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The Golden Falcon

Chapter XX/3 - Noon

1. Walter Henry Trinnell Winter was entitled to:

 

(a) nine undivided one thousand two hundred and eightieth share of the said Pillagoda Estate to which he became entitled as one of the heirs of his father George Walter Winter.

 

(b) to nine undivided twenty thousand four hundred and eightieth share of the said estate to which he became entitled as heir of Sarah Anne Deslandes.

 

(c) to nine undivided two hundred and eighty six thousand seven hundred and twentieth share to which he became entitled as one of the heirs of Henry Frank Winter.

 

(d) to seven thousand five hundred and thirteen undivided two hundred and forty five thousand seven hundred and sixtieth share under Deed No. 724 dated 22.7.1907 amounting in aggregate to sixty five thousand four hundred and ninety seven undivided one million seven hundred and twenty thousand three hundred and twentieth share of Pillagoda estate.

 

2. Each of them, Harriett Ethel Rochford Shortland and Alice Beatrice Deslandes Winter being entitled to

 

(a) nine undivided one thousand two hundred and eightieth share of Pillagoda estate as heirs of their father George Walter Winter.

 

(b) to nine undivided twenty thousand four hundred and eightieth share as heirs of Sarah Ann Deslandes.

 

(c) to nine undivided two hundred and eighty six thousand seven hundred and twenty shares to which they became entitled as heirs of Henry Frank Winter.

 

(d) to seven thousand five hundred and sixtieth share to which they became entitled under Deed No. 724 dated 22.7.1907.

 

(e) to sixty five thousand four hundred and ninety seven undivided three million four hundred and forty thousand six hundred and fortieth share under Deed No. 7709 dated 30.9.1907 amounting in aggregate to sixty five thousand four hundred and ninety seven undivided one million one hundred and forty six thousand eight hundred and eightieth share of Pillagoda estate.

 

3. Annie Hopfengartner was entitled to:

 

(a) nine undivided one hundred and sixtieth share under Deed No. 589 dated 22.9.1906 and No. 970 dated 15.7.1908 attested by W. A. S. de Vos of Colombo, Notary Public.

 

(b) to nine undivided hundred and fortieth share as heir of her mother Amelia Hopfengartner.

 

(c) to nine undivided ten thousand two hundred and fortieth share as one of the heirs of Sarah Ann Deslandes.

 

(d) to nine undivided one hundred and sixtieth share as one of the heirs of Henry Frank Winter amounting in aggregate to two thousand and seventy share of Pillagoda Estate.

 

4. Caroline Harriett Bowman and Lydia Margaret Bowman were entitled to:

 

(a) nine undivided six hundred and fortieth share under the Will of their mother Lydia Septima Bowman.

 

(b) to nine undivided twenty thousand four hundred and sixtieth share as heirs of Sarah Anne Deslandes.

 

(c) to nine undivided two hundred and eighty six thousand seven hundred and twentieth share as heirs of Henry Frank Winter, amounting in aggregate to four thousand one hundred and sixty seven and twentieth share of Pillagoda Valley estate.

 

5. Edward Deslandes Bowman was entitled to:

 

(a) nine undivided six hundred and fortieth share under the Will of his mother Lydia Septima Bowman.

 

(b) to nine undivided twenty thousand four hundred and eightieth share as heir to Sarah Ann Deslandes.

 

(c) to nine undivided share as heir of Henry Frank Winter.

 

(d) to nine undivided one hundred and sixtieth share by Deed No. 557 dated 27.1.1905 attested by D. G. Gunawardne of Galle, Notary Public.

 

(e) to one sixth of one thousand one hundred and fifty seven undivided ten thousand and forty eight share under the Will of Sarah Winter his grandmother amounting in aggregate to twenty eight thousand three hundred and seventy five undivided one hundred and seventy two thousand and thirty second five undivided one hundred and seventy two thousand and thirty second share of Pillagoda.

 

6. Evelyn Gertrude Bowman, Charles Henry Winter, Sarah Cresse Chesshyre, William Sextus Daly Winter and Edmund Winter each entitled to:

 

(a) nine undivided thirty three thousand and eight hundred and fortieth share as heirs of Sarah Ann Deslandes.

 

(b) to nine undivided five thousand and one thousand seven hundred and sixtieth share as heirs of Henry Frank Winter amounting in aggregate to twenty seven undivided one hundred thousand three hundred and fifty second share of Pillagoda Estate.

 

7. Robert Charles Elphinestone Underwood, William Elphinestone Underwood, Arthur Cresse Underwood and Sarah Jessie Eyre each entitled to:

 

(a) thirteen thousand two hundred and forty nine undivided two hundred and fifteen thousand and forty share under Deed.

