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1 February 1839

WESLEYAN CENTENARY MEETINGS - The following account has been sent us of the St. Austell meeting:
On Monday afternoon, at three o'clock , and by adjournment at six in the evening, a meeting took place in the Wesleyan chapel here, for the purpose of furthering the objects contemplated by the celebration of the Centenary. These objects are already before our readers, and meetings have been held throughout the County, so that almost every one is acquainted with the nature of them. It is therefore needless to give more than a brief outline of this. After singing, reading a portion of the Scriptures, and prayer, the chairman, the Rev. J. Hobson, opened the business by stating the objects contemplated, and then gave a narrative of the history of Methodism. The Rev. J. W. Thomas then read the list of donations from the St. Austell circuit, which were presented at the Truro meeting. Several other donations were also announced, and a resolution, approving of the objects of the Centenary, was moved by Mr. Baker Banks, of Charlestown, and seconded by Mr. Richard Martin, of Treworlas, after whose very interesting addresses the meeting was adjourned until the evening. After the meeting had been reopened, as at its first commencement, and several donations announced, it was addressed by Captain Matthews of St. Ives, the Revds. S. Dunn, of Camborne, T. Withington, of Truro, and Mr. R. Martin, all of whom, in excellent addresses, advocated the cause they were met to promote, and spoke highly of the benefits conferred by Methodism, both in a personal and collective point of view. The meeting broke up soon after nine o'clock , having been concluded with singing and prayer. The amount subscribed was about £108, making a total of about £ 316 for this circuit.

THE LATE ROBBERY AT ST. AUSTELL - The public will be glad to learn that the person who, it is believed, effected this daring robbery has been detected and is in custody. His name is Letcher, of St. Ewe. On searching his house, the greater part of the money that had been stolen was found, and several articles besides, which leave no doubt that he is the thief. He has been committed to Bodmin gaol.

NISI PRIUS - There were three cases entered for trial, one of which however came on. Hodge v. Abbot and Kessel - In this case Mr. Paul appeared for the plaintiff and Mr. Bennallack for the defendant. This action was brought by Mrs. Hodge, ironmonger, of St. Austell, to recover £62.7s.9d, due to her for goods supplied to Wheal George mine in St. Stephens, in which the two defendants were adventurers. It appeared that during the rage for script mines, the Wheal George was changed from the cost book to the script system, at which time Mr. Abbot took up, by means of Mr. Powning, his agent, a number of scripts, and the other defendant Mr. Kessel, was proved to have attended nearly every meeting of the adventurers. The evidence was very conclusive, and the jury found a verdict for the plaintiff to the amount claimed. The jury were then discharged.

8 FEBRUARY 1839
ALLEGED ATTEMPT AT HIGHWAY ROBBERY - On Tuesday night last, between nine and ten o'clock, as Mr. F. J. Reed, shopman to Mr. Gatley, grocer, of this town, was returning home on the St. Austell road, he suddenly came near three men, one of whom sprang forward towards him, but Mr. Reed, spurring his horse, got out of the way, and rode into Truro, where he informed the new police of what had occurred. One of two of the constables went out and met three men, whom they took into custody. They were vagrants, and evidence will no doubt be obtained by today (Friday) of their having begged at Tresillian, when they will be brought up, and most probably the neighbourhood will be relived of their disagreeable proximity for some time.

CORNWALL LENT ASSIZES - Thursday, March 28
Elizabeth RUNDLE, 17, charged with stealing a pair of boots, the property of Peter BARON, of Mevagissey. Mary BARON, wife of prosecutor, kept a boot and shoe shop. Prisoner came to buy a pair of shoes; and after she had left, witness missed a pair of boots, the only pair of the kind she had. She sent for the prisoner, who confessed, and brought them back. This evidence was corroborated by another witness. GUILTY. Three months' hard labour, and solitary confinement.

William ST. JOHN, 22, was charged with having stolen a quantity of flour, the property of Wm. HART, of St. Austell, and Mary NORTHEY, 24, was charged with receiving the same, knowing it to be stolen. The prosecutor is a baker residing in St. Austell, and the prisoner was in his employ until some time in January last, when he missed some flour from a room next to the bake-house. At this stage of the proceedings, the attention of the Court was called to the female prisoner, who was "enceiate", and who complained of illness. A woman standing by having put a few questions to her, said she thought she ought not to remain. Mr. Hughes, the counsel for the prosecution, said he would not offer any evidence against her, and the Learned Judge therefore immediately directed her discharge. The prisoner examined his master at great length, as to whether there had not been a second batch of bread baked on the morning when he said he had missed the flour. The prosecutor denied that there had. The constable was then called to prove an admission by the prisoner of the robbery, but it appeared that the witness, when he apprehended him, had said to him that the red-haired woman (meaning Mary Northey) had "let the cat out of the bag" and told him all about it. His Lordship refused to receive the evidence, thinking it probable that the assertion of the constable operated on the mind of the prisoner as an inducement to make the confession. The prisoner then addressed the jury, and stated that the flour had been all used for the purpose of making an extra batch of bread. The Learned Judge summed up, and the Jury found a verdict of NOT GUILTY.

