cornwall england newspaper


1854 NEWS ARTICLE

FEBRUARY



3 FEBRUARY 1854, Friday


SHERIFFALTY OF CORNWALL - Francis HOWELL, Esq., of Ethy, was sworn as High Sheriff for this county, on Tuesday last, and Mr. John Edward BULLER, 56 Lincoln's Inn Fields, has been appointed his Under Sheriff. The Sheriff's offices in Cornwall are at Messrs. Peter GLUBB and Son's, attorneys, Liskeard.

BUST OF Mr. MICHAEL WILLIAMS, M.P. - Some time ago a committee was formed for getting up a testimonial to Mr. Michael WILLIAMS, in recognition of the great interest he has always evinced in whatever advanced the prosperity of his native county. A magnificent piece of plate was presented to Mr. Williams, and it was resolved at the same time that a bust should also form part of the testimonial. This has now been executed by Mr. N.N. BURNARD, a native of Cornwall, whose genius and ability as a sculptor is indisputable, and has been widely recognised. The bust of the honourable member was presented on Tuesday last to his sons, by Mr. GRYLLS, of Redruth, the chairman of the committee, some of whom met by invitation at Scorrier House, on the occasion of the presentation. The bust (of Carrara marble) and pedestal on which it stands, we are informed, will for the present be placed in the hall at Scorrier House. It is considered by every one who has seen it, to be an excellent likeness of Mr. Michael Williams, and also an admirable specimen of the noble art of sculpture.

VIOLENT ASSAULTS IN ST. JUST - At the last quarter sessions a severe sentence was passed upon some men of St. Just in Penwith, who had assaulted parties belonging to Buryan, it appearing that an ill-feeling existed on the part of some of the St. Just men towards the people of the other parish. Another outrage has now been committed, but this time all the parties concerned were St. Just men. The affair appears to have arisen from a quarrel on Tuesday week, which led to a fight between two miners, Andrew JAMES and John WALLISH. On the following Saturday evening, Andrew James, his brother Edward James, John THOMAS, Rd. Thomas, and John ELLIS, all living in the north of the parish, were at Burton's public-house, in St. Just church-town, and left there about eleven o'clock at night. Soon afterwards a rush was made after them; from fifteen to a score came up, with a second party following, and Edward James was attacked and kicked off his legs three times. He stated before the magistrates that he received scores of kicks - one in the mouth, which made eating difficult for three or four days, and many in the thigh, which tore out piece of flesh as large as a penny-piece. They said they would kill him if they could. He screeched "murder;" his clothes were torn very much, and were wet and dirty; he also lost his hat. He was so much injured as to require medical assistance; the doctor said he had known men die with less kicking than he had received. Andrew James was also struck down senseless, and frequently and severely kicked. George HICKS saw Noah Wallish kick him off his legs, and strike him with a piece of iron, threatening at the same time "to kill him now they had caught him." The men charged before the magistrates with these assaults, were Henry LEGGO, William EDDY, Mark MORCOM, John MICHELL, John Wallish, and John NOBLE. Mr. D. P. Le GRICE said the magistrates were determined to put down with a strong hand all offences of this description; and the prisoners would be committed to take their trial at the ensuing assizes, bail being taken for their appearance, if approved.

FREEMASONRY - On Tuesday last, the brethren of the Druids' Lodge of "Love and Liberality," No. 859, celebrated their annual festival of St. John, at their Masonic Rooms, Green Lane, Redruth, on which occasion Brother ANDREW was duly installed as W.M. for the present year, and brothers PENMAN and GUNDRY were appointed Wardens. The labours of the lodge were most impressively conducted by Brother H.M. ST. AUBYN and Thomas MILLS, at the close of which brother St. Aubyn presented an appropriate jewel for the W.M. and his successors. The brethren adjourned to the banquet (prepared at Andrew's Hotel, in the usual style of the house); the pleasures of the evening were most fraternally enjoyed, and the various charities of the craft liberally subscribed to.

BALL AT CALLINGTON - On Friday evening last, the tradesmen's annual ball took place at Body's Wellington Inn, and was attended by a numerous and respectable company. Dancing commenced at eight o'clock, and was kept up with great spirit till a late hour. The arrangements were made in Mr. BODY's usual style, and gave every satisfaction.

EARLY FLOWERS - On Saturday last, a nice nosegay of glowers, consisting of red and yellow Primroses, Snowdrops, Heart's Ease, and several others, was gathered from the garden of Mr. William TREMAYNE, of Scarce Water, in the parish of Ladock.

ARRIVAL FROM AUSTRALIA - On Wednesday the 23rd ult., the brigantine "Chronometer," Captain FURSE, belonging to Mevagissey, arrived from Australia, after a fine passage out and home of less than eleven months, having left England on the 28th of February last. Her date of leaving Australia is August 31st, Mauritius (where she took in a cargo of sugar), Nov. 2nd, and St. Helena, Dec. 10th. The voyage, considering the size of the vessel, detentions at the Mauritius, and from three or four months spent in Australia, is considered one of the most prosperous on record. The accounts brought by Captain Furse fully confirm previous statements of the high price of the labour market, and great want of hard working mechanics and labourers in the colony.

ARRIVAL IN AUSTRALIA - A letter has been received from Captain George REED, brother of Captain Henry Reed, formerly of Tresavean, and now of St. Day United. He and other Cornishmen, about thirty in number, including twelve from the parishes of Gwennap and Stithians, left Liverpool on the 18th of July last, in the ship "Goldfinder," belonging to the "Fox" line of packets, and arrived at Melbourne on the 17th of October, the passengers, of whom there were 586 on board, being all in good health; and they were so much pleased with the kind care and attention of the captain during the voyage, that on leaving the ship they presented him with GBP25, and a purse worked by one of the female passengers. Captain Reed appears to have been much pleased with the aspect of the country; the banks of the river leading to Melbourne being beautifully wooded, something, he says, like the neighbourhood of Pengreep, or Sir Charles LEMON's park opposite Devoran. As an instance of the dearness of labour, he mentions that GBP2 is charged for conveying a person from the shore to the vessel. The wages paid, and some of the prices, are as follows: Masons, 25s. to 40s. per day; carpenters, 25s. to 30s.; labourers, 15s. per day; ale and porter, 2s. a quart; but clothing, and boots and shoes, are as cheap as in England, the market having been overstocked with such commodities. He was going immediately to the diggings in a dray belonging to Mr. MARTIN, formerly an innkeeper in Sithney. A team of horses, he says is very valuable here, worth as much as a freehold estate in England. The ship "Tasmania" sailed from Liverpool on the 27th of July, and arrived at Melbourne on the same day as the "Goldfinder". There were eight-four passengers from the west of Cornwall in the "Tasmania." The passengers presented the captain with two services of plate.

COMMITTALS FOR FELONIES - On Friday last, Alfred LANE, an American sailor, was committed for stealing a brass candlestick. Inspector NASH and police constable WOOLCOCK, of the Truro police, were conveying a prisoner from St. Austell to Truro, and stopped at the Cornish Mount Inn, at Probus, for some refreshment. A man came in offering a large brass candlestick for sale, and they being in plain clothes, questioned him about it and were not satisfied with his answers. They requested the landlady to purchase the candlestick, and on their way to Truro found that it had been stolen from the Ship Inn, at Tresillian(?). Police constable Woolcock went back and apprehended the man on his way to St. Austell; he was brought to Truro, and committed for trial.