 

8. Percy Gibson Deslandes Winter, Charles Bertram Winter and Hilda Beatrice Winter, each entitled to:

 

(a) nine undivided fifteen thousand three hundred and sixtieth share as heirs of Sarah Ann Deslandes.

 

(b) to nine undivided two hundred and fifteen thousand and fortieth share as heirs of Henry Frank Winter amounting in aggregate to nine undivided fourteen thousand three hundred and thirty sixth share of Pillagoda Estate.

 

9. Alfred William Winter entitled to:

 

(a) nine undivided thirty five thousand eight hundred and fortieth share as heir of Sarah Ann Deslandes.

 

(b) to nine undivided five hundred and one thousand seven hundred and sixtieth share as heir of Henry Frank Winter.

 

(c) to nine undivided one hundred and sixtieth share and one sixth of one thousand one hundred and five seven undivided two thousand and forty eighth share under the Will of his aunt Susannah Caroline Bushby amounting in aggregate to three hundred and seventy one thousand three hundred and seventy seven undivided one million five hundred and five thousand two hundred and eightieth share of Pillagoda Estate.   370377/1505280.

 

All the shares of Walter Henry Trinnell Winter, Alice Beatrice Deslandes Winter, Harriett Ethel Rochford Shortland, Annie Hopfengartner, Caroline Harriett Bowman, Edward Deslandes Bowman, Charles Henry Winter, Lydia Margaret Bowman, Evelyn Gertrude Bowman, Sarah Cresse Chesshyre, William Sextus Daly Winter, Edmund Winter, Robert Charles Elphinestone Underwood, William Elphinestone Underwood, Arthur Cresse Underwood, Sarah Jessie Eyre, Percy Gibson Deslandes Winter, Charles Bertram Lee Winter and Hilda Beatrice Winter amounted in aggregate to eight hundred and three thousand four hundred and ninety one undivided one million two hundred and four thousand two hundred and twenty four share in Pillagoda estate.  8093491.12044224,

 

All the shares of Walter Henry Trinnell Winter and others named above were sold to Alfred William Winter for twelve thousand eight hundred and sixty rupees and eighty cents in Pillagoda estate comprising Malapalawatta, Pillagodakande, Pillagodawewa and Thimbillakande situated in Pillagoda in the Gangaboda Pattu of Galle District, Southern Province of Ceylon.  (Rs. 2, 860.80).

 

The estate known and called Pillagoda comprised those four contiguous lands called Malapalawatta and Pillagodakande depicted in Plan No 80 containing in extent two hundred acres and thirty one eighty seven one hundredth perches more or less, Pillagodawewa depicted in Title Plan No. 45307 containing in extent forty two acres and two eighty three one hundred perches more or less, Thimbillakande depicted in Plan No. 73 containing in extent seventy eight acres three roods and twenty-nine two one hundredth perches more or less which four lands are bounded on the north by Thimbille Adderodday, Angurutota Walusawa Bakmeegasketiya, Attey Cumburu, Damane Cumbure, Polattegederawatta Gangabawatte, Gandada Kumburu Kandewatte, Polattegederawatta, Gangabawatte, Gandada Kumburu kandewatte, Batadombagasdesa, Loonoowagura, Owitagedarawatte, Medegederawatte, Galanewatte, Beliketiyewatta and old foot path, on the east by Gahalakoladenbiya Dolalookande Dolla foot path to Lelwela Nidandola and Gammeddegodawatte on the south by Barawa Janchige Weilla Wakakapitiya Kande, on the west by the other portion of Thimbillakandwatte, Kumburu Casy Lebbege Waturawa, Kumburu Kodituwakku Ararchige Waturawa alias Galapanawala Waloorawa Welakoludwa and Keekulegewaturawa.

 

I, William Arnold Speldewinde de Vos of Colombo in the Island of Ceylon, Notary Public, do hereby certify and attest that the foregoing instrument having been duly read over and explained by me, the said Notary to the within-named Evelyn Gertrude Bowman, Caroline Winter and Edmund Winter and Caroline Harriett Bowman, William Sextus Winter and Edmund Winter and having been read over by the within-named Edward Deslandes Bowman in the presence of the subscribing witnesses James Arthur Schokman of Temple Road, Colombo and Evelyn Claude de Kretser of Campbell Place, Colombo, all of whom are known to me. the same was signed by the said Evelyn Gertrude Bowman, (as Gertrude Bowman), Caroline Harriett Bowman, William Sextus Daly Winter, Edmund Winter and by the said Edward Bowman as his own act and deed and as the act and deed and in the names of the within-named (1) Walter Henry Trinnell Winter, Alice Beatrice Deslandes Winter, Harriett Ethel Rochford Shortland, Talbot Shortland, Lydia Margaret Bowman, Charles Henry Winter, Arthur Cresse Underwood, Sarah Jessie Eyre, Paul Daniel Eyre, Percy Gibson Deslandes Winter, Charles Bertram Winter and Hilda Beatrice Winter being authorised thereto by a Power of Attorney dated 19th and 29th October 21907 and 1st, 5th, 8th, 19th 21st and 26th October 1909.

