cornwall england newspaper
1854 NEWS ARTICLE
JUNE
2 JUNE 1854, Friday
AUSTRALIA - DISCOVERY OF RICH GOLD DIGGINGS. - That the gold fields
in New South Wales have never yet had a fair trial is a fact beyond
dispute; the splendid find of Mr. WHITE and his companions on the
Ophir, at Yorkey's Corner, induces us to believe that, ere long, our
gold mines will rival for riches the most favourable fields in
Victoria. On the 18th ult. we mentioned the arrival in town of a party
of three, who brought with them as the result of three weeks' labour,
406 oz. 12 dwts. Of the precious metal, principally in nuggets, the
largest weighing 2 1/2 ounces, another 13 ounces, and other two the
respective weights of which were 10 1/2 ounces and 11 ounces. After
minutely describing to our reporter the locality selected for their
operations, Mr. White says that he and his mates set to work and dug
for about three days, first through a red alluvial oil, then a thick
layer of gravelly earth, coming next to slate and rock, where traces of
gold were first observed. On the sixth day, after breaking ground, the
party lighted on the largest nugget, which was extracted from rock; and
that same day they took out 91 ounces of gold altogether. The daily
findings were - first day, after coming to the slatey rock, 6 ounces;
second, 54 ounces; third, 78 ounces; sixth, 91 ounces. From that
time the yield fell suddenly, until the hole was abandoned. The area
of ground from which this rich treasure was extracted measured 25
square feet. - Australian Paper.
INCIDENTS OF COLONIAL LIFE - A young gentleman of Geelong, Australia,
writing to a relative at home, under date of January, 1856, says:- One
peculiarity of Colonial life, or at least of life in the colony of
Victoria is this, that many carpenters, blacksmiths, and the like, have
made large fortunes, but still retain their old acquaintances, and
cannot sake off their bad grammar and worse manners. This produces a
great mixture in society, and the woman who scrubs your floors in the
morning, and also makes your pies and starches your shirts, may say to
you in the evening "I am engaged," or "thank you, I will take an ice."
Among his neighbours, he says, "is a widow of 24, was married at 16 to
a small settler up the country, who broke his neck, stock-driving,
seven months after their marriage. A few months ago she was engaged to
a young solicitor from Bristol. The wedding clothes were got, and the
handkerchiefs were marked with her future's name. The young man was
dissipated, and ran away from his creditors three days before his
intended marriage. The whole story is an odd one. He, the solicitor,
met the widow in the street, was struck with the appearance and
followed her home; dodged about the house for a few days, and at length
threw a letter, declaring the state of his affections, into a room
where he had just before seen her standing at the window. The affair
proceeded rapidly after so bold a stroke, and but for the cruelty of
the young gentleman's creditors, no doubt they would have been man and
wife." I had invitations from different persons to spend my Christmas
at their stations in the bush. But I had had sufficient experience of
that kind of thing to know, that three or four days of Christmas spent
with a settler would settle me for a fortnight, and I therefore stopped
at home, and this is the way my Christmas went. My Irish neighbours
(with whom he boards while lodging in weather boarded rooms of his own)
considered it better to keep up Christmas eve than Christmas day, and
the young widow aforesaid, her sister, and four others came up to
dance, sing, eat cake and drink strong punch. We commenced at ten,
and, so far as I was concerned, left off at three next morning, when I
went to bed. Getting up at eight, I found my young widow busy stuffing
a goose, and the others culinarily employed, and, much to my surprise,
I learnt that none of them had been to bed. For, intending to go to
mass on Christmas day, after the manner, I suppose, of the Irish, they
had been afraid to go to bed lest they should miss it - mass commencing
at five in the morning - and had kept themselves dancing and romping
all through the night. Well, I breakfasted, and in order the better to
enjoy my dinner, I took a long walk, returning about two, thinking we
were to have a downright Christmas dinner. Christmas eve, however, had
been too much for my neighbours. They were all sound asleep, except
the little ones, and the consequence was that I sat down alone before a
huge goose, a boiled turkey, a large ham, and a vast plum pudding. At
public dinners there is usually a band in attendance; on the present
occasion the music that I had was such as is caused by the loud
breathing of persons asleep. That was my first specimen of an Irish
Christmas; and remarkably Irish I consider it to be.
PEACE CELEBRATIONS - Truro - On Tuesday evening last, a meeting of
the inhabitants was held in the Town Hall, and numerously attended, for
the purpose of presenting an address to the Mayor, Mr. STOKES, thanking
him for his conduct in carrying out the peace demonstration on the 29th
ult. The chair was taken by Mr. PADDON, one of the borough
magistrates, who introduced the subject of the meeting, and the
following address was then read by Mr. EDWIN PARKYN:- "To HENRY SEWELL
STOKES, Esq., Mayor of Truro. - Sir, We, the undersigned inhabitants
of the borough of Truro, do hereby offer you our best thanks for the
manner in which the peace demonstration of yesterday was, under your
authority, conducted, and beg to express our admiration at your
patriotic and manly conduct, first, in permitting us to show our
feeling on the occasion, and secondly, for your countenance and support
in reviving one of our ancient and athletic English sports, especially
as the game, as requested by you, was conducted throughout with good
temper, and without injury to any kind of property. And, lastly, we
thank you for having been the principal cause of cheering the hearts
and spirits of the defenders of our country, and of our old men and
women, and young children, by not forgetting them on the happy occasion
of celebrating the peace. We are, Sir, your obedient servants". (Here
followed the signatures, the address being dated May 30th). Mr. PARKYN
said the address was signed by between two and three hundred of the
inhabitants of the town, and a great many more signatures might easily
have been obtained, but the object was to have the address signed by
people of the various classes in the town, and thus there would be
found included amongst the names representatives of the clergy,
dissenting ministers, county and borough magistrates, the professions,
trades, and even one or two of the old men who partook of the
hospitalities on the celebration day.
Mr. JAMES GATLEY proposed that the address which had been adopted,
should be printed and a copy of it sent to each subscriber to the peace
demonstration fund. Mr. SOLOMON seconded the motion, adding that it
should be presented first to the subscribers, and then to other
persons. Mr. G. CLYMA proposed that some more enduring recognition of
Mr. Stokes's public services should be presented to him, and that a
committee be formed to consider in what way the wishes of the meeting
could best be carried out. Mr. E. HEARD seconded the motion, which was
supported by Mr. MITCHINSON and Mr. DAVEY, the latter making some
observations to show that the way to preserve peace was to be prepared
for war; and some remarks in approval of the hurling match. The
propositions both of Mr. Gatley and Mr. Clyma were agreed to
unanimously. Mr. LEARWOOD, chairmaker, then presented a chair to Mr.
Stokes, which had been made whilst the procession of the trades were
traversing the various parts of the town. It was a very good chair, of
neat workmanship, and bore the following inscription,- "This chair was
made by THOMAS LEARWOOD, in the streets of Truro, in the Trades'
procession that was formed to celebrate the peace, on the 29th of May,
1856, and presented to Mr. Stokes, Mayor of Truro.
PENRYN - The celebration of her Majesty's birthday, and the
rejoicings for peace in this borough, were sustained with very great
spirit, and much praise is due to the authorities for the manner in
which they ordered the proceedings, and to the inhabitants generally
for the way in which they carried them out. It was a remarkably fine
day, and a glorious sun shone out propitiously for the occasion. The
shops were all closed early in the day, and flags were hung out in
various parts of the town. Great numbers of people kept arriving from
the adjacent country during the day, and everything bore the aspect of
a general holiday and rejoicing. The proceedings were ushered in by a
solute of twenty-one brass guns, and then through the benevolent
exertions of some of the inhabitants, about five hundred of the poorer
class were provided with cakes and tea, presented to them at the Town
Hall, by a committee appointed for that purpose. Several old English
games followed, all of which were entered into with great spirit, and
afforded much amusement. Processions also took place through the town;
the one most deserving of attention being that formed by the workmen of
Messrs. BOLITHO, about eighty of whom having previously been provided
with a substantial luncheon by the liberality of their employers,
formed themselves into a procession headed by a band of music paraded
the town, each person carrying an implement more particularly belonging
to his branch of the trade, and which was in many cases wreathed in
laurel. A brilliant display of fireworks terminated the proceedings of
the day, which will long be remembered by the inhabitants of Penryn and
its vicinity with satisfaction and pleasure.
MICHELL - This usually quite village was quite astir on Friday last,
on account of preparations being made to celebrate the peace. At an
early hour, the young men of the place were busily engaged erecting
arches across the road, which then completed were tastefully decorated
with flags, flowers &c. In the course of the afternoon a band
perambulated the place, to whose lively strains the young folks danced
the exciting "Flora." In the evening the youngsters were gratified
with sundry amusements, such as "jumping in bags," a wheelbarrow race,"
"diving for oranges" &c., and a very creditable display of fireworks
completed the day's amusement. At night most of the houses were
illuminated, and although the devices could not be considered as new or
original, the village presented a very pretty appearance. From one of
the arches was suspended a large chandelier in which were lighted about
fifty candles, and this looked exceedingly well. Notwithstanding the
hundreds of people who were present in the evening, everything passed
off orderly and with good feeling.
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE - ARCHDEACONRY OF CORNWALL - The Deans Rural for
1856-7 are:- JOHN SYMONS AVERY, perpetual curate of Bude; JOHN FRANCIS
KITSON, vicar of Antony; PAUL BUSH, rector of Duloe; EDWARD
SHUTTLEWORTH, vicar of Egloshayle; CHARLES LYNE, vicar of Tywardreath;
THOMAS HOPKINS BRITTON, vicar of Newlyn East; FREDERICK CHRISTIAN
JACKSON, rector of Grade; and CHARLES GEORGE RUDDOCK FESTING, vicar of
Paul. The seven preachers for 1857 are:- JOHN DAVIS, vicar of
Poughill; JOHN HAWKINS HEXT, vicar of Morval; JOHN JAMES WILKINSON,
rector of Lanteglos by Camelford; HENRY SPENCER SLIGHT, rector of
Ruanlanihorne; F. C. JACKSON, rector of Grade; and RICHARD ASHLEY,
rector of Perranuthnoe. The sixteen representatives for the Clergy
Fund are the same as last year.