Another case was that a navvy, at the George and Dragon Inn, St. Austell Street, Truro, and was charged with stealing GBP1. 6s. 6d. from Elizabeth HARPER, niece of the landlord, Mr. James ROOKE, and with stealing a gold ring from Mrs. Rooke. The money was stolen from the pocket of Miss Harper's dress, which was left hanging up behind her bedroom door. Information was given to the police, and the ring and the sovereign were found in the woman's possession; the remainder of the money she had laid out in purchasing a dress at a pawnbroker's, and a shawl. She was committed for trial on both charges.

FIRE - On Tuesday morning last, a fire of a destructive and serious character occurred in the flour mills at Saltash, known by the name of "the Salt Mills." These mills are the property of Mr. CORAM, and are occupied by Mr. WEBBER, miller and grocer. On Monday night the men were working in the mill till twelve o'clock, and at six o'clock the next morning, on the working miller coming to work, he found the mill in a blaze. The fire continued to burn until the mill, the stock inside it, which fortunately was not very large at the time, and the dwelling-house were destroyed. The stock was insured in the County Fire office for GBP300, which will fully cover the loss, but the premises were only insured in the West of England office for GBP200, which is far below the amount of the damage. It is supposed that the fire commenced in the mill, and was purely accidental.

DEATH IN A MINE SHAFT - Late on Saturday night the 21st ult., a miner called DONEY, working at Marke Valley mine, left the public-house at Down Gate, in Linkinhorne, and, being intoxicated, instead of going home he turned towards Marke Valley account house, to pass the night there. He was not seen afterwards for some days. Search was made, and on Friday last his body was discovered in an old shaft seventy feet deep, in a reclining posture, showing that he was not killed by the fall, but that he lived some time afterwards, and eventually died from exhaustion. An inquest has since been held, and a verdict of "accidental death" returned by the jury. This is another instance showing that abandoned mine shafts should be fenced around.

CORONER'S INQUESTS - The following inquests have been held before Mr. John CARLYON, county coroner:- On Thursday last, at Piece, in the parish of Illogan, on the body of Andrew EDDY, a miner, aged 58 years. The deceased, it appears, had spent the preceding Saturday evening at Treglown's public-house in Pool, and left thence to go home about half-past eight o'clock - rather the worse for liquor. He did not, however, reach home for the night; but the following morning between eight and nine o'clock he was found lying in the watertable by the side of the West Cornwall Railway, near Tincroft. He was taken up insensible and carried to his house, where he lingered till the following Wednesday and then died without having been able to give any account of himself. There were no serious marks of violence about the body, and it is supposed that he wondered in upon the railroad, which he had to use[?] in his way home, and either fell down and there remained, or went to sleep there. It was a very wet stormy night, and the jury had no doubt that he died from exposure to the weather, and they returned a verdict to that effect.

On the same day at Pool, on the body of James THOMAS, aged 38 years, who was killed the day before, while at work underground in Tincroft mine, by a run of "attle" which fell with him, as he was standing on it; it crushed and mangled him so severely that he died before he could be sent up to "grass". Verdict, "accidental death."

Also, in St. Mewan parish, on the same day, on the body of John WELCH, aged 24 years. The deceased was one of the labourers employed on the works of the Cornwall Railway, at the Gover viaduct, near St. Austell; and on Saturday the 21st ult., he and three others were on one of the piers, assisting in raising a pair of shears for working the pier; they were all cautioned by the superintendent of the works to remain where they were on the pier, after they had raised the shears as far as they could reach, and until a ladder was placed for them to come down by. Instead of doing so, however, the deceased attempted to let himself down by the back guy; and as soon as he got hold of it, the sudden jerk caused the lifting gear, which was a good stout chain worked with a crab, to break; and he was precipitated to the ground, and fell on a loose spar underneath, on which there was a large nail projecting at least two inches, which entered the back of his head, and effected such serious injury that he died the following Wednesday. Verdict "accident death."

On Friday at Summercourt, on the body of a newly born male child, which was found floating in a well near there, on Thursday. From the evidence of Mr. VIGURS, surgeon, of Newlyn, it appeared that the child had arrived at the full period of gestation, but had been in the water so long that it was impossible for him to say whether it was born alive or not; and the jury returned a verdict, "found dead".

On the same day at Redruth, on the body of Joseph MENHENIOT, who was stabbed, as described in the West Briton of the 20th ult., and died from injuries he received, on Thursday the 20th ult. After a lengthened inquiry before a very respectable jury of fifteen, the jury returned a verdict of "wilful murder" against Joseph KEMP, who had already been committed to Bodmin by the magistrate, Mr. J. P. MAGOR, for cutting and wounding; and a warrant of detainer was issued against him on this more serious charge.


10 FEBRUARY 1854, Friday


CAUTION - I hereby give notice that I will not be answerable for any Debt or Debts that my wife Mary PLEMING, of the parish of St. Stephens, may contract after this Public Notice, or from the date hereof, as witness my hand this 8th day of February, 1854. John Pleming. Witness, John YELLAND.

RETURNS OF BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS - The Registrar General's returns have just been published, giving the numbers of births and deaths in the Kingdom to the 31st December 1853, and the marriages to the 30th of September last. He remarks as follows:- The marriages in the quarter that ended on September 30th are not only above the average, but the proportion to the population exceeds any of the proportions previously recorded. The births in the quarter that ended on December 31st are also above the average. The mortality, particularly in towns and cities, is high, and exceeds the mortality in every autumn quarter since 1843, except in 1846, 1847, when the potato disease commenced, and diarrhoea and influenza became epidemic. The returns, therefore, present a mixed result: the marriages indicate that the circumstances of the great body of the people were considered by them prosperous. But the public health has suffered, and is still over the coming year threatened by Asiatic cholera. All the measures of improvement should therefore be accelerated. It will be a happy circumstance if the germs of diseases which first affected the potato and the vine, and other plants, in the year of high temperature 1846, and have led to the loss of so much food, should be partially destroyed by the severe cold that set in at the close of the year.

MARRIAGES - There were 79,572 persons married during the quarter ending September 30th, 1853, - a number considerably exceeding that of any corresponding quarter since the Registration Act came into operation in 1837, and 2,990 more than were married in the same period of 1852, when the large number of 76,582 persons were married. The increase was spread over each of the eleven divisions of England and Wales, and the only counties in which a decrease is observeable are Hampshire, Berkshire, Northamptonshire, Huntingdonshire, Bedfordshire, Dorsetshire, Devonshire, Somersetshire, Leicestershire, Rutlandshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire, and Westmorland. Marriages increased in most of the important seats of manufactures and commerce, but an augmented number is more particularly apparent in the mining districts of Cornwall and South Wales, of Staffordshire and Durham. In the September quarter of the last five years, the number of marriages was in Truro, 76,90, 80, 91, and 134; in Redruth, 101, 95, 127, 112, and 143. On an average of the corresponding quarters of ten years (1843-1852), the number of marriages was at the annual rate of 788 to every 100,000 persons living; the proportion for the same period of 1853 was 867 to 100,000 persons living.

BIRTHS - 144,444 births were registered in the last three months of the year. This number, though slightly above the average, shows a considerable diminution on the numbers registered in the same period of the two preceding years (148,912 and 152,066 respectively).

INCREASE OF POPULATION - The number of births registered during the last quarter being 144,444, and the number of deaths 103,341, there remains a balance of 41,103 as the natural increase of the population during that period. The number that emigrated during the quarter was 54,683 from the United Kingdom, against 55,315 during the last quarter of 1852. The births and deaths refer only to England and Wales, but a great number of the emigrants were Irish.

