cornwall england newspaper
1857 NEWS
ARTICLES, etc
6 FEBRUARY 1857, Friday
CAUTION - As Parties are travelling in various parts of Cornwall and
Devon under the assumed name of SOLOMON and Co., Opticians, giving
their address from Exeter and elsewhere, M. SOLOMON, Optician, 3
Lansdowne Terrace, Exeter, to prevent imposities[?], respectfully calls
the attention of the public to the bottom of his circular, to his name
in full (MYERS SOLOMON), whose spectacles have given such general
satisfaction. A reward of GBP10 will be paid to any person giving such
information as will lead to the conviction of any party or parties
making use of the name of Myers Solomon, as no Agents are appointed by
him. There is no other person of the name of Solomon carrying on the
business of Optician in Exeter. Mr. M. Solomon intends visiting
Cornwall in March next. Myers Solomon, Licensed Hawker, No. 1054 A.
DEATH OF Mr. WILLIAM KING NORWAY - It is with feelings of the
liveliest regret that we announce the decease of Mr. Norway. He died,
almost suddenly, in London on the evening of Friday last, aged 56
years. There are but few men in Cornwall who were better known, or
whose loss would be more deeply lamented. For thirty years he had been
conspicuously before the public eye, in his connection with the Press,
with a variety of useful institutions, and as a man of versatile
talents, and a wide range of literary and general information. His
abilities as a political writer first attracted attention in the
columns of the late Falmouth Packet, and so deep was the impression
made by the vigour and pungency of his writings in that journal, that a
handsome testimonial was presented to him at a public dinner, by a
numerous body of his friends and admirers in East Cornwall. His views,
on almost all matters of grave national interest, were such as have
uniformly been advocated in this paper, to which, up to a very recent
period, he had been a regular contributor for about twenty years. A
distinguishing quality of his mind was its thorough earnestness. His
opinions were not mere fancies, afloat on the surface of the mind, but
saturated the whole man, - inhered in the very blood and bone. Yet
with a tenacity of his cherished convictions which nothing could relax,
there was the readiest appreciation of the merits of those who differed
from him, and a natural warmth of personal kindliness and courtesy
which drew to him the friendliest regards of men of the most diverse
views. We should think he never had an enemy; nor do we remember ever
to have heard a syllable uttered in disparagement of his feelings of
his principles.
His school-days were passed at Eton, after which he was placed in
training for the law, and entered on the business of his profession as
a regular practitioner. But it cannot surprise any one who was
acquainted with him that his career in this line was very brief. He
might have said of the law, as Slender said of Anne Page, "There was
but little love between us at the beginning, and it pleased Heaven to
decrease it on further acquaintance." On giving up his professional
engagements he devoted much of his time to literary pursuits, and
entered with great ardour into the establishment of provincial
institutions for the advancement of knowledge. One of the most
successful of these was formed at his own residence, Wadebridge; and
remains an honourable testimony to his devotedness to the public good.
About five years ago, on the relinquishment of the secretaryship of the
Reform Club by our respected townsman, Mr. BOND, the high character and
well-known abilities of Mr. Norway marked him, in the estimation of the
Committee, as a desirable successor. Of this post he discharged the
various duties entirely to the satisfaction of the club, and remained
in it up to the time of his decease.
His removal is a very sudden and unexpected event. The last time we
saw him was about six months ago, when we met him at the Crystal
Palace. He was then as healthful and sprightly as we had ever seen
him, and was anticipating with much pleasure a holiday excursion on the
continent. We see him at this moment, as he then stood by us on the
Terrace on Penge Hill, watching the hues of a glowing sun-set, shed
over that magnificent landscape. How little did we dream, at parting
with him, that the sparkle of his eye, and warmth of his hand, were to
be just as transient as the light then fading beyond the western hills.
But so the companions of our pilgrimage are dropping, one by one, from
our path; and of those of whom Death has lately bereft us there are few
whose loss will be more deeply or generally felt than the subject of
this brief notice.
FROM OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT - We have now abundant evidence of the
distress among the working classes. For a week past, bands of
unemployed persons have been parading the streets in order to excite
charity, and their orderly and respectful conduct shows that their case
is one of real hardship. The unemployed consist chiefly of
bricklayers, carpenters, and painters; but since the setting in of the
frost, the list has been considerably swelled by gardeners, and the
field-labourers of the suburbs. It is supposed that so many as fifty
thousand persons are now out of employment in the metropolis. No
danger to the state of order, or to property, has been threatened as
yet, but such a state of things cannot continue for any length of time
without producing a popular commotion. It is a very hard thing for men
to starve in sight of the wealth and abundance which are everywhere
displayed in this capital. If no improvement take place in the labour
market, it will be necessary, for the security of property, if not for
the sake of the starving operatives, that the government should devise
some means of alleviating the general distress. Public works have been
talked of, and possibly a remedy may be found in this direction on a
legitimate basis - many government building schemes being already in
contemplation. Such measurers, however, are not congenial to English
ideas of the natural laws of supply and demand; and it would be well if
the cause of the present derangement of affairs were fully ascertained,
in order that we may know whether it be due to an accident of the
moment, or some radical disease in our commercial prosperity. The
question is a momentous one.
PARISH OF TEMPLE - Surrounded by extensive and dreary moors, to which
it gives its name, lies the little parish of Temple, formerly the
property of the Knights Templars. It is six miles from Bodmin, its
post town contains 936 acres, five houses, and inhabitants at different
periods as follows:- 1801 - 15; 1811 - 18; 1821 - 27; 1831 - 29;
1841 - 37; 1851 - 24. The population has from time to time varied
considerably. "When I lived in the parish," said old Mr. BURNARD, who
has been dead a great number of years, "one half of the men in it were
hanged for sheep stealing." At the period here referred to the number
of male inhabitants did not exceed two. DAVIES GILBERT says its church
has disappeared; this is not the case. The average height of the walls
is at this moment not less than three or four feet, and of the tower a
considerable portion still stands, and the archway from the church, the
only way of access to it, is still entire. The church is fifty-four
feet long, and sixteen feet eight inches wide, with a north transept
fifteen feet by fourteen feet. The materials of the fallen building
lie about in reproachful abundance, as if waiting to be replaced - and
a great pity it is they are not. "I wish," said ANTONY HOSKEN, "they'd
see and build up the church, t'would be so comfortable like to have a
croom of preaching again." It has been in ruins about sixty years.
The bell was twice stolen, and after the second theft was irrecoverably
lost. An ash tree of considerable size occupies the western end of the
nave; the tomb-tablet or head-stone is now to be seen, and only about
half-a-dozed graves. The last funeral was that of DANIEL LORD's first
wife.
The living has been twice augmented by Queen Anne's bounty. It is a
curacy in the gift of the Devonshire family of WREY. The tithes are
commuted at GBP27. 10s. It was formerly attached to Blisland, but now
the surplice duty is performed by the rector of Warleggan, who keeps
the registrars. In the inquisition of the Bishops of Lincoln and
Winchester into the value of Cornish benefices, in 1294, Capella de
Temple was rated in first fruits at 10s. Norden writing about the year
1610, says "it is a place exempted from the bishop's jurisdiction,
appertaining in former times to the Templars. It is a lawless church,
as they call it, where many bad marriages, where or howsoever
contracted are consummated, and here were they wont to bury such as had
wrought violent death upon themselves."
The parish produces stream tin. The land is chiefly used for grazing.
Both churchyard and glebe have been occupied for that purpose for a
great number of years by Mr. STEPHENS, land surveyor, of Steppes, near
Bodmin, as tenant under the rector of Warleggan.
BRITISH PROTECTOR LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY - On Monday evening, the
19th ult., a dinner was given by the shareholders and assurers at St.
Mary's Scilly, in connextion with the above company at Tregarthen's
Hotel, to some of the company's representatives, and for the purpose of
celebrating the very marked progress of the "British Protector." The
shareholders and assurers, forty-six in number, at seven o'clock sat
down to a very excellent and varied repast, served up with all the
taste, skill, and profusion for which the kind hostess, Mrs.
TREGARTHEN, is justly celebrated. After the removal of the cloth, the
usual loyal and other toasts were given in a spirited manner by the
chairman on the occasion, Mr. J. G. MOYLE, medical officer, and duly
responded to. Then followed the toasts of the evening, "The health of
Mr. J. N. GORDON, managing director," which was given with enthusiasm,
and feelingly acknowledged. "The health of Mr. W. J. MOORE," - manager
of the Western Branch. This was given and received in the most cordial
manner, as all present were aware of the exertions of this gentleman to
promote and forward the best interests of the society. The healths of
Mr. E. WOTTON, travelling agent; Mr. J. G. MOYLE, medical officer, Mr.
C. W. MUMFORD, local agent, and several other toasts connected with the
officers and principals of the institution were then proposed, and
replied to in such a way as to afford a great deal of useful
information, and the party separated highly pleased with the social
intercourse enjoyed and the amount of knowledge obtained. The interest
of the proceedings was considerably enhanced by the cheerful and
satisfactory answers of the managers present to all questions of
shareholders and policy-holders put to them.
On the following evening a public meeting was held, - the Rev. A. W.
McDONALD in the chair, when Mr. J. N. GORDON, Mr. W. J. MOORE, and Mr.
WOTTON, addressed a very large and attentive audience, who expressed
their satisfaction by proposing and unanimously giving a vote of thanks
to the lecturer, and a vote of confidence in the Institution. On
Wednesday evening a full attendance was secured at St. martin's, when
the same gentleman gave addresses on the "present position and
prospects of the British Protector Company," fully and satisfactorily
proving the sound principles on which it is based, and the rapidly
advancing progress of this well-deserving and flourishing Assurance
Society.
LOSTWITHIEL - MEETING OF THE BOOT AND SHOE TRADE - A numerously
attended meeting of the master boot and shoe makers of Lostwithiel,
Bodmin, St. Blazey, Tywardreath, Fowey, St. Veep, and places adjacent,
was held at the King's Arms Inn, on Tuesday last, for the purpose of
adopting such measures as the present very high price of leather render
necessary. Mr. BROAD, of St. Blazey, was called to the chair, who said
that for ages the trade had been far behind other trades in point of
remuneration, for whilst other masters could retire, who had ever heard
of a shoemaker living on his means, although an equal amount of ability
and industry had been exercised. Bad, however, as it always had been,
it was now worse, in consequence of the very great advance in the price
of leather. Wages had also risen to a considerable extent, but he
considered journeymen where not yet paid as they should be. Mr.
HOOPER, of Fowey, said all were painfully aware of the disadvantages
with which the trade at present had to contend. For two years past he
had carried on rather an extensive trade without fair remuneration, but
with the present prices it was a positive loss. The masters were
willing to bear a large proportion of the burden, but the public must
share with them, by submitting to an advance in price. Mr. COLE, of
St. Veep, said he had paid minute attention to the cost of materials,
and in many instances found it fully equal to the price charged when
made up. This was especially so with heavy goods. Mr. RUTTER, of St.
Blazey, said an advance of twenty-five per cent. would not put the
trade on a footing equal with other trades. Mr. HAM, of Bodmin, said
the trade, always bad, was now considerably worse. He had for many
years conducted his trade with the utmost caution, using great economy
and industry, for merely a subsistence; but under present circumstances
it would not pay at all. Mr. Hooper then proposed an advance of twenty
to twenty-five per cent., which was seconded by Mr. WILLIAM TALLING, of
Lostwithiel, who said the advance proposed was only fair and just, when
you take into consideration that the raw material had advanced as much
as 300 per cent., and he could see no reason why shoemakers should not
live as well as other trades. A vote of thanks was then passed to the
chairman, and to those present who had exerted themselves in getting up
the meeting on this necessary occasion. The company then separated,
determined to adhere to the resolutions of the meeting.
SUFFERERS FROM SHIPWRECK - At the weekly meetings of the committee of
the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society for the month of January, held at
their offices, Hibernia Chambers, London Bridge, the gold medal of the
institution was awarded to Mr. JOHN BAMFIELD, master of the "Wave
Queen," of Jersey, and the silver medal to JOHN ROMERIL, one of the
seamen who accompanied him, for having in a small boat during a gale of
wind gallantly rescued the crew of the "Briton" screw steamer from
their foundering vessel and landed them sale at Jersey.
GREAT NORTHERN HOSPITAL - Mr. ROBERT CHARLES HUNTER, late House
Surgeon to the Great Northern Hospital, has been appointed Accoucheur
to the same institution. Mr. WILLIAM HILLMAN, of Lyme Regis, succeeds
Mr. HUNTER as House Surgeon.
QUEEN'S SCHOLARSHIP - It is gratifying to find that all the
candidates for Queen's Scholarships, belonging to Church of England
schools, in Cornwall, who were examined at Christmas last, have
succeeded in obtaining scholarships of the first class. This position
entitles them to a two years' training and board and lodging at one of
the Normal Colleges, with an addition of GBP10 for personal expenses.
The successful competitors were W. F. MILL, and E. J. OKE, from Mr.
Basset's school, Pool; Mr. A. JENKIN, Crowan; W. S. TREGEAR, St.
Just; and E. J. POLKINHORNE, Training School, Truro.
THE CUSTOMS - Mr. MALLEY, comptroller at Padstow, has been appointed
to the same office at Bideford. Mr. W. H. HOLMES, jun., principal
coast officer and landing waiter at Hayle, has been appointed to act as
deputy receiver of wreck for the district extending from Lelant side of
Hayle Bar to Godrevy Point.
THE GODREVY LIGHTHOUSE - We are informed that Mr. MICHAEL WILLIAMS,
M.P., for West Cornwall has, received a reply to the letter he had
addressed on this subject to the secretary of the Trinity Board. The
Secretary's letter is dated 28th January 1857, and is to the effect
"that it has been decided to erect a lighthouse on Godrevy Island, that
it had been referred to their engineer, and it was hoped it would be
begun in the course of a few months."
IMPORTANT SHIPPING CASE - At the East Kirrier Petty Sessions, held at
Penryn, on Wednesday the 27th ult., before Mr. ENYS and a full bench of
magistrates, RICHARD HENRY RICHARDS, master of the brig "Voluna," of
the port of Padstow, 336 tons burthen, was summoned to answer the
complaint of Mr. FREDERICK SWATMAN, collector of customs and shipping
master of the port of Falmouth, for that he being the master of a
certain foreign going ship called the "Voluna," of 100 tons burden and
upwards, did, in and about the month of August last, employ WILLIAM
GEORGE as mate of the said ship, without ascertaining that he was
possessed of a certificate of competency or service, contrary to the
form of the statute, &c. Mr. TILLY appeared on behalf of the
prosecution, and Mr. MOORMAN for the defence. Mr. Tilly, in opening
the case, stated that the proceedings were instituted under the
directions of the Board of Trade, and that the offence with which the
defendant was charged was in breach of the 136 sect. of the M.S.A.,
1854, and after fully directing the attention of the bench to the law
bearing upon the subject and the facts of the case, he called Mr.
Frederick Swatman, Collector of Customs at Falmouth, who stated that on
the 26th August, defendant, who was then the master of the "Voluna,"
called on him and produced his articles, and required the ship to be
cleared for a voyage from Falmouth to Quebec, and back to a final port
of discharge in the United Kingdom; but that perceiving there was no
chief mate he refused to clear the ship. On the 28th, defendant again
called on him with THOMAS LUTEY, whom he stated had engaged as mate,
and who produced his certificate and signed the articles as mate, when
witness gave defendant his clearance for the ship. On the 29th,
witness received the form schedule G signed by defendant, stating that
Thomas Lutey had left the ship from sickness; and on the 30th the
"Voluna" sailed from Falmouth on her voyage to Quebec, without a chief
mate having a certificate appropriate to his station. In support of
the case Mr. Tilly put in the ship's articles under the scale of the
Board of Trade, dated 26th August, 1856, in which Thomas Lutey appeared
as chief mate, and William George as second mate, with a certificate
of clearance annexed. He also put in the official log book of the
"Voluna," in which was the following entry - "August 30th, Falmouth,
Thomas Lutey, mate, was taken sick, sent him on shore as he was unfit
to proceed the voyage; William George, second mate, takes the chief
mate's place to proceed to Quebec and back to Fowey. Signed Richard H.
Richards, master; William George, mate." Mr. Tilly also put in
schedule G dated 29th August, signed by defendant, stating that Thomas
Lutey had left the ship from sickness; also list C. being an account of
the crew at the end of the voyage, dated "Fowey, 24th December, 1856,"
in which William George appeared as second mate, and also the release
of the crew signed by William George.