THE CUSTOMS - Mr. WILLIAM COULSON, of Penzance, has been appointed to
a clerkship in the London Custom House.
ARRIVAL AT QUEBEC - The ship "Charles Challoner," FOX master, with
passengers from Truro, arrived at Quebec, on the 19th of May, all well.
FALMOUTH - Arrived on Sunday last, the gun-boats "Starling,"
"Beaver," "Janus," and "Drake," belonging to the Red and White
Divisions. Six gun-boats and the steam frigate "Imperieuse," have been
cruising in the channel during the past week. The fleet are on an
experimental cruise to try the rate of sailing under canvas. On
Tuesday last, the schooner yacht "Columbine," 72 tons belonging to the
Royal Yacht Squadron, and the property of Mr. SMITHBERRY, arrived in
the harbour.
SHIP FOUNDERED - On Saturday last, the master and nine men, crew of
the barque "Kingston" of Sunderland, WILLIAM STRAKERMASTER, were picked
up in two boats twenty four miles S. W. of the Land's End, by a
Mousehole pilot lugger, their ship having sprung a leak the previous
evening and foundered at 6.30 on the 31st. Fortunately the crew saved
their cloths. The "Kingston" was 279 tons registered 28 years old, was
newly coppered, and had heavy repairs previous to leaving Sunderland,
and was bound to Constantinople with 448 tons of coal. The crew were
lodged and forwarded to their homes by Mr. R. PEARCE, Honorary
Secretary to the shipwrecked Fisherman and mariners' Royal Benevolent
Society.
OBSTRUCTIONS OF THE PAVEMENTS - We are requested to insert the
following in respect to street obstructions at Penzance:- "Mr. HUMPHRY
WILLYAMS, in a letter to the West Briton on street obstructions, states
his objection to the "move on" principle, as an unnecessary
interference with the rights of the people. He considers that it would
give rise to some such remarks as these:- "Oh! we won't go to Truro
market again, for we can't stand five minutes on the pavement to look
at the beautiful streets, smart shops, and gay people without danger of
being brought before the Mayor. We'll go to Penzance or Redruth, where
we can stand as thick as swarming bees, without being disturbed." Mr.
Willyams's argument is altogether imaginary. The 'stand still'
principle once prevailed in Penzance, but was such a nuisance that
"move on" antagonism was effectually brought to bear on it.
Shopkeepers, and all who traverse the pavement, approved of it; and,
unless on holiday occasions, we permit no swarming bees to remain
undisturbed in our thoroughfares. Let Mr. Willyams and thirty or forty
friends try the "bee" amusement, and they will quickly hear the words
which displease him so much - "move on" - respectfully but firmly
uttered.
ROBBERIES - A cottage adjoining Liskes farm, in the parish of Kenwyn,
was entered on Monday last, during the absence of the occupier, JANE
WALLIS, who left the house in the morning and did not return until the
evening. She then found that the door had been forced open, and her
boxes ransacked, and from one of them a sovereign and ten shillings had
been stolen. Two tramps were seen near the premises in the course of
the day.
On the 30th ult. at Idless, in the parish of Kenwyn, the house of
THOMAS MICHELL, a woodman, was entered by means of breaking a pane of
glass, and six GBP5 notes of the Miners Bank were stolen. It is stated
that two tramping fellows had been seen about the premises.
BURGLARY - Shortly after midnight on Monday last, the servant at Mr.
JEFFERY's, (who is in the employ of Messrs. WILLIAMS, at Perranwharf,
and lives under the same roof with the office) came down stairs to go
about the washing, when she saw through some glass over a door, a light
in the passage, and thinking her mistress had come down stairs, she
called out, but received no answer, and consequently went up to her
mistress's bed room, whom she found in bed, and then, being much
alarmed, told her that some person had entered the house. Mr. Jeffery
went down immediately, but the robber had decamped. It was found, on
examination, that some one had entered the office by the window, which
being a casement window, the thief had broken a pane of glass, and put
back the two fastenings. The thief had gone from the office into the
kitchen, and lighted with matches a mould candle, with which he had
traversed all the rooms of the office and ground floor of the
dwelling-house, as was evident from the grease which had dropped from
the candle. The whole candle had been left on the table the evening
before, and it was three-quarters burnt. The robber, it is clear, was
not provided with house-breaking implements; therefore he did not touch
the iron chest or the desks in the office; but from the parlour
mantelpiece he stole 12s. or 13s. which had been collected for a
missionary box, and he also carried off some mathematical instruments,
but did not go to the parlour cupboard, in which were a number of
silver spoons and other articles. The box which had contained the
mathematical instruments was found next day in the leat behind the
foundry works, but there is no clue to the thief. It is remarked as
singular that the glass of the broken window was found outside, and not
inside as might have been expected.
TRURO POLICE - On Tuesday last, JAMES ADAMS, who had been a private
in the Royal Miners Artillery, was charged with stealing from FREDERICK
MONTROSE, a black coat, doeskin trowsers, waistcoat, and cap.
Montrose, who is a tailor, lodged with Mrs. KENNEGGIE, who sells fruit
in the market. The militia-man got into the house on Wednesday the
28th ult., and took the tailor's best clothes, leaving behind his
militia uniform. Montrose gave information to the police, and Adams
was traced to Falmouth; afterwards, he went to Penzance, then returned
to Truro, and on Saturday night last, gave himself up to police
constable WOOLCOCK in the street. He was then wearing Montrose's
clothes, with the exception of the waistcoat, of which he gave an
account, which afterwards proved to be false. On Tuesday he was
committed for trial at the quarter sessions.
ST. AUSTELL PETTY SESSIONS - This court met in the Town Hall, on
Tuesday last, when ROBERT VERCOE, a waggoner, of St. Dennis, was fined
5s. and costs for leaving his waggon in the streets.
GEORGE CLEMES [?], of Charlestown, was brought up by Mr. ROWE, the
inspector of weights, for having a defective scale in his possession,
and was fined 20s. and costs.
Two landlords of Nanpean, in St. Stephens in Branwell, named BEST and
THOMAS, were brought up, the former charged with keeping a disorderly
house, but the bench dismissed the accused with a reprimand; the
latter, charged with drawing drink on the Sunday out of hours, was
fined 2s. and costs.
A lad named HENRY BENNET, of Roche, was charged by his master, Mr.
ROBERT VERCOE, carpenter, with misbehaviour and absenting himself from
work, and it being the second offence, he was committed to the house of
correction for twenty-one days.
CORONER'S INQUEST - On Wednesday last, an inquest was held in Gwennap
parish, before Mr. JOHN CARLYON, county coroner, on the body of FRANCIS
COAD, miner, aged 58 years. From the evidence of deceased's widow, it
appeared that he had been complaining of shortness on his breath for
some time previous to his decease, but that on Monday last, he came
down about eight o'clock, and went out after breakfast apparently
better then usual. He desired her to make a pasty for his dinner, and
said he should be back again by the time it was ready, but about an
hour afterwards witness went out and found him a short distance from
the house leaning against the hedge quite dead. There was a quantity
of blood on his clothes and about his moth, and from the evidence of
Mr. ARTHUR, surgeon, there was no doubt that he died of suffocation
from the rupture of a blood vessel of the lungs. Verdict accordingly.
9 JUNE 1854, Friday
NOTICE - I Alexander SIDGMAN, of Redruth, Will not be answerable for
any debts my wife Mary Jane Sidgman, may contract after this date.
Witness, Stephen KESSEL. Dated June 7, 1854.
AUSTRALIAN AND NEW YORK PACKETS - The "Jane Greene," of the
"Temperance Line," will sail from London, touching at Plymouth, about
the end of June; and the "Ouderkirk," about the 10th of July. The
"Bonaventure," the "Bee," and the "Star of the East," from Liverpool
about the end of June, GBP48. New York Packets every two or three
days. Life Assurances for Australia and the United States effected at
home rates. Apply to Mr. WM. WADE, jun., Licensed Passage Broker, near
the Town Hall, Redruth.
WHITE STAR LINE OF AUSTRALIAN PACKETS - Landing Passengers and their
luggage at the wharf free of charge. Passengers for Sydney, Geelong,
and Adelaide, will be forwarded from Melbourne at the expense of the
Ship. "Fitz-James", 2,500 tons, Commander HOYT, Melbourne, to sail
10th June. "Emma", 2,500, UNDERWOOD, Melbourne, 25th June. "Golden
Era", 3,000, PEAT, Melbourne. "Marmaid", 2,500, DEVEY, Melbourne.
"Red Jacket", 4,500, REED, Melbourne. "White Star", 4,000, BROWN,
Melbourne. Those Packets are all first-class. The Saloon
accommodations in them deserve the special notice of Passengers, being
provided with every comfort, elegantly fitted and decorated, also
furnished with baths. Carry experienced Surgeons, and also Chaplains.
Apply to PILKINGTON and WILSON, Liverpool; or to John PERMEWAN,
Penzance; James VIVIAN, draper, Camborne; or James UREN, painter, 64
Daniell Street, Truro. Notice:- Passengers must have their luggage
alongside the "Fitz-James" on Thursday 8th, and Friday 9th, and be
prepared to embark on Saturday, the 10th of June. N.B. The Ships of
this Line take Steam in the Channel as far as necessary.