John BOVEY, 32, was indicted for stealing on the 26th of March, a counterpane, the property of Margaret WILLIAMS. The prosecutrix is a widow residing in Tywardreath, and she left the counterpane in a field to dry, but when she went out for it in the evening it was gone. James HOSKINS, a constable, found the counterpane, which he now produced, in the house of the prisoner, at Par, lying on the corner of a table. He had never heard any harm of the prisoner before. Mrs. HOSKINS stated that she resided in another house under the same roof as the prisoner.   On the evening of the 29th of March, the prisoner's wife came running into the room of the witness in very great distress, and in consequence of what she said, witness went into the prisoner's house, and there saw the counterpane now produced. The prisoner appeared to be drunk - but she could not say that he was so drunk as to be unable to know what he was about. She had known him for about three years, and had never heard any harm of him before. The prosecutrix stated that the counterpane produced was her property. The prisoner, in his defense, said that he was drunk, and did not know what he was about. The jury found a verdict of GUILTY, but in consideration of his previous good character, recommended him to mercy. His Lordship, in the course of sentencing the prisoner, enlarged upon the effects of drunkenness, when the prisoner interrupted him by exclaiming that he meant to be a "teetotal" in future. The simple way in which he expressed this determination excited much laughter, which was closed, however, by the prisoner being sentenced to three months' hard labour.

Rebecca PRYOR, 43, was charged with stealing, from the house of Andrew HENNAH, of St. Austell, about 2 lbs. of flour. The case was fully proved; but the constable gave the prisoner a good character. GUILTY. Two days' imprisonrment.

