ST. AUSTELL TOWN CLOCK - The town clock of St. Austell has been motionless
some weeks past, in consequence of last year's salary not being paid to the
tradesman who keeps it in repair. We understand it is quite uncertain when
the amount will be forthcoming.
FALMOUTH HARBOUR IMPROVEMENT BILL - The Bishop of Exeter has presented a
petition against this bill, and lays claim to all the soil in the harbour of
Falmouth. The Bishop's opposition is, however, not dreaded, and the
appointment of the committee is daily expected.
DEATH OF MRS GILBERT - Eastbourne. It is our painful duty to announce the
death of Mrs. Gilbert, relict of DAVIES GILBERT, Esq., M.P., F.R.S., and for
many years president of that society. Mrs. Gilbert expired at the family
residence in this place, on the evening of Saturday last, at an advanced
age. The deceased lady, actuated by an earnest desire to improve the
condition of the labouring classes, has for several years devoted her
energies to agricultural affairs, and was a zealous supporter of the
allotment system, which she carried into practical operation to a large
extent on her estate in this parish and the neighbourhood. The benefits
resulting from her benevolent proceedings we believe have fully realised the
expectations which the supporters of this system anticipated.
Self-supporting industrial schools have also been instituted by her, and the
plan appears worthy of notation. We fear her loss will be severely felt in
this place. (Sussex Express)
LONDON ART UNION - On Tuesday, the 22nd ult., the prizes of this society
were drawn for, when J. G. PLOMER, Esq., of Helston, obtained one of the
value of GBP50.
THE LATE MR. CHAWNER - The inhabitants of Hayle have recently raised a
very handsome tablet to the memory of this much-lamented gentleman, in
Phillack church. It is of the gothic order, of pure white and black marble,
and bears the following simple inscription - "In the memory of PAGET
CHAWNER, Surgeon, &c., son of the late RUPER CHAWNER, M.D. of Burton on
Trent, Staffordshire, who died at Hayle, on the 10th of September, 1844,
aged 28 years. This tablet is erected by various persons in remembrance of
his virtues and talents. (possibly should be Rupert Chawner, but the T is
missing - ih).
CAMELFORD - On Monday last, on clearing the ground for re-building the
King's Arms Inn, a skull and several human bones were found, which led to
some gossiping stories; but the discovery was soon accounted for, as a
medical man occupied the adjoining premises thirty years ago, and in all
probability these were the remains of a skeleton past use.
CURIOUS DISCOVERY - Lately, at Messrs. HARVEY and Co.'s foundry, Hayle,
the cast iron pipes, 4 1/2 inches diameter, that convey the water from the
large pond to the boilers of several engines that work the machinery, were
choked. On being examined, a large eel was discovered which completely
filled the circumference of the pipe. It was alive, and measured nearly
four feet in length. It is supposed that it must have been some years in
confinement, as the holes in the grating at the mouth of the pipe through
one of which it must have entered, are but half an inch in diameter. When
found, it was about 200 yards from the pond.
SHIP LAUNCHES - On Wednesday evening last week, a beautiful schooner,
called the "Little Briton," was launched from the building yard of Mr.
SYMONS, near the Gas Wharf, Penzance. She is 100 tons register, and the
property of JOHN RICHARDS, Esq., of Poltair, and others.
On Thursday last, a very handsome modelled cutter, named the "Victor," was
launched from the building yard of Messrs. R. and J. TREDWEN, Padstow, being
the fifth within twelve months. The vessel has been purchased by a
gentleman belonging to the port of Bristol.
THE LATE GALES - On the morning of Saturday last, about five o'clock, as
the schooner "Agnes," of St. Ives, RICHARDS, master, was on her passage from
Pembrey, to St. Ives, coal laden, while blowing a gale, she shipped a heavy
sea, and carried away the head of her rudder about four leagues S. S. W. of
St. Agnes. After the crew had repaired the damage, they intended to steer
for Newquay, when the rudder was again carried away below the deck, and the
vessel became quite unmanageable. As she was drifting fast to the shore,
the crew took to the boat, and with great difficulty rowed to Carter's rock,
which they reached about eight a.m., and afterwards the vessel struck on the
Chick and went to pieces. Capt. Richards and his crew, four in all, were on
the rock twenty-four hours, without shelter, in wet clothes, and saved
nothing but what they had about them, which was very little. Too much
praise cannot be given to the crew of the boat "Thomas," of St. Ives, for
their humanity and perseverance in risking their lives to save those of the
crew of the unfortunate "Agnes," some of whom were drawn by a line upwards
of forty fathoms from the rock to the boat, through a tremendous breaking
sea. No boat from Newquay could get round Towan head during the whole of
Saturday.
TRURO POLICE - On Saturday last, MICHAEL HEARN, brush-maker, of Truro, was
charged with drunken and disorderly conduct in the market. He was fined 5s.
for being drunk, and was ordered to find two sureties, in GBP10 each, to be
of good behaviour for twelve months, in default of which, he was committed
to the House of Correction for three months.
On Monday, JOHN WILLIAMS, and JOHN CHARLES PASCOE, of Truro, were charged
with stealing a barn-door cock, the property of Mr. F. GREEN, butcher of
Truro. Both the prisoners were committed to take their trial at the next
quarter sessions.
SMUGGLING - On Wednesday last, two seamen named TUCKETT and GREENSTREET,
belonging to the "Petrel" packet, were examined before the Falmouth
magistrates, upon a charge of smuggling. It appeared that the former had
concealed or locked up in his chest 2 3/4 lbs. of contraband tobacco, and
the latter 3 lbs., for which they were each sentenced to six months'
imprisonment.
PETTY SESSIONS - At a special petty sessions for the hundred of Powder,
held in the Town Hall, Truro, on the 1st instant, a complaint was made
against G. ROBERTS, constable, St. Clements, for levying greater costs and
charges than he had incurred in distraining for rent. The complainant
FRANCIS WOOLCOCK, jun., stated that on the 21st of February, Roberts
distrained on him for a quarter's rent, amounting to 17s. 6d., and took away
everything in the house, bed, table, chairs, clock, &c. After the sale, he
obtained an account, in which the sum distrained for had swelled up
considerably, from several items of expense being charged much beyond the
actual outlay. Proof was given on one of these, that for printing
advertisements; in the account the expense was stated 10s., and Mr. CLYMA,
Truro, said the charge had been but 3s. The bench ordered the defendant to
be fined one guinea, with costs.
Before adjourning, six constables were sworn for the parish of Feock, and
twelve for Kenwyn.