J. B. GOUGH - This celebrated Orator from America will deliver
Orations in the following places in East Cornwall - viz; at Liskeard,
on Monday, June 19th; Bodmin, on Tuesday, June 20th; Padstow, on
Wednesday June 21st; St. Austell, on Thursday June 22nd, 1854.
DISTRICT REGISTRAR - At a meeting of the guardians for the Bodmin
Union, Mr. HICKS, carpenter and joiner at Lostwithiel, was elected
registrar of births and deaths for the Lanlivery district.
SURGICAL APPOINTMENT - In the list of recent appointments, we notice
the election of Mr. John Magor CARDELL, of St. Columb, to the office of
House Surgeon to the University College Hospital, London.
KING'S COLLEGE, LONDON - There were three scholarships open this year
to first year's students at the above college, two of which have been
obtained by Cornishmen, Mr. A. WHITFORD, and Mr. J. WAY, jun., of
Heligan. The scholarship is worth GBP20 per annum, and the competitors
for it undergo examinations in anatomy, physiology, and chemistry.
VESSEL DISMASTED - On Friday morning last, the smack "Traveller," of
Padstow, 37 tons register, from Boscastle for Plymouth with slates, was
towed into Penzance harbour by the "Victoria," MAY, master, and a pilot
cutter. The smack was totally dismasted, and otherwise disabled.
VIOLENT THUNDER STORM - The thunder storm on Thursday evening the 1st
instant, was very severe in some parts of this county. At the
residence of Mr. Pendarves JOHNS, of Tregorland, St. Just in Roseland,
a chimney was thrown down, nearly every room in the house damaged, and
a quantity of the furniture destroyed. In the drawing-room a mirror
and other articles were broken, but Mr. Johns who was sitting there,
was fortunately unhurt by the electric fluid.
SERIOUS ACCIDENT - On Friday last, as a St. Columb van was about to
leave St. Austell, the owner, Mr. CORNISH, who was himself driving, got
on the top to take up some chairs, when by some means he fell and came
down on his head. When taken up it was thought that he was dead, but
being taken back to the General Wolfe Inn, and Mr. BERRIMAN, surgeon,
being called in it was found that he was still living, but was badly
cut about the face and hand, and otherwise seriously injured. From the
attention, however, paid to his case, he was so far recovered as to be
removed to his home on Monday last.
CORONERS INQUESTS - The following inquest was held on Saturday last,
at Port Isaac, in the parish of Endellion, before Mr. John CARLYON,
county coroner, on the body of Mary Elizabeth SLEEP, aged 2 1/2 years.
It appeared that on Thursday last as a man called John MITCHELL was
driving his master's cart laden with manure, through Port Isaac, he
looked back and saw the deceased lying in the wheel rut about fifty
yards behind him. The neighbours were running towards her, and one of
them picked her up. The blood was running from her ear, mouth, and
nose, and she was quite dead. The driver was walking by the side of
his horses, which were going along very steadily, and he never saw the
child until he looked back and saw her in the rut. It is supposed that
she was knocked down by the nave of the wheel, and that her head was
crushed between the side of the rut and the rim of the wheel, as it did
not appear that the wheel had gone over her. Verdict, "accidental
death."
The following inquests have been held before Mr. E. T. CARLYON, deputy
coroner:- On the 3rd inst., at Penhallow, in the parish of
Perranzabuloe, on the body of Benjamin MITCHELL, aged 18, who was a
miner in Penhale Console mine, and whilst descending a shaft to his
work on the previous morning, slipped his hold of the ladder, and fell
to the depth of between twenty and thirty fathoms, causing
instantaneous death; his head being dreadfully crushed, and his body
much mutilated. Verdict, "Accidental death,"
On the 5th instant, at Mawgan in Pydar, on the body of Keziah BENNEY,
aged 2 years and three months, who accidentally caught her clothes on
fire on Friday evening last, whilst playing with some lighted straws,
during the absence of her mother who was out working. Although medical
assistance was promptly rendered, she died on the following day from
the severity of the injuries received. Verdict, "accidental death."
MINE SHARE TRAFFIC - Mr. Paul RABY, who carries on the business of a
sharebroker at Hull, under the firm of JAMES HAWKINS and Co., has been
held to bail, charged with having raised money from a Mr. DANIELS by
means of false statements respecting some Tamar Maria Mine shares.
TRICKS OF A BOLD SWINDLER - In the early part of last month a young
man of respectable appearance and gentlemanly address, took up his
quarters at PEARCE's Royal Hotel, Truro, and received all the attention
that gentlemen are accustomed to in that first-rate establishment. His
name he said was Mr. Henry STRATFIELD; he had been abroad in different
parts of the world, Australia, California, and other places, and,
according to his own account, he was highly connected, and associated
with the young gentlemen of our county families. He was not willing to
confine his favours to Mr. Pearce, so he went across to Mr. FURNISS, in
Church-lane, and told him that he was going on a shooting excursion in
the neighbourhood of Helston, in company with Mr. BOLITHO, of Penzance,
Mr. KENDALL, jun. of Pelyn, Mr. ST. AUBYN, of Clowance, and several
other gentlemen. Mr. Furniss being a gun-maker, he talked to him about
guns, and described two that Mr. Furniss had sold to the Messrs.
BASSET, (Lady Basset's cousins). He said that those young gentlemen
had recommended him to have a gun at Mr. Furniss's shop and he now
wanted a new one made value, twenty guineas. At the same time he
wished to borrow a gun to go on his Helston shooting excursion, and
this being no extraordinary request from a young gentleman, Mr. Furniss
lent him a gun worth about ten guineas. The gun was sent to Mr.
Pearce's Hotel, and afterwards put into Cliff's van, going to Helston
that morning, with directions that it should be left at Mrs. BENNETTS's
Angel Hotel, at Helston. But as the van was going up Lemon Street, the
"gentleman," Mr. Stratfield, overtook it, and told the driver that
three screws were loose in the gun, and he wanted to take it back to
Mr. Furniss's to have them replaced. Instead however of so doing, he
went on by a conveyance to St. Austell, and stopped at Dunn's Hotel
that night. Next morning, when the Magnet coach arrived from Truro, he
went out to Mr. Penfound, who was driving, introduced himself,
pretended to be acquainted with him, shook hands, and asked him to pay
his bill at the hotel, as he had then no change, but would repay him
with the coach fare at Plymouth. Mr. DUNN's bill was accordingly paid,
and the gentleman was taken on to Plymouth; but there no money was
forthcoming and Mr. Furniss's gun had to be left at Elliott's Royal
Hotel as security. "Mr. Stratfield" then went out and contrived to get
from some one 17s. 6d. with which he returned to the hotel, and paid
his debt, and redeemed the gun. In the meantime Mr. William SELLEY, of
Falmouth, who also had been patronised by Mr. Stratfield, became uneasy
because the latter had left the Green-Bank without paying his bill. He
came to Truro to see if he could obtain any intelligence of his
customer, and on inquiring at the Royal Hotel, found some consolation
in the fact that Mr. Pearce had suffered in the same manner as himself.
Hearing also something about the gun, he went to Mr. Furniss, who at
once became awake to the probable merits of the case, and acquainted
Mr. NASH, the police inspector. Mr. Nash and Mr. Furniss then went to
St. Austell, where they heard of Mr. Stratfield having gone to
Plymouth, and arriving at the latter place, and communicating with the
police, they found after considerable search, that the gun had been
pledged in Union street, in the name of SOMERS, for GBP4. No trace,
however, could be found of "Mr. Stratfield," and consequently Mr. Nash
inserted a description of him in the Police Gazette, the result of
which was that he was apprehended on Tuesday the 30th ult., at
Tiverton. On receiving information of this, Mr. Nash proceeded last
Friday to Tiverton and there being no doubt about the man, brought him
back to Truro. On Monday last, he was charged before the magistrates
with obtaining the gun under false pretences from Mr. Furniss, on the
10th of May, and his identity having been deposed to, he was committed
for trial at the Quarter Sessions.
ARRIVAL AT NEW YORK - The "Oregon" with emigrants, arrived safely at
New York on the 20th of May, and the passengers landed in good health
and spirits.
16 JUNE 1854, Friday
LONDON GAZETTE - Tuesday, June 13, 1854. Commissions signed by Lord
Lieutenants. 1st Cornwall Rifles Militia - First Lieutenant James
Rennell RODD to be Captain, vice TRICK, resigned; Second Lieutenant
Viscount VALLETORT to be Lieutenant, vice RODD, promoted, June 3.
NARROW ESCAPE FROM DROWNING - A correspondent states that when the
"Great Britain" steamer, had proceeded about a quarter of a mile from
Liverpool, a young man called Richard VIVIAN, of Camborne, fell
overboard, but being a good swimmer, he swam on shore in safety. On
examining his pockets, however, he discovered that he had lost his
purse and all his money. He reached Camborne on Tuesday last, having
been obliged to beg his way home.
SUDDEN DEATH - On Tuesday last, Sir Joseph SAWLE's coachman returned
home from town with his master, and when taking his horses to the
stable, observed one of the men servants, named DYER, lying in the
yard. Medical assistance was procured, but he was pronounced to have
been dead upwards of three hours. He left a widow and five children,
and had long suffered from a heart complaint.
CORONERS' INQUESTS - On Tuesday last, at East Wheal Rose, Newlyn in
Pydar, on the body of Matthew ROBERTS, miner, aged 21 years, who, while
at work at the 140 fathoms level in Baynard's shaft on Monday, was
killed by a scale of ground falling on him from the side and
suffocating him. It was not more than half a barrow full of ground
fell out; but the whole of his head and one arm was covered, and it
settled in so tightly around him that he could not extricate himself;
not could his comrade extricate him, although close to him at the time.
Verdict, "accidental death."
