| 2 SEPTEMBER 1853, Friday Having seen a challenge inserted in the West Briton of last week, by the Owners of the "Cora," sailing boat, to run her against any 15-feet Boat within the Rock, I Hereby, as owner of the "William," accept the challenge, and will meet the owners of the "Cora" on Monday next, September 5, at the Dolphin Inn, Truro, from seven to eight o'clock in the evening, to make the necessary arrangements for sailing. Edward BRYANT, Truro, August 31, 1853. TRURO POLICE. - On Friday last, Mary Ann THOMAS and Elizabeth THOMAS, of Redruth, were charged with breaking three panes of glass, in the premises of Mr. HUDDY, of Prince's Street, Truro. Being old offenders, they were ordered to enter into recognizances, themselves in �50, and two sureties in �25 each, to keep the peace for twelve months; and in default they were committed to the house of correction for twelve months. The police records show that Mary Ann Thomas has previously been committed eleven times, and Elizabeth Thomas ten times by the magistrates of Truro, for different offences. The former has been in prison three periods of twelve months each since May 1847, and from that time to April 1852, she has been on different committals, about four years in prison; the other sister, Elizabeth Thomas, has been about three years and ten months in prison within the same period. On Saturday last, George POLKINGHORN was charged with assaulting Richard CLIFT, carrier, but eventually the case was settled out of court, defendant paying the costs. Digory WROATH, beer-house keeper in Kenwyn Street, pleaded guilty of having his house open on Sunday morning at a quarter before eight, and allowing persons to be drinking in the skittle ground. He was fined 10s. and costs. FIRE AT HAYLE. - On Tuesday afternoon, between four and five o'clock, a fire broke out at the house of James BURKE, near the Copper-house at Hayle. Capt. TRENERY, of the "Marys," and other neighbours were immediately on the spot, and by dint of great exertion succeeded in extinguishing the fire. We regret, however, to state that Burke, who is a working man, has sustained a loss of upwards of �20. There were two flasks of gunpowder in the room in which the fire originated, which fortunately did not ignite, or frightful consequences might have ensued. We are rather surprised to find that Hayle containing a population of nearly five thousand inhabitants does not possess a fire engine. A serious loss to life and property may at a future period result from the want of some proper precaution of this kind. MELANCHOLY AND FATAL ACCIDENT - A most distressing occurrence has thrown a gloom over the whole neighbourhood of Camelford. On Thursday the 23rd ult, a large party was assembled to spend the day on the cliffs near Trevalga. The weather proved stormy in the afternoon, and the party was on the point of separating, when the wind blew off the had of Mr. DENNIS, Solicitor, of Camelford, towards the cliff; he was following it with great rapidity, when owing either to the slippery state of the grass, or to the speed with which he was running, he fell and rolled over the precipice. A boat was immediately brought round from Boscastle, and he was found on a rock near the sea, quite dead, having been precipitated at least a hundred feet. An inquest was held over his remains on the following day, and a verdict returned of "accidental death." It is seldom that we have to record the death of a more promising young man. Though he had resided in Camelford but a short time, his honest integrity, and amiability of character were such as to endear him to all classes, and to render his loss almost irreparable to the whole neighbourhood. Mr. Dennis was the son of Mr. Dennis, surgeon, of Alnwick, in Northumberland, and had just turned his 24th years. MONEY ORDERS. - General Post Office, August, 1853. A Minor money order office was opened at Boscastle on the 1st of September. THE CUSTOMS. - Mr. SHOLL, formerly of Truro, has been promoted to the collectorship of Lancaster. EARLY HARVEST. - Each of the three Mr. WESTs of the parish of St. Kew, completed their harvest on the 25th ult., and in excellent condition. BOTTLE FOUND. - A bottle was picked up on the beach at Widemouth, near Bude, on the 28th ult., containing a piece of paper written thus:- Ship "California," Capt. JASKI, Australia, all well, Lizard Point - N.W. by W. 18 miles." MURDER AT CALSTOCK. - We stated last week that a man and woman had been apprehended at St. Austell, who had absconded from the parish of Calstock, the woman having had a verdict of "wilful murder" returned against her on a coroner's inquisition. The following are further particulars on the subject:- Considerable excitement has been occasioned during the past week among the inhabitants in the neighbourhood of Calstock, by the exhumation of the body of a child, six months old, upon suspicion of its having been murdered. It appears that about five or six weeks since, the deceased and also the father of the child, a labourer named PELLOW, residing at Metherell, in the parish of Calstock, were suddenly taken ill, and in the course of a few hours the child died, but the father who suffered severely from sickness, recovered and was able to resume work. In the course of the past week, the wife of Pellow absconded from her home, with William GAY, a labourer who had been a lodger in the house, and a suspicion having been excited that the illness of the husband and death of the child were occasioned by poison administered by Pellow's wife, information was given to Mr. HAMLEY, the Coroner, who directed the disinterment of the body of the deceased child. This was done on Saturday, the 22nd ult., when an inquest was held which was adjourned until Tuesday, for the purpose of enabling Mr. JONES, surgeon, to make a post mortem examination, the result of which has conclusively established the presence of poison in the stomach of the infant, and a verdict of "wilful murder" was returned against the mother, for whom a warrant was immediately issued. Another account states that a verdict of "wilful murder" was also returned by the coroner's jury against John GAY was accessory before the fact. The surgeon who made the post mortem examination, stated that the liver was much enlarged, and the stomach presented the appearance of violent inflammation. He also stated that he had taken the contents of the stomach to Mr. Rowe, a chemist of Devonport and the result of investigations made by the latter was that although arsenic could not be found in a sold form, from it being diffused in the system, yet there were evident traces of its existence, and he believed that death arose from the administering of arsenic. The accused parties were apprehended on Wednesday night last week at Carvath, a village near St. Austell, by policemen SAMBELS and WESTLAKE, who deserve much praise for their vigilance and exertions. On Thursday the parties charged with the offence, were safely lodged in the county gaol at Bodmin. CORONERS' INQUESTS. The following inquest has been held before Mr. John CARLYON, county coroner: At Carnon, on Monday last