This being the last criminal case, the Court then rose, and Mr. Justice MAUL left the town about seven o'clock the same evening.
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3 MAY 1839
ADVERTISEMENT - TO MASONS - Persons willing to Contract for Building (under the direction of the County Surveyor,) a NEW BRIDGE to cross the river near Nansladron, between St. Austell and Pentewan, agreeably to the Plan and Specification prepared by the said Surveyor, and now deposited a the Offices of Messrs. Coode and Sons, St. Austell, where the same may be inspected, are requested to deliver Sealed Tenders, free of expense, to Messrs. Coode and Sons, On or before the 16th of May next. Dated 27th April, 1839
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Awfully Sudden Death - On Wednesday evening, as a sawyer, of the name of Whitford, aged about 52, was walking up High-street, Falmouth, returning from his work, he fell down and immediately expired. His death was occasioned by apoplexy.
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10 MAY 1839
Disastrous Fire - On Tuesday morning last, about half-past five o'clock, two cottages in the parish of St. Stephens in Branwell, occupied by James Boundy and Matthew Quintrall, were burnt to the ground, and two of Boundy's children perished in the flames. It appears that Boundy's wife had left the house for a few minutes for a pitcher of water, and on her return found that the wood corner had taken fire, and was burning with great fury. She immediately ran upstairs to her four children who were in bed, and taking the two youngest of them in her arms, desired the others to follow her; after which she ran to alarm her husband, who was at work in the adjoining field. On her return, the stairs were burnt down, and the flames had reached the thatch, while the two elder children were no where to be found. The husband immediately climbed to the bed room window, and on breaking it open found the apartment full of fire and smoke.   With considerable difficulty he found one of the children, a girl six years of age, under the bed, whom he dragged out by the leg; but the little sufferer was so dreadfully burnt that she died in about a quarter of an hour. Immediately after this, the roof fell in, and consequently no further attempt could be made to rescue the other missing child; a girl about eight years of age, whose body was found in the ruins burnt to a cinder. Quintrall's cottage being under the same roof, the flames soon communicated to it, and so rapid was the conflagration that all efforts to save either of them were ineffectual. Nearly the whole of the furniture of both cottages was destroyed, and the poor men, we understand, intend appealing to the benevolence of the public to assist them in replacing it and rebuilding their dwellings, which under circumstances so disastrous have been reduced to a heap of smouldering ruins. A coroner's inquest was held on the bodies of the children, on Wednesday, before John Carlyon, Esq., and a verdict returned of accidental death.
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St. Austell Petty Sessions - At a petty sessions, held at the Queen's Head Inn, St. Austell, on Tuesday last, Mr. Thomas Grose, draper & c., was summoned before the bench by Mr. Chapple, surveyor of highways, for obstructing the footway in front of his house, by occupying it with goods. We are glad this subject has at length been taken up in the proper quarter. Long has it been a matter of complaint that the flat pavement, laid down at the expense of the parishioners, for their general comfort and convenience, should be entirely blocked up by those occupying houses along some part of the line, or let by them to persons who erect stalls for the sale of fruit, &c., on it, thus turning to private advantage what was meant for the general benefit. We think this fine conveys a caution to all the inhabitants, which will not speedily be lost sight of, and we trust that Mr. Chapple will follow up on the matter, until the custom is abolished. There are other towns in the county where similar steps are imperatively called for.
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17 MAY 1839
The Weather - During this week, the weather has been more severe than we remember it to have been so late in May. On Tuesday and Wednesday a great quantity of snow fell, which, in elevated situations, lay for some time on the ground to the depth of six inches. The cold still continues, with occasional showers of rain and sleet, and vegetation, we fear, is likely to be seriously injured.
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24 MAY 1839
ADVERTISEMENT - St. Austell Games - The Annual Wrestling will take place at St. Austell on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 28th and 29th inst., for the following Prizes: Best Man .......5 0 0 ; Second Man .....4 0 0 ; Third Man ......2 0 0 ; Fourth Man ......1 6 0 ; Fifth Man .....0 10 0 ; Each double standard ..........0 2 6 - The celebrated Messrs. Polkinghorne, and Cann, have engaged to attend as umpires. Every encouragement will be given to Strangers. St. Austell, May 23rd, 1839
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To PARENTS and GUARDIANS - Mr. JOHN BENNETTS, WATCHMAKER JEWELLER &c, St. Austell, is in immediate want of a respectable youth as an apprentice. One who has already been at the trade will be preferred. Apply if by letter post-paid. St. Austell, May 23, 1839
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GAME LISTS (fourth publication) - Persons who have obtained Game Certificates for the year 1839
Trestain, James*..........St. Austell
Williams, Thomas*..........St. Austell
Made up from the 31st December, 1839, to the 5th of April, 1839. by order of the Board, Charles Pressly, Secretary, Stamps and Taxes

PENALTIES - The Commissioners of Stamps and Taxes herby give Notice, that every person taking, killing, or pursuing Game, without first obtaining a Certificate, incurs a penalty of £20, and is also liable to be surcharged in double the amount of Certificate Duty. Any person in pursuit of Game refusing on being duly required to produce his Certificate, or to permit the same to be read, or a copy thereof to be taken, or refusing to declare his true name and place of residence, also incurs a penalty of £20.
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31 MAY 1839, Friday

St. Austell Games - The annual wrestling commenced here on Tuesday, and concluded on Wednesday. The play throughout was good, the weather fine, and the spectators very numerous, many of whom were attracted to the ground by the presence there of Messrs. Polkinghorne and Cann, who attended as two of the umpires. The prizes were awarded as follows: First prize, £5, to Thomas Gundry, Sithney; second ditto, £4, to James Merton, Gwennap; third ditto, £2 to Thomas Annear, St. Austell; fourth ditto, £1, to Henry Vercoe, Lanlivery; fifth ditto, 10s. to Richard Ivey, Sithney.
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7 JUNE 1839, Friday

Chapel Anniversary - On Sunday se'nnight, three sermons were preached and collections made, in the Wesleyan chapel, St. Austell - that in the morning by the Rev. Joseph Entwisle, jun. and those in the afternoon and evening by the Rev. E. Baity of Truro, in all of the trust funds of that place of worship.

Grampound - In consequence of the gross misconceptions and intolerant assumptions which have been put forth as to the governmental plan of education, it is intended to forward a counter-petition from this town, praying that any grant from the public revenue for that object may be so appropriated as not to infringe on the civil equality of all religious denominations. Other places, we believe, intend to adopt similar proceedings.
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21 JUNE 1839, Friday

NOTICE - RAN AWAY from his Parents, Thomas COCK, of the Parish of Roche, a lad about 13 years of age, rather slight, with light hair, near sighted, and rather lively, and wore away a light fustian dandy coat, dark waistcoat, and cord trowsers. Whoever will give such information to his distressed Parent, John COCK, as may enable him to restore the said lad to his home, shall be rewarded for their trouble. Dated June 20, 1839
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28 June 1839, Friday
TRURO BOROUGH SESSIONS
At the Sessions held at the Townhall, on Friday, the 21st instant, before the Mayor, Capt. Kempe, and E. J. Spry, Esq., the following cases, among others, were heard and disposed of:

Liability to Tolls - The driver of a cart, RICHARD HILL, was summoned to answer the complaint of Henry LUGG, the collector of tolls at the St. Austell gate, for evading the payment of tolls, demanded for passing a chain placed across the entrance to the new line of road from St. Austell street, and for driving the said cart a greater distance than 100 yards on the turnpike road. There was much contradictory evidence as to the fact of the cart having driven past the chain on the day stated, and secondly, as to the liability; but the magistrates decided in favor of the plaintiff, and ordered the payment of 6d. toll and 7s.6d expenses.
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5 July 1839, Friday
QUARTER SESSIONS - Trial of Prisoners
Jane AXFORD, 23, was charged with having stolen two baby caps and some lace, the property of her mistress, Mrs. Elizabeth KEAM, of St. Blazey. It appeared that the prisoner was lately a servant of the prosecutrix, and that on the 24th of June last, in consequence of something she had heard, Mrs. Keam searched out her box, in which was found the caps and lace, and some other property which belonged to the husband of the prosecutrix, and which had been taken out of the prosecutor's drawers some five or six weeks before. On being taken before the magistrate, the prisoner confessed to having stolen the articles in question, and to having on several occasions taken silver from the shop. Guilty. There was another indictment charging the prisoner with stealing money, which was not tried.
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12 JULY 1839, Friday
CORNWALL QUARTER SESSIONS - (continued from our last week's paper)
Horse Stealing
William WHITE, 17, was charged with having stolen a mare, the property of Richard COWLING, of Perranzabuloe. Mr. Smith appeared for the prosecution, and stated the case. Miss Fanny COWLING is sister of the prosecutor. On the 28th of May, her brother lent her a bay mare to go to Mr. Blamey's at Croft Handy. Mr. Blamey took the mare from her, and she did not see it again. Mr. Francis BLAMEY remembered Miss Fanny Cowling coming to his house; took the mare from Miss Cowling, and give it to another person to put it in a field. It was missing the next morning. James CURTIS is a miner in the parish of Gwennap; occasionally works for Mr. Blamey; about six o'cock on the day in question he put the bay mare in a field belonging to Mr. Blamey; he did not know the prisoner, and did not give him permission to take the mare. James MICHELL keeps Teague's toll-gate, between Truro and St. Austell. The prisoner came to his toll-gate about six o'clock in the morning of the 29th of May. He said he would pay on his return; that he was going to St. Austell for some bullocks and sheep. Witness asked him where he had come from that morning; he said from Gwennap, that he left there about four o'clock in the morning. Witness told him that he could not have come that distance in so short a time; the prisoner then left the horse, and promised to return at ten the same morning; he did not return till ten o'clock the next morning. Witness said "I reckon you stole this horse." He said "I did not." Witness said he thought he did, and the prisoner said no more. Witness did not see him again till he was taken the next day by the constable near witness's house. James GILL, a little boy, remembered meeting the prisoner near Teague's Gate; he asked witness whether he knew any one that wanted to buy a horse. Witness replied that he did not, and asked whose horse it was? The prisoner replied "mine". Witness said the horse would not make much, and the prisoner asked what witness thought it was worth; he replied about £6 or 7. Saw the horse afterwards in the constable's possession; it was the same mare as the prisoner was riding. He saw the mare in the constable's possession on the 31st of May. John BROWN is a farmer living near Grampound. On the 30th of May, saw the prisoner at Teague's Gate; had conversation with him; he said he was one from Gwennap, that he was a servant to Mr. Rowe, butcher, of Gwennap; he said his name was Martin. Witness replied that he thought he was looking very suspicious - that he had stolen the horse, and that he must be detained. The prisoner then confessed that the horse was Mr. Blamey's and that he had stolen it. Witness then gave him into custody of the constable. Richard ARTHUR, constable, stated that he apprehended the prisoner, and transferred him to the custody of John George MICHELL, who received the mare from the toll-gate keeper, and handed it over to Richard Cowling. Richard COWLING proved that he had lent his sister a bay mare, which he afterwards received from the last witness. Witness valued the mare at £15. Guilty. Twelve month's hard labor
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ROBBERY AT THE ST. AUSTELL OLD BLOWING HOUSE - Robert WALKER, 37, was charged with stealing a quantity of iron, the property of Richard DAVEY, Esq., and his co-partners in the parish of St. Austell. Mr. Coode and Mr. John conducted the prosecution, and Mr. Bennallack the defense. Mr. Coode having stated the case, he called -