On Wednesday at Colan Barton, in the parish of Colan, on the body of
David DOUDLE, aged 14 years. From the evidence of Mr. James GLANVILLE,
it appeared that the deceased had been employed on his farm about one
year and a half, and was principally engaged with the bullocks. For
the last few months it had been his duty the first thing in the morning
to give his bull a few mangels. On Tuesday morning a little before
seven, as witness was coming out of a cattle house adjoining the one in
which the bull was kept, suspicions were aroused by seeing the door
partly open, and the deceased's hat showing underneath. On pushing
open the door and going in, witness found the deceased lying flat on
his back inside, and across the doorway. Witness immediately took him
up and brought him out, and found that he had been gored in the back of
the head and other places, and appeared to have been dead about half an
hour. Mr. Glanville had had the bull about two years, and it was about
ten months old when he bought it; it was one of the pure short-horn
breed, and up to that time was considered to be a very docile animal.
The jury returned a verdict of "accidental death;" and Mr. Glanville
stated that the bull was to be killed the next day. The bull was shown
at the last meeting of the Cornwall Agricultural Association.
CAPTAIN HALL, OF THE "HECLA" - Captain HALL's services began in the
Baltic. At an early age he was a midshipman in the "Warrior." In
1816-17, Mr. Hall went out to China, with Lord AMHERST's expedition in
the "Syra." In 1822 he volunteered to conduct the boats of a ship to
the attack of an armed slaver; but his most distinguished services were
performed in the "Nemesis," during a second visit to the Chinese waters
in 1840-3. He was present at no fewer than twenty-seven different
engagements, and was named in eleven gazetted despatches. He was
wounded, and has a slight halt in his walk in consequence. He is the
inventor of iron bilge tanks, and patentee of an ingenious double
anchor. He also has devoted much attention to marine steam power, and
may be reckoned one of the most accomplished steam officers in the
navy. Not long ago, he submitted to the Admiralty a ready and
economical plan for saving the steamers of the Royal Navy from always
entering harbour to coal, by anchoring at various safe and convenient
stations floating coal tenders. While out of commission, Captain Hall
devoted himself to the establishment of sailors' homes in various
parts; and when ever there was a life-boat to be tried, he would be
found actively watching or assisting in the experiment. The latest of
the homes was established under Capt. Hall's auspices at Poplar. He
married the Hon. Miss BYNG, daughter of one of his old commanders, the
late Lord Torrington; he is consequently, brother-in-law of the present
Viscount. He began life without aristocratic influence and
connections, and owes his promotion to hard work, a strong, clear head,
and a thorough devotion to his profession.
DEATH OF CAPTAIN GIFFARD OF THE "TIGER." - We are greatly pained to
announce the death of Capt. GIFFARD, lately in command of her Majesty's
ship "Tiger." This gallant gentleman received his wounds in defence of
his ship, which he only surrendered at the last, when beaten down. He
lost one leg, and was badly wounded whilst bravely defending his charge
to the last - hopeless as the struggle was against fatal odds and at
every possible disadvantage. The intelligence of his death was
despatched to Vienna by electric telegraph, on the 1st inst., by the
Austrian Consul at Odessa. He was to be buried on the 2nd of June,
with military honours. The young midshipman, who also fell by his
side, was not a nephew, but a more distant relative. After the funeral
the captive crew of the "Tiger" were to proceed to Risan; the officers
are to be sent to Moscow, with the exception of the first lieutenant,
who is ordered to St. Petersburg, to attend the Emperor of Russia.
ECCLESIASTICAL - The Rev. Matthew ANSTIS, M.A., has been instituted
by the Bishop of Worcester to the Vicarage of Cubington, near
Leamington, Warwickshire.
BIBLE CHRISTIAN MISSIONS - A social tea meeting was held in the Bible
Christian chapel, Truro, on Whit Thursday, in behalf of their
Missionary Society. One hundred persons partook of tea and cake, after
which a public meeting was held, and addresses were delivered by
Messrs. BROWN and DENING, circuit preachers, Mr. JORY, from Helston,
and Mr. BARLOW (Baptist). The meeting was of a highly interesting
character and encouraging; and the proceeds were above GBP4.
NEW GALVANIC BATTERY - Mr. J. N. HEARDER, of Plymouth, who has often
lectured at the scientific institutions of this county, has, we learn,
just invented a new modification of galvanic battery for medical
purposes, of extraordinary compactness and power, combined with greater
simplicity and facility of application than have ever yet been
attained. In addition to its general utility it has been particularly
adapted by the inventor of obstetric and other surgical purposes, and
is likely to become the frequent companion of the obstetric
practitioner.
THE UNIVERSITY - Mr. F. R. PENTREATH, (son of Mr. R. T. PENTREATH, of
Penzance,) in his first term at Worcester College, Oxford, has
succeeded in obtaining a Bible Clerkship at that college.
THE LATE EARL OF FALMOUTH - A beautiful designed stained glass window
has been put up in the church of St. Michael Penkivel, by the Countess
of Falmouth in memory of her lamented son, the late Earl. The subject
chosen is very appropriate, being the meeting of our Saviour with the
bereaved widow of Nain at the gate of the city. The figures are all
copied from the best old Italian masters, and the grouping of the
figures is very effective. The upper portions of the window are filled
with heraldic devices, and at the foot of the painting is the quotation
from St. Luke, 7 c. 12 v. "The only son of his mother, and she was a
widow."
EMIGRATION TO AMERICA - It will be satisfactory to the friends of
emigrants and passengers to learn that the "Margaret Ann," the "John,"
"Oriental," and "Abigail," which sailed from Plymouth, have all arrived
safely at their destinations.
SHORT WEIGHTS AND MEASURES - Many complaints having been made by
inhabitants of Truro against butchers and others in the market, for
using short weights and measures, the magistrates, on Saturday last,
sent the Inspector round the market and the result was that G. PEARCE
and T. WHETTER, two butchers, were summoned, Pearce's beam having been
found an ounce and a half out of balance, and Whetter's an ounce and a
quarter. They both pleaded guilty of the charge, and were fined 1s.
and expenses, the magistrates expressing their determination to inflict
the full penalty if the offence were repeated. Six other summonses
have been issued against butchers and potatoe sellers for using short
measures. It is hope that this will have the effect of repressing
these practices.
TRURO POLICE - A "Cheap Jack," called WILLIAMS, of Cheltenham, was
charged, on Saturday last, with assaulting another of his trade, called
James MORRIS, in King-Street, Truro, on Friday evening, and was ordered
to pay a fine of GBP1 and expenses. On Thursday, William Samuel
GLASSON was committed to take his trial for breaking into, and stealing
from, the warehouses of Mr. ROUSE and Mr. NORTON, grocers, situate in
Hodge's backlet, Boscawen Street, Truro. Thomas MICHELL and his wife,
and Thomas GILBERT and his wife, grocers in Pydar Street, were charged
with receiving the goods from the lad, knowing them to have been
stolen; and they were also committed for trial at the sessions.
PICKPOCKETS - We stated last week that a man called BELCHER was
apprehended at Truro by police-constable WARD, for receiving money from
a woman who was seen to pick a drunken man's pocket at Truro Whitsun
fair on Wednesday the 7th instant. Belcher on Thursday was convicted
of the offence, and committed by the magistrates for three months to
hard labour. The woman in his company, called Ann ALLEN, of
Derbyshire, attempted to rescue her partner at the time, and was fine
20s., and expenses for assaulting the policeman, which money was
immediately paid.
At the Truro fair on Thursday, a lad called Thomas HARRIS picked the
pocket of Mrs. PLUMMER, wife of Mr. John PLUMMER, farmer, of Kenwyn
church-town. She had only two-pence in her pocket, which he took out,
but she immediately turning round, he dropped the money at his feet.
The same lad had been previously seen by the police putting his hands
into other people's pockets, but they happened to have no money in the
pockets that he tried. The amount stolen being only two-pence, the
magistrates dealt with the case summarily, and sent the young rogue to
three months' hard labour in the county gaol.
STEALING FROM FARMERS - On Saturday night last, Mr. Christopher
WHITFORD, of Little Trehane, in St. Erme, gave information at the Truro
police station that a quantity of horse hair and some bones had been
taken from his premises; also a coat belonging to one of his servants,
and a waistcoat and smock-frock belonging to others. He suspected that
the thieves would bring the articles to Truro, and in consequence,
police constable WOOLCOCK went to the different marine store dealers,
inquired if they had received such articles, and requested to be
informed if any such should be offered. One of the marine store
dealers, called MATTHEWS, lived in St. Dominick Street, and at that
shop they denied, as well as at other places, that any such articles
had been received by them. Mr. Whitford has a son who farms an estate
called Boswiddle, in Ladock, and on Monday afternoon, a farmer called
SALMON, of Hay, in the same parish, saw a man coming out of the barn at
Boswiddle, carrying a sack. He informed Mr. Whitford, who went in
pursuit, and with assistance captured two men whom they overtook,
another man making his escape. These fellows had two large bags full
of plunder, consisting of sacks cut up, parts of a winnowing sheet, an
oil-case overcoat, and other things. They were taken to Truro, and
there one of them confessed to policeman Woolcock that they also stole
the articles from Mr. Christopher Whitford's, and sold them to
Matthews, the marine store dealer. The policeman went again to
Matthews, who at first repeated his denial that they had taken in any
such property, but on being told that the parties were in custody,
Matthews said he had it all, and had not put away any of it. Matthews
and his mother were then apprehended, and on the next day were
committed by Mr. Prynn ANDREW, for receiving the property knowing it to
have been stolen. The men captured by Mr. Whitford, jun., were Daniel
CHAMPION, of Crowan, and Frederick EDWARDS, of Bath. They were both
remanded to make further inquiry respecting property found in the bags
they were carrying. The owner of the oil-case overcoat was found to be
Mr. STRONGMAN, of Trendeal, in Ladock, and a copper wire for a clothes
line belonged to Mr. ANDREW, of Nansough, in Ladock. A number of sacks
and other things, it appears, have been lately stolen from farmers in
the neighbourhood; and in this case, when the policeman called the
second time at Matthews's the stolen things were packed up and ready to
be sent to Bristol.