HOUSE-BREAKING - On the night of Saturday, the 20th ult., the
dwelling-house of CHARLES B. BORLASE, Esq., Solicitor, Chapel street,
Penzance, was broken into, and a deed stolen from the office. A reward of
GBP10 has been offered for the discovery of the thief, but in vain.
CAUTION TO SHOPKEEPERS - On the 18th ultimo, two women and a man were
apprehended and brought before W. CLEMENTS, Esq., magistrate of Wadebridge,
charged with having sold to two shop-keepers of that place several parcels,
stated to be smuggled tea and tobacco, amounting in purchase to the value of
GBP5 and upwards. The parcels were covered with coarse wrapping paper, on
the inside of which was a layer of about half an inch of the tea and
tobacco, the bulk of the parcels being nothing but bags of sawdust. It is
supposed the parties have carried on a long and profitable trade, and that
the persons who have been duped by them have suffered the matter to pass in
silence to prevent their names being made public as no little disgrace
attaches to those who would thus deal in supposed contraband goods.
Immediately on the facts of the case being communicated to the constables of
Bodmin, a search was made for the parties, and after a most careful watch,
Mr. R. HARRIS succeeded in capturing the females, who were committed to take
their trial at the next sessions.
SERIOUS ACCIDENT - On Tuesday last, a man named PARROW, in the employ of
Mr. JOSEPH CARNE, grocer, Falmouth, met with a very severe accident whilst
driving a horse and cart to the stores. He was sitting on the shafts
driving, and the horse becoming restive at the corner near the church, he
attempted to jump off, but fell in doing so, and the wheel of the cart
passed right over his head. Surgical assistance was immediately procured,
which, after a few hours, restored him to consciousness, and he is now in a
fair way of recovery. As may be supposed, the man's head was most severely
lacerated, and his body bruised all over.
FATAL BOAT ACCIDENT - On Wednesday, the 23rd ult., four men from
Trebarwith, in the parish of Tintagel, went for an excursion in a small boat
to Port Isaac, taking guns with them for the purpose of shooting sea fowl.
After drinking freely at the latter place, they left about seven o'clock in
the evening to return, and were advised to take a bag of sand as ballast.
They, however, treated the advice with contempt; and instead of the sand
they took a jar of beer. Some persons at Port Isaac, being apprehensive of
danger, kept a look out on the hills, and seeing the boat upset when about
half way to Tintagel, two fast-sailing gigs went off immediately, and were
just in time to save two of the parties, named BROWN and MARSHALL, one of
whom was holding by the boat, and the other by an oar in a very exhausted
state. Mr. JAMES ROUNSEVAL, jun., who has lately come into considerable
property on the death of his grandfather, and who was one of the party, was
seen to sink just before the gigs were near enough to lay hold of him; and
the other man, a pensioner, called CALLECOTT, sank immediately as the boat
upset. It appears that the sail was made fast to the boat, instead of being
held in such a way as to admit of its being "let go" in case of danger. Ten
pounds have been offered by the friends of Mr. Rounseval, for the recovery
of his body, but it has now been found. He had a belt on with shot in it,
which in all probability accelerated his sinking.
FATAL MINE ACCIDENTS - On Thursday, the 24th ult., a miner, named JAMES
MARTIN, was killed at South Caradon mine, by the premature explosion of a
hole, which forced the tamping into his breast; and on Tuesday last, a
youth, aged 16, was also killed by failing thirty-five fathoms in the shaft
in Gonamena mine.
SUDDEN DEATH - On Sunday evening last, JAMES HARRIS, labourer, a widower,
living in a single cottage about a mile from Padstow with his four infant
children, attended the Wesleyan chapel, at Padstow, and was observed to be
more cheerful than usual. On his return home, he went to bed in perfect
health; but in the night was found dead by his children. Verdict, died by
the visitation of God. The conduct of the jury on this occasion is very
praiseworthy, as nearly all of them gave their shilling to the orphan
children.
9 MAY 1845, Friday
FALMOUTH - H.M. packet, "Petrel," Lieut. CREEBER, will said this (Friday)
morning, with mails and passengers for Madeira, Teneriffe, Brazil, &c.
STANNARIES COURT - His Honour the Vice-Warden of the Stannaries opened his
court on Saturday last, when the following motions were made:-
KEAST and ANOTHER v. CARNE - Mr. SIMMONS moved for a rule absolute to
dismiss the petition. Mr. CHILCOTT consenting, the rule absolute was
granted.
WHITFORD v. KIRKMAN - Mr. HOCKING, for the plaintiff, moved for a decree
pro confesso, the defendant not having filed any answer to the petition.
The petition was filed per specific performance of an agreement to purchase
Great Alviggan mine; the purchase money was GBP1,550, payable by
instalments, and the defendant was in possession of the mine, and had not
paid the purchase money. The Vice-Warden; "take such a decree as you can
abide by."
MOYLE and ANOTHER v. DAVEY - This case, it will be recollected, was tried
at last sittings, but, the evidence being partly defective a new issue was
left open to the plaintiffs. This they had not taken up, and Mr. SIMMONS,
for the defendants, now moved to dismiss the petition. Rule nisi granted.
Monday, May 5. The Court this morning took up the small debt cases; of
these 119 were entered for trial, two cases at common law, and nine in
equity.
JAGO v. BROAD - Mr. CHILCOTT, for the plaintiff, moved for a rule nisi for
an attachment for the non performance of a decree for GBP60 and expenses,
obtained in December last. Rule granted. Adjourned.
Tuesday May 6. - ANEAR and OTHERS v. LANDERYOU and OTHERS. - In this
small debt case, tried in the forenoon, a verdict was returned for the
plaintiffs. Mr. BENNALLACK, in the afternoon, moved for the defendants that
the verdict be set aside and a nonsuit entered on the ground that the
plaintiffs had previously brought actions against NOWELL and two others of
the defendants on the same cause, which actions had been withdrawn, and the
costs taxed, but not paid by the plaintiffs. A rule nisi was allowed either
to set aside the verdict and enter a nonsuit, or to restrain execution till
the costs of the previous actions were paid.
JACKA v. CHAMPION - This was a small debt case brought in 1842, in which
a verdict was obtained for the plaintiff, and a rule absolute afterwards
granted for a new trial on the ground that the verdict was against
affidavit, but which rule had never been served. Mr. STOKES, for the
plaintiffs, now moved that judgment be entered upon the verdict. - Rule
nisi granted.
POPHAM v. LYLE, and OTHERS - Mr. STOKES, for defendants, moved to dismiss
the petition, with the consent of Mr. ROGERS for the plaintiff, the dispute
having been settled. - Order made.