PRICES OF PROVISIONS - The chief articles of food have greatly risen in price since the three months ending December 1852; wheat, which was then 40s. 5d. per quarter, has risen to 69s. 10d., being an increase of 73 per cent.; and at this higher price an average weekly sale of 79,002 quarters took place in the towns of England and Wales which make returns, against 111,224 quarters weekly when the price was 40s. 5d. Beef and mutton rose in price; and potatoes, which were 105s. per ton at the waterside market, Southwark, in December 1852, rose to 150s. in the December quarter, 1853, being an augmentation in price equivalent to 43 per cent. The continued activity of trade and the increased rate of wages had enabled the labouring classes for the most part to cope with the dearness of provisions; but, in conjunction with the severity of the weather and the exorbitant high price of fuel, it has been a season of trial; which has, however, been borne with exemplary patience and fortitude by those who were most exposed to its rigours.

STATE OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH - There died last quarter in England and Wales 103,341 persons. The period was unhealthy, and a greater number of lives were lost in the population than in any other autumnal quarter of the last thirteen years, with only two exceptions - the fourth quarter of 1846, when the deaths rose to 108,937; and that of 1847, when they were 103,479. The annual mortality has been at the rate of 2.252 per cent. in the ten years 1843-52; it was 2.186 in the last quarters of those years; and the last quarter it was 2.272. Cold weather towards the close of the year thinned the ranks both of old and young, and the latter class have also suffered much from fever, especially scarlatina, in many parts of the country. The returns from Cornwall show the number of deaths in the last quarter of 1853 to have been 1899 in the corresponding quarter of 1852 the number was 1851. The births in the last quarter of 1853 were 2700; in the last quarter of 1852 they were 2871. The following are the reports of the district Registrars in different parts of this county, for the quarter ending December 31st, 1853:-

Kea,- Births, 30: Deaths 30. Measles and scarlatina have prevailed in part of my district.

Constantine.- Births 20; Deaths 28. Scarlatina raged in this district during the last three months, and has been very general in Constantine; about 100 cases, and 16 deaths, have occurred from this epidemic, principally in the dwellings of the poor. The dungpits of cottagers in general are so badly arranged in this parish, that the effluvium arising therefrom will ever be a feeder to such cases until better arrangements are carried out.

Crowan.- Births 26; Deaths 30. The births are below the average, and the deaths above it. There has been much sickness, and several persons have been attached with bowel complaint.

Gwennap.- Births 84; Deaths 76. Four deaths from cholera. Bronchitis prevalent amongst children.

Redruth.- Births 70; Deaths 161. The deaths are 103 in excess of the corresponding quarter in the last year, and 107 above the average of three years; viz, 1850, 1851, and 1852. This great increased is accounted for by the prevalence of the epidemics cholera, diarrhoea, scarlatina, measles, and hoping-cough. There had been also an unusual mortality amongst aged persons, 16 of advanced age having been registered. Cholera 28, diarrhoea 16, scarlatina 15, measles 27, hooping-cough 7. I am glad to state that the health of the district is greatly improved, only one new case of cholera having occurred in the week, which I have heard has terminated fatally, but is not yet registered. The births are 14 below those of the corresponding quarter in 1852, and 24 below the average of three years. I would account for this great decrease principally by the great number of families, and men leaving their wives at home, who have emigrated to Australia and America during the present year.

Illogan.- Births 85; Deaths 59. Scarlatina has been prevalent during the last three months, 12 of the deaths being from that disease.

Camborne.- Births 109; Deaths 89. The number of deaths is considerably above the average, the increase being attributable to the prevalence of scarlatina; 17 deaths have been registered from this disease during the quarter, and 10 from dropsy following it, making a total of 27 from scarlatina and its consequences.

St. Ives.- Births 46; Deaths 36. The births in this quarter are very much below the average. About 150 individuals have emigrated to different parts during the last three years.

Marazion.- Births 36; Deaths 20. The only epidemic prevailing in the district is measles of a very mild character.

Penzance.- Births 145; Deaths 122. Deaths are above the average, owing principally to the prevalence of hooping-cough and measles, from which causes 27 have been registered.

SALTASH - On Sunday last, the new organ presented to the Chapel of St. Nicholas, by the corporation of this borough, was opened for divine service, when two appropriate sermons were preached by the chaplain, the Rev. James LANE, in both of which he most impressively enforced the duty of congregations joining in singing praises to the Almighty giver of all good. The choir, a very efficient one, was presided over by Mr. SMITH (a gentleman connected with the works of Mr. J. C. MARE) who kindly offers his services as organist gratuitously. The organ, which is very neat and full-toned, was erected by Mr. DENNIS, organ builder, of Plymouth.

ADMIRALTY AP0POINTMENT - We understand that the Admiralty have appointed Mr. Peter WELLINGTON, Master R.N., (formerly of Truro), to commission the "Hecla," 6, paddle steam-sloop, and with half-a-dozen other Masters of the Royal Navy and a competent complement to proceed to the Baltic, to make careful surveys and soundings of the approaches.

THE CUSTOMS - Mr. Thomas FERRIS, collector at St. Ives, has been appointed comptroller at Douglas; and Mr. W. H. HOLMES, collector at Scilly, to be collector at St. Ives.

FALMOUTH - A cask of rum, marked on one end "L'Unione," and on the reverse "Randor," was picked up on the 4th of February, nine miles S.S.E. of the Lizard; another, without mark or number, was picked up on Sunday last, nine miles S.S.E. of the Manacles.

GUNWALLOE - Some casks of wine, several pieces of timber, and other articles have been cast on shore during the past week. The articles have the appearance of having been a long time in the water, as there are great quantities of barnacles, &c., attached to them.

SHIPWRECK - The "America" of 930 tons, SMITH master, from Calloa, last from Cork, for London, struck on the Seven Stones, at ten o'clock on the morning of the 2nd instant, and sank about eleven o'clock. The crew were picked up by a pilot boat and landed at Scilly, and were forwarded on by the agent of the Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners' Society.

IMPOSTOR - A man called ROBERTS, stating that he was of Norwich, has been convicted before the Mayor of Penzance, of obtaining sums of money under false pretences, and has been committed for a month to the house of correction. Roberts had represented to benevolent persons that he had sustained a serious loss in Camborne parish by the falling in of a quarry, which killed two horses and buried his tools. By this falsehood he had imposed on many persons, who gave him contributions.

PASSING BAD COIN - On Friday night last, two notorious parties from Plymouth, named Robert and Mary REED, were apprehended at St. Austell by the police, on the charge of uttering bad coin, and on Saturday they were charged with the offence before Mr. E.(?) COODE, jun., and were committed to take their trial at the assizes. It is supposed that the same parties have been visiting the western parts of the county.

COMMITTALS - James WADE, mate of the "Hero", of Fowey, has been committed for trial at the ensuing assizes for stealing from the premises of Mary RUNDLE, who keeps a beer-house, a pair of trousers and a check shirt. Richard MICHELL, of Kenwyn, was fined by the magistrates on Friday, in the sum of GBP5, and in default committed for two months, for assaulting Wm. SAMPSON, guard on the West Cornwall Railway. He got out at the Chacewater station, refused to pay any fare, and put his fist in the guard's face.

HOUSEBREAKING - On Monday last, a cottage occupied by Richard HOCKEN, a labourer, situate in the parish of Menheniot, was entered by some dishonest person, (at present unknown), by extracting a pane of glass from one of the windows, in the middle of the afternoon, whilst the inmates were from home, thereby making an entrance, and stealing several articles of female's wearing apparel, comprising gowns, shawls, &c., also a quantity of food.