THE LATE Mr. TWEEDY - The following resolution relative to the late
Mr. TWEEDY was adopted at a meeting of the committee of the Cornwall
Auxiliary Bible Society, held on Monday last:- "The late Treasurer of
this Society, Wm. Tweedy, Esq., having been gathered to his fathers
like a shock of corn in its season, at the advanced age of nearly 88
years; this committee, though they are sensible that it would be
contrary to the simplicity of his own character, and to the feelings of
those who survive to pronounce a panegyric on him without any definite
object in view, yet cannot for truth and example sake withhold their
testimony to the consistency of his piety in general, and to the
services which, in particular, he rendered to this auxiliary. For
nearly half a century, Mr. Tweedy has been a member of the British and
Foreign Bible Society; and from its first formation, now forty years
since, had been Treasurer of the Cornwall Auxiliary. He might
therefore, from this fact alone, have been regarded as the father of
the County Society. He established however, a much better title to the
appellation by the judicious counsel, the conciliatory spirit, and the
paternal consideration which he always brought to bear upon its
proceedings. One of his last public acts in connection with the Bible
Society was a contribution of GBP50 to the Jubilee fund. As long as
his health permitted, he extended his Christian hospitality to the
Deputation from the Parent Society; and many who are now living can
call to mind the privileged and happy hours they passed under his roof,
when taking counsel in the things of God with those admirable men who
from time to time have come among us on this benevolent mission. Long
remembered as he will be by all who value the recollection of an
unaffected, piety, consistent principle, courteous manner, and
[.......?] charity, his memory will be cherished more gratefully by
some, than by the friends of the British and Foreign Bible Society of
this county."
23 JUNE 1854, Friday
EAGLE LINE OF PACKETS FOR AUSTRALIA - To the consignment of BRIGHT
BROTHERS, and Co., Melbourne, who provided Steamers and Lighters for
landing their passengers, luggage, and cargo, immediately on the
Vessel's arrival in Hobson's Bay. For Melbourne, Port Phillip,
forwarding Passengers to Sydney and Adelaide, the splendid new Clipper
Ship "Bee," 2,000 tons burthen, Capt. RAISBECK, now loading in
Wellington Dock - will said 28th June. Has first-rate Passenger
Accommodation, including a few steerage berths, at GBP16. 16s. Apply
to GIBBS, BRIGHT and Co., Liverpool; or to J. BEST, Helston, Cornwall;
and W. ROBERTS, St. Ives and Penzance.
EMIGRATION TO AUSTRALIA FROM PLYMOUTH - The safest and best Port in
England for the Embarkation of passengers. The following fine,
first-class, well appointed Passenger Ships will be despatched from
Plymouth as follows, and present unusually advantageous opportunities
for persons about to proceed to Australia. "Orient", 900 tons, Captain
W. MILLER, to Melbourne from Plymouth 20 June. "Caroline 733 tons,
Captain D. GREEN, to Sydney from Plymouth 30 June. "Harvest Home", 503
tons, Captain D. NAPIER, to Sydney, from Plymouth 15 July. The
"Caroline" takes on Chief Cabin Passengers. Persons engaging their
passages through Mr. WILCOCKS or his agents will have a free passage
per steamer from Falmouth to Plymouth. The rates of passage money are
moderate, that the Ships will be despatched under the personal
superintendence of the undersigned, James B. Wilcocks, agent for
Emigration, Barbican, Plymouth.
ST. AUSTELL ANNUAL WRESTLING - This wrestling took place on the 13th
and 14th instant, and though the weather on the latter day was very
wet, the wrestling was maintained with great spirit, the field being
crowded throughout the day. At the close, the prizes were awarded as
follows:- First Prize to John MERTON, of Gwennap; second, George DYER,
of St. Austell; third, John WERRY, of St. Austell; fourth, William
GRIGG, of St. Dennis.
TRURO POLICE - Several butchers and green grocers have been convicted
for using defective weights and measures. They were fined 1s. each,
besides expenses, and the magistrates cautioned them, that on a second
conviction the full penalty would be inflicted. An apprentice called
John MARTIN, was apprehended by warrant on Wednesday, for absenting
himself since March last from the employ of his master, James HARRY,
shoemaker, of Boscawen Row, Truro. He had been six years at his trade,
when it appears he enlisted in the Cornwall Rangers. He was committed
for one month to hard labour.
DESERTING A SHIP IN AUSTRALIA - About two years since, a seaman
called Richard NEPTUNE, belonging to the "Adelaide," of London, then in
an Australian port, deserted his ship and went to the gold diggings,
where he accumulated a considerable sum of money, and came home with
some others to St. Ives during the present week. Unfortunately for
him, the "Adelaide," from which he deserted, happened to be then in St.
Ives harbour, and the captain immediately obtained a warrant, through
which Neptune was apprehended and committed to Bodmin goal for a month,
as a punishment for his desertion two years ago.
ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS - Among the gentlemen who underwent the
necessary examination for the diploma and were admitted members of this
college at the meeting of the court of examiners on the 18th inst., we
observe the name of Mr. Arthur Austin DAVIS, of Fowey.
NEW METHOD OF RIGGING VESSELS - An invention for attaining this
object was exhibited at the last meeting of the Royal Cornwall
Polytechnic Society. The following is from a Devonport paper on the
subject:- During several days this week, a small schooner has been
cruising about the port under a rig, which, by its strange appearance,
has elicited a variety of remarks from the maritime part of the
community. The shape of the foretopsail, a delta, gives a name to both
rig and vessel. The owner, Mr. T. S. DODGE, of Fowey, has fitted her
out for the purpose of practically testing an invention which he
conceives to be an improvement on the present method of rigging vessels
measuring from thirty to one hundred tons. We are informed that
competent authorities here and at Falmouth concur to a great extent in
awarding to the new rig all the merits claimed for it by the inventor;
among which are economy in the outfit - fewer hands required for
working - sails light aloft, and so arranged as to prevent chaffing -
sails easily set and with very little gear - no earings or rovings
required, and reefing effected without shivering or impeding the ship's
progress - all the work done on deck, so that the inconvenience and
risk of going aloft is avoided, &c. &c. These are qualities which our
naval friends will better appreciate than ourselves; we shall therefore
only remark that during the present scarcity of sailors in the Royal
and Mercantile Marine of this country, and in fact at any time, an
invention which proposes to work a ship efficiently with fewer hands
than are at present required, deserves the investigation of all who are
interested in our nautical welfare.
ARRIVAL AT QUEBEC - The barque "Good Intent," of Fowey, Captain GILL,
arrived at Quebec with her passengers in safety on the 3rd instant.
She rescued seventy-four individuals from the wreck of the "Black
Hawk," of Liverpool, and took them on to Quebec.
THE MEVAGISSEY CHURCHYARD CASE - In the Consistorial Court at Exeter,
on the 16th instant, the following took place in reference to this
case. Rev. W. J. ALBAN v. DUNN (of Mevagissey, Cornwall.) Suit for
brawling, &c. The Chancellor, in the course of his observations on
this case, stated that he had that day received a letter, which it was
inconsistent with his duty to read, as it was highly improper for any
individual to write to the Judge of a Court, on the subject of a
pending suit. The letter enclosed a paper (stating the defendant's
having been unwell, as a reason for his not taking off his hat on the
occasion in question), which sufficiently indicated the subject of the
letter, to prevent his reading it. But it was important that it should
be known that in this case the proceedings were not instituted against
the defendant, for not taking off his hat at the grave, and during the
funeral service - but for alleged tone and language in which he
declared his determination not to take it off, a tone and language
which, if they did prevail, were inconsistent with the decorum and
respect which were evidently due, and which the law prescribed in such
places and on such occasions. The intention of the law had been well
stated in the case of PALMER v. ROFFEY, 2 Add: 144. Sir J. NICHOLL
said "The object of the Ecclesiastical Law and of the statute 5th and
6th Edward the VI., is evidently to protect the sanctity of these
places, and their appurtenances act apart for the worship of the
supreme Being, and for the repose of the dead, in which nothing but
religious awe and Christian good-will ought to prevail, and to prevent
their being converted with impunity, into scenes of human passion and
malice, of disturbance and violence, &c." If the charge against the
defendant in this case, as laid, was capable of proof, if he had so
committed himself, he would be well advised to express his regret at
having been betrayed into such conduct, and the Chancellor was glad to
infer from what had fallen from the Promovent's Proctor, that on such
sorrow being expressed, the proceedings would be stayed, in the hope
that their object would have been attained - the prevention of the
recurrence of such scenes. In order that time might yet be afforded
for such a settlement of this case, the Chancellor would, with the
consent of the Promovent's Proctor, continue the return of the
certificate for two Courts to the 30th instant, when, if the defendant
did not appear by proctor, or in person, the proper course must be
taken for carrying on the proceedings against him in pain of his
contumacy(?).
TEETOTALISM - At Padstow, on Whit-Tuesday, the Teetotal Society held
their seventeenth annual festival, which was carried out with great
spirit, surpassing all former occasions of the same kind. A veteran
farmer of Mawgan, called Samuel GILBERT, now nearly ninety years of
age, who has been at Padstow eighty-five Whitsun Tuesdays, said he
never saw so many people congregated in the town before. On the 7th
instant, a teetotal festival was held at St. Dennis, when a number of
teetotallers headed by the St. Dennis Teetotal band, walked in
procession through the village, and returned to the Church-green, where
suitable addresses were delivered by Messrs. J. ARTHUR, S. DENNIS, W.