on the body of W. HARVEY, jun., aged 16 years. Deceased was in the employ of Mr. George SARAH, carrier, of Mylor, and it appeared that on Monday the 22nd ult., they had delivered a large boiler on a boiler carriage from Perran to Wheal Trevenen mine, near Helston. On their return home in the evening, near the Half-Way House, deceased who was riding on the bolster of the wagon behind, had occasion to get off; and in getting up again behind, as the wagon was going along, he put his left foot on the nave-drag, and caught hold of the handle of the drag which he pushed forward a bit. This caused him to lose his balance, and his right foot got between two of the spokes of the wheel; as the wheel revolved and those two spokes approached the bolster, his leg was broken, and he was thrown over the wheel into the road. Mr. SARA and the drivers with him bound up his leg in the best way the could, and conveyed him to his parents' house, near Carnon, where every attention was paid to him by Mr. BOYLE, surgeon, and he appeared to go on favourably until last Friday morning, when mortification came on and he died the following day. It was said that another boy called BETTISON, who had been riding on the carriage with the deceased, had pushed him off when he attempted to get up, but it was clearly proved that this was not the case and the jury returned a verdict of "accidental death." (both spelling of SARAH and SARA used in this article - Isabel). CHARITABLE BEQUESTS. - A legacy of �100 has been bequeathed to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, and a bequest of equal amount to the Royal Eye Infirmary, by the late Miss BLENCROSS, of Liskeard. 9 SEPTEMBER 1853, Friday NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN - That the Partnerships subsisting between Mary WADE, Duhannah WADE, Elizabeth WADE, Ann WADE, and myself, the undersigned Eliza WADE, all of Redruth, in the County of Cornwall, as Grocers, Tea Dealers, and Confectioners, is Dissolved, so far as concerns the undersigned Eliza Wade. And Notice is Herby Further Given, that the said Eliza Wade will not be answerable for any debts contracted after this date by the said Mary Wade, Duhannah Wade, Elizabeth Wade, and Ann Wade. (Signed) ELIZA WADE. Dated Redruth, 3rd Sept., 1853. CHAPEL ANNIVERSARY. - On Sunday the 28th ult., two sermons were preached in aid of the trust funds of the Hayle Foundry Wesleyan Chapel, by the Rev. RATTENBURY. On Monday afternoon a tea meeting was held, and in the evening Mr. Rattenbury again preached. The proceeds were highly satisfactory, having exceeded those of the previous anniversary. PRESENTATION AT CAMELFORD. - On Wednesday last week, the friends of the Rev. B.P. ELVINS, Wesleyan minister, who is about to remove to Liskeard, presented him with a set of silver tea-spoons as a token of their respect, and some slight proof of the attachment they feel towards him. REAPING MACHINE. - On Thursday the 1st instant, Mr. W. GERANS, of Tregony, tested a reaping machine, on the farm of Mr. William HODGE, at Veryan. The machine is of his own manufacture and partly of his own invention, the other pars of it being a modification of Bell's reaping implement. It did its work admirably with respect to the cutting; but there is still a material point to be attained before the machine will be complete, which is that of having an automaton delivery. This Mr. Gerrans is making, and by another harvest it is expected it will be complete. ST IVES. - On Monday morning last, a piece of board supposed to have been either a head board or quarter board, nicely carved and gilded, with the name "Water Witch" on it, and about eight feet long, was picked up on the beach near St. Ives. CHACEWATER INSTITUTION. - The funds of this institution have been further augmented by a liberal donation of �5, from Mr. Davies GILBERT, of Trelissick. TRURO POLICE - On Saturday last, John OATEY, a mason of St. Erth, was charged with assaulting Mr. Thomas COLLINS, eating-house keeper, Church-lane. He had dinner at the eating-house, and refused to pay for it, and was going out, on which Mr. Collins stopped him, and was assaulted by Oatey, who was then given into custody. He was fined �1, with costs 5s., and 3s. damages he committed in the eating house. The prisoner had nearly �13 in his possession, and was detained some time in custody on suspicion of having been concerned in the recent robbery at the Plough Inn, near Grampound; but the evidence being insufficient, he was discharged. On Monday last, William Henry TUCKER, a blacksmith, for causing a disturbance in Kenwyn-street, and assaulting the police, was fined 10s. and costs, and in default was committed for twenty-one days to hard labour. INQUESTS. - The following inquests have been held at Penzance before Mr. DAVIES, deputy coroner for the borough. On Saturday last, on the body of the illegitimate infant daughter of Elizabeth Ann EUSTICE, who lives near the Quay. The child was born on the 10th of June last, and had always been a weak and delicate child. On Thursday evening the infant it was stated was so weak that the mother thought of taking it to the doctor. She does not appear however to have done so; and about three o'clock next morning when she was about to take it up to nurse, she found it dead. The mother who has another child appeared to have always treated deceased with kindness. Verdict, "natural death." Also, on the body of Elizabeth TONKIN, single woman about seventy years old, who had also live at the Quay with a married woman named Elizabeth JONES, who died suddenly. Mr. BOASE, surgeon, gave evidence that the cause of death was from rupture of a blood vessel in the lungs producing suffocation. Verdict accordingly. FIRE AT ST. CLEMENT. - A fire took place on Sunday night last, at Condurrow House, adjacent to the village of St. Clement, and nearly two miles from Truro. The house is situated about one hundred yards from the vicarage, and there are several cottages within a very short distance. It is therefore singular that the fire was not discovered by the cottagers until they were aroused by some boatmen, who from the river at Malpas saw the reflection of the flames. This was between three and four o'clock in the morning, and such had been the destructive progress of the fire that the contents of the building had then been totally consumed; the roof had fallen in, and nothing but the four blackened walls remained standing. The reflection of the fire was also observed at Truro between eleven and twelve o'clock on Sunday night by police constables WOOLCOCK and PAPPIN, who went up on Strangways Terrace, and mounted a ladder standing against the wall of a house in course of building; but at that time the light in the sky appeared greatly to diminish, and no information being sent to the town they heard nothing further of the matter until the following morning. The house was a good looking and substantial building, in the occupation of the Rev. James ROE, a clergyman, who came there from Langport in Somersetshire. It was the property of Mr. VIVIAN of Pencalenick, and was wholly uninsured, but the household