 

(2) Sarah Cresse Chesshyre and Charles Newton Chesshyre being authorised thereto by a Power of Attorney dated 23.10.1906 (3) William Elphinstone Underwood being authorised thereto by a Power of Attorney dated 30.9.1906 and (4) Robert Charles Elphinestone Underwood being authorised thereto by a Power of Attorney dated 30.11.1909 and also by the said witnesses in my presence and in the presence of one another, all being present at the same time on the twenty-ninth day of September One Thousand Nine Hundred and Eleven in Colombo (29th September 1911).

 

I further certify and attest that the foregoing document was read over and explained and read over as aforesaid and that Rs. 11,487.88 cts in part consideration was paid in my presence by cheque No. F. 104.5058 dated 29.9.9111 drawn by Mr A. W. Winter on the Madras Bank in favour of E. D. Bowman and that the original of this instrument bears the stamp of the value of Rs.1 and the duplicate three stamps of the value of Rs, 65 and that the said stamps were supplied by Messrs de Vos and Gratiaaen.  Date of the Attestation 30.98.1911 which I attest.

 

Sgd. W.A.S. de Vos, Notary Public.

 

I, William Arnold Speldewinde de Vos of Colombo, Notary Public, do hereby certify and attest that the foregoing instrument having been read over and explained by me, the said Notary, to the within-named Annie Hopfengartner (who is not known to me) the same was signed by the said Annie Hopfengartner and also by the said witnesses in my presence and in the presence of one another, all being present at the same time on the twenty seventh day of October One Thousand Nine Hundred and Eleven (1911) at Colombo.  I further attest that no consideration wasa paid in my presence.  Date of attestation 27.1.1911 which I attest.  Sgd.  W. A. S. de Vos, Notary Public.

 

The Power of Attorney given to Edward Deslandes Bowman at Wolverhampton by the following was signed on the dates and places mentioned.  29th of October 1907 in the presence of H. N. Hunt, tutor, Wolverhampton, Juo.Ashworth, merchant, Wolverhampton.

 

1. Walter Henry Trinnell Winter, Alice Beatrice Deslandes Winter at Wolverhampton 29.10.19097 in the presence of H. N. Hunt, tutor Wolverhampton, Juo. Ashworth, merchant, Wolverhampton.

 

2. Harriett Ethel Rochford Shortland and Talbot Shortland at Newport, Isle of Wight on the 19.11.1907 in the presence of R. L. Chute and H. J. Seymour, both clerks of the Capita County Bank Ltd., Newport, Isle of Wight.

 

3. Lydia Margaret Bowman at London on 5.11.;1907 in the presence of J. L. C. Plowright, 10, Fenshaw Mansions, Chelsea London S. W. and Celia Moyes, 464, High Road, Chiswick, London W.

 

4. Charles Henry Winter at Ware on 21.11.1907 in the presence of Alfred Catis, Christ Church Vicarage and George G. Lightfoot, organist, High Street, Ware.

 

5. Arthur Cresse Underwood of Birmingham on 1.10.1907 in the presence of E. A. Bailey Cox, solicitor, Birmingham and Mary May Jane Bilson, 10, College Road, (housekeeper), Saltley, Birmingham.

 

6. Paul Daniel Eyre and Sarah Jessie Eyre at Scarborough, Yorkshire on 26.11.1907 in the presence of Charles Edeson, architect and surveyor, 25, Hunters  Road Scarborough, Henry R. F. Canham, clerk in Holy Orders, 59, Highfield, Scarborough.

 

7. Percy Gibson Deslandes Winter at Southsea on 8.11.1907 in the presence of Sidney Wharton Allen, Woodleigh, The Ticket, Southsea, M. A. C. Horsey, Ursula Grove, Southsea.

 

8. Charles Bertram Lee Winter at London on 5.11.1907 in the presence of Alice Mary Morgan, 47, Margardine Gardens, London W, Alice H. J. Reilly, 9, Gwendwr Road, London W.

 

9. Hilda Beatrice Winter at Cheltenham on 30.11.1907 in the presence of Margaret C. Currie, Mary Anne Chubb (maid), Cheltenham.

 

The Power of Attorney given to Alfred William Winter and Edward Deslandes Bowman by the following were signed on the dates and places stated.