Wednesday, May 7. - CHARLES v. JOHNS - In this small debt case, which
was tried on Tuesday, a verdict was returned for defendant. Mr. ROGERS
moved for a rule to show cause why the verdict should not be set aside, and
a new trial granted, on the grounds that the verdict was against evidence,
and of a misdirection of the Vice-Warden. Rule refused.
Thursday, May 8. WILLIAMS and ANOTHER v. HODGE. - In this case plaintiffs
had taken a pitch in Lanarth and Penstruthal mine for August and September
months last, and again for October and November following. The sum due to
them for stuff raised during the first take was GBP3. 18s. 6d., but this
defendant refused to pay, on the ground that, by committing a fraud they had
according to the rules of the mine forfeited all right to the monies then
due. The action was now brought for the withheld amount. Mr. ROGERS, for
the plaintiffs, admitted that they had been guilty of kitting on the 19th of
October, but contended that at the August setting, they had not been made
sufficiently aware of the rule of forfeiture. Mr. JEFFRY, captain in the
mine, was called, and stated that it was customary to read the articles once
in six months - that this had been done in the presence of the plaintiffs
and others at the June setting, and that they were not read at the August
settings, but merely referred to. Mr. THOMAS KITTO, agent for the Messrs.
WILLIAMS' mines, proved that such articles and practice were common in the
county mines. The Vice-Warden deferred judgment.
MOYLE and ANOTHER v. DAVEY - Mr. STOKES, for Mr. FORFAR, showed cause
against a rule obtained in this case on Saturday, by Mr. SIMMONS. Mr.
Forfar was not aware that the issue was required to be taken up at this
sitting. His Honour deferred judgment until he had examined the terms of
his decision.
EADE v. GRIBBLE - In this small debt case, which was tried yesterday, Mr.
BENNALLACK moved for and obtained a rule nisi to set aside the verdict and
enter a non-suit, on the ground of insufficiency of the summons.
DAWES v. EADE - Also a small debt case, in which a verdict for GBP3. 7s.
5d. was given for plaintiff yesterday. Mr. STOKES moved for a rule nisi to
set aside the verdict, or reduce the damaged by GBP2. 16s., the amount of a
set-off, on the ground that the verdict was against evidence. Rule refused.
RICHARDS v. SANDOW - Also a small debt case in which the defendant has
obtained a verdict. Mr. CHILCOTT moved for a new trial on the ground of the
verdict being against evidence. Rule refused.
MELLOW v. GILL - A small debt case in which verdict went for plaintiff.
Mr. BENNALLACK moved to get aside the verdict and enter a nonsuit, on the
ground that the evidence of the plaintiff being a miner was insufficient
being only the payment of sixpence to two labourers on a stream work. Rule
refused.
JAGO v. PEARCE - Mr. CHILCOTT, for defendant, moved for a rule absolute
for an attachment for a non-performance of decree. Judgment deferred.
WEST CORNWALL RAILWAY - We understand that several gentlemen of Penzance
and its neighbourhood are now in London for the purpose of prosecuting a
petition before the standing committee of the House of Commons, from the
trustees of the Hayle and Redruth Turnpike Trust, against this line, on the
ground of its crossing the turnpike road so frequently; and that others are
there to show that the line may be carried out without crossing the road in
the manner objected to. On Tuesday last, the committee of the group to
which this line belongs met, when evidence on the part of the promoters of
the line was adduced. Among other witnesses called, was RICHARD PEARCE,
Esq., of Penzance, who stated, that the town of Penzance was a place of
considerable trade, and that the greatest benefit would be conferred by the
line from Penzance to Truro on the inhabitants of the mining districts.
After hearing evidence of this character, the committee adjourned. On the
assembling of the committee on Wednesday, Mr. ROWE said he had only been
informed yesterday afternoon that it was the intention of the promoters of
the bill to erect their terminus close to the mansion of Lord VIVIAN, whom
he represented. His lawn and pleasure grounds would thus be destroyed; and
as the line would come immediately under his drawing room windows, and
destroy the foundations of the house, he had to apply to the committee to
take steps to prevent them from carrying this intention into effect. Mr.
BIRCHAM, on the part of the promoters of the bill, said there never was any
intention of intruding on his Lordship's grounds. The terminus in question
would be erected on Garras Wharf, near the Truro creek, within the limits of
the town, and beyond the park-gates of his Lordship. The committee thought
that they had no power to interfere in the way pointed out, and suggested
that the Learned Counsel should take his own course. Mr. WHITLEY was then
examined respecting the property which would be affected by the line, more
particularly the spot where the terminus is intended to be built, the
greater part of which is little better than a mud bank, and which he thought
would be the best spot for that purpose, and would be easy of access. He
was then examined respecting the running of the line over the property of
Mr. THOMAS, at Mellingye, who had petitioned against the bill. It would be
impossible to get to the turnpike-road without crossing the railway, and
would cut off carriage communication to his house. Mr. Thomas, in going to
Truro or Penzance, must cross the line twice. A line could be made without
crossing turnpike roads, but there would be more cutting. Mr. Bircham said
it was, perhaps, not generally understood that the terminus at Truro was not
for passengers, but for goods landed from the river. Mr. E. SHARP, Customs'
Agent at Truro, thought Garras Wharf the best place for the terminus, and
that it would offer many advantages to the commerce of the river, and to
those engaged in it. Capt. MOORSOM was examined, and said the plans and
sections had been executed under his direction. The line between Truro and
Redruth would be best worked by atmospheric power, but might be worked with
equal safety by locomotive. A train might be worked by the locomotive
system at eighteen or twenty miles an hour in perfect safety; by the
atmospheric traction at fifty or sixty miles an hour, but thirty miles an
hour would be about the average. Having regard to the character of the
county and the towns in the neighbourhood of the proposed line, he was of
opinion that it would afford efficient accommodation to that district. The
line between Trevaseus and Penzance would be better worked by locomotion.
The annual expense of working the line when completed he estimated at GBP40
per cent on the traffic. He estimated the total amount which would be
received from the line as GBP24,358. He had estimated this from the
existing traffic, and in doing so had rather reduced than increased it.
GBP10,000 a year would be required to maintain the line in efficient
condition, and there would be a net profit of 7 1/2 per cent, on the outlay.
The witness then described the nature of the gradients and curves of the
line, and stated that the trade of Truro would be much benefited by carrying
it to Garras Wharf. If it were made to the north of the town it would not
be so advantageous. It would be more expensive, and would not accommodate
the trade. The line would run at the back of Mr. Thomas's house in an old
cutting. The witness was under examination when the committee adjourned.