effects, plate, books, &c., belonging to the occupier were insured in the Sun Fire Office to the amount of �800. It appears that in April last, Mr. Roe applied to effect an insurance with the office in London in which he had formerly insured, and they communicated with their agent at Truro, Mr. SALTER, to whom Mr. Roe was referred, and he then estimated the value of his household effects, &c., at �1,400, and wished to insure for �1,000. This, however, was declined, and an insurance ultimately effected for �800. The Rev. J. Roe had no benefice in Cornwall, but came to Condurrow and farmed a small estate attached to the house, which he was under notice to quite at Michaelmas next. There was no person in the house at the time of the fire; the occupier was at Perranporth with his family, but he had come to Condurrow on Sunday last, and his dinner was cooked in the house by a servant. He officiated at the parish church in the evening, and having locked up the premises he left the place to ride to Perranporth where his family were and the house was burnt down that night. There are various other circumstances connected with this fire, but as the matter is likely to be strictly investigated, it would be premature at present to enter into any further details. 16 SEPTEMBER 1853, Friday THE SAINT AUSTELL INQUEST. - To the Editor of the West Briton, Sir, We had hoped to have been spared the pain of again calling the attention of the public to the late distressing case of the death of my late niece, Miss Anna PEDLAR, but since such an extraordinary statement appeared in your paper of last Friday, (from one professing to be disinterested, but who would have been found to be highly interested had he attached his name), I am compelled in justice to ourselves to say a few words, and must beg your kindness in giving publicity to them. One would have supposed the tongues of those who took the most prominent part in this, I was going to say, tragedy, would have been stopped on the msubject for ever, particularly as the Jury, comprised of the most respectable inhabitants of this town, and purely disinterested, who gave the case their most serious attention, which was tempered with mercy - for to quote the words of the Coroner after the verdict was given, "You have had a most merciful Jury to try this case, &c., and I hope this will act as a salutary lesson to you for the future." One paragraph which appeared in the publication of last Friday's paper, attempted to prove the deceased a "voluntary vegetarian." Enough will suffice, to give the evidence on oath of Miss C. WARNE, (Mrs. Jonathan Pedlar's sister,) on the inquest. "I have heard her repeatedly state, she would rather die than be cured by hydropathy or vegetarian diet." Not all considered "conscientious vegetarians" are practically such, as Mrs. P. well knows, and as is also well known in the town. This was always a grievance to the dear child (who in her diseased state literally craved animal food) that she was not allowed to partake of it, while Mrs. P. did not scruple to do so. It is rather striking that those who bring the charge of falsehood against the deceased are her step-mother's friends, not one of her own relatives having ever detected her in an untruth. Her Papa confessed the same not long since, and whatever may have been extorted from him to the contrary, it is right the public should understand he is so influenced that he cannot act, speak, or think, for himself, in fact he may be considered unaccountable. The letter produced by Miss Williams at the inquest, the child was compelled to write, as she stated a few hours afterwards, (and her word is as good as her calumniators). Is it like a child's expression? "You can make what use youplease of this letter." Although Mr. Pedlar's family have been charged with interference, it is now a cause of great regret with them that they did not so effectually interfere as to get an order from a magistrate for her removal. Sad indeed must this case be which is bolstered up by making the poor dear departed child, now slumbering in the silent grave, "a liar." I am, Sir, Yours respectfully, JOSEPH TRUSCOTT. St. Austell, September 6, 1853. ST. IVES. - Captain LAFFAN arrived in this borough on Thursday last week, and met the harbour commissioners, for the purpose of effecting arrangements for carrying out the new pier, and a survey is to be taken immediately. THE LOSTWITHIEL SHIP CANAL. - The Committee of the company for carrying out this undertaking, have appointed Mr. Hamilton BAMPTON, Surveyor to the corporation of Plymouth, to survey the river from Pill to Golant, for the intended canal. The cost of the survey, &c., has been subscribed by the inhabitants, and persons in the neighbourhood favourable to the project. APPOINTMENTS. - Mr. W. MAY, has been appointed sub-distributor of stamps, for the Stratton district. The London Gazette announces the appointment of Mr. James Cosmo MELVILL, secretary to the East India Directors, son of the late Lieut. Governor Melvill, of Pendennis Castle, Falmouth, to be a Civil Knight Commander of the Bath. CAMELFORD. - FIRE. - A large hayrick containing upwards of thirty-six tons, belonging to Mr. CREEPER, of the King's Arms Hotel, took fire by spontaneous combustion on the 13th instant. A large portion was consumed, but with the assistance of a great number of parties who were soon on the spot some was saved, but all more or less damaged. SHEEP KILLED. - On Saturday night or Sunday morning last, a sheep belonging to Mr. W. HUDDY, of Nansavallan?, Kea, was found to have been slaughtered by some scoundrels. The carcase had been carried away, but the skin and entrails were left behind. On Saturday night last, or early on Sunday morning, Mr. DOBLE of Philleigh, had four sheep killed by a dog or dogs, the footpaths of one were distinctly traced. MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT. - On Sunday forenoon last, four men, viz., Richard PETERS, Nicholas HORSWELL, William HOSKIN, and Thomas LANGFORD, took a covered barge or lighter, and went to Newquay after pilchards, intending to return on Monday morning, instead of which however the barge was found on the rocks under Pentire cliff, a total wreck, the fish were floating among the breakers, Hoskin's cap was also picked up but no account could be obtained of the men, and there cannot be a doubt but that they were all drowned. As there was a heavy ground sea that night, it is supposed that in coming round Stepper Point a sea broke over them, carried away the mast and bulwarks, and washed them overboard, and that the barge drifted to where she was found. Hoskin has left a wife and six children unprovided for, and Langford a wife and two children. FATAL ACCIDENT AT SEA. - A letter has just been received in the neighbourhood of Penzance, from the chief officer of the "Martha Jane," Capt. STORER, of New York, containing intelligence of the untimely death of a seaman, William BROAD, an inhabitant of the neighbourhood of Fowey of Looe, during the voyage from Liverpool to New Orleans. On the 19th of July, about three o'clock in the afternoon, the ship being