 

Signed, sealed and delivered by the said Charles Henry Winter at Ware, Hertfordshire, England, Clerk in Holy Orders on the 6.2.1907 in the presence of J. Chalmers Hunt, Ware, Herts solicitor and commissioner of oaths and W. L. French, clerk to Messrs Chalmers Hunt & Davies, solicitors, Ware, Herts.

 

Signed, sealed and delivered by the said Sarah Cresse Winter at Fruitland Park, Florida, USA on 23.10.1906 in the presence of E. Cassady and I. M. Lecs.

 

The Power of Attorney given to Edward Deslandes Bowman by William Elphinestone Underwood of Bloemfontein in the Orange River Colony, South Africa was signed on 30.9.1907 in the presence of --- Ham, Clerk, Deed Office, Bloemfontein, O.R.C. and E. F. Deestwill, Clerk, Deed Office before Henry B. Austin, J.P. O. R. C.,  To all whom it may concern, I, Herbert Francis Blaine, Attorney-General for the Orange River Colony at Bloemfontein, do hereby certify that Henry Boase Austin is the person who signed ----- is  affixed to the annexed document marked "A" is a Justice of the Peace in the Orange River Colony and that to all acts instruments, documents and writings subscribed by him in that capacity full faith and credence are given.  In faith and testimony thereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the government of the Orange River Colony dated at Bloemfontein O. R. C. this 30th day of September 1907 Sgd. H. F. Blaine, Attorney-General.

 

The Power of Attorney given to Edward Deslandes Bowman of Baddegama Estate, Baddegama by Robert Charles Elphinestone Underwood of Pegu, Lower Burma was signed on the 13.11.1909 in the presence of Manny Gale, E. A. C. Magistrate.

 

Susannah Caroline Roosmale Cocq the wife of Robert Charles Roosmale Cocq of Tuticorin inherited from her father George Winter under his Will one twentieth part of the residue of the property and estate and contracted with her brother Edward James Winter of Baddegama, Esquire for the sale to him of the said one twentieth share for the sum of three hundred pounds sterling (£300) on 15.5.1861, the instrument was signed in Galle and witnessed by H. H. Bowman and G. W. Winter and attested by Hilary Donald Jansz of Galle, Notary Public.

 

Whereas Edward James Winter died intestate Letters of Administration were given in the District Court of Galle in Testamentary Jurisdiction No. 1859 to his mother Sarah Winter on 18.11.1862l.  The Accounts of the estate were presented to Court on 20.1.1863.

 

Henry Frank Winter who inherited one twentieth share from his father George Winter under his Will, contracted with Robert Charles Rosmale Cocq of 75, Inverness Terrace, London for the sale to him of the one twentieth share as well as the share to which he was entitled from the estate of his brother Edward James Winter who died intestate on 12.6.1862, for the sum of three hundred pounds (£00) on the 9.12.1864, the instrument was signed in Galle and witnessed by H. H. Bowman and A. O. Winter and attested by Hilary Donald Jansz of Galle, Notary Public.

 

Edward Deslandes Bowman by Deed No. 598 registered Galle No. E.57/261-286 sold to Annie Hopfengartner of Chundikkuli in Jaffna for a sum of Rs.6,000 (six thousand) all that undivided eighteenth share of Baddegama Estate as adminstrator of the Will of Robert Charles Roosmale Cocq formerly of Tuticorin, South India and late of "Glan-y-Mor", Torquay, Devon England and empowered to do so in Testamentary Jurisdiction No. 535c dated 30.8.1906 who was given Letters of Administration in Testamentary Jurisdiction No. 2535 on 9.8.1906.

 

Robert Charles Rosmale Cocq in Tuticorin, Southern India left his share in the Cotton Screws at Tuticorin to his daughter Beatrice Trigevant and the rest of his property to his wife Susannah Caroline for life which on her death passed to his daughter and in the event of her death without issue, the same to be divided between his nephews and niece who may be living, the children of his brother Charles Henry (Rosmale Cocq) and sisters Eliza Anne and Jane.  Edward James Winter and James Hodsell Bowman were appointed trustees while his widow was appointed executrix.  He also left three hundred pounds in trust until she marries or reaches her majority to Wilhelmina, daughter of Charles as well as fifty pounds each to Edward James Winter and James Hodsell Bowman in a Will executed in Galle and signed on 17.5.1861 in the presence of Richard Phillips and H. H. Bowman.