T. CREEK, and Mr. TREBLE, Bible Christian minister. A public tea was
provided in the green, of which upwards of one hundred and twenty
partook. Other proceedings took place, and twenty-three signed the
temperance pledge.
30 JUNE 1854, Friday
TRIALS OF PRISONERS - ELIZABETH CLARK, aged 26 was found Guilty of
stealing seven shillings and a brass ring, from the person of Margaret
Jane OATS, of Uny Lelant, at an auction in Camborne, on the 6th of June.
SAMUEL ESCULAPIUS MORNINGTON, aged 26, a labourer, was found Guilty of
stealing on the 21st of May, a gelding, the property of Josiah and
Richard DAW, of the parish of St. Austell.
MARY MURLEY, 31 Guilty of stealing two yards of black broad cloth, the
property of Sampson WILLIAMS, at St. Buryan, on the 12th of May.
CALEB JAMES 21, and HENRY HAMIN, 19, were indicted for entering the
dwelling house of Simon KNEEBONE, at Redruth, and stealing therefrom
several pieces of gold and silver, value GBP4. 1s., the property of the
said Simon Kneebone, on the 2nd of May. They were both found Guilty.
JOHN PEARCE, 33, pleaded Guilty of stealing a quantity of meal from
Mrs. Mary BREEN, at St. Stephens by Saltash, on the 16th and 19th of
June.
WILLIAM GEORGE, 46, was found Guilty of stealing, on the 31st of May,
from the works of Mr. MEREDITH, at Newquay, a slate axe and hammer, the
property of Mr. Meredith.
ANN WHITE, 24, was found Guilty of stealing, from the house of John
COOK, at Liskeard, on the 30th of April, a silver pencil case and other
articles.
JAMES TIPPET, 14, pleaded Guilty of stealing, a purse and GBP4. 12s.
6d., on the 6th of April, the property of Joseph STRONGMAN, of St.
Ervan.
ANN WILLIAMS, 45, was convicted of stealing a scrubbing brush from
Thomas PENPRAZE, at Redruth, on the 10th of May last.
John CLARKE, 23, was Acquitted of stealing 4s. from William JOHNSTONE,
at Thomas ROWE's house at Ponsanooth, on the 15th of April.
WILLIAM HENRY GLASSON, 27, was found Guilty of stealing a cotton shirt,
the property of John William COOK, at Illogan, on the 15th of May. Two
former convictions were proved against the prisoner, the latter for a
felony in 1845, when prisoner was sentenced to twelve months' hard
labour.
RICHARD ALLEN, 32, was charged with having maliciously and feloniously
killed a she goat, the property of Samuel YELLAND. Mr. Shilson, for
the prosecution, said the prisoner was charged under the 7th and 8th
George 4th, and that if it were proved he did the act wilfully, that
was sufficient for the presumption that he did it maliciously. The
statue mentions certain species of cattle, but not goats; still it had
been held that asses and pigs, though not mentioned, were intended by
the statue, as included in the words "any cattle," and in the same way,
Mr. Shilson submitted that goats must also be held as protected by the
statue. Mr. BISHOP, on the other hand contended on behalf of the
prisoner, that the statute only referred to domestic animals, and that
goats being of a wild and wandering description were in the same
position as hares and rabbits, and were not of the class of animals
contemplated by the statue. There had been no case decided on the
point as to goats; if they had been the subjects of felony, most
probably cases of that descriptions would have been before now decided.
Mr. Shilson replied that goats are not considered as wild animals,
because they may be the subject of a larceny, on the contrary, they are
kept for domestic purposes. The Court overruled the objection, and
evidence was then given, from which it appeared that in the evening of
the 7th of June, prisoner called at the house of Mr. YELLAND who is a
farmer in the parish of St. Austell; that he asked for water, and had
some given to him; that he then said he was starving, and prosecutor
was about to give him something to eat, but on asking him some
questions he fancied prisoner had been drinking and told him so, on
which prisoner walked away in the direction of a field in which
prosecutor had a goat. This goat was shortly afterwards found by
prosecutor lying in the field with its throat cut, and prisoner being
pursued, was overtaken at Porthpean village, with a knife in his
possession having blood and goat's hair on it, and there was also blood
on his clothes. Mr. Bishop addressed the jury for the prisoner, and
asked the witnesses if they did not know that prisoner was of weak
intellect, to which they replied in the negative. Verdict, Guilty.
ROBERT COOMB was charged with stealing three duck jackets and two pairs
of trousers, the property of William MANLEY, and one pair of trousers,
the property of Walter PETERS. Mr. Childs prosecuted, and Mr. SHILSON
defended the prisoner. The prosecutors work at East Crinnis mine, in
St. Blazey parish, and the prisoner is an engine-man at the same mine.
The jackets and trousers were stolen from the boiler-house of the mine,
were on Saturday the 1st of April they had been placed in a chest which
was locked. On the following Tuesday it was discovered that the
clothes had been stolen, and a warrant having been procured,
prosecutor, William MANLEY, and constable John KEAMES, went to the
prisoner's house, and going up a trap-hatch in the ceiling, they found
the clothes in a place between the ceiling and roof. Prisoner told the
constable that he bought the clothes of a man in the road. For the
defence Mr. Shilson called a miner named Thomas HICKS, who stated that
as he was going towards St. Blazey gate on the evening of Monday the
3rd of April, just after he had passed the Miners' Arms he met a small
man and a lad and the man asked him if he wanted to buy any clothes.
He declined to do so, and went on, but returning by the same road about
half an hour afterwards, he then saw the prisoner, Coomb, making a
bargain with the small man for some clothes; he heard the sound of the
money as he was passing, and was told by Coomb afterwards that he had
given the man between 20s. and 30s. for the clothes. Another witness,
Timothy DANIEL, was passing on the same road on Monday evening the 3rd
of April, and heard Coomb offer a sovereign to a man, and he said it
was for clothes. Daniel had previously lodged in prisoner's house; he
said the trap-hatch was a manhole to go to the roof; they kept lumber
there, and he had many times put his underground clothes in that place.
Mr. Childs very strictly cross-examined Hicks, and elicited
circumstances which he submitted disentitled his testimony to reliance.
He also said that, if Daniel were believed in saying that he heard the
prisoner bargaining for clothes, there was still no evidence that these
were the clothes found above the trap-hatch. The case lasted a
considerable time, and ended, after some deliberation by the jury, in a
verdict of Guilty.
SHEEP STEALING - WILLIAM CUNDY, 20, and RICHARD MOORMAN, 32, were
indicated for stealing a sheep, the property of Mr. George WEEKES, of
Probus, Mr. HOCKIN appeared for the prosecution; Mr. STOKES defended
Cundy. Prosecutor lives at Helland, in Probus, and occupies a farm
called Resparve, in the same parish. On Wednesday morning, the 10th of
May, it was discovered that one of prosecutor's wether sheep had been
killed in the field where his hind had seen it alive on the evening
before. The carcass had been carried away; the head, skin, and
entrails were left in the field. Mr. Weekes looked about the field,
noticed blood at one of the stiles, and traced blood for nearly two
miles and a half, in the direction of prisoners' house. The blood was
not traced to their house nearer than half a mile; but they being
suspected, prosecutor obtained a warrant, and went to their house with
John HUGO, constable of Probus. Cundy and his sister lived together
and the prisoner Moorman lived with them. The constable found in their
house the carcass of a sheep in a sheet in a bedroom, covered with a
cloth. The sheep had not been killed as a butcher would do it; the
neck had been cut across and Mr. Nicholas GERRANS, butcher, on
comparison, found that the skin left in the field corresponded with the
carcass found in prisoner's house; also that there was a correspondence
at the knee joints. The prisoners worked on the railway, and the
constable apprehended them in a deep cutting. Moorman said it was a
bad job, but it could not be helped; Cundy said nothing. They were
taken to the Hawkins's Arms at Probus where Moorman gave up to the
constable two knives, one of them with a long blade. Richard Hugo, who
also works on the railway saw Moorman on the morning of the 10th of May
with blood on the back part of his frock, and on the leg of his
trousers. He saw Cundy eating his dinner that day; it appeared to be
mutton, but he could not swear to that. The prisoner Moorman said
before the committing magistrate that Cundy and his sister knew nothing
about the matter. Mr. Stokes addressed the jury, contending that there
was no evidence to implicate Cundy. Moorman addressed a few words to
the jury in his own behalf. Verdict - Cundy, Not Guilty; Moorman,
Guilty.
ASSAULT - JAMES LEE and ROBERT ALLISON, two privates in the company
of the Royal Artillery at present stationed at Pendennis Castle,
Falmouth, were indicted for assaulting and beating Robert LILLY, a
police constable of Falmouth, whilst in the execution of his duty; and
a second count charged a common assault. Lee pleaded guilty, Allison
not guilty, and was therefore put on his trial. Mr. CHILDS for the
prosecution, called Robert Lilly, the policeman, who stated that on
Sunday night the 16th of April, he went to the quay at Falmouth, where
a constable called MEDLYN complained to him that the soldier Lee had
bitten his thumb, kicked him, and otherwise ill-used him. Witness went
up to Lee and advised him to go home to his barracks, but he did not do
so. Another solider came up, and witness asked him to take Lee to his
barracks, on which Lee swore, and struck witness on the mouth. Witness
then closed with Lee, and another soldier struck witness on the side of
the head, and knocked him down. Witness was struck by several parties,
but he did not know any of them except Lee. He afterwards went home,
but returned again to about forty or fifty yards from the place of the
first disturbance. Lee was there, and seven or eight other soldiers.
