, and the arsenic acid was very soluble; and in this way much of the mischief might be prevented.

MR. JOHN JOB , chemist, had heard Mr. Richards's evidence, and could swear that he entirely concurred in it; it was quite correct.

For the defence. - SIMON KNEEBONE said he lives about fifty yards from the blowing-house; knows Mr. Arnall's fields well; they were a sandy bottom; three years ago JOHN POLLARD's son leveled abroad a stream bank to make a part of the nearer field to the burning-house. Had known corn tilled in these fields, but it failed; then hay, a pretty good crop; then turnips, which failed; and next year, turnips again, which failed. Pollard had a crop which was sold for the rent. Mr. ARNALL tried vetches in this field, which soon died away; had seen a cow, geese, and a pig among the crop which failed; there was no proper fence between this field and the next; and the cow, pig, and geese were in the field long enough to eat up ten such crops; had told Mr. Arnall about the fence many times; his field was as near to Mr. Arnall's to the blowing-house, and was never injured; had last year an excellent crop of turnips; had twelve head of cattle which had never been injured. The house was worth as much now as before the burning-house was erected, if ploughed deep the sand would injure the crops. He had never seen the flue without water enough to work it with.

NICHOLAS BOYNES said he now is the tenant of the fields which Mr. Arnall had rented; remembers Mr. Arnall's crops; did not believe they were injured by the burning-house.

HONOR BOYNES, wife of last witness, had seen the cow, the pig, and geese trespassing on the crop of turnips; Mr. Arnall's wife had expressed to her lately the desire to take the adjoining fields for grass.

GEORGE HICKES resides close to blowing-house, his father had fields closer to blowing-house than Mr. Arnall's, which had never been injured.These fields were in the direction of the prevailing winds and last year had an excellent crop of turnips.Told COCK when he was ploughing Arnall's field, that he was ploughing too deep; Cock said, he must do as his master told him; I told him he would turn up the stamps sand.

T. BISHOP said the water was always sufficient for the flue, he would think three or four inches deep in the launder; I am employed at the burning-house; there has been no alteration whatever in the flue since first erected.They burn now more than ever they burnt before.Last summer they burnt about a week in a month; this summer they have been burning a fortnight a month... If the flue were kept FULL of water, the blowing house could not be worked, as there could be no draught.

CAPTAIN MATTHEW STAPLE had once occasion to ignite a pile of a thousand tons of ore amidst a wood in Cuba; great quantities of sulphur were produced, but although the smell was very offensive, not the slightest injury was done to the trees around, nor to the herbage around.

MR. J. L. PETER, who conducted the defence, having closed his case, Mr. ROGERS for the plaintiff replied at considerable length.The Judge summed up in a very clear and impartial manner; the jury retired at about half past eleven o'clock at night, and after being locked up all night, were discharged in the morning without having been able to agree upon a verdict.


27 JUNE 1851, Friday


ECCLESIASTICAL - THE REV. T. G. GRYLLS, last assistant curate of Penzance, has been appointed to the curacy of Sancreed, vacant by the resignation of the REC. G. D'ARCY IRVINE.

CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY - On Sunday last two sermons were preached in St. Austell church by the REV. E. J. TREFFRY, of Place House, Fowey, on behalf of the above society. Collections were made at the close of each service, which amounted to upwards of GBP 8.

PENZANCE QUAY FAIR - This fair was held at this Quay of Midsummer-day. The country folks crowded to the scene in great numbers, and in taking their "penny-worths of sea" gave full employment to the pilots and boatmen belonging to the pier. The Mount's Bay was dotted with boats filled with gaily-dressed parties, and this custom, which has been observed almost from time immemorial, was on this occasion kept up with great spirit.

COURT OF BANKRUPTCY - In the Court of Bankruptcy, for the Exeter District, on Monday last, application was made to the Commissioner, for the discharge from custody of THOMAS DAVEY, late a butcher of Liskeard, but now a prisoner in Bodmin Gaol, whose certificate was some time since suspended for two years, without protection. MESSRS. BISHOP and PITTS produced a memorial which had been signed by several of the bankrupt's creditors, and stated that he had been in prison for three months. MR. STOGDON, who was instructed to appear for the detaining creditor, resisted the application; the Commissioner refused to grant the prisoner's release, until he shall have been six months in prison.

In re JAMES HILL, miller, Saltash; last examination. MR. R. EDMONDS for trade assignee, and MR. J. E. ELWORTHY for the bankrupt, who it appeared had not made out any balance sheet. His examination was adjourned sine die. The amount of the estate is GBP 2; the debts above GBP 120. By the above adjournment the bankrupt will be liable to imprisonment.