 

By a codicil he revoked the appointment of James Hodsell Bowman as a trustee and appointed his wife and General Clements of 4, St. Stephen's, Crescent, Westbourne Park, having sold his property known as the Screws and the proceeds invested in trust for his daughter and which was to be made up to ten thousand pounds from money from his property in India through his brother Charles Henry and to his god-children Wilhelmina Rosmale Cocq, David Crabbe, Caroline Hariett Bowman, Charles (Karl) Hopfengartner, Alfred Rosmale Cocq Winter and Robert Charles Elphinestone Underwood, fifty pounds each and if the whole of his Indian property is recovered, an additional fifty pounds. Dated 22.12.1866 and signed in the presence of Henry Blackmore and Charles Kitson, solicitors, Torquay.

 

Edward Deslandes Bowman on application made in the Supreme Court of Ceylon it was ordered that the District Court of Colombo be directed and appointed to have and exercise sole and exclusive Testamentary Jurisdiction in respect of the property and effects of Robert Charles Rosmale Cocq formerly of Tuticorin in South India and late of "Glan-y-Mor", Torquay in the County of Devon.  Witnesses the Hon. Sir Charles Peter Layard, knight Chief Justice at Colombo, the Twelfth Day of February in the Year of our Lord, One Thousand Nine Hundred and Six (1906) of our reign the sixth.

 

By Deed No. 598 Edward Deslandes Bowman administrator of the Will of Robert Charles Rosmale Cocq transferred to Annie Hopfengartner as a result of purchase, one undivided eighteenth share in Baddegama Estate whereas the share she agreed to purchase was the full share to which Robert Charles Rosmale Cocq was entitled, namely one undivided one hundred and sixtieth share and through a mistake, the share was originally wrongly stated in the Testamentary Action No. 2535 of the District Court, Colombo as one undivided eighteenth share whereas Annie Hopfengartner called upon Edward Deslandes Bowman to rectify the error and to convey to her the remaining one undivided one thousand four hundred and fortieth share.  The District Court of Colombo by its order dated 31.10.1907 made in the Testamentary Case 2535, empowered the administrator to rectify the error and alter the share conveyed in Deed No. 598 of 22.9.1906 for the purpose of vesting Annie Hopfengartner, the entire share of the nine undivided one hundred and sixtieth share in Baddegama Estate.  By Deed No. 970 dated 15.7.1908 Edward Deslandes Bowman transferred. the balance one undivided eighteenth share conveyed by Deed No. 598 dated 22.9.1906 to make up the said nine undivided one hundred and sixtieth share originally held by Robert Charles Rosmale Cocq.

 

By Deed No. 557 registered in Galle E.57/261-286 dated 9.3.1905 Thomas Allen Saxby of No. 6, Aynhoe Road, Kensington in the County of Middlesex, England and John Billingsby Richardson of the Tower, Torquay, Devon, England as trustees of the indenture signed by Charles Deslandes Church Winter and his wife Alice Jane Lee who subsequently married George Maxwell Reilly on her request sold to Edward Deslandes Bowman the share inherited by Charles Deslandes Church Winter, namely one undivided one hundred and sixtieth share from his brother Edward James Winter for the sum of two thousand rupees.  The indenture entered into on 26.7.1873 between Charles Deslandes Church Winter of Baddegama, Point de Galle, in the Island of Ceylon, Esquire of the first part and Alice Jane Lee of Torquay in the County of Devon, Spinster of the second part and Reverend George William Burrow-Wills of 37, Warwick Gardens, Kensington in the County of Middlesex, Clerk in Holy Orders and Haverstock Hodsell Bowman of the third part by the transfer of thirty six fully paid ten pound shares in the Torquay Extramural Cemetery Company at an estimated value of three hundred and seventy eight pounds, being part of the property of Alice Jane Lee and all the share and interest of and in certain lands situate at Baddegama, the property of Charles Deslandes Church Winter to the trustees but if he be desirous of withdrawing the same lands from the heridatament, he shall pay to the trustees the sum of five hundred and twenty two pounds in lieu of them.  In witness thereof the parties set their hands, C. D. C. Winter, A. J. Lee, H. H. Bowman and George William Burrow-Wills in the presence of Una Kitson and John Kitson, solicitors, Torquay.

 

An indenture was made on 23.12.1886 between Alice Jane Reilly formerly Alice Jane Lee now the wife of George Maxwell Reilly Manager of the Mortgage Bank in Calcutta on the one part and Thomas Allen Saxby of No. 6, Aynhoe Road, Kensington, Middlesex, England, Esquire, John Billingsby Richardson of the Towers, Torquay, Devon Esq., MB and Paul Quick Karkeek of Isca, Torquay, Esquire of the other part and supplemental to the indenture on her marriage to Charles Deslandes Church Winter whereas Haverstock Hodsell Bowman died on 24..8.1889 and her husband on 8.4.1881 and George William Burrow Wills on 7.1.1886 and whereas Alice Jane Winter intermarried with George Maxwell Reilly on 21.2.1884, she in exercise of her powers appoints Thomas Allen Saxby, John Billingsby Richardson and Paul Quick Karkeek to be trustees in the place of Haverstock Hodsell Bowman and George William Burrow-Wills, deceased.