William TILLER, a laborer, who stated that he was employed from October last by Mr. DAVEY and his partners to look after the old blowing house, and a quantity of iron, tin and timber that was there; remembered a quantity of new iron being there. On the 7th of May last, witness went there about ten o'clock in the evening, and saw a horse in the yard that he had not seen there before. Witness then called George BENNALLACK, and they both remained on the premises till about half-past twelve. Witness came again about four o'clock and saw a horse and cart at the Blowing-house gate. The horse was the same that had been in the yard in the evening. Witness and George Bennallack saw prisoner lift into the cart six long round bars of iron, four square bars, three flat bars, and some other pieces. Prisoner came out of the yard, locked the gate, and put the keys in his pocket. They spoke to prisoner, and he said the iron was for sale, if they wanted to buy, and he was going to carry it to Capt. Anthony, to see if he would buy. Witness afterwards saw prisoner pass by the Blowing-house, when witness, Mr. John HARVEY, and Mr. MARTIN examined the cart. Prisoner, on being questioned by Mr. Martin, said he had bought the iron of Capt. Anthony. Witness, of the 22nd of May, saw the iron at Robert Hooper's, a smith, and found the six bars, which were the same he had before seen in the cart. - George Bennallack corroborated the last witness.

Mr. John MARTIN, clerk to Daubuz and Co., at Higher Blowing House, saw prisoner on the morning of the 8th of May, about fifty yards from the Blowing house on the road to Roche. Witness found six long bars, and nine others, of which he took an account, and afterwards wrote to Mr. Davey, at Redruth.

John HARPER, a laborer, in Mr. Martin's employ, on the morning in question, followed the cart after Mr. Martin's examination, to Roche, where prisoner drove to Robert Hooper's, a smith. Witness found the same long bars which he had seen in the cart, lying outside the cart, and the short bars still in the cart, by Hooper's shop. This was about ten o'clock.

Robert HOOPER, Smith, at Roche, stated that he purchased six long bars of new iron from prisoner, about nine o'clock on the 8th of May. They were the same bars that last witness saw.

Jonathan HOOPER, brother of Robert Hooper, smith, between Blowing-house and Roche, stated that the prisoner came to his brother's shop, with a horse and cart, between eight and nine o'clock, and offered his brother some iron for sale, saying he bought it at a sale on Grampound mine. Witness's brother bought three bars of . iron, which witness marked with a stamp. The witness produced one of . bars in court, which the witness, Tiller, said was the same he had seen the prisoner take from old Blowing-house.

Richard DAVEY, Esq., after giving evidence of the partnership firm of the prosecutors, stated that the premises at lower Blowing-house had not been used by the firm for twelve years, except for depositing iron, &c. The premises were kept locked. The iron now produced was of the same description as what they had on the premises before May.

Cross-examined: Knew Josiah ANTHONY was in the employ of witness and partners about twelve years ago. Anthony had had no concern with the premises for years. The Blowing-house had never been open to the public. Witness placed the keys in possession of Tiller. If Anthony had any keys, or came to their assaying offices to ., it was unknown to him and his partners.

A bar each of round and flat iron was here produced, and identified by the several witnesses according to the circumstances in which they had been seen there.

Mr. Bennallack addressed the jury for the defense, and the court summed up, after which the jury found a verdict of Guilty. A former conviction for felony was put in and proved. Seven year's transportation.
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TRIAL of CAPT. ANTHONY FOR FELONY

Josiah ANTHONY, 38, was charged with having stolen from the Old Blowing House, at St. Austell, on the 15th of April, 1839, 69 lbs. weight of tin, and six pieces of deal, the property of Richard DAVEY, Esq., and his co-partners. Mr. E. Coode and Mr. John appeared for the prosecution and Mr. Bennallack for the defence. Mr. E. Coode having stated the case called - William TILLER, who was examined by Mr. John. I was employed by Mr. Richard DAVEY and partners to look after the old Blowing House. There is a smelting-house attached, which has not been used for some years; there are floats outside the tin furnaces; when I took possession in October last, there was tin in the floats; the tin runs from the leakings of the furnaces into these floats. I found that the tin in one of them had been dug out about the 17th of May. I went into the assay-office, with Mr. Davey, Mr. John Martin, and Mr. Harvey. I observed that the tin had been melted and run down into the ashes. Mr. Anthony came and demanded the keys in the owners' name, and I refused to give them. He demanded them first of my wife. There are drawers in the assay office, which I found in an altered state; the inner part of one was cut right off, so that when the drawer was pushed in it could not be seen; in another drawer a part of the bottom was cut out and other pieces cut away. I have seen a box which I have no doubt was made from these pieces. There was a mould in the assay-office, which mould I have here.