On being cross-examined by Mr. Moorman, Mr. Swatman stated that Captain
LANGFORD, the ship's husband, came to the custom-house, with Lutey,
when he signed articles. JOHN JOHNS stated that he shipped in the
"Voluna" as seaman, on the 26th August, and sailed in her throughout
her voyage from Falmouth to Quebec and back to Fowey and that William
George acted as chief mate. Mr. Moorman on behalf of the defendant,
then addressed the court, stating that he should prove that in this
case Captain Langford, the ship's agent, was the whole and sole
employer, and that the defendant was coerced into sailing without a
chief mate. He then called William George, who stated that he was
hired by Captain Langford as second mate, the defendant having nothing
to do with his employment. On the 29th of August, Captain Langford
told him that when at sea he was to take the office of chief mate, and
that the entry in the official log produced, although dated at
Falmouth, was in fact made after they had left the port and were at
sea. Mr. Tilly objected to oral evidence being given against the
written statement in the log. The magistrates, however, decided on
receiving it subject to exceptions. On cross-examination, witness
admitted that he had no recollection of seeing Lutey on board the
"Voluna," or that his outfit for the voyage had been sent on board;
that he acted as chief mate under the superior orders of Captain
Langford, whom he considered his employer. Richard Henry Richards, the
defendant, stated that Captain Langford was the ship's husband; that he
employed Lutey and George, and that witness had nothing to do with
their engagement or their rate of wages. That he sailed by the orders
of Captain Langford without a chief mate, and that the entry in the
official log-book was made at sea and not at Falmouth. On
cross-examination he admitted that he knew he was doing what was wrong;
that it was only his second voyage as master; and that he was coerced
into doing it by Captain Langford, who assured him that he would hole
him harmless. The magistrates gave the following decision:- "We
adjourn our decision in this case to the next Petty Sessions; if, in
the meantime, summonses are applied for against the owner and ship's
husband, both or either of them, they will be granted, and hear before
judgment in this case is pronounced."
COURT OF BANKRUPTCY - At the London Court of Bankruptcy, on Monday
last, before Mr. Commissioner GOULBURN, the case of Mr. F. JOHNS came
before the court. The bankrupt was described as a timber and coal
merchant, of Hackney, and Gweek, in the parish of Wendron. Mr.
LAWRENCE said he had no objection to an adjournment. The bankrupt had
been partner in a large timber business in the West of England, of the
solvency of which house there could be no doubt, and there were certain
partnership accounts to be obtained. Adjourned accordingly.
BODMIN COUNTY COURT - Held at the Assize Hall on Wednesday the 4th
instant. In the case of MILROY v. AMELIA GRANT, of Bodmin, defendant
was committed for thirty days for not having satisfied judgment of the
court.
SARGENT v. SEYMOUR - This was an action brought by Mr. THOMAS
SARGENT, of Liskeard, against Captain JOHN SEYMOUR, of Polscoe, near
Lostwithiel, for recovery of the sum of GBP50, on a dishonoured Bill of
Exchange, due the 11th of November, 1854. The amount was reduced to
GBP50, the excess being abandoned to bring the action within the
jurisdiction of the court. Mr. WALLIS appeared for plaintiff and Mr.
COMMINS for defendant. Notice of the dishonour not having been given
to defendant for some days, his Honor considered the notice not
sufficient and gave a verdict for the defendant.
DESERTION OF A FAMILY - On Monday last a man named JOHN SYMONS, a
miner was brought on shore from the Dublin Company's steamer by the
Falmouth police, and lodged in the station house lock-up, with a female
who had gone on board with him. In the evening he was charged before
the magistrates with having deserted his wife and children who appeared
in court, and the case being proved, he was committed to prison for
three months with hard labour. The woman who went on board with him
was discharged. Symons was escorted to the prison by a large mob, who
hooted and yelled, and had the police not protected him he would have
fared badly.
A DISGRACEFUL ACT - On Wednesday evening the 28th ultimo, the
postman, whose duty it is to clear the postal pillar in
Clarence-street, Penzance, did so a little after nine o'clock. The
contents, with other letters, were placed on a table in the
post-office, but as Miss SWAINE and her assistant took up letter after
letter to stamp, they could their arms smarting, and a further search
disclosed that some corrosive liquid had been thrown over the letters
taken from the Clarence-street pillar. The addresses of some were
effaced; others partially so; and all those were sealed up and
forwarded to the General Post-Office. A reward of GBP10 was promptly
offered, as yet without any effect, and an inspector from the General
Post-Office will investigate the matter.
CHILD DESERTION - In reference to the case of child desertion which
we noticed last week, Mr. S. BENNALLACK of Probus, writes to the effect
that Mr. JORY, carpenter of Probus, has no daughter called Mary Jane
Jory, and has no other daughter living at Penzance. It would appear
that the woman who brought the child to Mr. NASH, police superintendant
at Truro, stated an untruth in calling herself the daughter of Mr.
Jory, of Probus, Mr. Bennallack thinks the affair was concocted by some
disreputable female, in order to get rid of her child, and so far the
scheme was successful, it being sent to the union house. Mr.
Bennallack hopes that in justice to the public, Mr. Nash, or some other
active office, will sift the affair, and bring the guilty parties to
justice.
STEALING TURNIPS - On Tuesday last, before the Mayor of Truro, and
Captain KEMPE, magistrate, SAMUEL TAYLOR, labourer of Truro, was
charged with stealing a quantity of turnips, the property of JOHN
PLUMMER, a farmer, at Kenwyn Church-town. It appeared that Mr. Plummer
occupies a farm near Kenwyn church, and adjoining a turnip field on his
farm is the road leading from the turnpike to the church. On the
Wednesday previous a farmer, named HERCULES SOLOMON, of
Short-lane's-end, was passing in a cart, and saw the prisoner Taylor in
the road with a bag, into which he was putting turnips as fast as they
were thrown over the hedge to him by a man in the field. Solomon went
on some distance, but then returned, and going up to Taylor, asked him
what he had got in his bag. Taylor, in reply, made use of some very
bad expressions. Solomon said he should take him into custody, and
take him to Plummer for stealing his turnips. Taylor said, if he came
near him he would put a knife into him; Taylor then threw the turnips
out of the bag and walked away. Mr. Solomon gave information to Mr.
Plummer, and described the man. Mr. Plummer gave the same description
of the man at the Truro police station, and on Monday last, Taylor was
apprehended, and identified by HERCULES SOLOMON as the man whom he saw
putting the turnips in the bag. Mr. Plummer had a quantity of turnips
in the field which had been recently drawn, and he could not prove
whether the stolen turnips had been drawn, or taken from the heap. The
prisoner stated that the turnips were drawn, which was the lesser
office, and for which he was committed for one month to hard labour.
PENZANCE POLICE - At the Guildhall, on the 28th ult., before Mr. T.
COULSON, mayor, Capt. THOMAS BENNETTS, of the schooner "Union," of
Belfast, charged JAMES HIGGINS, one of his crew, with desertion on the
28th. Higgins received a month's advance at Cardiff, and on the
vessel's putting in here for repairs left her, as did the rest of the
crew, except the mate and a boy. His excuse was that the vessel was
unseaworthy, but the captain disproved this. The "Union" was fourteen
years old, North American built, sheathed with zinc, and only sprung a
leak in consequence of the late severe weather. Higgins was committed
for a month.
CAMBORNE PETTY SESSIONS - On Tuesday last, RICHARD SPARNON and
STEPHEN BENNETTS, of the parish of Camborne, were summoned before the
magistrates for an assault on Mr. and Mrs. HUNTER, of the Hotel, at
Tuckingmill, on the 17th ult. The case was fully proved, and they were
find GBP2 each and expenses, amounting altogether to GBP6. The fine
was paid.
ST. AUSTELL PETTY SESSIONS - WILLIAM CROWLE, Charlestown, was
summoned for being drunk and disorderly in the Market-house, and having
been twice previously convicted of a similar office, he was ordered to
find sureties to keep the peace for three months himself in GBP10, and
two sureties in GBP5 each.
HENRY BRAGG, a waggoner of St. Dennis, was fined 5S. and costs for
leaving his waggon without a driver in the street.
ACCIDENT - On Wednesday last, a young woman named MARY ROWE, when on
her way from Helston to Constantine, in getting out of the cart to lead
the horse, fell, and the cartwheels passed over her arm and leg,
fracturing them both in a dreadful manner. She is in a very precarious
condition, but hopes are entertained of her recovery.
CORONERS' INQUEST - The following inquests have been held by Mr. JOHN
CARLYON county coroner:- On the Tuesday the 29th ult., at Shallow
Adit, Redruth, on the body of MARTHA ANN GOLSWORTHY, aged 7 years, who
caught her clothes on fire on Tuesday during the temporary absence of
her mother who had gone for a course of water, and was so seriously
burnt before she returned that she only survived a few hours. Verdict
"Accidental death."
On Tuesday last, at Gwennap, on the body of a newly-born female, which
a single woman called ANN JENKIN had given birth to early on Monday
morning. SAMUEL JENKIN, the grandfather of the child, deposed that on
Thursday evening, having heard that his daughter was in the family way,
he questioned her on the subject, and she most positively denied that
such as the case. On Sunday evening he and his wife went to bed about
half-past nine o'clock; his daughter had got up about ten minutes
before, and her two sisters and her brother - the eldest aged 8, and
the youngest 2 1/2 years, slept in the same bed with her, and in the
same room with the witness and his wife. He heard no disturbance in
the course of the night, and a few minutes after five on Monday morning
he called his daughter to go down and get breakfast for him; which she
did. As soon as he had finished breakfast he went to a mine to work;
but he had not been there long before he was sent for, and on returning
home found that his daughter had had a child in the course of the
night, and the child was then lying dead in a flasket down stairs. He
then went to inform the constable of it, and the coroner was sent for.
ANNE JENKIN, wife of the last witness, and grandmother of the child,
deposed that she came down stairs on Monday morning just as her husband
had finished breakfast and was going out to work; and a few minutes
afterwards her daughter told her that she had had a child in bed about
one o'clock that morning, and that she lay perfectly still until she
got down to get breakfast for her father, when she brought the child
down with her and placed it in a flasket; and witness, on looking into
the flasket found the child there, dead, wrapped up in an old frock;
and she immediately went to the mine to fetch her husband. She also
had charged her daughter on two occasions, with being in the family
way, and each time she positively denied it.
Mr. PENBERTHY, surgeon, who examined the body, deposed that it was that
of a full-timed female child, and there were no external marks of
violence on any part of it. On opening the chest he found the lungs
small in volume; the right one partially inflated, and it crackled
under pressure; but the left lung had never been inflated. He was of
opinion that, although the child had breathed, it had died before it
was fully born, either from the bed clothes pressing on it, or from
some other accidental cause in the act of birth. All the other
internal organs were healthy, and he had every reason to suppose that
if the mother had had proper medical assistance at the time of birth,
the child would have been born alive and done well. This being the
whole of the evidence, the coroner told the jury that in consequence of
there being no proof that the child had been born and that it had an
independent existence, the office, if any, was one of concealment of
birth, which must come under the cognisance of a magistrate and not the
coroner. The jury coincided with this view of the case and returned a
verdict that there was no proof that the child was born alive. The
jury was composed of seventeen of the most respectable inhabitants of
the neighbourhood. No doubt some steps will be taken to bring the case
before another tribunal.
On the same day at Tregony, on the body of FRANCIS WOOLCOCK, mason,
aged seventy-three years, who died in a very sudden and unexpected
manner, on Monday morning. Verdict, "Death from natural causes."
The following inquests have been held by Mr. HICHENS, county coroner:-
On the 29th ultimo, in the parish of St. Hilary, on the body of JOSIAH
MATTHEWS, aged 50 years, who was found dead in his bed on the preceding
day. Verdict, "Natural death."
On Tuesday last, in the borough of St. Ives, on the body of ELEANOR
STEPHENS, aged 76 years. The deceased, on Saturday evening last,
whilst occupied in preparing her husband's supper, fell to the floor in
a state of insensibility, from which she shortly recovered, and having
been put to bed, rose on the following morning in her usual health,
which considering her great age, was good. In the afternoon of that
day, whiles occupied in wiping out a kittle, in which dinner had been
dressed, she fell again to the floor in a fit, from which she partially
recovered, but she had frequent returns of the attack, which at length
terminated in her death, about eleven o'clock at night. Verdict,
"Natural death."
INQUEST ON Mr. W. K. NORWAY - On Monday morning last, an inquest was
held in the saloon of the Reform Club-house, Pall-mall, before Mr.
CHARLES ST. CLAIR BEDFORD, coroner for Westminster, and fourteen
jurors, of whom Mr. THOMAS HENRY was foreman, upon view of the body of
the deceased gentleman, who was stated to have been fifty-six years of
age. Mr. SAMUEL NORWAY, of 2 Marlborough-terrace, Harrow-road,
surgeon, brother of deceased, stated that the latter was an attorney by
profession. Witness was present at his last illness, which took place
at six o'clock in the evening of Friday last. He came to see deceased
on that occasion at half-past four o'clock - having been sent for on
account of his sudden and serious illness. On arriving at the
club-house, he found the pupils of deceased's eyes were much
contracted, and that he was breathing with the greatest difficulty.
About half-an-hour before his death, he became partially sensible, but
did not speak. Had no doubt he was labouring under the effects of
opium. Was not aware that he had been in the habit of taking opium.
Saw a small bottle in the room capable of holding two drachms of
laudanum. Witness knew of no reason for deceased having taken laudanum
to destroy himself. He had been affected with rheumatic gout. He
might have taken laudanum on that account. Had no doubt he died from
the effects of that poison. By a Juror: he had been attended by a
medical man, Mr. VACEY, who was present. Mr. CHARLES KINFORD VACEY, 74
St. Martin's Lane, surgeon, stated that he had attended the deceased
about six or seven weeks since for an attack of rheumatic gout, when
the medicine prescribed for him having an effect on the bowels, which
was not intended, he sent him the two-drachm bottle produced, filled
with laudanum with directions to take about eight or ten drops with
each dose of medicine.
By the Coroner: That would not be a large dose for a person not
accustomed to take laudanum. A much larger dose was often given to
produce sleep. Witness continued: On Thursday last deceased had
another attack of gout, and sent to him (witness) for some laudanum,
when the same two-drachm phial was again filled and sent by the
messenger, a boy belonging to the club-house. Witness afterwards
called upon the deceased, and again prescribed for and sent him some
medicine. This was about three o'clock in the afternoon. There was no
laudanum in that medicine. Heard nothing of him until the next day
(Friday), about two o'clock in the afternoon, when he attended by
direction and found deceased very ill, evidently labouring under
symptoms produced by opium, from the pupils of the eyes being
contracted, and being under lethargy and coma, and sterterous
breathing. No doubt he died from the effects of laudanum. Witness
should not have thought the quantity sufficient to have caused the
death of the deceased; in fact it is the smallest dose on record that
has produced a fatal effect in an adult. He did not think it would
have destroyed the life of one man in a thousand. By the Coroner: If
affected with disease of the brain or bronchitis it might have been
fatal, but should say it would not have had such effect on persons
because affected with gout or rheumatism. Witness continued: Had been
told that another boy besides the one referred to had fetched laudanum
for the deceased, but that boy, as he now understood, was in the
country.
By a Juror: Had no doubt deceased was in a sound state of mind. W.
HENRY TIPPETT, one of the footmen at the club-house, deposed to finding
the deceased dangerously ill, as also to his having been bled, about a
pint of blood being taken from deceased. Dr. GOLDSWORTHY GURNEY, of
the House of Commons, said he knew the deceased well, having attended
him when twenty-fix years of age on several occasions. He was affected
with a peculiar irritable state of the stomach, which has an unusual
sympathy on the brain, so much so that he (witness) had known two or
three glasses of wine to throw him into a state of torpor, sometimes
approaching to delirium. He in consequence suffered morally in
reputation, and at the request of witness, he abstained from spirits or
wine, and became what is called a tee-totaller. Witness thought
therefore, that the two drahms of laudanum might have had a fatal
effect upon him, although he thought it would not have had the same
result with one man in a thousand. Witness had attended the father of
deceased, who died from being similarly affected. Had no doubt
deceased died from the effects of laudanum. Considered deceased well
knew the nature and power of laudanum, and was of opinion that had he
intended to destroy his life, that instead of two drachms he would have
taken at least two ounces. It was further stated that no boy from the
club-house had fetched any laudanum, excepting what was known to Mr.
Vacey, deceased's medical attendant, and by the desire of Mr. S.