 

An indenture was entered into the 6.1.1858 No 1572 between Haverstock Hodsell Bowman and Lydia Septima Winter, both of Baddegama whereas she was entitled to one twentieth of the estate of her father George Winter of Baddegama, Haverstock Hodsell Bowman has agreed that this share and any other property that she may become entitled to shall be her own and free from his control.  In witness thereof, their hand H. H. Bowman, L. S. Winter in the presence of Sarah Winter, R. C. R. Cocq, Isabel Winter, G. W. Winter.

 

The Orange River Colony was annexed by the British in 1854 but its independence was recognised in 1848.  After the Boer War of 1899-1902, it was united with other provinces to form the United States of South Africa in 1910.


Ally's common-law wife Dorake Vithanagé Hinnihamy alias Juana (whom he was very fond of) died very young, aged only 39.

 

Galle Hospital, 16.1.1919.

 

Dear Mr Winter

 

Hinnihamy was brought into hospital at 2.45 suffering severe pain and in a state of collapse owing to the pain in chest and abdomen.  I have taken her into hospital.  She is a little better now but I think had better remain the night in hospital.

 

Yours sincerely.

 

Hinnihamy died at Galle that year and was buried on the estate at Baddegama.  Ally erected a marble monument with the Biblical verse "Her sun has gone down whilst it was still day".  There was another unnamed grave by hers and for a long time, his grand children tried to find out whose it was but were fobbed with vague answers that it was a relative.  In the 1990s they found out it belonged to a woman called Caroline who committed suicide for love of Ally.

 

Ally took another common-law wife, Aslin Hettiachie, by whom he had Harold, Irene, Roxana and Lionel.  He also had Harry, Willie and Mary but their mothers are unknown.  Unlike many Europeans who abandoned their Eurasian children, Ally brought his children up and paid for their schooling.  The children bore the surname Dagmar for some reason.  According to one source it was the name of an Irish woman with whom he lived.

 

According to Sinhalese law and custom, a woman's parents looked for a husband for her and if both parties were willing to get married, the woman brought a dowry with her.  There was no religious marriage ceremony amongst Buddhists (especially in villages) until after Ceylon became an European colony.  If the marriage did not work out, the wife could take back the dowry and marry a man of her choice, talking her children with her.  She could do this as many times as she liked and could own property in her own right.  However the colonial authorities did not recognise such unions between Europeans and the Ceylonese as marriages.  Both Hinnihamy and Edmund's wife Kirimenike (whom he subsequently married according to English law) came with the permission of their parents or relatives and brought dowries with them.  Kiri (who was then aged about 15 or 16) brought paddy lands and a house in her dowry.  It was said 2 "wicked" uncles tried to do her out of her inheritance.  Hinnihamy was just 18 when she had her eldest daughter.


Ally recognised his children by Hinnihamy.

 

In the District Court of Galle.  In the matter of an application under Section 22 of Ordinance No., 22 of 1895.  Alexander (amended to Alfred. Amended Sgd. A. P. Boon, District Judge, 14.11.1926) William Winter of Pillagoda Valley, Baddegama, Petitioner.

 

The 8th day of May 1926.  The Petition of the Petitioner above named appears by his Proctor R. A. H. de Vos, states as follows:

 

(1) The Petitioner is a proprietary planter residing at Baddegama within the jurisdiction of this Court.

 

(2) The Petitioner had as his mistress a Sinhalese woman of Baddegama by name Dorake Vithanagé Johana alias Hinnihamy for a number of years.  The said Dorake Vithanagé Johana alias Hinnihamy died in the Civil Hospital, Galle in 1917.

 

(3) The Petitioner had five children by the said Dorake Vithanagé Johana alias Hinnihamy namely:

 

(i) Hilda Dagmar (ii) Violet Dagmar (iii) Norman Dagmar (iv) Sydney Dagmar (v) Rioty Marshall Dagmar.

 

(4) The Petitioner annexes hereto the respective birth certificates of the above-named five children.

 

(5) In the case of the last two children the Petitioner' name has been inserted in their birth certificates as their father but in the case of the first three children, through inadvertence on the part of the Petitioner, the Petitioner's name has not been inserted as father in the birth certificates.

 

(6) The Petitioner, who is now advancing in years, is anxious to have the omission of the first three children rectified by having his name inserted in the Registers wherein the said births have been registered.  Wherefore the Petitioner prays the court be pleased, after due inquiry as provided for by Section 22 of Ordinance No. 1 of 1895, to order the Registers in question to be amended by having the Petitioner's name inserted as the father of the first three children mentioned and for such further and other relief as this Court shall deem meet.