Cross-examined: The prisoner had the keys delivered to him after he had broken open the door.

Wm.HENDY examined by Mr. Coode - I am a labourer residing at St. Austell. The prisoner came to my house and asked whether I would carry a little box of ties for him from the old Blowing House up to St. Austell. He told me to go by the back lane and carry it to Mr. Colman's, the jeweler. In consequence of this, I went about six o'clock in the evening to the old Blowing House, where I found the prisoner; he gave me a very small sized box, containing as much as I could carry. I saw Capt. Anthony at Colman's door; he told me to go out in the street and wait a couple of hours and he would give me 6d. when the jew came back from the country.

Lyon COLMAN examined by Mr. John - On the 15th of April last, I purchased tin of the prisoner; I remember meeting the prisoner about a week before; he said that he had some tin that he had had for some time, and that he should like to sell it. I told him that I had never bought tin, and did not know the value of it, but if he would bring me a sample I would show it to a person who knew the value of tin, and learn its value. On the 15th of April he came in the morning, and brought me a sample which I have with me. I went to a person who bought the metal to ask what was the value of it. I went into the country on the same morning, and came home about eight o'clock that evening. The prisoner was there. I told him in the morning about two hours after he brought the sample, that the price was 6d. a pound; he said "you shall have it for 5d." and he would allow me to get a penny in the pound. The tin was in a box nailed down; the prisoner broke open the box with a hammer. I told him that I had no weights or scales to weigh it, and he said "I reckon it is about 65 ½ lbs." and I gave him a sovereign until I could sell it and know its weight, when I said I would give him the remainder. I next saw the prisoner about a fortnight after. He came to my house and asked whether I had sold the tin; I told him I had not. He said he was short of cash, and begged I would allow him 2s. or 3s. more; I gave him half-a-crown. I afterwards sent it by Crages to Thomas Scantlebury at Mevegissey, for the purpose of sale. I have since seen the box in the constable's possession which is the same as that that I sent by Cragge.

Thomas Cragga and Thomas Scantlebury corroborated that portion of the evidence that related to them.

John MICHELL, constable, produced the box which he had received about a fortnight since from the last witness. He also produced a mould that he had obtained from the assay office, at the old Blowing-house, and the dilapidated drawers spoken of by the first witness.

Richard DAVEY, Esq., examined - Was one of the partners in the firm. Capt. Andrew had no right whatever to go to the Blowing House; he had been a discharged servant some years, and he was discharged from the Blowing house 12 years ago, and ceased to have anything to do with them altogether six years ago.

John MARTIN examined - I am a tin-blower and smelter, and have been so for 23 years. I know the old Blowing-house premises; I have lately seen a float there which has been broken up; I first observed that it had been broken up on the 17th of May, when I went there in company with Mr. Davey. The float is a place outside of the top of the reverberatory furnace; the tin is smelted in a reverberatory furnace, and runs out into a kettle put to receive it; there are invariably leakings which ran down into this float, and the float is put there for the purpose of receiving those leakings. The leakings of tin would be ragged pieces of metal coated with clay. They are very fusible; we hold the leakings to be the best quality of metal, because being finer it finds its way easier through the clay. I know the assay-office; I have examined the furnaces in the assay-office, and have seen that improper use has been made of them. The furnaces in the assay-office are for the purpose of trying ores in the crucible; we never melt tin unless it is in a crucible or a ladle. Tin has been loosely thrown into the top with the coals, fragments of which are now to be found in the ashpit, which could never have occurred in the fair and ordinary use of the furnaces. This mould is not a mould used in assay-offices - it was brought here for an unusual purpose. It was in this mould that the tin now produced was cast.

The prisoner contended that the metal that escaped termed "leakins" was the coarsest part of the metal, and could not be melted in any other than a reverberatory furnace. Mr. Martin, however, positively denied that to be the fact. The things having been produced, and the tin fitted to the mould, and the box to the drawers that had been broken.