Norway, the brother of deceased, it was shown by the evidence of Mr. R.
W. CHILDS that his affairs were correct. The jury, after a brief
consultation, returned a verdict that the deceased died from the
effects of opium which he had taken accidentally to alleviate pain, and
not suicidally.
13 FEBRUARY 1857, Friday
WHEREAS - My Wife, ELIZABETH KELLOW, has left me; I Hereby Give
Notice, that I will not be answerable for any Debt she may incur,
THOMAS KELLOW's Mark. Witness to signature - THOMAS DAVEY. Camel
Quarry, Wadebridge, February 9th, 1857.
NEWSPAPER CIRCULATION - A Return to an Order of the House of Commons
dated 11th of July, 1855, of the number of stamps issued to newspapers
in the United Kingdom from he 31st day of December, 1854, to the 1st
day of July, 1855, has been printed. The following were supplied to
the newspapers printed in Cornwall during the six month:- West Briton
...88,500. All the other Papers printed in Cornwall ...41,709.
At Little Beside, in the parish of Gwennap, there lives a labouring man
about thirty-six years of age, of the name of JOHN WALES, who is unable
either to read or write, or even to spell his own name, but who, by
seeming intuition, and with the utmost readiness, gives correct answers
to any arithmetical questions which may be proposed to him, however
lengthy or complicated. It is said that the late Lord Raglan jocosely
betted with some other military gentlemen on one occasion at Alderney,
that Wales would not answer this question:- If six grains of powder
will project a cannon ball six feet one inch and one-eighth of an inch,
how much powder would be required to project the same ball three
millions of miles? Wales answered the question in twenty minutes, and
received from the officers GBP10 of the bet won on the occasion. It
cost one of the Ordnance officers three hours to test the accuracy of
the answer.
APPOINTMENT OF HIGH SHERIFF - Sir HENRY ONSLOW Bart., of Hengar, has
been appointed sheriff of this county for the ensuing year.
THE NEW RECORDER OF FALMOUTH - Mr. EDWARD W. COX, of the Western
Circuit, has been appointed Recorder of the boroughs of Falmouth and
Helston, vice Mr. C. BEVAN, appointed County Court Judge for Cornwall.
THE ROMISH CHURCH - It is stated that the Rev. T. S. LIVIUS, late
curate of Kea, was received into the Catholic Church by Father Coffin,
at the Redemptorist's Church, Clapham, on Tuesday the 5th instant.
DISASTER AT SEA - CHARLES CREWS, master, and ROBERT CARE, mate of the
schooner "Jane," of Truro, have made a statement to the following
effect, before the Receiver of Wrecks at this port:- That a voyage from
Newport to Truro, coal laden, whilst about three leagues west of Lundy
Island, on Saturday the 24th January, at eleven p.m., in a strong gale
from N. E., and in a heavy sea, the vessel sprung a leak. The pumps
were kept constantly going, and several heavy seas were shipped,
carrying away the bulwarks; the vessel became gradually waterlogged,
and the leak increased as they proceeded down channel. At seven a.m.
on Sunday, they gibed the ship, and in attempting to haul her towards
the Land's End, shipped a heavy sea, which carried away the gripes of
the boat, twisted the keel out of her, swept away two of the fore and
two of the main shrouds, and at the same time the mate and a seaman
were washed from the pumps, and nearly taken overboard. To prevent the
masts going over the side, they were compelled to keep the vessel
before wind and tide. About three p.m., the same day, being then about
three and a half leagues S. of the Land's End, saw a steamer steering
towards them and on nearing they showed a flat of distress. The vessel
immediately bore down upon them, and asked what assistance was wanted.
They stated that the "Jane" was in a sinking state, and a complete
wreck, with canvas split and boat disabled, and that they wished to be
taken off, there being no possibility of taking the vessel into port.
The master of the steamer (the "James Brown," of Glasgow, from Cardiff
for Bordeaux launched his life-boat, took them off and proceeded on his
voyage to Bordeaux, where they were landed, and from thence they were
sent home by the British Consul. The weather was so tempestuous, and
the vessel so unmanageable, that they were unable to save more than the
clothes about them.
REDRUTH COUNTY COURT - The only cases of any interest which were
heard on the first day were CRAZE v. EDDY, and WHEAR v. PHILLIPS. The
former case, after having been heard at some length was, on payment of
costs by the plaintiff, for the first time postponed for the production
of additional evidence. In the other case, Whear, a stationer of
Camborne, sued Phillips, a common carrier, for GBP3. 16s. 6d., the
value of a parcel of paper which it was alleged had been sent by
Phillips's conveyance from Falmouth for Whear, but which the latter
declared had never been delivered. Phillips and his driver, BAWDEN,
swore most positively and circumstantially to the delivery of the
goods, which were packed in a tea-chest, which they declared they
carried between them into Whear's shop on the evening of the 13th of
February, 1855, and which, as Mr. Whear was not in the shop, was not
paid for; that in consequence of that non-payment it was entered in
defendant's day-book, the entry being afterwards marked "paid" on
receipt of the money. The day-book, having every appearance of
genuineness, was put in as evidence. Mr. Whear and his brother, a lad
who, at the time of the transaction, was thirteen years of age, both
swore positively that the 13th of February being the day before
Valentine's day, the demand for valentines was so great as to require
them both to be in the shop all the evening, and that no parcel was
delivered there on that occasion. His Honor, in giving judgment, said
it was a case involving considerable difficulty, but he thought, under
the circumstances, without any imputation of dishonesty to either
party, judgment must be for the plaintiff. On the part of defendant,
Mr. HY. ROGERS immediately gave notice of motion for a new trial.
HIGH-LANES PETTY SESSIONS - On Monday the 2nd instant, Mr. RALPH
MITCHELL, of the parish of St. Just, was summoned before the
magistrates for refusing to pay 4s. 6d. for a church-rate. He said it
was opposed to his principles and he would not pay it. The magistrates
therefore made an order for the amount and costs.
SALVAGE - On Tuesday last, at Penzance, the Mayor and Justices were
called on to adjudicate on a claim made by THOMAS CARBIS, and five
others, pilots of the port, on Capt. DOWVES, master of the Dutch
galliot "Hewen de main," on the 7th. The galliot was boarded half a
mile from the pier, while it was blowing hard from the S.S.W., with a
heavy sea. The captain refused assistance, but his vessel soon got
into danger and he requested the pilots to return. The vessel was
dragging her anchor and approaching broken water. When she was safe
the captain offered the pilots 10s. and afterwards GBP5. The point was
whether the Dutch vessel dragged her anchor. This was affirmed and
denied stoutly on each side, and Mr. PEARCE ably contended that the
pilotage was mere ordinary labour and should be rewarded as such. The
claim was for GBP50. The bench awarded GBP15 and costs. Mr. R.
MILLETT for the pilots.
TRURO POLICE - On Monday, before the Mayor, Mr. NANKIVELL, Mr.
PADDON, Capt. KEMPE, Mr. CHAPPEL, and Dr. BARHAM, JAMES HARRISON, alias
LARY O'BRIEN, a vagrant, was charged with assaulting ANNA MARIA
MURROUGH in Kenwyn Street, on Saturday night last. He was fined 5s.
and costs, and in default of payment was committed to the house of
correction for twenty days. Anna Maria Murrough, a prostitute, was
committed to the house of correction for fourteen days hard labour, for
being drunk and disorderly and using obscene language in Kenwyn Street,
on Saturday night.
On Wednesday, before the Mayor, and Mr. PADDON, and Mr. CHAPPEL, HENRY
THOMAS PHILLIPS, alias ELLIS, of Zennor, was charged with fraudulently
enlisting in the Royal Cornwall Rangers Militia at Truro, having been
previously enrolled in that corps at Falmouth. He was committed to the
house of correction for three months' hard labour.
On the 12th instant, FRANCIS GRAY, landlord of the Falcon beer-shop,
was summoned before the Mayor, Mr. CHAPPEL, and Mr. PADDON, for having
his house open till a quarter to four o'clock on Saturday morning. He
was fined 10s. and expenses.
ROBBERY AT A MINE - A robbery took place last week at Wheal Margaret
Mine, in the parish of Lelant. A man called SAMUEL HALL, a miner, left
his watch in the engine house, whilst he went underground, and when he
came up it had been taken away. Suspicion arose against a man who left
the mine the day after, and Hall was advised to go to Helston to
consult the conjuror, but hearing the old lady was dead, and that Mr.
ARMITAGE, of the West Cornwall Railway police held an apprehending
warrant against the husband who had left this part of the county, he
thought it best to go and state his loss to the officer himself, who
went to St. Ives, and after diligent investigation found the watch in a
drawer, in a house where the suspected party was in the habit of going;
but evidence could not be obtained against him sufficient for
conviction.
INCENDIARY FIRE - On Saturday night last, some miscreants set fire to
a rick of furze belonging to a poor labourer named TRESIDDER, at
Tinpit, in Mabe. It raged with great fury until all was destroyed,
leaving him without fuel for the remainder of the winter; and as it was
erected at the end of his cottage close to the wall, the timber of the
roof got ignited, and had not the neighbours extinguished it, the
cottage would have been burnt down. A reward is offered, which it is
hoped will be the means of bringing the offenders to justice.
SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT DELABOLE QUARRIES - On the 4th instant, whilst a
young man, named THOMAS BRIM, who had only been employed at the
quarries a few days, was working in the pit, he had his leg completely
crushed by a large stone. Mr. KING, surgeon of Camelford, was promptly
on the spot, and rendered every assistance. Amputation above the knee
being deemed necessary, the thigh was removed the same evening by Mr.
PEARCE, surgeon R.N., who, with Mr. King, performed the operation in a
most skilful manner. The separation of the limb, was accomplished in
forty-five seconds. The poor fellow being under the influence of
chloroform, was quite unconscious of the operation. He is doing well.
SERIOUS CHARGE OF CUTTING AND WOUNDING - On Monday last, SILAS LUCAS,
a miller, residing at Tregrehan Mills, in the parish of St. Blazey, was
charged before Mr. E. COODE, jun., with cutting and stabbing, with
intent to do grievous bodily harm to a marine store dealer named HENRY
WILSON, of St. Austell, whom he met near Cuddrahouse, on Friday evening
last, when returning from St. Austell market, in company with another
person. It appeared that Lucas went up to Wilson and commenced pulling
him by the ear and his hair, upon which Wilson struck him several
blows. Lucas then took a knife from his pocket, and stabbed Wilson in
the thigh, inflicting a wound six inches long and an inch deep. A
surgeon was called, who dressed the wound, but at present Wilson
continues in a precarious state, faint hopes being entertained of his
recovery. Lucas was committed to take his trial at the ensuing
assizes, bail being accepted for his appearance.
CORONERS' INQUESTS - The following inquest has been held by Mr. JOHN
CARLYON, county coroner. - On Saturday last, at Silver Well, in the
parish of St. Agnes, on the body of MARY JAMES, aged two and a half
years, who died on Thursday evening from the effects of scalds, which
she received the previous Tuesday evening, by upsetting on herself a
saucepan containing boiling broth, which her mother was preparing for
the family's supper. The mother was so alarmed that she did not know
exactly how the accident happened; but the handle of the saucepan
projected a little, and the probability is that the deceased caught
hold of the saucepan to save herself from falling, and fell with the
saucepan under the fender. The mother caught her immediately, and
stripped off her clothes, but she was very much scalded about the face
and neck; and although every attention was paid to her, it was without
any avail. Verdict, "accidental death."
The following has been held before Mr. GOOD, county coroner:- At Rilla
Mill, in Linkinhorne, on Friday last on the body of GRACE WILLIAMS,
wife of JOHN WILLIAMS, a miner. It appears that the deceased died on
Thursday morning after a lingering illness extending over a period of
more than two years, and during the greater part of that time her
husband, it was rumoured, not only neglected to provide her with common
necessaries, but was in the habit of coming home at late hours in a
beastly state of drunkenness, and it was suspected that her death was
accelerated by his treatment. The inquiry was a long one, and the jury
was composed of highly respectable men, principally farmers, Mr.
DINGLEY, of Knighton, acting as foreman. After hearing the evidence,
the jury returned as their verdict:- " That the deceased, Grace
Williams, died from natural causes, but the jury are unanimously of
opinion that the general conduct of her husband, John Williams, towards
his wife has been most unfeeling and unkind, and such as can only
receive their severest censure and disapproval; and they request that
he be so informed by the coroner and reprimanded accordingly." With
this the coroner complies, and reprimanded Williams in terms which met
the approval of all present.
The following inquest has been held before Mr. GILBERT HAMLEY, County
Coroner. - On Monday last in the parish of Advent, on the body of
SAMUEL YABSLEY, aged sixty-four, who was found dead in his bed on the
previous morning. Deceased had always bee a robust, healthy man, and
on the Saturday was at work as usual, and did not complain of illness
during the day. About half-past eight he went to bed. His son-in-law
and daughter slept in the same room, and heard nothing of him during
the night. In the morning he did not wake at his usual house, and his
son-in-law called to him, but received no answer. He went to the bed
and found him quite dead; he had been dead several house. Verdict,
"died by the visitation of God."
TESTIMONIAL TO CAPT. CHARLES THOMAS, OF DOLCOATH - On Monday last, at
the two-monthly meeting of Dolcoath adventurers, a dividend of GBP5 per
share was declared; and at the dinner subsequent to the meeting, a
service of plate was presented to Capt. Charles Thomas, the able
manager of the mine, which presentation had been resolved upon the
adventurers about six months ago. The place consisted of a coffee-pot
and tea-pot, a sugar basin and cream jug, and a very handsome inkstand,
which alone cost GBP18. The articles were manufactured by Messrs.
WILLIAMS, of London and Bristol, and were procured through Mr. J. C.
LANYON, of Redruth, by whom they were supplied at manufacturers'
prices. The cost of the whole was fifty guineas. The articles were of
very elegant design, being what is termed "Heraldic Plate," and of
superior workmanship. On the inkstand was the following inscription:-
"Presented to Captain Charles Thomas by the Lord and Adventurers of
Dolcoath Mine, in token of their high estimation of his personal
character, and of the successful application of his scientific and
practical knowledge as a Miner in the development of the resources of
this Mine." The dinner took place in the account-house at two o'clock;
and about fifty were present, presided over by Mr. MARRIOTT, as the
representative of the lord of the sett, Mr. J. F. BASSET, of Tehidy.
The chairman was supported by the committee of management, and by
others, the principal shareholders in the mine. The vice-chair was
occupied by Captain Charles Thomas.
After a good dinner, to which the company were not slow in doing
justice, the cloth was removed, the glasses primed, and the Chairman
gave, with appropriate observations, "The health of her Majesty the
Queen," and "The Duke of Cornwall and the rest of the Royal Family."
These toasts having been duly honoured, the Chairman said the next
toast we will drink, if you please, will be the health of the lord of
the mine. "Cheers.) The Basset family from time immemorial, have been
more closely identified than any other family in the county with the
mining interest. To that interest they are perhaps more largely
indebted than any other family; and of all the mines with which they
have been connected, there is none to which they are so deeply
indebted, and with which they have been so long identified and closely
associated as Dolcoath. You will therefore all join in drinking health
and long life to Mr. Basset. (Loud cheering)
The toast having been warmly received, the Chairman next rose and
said:- Gentlemen, I trust you will give me credit for sincerity in
saying that I am most earnestly desirous of doing honour to the
individual whom we are assembled to honour, and of endeavouring to
justify the flattering, though too partial choice you have made in
electing me your chairman on this most interesting occasion, (cheers);
but when I look around me, and see so many friends present of much
longer acquaintance with Captain Charles Thomas, and of much greater
familiarity with the pursuit in which he has so greatly distinguished
himself, it most painfully brings home to me that to your kindness, and
not to my fitness, I am indebted for the occupation of this chair
to-day. (Cheers) It will be superfluous in me to occupy much of your
time in explaining the reason of our meeting her together. Of course
you are aware of it; but it will not be irrelevant to offer a brief
statement of our object, and to indulge in some observations by way of
commentary on it. Our object then, gentlemen, is to do honour to
Captain Charles Thomas; to demonstrate the high sense we entertain of
his character as a man, and his ability as a miner; and, not content
with a mere favourable expression of that feeling, we are determined to
record and perpetuate the memory of it by presenting him with a
testimonial of plate. (Loud cheers) Gentlemen, it has been commonly
observed that the present is an age of testimonials, and probably most
of those who have given utterance to that opinion, have done so more or
less sarcastically, and implying some degree of disparagement of gifts
of that kind in general. Nor can we much wonder at this when we
consider the extraordinary profusion with which they have been showered
about of late years; and the ridiculous grounds - I am forced to add
the questionable motives, with which they have been got up and
presented. But, gentlemen, we all know there is no rule without an
exception, and it would be a hard measure to deal out a sweeping
censure upon an act honourable and meritorious, simply because it was
liable to abuse. I, for one, am very decidedly of opinion, that a
testimonial fitly given and fairly earned is as honourable to human
nature as it is to the individual who received it (cheers). And what
is the feeling, gentlemen, which impels any number of men to present
such a gift to another man? It is nothing more or less than the homage
a number of men feel constrained to render to conspicuous merit in one
of their fellow-creatures. (Cheers) The inherent value, or, in other
words, the moral worth of such a testimonial is not to be weighed by
ounces, or to be estimated by the number of names appended to a
subscription list. Every day's experience will tell us that neither
the one mode nor the other will afford any just criterion to the
impartial mind of its just value. The only way that I know of arriving
at a satisfactory estimate of this kind, is to form a judgment of the
character of the man who received the testimonial, and the motives of
those who present it. And I am proud to say, that apply this test as
searchingly as you will to this testimonial when weighed in the balance
it will not be found...........................[missing] -
they may be pleased to consider a continuation of my best services as such. I trust that my children and my children's children for many
generations, by looking at these articles, and especially at the
inscription, will be prompted to pursue their several providential
paths with industry, integrity, and honour of the highest order.