then in lst. 19th 46th N., Long. 43rd W., and running under top mast and top gallant studding sails, a gale blowing at the time, the unfortunate man was on the back ropes of the martingale, fishing. He had succeeded in capturing two fish, had handed them to a passenger, and was in the act of retiring to the ship, when he slipped his foot and fell into the sea. The cry of "a man overboard" was immediately raised and the chief officer threw out a life buoy, and commanded the vessel to be hove to. A boat was then lowered, and three of the seamen entered upon the perilous pursuit of the missing one. A dangerous cross sea, however, was running at the time, and it was the greatest difficulty that they managed to keep the boat afloat. They persevered in their fruitless search until dark, but neither caught sight of man or buoy during the whole of this period. They were accordingly compelled to return to the ship, which they regained with great difficulty. We understand that the unfortunate man sustained a high character, both for his seamanship and general good behaviour, and that his loss was deeply deplored by all on board. CORONER'S INQUEST. - On Monday last, an inquest was held at the Royal Cornwall Infirmary, before Mr. John CARLYON, county coroner, on the body of Mary Jane STEPHENS, aged, eight years. The deceased resided with her grandfather and grandmother in St. Clement Street, Truro, and it appeared that on Thursday morning the 8th inst., she got up rather earlier than usual, and went down stairs to light the fire and prepare breakfast for them. The woman who was in the habit of doing this having gone into the country the day before and not having returned. Shortly after she had gone down stairs a man who live in the same house heard her screeching and presently afterwards she entered his bed-room with all her clothes on fire. With the help of some neighbours who soon came to his assistance the fire was soon extinguished, but she was so dreadfully burnt that it was thought best to send her to the Infirmary where she lingered till Monday morning and then died. Verdict, "accidental Death." On Wednesday last, the 14th instant, an inquest was held before Mr. Joseph HAMLEY, deputy coroner, at St. Columb, on a male infant, five weeks old, the illegitimate child of Jane HARRIS. It appeared that the mother nursed the child on Tuesday night about twelve o'clock. He was at that time as well as usual. She put him by her side, and on awaking the next morning, found him dead. In consequence of the mother being a bad character, and various reports having been spread about the town, it was deemed necessary that an inquest should be held; but Mr. MARTYN, surgeon, satisfied the jury that the child died from natural causes, and a verdict was returned accordingly. PIRATICAL ATTEMPT. - The Netherlands galliot, "Anthony," of Dordrecht, Capt. W.J. NEPPERNS, which arrived at Falmouth on the 5th instant, from Galatz, grain laden, for orders, reported to his Consul, Mr. R.R. BROAD, that on the 10th ult., at eight o'clock in the morning, when about eight miles from the island of Majorca, they descried a suspicious looking open boat making towards them from a creek on the shore, which on nearer approach they ascertained to be filled with men, a great number of whom endeavoured to conceal themselves from view in the bottom of their craft. On coming within hail of the galliot they hoisted the Spanish flag and shouted in broken English to heave to. Capt. Nepperns having no doubt as to the suspicious character of the visitors, lost no time in preparing for a defence, in case they should come up with him, by loading a swivel gun he had on board, and likewise by arming his crew, consisting of eight persons, with wall? Loaded muskets with which his vessel was supplied. Fortunately the wind which had all along been favourable for her course, freshened considerably, and the galliot being a tolerably fast vessel of her class, gradually increased her distance from the stranger who made great efforts to overtake them, but finding the chance diminishing subsequently put about for shore. The "Anthony," it may be mentioned, was the same vessel which was boarded and plundered by a gang of Greek pirates about three months previously in the Archipelago, when Capt. Nepperns was seriously wounded in defending his vessel, after being surprised in his cabin by the intruders who had previously taken and battened down the crew. The vessel belongs to Messrs Hoogstraten, and Son, of Dordrech. 23 SEPTEMBER 1853, Friday IN THE COUTY COURT OF CORNWALL. - At Falmouth. Whereas, a Petition of John HAWKE of Falmouth, Baker and Grocer, an Insolvent Debtor, having been filed in the county Court of Cornwall, at Falmouth, an interim order for protection from process having been given to the said John Hawke, under the provisions of the statutes in that case made and provided, the said John Hawke, is hereby required to appear at the next Court, to be holden at the Town Hall at Falmouth aforesaid, on the Eight day of October next, at Eleven o'clock in the Forenoon precisely, for his first examination touching on his Debts, Estate, and Effects, and to be further dealt with according to the provisions of the said statute; and Notice is Hereby Given, that the choice of assignees is to take place at the time so appointed. All persons indebted to the said John Hawke, or who have any of his effects, are not to pay or deliver the same but to Henry O. BULLMORE, Esquire, the clerk of the said county Court, at Falmouth, the Official Assignee acting in the matter of the said petition. George JULYAN, High Bailiff of the said Court. Dated September 21, 1853. HAYLE. - A meeting of the friends of the Bible Society was held at Foundry Hill school room, on Monday evening, when the Rev. J. PUNNETT, M.A., of St. Erth, presided, and with the Rev. G. SCOTT, of Truro, and the Rev. J. WILSON, delivered most gratifying addresses. The collections amounted to �11. 0s. 10d., considerably in advance of former years, as was also the attendance. CHARITABLE BEQUEST. - The late Mr. Richard LONG, of Penzance, bequeathed a legacy of �1,000 to the British and Foreign Bible Society; and a like amount to the London Missionary Society. A WARNING AND ADVICE. - On Friday last, an action was tried in the Holsworthy county court, which includes the northern part of this county, for damages for an assault. The parties were Mr. Reuben HAYMAN, a farmer ofthe parish of Launcells, the assaulted, Mr. James TREWIN, of the parish of Stratton, also a considerable farmer, the assaulter. The plaintiff, Mr. Hayman, alleged that about Ladyday last, the defendant stated that he owed him a grudge and that when he met him he would as bad as kill him;" that on the 26th of July last, being at the market at Stratton, he went to the bar of the Tree Inn, where he saw Trewin with other farmers; that he then said, "I understand you have threatened to kill me, or as bas as kill me?" then Trewen said, "You are a liar!" and that after some further aggravation, Trewin seized him by the collar, and although he made no resistance, struck him violently