 

Sgd. R. A. H. de Vos, Proctor for Petitioner.

 

In the District Court of Galle in the matter of an application under Section 22 of Ordinance No. 1 of 1895.

 

Alexander (amended Alfred.  Amended, Sgd. A. P. Boone 14.11.1926) William Winter of Pillagoda Valley, Baddegama.

 

I, Alexander William Winter of Pillagoda Valley do make oath and say as follows:

 

(1) I am the Petitioner above named.

 

(2) I am a proprietary planter residing at Baddegama within the jurisdiction of this Court.

 

(3) I had as my mistress a Sinhalese woman of Baddegama by name Dorake Vithanagé Johana alias Hinnihamy for a number of years.  The said Dorake Vithanagé Johana alias Hinnihamy died in the Civil Hospital, Galle in 1917.

 

(4) I had five children by the said Dorake Vithanagé Johana alias Hinnihamy namely:

 

(i) Hilda Dagmar (ii) Violet Dagmar (iii) Norman Dagmar (iv) Sydney Dagmar (v) Rioty Marshall Dagmar.

 

(5) I annex hereto the respective birth certificates of the above named five children.

 

(6) In the case of the last two children my name has been inserted in their birth certificates as their father but in the case of the first three children through inadvertence on my part I have not inserted my name as father in their birth certificates.

 

(7) I have recently given the name of Winter to the last four of the said five children, the first being married to Joseph van der Poorten of Galagedara.

 

(8) I am now advancing in years and am anxious to have the omission of my name as father in the birth certificates of the first three children rectified by having my name inserted in the Registers wherein the said births have been registered.

 

(9) The foregoing having been read over and explained to the affirmant in my presence and he having appeared to understand the contents thereof, the same was signed by him my presence and was affirmed to at Galle on the 8th day of May, 1926.  Sgd. A. W. Winter.  Before me Sgd. R. A. H. de Vos, JP.

 

5.16 - The Registrar of Marriages and H. C. Province Registrar's Office present.

 

Samuel Mendis Wickremaratna states that the Registrar-General has no objection to the amendments being made provided the Court was satisfied as to the facts of the case.  I produced his letter (seen).

 

Order - In the case of Hilda Dagmar, Violet Dagmar, Norman Dagmar, the name of Alfred William Winter may be inserted as the father and the Registers amended accordingly.

 

I have no reason to doubt the statement made in the affidavit and the bona fides of the application.

 

Let Order be communicated to Provincial Registrar, Galle who will take the necessary steps to amend the entries.

 

Particulars re the numbers and days of the entries and Registration Division should be furnished to the Provincial Registrar.  Let Applicant also file translations of the Sinhalese certificates.  Sgd J. C. W. Rock, District Judge, 22.5.1926.

 

9.8.1926 - Vide Provincial Register, 782 of 7.8.1926 - 2 more copies sent with letter of 13.8.1926.

 

In the District Court of Galle, in the matter of an application under Section 22 of Ordnance 1 of 1895.

 

Special No. 484

 

This matter coming on for disposal before J. C. W. Rock, Esquire, District Judge of Galle on the 22nd day of May 1926, in the presence of Mr R. A. H. de Vos, Proctor, on the part of the Petitioner, Alexander (amended Alfred) William Winter (Amended D. A P. Boone, District Judge.  24.11.1926) of Pillagoda Valley, Baddegama.

 

(1) It is ordered and decreed that the original Registration entries of births being Registrations Nos. 280, 2595 and 2701 dated 6th August, 1898, 8th May 1904 and 30th June 1906 respectively,  of the Second Municipal Division, Hapugoda Division and Baddegama Division respectively, be amended by inserting in the appropriate column that Alexander (amended Alfred.  Amendment Sgd. D. A. P. Boone District Judge. 24.11.1926) William Winter is the father of (i) Hilda Dagmar (ii) Violet Dagmar (iii) Norman Dagmar.  Sgd J. C. W. Rock, District Judge, the 22nd day of May 1926.

 

In the District Court of Galle.  In the matter of an application under Section 22 of Ordinance 1 of 1895.

 

Alexander (amended Alfred Special 484) William Winter of Pillagoda Valley, Baddegama, Petitioner.

 

I tender proxy, petitions and affidavit from the petitioner above named and move for an order as prayed for in the petition.  Sgd, R. A. H.; de Vos, Proctor for Petitioner.

 

Notice Registrar General and Provincial Registrar for 22nd instant Intd. J. C. W. R. , 7,5.1926,

 

Notice issued 15.5.1926.