Witness told Lee he had better go home to his barracks, and not make a
disturbance. Lee struck at him again, he took out his staff to defend
himself, and seven or eight soldiers then took off their belts, and
stuck him over the head with the brass plates attached to the belts.
His head was severely cut, and bled a great deal, and his coat was also
cut; he had afterwards needed attendance. He knew nothing of the
prisoner Allison, he did not recognise him. Samuel GILL, constable of
Falmouth was present at the affray, and said he saw Allison strike
Lilly on the side of the head with his fist. He asked him why he
struck the man, and Allison then tried to knock him down with a stick,
but he parried the blow with his staff. John SYMONDS said he saw
Allison make a blow at Lilly with a stick, but could not say whether he
struck him. There were some foreign seamen there at the time. This
was the case for the prosecution; for the defence witnesses were also
called. Maria STEVENSON stated that she saw Samuel Gill, the
constable, strike Allison over the left eye with his "bat;" at that
time Allison had not insulted him. William NEILL, a soldier was
present when the row commenced; saw Allison come up and ask what was
the matter, and saw Gill strike Allison, though Allison had not struck
him. There were soldiers, seamen, women, and others there, perhaps as
many as a hundred altogether. He was positive that Allison did not
strike any one. Lieutenant WALCOT, of the Royal Artillery, said
Allison was in the regiment before he joined the company at Pendennis
in November last. Since that time his conduct had been very good both
as a soldier and a citizen; he had never been brought up for any
irregularity before his commanding officer; but was a particularly good
and quiet man. The policeman had spoken of the soldiers having sticks,
but they only carried small canes. Prisoner, on being asked what he had
to say, asserted that he was innocent of the charge made against him.
The jury, after a short deliberation returned the prisoner Not Guilty.
CHARLES EDWARDS, 29, pleaded Guilty of stealing at Gwennap, on the 13th
of May, four pairs of women's shoes, the property of William Henry
MILLS, at Gwennap.
WILLIAM MATTHEWS and SALLY MATTHEWS were charged with stealing a
waistcoat and frock-shirt, belonging to Thomas ENDEAN; and in a second
count they were charged with feloniously receiving the same from some
evil-disposed person who had stolen the articles. Mr. HOCKIN conducted
the prosecution; Mr. SHILSON defended the prisoners. It appeared from
the evidence that a waistcoat and smock frock were stolen from the
stable at Little Trehane farm, in St. Erme, and that they belonged to
Thomas Endean, servant, of Mr. Christopher WHITFORD. Information
having been given to the Truro police, on Saturday the 10th of June,
policeman Woolcock went to the marine(?) store dealers in the town, and
amongst others to Matthews's shop, and inquired if any person had been
there selling horse-hair, bones, a coat , sleeve-waistcoat, or
smock-frock, as he had received information that such articles had been
stolen. Mrs. Matthews told the policeman that no such articles had
been received by them, so far as she knew, but that William had been
attending to the shop. She promised to send to the station if any such
articles were brought to them. On the following Monday evening,
however, when the policeman again called, the denial that they had such
things was repeated, this time by both the prisoners. The policeman
then saw their book of entries, and found that they had the articles or
some of them, that he was in search of, and that they were packed up to
be sent away. Other circumstances were stated, and Mr. Shilson made an
able speech in defence of the prisoners, contending that neither of the
counts in the indictment was borne out by evidence. Verdict, Not
Guilty. There was another indictment against the prisoners for
receiving 5lbs. weight of copper wire, the property of Mrs. Elizabeth
ANDREWS, of Ladock, knowing it to have been stolen; and a third
indictment for stealing or feloniously receiving a fustian jacket
belonging to Robert MOSES. On each of these indictments no evidence
was offered, and the prisoners were discharged.
MARENA HARVEY was named on the calendar as charged with stealing a
sheet, towels, knife and fork, and other articles, the property of John
TRIGGS, at Liskeard, on the 24th of April. In this case Mr. BISHOP
made an application that the trial be postponed till the next quarter
sessions, on the ground that Marena Harvey was near her confinement.
The Court granted the application, and in the course of the day she was
delivered of a daughter. She had been admitted to bail by the
committing magistrate and had walked from Liskeard to the sessions on
the previous day.
CHARGE OF KITTING - WILLIAM FAULL - a miner, was indicted for
feloniously removing, or concealing, eight tons of copper ore in West
Caradon mine in the parish of St. Cleer, with intent to defraud the
adventurers. Mr. SHILSON and Mr. H. GRYLLS conducted the prosecution;
Mr. STOKES defended the prisoner. It appeared from the evidence that
prisoner took a pitch on tribute, at 12s. 6d. in the pound on the 10th
of April, at the 168 fathoms level, on Menadue Lode; and the charge
against him was that he had taken ore and placed it on his own stuil,
from some rich stopes in the same level, which at that time were set to
tutwork(?), but have since been taken on tribute at 2s. 8d. in the
pound. The details of the case were deposed to by Captain Robert
DUNSTAN, the principal manager of the mine. Captains Thomas BENNETT,
Henry TAYLOR, and John BUZZA (?), and James VIVIAN, a tributer in the
mine. The evidence for the prosecution was concluded about eight
o'clock, when the case was adjourned till the next day, and we shall
give a report of the trial next week.
SANITARY CONDITION OF FALMOUTH - A report has been made to the
General Board of Health by Mr. RAWLINSON, Superintending Inspector, on
a preliminary inquiry into the sewerage, drainage, and supply of water,
and the sanitary condition of the inhabitants of the borough and parish
of Falmouth. This report has been printed, and having received a copy
of it, we make the following extracts:- The annual mortality in the
registration district of Falmouth for seven years, from 1846 to 1852,
both inclusive, is 22.6 per thousand; one in five deaths has been from
zymotic disease. The mortality in Falmouth town is higher than this
average; correct returns were not, however, obtained. During the seven
years enumerated, there have occurred no less that 255 deaths from
zymotics; and, probably, calculating from ascertained averages, there
have been upwards of seven thousand cases of sickness produced by the
same class of diseases. The reasons for this fearful excess of
preventable disease are to be found in the medical, and other evidence,
given at my inquiry, and embodied in this report. Mr. Charles
BULLMORE, medical officer, stated:- "Fever prevails in most of the
courts. It is invariably associated with dirt and defective
ventilation. Rooms not more than ten or twelve feet square by six or
seven feet high are crowded by families of ten persons. Have had
occasion to confine women in these crowded rooms, amidst a stench most
sickening. Father and mother, sons and daughters, live in one room.
Much disease is traceable to intemperance. Men are driven from an
uncomfortable home to the public-house. Cholera prevails in the same
courts and rooms as fever."
Messrs. John WILLIAMS, John WHITFORD, Robert Samuel DONNAL, surgeons,
and Dr. Richard VIGURS, confirmed this evidence. The whole body of
medical men in Falmouth are fully aware of the defective sanitary state
of the town and district; and by signing the petition in favour of the
inquiry took the only practical means within their power to bring about
a beneficial change. The Mayor, who is also a medical practitioner
stated:- "I have known the borough of Falmouth for thirty-four years.
I saw cholera extensively in 1832, and have seen fever in the same
districts since. I also saw cholera in 1843 and 1849. it occurred
nearly in the same places as previously. It occurred nearly in the
same places as previously. There are many nuisances now where fever
and cholera prevail. I sincerely hope the evidence given will enable
us to obtain the power necessary to construct proper sewers and drains.
We shall never succeed in knowing good health till we have the Public
Health Act in force."
This defective sanitary condition not only produces disease, and death
in excess, but it also necessitates an increased expenditure in poor
rates. Mr. SKINNER, relieving officer, stated:- "I pay, in out relief,
from eight to nine pounds per week. Have seen fever in the places I
visit, and pay most relief in the worst places. Sometimes, in
consequence of fever, I pay from five to eight shillings a week to one
family for several weeks. Much of this relief might have been saved if
the fever could have been prevented. See much misery. Had extra
relief to pay for cholera in 1848 and 1849, and continue paying to this
day to support some of the families made paupers by cholera. A return
of the union expenses for cholera in 1849 shows that GBP166. 17s. 3d.
was expended by the several parishes; the largest amount GBP71. 15s.,
being for Falmouth town and workhouse. A further return of special
cases of relief through cholera shows that one family had cost, up to
the date of inquiry, GBP46. 6s. 1d., and that 5s. a week was then paid;
a second family GBP44. 2s. 7 1/2 d., and 3s. 7 1/2 d. continued to be
paid; a third family GBP60. 7s. 1 1/2 d., and 2s. 6d. a week; a fourth
GBP32. 18s. 6d., and 3s. a week, and several lesser sums; making in the
whole GBP191. 17s. 8d., and 16s. 7 1/2 d. a week. Those persons who
oppose sanitary works should consider these figures which only
represent a fraction of the actual money loss to the community. There
is another view of the condition of the poor in Falmouth, and of the
poor in the country generally, which demands attention - namely, their
moral state. Where human beings are compelled, by force of
circumstances, to crowd and live worse than brute beasts, or so called
"savages" having free space about them, proper respect for morality or
for religion cannot be calculated upon. All experience and
investigation prove that vice and crime, in excess, are promoted by
overcrowding and by unrestricted intercourse betwixt the sexes from
infancy. Father, mother, brothers, sisters and male lodgers crowd one
room nightly. The adults habitually indulge in intoxicating drinks;
they swear, they quarrel, and the children witness, in misery, all this
from their infancy upwards. Example prevails, and hence juvenile
delinquency and unblushing prostitution. Ragged schools may
ameliorate, but they cannot cure; the work must be commenced in each
home. There must be a chance of morality afforded to each child; or
extensive reformation need not be expected in the adult. Mr. John
TROTTER, town missionary in Falmouth, stated:- There would be much
better effects from our teaching, if the people were less crowded and
had more means of cleanliness and morality. Drunkenness interferes to
a great extent with missionary operations in the town." Mr. Joseph
KNIGHT, town missionary, remarked:- "I find drunkenness and immorality
interfere with my labours, and also with the happiness of families."