MAILS DELAYED - The Mails on Tuesday last were delayed to a late hour, in consequence of the heavy trains down the line. About mid-day a large detachment of the Royal Marines from H.M.S. "Wellesley," and a number of the crew, came down, having been paid off. They caused the train to be very heavy, and as the Bristol and Exeter train had not arrived at its proper time, the 4:10a.m. down train from Exeter left at its proper time without bringing on the mail bags. The mails came on by the next train; and were several hours later than their usual time of arrival at Truro.

TEETOTAL ANNIVERSARIES - On Wednesday the 18th instant, the annual meeting of the St. Austell teetotal society took place. On the afternoon of that day a sermon was preached in the Baptist Chapel by the Rev. Mr. POLSFORD, after which the friends to the cause adjourned to the Market-house, where a public tea took place, to which a great number sat down. After tea a public meeting was held, which was presided over by Mr. BALKWILL, of Bodmin, and the meeting was addressed by the Revds. Messrs. COPE, POLSFORD, GREEN, and Mr. G. THOMAS. - On Tuesday morning, an excursion train, consisting of eight carriages, with about two hundred passengers, left Moorswater, near Liskeard; each carriage bore a banner with a suitable inscription; the band played at all the villages on the line. The assemblage at Cheesewring was large, but so scattered about the rocky regions of this wild locality that to estimate the number of persons present was a very difficult task. The day was passed by the teetotalers in a very agreeable manner with the exception of a little annoyance they experienced on their way up, from the circumstance of a portion of the rail having been feloniously removed by some individual unknown. Had the train been returning, and the circumstance unobserved, the consequences would have been very serious.

THE "HORRORS OF TRANSPORTATION" - Two lectures under this title were delivered on Monday and Tuesday evenings last, at the Town Hall, Truro, by Mr. COCKNEY, a returned convict, who depicted in forcible language the sufferings which the felon is doomed to undergo, when transported to the penal settlements. The lecturer has a fluent deliver and a manner which bespeaks attention and credence. He spoke of his conviction at the Manchester sessions in 1837, for burglary, of his sentence to transportation, his embarkation on board the "Neptune", convict ship, for Hobart Town, Van Diemen's Land, his sufferings on the voyage, and the extreme hardships he endured on landing; of the lashing of refractory convicts; and the sufferings the prisoners have to endure at Port Arthur. The lecturer appeared in the costume of a Port Arthur convict, wearing the felon's suit in double chains, and exhibiting the cat-o'-nine-tails.

After the lectures, Mr. Ciockney exhibited a number of dioramic views of the principal towns, chain gangs, and penal settlements in Van Kiemen's Land, and showing the general aspect of the country. There has existed an impression amongst some persons that transportation is not a very harsh purnishment, and that convicts in the penal settlements are nearly as well situated as many poor persons in England. The lectures of Mr. Cockney prove that this is a mere mistaken notion, and his exhibition of the horrors of a convict's life will perhaps have a good effect in deterring from crime.

ST. AUSTELL ANNUAL WRESTLING - This public diversion came off on Tuesday and Wednesday the 17th and 18th instant, in a field belonging to MR. HENRY STEPHENS, just above the fair park. The weather on both days was very fine, and on the Wednesday it is supposed there were not less than three thousand persons present. In the first round of standards playing, amidst some excellent wrestling, and after a long struggle, HICKS, of Lostwithiel, threw EUDY, of Luxulyan; HENRY PENHALE of Gwinear threw RICHARDS, of St. Austell; JOHN OXNAM of Newlyn threw WM. TREGONING of St. Austell; JAMES WILLIAMS, of Newlyn, threw THOMAS WATERS of St. Austell; and JAMES LONG, of Gwennap, threw JOHN HAMBLY, of St. Austell. In the double play, OXNAM threw KENDLE, of Bodmin; OLIVER threw BLIGHT of St. Austell; KESTLE threw SMITH; JOHN MARTYN of St. Austell threw H. PENHALE; LONG threw HICKS; and JAMES WILLIAMS threw WM. MATTHEWS. In the treble play, OXNAM threw HOSKIN; WILLIAMS threw LONG. Finally, OXNAM threw WILLIAMS, and the prizes were awarded as follows:
1st prize, GBP 5, JOHN OXNAM; 2nd prize, GBP 3, JAMES WILLIAMS; 3rd prize, GBP 2, OLIVER; 4th prize, GBP 1, JAMES LONG.

TREAT TO THE BLIND - On Thursday the 19th instant, a very novel treat was given by MR. NICHOLAS JENNINGS, of Pennance, in Gwennap, to forty-five blind men. It appears that Mr. Jennings had previously been afflicted with a complaint in his eyes - since which time he has always manifested a most sincere regard for the poor blind, and his great liberality and kindness on the present occasion received the grateful thanks of those unfortunate men. After dinner a meeting took place in the open air, and very appropriate addresses were delivered by Messrs. VIVIAN, PAUL, COCK, and SIMS. - from a correspondent.