CORNWALL RAILWAY - We understand that the Earl of St. Germans has
petitioned parliament against this Railway, but on what grounds we have not
heard.
NUPTIAL REJOICINGS - The hills around Prideaux and Pelyn, blazed with huge
bonfires on Thursday last, in celebration of the nuptials of the only son
and heir of Sir Colman RASHLEIGH, Bart., with the only daughter of NICHOLAS
KENDALL, Esq.
TYWARDREATH - The Rev. EDWARD POLWHELE, incumbent of St. Stephens by
Launceston, took leave of his late parishioners of Tywardreath, on Sunday,
the 27th ultimo. His discourse, which was an admirable one, was listened to
with the greatest attention by the crowded assembly of worshippers who
hastened to the church of their fathers to receive spiritual instruction,
perhaps for the last time, from the reverend gentleman, who, by his kind and
conciliatory disposition, gentlemanly manners, and highly Christian
character, has, during his short residence in the parish, endeared himself
to all classes of its inhabitants.
ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND - The Rev. H. MOLESWORTH ST. AUBYN,
of Clowance, has been elected a member of this society.
PENZANCE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY - the monthly meeting of this society was
held in the museum on Tuesday last, J. S. CAMPBELL, Esq., in the chair. A
next with eggs of the fifteen spined Stickleback, was exhibited, and
deposited in the museum; and a specimen of the long eared bat was presented
by Mr. MILLET, of Hayle.
TRURO TOWN COUNCIL - The town council of Truro held their quarterly
meeting on Tuesday last, the Mayor in the chair. On the motion of Mr.
TIPPET, it was agreed to renew the borough water bounds on the 24th of next
month. The Mayor, the Town Clerk, the Treasurer, and Messrs. VICE, HAWKE,
and BORROW were named a committee to make the necessary arrangements - a sum
not exceeding GBP20 to be placed at their disposal for expenses, and the
expense of the dinner to be borne individually by the members of the
council. The report from the finance committee recommended payment of bills
to the mount of. The report from the finance committee recommended payment
of bills to the amount of GBP184. 10s. 5d.; the amount in the treasurer's
hands was GBP298. 10s. 10d., so that a balance would be left in favour of
the borough of GBP114. 0s. 5d. The report was approved of and adopted. The
clerk was instructed to apply to Mr. COLLINS, Mr. FLOYD, and Mr. CARVOSSO,
for expenses incurred by the fire-engines being sent to fires on their
respective properties. A report was produced from the committee on the
bills of Mr. BENNALLACK and the town clerk, in which having referred to a
report of the finance committee adopted by the council in November, 1848,
the committee stated they were not in a position to enter on examination of
the bills. The report referred to was inspected, and Mr. SIMMONS holding
that its provisions were not applicable to his bill, and not having a copy
of the bill present, the subject was again remitted to the committee, with
instructions to meet Mr. Simmons, reconsider it, and report. A bill of 19s.
10d. for repairing the leat, paid by Mr. TIPPET, and omitted to be inserted
in the finance report, was ordered to be repaid to Mr. Tippet. The clerk
reported, for the treasurer, that Mr. BORLASE had refused to pay the high
rent for Poltisko field; one year's rent, amounting to only eight pence, was
the sum due. The clerk was instructed to apply for payment. The clerk was
also instructed to endeavour to get the consent of Lord Falmouth to eject
the tenant of the town mills, and take possession of the building. It was
stated that he was paying no rent, and had nothing on which they could
distrain; and the place was required for the use of the fire-engines. The
mayor then laid before the council several communications he had received
with respect to the effort at present being made by parties in Falmouth, to
obtain a bill for the better security and regulation of the oyster
fisheries, and urging the absolute necessity of such an act to preserve the
said fisheries in Falmouth harbour. One of those letters was read, which
stated that there were now some hopes of the Board of Trade taking up the
subject. It was recommended to adopt a petition similar to that agreed on
at Falmouth, a copy of which was produced and read. This petition stated
that the fishery in Falmouth harbour was a "free fishery;" but the context
of this having been so worded, on the proposal of Mr. Tippet, as to secure
the fisheries in Truro river belonging to the borough from being so
regarded, the petition was adopted, and the clerk instructed to forward it
to the borough members for presentation in the House of Commons, and a copy
also to the Board of Trade. It was stated that the oyster beds in the
river, which had been rendered worthless about a century ago, by the working
of the copper mines, were now again becoming valuable; the oysters, though
not wholesome enough for immediate use, were yet fit for transference to
beds at a distance. The council shortly afterwards adjourned.
ECLIPSE OF THE SUN - On Tuesday morning last, there was an eclipse of the
sun; but the weather being wet and cloudy, it was not seen till the greatest
obscuration was past. Between nine and ten o'clock the clouds opened
occasionally, when the moon was seen covering a part of the sun's disc, and
the phenomenon was over at the time stated in the Almanacks. The day
afterwards was very cold and squally.
LAUNCH AT FALMOUTH - On Wednesday afternoon last, a new pilot cutter was
launched from the building yard of Mr. TRETHOWAN. She was named the "Vie,"
and in the opinion of competent judges her model is a great improvement on
the builder's already famous vessels. A cutter, 70 tons burthen, for the
use of the Brethren of the Trinity Board, is on the stocks in the same yard.
OPENING OF A WESLEYAN CHAPEL - On Sunday last, a new Wesleyan chapel was
opened at Botallack, near St. Just. Three sermons being preached on the
occasion by the Rev. ROBERT KEYWORTH, of Camborne. The morning and
afternoon services were conducted in the new chapel, and the evening service
in the Wesleyan chapel, St. Just Church-town, which was kindly granted for
the occasion. The congregations at all the services were large, and the
very handsome sum of GBP35 was collected on the occasion. Towards the
erection of this chapel, Messrs. JAMES and SONS, of Botallack mine, most
liberally contributed.
SEIZURE - That indefatigable and zealous officer, Lieut. BAKER, R.N., of
Portloe, has been so fortunate as to make a seizure of one hundred and
forty-three tubs of contraband spirits; and his men captured, after a
desperate struggle, that notorious smuggler, COUCH, of Grampound, and
another, equally notorious, belonging to Veryan.