Mr. H. V. BAILEY, Scripture reader, confirmed this evidence, and
stated:- I was twelve years Scripture reader in Wapping and Ratcliffe
highway. Some of the courts and rooms in Falmouth are as bad as those
I visited in London. Find, generally where persons are most immoral,
they are also most filthy.
The Inspector remarks that in his tabular statements the mortality of
the town of Falmouth cannot be distinguished from the parish; but the
proportion of deaths from zymotic diseases is as one to five of the
whole, showing that preventable disease rages over the registration
area. It has been calculated from dispensary and other returns, that
to one death there are thirty cases of sickness; therefore, if 256
cases of preventable deaths have occurred in seven years, there have
been no less than 7,650 cases of preventable sickness. Sympathy is
appalled at a statement so awful. "Those who resist the introduction
of works of sanitary improvement, on a plea of "ruinous cost," should
consider the poor's rate levied. A considerable amount out of this
rate is undoubtedly expended in consequence of drunkenness, disease and
poverty, proceeding from defective home accommodation. There are
houses and rooms in Falmouth which annually furnish disease and
pauperism, costing the parish more than the entire rent. Proper works
and regulations may prove even a direct money saving." Mr. RAWLINSON,
also makes the following remarks:- "The town of Falmouth stands upon a
dry formation (clay slate); there is scarcely a square yard of low or
level land. The means of atmospheric ventilation are good; and yet
fever is said to be ever, more or less, present, and cholera has
prevailed to as great an extent as on sites low, flat, and excessively
damp. The same remarks apply with equal force to Plymouth, Dover,
Tynemouth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Gateshead, and Sunderland. Cholera is
true to no condition but filth. It breaks out in a dirty swamp at the
level of the sea, and it rages at elevations hundreds of feet above
this level; if the conditions exist, namely, populations living amidst
their own filth. A town may be at the sea margin, as Falmouth, Dover,
and Plymouth; or, inland, and at an elevation of 500 feet, as Bilston
and Wolverhampton, in all of which places there has been cholera."
Falmouth, improved to the extent it is capable of, will, with its
suburbs, become one of the most desirable places of residence on the
southern coast of England. The situation of the town is picturesque,
and there are in the neighbourhood some desirable sites for villa
residences. South of the town and westward, the land fronts the sea,
having a gentle slope towards it; there is a beautiful beach for
bathing, protected from north and east winds. There may be perfect
drainage, at a moderate cost, and there is a public supply of water
which only requires filtering. The advantages of comparatively soft
and pure water, combined with site and climate, are seldom found. All
places on the chalk or colites have the great drawback to health - hard
water. A railway now in course of formation will place the town within
ten house of London."
We may remark that the report embodies a great amount of information in
connection with Falmouth, and contains various observations on the
present sanitary state of the town and parish, with suggestions for the
construction of remedial works. It may altogether be considered as a
most able and intelligent report, and well worthy the close attention
of the inhabitants. The Inspector acknowledges the assistance he
received from the Mayor and Town Clerk; also from the several medical
and other gentlemen who tendered their evidence at the inquiry, which
took place in December last. "As in most places," he observes, "there
was some opposition; but it arose principally from persons who had seen
little of the actual state of the poor, or from owners of property
afraid of expense. The general feeling was, however, in favour of the
application of the Act." He remarks that the work need not be
expensive. The town is compact, the streets are short, and their fall
is considerable, so that large and costly sewers will not be required.
"Any work of improvement will be slow, and may be tedious; evils which
have matured through years of neglect cannot be eradicated so quickly
as many wish; and other zealous haste sometimes errs in attempting too
much. The works must be devised with judgment, and they should be
executed with care; and above all they should, in their character, be
self-paying; that is, they should be worth the money value laid out
upon them, and this may be secured in most instances."
The following is a summary of the Superintending Inspector's
conclusions and recommendations, addressed to the General Board of
Health:- Conclusions. - 1. That Falmouth is a "place" having a known
and defined boundary. 2. That there are local Acts of Parliament in
force, but that they do not provide sufficient power for the government
of the borough. That it is the wish of the corporation and ratepayers,
as named in their petition, that the powers of the Public Health Act
should be granted, that a local board may be formed for the several
purposes contemplated and provided for in that act. 3. That the
sewerage and drainage are imperfect. 4. That the parish burial-ground
is unduly over crowded. That there is a new burial ground adequate to
the requirements of the place, and that grave-yards within the town
should be closed. 5. That power is required to pave courts, to
regulate slaughter-houses, to prevent overcrowding, and to remove all
means of nuisance at short intervals. 6. That many cesspools exist,
highly injurious to the inhabitants. That to remedy these evils
house-drains should be constructed. That I consider the works required
may be devised and executed with more economy; and that the general
affairs of the borough may be administered with more efficiency than at
present, if one establishment exercise full powers over the area
proposed.
Recommendations - Taking into consideration the wishes of the
ratepayers, and the deficient means for local government, as set forth
in this report and summary of conclusions, I beg respectfully to
recommend that your Honourable Board will grant the prayer of the
petitioners, and will allow the Public Health Act, 1848, (except the
section 50 in the copies of that act as printed by Her Majesty's
printers,) to be applied to the proposed district, including the whole
of the municipal borough of Falmouth, parts of the parish of Falmouth
and parish of Budock &c., as shown in the plan herewith furnished and
as herein described.
ST. STEPHENS (IN BRANWELL) SHEARING - The St. Stephens annual
shearing match took place in a field at the church-town, on Tuesday
last, and was numerously attended. The shearing was on the whole good
and there were twenty competitors. The following were successful:-
John PILL, St. Mewan, 1st prize; Nicholas PILL, Gorran, 2nd prize; R.
SAWLE, Probus, 3rd prize; J. HUSBAND, St. Ewe, 4th prize. Prizes
confined to the parish:- 1st prize, John BRENTON; 2nd, Wm. BEALE.
THE BREVET - Amongst the promotions in the brevet last week, we
notice that of Lieut. Colonel Edward CARLYON, H.P. 66th foot, to be
Major General.
ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE - We understand the Mr. William Henry LIDDELL,
son of Captain Liddell, R. N. of Bodmin, came out first at the Royal
Naval College last week, and thereby won his lieutenant's commission.
CUSTOMS APPOINTMENTS - Mr. WALLACE, collector of the customs at
Lancaster, has been promoted to be collector at Truro. Mr. RICHARDSON,
principal coast officer at Amble, has been promoted to be comptroller
at Scilly. Mr. DICKSON, comptroller at Scilly, has been promoted to be
comptroller at Gainsborough.
EDINBURGH ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS - Mr. David THOMPSON (son of Mr.
Thompson of Hurdon, near Launceston) passed his examination and
received his license to practice as surgeon from this college on the
21st instant. The same gentleman has also passed his examination in
midwifery and received his diploma to practice. In this college the
licentiates are divided into classes according to the knowledge they
display at their examinations, and we observe that Mr. Thompson's name
occurs in the first or highest class.
THE MILITIA - The second Cornwall Rifles Militia, at Launceston
finished their 28 days' drill on Friday last, and were highly
complimented on the rapid progress they had made. William M. BUSCOMB
and John C. OLDHAM, who enlisted into the Sappers and Miners from the
Royal Cornwall Rangers Militia, have had one penny a day stopped from
their pay for eighteen months, for having denied (at the time of
enlistment) that they belonged to the Militia. It cannot be too
generally known, that militia men may now freely enlist in the Line
Regiments, or enter the Royal Navy, and are liable to no stoppage of
pay or bounty, if they honestly state, at the time of enlistment, the
fact of their being enrolled in the Militia.
CORNERS' INQUESTS - The following inquests have been held before Mr.
John CARLYON, county coroner:- On Monday last, at Illogan, on the body
of Mary Jane COAKES, aged 8 years. From the evidence of Henry COAKES,
the deceased's brother, it appeared that on Saturday evening last, as
he was passing one of Mr. Henry PAULL's fields where they had been
burning tabs during the day, he saw the deceased and a younger brother
amusing themselves by picking up bits of furze, and throwing them on
one of the burning heaps, the flames from which caught the deceased's
frock on fire. On seeing what had happened, he ran after her and threw
her down, and tried to roll her on the ground to extinguish the fire,
but she got away from him, and jumped into a pool of water near her
parents' house. Her sister (in the absence of her mother who was at
Camborne market,) then went to the deceased's assistance, and after
stripping off the remainder of the clothes, put her to bed, and sent
for her mother and a doctor, but she was so seriously burnt that she
died the following day. Verdict, "accidental death."
On Tuesday, at Launceston, on the body of Elizabeth BROOM, aged 73
years, who was found dead in her room on Monday afternoon, about three
o'clock. Not more than an hour and half before, she had been in a
neighbour's house taking a cup of tea, and then appeared in her usual
health. Mr. Henry PEARCE, surgeon, of Launceston, was of the opinion
that the cause of death was apoplexy, and the jury returned a verdict
to that effect.
On Wednesday, at Truro, on the body of Grace SANDERS, age 64 years, who
committed suicide by drowning herself in the leat, near Truro, early on
Tuesday morning. Verdict, "temporary insanity."
An inquest was held at Tyack's Hotel, Camborne, on Wednesday last, on
the body of John REYNOLDS of that place, an agent at Paul's Downs mine,
in the parish of Crowan, who was killed on the previous day, whilst
underground in that mine by some stuff falling away on him. Verdict,
"accidental death."
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