Gentlemen, the lords and adventurers of Dolcoath Mine - I sincerely
thank you for this and every former act of your great kindness to me.
I have often thought, and said too, that no mine agent every had a more
comfortable situation than I have in this mine, and that no adventurers
of this mine have always treated me. I do not reckon the anxiety and
toil of past or present services any discomfort. The knowledge of my
services being approved of, and the success which has attended the
efforts made, more than compensate for all the labour and anxiety of
mind. I beg to take this opportunity of thanking every agent in the
mine for the valuable assistance given me in carrying on the various
operations on the mine, underground and at surface. We lay no claim to
perfection, but it is my decided judgment that it would be a difficult
matter to select a better staff for conducting every scientific and
practical operation in this mine than those the adventurers of this
mine have appointed as my assistance. (Cheers) My personal connection
with this mine began in March, 1806, when I was eleven and a half years
old, nearly fifty-one years ago. It is forty-two years since I was
appointed underground captain, managing captain thirteen years, and
just eleven years since you were please to place greater confidence in
me still, by entrusting me with the responsibility of purchasing all
the materials, subject to the approval of the committee, and of
receiving the ore bills and sending them to the bank when endorsed by
the committee. I have great pleasure on this interesting occasion to
be able to say that I have endeavoured to perform all my duties to the
best of my ability for the benefit of the adventurers as a whole; not
for the advantage of any one of the disadvantage of the others,
(cheers); losing sight of selfish and family interest in all my
transactions; feeling bound, from a sense of duty, to serve them who
pay me my wages. But for this consciousness of past faithfulness, and
present intention to be faithful to my trust, your magnificent present,
with all its pleasing accompaniments could not give me the satisfaction
I now enjoy.
It is well known to most of you that this mine was for a long period
rich in the production of copper ores. I have taken from the cost
books the amount credited for ores sold in twenty years, from the year
1803to 1822 inclusive, and find it to be GBP1,416,406. 17s. 1d.; nearly
one and a half millions in twenty years. The greatest amount sold in
one month was GBP14,119. 13s. 9d., and in one year GBP117,515. 0s. 9d.
The three previous preparatory years gave GBP80,614. The total amount
during the present working (I have not taken out the whole) must be
nearly if not fully three millions. The great master course of copper
ore on the main lode was taken away during a former working, which
closed in the year 1778 - I would guess that amount to be about two
millions, having no means of ascertaining the amount of sales twenty
years ago. In the estimation of most persons connected and unconnected
with the mine, it was in the deepest part so far exhausted as to render
it highly improbable that the produce would ever meet the cost of
working. The pumps were accordingly drawn up from the 210 to the 160
fathom level. About the same time the valley - the eastern part of the
mine, was crushed together and abandoned. All the marks of dissolution
were manifest; the mine was to linger on a few more years, then to die
a natural death. It is well known to some of you that this was not my
opinion of the bottom of the mine, and that shortly after you appointed
me the managing captain you gave authority to commence drawing up the
water, and to clear up the valley part of the mine. The bottom of the
sump was reached in the middle of the year 1849 - commenced sinking in
October in that year - sunk up to this day forty fathoms in seven years
and four months. The depth sunk in the sump, from the commencement in
1800 to 1849 was fifty-five fathoms in forty-nine years, on an average
somewhat less than seven feet per year, and that, with working the high
ground and side lodes gave employment to full 1000 persons, on an
average of the forty-nine years. The late sinking of the mine forty
fathoms deeper, and the driving of the 210, 220, and 242 fathoms
levels, lengths varying from 140 to fourteen fathoms - total on the
main lode 470 and on the north part eighty-eight fathoms, resulted in
the opening up a substantial tin mine not likely to be soon exhausted,
and will doubtless, if properly managed, give employment to large
numbers of people for a long period, adding to the wealth of the town
of Camborne as well as to that of the adventurers. Hoping that this
statement will be interesting to you, I again with all my heart thank
you. (Loud and prolonged cheering).
BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS - The Registrar General's report has
been issued for the quarter ending December 31st, 1856, with remarks on
the returns for the whole year. The report states that the returns of
births for the four quarters of the last year imply that in the
country, as well as in the metropolis, the health of the population of
England and Wales was better than it was in any of the previous ten
years. The effects of sanitary measures are becoming apparent,
although they are only partially carried out within limited areas. Out
of a thousand persons living, the fall of the annual deaths from the
average of twenty-three in the ten years 1846 to 1855, and from less
than twenty-three in the year 1855 to less than twenty-one in 1856, is
decisive. The births in 1856 exceed the average proportion. The
Christmas quarter of the year shows a decrease of deaths and an
increase of births. The marriages exhibit a considerable increase in
the summer quarter of 1856 on the returns on the summer of 1855.
INCREASE OF POPULATION - As 157,615 births and 96,521 deaths were
registered in the last quarter of 1856, the ascertained natural
increase of the population in three months was 61,094. In the same
period 39,063 emigrants sailed from the ports of the United Kingdom; of
whom it was ascertained that 16,962 were of English origin; and
allowing for a proportion of 4721 persons of unascertained origin, the
English emigrants may be set down at 10,211, the Scotch at 2406, the
Irish at 15,467, foreigners at 3240. It is novel to see that the
English emigrants exceed the Irish in number, and that for 5897 sailing
to the United States, a force of 13,198 embarked for the Australian
Colonies. As 657,704 births, and 321,369 deaths were registered in the
year 1856, the natural increase of population in England was 266,335.
The number of emigrants into England during the year is unknown; the
emigrants of English origin amounted to upwards of 70,585. The natural
increase of population in the United Kingdom was probably at the rate
of 1000 a day.
STATE OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH - The deaths of 95,521 persons were
registered in the last quarter of the year 1856; and the rate of
mortality in the three months was 20 per 1000 per annum. In the
districts comprising the chief towns in which nearly half the
population is living, the people died at the rate of 24, while in the
remaining districts comprising small towns and country parishes, the
death-rate was 17 to 1000. This shows in a strong light how much room
there is for improvement in our large towns; for it is well known that
many fatal agents which may be arrested are at work in the small towns
and country parishes. It is gratifying to find that the public mind is
not awakened to the importance of rendering the whole population
healthy; and that the salutary results of supplying the people with
pure water, of removing the dirt from under the dwellings, and of
bringing all the known appliances of hygiology into operation, through
the agency of a scientific body of medical health officers, are
becoming visible. 391,369 persons died in England and Wales during the
year 1856. About 324,000 died by diseases and accidents which are at
present almost inevitable. And 67,000 perished by causes which, if
they are skilfully attacked, may it is believed either be mitigated or
removed. Let us pause to consider for a moment what these five figures
mean. Each unit represents a life lost. Many had lived to the
ordinary limits of age; but thousands in the throng were children;
sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, wives, husbands, fathers, mothers,
who had not lived out half their days. These lives have been lost; but
happily forty-seven thousand men, women, and children of the same
classes are now living who would have been dead had the same rate of
mortality prevailed in the year 1856 as prevailed in the ten years
1846-55; and the loss of lives is 34,873 less than it was in the
previous year. A certain number of these lives have been saved by
sanitary measures.
CORNWALL - The deaths registered in the quarter ending December 31st,
1856, were 1744; in the same quarter of 1855, they were 1701. The
births registered in the December quarter of 1856 were 2979; in the
December quarter of 1855, 2664.
STANNARIES COURT - JENKIN v. LEE - Wheal Inney Consols. This was a
creditor's petition; but in consequence of the illness of a material
witness, and other circumstances, Mr. STOKES said it had been arranged
between himself and Mr. HOCKIN for defendant, that the case should be
referred to the Registrar, to ascertain the amount due from the
defendant to the plaintiff, if any; and whether or not the plaintiff
during the time of contracting the debt was an adventurer; and if so,
what amount of costs of the mine should be set off against his claim.
An order of the courts was made to that effect.
FISHER v. WILLINGALE and ANOTHER - Hawkmoor Mine. This was a
purser's petition, Willingale owing for costs GBP30. 5s., and DAVIDSON,
the other defendant, GBP41. 5s. No answer had been filed by
defendants. Mr. Roberts moved on the usual affidavits, and obtained a
decree for payment in seven days.
TODD v. DOWLING and OTHERS - Swanpool Mine. A purser's petition to
recover from defendants costs in arrear, viz. from DIONYSIUS DOWLING,
GBP30. 12s. 6d.; J. R. CHIDLEY, GBP203. 7s.; T. H. DOWLING, GBP15.
5s.; and J. R. POOLE, GBP61. 5s. Mr. HOCKIN said his Honor had granted
a decree for payment in ten days after service, on the 28th January.
Defendants resided in London, and on affidavits of constructive service
and non-payment, he moved for a rule absolute for sale of shares. Rule
absolute granted.
GOLDSWORTHY and OTHERS v. VIVIAN. East Rosewarne. This was a
creditors' petition against the mine for recovery of GBP70. Mr. PAULL
appeared for plaintiffs, and moved for a decree for payment. Mr.
STOKES, for defendant, said since the petition was filed, plaintiffs
had received GBP24. 12s. 4d. of the debt, and as there was some
difference between the parties as to the amount of the debt, he would
propose to Mr. Paull to take a decree by consent, subject to a
reference to the Registrar as to the amount due. This was agreed to,
and a decree for payment granted, subject to a reference to the
Registrar.
FISHER v. BISHOP and OTHERS - Calstock United Mines. A purser's
petition against Mr. CHARLES BISHOP, residing in London, for payment of
GBP42, costs in arrear. No answer had been filed, and on affidavits,
Mr. ROBERTS, for plaintiff, obtained a decree for payment in seven days.
TODD v. MOLINSON and OTHERS - Swanpool Mine. A purser's petition for
recovery of costs in arrear from ANN MOLINSON, GBP27. 5s.; E. J. TODD,
GBP6. 2s. 6d.; and D. W. DOWLING, GBP183. 15s. Defendants live out of
the Stannaries. A decree for payment in ten days had been obtained;
service had been effected, but payment not made, and on affidavits to
that effect, Mr. Hockin moved for a rule absolute for sale of
defendants' shares. Granted.
NORTON v. BEST and ANOTHER - East Caradon Mine. This was a purser's
petition against the executors of Mr. BENJAMIN BEST, who lives out of
the Stannaries. Constructive service of petition having been effected,
Mr. ROBERTS, for plaintiff, obtained an order of court to enter an
appearance for defendants.
KEY v. ALISON - East Friendship Consols. A creditor's petition for
recovery of upwards of GBP90. Mr. HOCKIN said his Honor granted an
injunction in November last to restrain the sale of machinery and
materials. The debt and costs had been paid, and he now moved, for
defendant, on affidavits of himself and defendant's London solicitor,
for a rule nisi to dissolve the injunction. Plaintiff's solicitor
would not consent to a rule absolute, because he had not received
instructions for that purpose. The Vice Warden, on hearing the
affidavits, said he would grant a rule absolute to dissolve the
injunction.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 - The Court proceeded this morning with the
hearing of small debt cases, of which there were thirty-six entered;
and the remaining entries were, one action at common law, twenty-one
equity causes, and eight motions. SOWDEN v. REDRUTH and CHACEWATER
RAILWAY COMPANY - This was a small debt case for recovery of 17s.
6d., the value of a rick of furze which plaintiff alleged had been
burnt down on his premises at Carnon Mill, in consequence of being set
on fire by a spark from a passing engine of the Redruth and Chacewater
Railway Company. The jury, at the last court, when the trial took
place, gave a verdict for the plaintiff; but Mr. TILLY, for defendants,
subsequently obtained a rule for a new trial, on the ground that the
jury had misunderstood the law of the case as laid down to them by the
Vice-Warden, and that they had given their verdict against the weight
of evidence. The new trial was fixed for these sittings; but to-day
Mr. STOKES, on behalf of Mr. Tilly, defendant's solicitor, applied to
have the case postponed, stating that Mr. Tilly had unfortunately met
with a serious accident, having on the previous morning been thrown
from his horse and dislocated his shoulder. It was therefore
impossible that he could attend during the present sittings of the
court. It was a case involving an important principle, and it was very
desirable that Mr. Tilly should be present on the part of the company
to conduct it. He (Mr. Stokes) was not in a situation to proceed with
the case inasmuch as he had only just received the brief. Mr. Hockin,
on the part of plaintiff, said he had every desire to accommodate Mr.
Tilly, so far as he was personally concerned, but he was obliged to
consult the interests of his client, and his client was strongly
opposed to the adjournment, inasmuch as he was put to expense by the
attendance of witnesses, for whose attendance, even if defendant paid
the costs of the day, the rules appertaining to small debt plaints
allowed but small remuneration. Mr. Stokes said he would undertake, on
the part of Mr. Tilly and his clients, to pay any fair and reasonable
compensation for the attendance of witnesses even beyond the small debt
scale, if that were required. After such further observations, the
Vice-Warden order the case to stand over till the next sittings; it
being arranged that if any difference arose between the parties as to
the costs to be paid for witnesses' attendance, the Registrar should
take the opinion of his Honor on the subject.
MOYLE v. STEPHENS - This was a small debt suit, by Capt. JOHN MOYLE,
of Gwennap, to recover damages from Mr. SAMPSON STEPHENS, of Penryn,
wine and spirit merchant, on account of a collision between defendant's
waggon and plaintiff's gig. Mr. TILLY was the attorney for plaintiff,
and Mr. STOKES for defendant. This case also was postponed, by consent
of the parties, until the next sittings, in consequence of Mr. Tilly's
accident.
20 february 1857, Friday
STEAM FROM LONDON TO MELBORNE DIRECT. PARCELS FOR AUSTRALIA - The
Australian Auxiliary Steam Clipper Company, limited, will dispatch
their first-class powerful Screw Steam-ship "King Philip," 2300 Tons,
CHARLES HENRY CARY, Commander, from London on the 25th, and Plymouth on
the 31st of March. Parties desirous of sending small parcels to their
friends in the Colonies will find this the best opportunity, as the
Company undertake the safe delivery of all packages to their Agents at
Melbourne. N.B.- This magnificent vessel has unrivalled accommodation
for all classes of passengers. Rates of Passage Money. After-Saloon,
from Fifty Guineas each; Second Cabin Passengers, from Sixteen to
Thirty-five Guineas each.
NOTICE - All persons indebted to the late Mr. ROBERT ALLEN, of
Falmouth, Brewer, deceased, are requested to pay their respective
accounts to Mrs. ANN ALLEN, or Mr. JOHN TRIGGS, at the Brewery,
Falmouth; to whom the particulars of all claims on the deceased should
be forwarded. Falmouth, February 11th, 1857.
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE - UNDER SHERIFF - The High Sheriff of Cornwall,
Sir HENRY ONSLOW, of Hengar, Bart., has appointed Mr. COPLESTONE
RADCLIFFE, solicitor, Plymouth, Under Sheriff for the ensuing year.
SECOND REGIMENT OF CORNWALL RIFLES - We understand that Sir J. S.
TRELAWNY, Bart. Resigned his commission in the second Regiment of
Cornwall Rifles, some weeks since.