CORNISH SETTLEMENT IN AUSTRALIA - The SYDNEY MORNING HERALD of December 21st gives an account of what is called the Cornish Settlement, situated about twenty-five miles from Bathurst, in Australia. The settlement was first located in 1820, and the greater part of the settlers were Cornish people; hence the origin of the present name of the district. It appears that mining is now carried on there. About two years ago indications of copper were discovered by MR. JOHN LANE, which were found to extend also to ground belonging to MR. JOHN GLASSON. Four shafts have been sunk by Mr. Lane, and one by Mr. Glasson; and the work is carried on principally on tribute, the miners getting six, eight, and ten tons out of every twenty. The shafts sunk by Mr. Lane are on a north and south lode, which is twenty-two feet wide. The ore is found in branches varying in thickness from two to eight inches. Mr. Glasson' s shaft is sunk on the course of a lode which is supposed to be a continuation of Mr. Lane's main lode. Both gentlemen have on the surface between three and four hundred tons of ore, of rich quality. Smelting works have just been erected at the mines, conducted by MR. RICHARD COCK, and ingots of copper have been produced by one smelting which contain ninety-five per cent of pure copper. For the furnaces of the smelting works box wood is used, cut into nine-inch lengths, and billeted, which it is said answers well for rapid fusion, purity of metal, and clean slag.

FALMOUTH POLICE - SARAH BIRD summoned MOSES SAMUEL JACOB for an assault, which was proved, and he was fined 5s. and costs.

SMUGGLING - On Monday the 16th instant, the "St. George," of Bristol was released from the custody of H.M. Customs, by order of the board; but in consequence of a quantity of spirits having been crept up by the custom-house officers on the morning of Saturday last, she was stopped. A piece of chain, and the rope attached to the tubs, correspond with those on board the above named vessel.

SERIOUS ACCIDENT - As a boy of Helston, named STEPHENS, was driving a horse and cart from Constantine churchtown towards Gweek, on Wednesday last, the horse, from some cause or other started off and threw the lad out of the cart, the wheel passed over and broke one of his legs and severed two of his fingers from his hand. The boy was taken up and conveyed to his parent's abode in Helston; and we are happy to add that at present nothing fatal is to apprehended.

SINGULAR ACCIDENT - On Thursday the 19th instant, as a poor old man called WILLIAM THOMAS, was gathering some blossom from an elder tree at Luggans, near Hayle, he overreached himself, fell backwards and was unable to rise. DR. MILLETT, who was immediately sent for, discovered that the neck of the thigh bone was fractured. As the poor old man was a recipient of parish relief, he requested them to send for MR. VAWDREY, one of the union surgeons, under whose care the poor man lies.

CORONER'S INQUESTS - On the 18th instant, an inquest was held before MR. HAMLEY, county coroner, on JOHN CROSSMAN, a miner, who met his death under the following circumstances: He was working with his father and brother in Rocks Mine, near St. Austell, when a scale of earth suddenly came away on them and buried the deceased. He was soon got out but was quite dead. Verdict, accidental death.

The following inquest has been held by MR. ROSKRUGE, coroner for Helston: On Friday last, on the body of EDWARD WINNAN, aged eighty-six, who had lived for many years in the service of MR. G. GRYLLS, as a gardener. From the evidence it appeared that about one o'clock he went into the back premises attached to his residence in Church-street, where after an absence of about half an hour, he was discovered by his wife, in a sitting position apparently dead; she immediately made an alarm, and with the assistance of the neighbours, got him into the house, and placed him on the bed, where he was shortly after visited by a surgeon. The deceased had from his great age been gradually declining, and was occasionally subject to "qualms." Verdict, died by the visitation of God.

JUDICIAL COMMITTEE of the PRIVY COUNCIL - SATURDAY JUNE 21

The members of the Committee were - the Chancellor of the Duchy of Cornwall, the Judge of the Admiralty Court, the Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, and the Right Hon. SIR EDWARD RYAN.

BENNETT v. FREE - TESTAMENTARY PAPERS - JUDGMENT - This was an appeal from the decision of the judge of the Prerogative Court.

It appeared that the testator in this case, JOHN BRITTON, who resided in the parish of Budock, in this county, executed two wills. The first will was dated the 11th day of November, 1846, and was promoted by EDWARD BENNETT, the sole executor named, against CHARLOTTE SUSANNAH OSLER, the sole executrix named in a prior will, bearing the date the 13th of May, 1843, and a codicil dated April 19, 1844.

The appellant contended that it was not proved by credible witnesses that the testator was insane at the time the last alleged will was executed, nor that the will had been improperly obtained from the testator. On the contrary, it had been proved by credible witnesses that it was the spontaneous act of a competent testator, and was entitled to probate.

The Council, without hearing the arguments on behalf of the respondent, decided that the judgment of the court below must be affirmed. Judgment accordingly.




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