in the head, which rendered him insensible, and that he was not conscious of anything further until he found himself in another room and some persons washing the blood from his person. Mr. Hayman stated that the blows cause much swelling and pain, that his eyes were "bunged up," and his nose injured, and that for a fortnight he was prevented from properly attending to his business. Some labouring men being in the kitchen of the inn hearing the noise went to the bar and ultimately succeeded in rescuing Hayman from Trewin. These men stated that Trewin had Hayman in a corner of the room, where he hit him several times violently - that then (being apparently insensible) Hayman was pulled across a form, when Trewin again violently struck him several times in the face, and that when he was ultimately pulled away, Trewin said "I believe I have done for thee"! Mr. Trewin in his defence, swore that Hayman not only gave him great provocation by saying "thy mother was an old witch"; but actually commenced the assault being very much intoxicated at the time. Mr. ROEW of Stratton, appeared for the plaintiff, and mr. PETERS of Launceston for the defendant. The judge decided against Mr. Trewin's story and awarded damaged to the amount of �15 to the plaintiff with costs. TRURO POLICE. - On Monday last, George CONWAY of Probus was fined 10s. and costs, for assaulting James SANDERS, of the Ship Inn, on Sunday night last. He was also fined 20s. and costs, for assaulting Mr. Nash, inspector of police, at the police station. Both fines and costs were immediately paid. On Wednesday Edward WILLIAMS, and William FLINN, both of Truro, were each fined 5s. and costs, for being drunk in the streets on Sunday morning. George CLIFT of Truro, was charged with unlawfully taking away two loads of sand, from a heap on the back quay, the property of Richard CURNOW, lighterman, the case being proved, Clift was ordered to pay 2s. the value of the sand, with 7s. 6d. costs. John STODDERN? of Truro, was fined 5s. and costs, for assaulting George POLKINGHORNE, of Truro. PENZANCE POLICE. - On Wednesday, John LEY, of Bideford, well known throughout the county as "Bideford Jack" and Andrew SCOTT, were charged with felony under the following circumstances:- On the previous evening Scott went into Mr. LANYON's, the ironmonger's shop, and inquired for small toothed combs. A bundle was shown him which he examined. The lad in the shop, who was tending him, heard a rustle of the combs, as if they had been dropped into a pocket, and Scott inquired the price, but neither Mr. nor Mrs. Lanyon were at hand, and Scott left saying he would call again. Inspector OLDS happened to be standing outside and say Ley standing about; he soon observed that Scott also came out of the shop and handed something to Ley. Both were taken into custody - Ley outside the Messrs. BOLITHO's Bank; he had his arm on the sill of the window and under or near it officer WALLIS found four combs. The bench decided on committing the prisoners to the sessions. FIRE AT ST. BURYAN. - About eleven o'clock on Sunday night the farm house at Trembothick, in this parish, in the occupation of Mr. Nicholas BOTTRELL, was burnt to the ground and most of the furniture in it consumed. The discovery was made at too late a period of the fire's progress for any efforts to be available for its suppression. We have not heard whether any insurance had been effected. PADSTOW. - The body of Nicholas HORSWELL, one of the four men drowned at the entrance of this harbour on the 11th instant, was picked up on Friday last. FATAL ACCIDENTS. - On Thursday afternoon last, as a man named John OATS, was at work near Wheal Bal, St. Just, on an old pile of stuff, or what is generally termed by the miners a "burra," (?burrs?), owing to some excavation below, the ground suddenly gave way and in a moment he disappeared. A great number soon congregated, the boldest of whom instantly set to work and after sinking about twelve feet they discovered the body but of course life was extinct. His comrade, who was very near at the time the accident occurred providentally escaped unhurt. On Monday the 12th last, an old man named Samuel MITCHELL was digging in a marl pit at Zennor, when some overhanging earth work gave way and he was completely buried. When found he was quite dead. CORONER'S INQUEST. - The following inquest has been held by Mr. John CARLYON, county coroner:- On Friday last at St. Agnes, on the body of John WATERS, a miner aged 29 years, who, whilst at work on Thursday breaking mundie in a pitch at the back of the forty fathoms level in Wheal Fortune Mine, (part of Consols) Gwennap, was struck by a large rock turning out on him, and killed on the spot. - Verdict, "Accidental death." THE ST. ERVAN CASE. - This case has led to some further correspondence in the Times since we last noticed it. Among other letters which have appeared is one from Mr. Alfred COX, a solicitor in London, and a relative of the late incumbent of St. Ervan, in which he denies that the late Mr. Pope COX was paralytic, and finds great fault with the Rev. Mr. OSBORNE, for putting the late incumbent's surviving relatives to so much pain by his public reference to the infirmities of his declining years. To these representations and complaints Mr. Osborne, replies as follows:- "Sir. - As I fully expected, the letter of Mr. Alfred Cox, which I briefly answered in your paper of the 5th inst., has acted in two ways. Many who read it have condemned me severely for having, on insufficient evidence, brought before the public an exaggerated picture of the infirmities of a deserving man. Others, who know the truth, have been amazed at the rash conduct of Mr. A. Cox in provoking a full exposure of the real case." Finding that the late rector of St. Ervan had held for some years a curacy in the neighbourhood of Honiton and then, on the death of his rector, had lived in that town until a man of his infirmity was wanted to fill a living in Cornwall, for which it was expedient to get a rector with the shortest prospects of years to come, I sent this week an agent I could trust, to that town; I have also obtained further information from St. Ervan. Now, what are the facts? In justice to you, Sir, and myself, I am bound to put you in possession of them, and so ask for their publication. Mr. Peter Cox did for some years hold the curacy of the very small parish of Widworthy, near Honiton. When he took that curacy he was very infirm. Very generally he was supported into church by his wife, sometimes with additional help of a servant. On several occasions he was not able to get through the service, and was obliged to be carried home in a chair; to the persons of the church he appeared as though he could scarcely breathe. In cold weather his state seems to have been most pitiable. After leaving Widworthy, when a resident in Honiton, if he could sit upright in a chair, it was all he possibly could do; after his return from St. Ervan, when shaved, it was necessary that his servant should support his head. At the time of his institution before the Bishop's Commissary, he was, with all