COAST GUARD - Commander J. N. T. SAULEZ, R.N., has been removed from
the Gosport station and appointed to Falmouth, vice commander B. A.
WAKE, R.N., whose period of service has expired.
RECEIVER OF WRECKS - Mr. WILLIAM HENRY HOLMES, Collector of Customs
at Penzance, has been appointed by the Board of Trade (with the consent
of the Lords of the Treasury) receiver of wrecks for the Penzance
district, extending from Lizard Point westward, to the western-most
point of land on the south part of the Land's-end, and from thence
northward to the Brisons Rock, in the room of Mr. RICHARD PEARCE.
CHRISTMAS EXAMINATIONS - Mr. J. RICHARDS, lately pupil teacher in the
Redruth National School, at an examination before one of H.M.
Inspectors for Training Colleges, obtained a second-class certificate,
which entitles him during the ensuing year, to board and education,
free, at Culham Training Institution, as well as six pounds for his own
use.
COALS FOR THE POOR - Mr. H. HUSSEY VIVIAN, M.P., with his usual
liberality, has distributed to the poor of Truro, five hundred bushels
of coal of one cwt.
DEATH OF CAPTAIN GICHARD - This veteran officer, who was a native of
Cornwall, after severe and protracted suffering arising from wounds
received whilst in the service of his country, died on the 30th ultimo,
at Exeter, in the 73rd year of his age. He served with the 4th King's
Own at the capture of Copenhagen in 1807, on the expedition to Sweden
in 1808, and subsequently to Portugal under Sir JOHN MOORE, including
the advance into Spain, retreat to and battle of Corunna, expedition to
Walcheren in 1809, Peninsular campaigns of 1812, 1813 and 1814,
including the reduction of the forts at Salamanca, Battle of Salamanca,
capture of Madrid, siege Burgos, action at Villa Muriel, (slightly
wounded), battle of Vittoria siege and capture of San Sebastian, attack
upon the heights after crossing the Bidassoa, battles of Nivelle and
Nive, in which latter he was severely wounded in the left thigh by a
musket shot. He had received the war medal with six clasps.
REDRUTH COUNTY COURT - On the second day of these sittings, in a case
arising out of a public house score, his Honor declared his intention
to be to discourage the keepers of beer-shops from permitting
working-men to get into debt to an amount so manifestly beyond their
means of paying, and that in future he should order such scores to be
paid in instalments of sixpence per month, or some small amount of that
sort. In the case of a debt claimed by an itinerant vendor of drapery,
his Honor commented strongly on the system of worrying poor people into
taking goods which they were not able to pay for, and he desired
publicly to express his disapprobation of such a course, and his desire
to discourage it. The Judge was obliged to leave the court for about
half-an-hour in consequence of indisposition.
On his return, the case CHEGWIN v. J. NICHOLL having been called on,
the plaintiff asked for adjournment, on the ground that Mr. TILLY, who
was to have conducted his case, had been thrown from his horse and very
seriously hurt. Case adjourned, the costs to abide future decision.
In the case of TILLY v. TIPPET and others, the plaintiff claimed GBP13
money advanced, and goods supplied to the defendants while working in
Wheal Seton. The defendants had been unsuccessful tributers, and, in
consideration of their having been so, the purser had advanced them a
sum of money, on the receipt of which the men had left the mine and had
ever since refused either to pay the money or to work it up. Judgment
was given for the full amount, to be paid forthwith.
BODMIN COUNTY COURT - At the recent sittings of this court, we stated
that an action for recovery of GBP50, on a dishonoured bill of
exchange, had been brought by Mr. THOMAS SARGENT, of Liskeard, against
Capt. JOHN SEYMOUR, of Polscoe, near Lostwithiel. Capt. Seymour writes
us this week a long explanation of the matter, to show that he was not
the actual drawer of the bill, but that the debt was incurred through
some mining transactions between him and Mr. Sargent, and that he
(Capt. Seymour) is really not indebted. The verdict was for defendant
at the County Court, on the ground that the notice of dishonour was
insufficient.
EXETER DISTRICT COURT OF BANKRUPTCY - At the Court of Bankruptcy, on
Tuesday, the 10th instant, before Mr. Commissioner BERO, Mr. WILLIAM
NORTHEY, lime burner, of Lifton, was chosen assignee in the case of
WILLIAM BURT, builder, St. Stephens by Launceston.
PORT OF TRURO, ANCHORAGE DUES - At Devoran, on Friday last, Capt.
DAVIS, master of the "Secret," of Llanelly, refused to pay the
anchorage dues, which are 2s. on all over-sea vessels either British or
Foreign, and 6d. for all coasters. The "Secret" having come from
France was liable to pay 2s., but on the toll being demanded, the
captain tendered 6d., and refused to pay any more. Thereupon Mr.
PERCY, the lessee of the dues, got the water bailiff and a policeman to
distrain on the goods and chattels of the vessel. The bailiff boarded
in the usual manner with the silver oar as his authority, and commenced
taking an inventory when the captain paid the expenses amounting to
GBP2. 7s. 10d.
CHILD DROPPING - At Pool, on the evening of Sunday last, about nine
o'clock, as two persons named ANGOVE were passing through a garden
adjoining their house, they hear a noise in a privy near them like the
crying of a child. On getting a light and examining the place, they
found a fine newly-born female child partly dressed and part of the
body lying on an old piece of woollen, but the head was on the cold
stone. They took it up, had it nursed and dressed, and on Monday
morning took it to the workhouse. The inhuman mother has not yet been
discovered.
DESERTION OF A CHILD - We stated about a fortnight ago, that an
infant had been placed in the Truro union-house under the following
circumstances. A young woman who said her name was MARY JANE JORY
called with a married woman named BENNETTS, on the relieving officer,
Mr. RICKARD, at Truro, the young woman's statement being that she had
been on a visit to her sister at Penzance, and on returning to Truro by
the last train at night, a tall respectable-looking female who had a
child in the railway carriage, asked her when they arrived at the Truro
station to hold the child whilst she got out; that she did so, and the
woman made off, and left the child with her; that she took it into
Truro, wandered about the streets some time, and then met with Mrs.
Bennetts, of Calenick-street, who kindly gave her shelter for the
night. The young woman said she was the daughter of a carpenter named
Jory, living at Probus. The relieving officer had no reason to doubt
her statement, Mrs. Bennetts being present to confirm some part of it,
and consequently he made an order for the admission of the child to the
union-house. The relieving officer, however, sent the parties to Mr.
NASH, police superintendent, who took from the young woman a
description of the woman who had tricked her at the railway station, &c.
An account of the matter appeared in the West Briton, and was read by
Mr. Jory, of Probus, the carpenter, whose son came to the Truro Police
Station, and satisfactorily showed that none of his family were
concerned in the affair; and it now turns out that the whole was a
fabrication as to the name of the young woman and the trick at the
railway station. The poor-law guardians employed Mr. Nash to endeavour
to trace the parties concerned. He went to Probus and Grampound and
made inquiries, the result of which induced him next to go to the
neighbourhood of Chacewater and Blackwater, where he and
police-constable WOOLCOCK ascertained that there was a young woman of
the description given them, residing in that neighbourhood. Two
brothers' families of the name of BAWDEN lived in adjoining houses; one
brother was dead, and the house was occupied by his widow and family.
Whilst Mr. Nash was asking the widow some questions, her son went out
to a neighbouring house, and just afterwards, police-constable Woolcock
saw a young woman come out of the house and go into a field. He
followed, and found her concealed behind a hedge, and brought her into
the widow's (her mother's) house, where she admitted that she was the
mother of the child which was brought to Truro on the 29th of January,
and was then in the union-house; that it was her sister, SALLY BAWDEN,
who took the child to Truro, and that Mrs. Bennetts was a confederate
of hers, having been at her house previous to the confinement, and that
she received three shillings for her trouble in taking the child to the
union. It appears that Mrs. Bennetts, when the order was received from
the relieving officer, carried the child into the union-house, the
young woman (Sally Bawden) remaining out in the road. There was no
deception at the railway station, nor was the child brought to Truro on
the night the woman stated to the relieving officer, but the next
morning. On Monday last, the mother of the child, ELIZABETH BAWDEN,
was taken before Dr. CARLYON, county magistrate, at Truro, and
committed for two months to hard labour in the house of correction at
Bodmin. Mrs. Bennetts (who is the wife of a man that collects marine
stores, and sells earthenware from a donkey cart) was discharged from
custody. The surgeon states that the infant was only twenty-four hours
old when it was brought to Truro; on Saturday last, the child died in
the Union-house.
TRURO POLICE - On Thursday the 12th instant, before the Mayor, and
Mr. CHAPPEL and Mr. PADDON, magistrates, FRANCIS GRAY, beershop-keeper,
Kenwyn-street, was charged with having his house open for the sale of
beer and porter at a quarter past four on the morning of the 7th
instant. He pleaded guilty, and was fined 10s. and costs, it being the
second conviction.
EDWARD CLIFT and CHARLES PASCOE were fined 5s. and costs for being
drunk in Church-lane on Sunday forenoon the 8th instant.
On Monday, WILLIAM GOUGH and MARY ANN GOUGH, two travelling vagrants,
were committed for twenty-one days to hard labour, for begging and
annoying the inhabitants.
On Tuesday last MARY ALLEN, wife of JOSEPH ALLEN, living in Thomas's
Court, St. Clement-street, was charged with committing an aggravated
assault on a child about four years of age, left in her care by the
mother, who went to London a few months ago. The neighbours had often
heard the child bitterly crying, as if greatly ill-treated, and they
gave information to the police, and on Mr. NASH, police superintendent,
going to the house, and examining the child, whose name is MARY JANE
DAW, he found she was almost covered with marks and bruises from the
neck to the feet, and presented a most pitiable spectacle. Two of the
neighbours gave evidence before the magistrates, one of them stating
that she had seen Allen beating the child with a cane as she was lying
on the floor almost in a state of nudity. The woman stated the reason
of her beating the child, and said she did not think she had corrected
her more than was necessary. She was fined 2s. 6d., with 5s. 6d.
costs, or in default one month's imprisonment.
PENZANCE POLICE - On Tuesday last, ALICE JANE RUNNALLS, bar-maid in
the employ of Mr. BALL, of the Union Hotel, was charged before the
magistrates with stealing 13s. 6d., the property of her master. She
took the opportunity, whilst Mrs. Ball was absent from the bar, of
going to the desk, taking a key from a drawer in it, and then unlocking
the desk, from which she took the money and put it in her pocket. The
act was witnessed by a servant to Mr. F. BOASE, she being in the bar at
the time waiting to be served with ale. On going out of the bar she
informed "boots" of what she had seen, and Mr. and Mrs. Ball being made
acquainted with the act, the barmaid was questioned, and produced the
money from her pocket. Mrs. Ball had previously missed money from the
till. She was given into custody, and pleading guilty to the charge,
she was summarily convicted, and sentenced to three months'
imprisonment with lard labour.
FALMOUTH POLICE - At the Guildhall, on the 10th inst., before Mr.
CARNE, and Mr. BROAD, magistrates, JOHN STORER, innkeeper, was called
on to answer for harbouring women of bad character in his house. It
was stated that the persons complained of were in the tap-room, which
is under-let. The magistrates, however, decided that the case was
proved, and find defendant 40s. and expenses.
JOHN JACKETT, a marine store dealer, was summoned for not entering in
his book the goods bought by him, according to law. Mr. GENN watched
the case for defendant. Policeman PRATER stated that he went to
Jackett's stores on the 3rd of February, and inquired if he had bought
certain rope or junk. Jackett named some lots and said that was all he
had bought; but at last when the policeman asked if he had bought any
from a man named HAWKE, he said yes and pointed it out. Superintendent
JULYAN went to the captain of the ship "Columbus," who had lost a
quantity of rope, but he refused to prosecute or own any of it. On
defendant's book being examined, it was found to contain entries up to
the 30th, (Friday) but nothing for the Saturday, when the three cwt.
alluded to was bought. RICHARD HAWKE was then sworn, who stated that
he belonged to Truro, and that on the 31st ult. he sold to Jackett 3
cwt. 1 qr. And 4 lbs of junk, a small quantity of rags, and 3 lbs. of
brass, and for the whole he was paid GBP1. 7s 6d. The witness was
cross-examined by Mr. Genn, and said he saw no book or slate in the
store to enter the goods in; defendant put down what he was going to
pay for in chalk on a board, but with no name. He told the policeman
he had sold the junk to jacket, and that he kept no book as dealers did
at Truro. Mr. Genn addressed the bench, submitting that the charge had
not been proved, and that Hawke had informed to try to get the fine, or
a part of it. He then called the defendant, Jackett, who stated that
he had entered in his book his purchases up to the Friday, and that the
Saturday work was on a slate, and that he always kept his book at the
dwelling house, and sometimes entered in two or three days together.
The book was produced and he offered to get the slate. The magistrates
consulted together, and then said they considered the offence had been
proved, as the Act of Parliament clearly stated that the entries must
be in a book or books, and that to use a slate was not sufficient.
They hoped it would be a lesson to the defendant and to others to be
more particular; they should only fine him 10s. and the expenses; and
they said that in a port like Falmouth the dealers in marine stores
should be cautious with regard to purchasing of persons not known to
them.
The next charge was against WILLIAM NEWMAN, a beershop-keeper on the
Back Hill. Police constable PRATER went with a captain of a shop to
look for some seamen, and on searching Newman's rooms, he found in one
of them a sailor and a girl of bad character, who attempted to conceal
herself. Defendant was fined 20s. and costs, and received a caution
from the magistrates against allowing such characters to frequent his
house.
STANNARIES COURT - Tuesday, February 17. - NOELL v. WYNNE - Mr.
STOKES, on the question of costs in this case, said he understood the
court had decided that the costs of the issue were to be paid by both
parties. He referred to the circumstances under which the issue was
tried, and the verdict having been in favour of the plaintiff on that
issue, he asked the court to reconsider the point as to costs,
submitting that the costs of the issue should be allowed to plaintiff
as a set-off against the general costs of the case, which plaintiff
would have to pay, as the ultimate decision was against him. Mr.
ROBERTS having been heard on the other side, the Vice-Warden said he
would reconsider the case.
CHESTON and ANOTHER v. RICHARDS and ANOTHER - Clowance Wood Mine -
This was also a question as to costs. The decision of the case was in
favour of plaintiffs, as we have before reported, but the Vice Warden
reserved the question of costs for further consideration. Mr. ROBERTS,
for the plaintiffs, submitted that there was nothing in the case to
vary the general rule, that costs should follow the result. He
reviewed various points of the evidence, and contended that plaintiffs
were entitled to the costs of the suit as against the defendant
Richards, inasmuch as his conduct was the primary cause of all the
litigation that had taken place; and that defendant ST. AUBYN had also
incurred liability to costs, the facts as to the waiver of covenant,
and the general allegations of the petition, having been denied in his
answer, rendering it necessary that plaintiffs should be prepared with
evidence of those facts. The Vice-Warden said he considered there was
not the least personal imputation against Mr. St. Aubyn, who had acted
in the same manner as probably any other gentleman would have done
under the circumstances. When applied to on the subject of the
revocation, he wrote as proper a letter as possible, intimating that he
was acting under the advice of his agents. With regard to the agents,
he thought if Messrs. GRYLLS and HILL had known what afterwards came
out in court, they would not have granted the sett to defendant
Richards. He conceived that Messrs. Grylls and Hills had no personal
knowledge of the receipt of dues when they drew the deed of revocation;
if they had such knowledge, they would have drawn the revocation in a
different form. The dues, however, having been received by a person
authorised to receive them, Mr. St. Aubyn was subject to the legal
consequences.
Mr. HOCKIN addressed the court on the part of Mr. St. Aubyn, and having
reviewed the dates connected with the granting of the sett, he said the
position Messrs. Grylls and Hills at length found themselves in was
this. If Captain Richards's statement made to them was the correct
one, they were bound to grant him the sett, having previously given him
a written promise on the part of Mr. St. Aubyn, and sent him a draft of
the sett for approval. On the other hand, if Messrs. Grylls and Hill
believed Mr. CARDOZO's statement to be the correct one, they were bound
not to grant the sett to defendant Richards. They had information from
the toller that the sett had not been properly worked for the last
eighteen months, and they therefore reasonably concluded in favour of
Capt. Richards's representations. He agreed with Mr. Roberts that
defendant Richards was the original cause of the litigation, and he
submitted that Mr. St. Aubyn should not be required to pay the costs,
at least not exclusively. Mr. Stokes, on the part of Captain Thomas
Richards, contended that his client had acted in a perfectly bona fide
and straightforward manner, though he might have been a little more
prudent in sooner getting rid of his unpaid agency before he applied
for the sett. But he believed the old company were totally unable to
go on, and there was no moral imputation to be cast on his conduct. He
offered some of his old friends of the former company shares in the new
concern, and made a similar communication ultimately to Mr. Cardozo.