FIRE - On Tuesday evening last, just as Mr. Stephen MENEAR, of the Wrestling Downs, had received two tons of hay from a party of whom he had bought it, and had it placed in a linhay, four little boys playing with Lucifer matches got on the top of the hay and commenced mining in their own way, and after sinking a pit, one of them said "now we will have a blow up." He then lighted the hay, and before the flames could be extinguished, the whole of it, to the value of GBP10, with the linhay, a new body of a cart, and several other things, were destroyed. It is supposed the loss cannot be replaced under GBP40.

SERIOUS VAN ACCIDENT - As Mr. J. AGNEW, draper, of St. Austell, was returning on Saturday week per Kellow's Van, from Liskeard to St. Austell; when at Dubwalls, descending the hill at a rapid rate, the van gave a spring, which pitched him off, and both wheels went over his thigh and consequently broke it. He was taken to the Lion Inn, at Dubwalls, and Mr. JAGO, surgeon of Liskeard, was sent for, who set his thigh, which is now doing well.

CORONER'S INQUESTS - The following inquests have been lately held by Mr. HICHENS, county coroner:- On the 1st instant, in the parish of Phillack, on the body of Johanna BARTELL, aged 67 years. The deceased, who was in her usual health, had been assisting in washing her family's clothes when she was taken suddenly ill and expired almost immediately. Verdict, "natural death."

On the following day, at Camborne, on the body of John WILLIAMS, aged 20 years. The deceased worked at Wheal Seton Mine, in that parish, and whilst at his labour at the fifty-fathoms level in the engine shaft, and standing at the edge of the shaft, he, whilst about to move a piece of timber, lost his footing and fell in head foremost. There were two persons present at the time, who went after him and found him about fifty fathoms below, lying on some timber which divided the shaft. He was severely injured about the head, and was lifeless. Verdict, "accidental death."

On the same day, in the parish of Phillack, on James JAMES, the younger, aged about 16 years. The deceased was employed as the driver of train wagons, drawn by horses, on a branch line at Hayle, leading to the main line at the station there. He was found, seated on a piece of balk by the side of the line, alive, and able to speak and perfectly sensible, and upon being asked the cause of the accident, he said that he had fallen and the wagon had passed over him. He was so seriously injured in his bowels that he died in a few hours after. Verdict, "accidental death."


17 FEBRUARY 1854, Friday


ESCAPE OF PRISONERS - GBP2 REWARD - The following are descriptions of two men who made their escape on Wednesday evening last, as they were being conveyed from Callington to Bodmin Goal for stealing corn and fowls. One of the men is called Thomas TAMLYN, the other Simon TAMLYN; they are brothers. Simon Tamlyn is about five feet four inches, rather dark complexion, very dark hair and whiskers - the whiskers are shaved off even with his ears, and his hair bushy. He had on when he left a dark-green velvet jacket, red flourished-up plush waistcoat, light fustian trowsers, high shoes, almost new, plates on the toes and scutes on the heels; there are three hob-nails in the heel of the right foot shoe and two in the left foot shoe heel, and two or three nails gone out of one of the inside rows of the same shoe. He had on a pretty good hat. Thomas Tamlyn is something taller than Simon, and much slighter; had on a dark frock-coat, black waistcoat, and fustian trowsers, very dirty; long flannel drawers very dirty and torn; high shoes, with the heels cowed down pretty much, and half of each heel scute gone; hair much the colour as the other man's; in person, small and spare. Thomas is about 41 or 42 years of age, and Simon is several years younger. Thomas had on a very poor hat. All reasonable expenses will be paid, and GBP1 given for the taking of each man. Information to be given to Mr. Henry BULLEN, Constable, Callington. Dated 8th February, 1854.

SHIPS TO AUSTRALIA. - WALTHEW's "Liverpool" Line of Australian Packets. The "James Carson," 1,800 tons to Melbourne on 25th February. The "Arabia", 1,700 tons, to Melbourne details to follow. Carries a German band of music. HALL, BROTHERS & CO's LINE OF PACKETS - "Africa" Commander FIVONA, 800 burden to Port Phillip from Ramsgate(?). "Rattler", Commander SMITH, 800 burden, to Port Phillip from London. "Sandridge", Commander WATTON, 1,000 burden, to Port Phillip from London. FOX LINE OF PACKETS - LIVERPOOL TO AUSTRALIA - For Melbourne, Geelong and Sydney, The magnificent First Class Ship "Africa", Henry O'NIELL, Commander.

CORNISH MINERS IN NEW ZEALAND - A Cornishman, Mr. T. W. SHUTE, writes to us from New Plymouth, in New Zealand, under date of September 19th, 1853, stating that the ship "Joseph Fletcher" had arrived there in eighty-nine days from England, and was bound to Auckland with a company of miners from Cornwall, to work the mines at the Kaawas. The writer requests that this information be published in the West Briton, and states that he had had the pleasure of the company of Captain Thomas MARTIN and his companions, and they gave him to understand that great indications exist of very rich mineral wealth in the land of that settlement, especially tin and other valuable products which require to be worked by a company.

GOLD IN CORNWALL - At the meeting of the Royal Geological Society, in London, on the 1st inst., Mr. S. R. PATTISON, F.G.S., formerly of Launceston, read a paper on the Auriferous Quarts in North Cornwall. In the parish of Davidstowe, in the north of Cornwall, slate rocks, with veins of coarse quartz, and interrupted by trap dykes, sweep round the northern flank of the granite boss of Roughtor. These slates are a prolongation of the Petherwyn beds, and belong to the Upper Devonian series. In the quartz veins of these slates the author sought for and discovered gold. In some places the quartz has ferruginous partings, and contains gossan, - it is this quartz, and in the vicinity of trappean intrusive rock, that was found to be auriferous.

ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS - At a meeting of the Court of Examiners held on the 10th instant, Mr. John PERMEWAN, son of Mr. N. Permewan, of Trevethow, Hayle, passed his examination, and was admitted a Member of the College.

COURT OF BANKRUPTCY - At the sitting of this court at Exeter on the 8th instant, William SIMS, draper, Redruth, came up for his last examination, and passed without opposition.

LARGE MANGOLD WUTZEL - On Friday last, a mangold wurtzel was exhibited at Dunn's Hotel, St. Austell, weighing 19 lbs., grown by Mr. Edward COWLING, of Treveor, Gorran. The crop is heavy, and will probably bear comparison with any in the district, considering that the only manure used was 34s. worth of ammoniacal guano per acre, supplied by Mr. Edward PEARCE, of St. Blazey.

EMIGRATION - Very favourable accounts have been received from several who have left St. Ives for Australia, which have created quite an excitement in the town and neighbourhood. It is expected there will not be at all less than fifty from this immediate neighbourhood by the "Saldanha" Black Ball Line of packets from Liverpool on the 1st of March.

SCHOONERS LOST - On the 8th instant the schooner "Catherine," of Cork, Captain MURRAY, from Cork for London, with oats was abandoned and almost immediately sunk, leaving the crew just time to escape in the boat with their lives. They were afterwards picked up and taken to Scilly. On Sunday morning the 5th instant, the schooner "Hylton," of Pentewan, bound to Liverpool, came in contact with a large ship called the "British Chief," by which she (the "Hylton") was totally dismasted and otherwise injured. The crew with the exception of the boy, succeeded in saving their lives by getting on board the other vessel, and were landed at Mevagissey on Wednesday the 8th instant. The vessel afterwards became a total wreck in Cardigan Bay.