the care and support from within and without, which could be bestowed on him, in a condition of almost helpless infirmity. His condition on the journey to St. Ervan may be gathered from the fact, that on his arrival there he had to be supported up and down stairs, even into and out of his chair. Now, Sir, the heaviest charge against me is, that I asserted of this poor man that he was paralytic. I can only say that, if mr. Alfred Cox will go down to St. Ervan, he will find that his late letter has not at all changed the general opinion on that point. His relative left home, after careful medical training for the attempt, still in a condition to excite the pity of every one who saw him on the road; he arrived at St. Ervan much exhausted; he was, by almost the force of others - certainly, from no physical force of his own - got into the church; provision had been made in the reading desk to give him restoratives in case he should fail in the hazardous attempt to do the necessary service; on his passage to the desk, and from it, such was the shuffling, &c., caused by helping him in and out, that there was, I believe, but one feeling in the congregation - pure disgust. He appeared a helpless paralytic man; whether he was palsied on leaving home or not, I know not; but if there is any faith in the evidence of those who saw him in Cornwall, and were about him in various capacities, no paralytic stoke could have made him more helpless, no such lamentable want of power in limb was ever before seen and not ascribed fairly either to palsy, or the condition of one - dying. I at once admit that much of my case would fall to the ground if it could be pleaded with truth that this poor man had been taken ill on the road; that the whole scene at St. Ervan was one which might happen to any one who left home, even in comparative health. But I know the very contrary to be true; I know that after Mr. Cox gave up the curacy of Widworthy and became a resident in Honiton, and previous to the offer to him of St. Ervan he was a confirmed and almost hopeless invalid, requiring support even when attending divine worship in Honiton Church. I know that he was for years past regarded in Honiton as a very feeble paralytic man, requiring and receiving constant care to preserve his life. Were it necessary to substantiate my case, I could give many further proofs that the letter of Mr. Alfred Cox is not only evasive of the truth, but favouring the presumption of what is untrue. If he was ever asked by his poor relative to come and see him some day at the rectory at St. Ervan - which I can with difficulty believe - I can hardly conceive a more melancholy fact than the having such an invitation under such circumstances. Perhaps Mr. A. Cox will tell me next of the active preparations made at the rectory to receive the rector when he should come into residence! He knows as well as I do, that the restoration of his health was not more improbable, or less looked for, than his move from his house at Honiton to St. Ervan. I dare him to deny that he was chosen for the living simply because he was a fast-failing man, and that his friends and himself must thus have known that for the �500 per annum of the living he sold this abuse of his sad infirmities. Mr. A. Cox sneers at my wish to spend money at law to try one of these cases, and prove to the bishops they have power to reject them. Let me tell him, solicitor as he is, that if he is wise he will let this case drop into the oblivion to which at last even a thing as disgraceful must come. Were the thing to be done again by the same parties, and, had I the evidence I now have, I think I could find a means of proving I was in earnest in my desire to contest at law, for the honour of the church, the right of the parties concerned to work out a transaction which, from end to end, is a most "heavy blow and discouragement," to any living Churchman who would uphold, not merely the honour of the Church, but its barest pretence to decent consideration. Of one thing I am quite satisfied - I have rendered the practice dangerous; for, within a very short time rather than try a bishop with one of these worn-out men, a certain noble proprietor of church preferment got an incumbent, under obligation to him, to resign one living - be present to another; this other was then sold in time for the said incumbent to again resign and again presented to his original living. Bad as this is, it is an improvement. September 7, 1853. S.G. OSBORNE. 30 SEPTEMBER 1853, Friday Re: SAMUEL DUNSTAN, late of Penryn, in the County of Cornwall, Merchant, Deceased. Notice is hereby given that unless the legal representatives of the said SAMUEL DUNSTAN remove the Household Furniture and other Effects from the Premises lately occupied by the deceased, and pay for the Storage thereof, on or before the 3rd day of October next, the same will be said to pay for the occupation o the said Premises, and the expenses of the sale. Penry, September 20, 1853. NEW ZEALAND - FREDERICK YOUNG AND COMPANY'S LINE TO FOLLOW THE NORTH FLEET. To sail from Gravesend, the 15th of October, and touch at Plymouth,(the best port in England for the embarkation of passengers) on the 25th of October, for Otago, Wellington, and Nelson, the fine well known passenger ship "DUKE OF PORTLAND," A1, 533 tons register, 800 tons burthen, J. ALEXANDER, Commander. This favorite Passenger Ship has made three voyages to New Zealand, the last of which she made in ninety-two days! To load in the East India Docks. Apply to Frederick Young and Co., at their New Zealand Colonists Rooms, 9 Adelphi Terrace, Strand, or 74 Cornhill, London: to James B. WILCOCKS, Agent for Emigration, Barbican, Plymouth; or to his Agents, Mr. Oke, Truro: Mr. J. JOHNS, Redruth: Mr. W. JOHNS, Helston: Mr. ALLEN, Penzance: Mr. DONY, Liskeard: Mr. PEARCE, Bodmin: Mr. GEAKE, St. Thomas, Launceston: Mr. HENNESSY, Camelford: and Mr. John WICKETT, Stratton. CHOLERA. - To the EDITOR of the WEST BRITON. Sir, - The late order in council having now put in force the "Nuisances and Diseases Prevention Acts," viz: 11 and 12 Vic., cap. 123, and 12 and 13 Vic., cap. 111, it may be useful to inform your readers of the effect of these acts, so that public bodies at least may be aware of the nature of their present duties in reference to the approaching epidemic. First:- Upon receipt by any town council, or paving and lighting commissioners in boroughs, or by guardians in parishes, of a certificate by a medical or relieving officer of a union, or of a notice signed by two householders, the form of which is given by the act,) such certificate or notice stating that any house is filthy and unwholesome, so as to be a nuisance or injurious to the health of any person, or that there is any foul or offensive ditch, gutter, drain, privy, cesspool, or ashpit, or that any cattle or animal is kept in or underneath any building wholly or partially occupied as a dwelling house, so as to be a nuisance or injurious to the health of any person, such town council, commissioners, or guardians, or a committee appointed for that purpose, giving twenty-four