The prisoner made some statements in answer to part of the evidence addressed against him, and remarked that Mr. Davey had said that he was not in the employ of the prosecutors for the last 13 years. In 1822 he was their confidential agent, and continued so till the concern ceased, and he then had a bonus of £90 given to him by the firm to wait for another situation. He then went as an agent under them in three different mines, till about four years ago, when he had a situation in the Charlestown Smelting-house, and then Mr. Stephen DAVEY begged he would not accept that situation - remarking that if he did he would regret and repent it. Then with regard to possession, he had obtained it legally. Several months ago he discovered the premises in a forlorn state, open to the public and quite unprotected. He wrote to Messrs. Harvey and Davey, and told them what he saw; and he received permission to occupy and protect the premises. At last he saw Mr. Harvey on the business, who informed him that Mr. Stephen Davey and Mr. James Davey were coming up. He saw them three times on the business, on the premises, where he assayed tin with their knowledge. At last his wife saw Mr. Davey at Redruth, who advised that he should turn his attention to buying and grinding bones, and he would advance capital; at the same time he desired her to see Mr. Colan Harvey on the premises. He instantly made the house look as well as he could, by removing the clay of the float, all the timber of which was taken off, and the pieces of tin he put on the clay floor to the amount of a hundred and a half - a hundred weight was what was charged in the stock-book, and other things in a like manner. Mr. Davey had said that he was off from them more than twelve years, but he (prisoner) found the note of payment of £41.12s.3d that he had paid him on the 12th of May, 1831, for the occupation of the premises.

The CHAIRMAN - All these things are capable of proof if they are true; you might have examined Mr. Davey upon them.

The prisoner said Mr. Harvey did not attend, but he wrote a letter, and had the following reply - "Truro, March 20, 1830 - Colan Harvey begs to say to Josiah Anthony that he fully intended to have seen him on Thursday, at. St. Austell, but important business at Truro obliged him to defer his call at the old Blowing house till he next came up; but he hopes shortly to be able to spend an hour or two to look over the premises."

He shortly after saw Mr. HARVEY, who said he had seen Sir Joseph SAWLE about carrying on business at the Blowing-house. He had said enough to show that the possession was proper and acknowledged. The privacy of the affair spoken of to Sir Joseph Sawle was not withheld from him (the prisoner), although, perhaps, the prosecutor was not consulted in the business.

The CHAIRMAN summed up, and reminded the jury that if the statements made by the prisoner were true, they might have been proved. The Hon. and Learned Gentleman then went through the evidence, and the jury found the prisoner Guilty. The Chairman, in passing sentence, said this Court was very sorry to see a man of such apparent respectability placed there on such a charge. The Court had a bad report of him, and his situation in life was one that ought to have prevented the crime of which he had been guilty. The Court, said Mr. Lethbrige, is obliged to pass a severe sentence upon you, and that sentence is that you be transported to such of her Majesty's dominions as her Majesty in counsil may think fit for the term of seven years. The prisoner, on hearing the sentence, shed tears profusely, and appeared to be very much distressed.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT - On Wednesday, the 3rd instant, the children belonging to the Wesleyan Sunday school at Roche, to the number of 140, had their annual treat of tea and cake in the ground adjoining the chapel. The children assembled at two o'clock, and walked in procession, accompanied by their teachers and other friends of the institution, from the school-room in the "Rock", where they united in singing. A number of banners were carried by the children, on which were painted, in large letters, appropriate sentences. After the children had finished their repast, upwards of 100 persons took tea in the school-room, which was decorated in a very tasteful manner, being profusely embellished with branches of various kinds of trees, flowers, &c. After tea, the children again walked in procession about a mile.
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ASSAULT - Joseph COWLING, 15, was charged with having committed an assault, with intent, on the person of Grace TAM of St. Austell in June last. The evidence was unfit for publication. The jury found the prisoner guilty of a common assault, and the Court sentenced him to three months imprisonment.
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19 JULY 1839

ACCIDENTS - On Friday week, as Mr. Nicholas Oliver, of Sweet's-house, was returning from St. Austell, where he had been carrying tin from Modlen mine, the wagon upset, and, passing over his body, occasioned considerable injury about the chest. His life was despaired of for some time, but with the prompt attention of Mr. Wm. Billing, of Lostwithiel, we are happy to say he is likely to do well.
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2 AUGUST 1839, Friday

CAUTION - Two men, named Thomas Carlyon, and Joseph Roberts, have been committed to the county prison for two months, and another named Richard Hennah, for three months, for leaving their families chargeable on their respective parishes in the St. Austell Union.
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9 AUGUST 1839, Friday
[The Calendar, which ten days ago contained but 16 prisoners, now contains 27, besides several out on bail. jm]