SHIPWRECK AND LOSS OF LIFE - Intelligence has been received at Fowey of the loss of the barque "William Jones," Samuel TADD, master, late of Polruan by Fowey. All hands on board perished, seventeen in number. The ship hailed from Liverpool, and sailed from Leith bound to Valparaiso, but was overtaken by a gale and foundered in the Firth of Forth. The late Captain was a master of the first class extra, and has left five brothers who now command vessels in the merchant service.

COAST GUARD DRAFTED TO THE ROYAL NAVY - On Saturday last Captain NEWLAND, Inspecting Commander of the Coast Guard, gave a dinner at Selley's Green Bank Hotel to thirty-eight of his men, who were ordered to join the Royal Navy. After the cloth was removed the Captain's health was proposed and drunk with three times three, to which he responded and wished them health and happiness. On Friday last, six of the coast-guard [....?] belonging to the station at Mevagissey, were taken to Plymouth (in company with other men from the other stations), to be placed on board some of the ships of war forming the Baltic fleet. We understand that the whole of the able-bodied coast-guard men, under forty years of age, have been removed from this county; and it is stated that the pensioners, who are under Capt. McDOUGAL, at Falmouth, will leave for Plymouth to be inspected on Monday next.

BOAT ACCIDENT - On Saturday last, Mr. E. CHARD, pilot, of Falmouth, was returning into that harbour in a small sail boat, with one of his seamen named PRAED, after piloting out a ship, when as they got between St. Mawes and Pendennis Castles, the boat filled and went down, Mr. Chard having very great difficulty in keeping himself up until rescued. The seaman, Praed, was not seen to rise, and it is supposed he went down with the boat; the body has not yet been found. This accident, like many others of the kind, was owing to the sheet being belayed instead of being held in the hand, when if the breeze suddenly increases, it can be soon let slip. The seaman that was drowned was unmarried.

PICKING POCKETS - On the 30th of December, Elizabeth PAULL, a widow woman, of the parish of Redruth, had her pocket picked, when in a grocer's shop at Redruth, of four sovereigns and seven half-sovereigns. Two men called WATERS and TRESIDDER, were apprehended for this, and committed for trial at the assizes. Another man concerned, called Mac ANDERSON, effected his escape. Information and a description of him were given to Mr. NASH, police-inspector at Truro, who suspecting that the man had gone to Plymouth, sent a description of him to the police-superintendent there, Mr. CODD. Through this he was apprehended and Mr. Nash being sent for, went to Plymouth, identified him, and brought him to Truro, and he was committed for trial on Saturday last.

DISCOVERY OF COUNTERFEIT COIN - A large quantity of counterfeit coin, amounting to nearly GBP14 in pretended value has been discovered in Truro by the police. It appears that on Monday evening last, Mrs. Alice TREMAIN, who lives in Frances Street, Truro, called at the police station and informed Mr. NASH, that a man and woman called GASCOIGNE had been living a week in her house, renting a furnished room, but then they had left one morning, and had been absent about a fortnight, having locked the door of the room they occupied, and taken the key with them. Mrs. Tremain asked the inspector's advice as to how she should preceed, so as to know whether her goods were safe in the furnished room. He asked her to describe the man and woman, and on her doing so, he suggested that they were the parties who had been committed some days before from St. Austell for uttering counterfeit coin. He then proceeded to the house, and going up stairs found the door of the room locked, and Mrs. Tremain's husband took a small hatchet and forced it open. On entering the room, the inspector discovered a bundle tied up, lying on a sofa bedstead, and in the bundle a black worsted stocking having therein two small bags containing two counterfeit sovereigns, two counterfeit half-sovereigns, and other base coin consisting of crowns, half-crowns, florins, and shillings, amounting altogether to GBP13. 17s. 6d. There was also in the same bundle a quantity of composition used for rubbing over the newly cast coins to give them the appearance of having been made some time, and worn by carrying in people's pockets. The inspector took charge of these coins, and directed measures to be taken if any suspicious looking person should call at the house. It appears that three days before this, a man named REED, of Stonehouse, had called on Mrs. Tremain, and offered to pay Gascoigne's rent, saying he was authorised to do so, and to take what Gascoigne had left in the room; but he was told that this could not be allowed unless he produced a written authority. On Wednesday last, the same man again called at the house, on which information was sent to the station, and police constable WARD took him into custody. On being searched there were found on his person a counterfeit half-crown and florin which corresponded in weight, and had every appearance of being cast in the same mould as the coin found in the bundle. He was charged before the magistrates on Thursday, and remanded till Monday next, that time might be given to communicate with the authorities of the Mint. It appears that the parties who called themselves Gascoigne are also named Reed, that they belonged to Plymouth, and are known by that name to the police. The counterfeit coins are of different dates and exceedingly well accouted (?), but deficient in weight, some of the half-crowns and the florins being among the best of the imitations. The sovereigns are dated 1851; the half-sovereigns, 1852; crowns, 1819; half-crowns, 1819, 1845, 1848, and 1850; and the shillings, 1819.

NARROW ESCAPE - As Mr. TREYMANE, colt trainer, was returning to his residence at Scarce Water, in Ladock, he met a carriage in a narrow road, where the bushes were hanging over, which knocked off his hat, and the colt became very restive. The waywardens should pay more attention to their duty in respect of those lines of roads which they have under their charge.

CORONER'S INQUESTS - The following inquests have been held by Mr. John CARLYON, county coroner:- On Tuesday last, in the parish of Linkinhorne, on the body of William Henry FRANCIS, aged four weeks. From the evidence of Louisa NORTHCOTE, the child's aunt, it appeared that the deceased was born on the 13th ult., and she attended and nursed it for the first fortnight and a day; but the mother, a married woman, had never shown any affection for it and refused to nurse it. The child died on Saturday last, and there were various reports in the neighbourhood, reflecting on the unnatural conduct of the mother. From the evidence of Mr. ROGERS, a surgeon of Callington, who made a post mortem examination of the body, it appeared that the child died from inflammation of the lungs. Mr. Rogers also stated that the child's constitution had been weakened by not having received its natural food; otherwise it might have been able to resist the attack, and recover; but he could not say that the death was caused by the mother's neglect. Under these circumstances the jury returned a verdict, in the conformity with the medical evidence, that the child died from inflammation of the lungs. The mother was called in before the jury by their request, and was severely reprimanded by the Coroner for her unnatural concern.

On the same day, at Launceston, on the body of William WESTLAKE, a labourer, aged 81 years. Deceased resided about five miles from Launceston, but had expressed a wish to be removed to his daughter-in-law's near Launceston, to end his days; and she and her husband went to fetch him in a cart on Sunday last; he was very anxious to be removed and they accordingly made him as comfortable as they could in the cart; but on their way home, the daughter-in-law heard him make a moan, and, on looking at him, they found he had just breathed his last. - Verdict, "visitation of God."

On Wednesday last, in the parish of Duloe, on the body of Thomas WELCH, miner, aged 21 years, who was killed on Monday last, whilst at work underground in Herodsfoot Mine, by a large rock, upwards of two tons weight, turning out on him from the side of the wall, and crushing him to death. Verdict, "accidental death."

ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS - At a meeting of the Court of Examiners held on the 10th instant, Mr. John PERMEWAN, son of Mr. N. Permewan, of Trevethow, Hayle, passed his examination, and was admitted a Member of the College.

COURT OF BANKRUPTCY - At the sitting of this court at Exeter on the 8th instant, William SIMS, draper, Redruth, came up for his last examination, and passed without opposition.