THE PADSTOW HOBBY HORSE - It appears that in ages past, the inhabitants of
Padstow have been in the habit, every May-day of dressing up a man in a
grotesque and hideous form, and calling the figure a Hobby Horse. This
Hobby Horse, it seems, is paraded through the streets, followed by
multitudes of men, women, and children; and much indecency and other kinds
of immorality are said to be the result. About eleven months ago, we stated
that Mr. TREGASKIS, in the hope of abolishing a custom which he thought was
"more honoured in the breach than in the observance," offered to give a fine
bullock to be distributed among the poor inhabitants on May-day, and to
repeat the gift annually for seven years, if the patrons of the Hobby would
give up their "vain[?] practice;" and on the 10th ult., he had handbills
published repeating his offer. This offer was, however, ridiculed in a
handbill signed "the Hobby Horse Fraternity," and great excitement prevailed
in the town - the cry being "who is for beef and who is for Hobby?" Still
Mr. Tregaskis persisted in his offer, and announced that on the 28th ult.,
the bullock would be forthcoming, and a lecture given on the subject which
had induced him to present it; but on the animal making his appearance, the
whole town was in an uproar, the "Hobby Horse Fraternity" singing their
doggerel "May songs," and preventing those who wished to address the people
from being heard. When the meeting had been closed, and the bullock
publicly refused, Mr. and Mrs. Tregaskis were followed out of the town for a
quarter of a mile by hundreds of people shouting for the Hobby Horse as
vociferously as the craftsmen of a certain city were observed for Diana of
the Ephesians. To this comedy succeeded tragedy, two of Mr. Tregaskis'
friends being seriously wounded by stones thrown by the mob; and there the
affair ended, the enlightened "Hobby Horse fraternity" being left in
possession of the field.
TRURO POLICE - On Monday last, THOMAS JACKS was convicted of drunkenness
and disorderly conduct on the preceding night, and ordered to find two
sureties for GBP10, or be imprisoned. This was his second appearance in
court.
RICHARD BARTLETT appeared to answer a charge of assault, but the complainant
not being forthcoming, he was discharged.
WM, EVANS and ELISHA RANDALL, were charged with assaulting HENRY JOHNS, a
labourer, at Tresillian toll gate, on Sunday last. It appeared that Evans
and Randall, both the worse for Honor, had seized a horse on the highway,
and had taken it as far as Tresillian gate, with the intention of taking it
to Truro pound, when the owner and others, including the complainant, came
to the rescue. Evans behaved violently, striking at Johns with a drawn
pocket knife, and threatening to kill him. There was nothing made out
against Randall, except that he was "neither drunk nor sober;" and he was
accordingly dismissed with an admonition. Evans was fined 40s.[?] and
expenses, and in default of payment was sent to prison.
v
THE LATE TIN ROBBERY AT CHYANDOUR - It appears that the parties guilty of
stealing tin from the mining establishment of Messrs. BOLITHO, at Chyandour,
have at length been discovered, in consequence of the confession of a woman
named ELIZABETH JELBERT, who took part in the robbery, but who since her
confession has disappeared. Her sister, MARY ANN JELBERT, who was also
employed in the affair, has, however, made a similar confession; and a man
named MATTHEW JOHNSON, a woman with whom he cohabited, named MARTHA JOHNSON,
and another man named JOHN CURNOW, have been committed for trial at the next
borough sessions. Mary Ann Jelbert is also in charge of the gaoler, in
order that she may appear as a witness against the other parties.
SACRILEGE - On Monday last, a young man, called WM. POMERY, was charged at
the Town Hall, Devonport, with having in his possession the remains of the
communion plate, stolen some time since from St. Mellion church. The plate
was hacked up into multitudinous pieces, weighing altogether, it is
supposed, upwards of seventy ounces, which Pomery offered for sale at Mr.
EMBDEN's, King-street, who whilst questioning the man about it, wisely sent
for the police. It appears from the large quantity of silver detained, that
it must be the proceeds of several robberies. The prisoner said he bought
it of a man between Liskeard and Torpoint. He was remanded until Thursday.
LAUNCESTON POLICE - A young man has been in custody of the Launceston
Police, on suspicion of having stolen some plate which he offered for sale
in that town, consisting of silver spoons, marked E. H. W. and E. H. M. P.,
and some silver buttons, marked H.P.
MELANCHOLY AND FATAL ACCIDENT - On Wednesday se'nnight, a melancholy and
fatal accident happened at the vicarage, Kenwyn, to a young man named
RICHARD JOHNS, aged 30 years, of Ventontriaich[?], in the parish of St.
Allen. About two months ago he quitted the service of the Rev. G. MORRIS,
Vicar of St. Allen, for the purpose of taking the management of the small
estate of his step-father, and had been induced to take charge of the
gardens and land of the Vicar of Kenwyn, for a few months during the Vicar's
absence. He had only arrived at Kenwyn a few hours before the accident,
[....?] [........?] the first thing he was ordered to do was to get a load
of [....?] from Truro. As he was putting the horse in the cart for that
purpose, the hames fell from the horse's neck in consequence of a strap
breaking, which, it is supposed, frightened the animal, and he ran away.
Deceased received a blow from the point of one of the shafts which knocked
him against some iron railings outside Mr. CORNISH's house, and produced an
internal injury which terminated fatally on Friday morning. His body was
removed on Saturday evening to the residence of his distracted parents, and
buried on Sunday afternoon in the church yard of St. Allen, in the presence
of nearly 1000 persons. So greatly had he endeared himself to his late
master by his excellent conduct, that it was with the greatest difficulty
the Rev. Gentleman could suppress his feelings sufficiently to perform the
ceremony. He was a dutiful son, an affectionate brother, an honest, sober,
faithful, and diligent servant, and, above all, was deeply impressed with a
sense of his religious duties, leaving a comfortable hope to his sorrowing
friends of being prepared for this sudden call to appear before his God. An
inquest was held on the body by JOHN CARLYON, Esq., coroner, and a verdict
of accidental death returned by the jury, with a deodand of 1s.
FATAL MINE ACCIDENT - On Friday last, as a man named NICHOLAS WALLIS was
at work at Balliswidden mine, a large scale of ground fell on him, and so
dreadfully injured him that he died before the men could bring him to the
surface. He has left a wife and one child to lament their loss.
CORONERS' INQUESTS - The following inquests have been held before J.
CARLYON, Esq., coroner, since our last report. On Friday last, in the
parish of St. Agnes, on the body of JAMES TREMBATH, miner, aged 31 years.
Deceased had been very unsettled in his mind about eight weeks before his
death, and laboured under the delusion that he was continually committing
sin, and could not go to heaven. On Thursday morning, he got up about six
o'clock, and went out, telling his wife that he was going for a "turn" of
water. Remaining absent longer than the expected, she went out to look for
him, and after some time she observed a mark near the mouth of an old mine
shaft near her house, which caused her to suspect that he had committed
suicide by precipitating himself into it. On making her suspicions known,
some parties prepared a rope and other tackle, from a neighbouring mine, and
at considerable risk went down in search of him, and found him at the
bottom. The shaft was about 40 fathoms deep, and about five fathoms of
water in it. Verdict, temporary insanity.