Thomas WILLIAMS, aged 19, pleaded guilty of having stolen at Fowey, a silver watch, the property of Richard LISKIRL. Six months' hard labour; first and last weeks solitary confinement.
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Letter from the Editor:

To the Rev. JOHN WESLEY THOMAS, Wesleyan Minister, St. Austell - Sir - As I cannot possibly find room this week to expose, as it deserves, your dishonourable conduct, in not only publishing a private correspondence between you and me without having obtained, or even asked, my consent to your doing so, but in, moreover, publishing that correspondence in a garbled and incomplete form, I take the liberty of saying, to prevent you from suffering disappointment, that I shall avail myself of the first opportunity of noticing the matter. - I am yours, &c., The EDITOR of the WEST BRITON Truro, August 8, 1839.

John HANCOCK, 23, was charged with having ravished Hannah LEVY, of St. Austell. The prosecutrix varied considerably in her evidence from that which she had given before the magistrates; and the Learned Judge stopped the case, and put it to the jury whether, after what they heard, they could convict the prisoner. The jury found a verdict of Not Guilty. His Lordship severely condemned the conduct of both the prisoner and the prosecutrix.
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23 AUGUST 1839, Friday
William PASCOE was charged with having stolen a fowl from Richard POOLEY, of Luxulian. The prosecutor stated that, finding one of his fowls missing on Saturday, the 13th ult., he on the 23rd searched the prisoner's premises, and in a field belonging to him found a sort of cave, and the fowl in it. The cave had a large roofing-stone against it, and a ledging-stone upon it. there was no evidence to show that the fowl had been thus hidden by the prisoner; the field adjoined the turnpike road, and was accessible to any one. The jury acquitted the prisoner, but found that the fowl was the prosecutor's property.
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30 AUGUST 1839
Lostwithiel and St. Austell Turnpike - A correspondent reflected last week with great justice on the state of the eastern roads under this Trust; those in the district between Lostwithiel and St. Austell are open also to great complaint. The tremendous hill out of the former place westward, the elbow turn through St. Blazey, and the two unreasonable water-courses near Tregrehan, want immediate attention. It is said that the best index of the civilization of a country is furnished by the state of its roads and conveniences of travelling. We fear that some parts of Cornwall, if measured by this rule, would be found at least half a century in arrear of the average of the kingdom. Though much has been done, and is doing, a great deal more is required, and would be amply paid for by the additional cheapness, ease, and celerity of communication.
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Sunday School Treats -St. Stephens [In Brannel] - On Monday, the 5th instant, being St. Stephens feast, the children belonging to the Wesleyan Sunday School at Nanpean were regaled with their annual treat of tea and cake, in a field near the chapel, which had been previously laid out and ornamented with arches, decorated with laurels, flowers, &c. After the repast, the whole party repaired to the chapel, where an excellent and appropriate sermon was delivered by Mr. Bawden, of Grampound.., at the close of which the children recited several pieces in a manner highly credible to their age and standing in the school, and the day closed in a manner satisfactory to all parties present.
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Fatal Mistake - A most melancholy case has lately happened at Threeways, in the parish of St. Breock, which has been attended with fatal consequences to three persons. It appeared from the evidence taken before the coroner, Joseph Hamley, Esq., that on Monday the 19th instant, an old man named John JULIAN, gathered, as the though, some mushrooms, which he took to his house and had fried for dinner; but they proved to be a species of Fungus commonly known by the name of toad-stools. The old man, his wife, and grandson partook of them, and about 12 hours after they were all taken violently ill; but it was not till two days after that medical aid was called in. In spite, however, of every effort, death put an end to the sufferings of the little boy on Wednesday evening; the old woman died on Thursday, and the old man lingered till Sunday morning, when he also expired. On of the old man's sons, who lived under the same roof, came home rather late to dinner, and partook of a small quantity of the poison; but although he has suffered severely, he is now doing well. A verdict of "died on consequence of eating Fungus in mistake for mushrooms" was returned by the jury at the coroner's request.
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Reopening of St. Blazey Church - The church of St. Blazey, which has been considerably enlarged, was re-opened for divine service on Wednesday last. The Rev. T. Grylls, rector of Cardynham, and the Rev. W. Rawlings, rector of Lansallos, preached very impressive sermons on the occasion; and in the afternoon the children and teachers of the Sunday Schools were regaled with tea and cakes. The Rev. N. Kendall, vicar of Lanlivery, preached an appropriate sermon to the children in the church, and the Rev. E. Rimell, minister of the parish, addressed them in the field. The church, which has been almost rebuilt, is now considered as one of the neatest in the county.
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