He (Mr. Stokes) was perfectly content to leave the question of costs in
the hands of his Honor. The Vice-Warden said he would give his
decision as to costs on as early a day as possible.
MARTYN v. BENNETT - Pentireglaze Mine. This was a creditor's
petition by Mr. Martyn, of Wadebridge, for recovery of GBP245. 8s. 5d.
due to him by the adventurers of this mine. Mr. HOCKIN moved for, and
Mr. ROBERTS, on the part of defendant consented to, a decree for
payment in a month. - Granted.
MILLETT and ANOTHER v. ANGOVE - Wheal Nelson, in Camborne parish.
Mr. HOCKIN said this was a creditor's petition for recovery of a debt
amounting to GBP704. 7s. A decree for payment was granted on the 8th
of January last, and on affidavits of personal service on defendant,
representing the adventurers, and non-payment of the debt, he moved for
a rule absolute for sale of machinery and materials. Rule absolute
granted.
On Wednesday the court again sat, when the only case for consideration
was that of RULE v. HANDCOCK, a small debt plaint, in which there had
been an irregularity in the service of the summons, a summons having
been served which had not been issued by the court. The Vice-Warden
called upon the attorney engaged for plaintiff, Mr. FORFAR, to explain
the matter; and in addition to an affidavit by the bailiff, Mr. Forfar
gave an explanation of the way in which the mistake occurred. The
Vice-Warden said the bailiff should also have been present to have been
interrogated. Under the circumstances he should set aside the judgment
which had been given in the case, and stay execution; the plaintiff
might again proceed if he thought proper.
PARISH OF HELLAND - Helland is in the Hundred of Trigg, and lies
about two miles and half from the town, and forming a portion of the
parliamentary borough of Bodmin, its post town. The living is a
rectory in the gift of the MOORSHEAD family of Lavethan. The tithes
are commuted at GBP212. 10s.; in 1294, they were valued at 40s. The
population in 1801 - 221, 1811 - 223, 1821 - 264, 1831 - 285, 1841 -
300, 1851 - 252. The church is a small and rather plain building,
dedicated to St. Helena the mother of Constantine, whence the name of
the parish. The tower is low and very much like a pigeon-house. It
contains but one bell, and there is no means of access to the top of
it. In the church windows are some remnants of painted glass and two
or three coats of arms. On the floor adjoining the chancel door is a
slate tomb, on which are the arms of Calwodley impaled with those of
Carminnow. In the centre is the effigy of a man, and around the border
was once an inscription now wholly defaced; the following portion of
it, however, has been preserved:- "You saints pray for the soule of
WILLIAM CALWODLEY, sonne and heire of ----CALWODLEY." On the tablets
affixed to the walls are the following inscriptions:- "To the memory of
ELIZABETH wife of JOHN HOOPER, of Penhargard, in this parish, who died
February 6th, 1839, in her 54th year. Although a long and severe
sufferer, she bore her affliction with patience and exemplary Christian
fortitude. As a wife few exceeded her in worth, and as a mother she
was tender and affectionate. This tablet is erected as the last
testimony of affection by her bereaved and sorrowing husband and
children."
Sacred to the memory of the Rev. FRANCIS JOHN HEXT, A.M., of Tredethy,
twenty-five years rector of this parish, who died at Bath, 27th
January, 1841, aged sixty-two years. Virtuous and upright he earnestly
endeavoured, with true Christian charity, to do good to all around him."
"Sacred to the memory of JAMES SANDYS, infant son of Captain G.B.
KEMPTHORNE, I.N., and CHARLOTTE LOUISA his wife, who died at Aden on
the 19th January, 1843, aged nine months. His affectionate parents, in
fond remembrance of his Heaven-loved innocence, erect this monument to
his memory in humble gratitude for the glorious assurance that, 'of
such is the kingdom of God.' "
The clergyman's residence has been rebuilt by the present rector, on a
new site, on a tasteful and commodious [p]lan,
The following list of rectors is from the Cornwall Register of the Rev.
Mr. WALLIS, an excellent and truthful book so far as it goes. 1662,
HELE; 1682, WAKEHAM; 1732, WILLIAMS; 1778, GILBERT; 1817, HEXT:
1842, the Rev. Mr. GLENCROSS, the present incumbent, to whose urbane
and gentlemanly kindness we gratefully bear testimony.
The principal villages in the parish are Bodwen and Helland Bridge, the
latter, a place of some little importance, as one of the stations of
the Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway. The manor of Helland once belonged
to the family of SERGEUX, in 1427 through a co-heiress to Sir JOHN
PASSELE, and in 1466, to OTO COLYN.
The manor of Penhargard, forfeited to the crown by the attainder of Sir
ROBERT TRESILLIAN, Chief Justice of the King's Bench, in the reign of
Richard II., was then granted to Sir HUMPHRY STAFFORD.
The barton of Penhargard was a seat of the OPIES, and in 1657 was sold
by THOMAS OPIE to THOMAS HOBLYN, whose grand-daughter carried it in
marriage to SAMUEL PETER, whose family sold it to Mr. JOHN HOOPER, the
present proprietor, by whose brother-in-law, Mr. NICHOLL, it is now
occupied and farmed. In a wood near the river Camel and adjoining the
estate is an earthwork, in good preservation, called Penhargard castle.
Boconnion, the pleasant and well-built residence of G. W. PYE, Esq.,
once belonged to Doctor ROBERT HEART. The estate as well as the
adjoining lands is carefully farmed by the proprietor, to whose frank
generosity and family of handsome daughters, we are bound to pay a
tribute of respect.
The barton Brodes or Broads, was formerly possessed by a family of that
name. Subsequent to the reign of James the first, it was the seat of
the GLYNNS. In 1711, ROBERT GLYNN, Esq., settled this barton, with
other property, on LUCY CLOBERRY, on his marriage with her. Their
issue was the celebrated and eccentric Dr. Glynn, who took the
additional name of CLOBERRY. He gave Broads on his death in 1800, to
the Rev. JOHN HENRY JACOB, of King's College, Cambridge, who sold it
the next year to Mr. T. HAWKEN, of whose representatives it was bought
by Mr. THOMAS LOWRY, the present proprietor and recent occupier.
At Clerkenwater is an old established woollen manufactory, now
belonging to Mr. JOHN HAWKE of Bodmin, under whose personal
superintendence the manufactory of blankets, blanketings and serges has
attained to a considerable degree of perfection.
Helland is an arable parish, and the lands are generally well
cultivated.
STANNARIES COURT - continued Friday, February 19. - TANNAHILL v.
MICHELL and HEARD - This was an action at common law, Mr. CHILCOTT
and Mr. PAULL appearing for the plaintiff; Mr. STOKES and Mr. HOCKIN
for the defendants. The plaintiff, Mr. JAMES TANNAHILL, is a
tea-dealer, &c., at Truro; and the defendants, Mr. EDWARD MICHELL and
Mr. EDWARD HEARD, were sued as members of and representing the Truro
Shipping Company, the action being in fact against that company. Mr.
PAULL opened the pleadings, which stated that plaintiff had caused to
be delivered to defendants certain goods, namely, three whole chests of
tea and six half chests, to be conveyed to Truro in defendants' ship
called the "Mary," and there to be delivered to plaintiff. That
defendants received the goods, but that although the vessel arrived at
Truro, and they delivered to plaintiff one whole chest and two half
chests, yet they did not deliver the remainder, though not prevented by
damages of the sea, the Queen's enemies, or the act of God. The value
of the two whole chests and four half-chests not delivered was GBP56.
16s. 2d., and including interest, and the inconvenience, annoyance, and
loss of profits, plaintiff had suffered, the damages claimed by the
declaration were laid at GBP100. Defendants pleaded, first, that they
were not guilty; secondly, that the contract was not as stated by
plaintiff; and on these please issue was joined. Mr. Chilcott then
stated the circumstances of the case, and cited from legal authorities
with reference to the responsibility of carriers for the safe delivery
of goods, contending that when goods were conveyed in a coasting vessel
such as the "Mary," from one port to another, it was the duty of those
who conveyed the goods, either to deliver them personally, on the
arrival of the vessel at the port, to the consignees; or to send notice
to the consignees, that they might come and take them from the vessel.
Neither of these obligations had been fulfilled by the Truro Shipping
Company, in regard to the plaintiff, who having lost his goods through
their negligence, now brought this action to recover compensation in
damages. The plaintiff, Mr. JAMES TANNAHILL, was then called, and
stated he had carried on business in Truro nearly twenty years, and
occasionally had had goods from London by the Truro Shipping Company's
vessels. In 1855, he purchased of Messrs. Peek of London, three chests
and six half-chests of tea. He paid them for the teas, which were then
put in bond. In January 1856 he paid the duty, and requested Messrs.
Peek to send him the teas. He received the clearing invoice from
Messrs. Peek; but had no notice subsequently from the Truro Shipping
Company, or their agent Mr. HITCHINS, that the teas had arrived. (Mr.
Chilcott said defendants had agreed to admit the teas were received on
board.) The "manifest" was here put in as evidence; it was headed as
follows:- "Manifest of goods shipped on board the "Mary," J. HENWOOD,
for Truro, from Topping's Wharf, London." In the Manifest there were
marked of tea packages, nine for J. Tannahill, six for J. Thomas, and
two for J. B. Thomas, all of Truro. Witness said, in the latter part
of February, he believed about the 29th, he received a portion of the
teas.
OSBORNE and another of the town porters brought to his house one chest
the first day and two half-chests the second. The town porters had
invariably brought the goods to him on previous occasions. (It was
explained that the town porters are licensed and sworn porters
appointed by the Truro Improvement Commissioners under a local act of
Parliament). When the porters brought the half-chests the second day,
they seemed to be waiting for payment, and plaintiff told them they had
more to bring. They said there was no more down there, the vessel was
discharged. He seemed a little puzzled, and they said, "O they will
come by the next vessel." It had happened before, that if witness had
not received all he expected by one vessel, the remainder had come by a
subsequent vessel. He allowed some time to elapse, and then made
inquiries, and found that two traders had since arrived, discharged,
and gone. He waited perhaps a month, but could not speak positively as
to the time. He went to the quay to see Mr. Hitchins, who was not
there. About a week after that - he believed it was not more than five
weeks after the arrival of the "Mary," he saw Mr. Hitchins, and told
him the teas he expected by the "Mary" had not been delivered, and he
understood two vessels had since arrived and discharged. Hitchins
replied, "you had all that was in the manifest for you." Witness
requested him to examine the manifest again, as he was sure there was
some mistake; he told him he ought to have had nine packages; the
invoice showed that; it did not state the ship, but said, "by first
vessel to Truro." Witness then wrote to Messrs. Peek to make
inquiries. Hitchins did not call upon witness. He called at
Hitchins's house, saw his daughter and left a message. About a week
after he met Hitchins's son who acts with his father for the Shipping
Company at the quay, and told him he had had a reply from Messrs. Peek,
who said the teas were sent down as invoiced. He desired him to make
inquiries about them, and showed him the invoice at his office. He did
not remember Hitchins calling upon him after that. On several
occasions after that, he saw Hitchins, and urged him to make an
immediate search about the matter. At one or two of those interviews,
Hitchins, again told witness he had had all that was on the manifest
for him; and witness then wrote to Peek's people, who said they had
been to the wharfinger, and he said the teas had been shipped in the
"Mary" on the 5th of February, and his advice was that witness should
hand in the amount of deficiency to Hitchins and sue him for it.
Witness always told Hitchins he was responsible, but being a neighbour
he did not wish to go to law about it. Hitchins never said anything to
imply he was not responsible, but thanked witness for his kindness and
forbearance. Witness went on to describe further interviews he had had
with Hitchins. On one occasion he told him he had received a small
note sent through Messrs. Peek from the wharfinger in London, stating
the teas shipped for Mr. J. THOMAS and Mr. J. B. THOMAS, and suggesting
that there might be some mistake. About a week after, Hitchins said he
had received a letter from the wharfinger, and he said, "I find your
teas must have been sent to JOSEPH THOMAS." Witness thought that was
in the early part of June. From that time he was frequently making
inquiries, as he lived near Hitchins and often saw him. When Hitchins
said he had had a letter from the wharfinger, he said, I will make
inquiry directly and call and let you know. He never called, but I met
him again, and he said Thomas has got your teas. I said I am very glad
you have found them; be so kind as to have them sent up at once, as I
am really in want of them. He said he would do so. Some time after
that, when I met him he said, he remembered that he said to Thomas's
man when he was putting them in the cart, "now remember your master has
more teas than are in the manifest for him, and see there is no trouble
about the paying for them." Witness supposed he meant paying the
carriage from London. When witness requested Hitchins to send up the
teas, he said "I will go and see about it at once." Witness waited
about a week, being called out of town on business in the meantime, and
then finding no teas were sent to him, and that Hitchins did not call,
he went to Joseph Thomas's to ask if Hitchins had been there. Mr.
Thomas said he had been there. I afterwards saw Hitchins and asked him
why the teas had not been sent up as he had promised. He replied
something about Mr. Thomas having more in bond than he expected, but I
did not understand his explanation. I said, I cannot remain quietly
under it any longer, I must take means for recovery. Hitchins said he
did not know what to say about it.
Before going to any lawyer, some of my friends advised me to see some
of the company. I went to Mr. PARKYN as being a shareholder, and he
referred me to Mr. EDWARD HEARD as taking an active interest in the
affairs of the company. I went to him, and he seemed quite surprised
that such a thing should have occurred so long back and the company
have never heard of it. He then requested me not to put it in the
hands of a lawyer at once, but to wait till the committee met, of which
he would give me notice, and I should make my statement to them. I
think it was a fortnight after that the meeting was held, sometime in
September. At that meeting I made the statement I have here. Hitchins
was present, and produced a book to the committee showing how more teas
had been delivered to Joseph Thomas then he ought to have had, and less
to myself. And they requested me not to move in the matter until they
should call another meeting, at which they would desire Thomas to be
present with Hitchins and myself. I consented to wait till the second
meeting; there I saw Hitchins again, and made my statement again. I
mentioned at both meetings that when I spoke to Hitchins about it
first, he said I had all that was in the manifest. He did not deny it;
he only disputed the time that had elapsed; he thought the time was
longer than I stated. They seemed to express some surprise that the
matter had not been brought before them before; they laid some degree
of blame to their agent. Thomas was present, and some rather
unpleasant expressions passed between Thomas and some members of the
committee.
The Vice-Warden - Did Thomas say he had received more than should come
to him? Witness - No, he never admitted that; he denied it at the
meeting. Some of the committee said something about it, and he said
they had better go and try it at Wells. (laughter.) After Mr. Thomas
had left the room and the chairman had left his seat, one of the
members rose and said, "Well, Mr. Tannahill, this is rather a serious
matter, and the sooner you look into it the better; of course you know
the company are not responsible after the goods are on the quay." I
said that is rather a new view of the subject after all we have been
talking about, and I declined to express any opinion upon it. This
gentleman said, "that is the opinion of the committee, and of course
you must go and endeavour to find your teas, I think it is pretty clear
where they are gone." Upon that I said, "Well, I give no opinion upon
that matter, it is not for me to go into that, but I know now the
course I will pursue is just what I ought to have done at first." This
was in the latter part of September I think. The value of the teas I
lost was GBP56. 16s. 2d. The want of the teas has been of considerable
inconvenience to me. I have had to replace them; I don't know at much
higher price, but not of such good quality. On Cross-Examination
witness said, during many years he had had goods by the company's
vessels, but not very often; they had always been brought to him by the
public porters, and without notice of the arrivals of the vessels. Two
of the small boxes he received from the "Mary" had his name "J.
Tannahill" on the cover; the cover of the third box was not lost.
Witness further said, after the committee meeting I went into Mr.