On Saturday last, in the absence of Mr. HICHENS, Mr. CARLYON held an inquest
at St. Just in Penwith, on the body of NICHOLAS WALLIS, aged 26 years, who
was killed on the day before by some ground falling on him whilst at work in
Balliswidden mine, as stated in another paragraph. Verdict, accidental
death.
On Tuesday last, by the same coroner, at St. Agnes, on the body of JAMES
SEYMOUR, miner, aged 32 years. It appeared that deceased walked into Mr.
NETTLE's public house, on Monday evening, about seven o'clock, and called
for a pint of porter, which was supplied to him, but he had not drunk more
than a couple of glasses of it, when he fell on the floor, and almost
instantly expired. Deceased had been suffering from Asthma, and an
affection of the heart for some time prior to his death; and the jury, on
this being proved, returned a verdict of death by the visitation of god.
An inquest was held last week, by J. HAMLEY, Esq., coroner, at Highway, in
the parish of St. Kew, on the body of ANN LEAN, a married woman, who cut her
throat with a razor. It appeared that she had been for some weeks ill of a
fever, and confined to her bed; and in the morning, just before she
committed the fatal act, her husband left the house to attend to his work.
Soon after, a woman who attended to her and her family came in to see her,
and found her in bed with her throat cut, quite dead, with the razor grasped
firmly in her hand, and an infant, about four months old, lying by her side,
deluged in her blood. She has left three other small children. The jury
returned a verdict of temporary insanity.
On the 2nd instant, an inquest was held at Liskeard, before the same
coroner, on the body of WILLIAM SYMONS, a fine boy, three years old, who
fell into the Looe Canal. It was supposed that he was leaning down on the
bank, and fell in head foremost. The child had scarcely been in the water a
minute; but though every means was used and medical assistance obtained
within twenty minutes, all was of no avail. There was no doubt that the
child fell in accidentally, but as there was no proof of it, a verdict was
returned of - found drowned.
On Friday last, an inquest was held before Mr. GILBERT HAMLEY,
deputy-coroner, in the parish of St. Cleer, on view of the body of MARY ANN
MICHELL, a child about four months old, who was found dead in bed. It
appeared that the child went to bed as well as usual the preceding evening;
and on the mother waking, she discovered the child was dead. Mr. JAGO,
surgeon, of Liskeard, stated that the child had been always particularly
healthy, but from the appearance of the child he had no doubt that she died
from natural causes. Verdict accordingly.
On the following day Mr. GILBERT HAMLEY held an inquest at Tywardreath, on
view of the body of SAMPSON WATERS, a miner, who was killed in Fowey Consols
mine, by a quantity of earth falling on him. Verdict accidental death.
IMPORTANT DECISION ON THE BASTARDY LAWS - The Devonport magistrates have
decided in the case of JOHN THOMAS FLAXMAN, that he was absolved from the
support of his illegitimate child by reason of the mother having since
become married. Mr. WARWICK A. HUNT, solicitor, of Plymouth, appeared for
the defendant and clearly proved by the 57th sec. of the 4th and 5th William
IV. and by citing a case in point, that the marriage of the mother of an
illegitimate child transferred the liability from the putative father to the
husband.
16 MAY 1845, Friday
ROYAL CORNWALL POLYTECHNIC SOCIETY - We understand that the office of
Secretary of this Institution, vacant by the resignation of Mr. HUNT, has
been filled by the appointment of Mr. W. W. RUNDELL, engraver, of Devonport,
who, we learn, is well qualified to discharge the duties which will devolve
upon him.
THE EARL OF FALMOUTH - This nobleman, who possess extensive estates in the
county of Berks, has been sworn in the Lord High Steward of Wallingford; R.
B. de BEAUVOIR, Esq., who had filled that honorary appointment in the
borough for eighteen years, having resigned.
WEST CORNWALL RAILWAY - The Committee met on Thursday the 8th instant,
when Mr. ROWE, who appeared for Lord Vivian, said it was his intention to
examine Captain MOORSOM on some matters of importance in reference to
certain alterations which were to be made in the present Hayle Railway, and
which was to be included in the West Cornwall. The projection of the West
Cornwall, he contended, had no power to include the Hayle Railway, as new
land would be required and alterations would have to be made, which would
render an application to parliament for such powers necessary, and this
could not be done until next session. So that, if the committee sanctioned
the bill for constructing the West Cornwall, no power having been given for
altering the Hayle line, a distance of Seven miles would exist (the Hayle
Railway runs between portions of the new line). The case of the Croydon
Railway was [...logous?] to this case. The works were suspended in 1844
until the present session, because they required power to widen their line
and the bridges running over it. Then, with respect to the opposition of
Lord Vivian to the bill. If they would not make their terminus on his land,
his lordship would withdraw his opposition to the bill. Any consent,
however, to that effect must be included in a clause in the bill. The
committee allowed time for an amicable arrangement. Captain Moorsom
re-examined: The proprietors of the Hayle Railway would lay down the broad
gauge, on the assumption that it should become part of the new line. In
fact, there would be three rails instead of two as heretofore. A new single
rail would be laid down outside one of the others, which would not be
interfered with. The width of the embankment of the Hayle Railway was from
sixteen to eighteen feet, in some places wider; sixteen feet was the
narrowest point. About fourteen feet was the narrowest width of the bridges
on which the railway ran. The bridges of the line were unusually high. No
alterations would render any interference with the adjoining property
necessary. If more land were wanted it could easily be obtained, as the
landowners had shown every desire to accommodate the company. Mr. Rowe
said, in reference to the case of Lord Vivian, that his lordship had no
desire to thwart the intention of the company be seeking an exorbitant price
for his property, feeling that it might be of great importance to the
district, and that many of the inhabitants might be in favour of it. On the
part of his lordship, he had therefore to propose that the matter should be
referred to Mr. PENDARVES, one of the members for the county, who was quite
unconnected with the company, and to Mr. HUMPHREY WILLYAMS, one of its
directors. He was anxious to have this done to-day, that the matter might
be again brought before the committee in the morning. This proposition was
acquiesced in.