A HORSE CASE - KNIGHT v. JEWELL - Mr. BISHOP for the plaintiff, and Mr. CHILCOTT for the defendant. Plaintiff is a small farmer in the parish of St. Stephens; he keeps a waggon and team of horses, and carries china clay and other things. In September last, he was at Summercourt fair, and met defendant there, who is also a farmer. Plaintiff bought of defendant a mare for GBP12. 1s. He stated in his evidence that he told defendant he wanted the mare to work in his waggon, and defendant said she was a capital mare for that purpose. Plaintiff took her home and on putting her in his waggon, she began to kick and strive, and he said would kill almost any one that came near her. Plaintiff resolved to get rid of the mare, and on the 18th of October took her to Michell fair to sell her. He there met the defendant, and told him he was a pretty fellow to take him in, the horse would not suit his purpose. Defendant (as plaintiff stated in his evidence) said, I can have GBP2 more for that mare than you gave for her. Defendant further said, he had a nice mare home that would suit plaintiff exactly, and he should go home to see it. They went together to defendant's house in Perran, and arrived there between ten and eleven at night, and after being in the dwelling house some time they went out between eleven and twelve at night with a lantern and candle to see the mare. Plaintiff looked at the mare and said she was an old hag, and would not suit his purpose. Defendant said (as plaintiff stated in evidence) that she was a good and sound mare, and he would warrant her. He also said, if you will try her, and she will not fit your purpose, you may return her, and you shall have the GBP12 you gave for the other mare. Defendant's servantman was called as a witness at the time to this part of the bargain. Plaintiff and defendant also stated the mare was about eight years old. Plaintiff took the mare to his own house, about twelve miles from defendant's and found on the way that she was "lame" and "clopping." She was limping when plaintiff left defendant's house, but he said he thought that was her "go." Next morning he again found she was lame and "clopping," and he took her back to defendant's house again. Defendant's wife was there and refused to take her, defendant not being at home. Plaintiff afterwards went to defendant's with Mr. Reuben THOMAS, a farrier, and told him he had taken him in with a crippling mare. Defendant said he might take her and do what he liked with her, the mare was as sound as any he had; if she was lame, he said plaintiff must have done it in taking her home. Plaintiff said the mare was useless for his purpose; that she was crippled in the "chine," and broken in the knees. The above was the substance of plaintiff's statement. It further appeared the case had been previously submitted to arbitration, at the suggestion of the court, before Mr. KARKEEK, of Truro, but that the evidence was so conflicting, the arbitrator declined to make any award. It was then referred to two parties, but defendant neglected to attend with his witnesses, preferring that the case should be decided by the court. Other witnesses were called, and very contradictory evidence was given. On the part of plaintiff, it was stated by Mr. Reuben Thomas, farrier, that defendant in his hearing found fault with plaintiff for not giving the mare a sufficient trial. He also heard defendant say the mare was eight years old and no more; and that she was perfect and healthy; he did not use the word "sound." Witness had examined the mare, and should think her between twelve and twenty years old; her knees were cut, she was foundered in the hind quarters, and was completely a cripple; should think she might be worth from 50s. to GBP3. Mr. Karkeek, veterinary surgeon of Truro, had examined the mare and should say she was from twelve to thirteen years old; could undertake to say she was above ten, (he then described the indications of age by which a judgment is formed in such cases.) She was lame; a portion of the near hind quarter was wasted and withered; that could not have come on since the 18th of October, must have taken two years to produce. It had all the character of a chronic lameness; could not say she was a perfect or sound mare; she was perhaps worth GBP5 at the highest. In reply to the Judge, witness said, of course a horse unsound in one of the hind quarters could not be as capable as a sound horse; it must interfere to a certain degree with the ordinary work for which the mare was calculated. On the other side, defendant himself gave evidence, which was very different from plaintiff's statement. He denied that he warranted the mare as only eight years old. He said he told plaintiff the mare was not sound; that she had cut her knees, and walked a little stiff in her hind leg, but that it was no detriment to her work. He swore that the mare was good to draw and quiet in harness; that she was cheap now in GBP14, and he would give that for her if he wanted a horse to go to work; that he gave GBP18 for her and had been offered GBP14. He bought her of Mr. STEVENS, at Camborne fair, about three years ago, and from her age then, she must now be eight years coming nine. Two men who had been servants with defendant, were also called to support some of his statements; but the Judge after reviewing the evidence, gave his verdict for the plaintiff for GBP12. 1s.; the amount claimed.

WILLIAMS and ANOTHER v. BONE - Mr. ROBERTS appeared for plaintiffs, the Messrs. Williams, who carry on business as merchants, at Tresillian, and sell guano there. Defendant had occupied a farm in Ladock belonging to Mr. BASSETT, of Truro, and had received notice to quit at Michaelmas 1851, but his landlord allowed him to take a crop of turnips, and for that purpose he went to Messrs. Williams's stores at Tresillian, and purchased 16 cwt. 2 qrs. 12 lbs. of guano, value GBP8. 14s. 6d. He asked for it in the name of Mr. Bassett, but failing to produce any written authority (the agent there not having been in the habit of dealing with Mr. Bassett), he was told he must take it out in his own name, and said, very well, he would get the money of Mr. Bassett and see them righted. He had the guano and now stated that Mr. Bassett told him to go and take it out. But Mr. Bassett being called, positively denied the truth of that statement. Mr. TRUSCOTT, the agent of Messrs. Williams, and others in their employ, also gave evidence as to what was said by defendant when he came for the guano, and as to his being debited in their books for the amount, and not Mr. Bassett. Verdict for plaintiff for GBP8. 14s. 6d., with execution forthwith.


24 FEBRUARY 1854, Friday


CALLINGTON - On Thursday the 16th instant, this town was lit with gas, which was of first rate quality, and with scarcely a leak in the whole town. On Friday there was a dinner at Golding's hotel, to celebrate the event, which was served up in Mr. GOLDING's best style, and gave general satisfaction. Mr. J. KEMPTHORNE presided, supported by several gentlemen of the town and neighbourhood, and about fifty of the principal tradesmen of the town. Mr. ROMANS, the engineer, Mr. VICARY, of Exeter, and other contractors for the works also attended. A great number of toasts and speeches were delivered during the evening, and the company separated at rather a late hour, highly gratified with the day's proceedings, and with a determination to have the streets lighted as quickly as possible. They are resolved not to remain in darkness any longer.

DISPROPORTION OF THE SEXES - By the last census returns the number of males in Truro was 4,653, and of females 6,080, or about four females to every three males in the town - a much greater disproportion between the sexes than exists in most other towns in the kingdom.

THE CORNISH ARMS - A correspondent having lately asked us what is the meaning of the Cornish arms and motto, we beg to furnish the following explanation to him and to such others of our readers as may feel an interest in the subject:- The Cornish arms and motto were those of Cadoc, Earl of Cornwall, who was deprived of his title by William the Norman in 1066, and who, Camden says, was the last Earl of British blood. His arms, which are used as the county arms, are a sable shield, fifteen bezants, five, four, three, two, one. The supporters, two lions rampant, are of modern date. The crest a lion passant or - motto "One and All." The fifteen bezants, or as they are improperly called "Ba(?)s," represent round pieces of gold used in the early ages as coin, and were of great value, but what their intrinsic worth was is not now known. They were originally coined at Constantinople, (Byzantium) and from the ninth to the fourteenth century were the chief gold coin in currency through Europe. The bezant represents in heraldry these round pieces of gold by which the stipends of the higher soldiers of the army in the holy wars are supposed to have been paid. They are with us always emblazoned gold, but the foreign heralds make them both gold and silver. Why Cadoc, Earl of Cornwall, assumed the fifteen bezants for his arms is not known; but as he was a great warrior it might have been to commemorate numerous battles in which he was victorious, or emblematic of large rewards received from his heroism in such battles. The bezant of gold was current in England till the reign of Edward III, when it was superseded by the English noble. The precise reference of the Cornish motto, it is not now easy to discover, but in all probability it is a translation from the old Cornish, of the war cry of the Earls of Cornwall.