 

21st May 1926. Notices reported served on the Registrar-General (1st party) and the Provincial Registrar.  Call on 22nd.  Intd. J. C. W. R.

 

24.5.1926 Mr de Vos moves to withdraw last two certificates.  Alld. Intd. J. C. W. R. .24.5.1926.

 

Documents returned.  Vide entry in Register.

 

24.11.1926 - For reasons stated therein R. A. H.. de Vos moves that the correct name of the Petitioner is Alfred William Winter and not Alexander William Winter and he moves the same to be corrected in this case.

 

Allowed, Amend and inform Provincial Registrar, Galle.

 

Amend by fresh affidavit first.  Sgd. J. A. P. Boone.

 

Amended and informed by letter of 27.11.1926.

 

True copy of the Petition, Affidavit and Proceedings Order, Decree and Journal, entries in District Court, Galle Case No. 484, Special.

 

Secretary District Court, Galle, 10th October 1949.  District Court, Compared.

 

After Ceylon got independence in 1948, a new law legitimising such unions was passed and Hinnihamy's cousin Mendis swore an affidavit to enable Rioty to get British citizenship and leave Ceylon because of political unrest.

 

AFFIDAVIT: I Hegoda Gamagé Mendis Appuhamy of Wackwella, Galle being a Buddhist, do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm as follows:

 

(1) I knew and was well-acquainted with the late Mr Alfred William Winter of Pillagoda Valley Estate, Baddegama for a period of about forty years prior to his death in 1931.

 

(2) I was employed under the said Mr Alfred William Winter from about the year 1892 when I was about  15 years old.

 

(3) About five years after I took up employment under the said Mr Alfred William Winter, he, the said Mr Alfred William Winter took Dorake Vithanagé Hinnihamy for his wife according to the local custom and tradition and lived in permanent association with her from about the year 1897 until her death at the age of 39 years in the year 1919.

 

(4) During the said period they lived together, six children were born, one of whom died very young.

 

(5) The said Mr Alfred William Winter, Dorake Vithanagé Hinnihamy and their children lived as one family and both of them were accepted by all their neighbours as husband and wife.

 

The foregoing Affidavit was read and explained to the Affirmant who understood the contents and affirmed to the truth of the contents and wrote his signature in my presence on the 23rd day of May 1962.

 

This Affidavit was signed before Mr D. S. Goonesekara of Lighthouse Street, Galle, Member of Parliament for the Habaraduwa-Talpe Constituency.

 

Drawn and explained by M. L. N. Wickremasingha Esq., Proctor and Notary, Galle who also gave the following opinion:

 

I am of the opinion that the facts contained in the Affidavit of Hegoda Gamagé Mendis Appuhamy reveal that a marriage by habit and repute as contemplated by the Council in the decision reported at Page 114 in Volume 129 of the New Law Reports existed between Alfred William Winter and Dorake Vithanagé Hinnihamy.  As recorded in his letter dated 24th May 1962 and his letter of 5th June 1962.

 

Ally wrote a series of letters to his sons who were sent to England to be educated.  They speak for themselves regarding the love and care he took of his children.  The first letter is written to Hinnihamy's eldest son who was probably at St. Thomas's College, which was then at Mutwal (later moved to Mount Lavinia).

 

4.11.1923, Pillagoda

 

My dear Norman

 

Thanks for yours of 2nd instant.  Inquire from the bootmakers you mention what they want for boots - if prices reasonable, order what is required.  S. Campbell's and other European shops are much too expensive.  I enclose Cargill's letter which speaks for itself -  if the importers of an article will not recommend it, it's not worth while having it.  All that glitters is not gold because it had a nice shine, you no doubt thought was the thing, that is the way people are often taken in.  You want too many things all at once.

 

I though of giving you a racket as a Christmas present so if I give you one now, will have to consider it as such but I will not buy an article I know nothing about without finding out from persons who do.

 

As regards some clothes as you will no doubt want to cut a figure when you visit you friends which you can do.  I enclose an order on Smith Campbell, they no doubt will be able to meet your requirements but what about Sydney and Batcha?  If you like you can ask your friend to come down when you return but you will have to amuse him as well as yourself as I cannot spare the time nor am I well enough, have been in the doctor's hands for over three weeks without much benefit, am advised by all to go for a change but cannot go away.

 

Have just seen in the "Times" the death of  a son of a man I know, young Hawke, as the result of running a stick into his foot, reason why I wish you boys to be careful when you hurt yourselves, even a slight scratch is enough to enable the poison to enter so it is always safest to apply some iodine even to a slight wound.

 

Heard from Uncle Edward (Deslandes Bowman) who will be down today or tomorrow.

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