Mr. BRUNEL said he had examined the line, and he was of opinion that it
offered unusual facilities for the construction of a railway. The estimated
expense was between GBP5,000 and GBP6,000. The committee adjourned until
Friday, on which day they met at twelve o'clock. Mr. AUSTIN, for the
promoters, was heard in reply to Mr. SMALL on Mr. MILLETT'S objection to the
construction of the small branch line at the Carndew wharf. The learned
counsel submitted that a space would be left after the formation of the
railway quite sufficient for all the purposes of a wharf, and contended that
the objection could not, therefore, be sustained. The committee having put
some questions to Captain Moorsom and Mr. Thomas for the purpose of
ascertaining if the fact were as submitted by counsel, the replies showed
that owing to some discrepancies in the charts respecting the parish
boundaries and those of Mr. Millett's property, the exact width in feet of
the ground to be left after the formation of the line, to Mr. Millett, for
the purpose of a wharf was not defined. The proceedings on that objection
here closed, and counsel having announced that Lord Vivian's objection was
settled. Mr. Thomas's objection to the general line on the ground of
severance of his lands was taken into consideration. Mr. Rowe (with whom
Mr. HARTLEY) proceeded to cross-examine Capt. Moorsom as to the engineering
and general statistics of the construction of the line. The purport of what
was elicited did not differ in any material degree from the evidence adduced
on the witness's direct examination on a preceding day, which has been
already noticed. At four o'clock the examination of Captain Moorsom not
having closed.
Mr. Austin submitted that as the promoters, through their engineer (Captain
Moorsom) had intimated a willingness to carry their line by a course that
would not in any wise touch up Mr. Thomas's property, and that that newly
proposed line would be within the line of deviation, Mr. Thomas had no
locus standi as a petitioner, and his objection must therefore be dismissed.
Leave having been obtained to sit till five o'clock. The Chairman (Mr.
MACAULAY) having left the room for a few moments, announced on his return
that he had been to consult the speaker on the point raised, and the speaker
had given it as his opinion that Mr. Thomas's locus standi as a petitioner,
before the committee, against the bill, was not lost in consequence of the
offer made by the promoters. Adjourned to Tuesday the 20th instant.
ECCLESIASTICAL - The Rev. CHARLES HOCKIN, Curate of St. Mary's Truro, has
been presented to the perpetual curacy of Chacewater; Patron, the Rev.
Prebendary CORNISH.
THE HELSTON CHURCH AFFAIR - A subscription has been commenced in Helston
and its neighbourhood to present FREDERICK HILL, Esq., churchwarden, with a
piece of plate, for the purpose of testifying approval of the course he
adopted in opposition to the proceedings of the Rev. WALTER BLUNT, the
curate. The sum subscribed by each person is not to be more than
half-a-crown nor less than a penny.
WESLEYAN ASSOCIATION MISSIONS - On Tuesday last, the friends of these
missions at Camelford, held a public meeting in their chapel in that town,
in connection with a tea party, at which T. B. ROSEVEAR, Esq., of Boscastle,
presided. Mr. WILLIAMS, of Redruth, and others, delivered interesting
addresses on the occasion, and the collection amounted to GBP1. 9s. Similar
meetings were last week held at Bodmin, Lostwithiel, and Wadebridge.
TRURO FRIENDLY SOCIETY - The Truro Friendly Society held their annual
meeting on Monday last, and walked in procession, with banners and music, to
St. Mary's Church, where an excellent sermon was presented to them by the
Rev. Dr. TANCOCK. In the afternoon, the members dined together in the
Assembly Room - Dr. CARLYON, the mayor, in the chair. A number of speeches
were made, and the evening was spent in an agreeable manner.
TRESILLIAN PROVIDENT SOCIETY - The members of this well-established and
thriving society, met at the Club-house, on Tuesday last, to enjoy their
annual festival. At half-past ten o'clock, they moved towards Merther
Church, enlivened by the cheering accompaniments of band and banners. They
were met on the road by the Revd. F. WEBBER, who preceded them to the
church, and there kindly delivered a discourse for the occasion, founded on
1st Cor. C. 12, v. 26. On their return to the Club-house, a substantial and
excellent dinner was served by Mr. LANGDON of the Ship Inn, and the
afternoon was spent by the company with well-attempered glee, which may in a
considerable degree by attributed to the highly agreeable manner in which
Mr. W. JAMES, of Merther, presided. The usual popular toasts were given,
and others of a vocal character; which were responded to by various members
of the club. The state of the society is gratifying, and in point of
numbers, and also financially, especially when it is considered that
although the committee have the honour to name a few gentlemen of the
neighbourhood as honorary members, yet the bulk of their income is received
through the regular channel of the quarterly subscriptions of the members.
TRURO POLICE - On Monday morning last, ELIZA ADAMS, of the class of
"unfortunates," was convicted of wandering the streets, and indecent
behaviour on Saturday evening. Having been previously convicted of
disorderly conduct, she was sentenced to three months imprisonment in Bodmin
jail.
WILLIAM JAMES, tailor, was convicted of being drunk and disorderly on Sunday
evening. He was fined 5s.
A charge of having a horse and cart in one of the streets of the borough, on
the 7th instant, for three quarters of an hour, without superintendence, was
made against ALEXANDER RUNNALLS, butcher, Redruth. Mr. Runnalls was not in
court, but he was fined 20s.
HELSTON FLORA DAY - Notwithstanding the unfavourable state of the weather
on the 8th inst., this ancient festival was celebrated by the inhabitants of
Helston, with more than usual gaiety. The first dance was formed by the
servants of the town and neighbourhood, who started at four o'clock in the
morning, preceded by a band of music, and danced into the country to
breakfast. They returned about seven o'clock, after which the
"Heel-an-tow," commenced their march through the town singing the ancient
song, preceded by a small drummer, beating the "Fade`," and followed by a
number of little boys carrying branches of trees, &c. At one o'clock a
large party of ladies and gentlemen danced through the streets, and in and
out of the houses, preceded by a band of music playing "The Fade`," and
followed by a crowd of well-dressed persons. The weather continued fine
until the dancers entered the bowling-green, when they were caught by a
smart shower of rain; but nothing could induce the ladies to stop the dance.
They, therefore, danced round the green, and up Coinage-Hall-street, through
the houses to the assembly-room, where they finished with a spirited country
dance. Several large parties of dancers followed in the course of the
afternoon; and in the evening, at eight o'clock, the party of ladies and
gentlemen who danced round the streets in the morning, assembled in their
ball dresses, at Mr. MICHELL's shop, to dance into the ball-room, through
the street as usual; but the evening was so wet and cold that it was thought
more prudent to dispense with this part of the ceremony, and the ladies were
carried to the card-room, at the Angel inn, where the dance was formed, and
they danced from thence into the ball-room. The stewards of the day also
danced into the rooms with their partners, when the ball was opened, and
dancing was kept up with great spirit until a late hour. Mr. EMIDY's
quadrille band attended, and acquitted themselves to the satisfaction of all
present.