WRESTLING CHALLENGE - A correspondent writes as follows:- "Understanding there is a public challenge from William TREGLOWN, to wrestle any man in Cornwall previous to his departure for the continent, and not thinking him entitled to walk over the course so easily, I beg to say I will be in Penzance on Saturday next to accept the same according to his terms - GBP10 or GBP20 a side - provided the match comes off near either Truro or Falmouth. - J. CARLTON, Chacewater."

TRURO UNION - On the 15th inst. Mr. and Mrs. FINCH, of Mevagissey, were elected master and matron of this union workhouse, at a salary of GBP60 per annum, including rations, &c.

MERCANTILE MARINE - There were twenty-seven applications for examination at Plymouth on the 15th, 16th and 17th instant, of whom two did not come forward, one failed, and four received lower certificates than they applied for. The following were amongst those who passed their examinations, were found qualified, and obtained their certificates:- Masters - David COCK, Falmouth; Richard PEARCE, Falmouth; Henry CANT, Falmouth; James THORRINGTON, St. Ives; William Brown BURT, Camelford. Only Mate - George Alfred SYMONS, Penzance. First Mates - Charles Harvey BOASE, St. Ives; John Mumford PERCIVAL, Scilly.

ST. AGNES - On Saturday last, numbers of boards, apparently the bulwarks of a ship, were picked up at Porth Chapel, about a mile to the west of this port. On one of the boards was the name of a ship, the "Patna of Liverpool" inscribed on a streamer drawn surmounted with a union jack in circular form with the motto - "Tria juncta in uno." Large quantities of floating timber have been washing along the western shore. It blew a heavy gale on Friday night, and a vessel was seen labouring hard off this beach during the evening at dusk.

TESTIMONIAL TO A CLERGYMAN - We extract the following from the Leeds Mercury:- On Thursday the 16th instant, a very handsome pocket communion service, prepared by Messrs. Hirst Brothers, Silversmiths, Leeds, was presented to the Rev. W. P. CHAPPEL, curate of Garforth, by the rector, churchwardens, and other parishioners, as a memorial of their gratitude, affection, and respect, accompanied by the following address - "To the Rev. William Pester CHAPPEL, M.A., curate of Garforth. Rev. and Dear Sir, Allow us to offer to you our expressions of sincere regret at your approaching departure from amongst us. We cannot, however, permit that event to occur without assuring you of our entire appreciation of the ability, faithfulness, zeal, and kindness, with which you have discharged your duties as a minister of Christ, during the period you have been curate at Garforth. We therefore, trust you will accept the accompanying pocket communion service as a memorial of our gratitude, affection, and respect; and we beg to assure you that our grateful remembrances will follow you to your future sphere of ministration, and that our prayers will be offered to Almighty God that it may please Him to bless you in whatever portion of his vineyard He may call you to labour." Mr. W. P. Chappel is son of Mr. Chappel the Mayor of Truro.

HELSTON QUARTER SESSIONS - These sessions were held before Mr. THRING, in consequence of the illness of the Recorder of the Borough, Mr. BEVAN. Ezekiel HARRIS and a boy called COLEMAN, were charged with stealing three pairs of boots, the property of Henry EDMONDS, bootmaker, of Helston, on the 1st of December last. The prisoners both pleaded guilty: Harris was sentenced to two months' hard labour, and Coleman to one month.

JOHN CLARKE, labourer, was charged with stealing or receiving at Helston, on the 22nd of January last, a pair of boots, the property of James BARNET, mason. Mr. Frederick HILL conducted the prosecution. It appeared from the evidence that on Sunday the 22nd of January, the prosecutor placed his boots in his father's yard to dry. His father keeps a beer shop, and the prisoner was there drinking. The prisoner gave a pair of boots on the same day to a woman to sell; she sold them to NINNIS a buyer of old articles, where the police found them. The boots were identified as the property of the prosecutor. The prisoner was found guilty and sentenced to two months' hard labour.

HELSTON COUNTY COURT - At this court, held on the 13th inst. the following cases were tried. - Henry MATTHEW v. John TEAGUE. This case was heard at the last court, but judgment was deferred until the present sittings. Mr. Frederick HILL appeared for Mr. PLOMER on behalf of the plaintiff; the defendant conducted his own defence. It was an action of trespass, for having unlawfully entered the dwelling house of the plaintiff, at the parish of Breage, under the pretence of searching for stolen property, without any lawful cause. It appeared from the evidence that the plaintiff is a farmer and resides at Breage, and the defendant an engineer residing at Gwennap. Defendant had also a house at Breage, in which he formerly resided. On the 6th of October last, defendant went to the plaintiff's house with a person named WILLIAMS. Plaintiff was not at home, but defendant told plaintiff's wife that he had hundreds of pounds worth of property stolen, and he suspected her husband of it, and intimated he had given him in charge of the police at Helston. She was greatly alarmed, and defendant and Williams, searched the house throughout, but nothing was found. Plaintiff was about to become tenant to defendant, but this was broken off. Defendant did not apply to a magistrate for a warrant, and it was untrue that he had given the plaintiff in charge. Williams had paid GBP15 not to be sued. The defendant was examined, and also Williams, and a woman who kept the defendant's house. The plea set up by defendant was that he searched the house because a certain poker had been found and plaintiff's wife allowed him to do so. The woman who found the poker was re-called, and stated that the defendant heard nothing of the poker until after he made the search. Mr. Hill replied on the evidence, and strongly urged that this was a case in which substantial damages should be given. The Judge at this sitting gave a verdict for the plaintiff for GBP7, stating that in arriving at that amount he had taken into consideration the amount paid by Williams. His Honor handed a letter to the clerk of the court, which he said he had received from the defendant, stating that he should pass the Insolvent Court.

THOMAS MOYLE v. John HURLEY. - Mr. HILL for plaintiff. This was an action of trover, and a very amusing case, the subject of dispute being a favourite donkey. The plaintiff and his witnesses clearly identified the animal as the property of the plaintiff, but Hurley, who is an Irishman, was not easily satisfied, and his description of his donkey created much merriment. Verdict for plaintiff.

BENNETT JOHNS v. HENRY THOMAS RYDE - Mr. HILL for plaintiff; Mr. PLOMER for defendant. This was an action to recover the sum of GBP29. 9s. 10d. for the carriage of coals to Trenethick and Treworlis mine. Capt. BURGAN proved that the defendant had attended the mine meetings, and produced the cost-book, in which defendant's name appeared as a shareholder, and as having paid calls. Defendant never signed the cost-book, and the rules set forth that all adventurers should do so. Mr. Plomer contended that it had not been legally shown the defendant was an adventurer. His Honor overruled the objection. Verdict for plaintiff for GBP29. 9s. 10d.

WILLIAM WILLIAMS v. WILLIAM HUNSLEY FOX. - Mr. HILL for plaintiff; no one appeared for defendant. This was a similar action to the last. Verdict for plaintiff for GBP9. 10s.