Joseph Thomas's warehouse. He had said in my hearing at the second
committee meeting, the teas were not brought to his warehouse that he
was aware of. I said, when Hitchins called, did you look into your
invoice and compare it with your stock? He said "no, I copied the
numbers of the chests in the invoice, and gave them to Hitchins,
without comparing with the stock." I said, "that is not a correct
test." I went to Thomas the next day and said, from what he had stated
at the meeting, he had not examined, and it was just possible he might
have not more than he ought. He said, no, he was sure he had not. I
said before the matter goes any further, we may as well go and examine
it ourselves. I said, you know your marks and can see in a moment if
you have any others. After that he went up into the stores, and I went
with him. I saw no chests there with my numbers. I saw one of the
same lot of teas, and said that is one of them; we looked at the number
and found it corresponded with his own invoice. (Mr. Chilcott
explained that when teas are imported from abroad, the authorities at
the Custom-house cut a number on each chest or box, which numbers are
noted in the invoice which merchants send to purchasers; but the ship's
manifest does not contain those numbers, but merely a list of the goods
sent and consignees' names.) Witness said, Mr. Thomas said something
in the store-room about his having one box over, but that was a matter
between him and his neighbour, Mr. J. B. Thomas. Witness admitted that
he might have said to Mr. Hitchins something about his own remissness,
but he never said anything to him about sharing the loss with the
company. At the close of the second committee meeting, after the
chairman had left the room, Mr. WILLIAM CLYMA made the statement
witness had mentioned, that the committee considered their
responsibility ceased with the landing on the quay. Hitchins told
witness the wharfinger in London had written to him that the chests
were addressed with the initial "I. T." and that the mistake might have
occurred in that way. (The reference here was to the initials being
the same, namely I. T. for James Tannahill and Joseph Thomas.) The
ships of the company arrive now about once a fortnight; he had known
them arrive only in five or six weeks; that was one reason why he left
the matter about five weeks before he spoke to Hitchins. Before this
occurred he was not aware the ships now made quicker passages; he had
never missed anything before.
Other witnesses were called in support of plaintiff's case. JOHN
ALDERSON, clerk to Messes. PEEK, addressed the tea packages sent by the
"Mary". SAMUEL HARVEY, collector of quay dues at Truro. WILLIAM
OSBORNE, one of the town porters at the time the "Mary" arrived.
(William Osborne, who is now town crier, the Vice-Warden said, gave his
evidence in a creditable manner.)WILLIAM ISAAC, in the employ of the
Truro Shipping Company.
This concluded plaintiff's case, and Mr. Stokes on the part of
defendants addressed the jury, first on the legal points of the case.
Mr. Chilcott had contended that the company must either deliver the
goods personally, or send notice to the consignees of the arrival of
the ship. But almost all the cases he had cited were applicable to
land carriers, not to carriage by sea. In the latter case, no notice
of arrival was necessary; the consignee was to look out for the arrival
of the vessel, and the law provided that he should have reasonable time
and opportunity for taking away the goods. Mr. Stokes also sought to
put in the "shipping note" as evidence, but this was objected to by Mr.
Chilcott, and after some discussion the Vice-Warden decided that it was
inadmissible, being only a contract between the wharfinger in London
and the shippers. Witnesses called were:
Mr. Thomas Hitchins, the agent of the Truro Shipping Company, was then
called and examined at considerable length. JAMES ANTHONY, one of the
licensed town porters said he and Osborne took two boxes of tea to Mr.
Tannahill's the first day; the addresses on them were in full. Mr.
PAUL QUICK had been a shipowner and shipmaster at the port of Truro
since 1808. Mr. RICHARD ANDREWS was shareholder in the shipping
company; also a porter merchant and maltster, and a considerable
importer; had been an importer about twenty-five years. Mr. SYLVNUS
JAMES had been a merchant at Truro thirty-eight years. Was not a
member of the Truro Shipping Company, or in any way interested. Had
imported much by the company's vessels, especially of late years.
The evidence concluded, Mr. Hockin summed up the case for defendants.
He said, in the absence of any written agreement or verbal arrangement
between the parties, the matter must stand on the usages of the trade
of the port; according to which, defendants' contract only extended to
the bringing of the goods to Truro; and the plaintiff's business was
either to take them from the ship's side, or from the town quay, by his
own servants, or by his own agents the town porters. Mr. Hitchins's
duty was discharged, the moment the goods were fairly placed before the
porters, and before the servants of the owners. By whose negligence or
default was it that Mr. Tannahill's goods were not properly selected?
It was the default of his agent in London, the Consignor, who had not
properly addressed them, and it was he who should be made liable, and
not the Shipping Company. On this ground he contended that the
negligence was not on the part of the company; and also on another
ground, Mr. Tannahill's own neglect to look after his property; his
failing to make inquiry of Mr. Hitchins for more than two months,
according to Hitchins's account; and his not bringing the matter before
the committee of the company for five months. He submitted that the
neglect was not with the defendants, and that the verdict ought to be
in their favour.
Mr. Chilcott replied on the whole case. He contended that the manifest
itself constituted a contract on the part of the company not only to
bring the goods to Truro, but to deliver them to plaintiff. The
witnesses for defendants had shown that when goods were left, notices
were sent to the owners. He remarked upon the evidence, and pointing
out the discrepancies between Mr. Hitchins's evidence and the
plaintiff's, and one or two of plaintiff's witnesses, he submitted that
the evidence for plaintiff was the more entitled to credit. Plaintiff
had not been guilty of negligence; the reason he waited five weeks
before he made inquiry, was because he expected the missing goods would
come by another vessel. Nor was there negligence on the part of the
Consignor. Even if Mr. Hitchins were correct and twenty-two packages
were marked by initials, the manifest would show him how many belonged
to each owner. The company had not complied with what they now set up
as the usage; for in different cases they gave notice to the owners of
the arrival of goods. And if, indeed, it could be shown they had been
negligent, their usages would go for nothing in law. Another aspect of
the case was, that there was nothing to show clearly that the whole of
plaintiff's goods had been brought to the town quay; the missing boxes
might have been lost at Malpas, or somewhere down the river where part
of the cargo was discharged. (Mr. Chilcott was here reminded that Mr.
Hitchins's evidence was that he had seen the whole on the quay which
were in the manifest; and the Vice-Warden said it was remarkable that
Mr. Joseph Thomas had not been called so say something about the
matter.) Mr. Chilcott said Mr. Hitchins might have been mistaken, as
he had evidently been in some other matters. He contended that the
negligence was clearly on the part of the company, through their agent;
and that the plaintiff was entitled to a fair compensation for his loss.
The jury retired from the court, and in eight minutes returned, and
gave a verdict for the plaintiff for GBP56. 16s. 2d. The trial excited
great interest, and the court was much crowded.
HILL v. ROUSE - Tavistock United Mines. This was a case in equity,
Mr. CHILCOTT for the plaintiff, and Mr. STOKES for the defendant. It
was an action by a carrier, who claimed five guineas from the mine,
partly the balance of a contract for carrying stones for an
engine-house, and partly for day work. The account had been going on a
long time. Plaintiff stated that GBP2. 11s. was due to him upon the
contract work; but the purser swore that he had left the money for the
plaintiff with Captain Rouse and the captain stated that he had paid
the plaintiff. As to the day-work, there was a dispute whether
plaintiff's horses had been employed a half or a whole day; and there
was another question of GBP2 for day-work in June last. Plaintiff said
it was for carrying tin-stuff, and he had no means of knowing the
number of tons he carried, but was obliged to depend for that on the
agents of the mine. They told him GBP1. 4s. was due to him, which he
understood was for the month of May, and that he ought to be paid also
for June. The agents produced their book, and said GBP1. 4s. was owing
for both May and June, and they had made it up to June, contrary to
their usual practice, because he then left off working for the mine.
The Vice-Warden said, as to the GBP1. 4s. plaintiff had acknowledged
that he must leave the amount to the agents; and on the balance for
contract work the evidence was so contradictory that he should not make
a decree; the claim was therefore dismissed.
PLYMOUTH - It will be seen by advertisement that the fine ship,
"Roslin Castle," is appointed to sail for Quebec in April. The
arrangements made last year for her spring voyage gave great
satisfaction, and she is still in the agency of the same gentleman, Mr.
JOSEPH SCALES[?]
CORONERS' INQUESTS - The following inquests have been held by Mr.
JOHN CARLYON, county coroner:- On Saturday last, at Goonearl, in the
parish of St. Agnes, on the body of JANE TRUAN, widow, aged 56 years,
who went to milk her cow in a cow-shed at the end of her house, on
Thursday evening; and, being a great deal longer than usual, a person
called DIANNA MERRIN, who resided under the same roof with her, lit a
candle and went out to see if anything had happened, and she found her
lying in an insensible state, near the cow. She immediately gave an
alarm, and the deceased was carried into her house; but she never
rallied, and died shortly afterwards. There were no marks of violence
on the body; and it did not appear that she had been struck by the cow.
Mr. MOYLE, surgeon, was op opinion that she died of ser[i]ous
apoplexy, and the jury returned a verdict to that effect.
On the same day, at the Exeter Inn, Richmond-hill, Truro, on the body
of JAMES PENNELL, a little boy, aged seven years, who was drowned by
falling into a well, in a field at the top of Richmond-hill, adjoining
the works of the Cornwall Railway. From the evidence of a little boy
called WILLIAM THOMAS, aged nine years, it appeared that on Saturday
afternoon the deceased and himself were in a field hoisting a kite.
Witness thought the tail of the kite was not heavy enough, and the
deceased volunteered to get a stick to tie on to it; and he went to the
hedge near the well to get one. Witness, seeing where he was going,
cautioned him to take care and not fall into the well; but presently
afterwards he fell in, and witness heard him calling for some one to
take him out. Witness then ran to his mother's house, near by, and
told her what had happened, and she and another woman proceeded to the
spot, and were met by a person called JOHN THOMAS JOHNS, who on hearing
what had happened, dropped a wheelbarrow which he had with him, and
went into the field. On examining the mouth of the well, he found it
was only covered over with some loose thorns; which made it more
dangerous than if it had been perfectly open. On looking down he saw
something like a cap floating on the water. Finding that he could not
do anything without getting a grapnel, he ran and got one from Mr.
JOSIAH RANDLE, and returned to the well with it. As soon as he had
fastened a rope to it, Mr. Randle himself arrived, and after a short
time drew the body up by hitching the grapnel in part of the clothes.
By this time the poor little boy had been in the water at least twenty
minutes, and life was extinct. The well was twenty-three or
twenty-four feet deep; and in winter it was full of water, but in
summer about four or five feet deep. The field in which it was sunk
was some years ago let out as an allotment field, and at that time the
well was securely covered over, and the parties having allotments used
the water for watering their crops. Subsequently to that time he field
was purchased by the Railway Company, and after it came into their
hands, the well being no longer used, the public had stripped off all
the collaring and wood-work about it, and it had remained open and
unprotected for the last three or four years. The jury returned a
verdict of "accidental death," and requested that the coroner would see
the railway authorities and make them acquainted with the dangerous
state of the well, and inform them that it was the jury's opinion that
means should be adopted to prevent the recurrence of any similar
accident. We understand that the coroner has acted on the suggestion
of the jury, and has received a promise from Mr. WHITLEY, the company's
surveyor, that proper means of guarding the mouth of the well shall be
immediately adopted.
On the 16th inst., in the parish of Crowan, on the body of JOHN JEWELL,
aged 28 years. The deceased was a miner, and worked at the 70-fathoms
level in West Wheal Frances mine, in the parish of Illogan. He was
there on Friday morning last, with his comrades, WILLIAM JEWELL and
JOHN ABRAHAM, and having charged a hole for blasting and set fire to
it, they left the spot and went up about eight fathoms to await the
result. In about an hour after they agreed to return to the level for
the purpose of ascertaining what effect the charge had had, and the
deceased having volunteered, was let down by his comrades by means of a
rope. He very soon called to them to wind up, which they did at once,
but after winding up three or four fathoms, they found that they had
lost the weight from the rope, and concluded therefore that the
deceased had fallen away. Jewell without any hesitation determined on
going down after him, and was let down in the same manner by the other
man Abraham; taking the precaution, however, of tying himself fast to
the rope. On reaching the bottom he succeeded in getting hold of the
deceased, and called to Abraham to wind up, which he at once proceeded
to do. Jewell soon became insensible and lost his hold of the
deceased, and remained unconscious for some minutes after he had been
hauled up. Several hours afterwards, when the smoke had escaped, a
labourer went down and sent up the body of the deceased. Verdict,
"accidentally suffocated."
On the following day, in the parish of St. Just in Penwith, on the
bodies of MICHAEL DAVEY, aged 37 years, and JOHN SEMMENS aged 41 years,
who were drowned at Boscean Mine in that parish on the 11th instant. A
great sensation had been produced in the neighbourhood by the
circulation of a rumour that there had been some neglect as well as
coercion on the part of the agents of the mine towards the deceased
men, who it was said had expressed their fears that the accomplishment
of the work would be fatal to them, and upon doing so had been
threatened with dismissal in case they refused to carry it out. It
appeared that in a part of the mine there was a great accumulation of
water which the agents were desirous of letting go for the more
effectual working of the mine, and for this purpose they had for many
days prior to that on which the fatal occurrence happened, been
preparing the ground for the insertion of a pipe or pipes to draw off
the water. On the day of the accident these two men were down engaged
in the preparation of the ground, accompanied by Captain JAMES TREZISE,
one of the principal agents whose object in going there was to inspect
the place; and after he had made his inspection he directed them to
secure what they had done (intending to leave the introduction of the
pipe till they returned to their work on the next occasion.) Captain
Trezise then returned from the spot to give the poor men the
opportunity of so securing what they had done, when almost instantly
the water broke away with great violence, and Capt. Trezise seeing it
coming, hastened towards a cross-cut for the preservation of his own
life; the water, however overtook him, and it was a miracle that he
escaped. It took several days to clear away the rubbish and water in
the level before the bodies could be got at, but on the 16th they were
found one lying on the other. Capt. Trezise deposed to the course they
pursued to let go the water, and that it was invariably practised in
mines, and though there could not but be danger in doing so, yet they
did not anticipate more than usual danger; and that on asking Davey on
the preceding Monday, whether he anticipated any danger, and whether he
was afraid, he said "No," and "he thought he should be able to do it
with safety." Capt. Trezise said that every attention was paid to the
security of the ground to prevent accident, and that both the deceased
persons were experienced miners, and well calculated for the work. He
denied that any coercion or threat of dismissal had been used towards
the deceased man or either of them, and a son of Semmens who worked
with his father was down at the time of the occurrence, corroborated
Capt. Trezise as to that part of the statement. The Jury (which was a
very intelligent one) being thoroughly satisfied that the misfortune
was the result of accident, returned a verdict of "accidental death."
27 FEBRUARY 1857, Friday
EXETER DISTRICT COURT OF BANKRUPTCY - Thursday, February 19. - Re:-
THOMAS HENRY TRIPNEY, woollen draper and grocer, of Perranporth,
Cornwall. This was a meeting for last examination. Mr. STOGDON
appeared for the bankrupt; Mr. PITTS for the creditors; and Mr. FORD
for the petitioning creditors. The balance sheet commenced on the 1st
of December, 1854, and concluded at the date of the petition, 7th of
February, 1857. On the debtor side are - debts owing, GBP1743. 2s.;
profits of business, GBP660. 1s. 10d. Total GBP2403. 3s. 10d. On the
creditors side are good debts, GBP577. 1s. 4d.; bad, GBP156. 19s. 6d.;
doubtful, GBP297. 11s. 2d. - GBP1031. 12s.; all other property, GBP613.
8s.; bad debts, GBP30; trade expenses, GBP499. 18s. 9d.; household
ditto, GBP226. 15s.; difference GBP1. 10s. 1d. Total, GBP2403. 3s.
10d. Among the principal creditors are - JOEL BLAMEY, Penryn, GBP74.
10s. 6d.; WILLIAM BELL, Penryn, GBP94. 17s.; B. W. HICKS, Penryn,
GBP54. 2s.; JAMES JENKIN, Redruth, GBP163. 13s. 5d.; SAMUEL MICHELL,
Perranporth, GBP49. 17s. 9d.; Miners Bank, Truro, GBP94. 6s. 6d.; and
JOHN REED ROWE, Penryn, GBP92. 5s. 7d.