hours' notice, may examine the premises and obtain an order of justices for cleansing and white-washing them, and removing the cause of complaint. If the order is not complied with, the offender incurs a penalty of ten shillings a day, and the authorities may take the matter into their own hands and recover the expenses from the owner or occupier. Secondly:- Any person suffering any noxious filthy, or offensive matters to flow from any house or premises not occupied before the 4th of September, 1848, or from any privy, &c., not then constructed, into or remain in any open ditch, gutter, drain, or watercourse, is guilty of a misdemeanour, and in addition liable to a fine of five pounds per day as long as the offence is continued. Thirdly:- Surveyors of highways are bound to cleanse all open ditches, gutters, and drains adjoining thereto. Fourthly:- Persons wilfully obstructing the execution of the act, incur a penalty of five pounds. In addition to the above the General Board of Health are empowered to take most effective steps in any particular localities for cleansing, ventilating, and disinfecting public and private premises. Sir, Yours &c., PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE. CHALLENGE BETWEEN SAILING BOATS. - After the late Truro regatta, an advertisement appeared in the West Briton, signed "George BEER, master of the Three Brothers," stating that he would said the boat " Cors" against any boat of her length, inside the Black Rock, Falmouth, for the sum of five pounds, any day between the 26th of August last, and the 28th of September. In reference to this, Mr. E. BRYANT, owner of the "William" writes to us as follows:- "On the Friday following the appearance of the advertisement, I answered the same by accepting the challenge, and appointing a meeting at the Dolphin Inn, Truro, for Monday the 5th of September, between the house of seven and eight p.m., for the purpose of making all necessary arrangements. On the 2nd of September, Mr. Beer and Mr. WITHELL waited on me, and requested me to postpone the time of meeting until Monday the 12th inst., as it would be impossible for them to attend on the 5th, and a further arrangement was made, that in case anything should happen to prevent their attending, a letter should be sent either to me or to Mr. William PETHERICK explaining the reasons, Mr. W. WILLIAMS and Mr. Petherick being witnesses to the agreement. On the 12th I went to the Dolphin at the time appointed, and waited there from seven until ten o'clock, but neither Beer nor Withell made their appearance. I should not have troubled you on this occasions but for the reason that interested parties have circulated a report that I did not attend according to appointment; suffice it to say on that point, that I have six or seven respectable witnesses who will prove my statement." ALLEGED HIGHWAY ROBBERY. - On Saturday night, abut ten o'clock, as John RICKARD, a strong lusty man, servant of Mr. George ANDREW, of Trenance in the parish of St. Austell, was returning from the town to his lodgings at Trenance Bridge, when about half a mile from the town, he states two men came upon him and knocked him down, and took from the inside pocket of his coat seven sovereigns and eight shillings in silver, but although the place where it is said the robbery occurred is surrounded with houses, yet he made not the least alarm. FATAL MINE ACCIDENT. - On Tuesday last week, a sad accident occurred at North Levant Mine, to two young men named William James DANIEL, and Grosvenor EDMONDS. It appears that they were engaged in drawing water to feed the engine, which is a new one, when by some means the bucket got fast at the lower part of the shaft, and in order to extricate it one of them was obliged to descend, when owing to impure air issuing from the engine stack, (which was built very near,) getting into the shaft and stopping the ventilation, he was suffocated. His comrade observing delay, and becoming alarmed for his safety followed, and shared the same fate. After some time the bodies were discovered at the bottom of the shaft, and very shortly were brought to the surface, and the usual means resorted to, but life was extinct. CORONERS' INQUESTS. - On Monday last, an inquest was held by Mr. John CARLYON, county coroner, at Truro, on the body of Charles GARDENER, aged 28? Years, formerly of Cheltenham, and known among his comrades by the name of "Gloster." He was one of the navvies employed on the works of the Cornwall Railway; and, from the evidence of another navvy called Walter HICKS, who was at work with him on Monday in the cutting near Bosvigo, it appeared that they had undermined a piece of ground about six inches, when witness went to the top of the bank to throw down the over-hanging piece with a bar of iron. As soon as he got there, he observed that the ground had already crocked, and he gave the usual warning to deceased to stand out of the way; but before he had power to do so, it fell and he was buried under the rubbish. He was very soon extricated and carried to his lodgings in Quay Street; but he died in about two hours, and a half afterwards from the injuries he had received. Verdict, "accidental death." The following inquests have been held before Mr. HAMLEY, county coroner:- On Saturday the 12th inst., and adjourned to Monday the 21st at St. Pinnock, on John RICHARDS, a boy 13 years of age. It appeared that the deceased and John PENNY, a lad about 19, had lived as servants with Mr. Samuel LITTLE at Coombe in St. Pinnock, for about three years. On Thursday morning, the 17th, Mr. Little sent them to plough in a field adjoining the farm; Richards to lead the horses. Between eleven and twelve o'clock, Mr. Little's son, who was in the farm years was called to by John Penny; thinking something had happened, he ran immediately, and found Penny holding up Richards on his lap. He took hold of him, and saw that he was dead, and carried him into the house. Penny, on being questioned, said that one of the horses, on going down hill, was holding back - that he took up a stone and threw at the horse, which glanced, and went in the direction of Richards; he did not see it strike him, but he saw Richards run away a short distance and fall down. He went to him immediately and found him dead. He was not then aware that the stone had hit him. Mr. HINGSTON, surgeon of Liskeard, was sent for. His assistant came and examined him. There was slight scratch under the right ear, but he could see nothing to account for the boy's death. The inquest was adjourned to Monday, in order to have a post mortem examination, when Mr. Hingston, surgeon stated that he had examined the body. He discovered a small mark behind the right ear; there was no fracture. On removing the cranium he found a large quantity of extravasated blood resting on the brain, which must have been produced by external violence; there was no doubt it was the cause of the boy's death, and it might have been produced by a blow from a stone. Mr. Little said the boys had always been on the most friendly terms; he never knew them quarrel, and they had always agreed