GRYLLS v. BAXSHAR (?) - Mr. HILL for plaintiff; Mr. PLOMER for defendant. This was an action brought to recover the sum of GBP45 due on a promissory note made by the defendant's father who died many years since; at his death the defendant entered on his leasehold estate in Grade and paid interest on the note in 1848, and still resides on the tenement. This, it was contended for plaintiff, was sufficient to fix the defendant as executor de son tort. The defendant was called and stated that the leasehold was worthless, but the learned advocate at length arranged that the verdict should be taken at GBP23. 10s. for the leaseholds, and as to the residue of the demand, judgment of assets in hand.

ANN TRELOAR v. DINAH WHITE - Mr. FORFAR for plaintiff, Mr. HILL for defendant. This was an action brought to recover the sum of GBP24, principal and interest, monies lent and advanced about October, 1849. The evidence was very conflicting. The plaintiff formerly worked with defendant, and her husband died in October, 1849. Shortly after this, plaintiff stated she lent the defendant twenty sovereigns, but no person was present or memorandum given. The plaintiff, after this, became of unsound mind, and continued so for two or three years. It was proved that defendant gave plaintiff's niece 6d. about four years since, and also 2s. 6d. to her sister about the same time, but it did not appear for what purpose the sums were paid. About twelve months since, the plaintiff went to the defendant's house, but no demand of the amount appears to have been made. Plaintiff stated that Mr. ROUSE, of Tresprisson, knew she had the money and lent it. His Honor sent for Mr. Rous, who said plaintiff told him she had lent the money to defendant, but he was not present. Mr. Hill said this was one of those painful cases which his Honor had had to decide since the new Law of Evidence Act. The instructions of his client were most positive that she never had the money; he did not know what construction to put on the case unless the plaintiff was labouring under a delusion, and it appeared strange that a poor woman like the plaintiff or her friends had made no direct demand for the money or interest. The defendant was then sworn and positively denied having had the amount. His Honor said, under all the circumstances he should give a verdict for the plaintiff for GBP20, payment to be made after the next court.

JOHN GLANVILLE v. HENRY MARSHALL COX - Mr. PLOMER for plaintiff, Mr. HILL for defendant. The action was brought for false imprisonment of the plaintiff at Helston on the 10th 11th and 12th days of December last. The damages were laid at GBP20. The case occupied some time judgment being deferred until next court.

BURGLARY - On the night of Monday the 14th inst., at Tideford, in the parish of St. Germans, the shop of Mr. George ROSEVEARE, mercer and tailor, was broken into, and a quantity of cloth, &c., stolen therefrom to the value of GBP40 or GBP50. Up to this time no trace can be obtained of the burglars.

FOWL STEALING - There have been three cases of fowl stealing in the parish of St. Clement, within the last few days. On Saturday night last, there were stolen from Penair, the residence of Admiral REYNOLDS, two silver pheasants (cock and hen), and one gold pheasant (hen). These were stolen from an aviary in the garden, not far from the gardener's dwelling-house, but some distance from Admiral Reynolds's residence. There were also a cock gold pheasant and other fowls in the aviary, none of which were taken; it being supposed that the cock pheasant eluded the search of the thieves. These gold and silver pheasants were exhibited at the last Truro poultry show, and were then greatly admired. A dog belonging to the hind was heard barking in the night, and it is believe that the thief or thieves were disturbed. On the same night, or early on Sunday morning, several barn-door fowls were stolen from an outhouse in which they were roosting, on the premises of Mr. VIVIAN, of Penenlenick. - On Tuesday night last, six turkeys and five ducks were stolen from the farm at Lower Penair, in the occupation of Mr. Michael TABB. Information has been given to the Truro police, who are endeavouring to discover the offenders in these cases.

CORONER'S INQUESTS - The following inquest has been held before Mr. John CARLYON, county coroner. On Monday last on the bodies of John SMALL, aged 46, and John PENWILL, aged 30. The deceased were masons who had been employed at the works of the Cornwall Railway, at the Polperro Tunnel, for the last three or four months; and they came to their deaths under the following circumstances:- Samuel JENKIN, mason, deposed that he had been employed for the last twelve months at the Polperro Tunnel, and was working there with John Small on Friday; Penwill had not been working there on that day. Between four and five o'clock in the afternoon they had finished all the work that was ready for them, and they and two labourers, John TREGIDGA, and James WINGROVE, went to Mr. JONES's their master, at the top of Polperro hill, to take some refreshment. John Penwill came in while they were there. They remained there till between seven and eight o'clock; and then they all left the house to go to work again. The two labourers and witness went on first, and the two deceased followed. The deceased had been drinking a little, but were very well able to go to work. All except the two deceased went by the cart road, which was the direct road to the tunnel. Finding, when they got to the mouth of the tunnel, that the deceased did not arrive, witness went to see what had become of them, but could hear nothing of them, and consequently thought they had returned home. Wingrove also went to inquire at Mrs. Jones's if she had seen anything of them; and she said that shortly after they had left the house, Penwill had returned for a light to look for his cap which had been blown off, and which he very soon found and returned the light again; and she had seen nothing of him or Small since. Nothing was heard of them until last Saturday evening, when Penwill's wife inquired of witness where they were, saying that they had not returned home; in consequence of this, witness and a comrade went in search of them the following morning, and, on looking into No. 1 shaft on the tunnel he saw them at the bottom, lying quite dead. The shaft was 37(?) feet deep, 10 feet long, and about 2 1/2 feet wide. He immediately went into Mr. HEMMING's, one of the gangers, and told the lodgers what he had seen, and they took steps to get the bodies up. It was very dark and stormy when they left Jones's on Friday night; and the two deceased had evidently missed their way and fallen into the shaft, which on the side they must have gone was nearly flat with the surface, and only partly covered. James Wingrove corroborated the last witness as to what Mrs. Jones had said when they went there to make inquiry of her. Robert DAVIS, another witness, who had but recently been seeking employment on the works, deposed that on Friday evening, between seven and eight o'clock, as he was going to his quarters, he met two men who he believed were the deceased, and who asked him the way to the tunnel; and he told them to keep straight on; but that he was a stranger, and they ought to know the road better then he. This was between the huts on Polperro (where the men lodged) and the shaft. They were then walking close together, and he believed arm in arm. George HEMMING stated that on hearing where the bodies were, he went on Sunday morning to assist in taking them up; he went into the tunnel, and with a ladder got up through the hole left in the arch for ventilating the tunnel, and immediately on the upper side he found the bodies of the two deceased lying on their right sides near each other. He lowered them with a rope into the tunnel, where they were placed in a wagon and removed. From marks on the brick-work of the arch, on which they rested, it would appear that one of them had moved his hand a little, backwards and forwards; but their bodies were in the same position as when they fell, and they were, no doubt, killed on the spot. James PERKINS, Messrs. Sharp's managing agent at Polperro and the works of the Cornwall Railway near there, deposed that the shaft in question was sunk by Mr. FINDLATER's party; Messrs. Sharp and Co. had never used it, but had kept it partly open as a means of ventilation for the tunnel. When he first had the management, he had it perfectly covered over and fenced round; this had been done at least a dozen times since; the last time about eight weeks ago, when the cover was spiked down; and he did not know but what it was still covered; but parties had been still committing depredations by taking away the fences and coveting for firewood; and although notices had been posted at different places, offering a reward for any one who could give information for the discovery of the depredators, trespasses were continually taking place. The jury returned a verdict of "accidental death," but suggested to Mr. Perkins that stone walls should be built round all the shafts to guard against the recurrence of a similar accident; and this he promised should be done.



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