It appears that the bankrupt had previous to his bankruptcy executed a
deed of assignment by which all the creditors, except the petitioning
creditor, agreed to take 4s. 6d. in the pound. The following creditor,
whose debt was GBP56, refused to be a party to the assignment, and a
fiat of bankruptcy was the result. A long argument now took place as
to the right of the creditors to prove under the bankruptcy. Mr. Pitts
contended that they were entitled to retain what they had received and
prove for the residue. Mr. Ford on the other hand, contended that
there was a marked distinction between a composition received and an
assignment for the benefit of the creditors. The latter was a fraud
against the third part, who did not consent to it, and that when
creditors retained pecuniary benefit under the deed, they were not
entitled to prove a release. He referred to cases in Deacon and
Chatty's Reports in support of his argument. Mr. Pitts said he had
taken counsel's opinion, which was to the effect, "That the payments
under the deed cannot be defeated by relation to the execution of the
deed as a prior act of bankruptcy; and even if not valid by virtue of
its provisions, they may be considered as part payment of just debts
made bona fide by the bankrupt, or by his authority. I am inclined to
think (continued the learned counsel) that this promise may be retained
according to the decision of Lord Eldon in ex parte Vere, 19 Vesey, 93,
that the sale of property on fair terms in pursuance of the intended
arrangement may be supported, and that the trustees are not bound to
pay into court the amount of the purchase money, distributed among the
creditors who signed the deed." The Commissioner expressed a hope that
Mr. Pitts would not quote counsel's opinions again when a case was
before him for judgment. It was not the way to address the court. Mr.
Pitts said it had been sent to him. The Commissioner - I shall not pay
the least attention to it. Mr. Ford having further addressed the court
on the point, the Commissioner referred to the case of exparte Hood, in
Deacon and Chitty's Reports, in which Sir G. Rose said, "The deed is in
fact nothing more than a collateral security. There are not only no
words of actual release contained in it, but there is not even a
covenant for release. I therefore think that we cannot prevent any of
the creditors, who are parties to it, from proving the balance
remaining due to them on their respective debts; that is, to the amount
of 15s. in the pound. The case of ex parte Vere is a complete
authority, that the creditors are entitled to retain the first payment,
and to prove under the commission for the residue of the original
debt." He (the Commissioner believed there was no substantial
distinction between the case he had cited and the one before him. His
decision therefore was that the creditors should prove for the residue
of the money due to them.
Mr. Pitts applied to have Mr. Blamey, a large creditor appointed
assignee; to which there was no objection, and that gentleman was
accordingly appointed. The Commissioner told Mr. Ford that he should
have no objection to draw a special case to present to the Lords'
Justices. Mr. Ford said he should be obliged to his Honor if he would
do so. The Bankrupt was then asked by Mr. Ford as to whom his
furniture belonged? He said he had given it up to the trustees, under
the deed of assignment; and it had been sold by auction. Mr. Ford -
What is the amount of your book debts? Bankrupt - I think between
GBP500 and GBP600. Mr. Pitts said the book debts amounted to GBP570.
Mr. Ford again put it to his Honor as to what the creditors would be
entitled to under the decision he had just given. The Commissioner
said they would prove for the whole amount of their debts, minus the
4s. 6d. in the pound. He added that he did not think this
administration equity between the parties, but is was the law. Mr.
Pitts referred to the proceedings of the petitioning creditor, who he
said had offered to compromise his debt if the bankrupt would pay GBP45
and costs. The bankrupt was then allowed to pass his last examination.
(Definitely gives Chatty and Chitty spellings!)
ECCLESIASTICAL - The Rev. JOHN MURRAY has been appointed to the
perpetual curacy of Marazion. The Rev. JOHN MOYSEY BARTLETT has been
appointed to the vicarage of St. Hilary; and the Rev. J. H. TUCKER to
the vicarage of Childs Wickenham, Gloucestershire.
APPOINTMENTS - Lieut. Colonel CORYTON has received his commission
appointing him Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant of the 1st Rifles
Regiment, in the place of HUGH HENWOOD, formerly of St. Veep, and for
many years past an extensive planter in Grenada, has been appointed
member of the executive and legislative councils of that island. Mr.
PHILIP GROSE, tide-waiter and boatman at Padstow, has been appointed
tide-surveyor, &c., at that port, the office of comptroller having been
abolished.
PRESENTATION OF COLONEL SCOBELL'S PORTRAIT - On Thursday the 19th
instant, the Guardians of the Penzance Union presented to the parishes
of that union a portrait of their chairman, Colonel Scobell. Some
other kind of testimonial had been contemplated, but the wishes of
Colonel Scobell on the subject having been ascertained, it was resolved
to have a portrait of him painted by Mr. PENTREATH, and hung in the
Board-room. Colonel Scobell, as a magistrate, an agriculturist, and a
poor law guardian has devoted his time and talents to his duties for
half a century in this neighbourhood; and a very cordial feeling was
manifested in favour of the testimonial as soon as it was proposed to
be given. Thursday the 19th instant, was fixed on for the
inauguration, and the guardians from the various parishes, together
with some other friends of Colonel Scobell, assembled in the
Board-room. Mr. R. PEARCE commenced the proceedings, and in an
appropriate address, stated that they had all long entertained a high
opinion of the extraordinary and excellent services rendered to the
district at large, and especially to its poorer classes, by their
esteemed friend, Colonel Scobell. They were guardians selected to
represent the interests of nineteen parishes, and were met, not to
present their chairman's portrait to themselves, or to future
guardians, but to the public at large, in the expectation and hope that
it might be a lasting record of his services and their gratitude, and a
stimulus to succeeding chairmen. (Cheers) The portrait was to be
presented to upwards of 50,000 people, the population of that union,
over whom, in his capacity as Chairman of the Board of Guardians, their
friend had presided for the last twenty years. The portrait was then
uncovered, it being an admirable likeness, life-size and half length,
representing Colonel Scobell sitting in the carved oak chair of the
Board-room, the poor-law book on the desk before him, and a pen in his
hand. The frame is massive, in the antique style, and from the bottom
of it Mr. Pearce read the following inscription:- "John Scobell, of
Nancealverne, Esquire, Chairman of the Penzance Union, a tribute of
respect from the Guardians over whom he has presided since the
formation of the Union in 1837, a period of twenty years." The picture
was much admired, and Mr. T. S. BOLITHO, amongst other remarks, stated
that they had offered their worthy chairman this tribute of respect,
not only on account of his presidency in that room, but for the respect
and regard they had for him in his individual and private character.
(Cheers) Colonel Scobell returned thanks with much emotion, and said
he felt deep gratitude for the kindness they had shown, not only to
himself, but to his family, on this occasion. He had found the
greatest pleasure in attending that board, and meeting his brother
farmers and other gentlemen on public business. He had been carrying
on the little social duties connected with society in that
neighbourhood for more than half a century; he had worked hard at the
new poor laws, and, seeing their great advantage as compared with the
old, he felt flattered at being connected in any way with them. In the
days when parish vestries were in action, there were great
inconveniences and difficulties attendant on the carrying out of the
poor law at all. If he lived out this month, he should commence his
seventy-eighth year, and he could look back and say, that there was a
great change and improvement in that neighbourhood and in society in
many ways, as compared with former times. After speaking further on
this topic, he thanked Mr. Pentreath for having produced so excellent a
portrait of him, and again expressed his deep gratitude to the
guardians for their kind feeling towards him. (Cheers) Mr. S. BORLASE
said he could bear testimony to the kindness for a period of thirty
years of his near neighbour Co. Scobell, to his invaluable private
friendship and public benefactions. Not a farmer in the neighbourhood
but had enjoyed his example and been offered the fruits of his
experience; he had brought down improved agricultural implements long
ago; and for these services as well as for the immense trouble he had
taken in looking after this Union from the first, and the great
perseverance with which he had discharged his duties in every respect,
the present proceedings were but a trivial acknowledgement. (Cheers)
We should add that in connection with these proceedings, 139 inmates of
the union-house were feasted with beef and plum pudding; and at
half-past two a dinner took place at the Union Hotel, at which
twenty-five guardians and others attended, and the chair was taken by
Mr. R. Pearce, with Colonel Scobell on his right, and Mr. H. PASCOE, of
Treganhoe, on his left. Mr. BALL supplied an excellent dinner, and a
variety of toasts were drunk afterwards, and suitably responded to, and
the afternoon was spent in the most agreeable manner.
RECEIVER OF WRECK - The Lords of the Committee of Privy Council for
Trade have, with the sanction of the Honourable the Commissioners of
Customs, appointed Mr. RICHARD HOLDEN, principal coast officer of
Charlestown, to be deputy receiver of Droits of Admiralty for the
district extending from the Black Head to Polkerris.
CAMBORNE PETTY SESSIONS - On Tuesday last a lad about thirteen years
of age, named EDWIN GLANVILL, of Camborne, was summoned before the
bench for stealing 2lbs. of candles from North Roskear mine, the
property of PHILIP MARTIN and others. The case was proved, and he was
committed to Bodmin gaol for two months, and to be once privately
whipped.
COLT SHOEING - Mr. JEWELL, of Tuckingmill, near Camborne, who has
lately returned from Australia, purchased a fine colt, three years old,
from Tehidy park, and on Friday last took it to a smithy at Tuckingmill
to be shod. Two smiths attempted to do so four times, but could not
succeed, and they then proposed to throw the colt, which is a
remarkably handsome one, but to that Mr. Jewell would not consent; and
on Saturday he took the colt to Mr. THOMAS HOLMAN's shop, at Camborne,
without mentioning to him the occurrence on Friday at Tuckingmill. Mr.
Holman suited the shoes and put all right in fifteen minutes, with
apparently the greatest ease and comfort. Our correspondent adds that
Mr. Jewell, who is considered a competent judge, says he never saw a
more complete master of this work than Mr. Holman.
TRURO POLICE - On Saturday last, before Mr. NANKIVELL, magistrate,
JAMES BROWN, a travelling vagrant, of Cumberland, was convicted of
begging in the streets, shops, &c. Being an old offender, he was
committed to the house of correction for twenty-one days.
On Monday, before the Mayor, Captain KEMPE, Mr. CHAPPEL, and Mr.
PADDON, magistrates, WILLIAM SANDO was charged with fighting in
Lemon-street on Saturday night at ten o'clock, to the annoyance of the
inhabitants. He was fined 5s. and expenses.
On Wednesday, before the Mayor, Mr. PADDON and Mr. CHAPPEL,
magistrates, SAMUEL THOMAS was charged with being drunk and breaking
open the street door of the house of Mr. W. H. TUCKER, blacksmith,
Calenick-street. It appeared that about twelve o'clock on Tuesday
night, Thomas and another man were in a small court leading back from
Calenick-street, and Thomas was kicking at the doors, and he kicked in
a panel of Tucker's door. Tucker jumped out of bed and ran down stairs
in his shirt to see what damage was done, upon which Thomas seized him
by his hair and pulled out a quantity. They then closed with each
other, and fell down, and Tucker's shirt was destroyed. The neighbours
came and called for the police, and police-constable GAY came up and
took Thomas into custody. Tucker did not press the charge for wilful
damage; but Thomas was ordered to pay for the panel of the door and the
shirt, amounting to 6s., and was fined 5s. and costs on the policeman's
charge for being drunk.
UNLAWFUL DETENTION OF PROPERTY - On Monday last, at Penzance, before
the Mayor (Mr. COULSON,) Mr. BOASE, Mr. BORLASE, and Mr. BATTEN,
magistrates, RICHARD GRENFELL of St. Just, carrier, was charged with
stealing three ten pound notes and other property, belonging to WILLIAM
CARNE CORIN, of Gulval, farmer. It appeared that on Thursday, Mr.
Corin came to market and about one o'clock sold a horse for GBP31,
payment for which was made by three GBP10 notes on the Hereford, Ross,
and Archenfield bank, and a sovereign in gold. This money was
deposited in a chamois leather bag, in which two sovereigns and a half
in gold, some loose silver, and a massive ring of Australia gold (with
"W. C. Corin" plainly engraved on it) had been previously placed. Mr.
Corin went to the Mount's Bay and Penzance Banks, but they declined
cashing the notes. Having potatoes in the potatoe market he went there
about four o'clock, and after a short time entered an adjoining
beer-shop with WILLIAM ROWE, of Hea Moor. They drank a pint of beer in
a room in which several carriers were sitting, and called for a second
ping. On the point of paying for his beer Mr. Corin put his hand into
his left hand trousers pocket and found his money gone. He at once
described the property he had lost and informed all present of it.
Having made a slight search he proceeded to Mr. CARNE's bank, but found
he had not lost it there. He then informed the police and the town
crier of the loss, and the latter "cried" a reward of GBP5. A person
who sat at his right hand in the beer-shop left the room before he
discovered his loss, but he could not say who that man was. The loss
of his property occasioned a good deal of talk in the town, but nothing
was heard of the matter until Saturday, when a little girl came to
Messrs. BOLITHOS' bank to change a GBP10 note. Mr. COURTENAY
immediately saw it was a Hereford note, and informed the police of the
circumstance. Mr. Courtenay and Inspector OLDS having ascertained
where the girl came from, proceeded to Mrs. WHITE's, milliner, Market
Jew-street, and found that a Mrs. Grenfell, of St. Just, had made a
slight purchase there and had tendered a GBP10 note on the Hereford
bank. She had two other notes in her possession, and Inspector Olds
accompanied her to her house at ~St. Just, and she handed him the
missing bag, three sovereigns and half sovereign in gold, six shillings
and sixpence in silver, and the ring. The third note had been received
from Mr. Courtenay. On their return to Penzance, Inspector Olds told
Grenfell what he had received from his wife, and he remarked that he
had given the purse and contents to her, and that he had found them on
Thursday under a table at Mr. PADDY's beer-shop. Evidence was given
before the magistrates which they considered justified them in
committing Grenfell for trial at the next quarter sessions. He was
admitted to bail.
CHARGE OF CUTTING AND WOUNDING - On Monday last, before the
magistrates at Truro, MARY ANN DREW, of Probus, was charged with
stabbing and wounding JOHN CAVILL and CATHERINE COCK. It appeared that
Cavill and the woman Drew had lived together for some time in
Kenwyn-street; but on account of her violent and passionate temper,
they at length separated. On Sunday evening last, Cavill was in
Catherine Cock's house on Chappel-hill, adjoining the house where Mary
Ann Drew was then living. Cavill was sitting before the fire, when
suddenly Drew came in, and without saying a word, stabbed him under the
eye with a pair of scissors, inflicting a deep wound, which bled
profusely. Catherine Cock got up and endeavoured to prevent Drew from
repeating the blow, upon which the latter stabbed Cock with the
scissors on the top of her forehead. A man called MENHENNET, who lived
in the house, was upstairs, and hearing a disturbance below, and an
outcry from Cock, he ran down, and seized Drew, who resisted violently,
and got out of the house before he could take the scissors from her.
In a few minutes, police constable GAY arrived, and drew was taken into
custody. She was committed to the assizes for stabbing and wounding
Cavill and Cock, with intent to do them grievous bodily harm.
ACCIDENTS - At Callington, on the 18th inst., a little boy about
three years old, son of J. FOX, miner, whilst playing in front of the
fire place, accidentally touched the teakettle which was boiling on the
fire, and the contents were spilled over the lower parts of the child's
body. The child is much burnt, and its recovery appears to be doubtful.
At Gonamena Mine on the 20th inst., as THOMAS FLOWERS, one of the
enginemen was doing something to the engine, a handle belonging to
another part of the engine struck him behind the ear and squeezed it
off, with the exception of a narrow piece of skin. The surgeon of the
mine was soon in attendance, and stitched it up, but a very fain hope
of saving it.
As Mr. MUDGE, tanner, of Bodmin, was returning from his usual ride on
the evening of Wednesday the 18th instant, the horse, from some unknown
cause, took fright near the railway terminus, and dashing against the
corner of the Railway Inn, the unfortunate gentleman was thrown out
with great violence, his thigh broken in two or three places, and he
was otherwise considerably injured. On Monday he was still in rather a
precarious state, though it is hoped that under the skilful treatment
of Mr. J. MUDGE, surgeon, his son, he will soon begin to amend.
On the 20th instant, as Mr. WILLIAM EVA was with a carriage and pair at
the Basset Arms, one mile from Falmouth, just as he was going to mount,
the horses started off, and first came in contact with the turnpike
gate, when the carriage which was a valuable one was knocked off. The
horses continued for some time till they got near Boyers Cellars, when
one of them got his leg broken, and was obliged to be killed. Mr. Eva
escaped with some severe bruises.
HUNTING - We are authorised to state that Mr. GEORGE WILLIAMS, of
Trevince, has no connexion whatever with what are called the Porkellis
Hounds, and we are strongly inclined to believe that the proper
description of these dogs should be harriers. The right to hunt the
Porkellis country has been granted by the landowners to Mr. WILLIAM
WILLIAMS, as the Master, and for the Members of the F.B.H., who will
take the country as they have hitherto done. Any other persons,
therefore, hunting with fox hounds in that district, must be considered
as trespassers.
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