well with each other. There being no other evidence but that of Penny, the jury returned the following verdict:- "That John Richards was killed by a stone thrown by John Penny, but whether by accident or with a malicious intent, there is no evidence to prove." On the 22nd inst., at Delabole, on William BOND, aged 40. He was working at the bottom of the quarry, with others, filling the waggons. As one of the Waggons, having been filled, was being drawn up by chains to the surface, it struck on some rubbish, and a stone falling on Bond, it injured him so much that he died soon after. The other men, seeing the stone coming, ran out of the way; but Bond, being lame, could not get away in time. Verdict, "accidental death." He has left a widow and four children. On the 26th? Instant, at St. Austell, on John ROGERS, a boy aged 12. He was working at the foundry. Another boy had been playing with him near the water-wheel. Soon after he left him he heard the cry of "murder." He ran up, and found Rogers drawn in between the cogs of the wheel. Assistance was soon had and he was got out. Mr. BERRIMAN, surgeon, was in immediate attendance, but he found the thigh almost separated from his body. He was taken home, but died in about three hours. It was supposed that he was walking on the bar attached to the wheel, when by some means, he fell, and was drawn in between the cogs. Verdict, "accidental death". CHOLERA. - SANITARY MEASURES. - The existence of cholera in the kingdom has aroused some of the municipal bodies and inhabitants of towns in this county, to exert themselves to carry out sanitary measures, with the view of preventing the ravages of the pestilence amongst our population. The following statements of the measures adopted have come under our notice:- TRURO:- A special meeting of the improvement commissioners was held in the Town Hall, on Tuesday last for considering the necessary steps to be taken for more effectually cleansing the town, with a view to provide against the prevailing epidemic. About forty commissioners were present. The Mayor presided and read a communication from the town council, stating its readiness to contribute, if necessary, a sum of �50, towards assisting a sanitary committee in its operations. Mr. William HOCKIN the, at some length, brought under the notice of the meeting, the various clauses in the Truro Improvement Act and the Nuisances Removal Act, which were at the present time of the greatest importance, and urged the necessity of at once taking active measures for promoting the sanitary state of the town. He pointed out the absolute necessity of the common lodging houses being registered and inspected, stating that the supervision devolved on the Mayor and Corporation, and that they were specially called upon by the Order in Council just issued, forthwith to carry out the provisions of the act. It was then resolved, that there should be a house-to-house visitation throughout the town, and a sanitary committee of twenty-eight was appointed, (with power to add to their number), for the purpose of carrying the domiciliary visitation into effect, the medical gentlemen, clergymen and dissenting ministers of the town being requested to co-operate. On Tuesday evening a meeting of the sanitary committee took place in the Council Hall. On the motion of Mr. SPRY, seconded by Dr. BULLMORE, Mr. CHAPPEL was called to the chair; and a resolution was passed unanimously to the effect that the town be divided into four districts, to be visited by sub-committees for the purpose of examining into its sanitary condition by a careful visitation of every house, and that wherever any nuisance or offensive matters may be found to exist, the sub-committee by requested to report the same to a general meeting of the committee, in order that they may be dealt with in a suitable manner without delay. PETERHEAD. - CUSTOMS' PROMOTION. - Mr. PEACH, formerly of Gorran Haven, and Fowey, in this county, at present comptroller at this port, is about to proceed to Wick, as comptroller there, at an increased salary. Mr. PETHERICK, Customs' clerk at Ramsgate, is to succeed to the comptrollership at Peterhead. Mr. Peach carries with him the respect and esteem of a large portion of the community here, and, we doubt not but he will soon gather around him many friends in the new sphere to which he has been appointed. (Aberdeen Free Press.) PAPER WASHED ASHORE. - An enclosed paper was picked up on Marazion beach on the 22nd instant, probably thrown into the sea by an emigrant. The following was written on the paper in pencil:- "Sept. 13th, 1853, G.W. PENGLAZE, 5o W. lon., 43 � o N. lat., bound to Australia, all well. Please insert this in the papers. - G.W.P." EMIGRATION TO QUEBEC. - The friends of passengers by the "John," from Plymouth, will be glad to hear that ship arrived at Quebec on the 9th of September, all well. UTTERING COUNTERFEIT COIN. - At Probus feast, on the 5th of July last, there was beer selling carried on as usual, and about eight in the evening a man went into Mrs. HARRIS's, and called for a pint of beer, for which he tendered a bad half-crown, and received 2s. 4d. in good money as change. She happened to put the half-crown in a pocket where she had no other money. He went away, but some time afterwards returned, had another pint of beer, tendered another bad half-crown, and again received 2s. 4d. change. Not long afterwards, she discovered that both the half-crowns were counterfeit. On the same night between nine and ten, the man passed a bad half-crown at Mrs. COOMBE's at Probus, having had been and received 2s. 4d. change. He left the place, but soon returned, and offered another bad half-crown in payment for beer. This she saw was a bad coin, and asked him questions about it, on which he threw it into the fire and effected his escape. Search was made for the man, but he could not be found. Information was then sent to Inspector NASH, of the Truro police, with one of the half-crowns marked. The man was believed to be James LONG, who some time ago worked at the Polperro tunnel of the Cornwall Railway. Inspector Nash sent a description of him to different policemen and constables in the county, amongst others to policeman Coombes, of St. Columb. Coombes, being at Summercourt fair on Tuesday last, there saw the man and apprehended him. He was taken before the magistrates at Truro on Wednesday last, who after hearing the evidence, remanded the prisoner until they had communicated with the authorities of the Mint. TRURO POLICE. - Henry FLINN, of Calenick Street, was charged with being drunk and disorderly at a quarter to one on Sunday morning last, and with assaulting police constable WARD in the execution of his duty. He was fined forty shillings and costs, and in default of payment was committed for twenty-one days to hard labour. CHARGE OF HORSE STEALING. - A youth named Henry ELLIS of Zennor, was committed last week for trial at the assizes, on a charge of stealing a horse in Gulval. It appears he pretended to take the horse to drink, in charge of another boy, and himself, and afterwards decamped with the animal. |