THE CUSTOMS - On the 5th instant, Mr. PEACH, late of the Mounted Coast
Guard, Goran Haven, entered on his duties as Landing Waiter at the port of
Fowey.
POPISH MEDAL - A few days ago, Mr. WILLIAMS, carpet manufacturer,
River-Street, Truro, found in his garden at the back of his house, a brass
medal which had, most likely, belonged to one of the fraternity of Dominican
Friars connected with the ancient monastery which stood near that spot. On
one side of the medal is a fine head of Christ, in bold relief, and in good
preservation, around which is the inscriptions, SALVATOR, MUNDI SALNOS.;
and on the other a head of the Virgin, much corroded, and the inscription
partially obliterated, but from what remains it appears to be - MATER
SALVATORIS. O. P. N. The medal has been suspended from the neck, and
appears to have been worn for a considerable time, as the hole in the
pendant connected with it has become quite oblong by friction. We believe
Mr. Williams, intends to deposit it in the Museum of the Royal Institution
of Cornwall.
SACRILEGE - The prisoner, WM. POMEROY, remanded on a charge of having a
large quantity of stolen plate in his possession, has been again examined,
but the identity of the communion plate of St. Mellion not being
satisfactory to the magistrate, he was again further remanded. On Saturday
last, however, he was committed to Bodmin gaol on a charge of stealing plate
from the house of Mr. GREEN, West-Gate-Street, Launceston.
ROBBERY - SARAH OSBORNE, 37, was committed to Exeter goal, on Friday last,
charged with having stolen sundry articles, the property of Mr. CHUBB, of
Lifton.
ACCIDENT TO JONATHAN RASHLEIGH ESQ. OF MENABILLY - On Tuesday last, as Mr.
Jonathan Rashleigh was driving in his pony carriage, the animal took fright
at a dog leaping over the hedge, and ran off at a furious pace down the hill
towards Polmear, where the carriage upset and threw Mr. Rashleigh against
the hedge. He was found, shortly after the accident, quite insensible, by
one of his father's tenants, and kindly conveyed to Menabilly b Mr. J. J.
MILFORD, of Truro, who was passing at the time. Messrs. ILLINGWORTH and
TAYLOR, surgeons, were shortly in attendance, and we are happy in being able
to state that although Mr. Rashleigh's bruises are severe, there are no
fractured limbs, and that the latest accounts from Menabilly, are of a
favourable description.
SERIOUS ACCIDENT - On Sunday last, two boys, from Holmbush went to Crinnis
beach, to bathe, and one of them, a son of Mr. CHRISTOPHER HARRIS, went in
search of birds' nests in the cliff. In climbing, he missed his hold and
fell about seven fathoms, by which he was seriously injured, and now lies in
a dangerous state. The other boy, called TREZUGAN, when he found his
companion did not follow him, ran home to Holmbush, and told his parents
that Harris had fallen over the cliff; and on their going in search of him,
he was found lying on a rock. A man of the name of TAMBLING, at the risk of
his own life, went down and brought him up, and medical assistance was soon
obtained, but very little hope is entertained of his recovery.
MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT - FIVE PERSONS DROWNED - On Wednesday afternoon, and
man named BARNES, his three sons, and a little girl, whilst on their way
home to Durgan, (a small fishing cove, near Helford) from Falmouth, met with
a watery grave. Barnes, who belongs to the preventive force at Helford
station, left Falmouth in a small lug-sail punt, accompanied by his three
sons, fine young men, and a girl, about fourteen years old, daughter of a
neighbour named RETALLACK, about a quarter past five that afternoon; and not
arriving home as expected, his friends became very apprehensive for his
safety, and between nine and ten at night several of the fishermen of the
cove went in search of him. In about an hour they discovered a boat, bottom
up, midway between Falmouth and Durgan, and poor old Barnes clenched around
the thwarts, quite dead. His watch had stopped at the hour of six, at which
time it is conjectured the accident must have happened. The other bodies
have not yet been found, but there is not the slightest doubt of their fate.
It is supposed that a sudden squall capsized the boat, which was one of the
smallest dimensions, and that all except the father were immediately thrown
into the sea and sunk.
FATAL ACCIDENT - On Friday afternoon last, a melancholy and fatal accident
occurred at a short distance from St. Austell-Street, Truro. In the
forenoon, SAMUEL ROWE, aged about twenty years, a groom in the service of
Mr. VIVIAN, of Pencalenick, took out a fine horse and mare, the property of
his master, to give them exercise and airing. He brought them to Truro, put
them in the stables of the Union Hotel, St. Austell-Street, and returned for
them in the afternoon with a companion named FREDERICK SAMPSON, with whom he
had been drinking during the day. Each having mounted, Sampson on the mare
and Rowe on the horse, the former instantly went off at a furious gallop
towards Pencalenick, and Rowe, who had lingered for a minute to speak to a
friend, followed in the same style, whether voluntarily or not is unknown,
but he had scarcely passed Tregolis gate, when he either fell or was thrown
on the near side, and against some felled timber trees lying upon the road
side. Some persons, who, alarmed by the rapid pace of the animals, had come
out of the neighbouring houses, and were witnesses of the accident,
immediately went to Rowe's assistance, but without avail. He was lifted up
insensible, and the blood gushed profusely from his mouth, nostrils, and
ears. He was carried into a neighbouring house occupied by JOHN SAUNDERS,
in which his uncle lives, when he almost instantly expired. After Rowe's
fall, his horse pursued its course, and when Sampson perceived it following
without its rider, he returned, but dashed down the hill with such speed
that, unable to govern its career, the mare fell with him on turning the
corner of St. Austell-Street, and sustained so many severe injuries that it
had afterwards to be bled to death. Sampson was also hurt in the fall. The
horse returned to the Union Hotel stables, having been frightened, as is
supposed, on the top of the hill. On the following morning, an inquest was
held on the body of Rowe at the Union Hotel. The jury adjourned to view the
body, and the spot where the catastrophe occurred. On returning, evidence
was taken as follows:- WILLIAM JOHNSTONE said that while in his house on
Friday afternoon he saw both animals, the one before the other, pass by at
such a rate that he went out to see what was the matter. On getting to the
door he saw Rowe fall at about a hundred yards' distance, and at the moment
the horse left him it made a kick; he could not tell whether it thus hit
deceased, but at that instant, he (deceased) turned round, as it were, and
fell on his back. Witness then ran into an adjoining house, and from thence
up to Rowe, whom he found bleeding and insensible. He lifted him up by the
shoulders, and the blood then flowed from his nose, mouth, and ears,
covering all his face. On the right side of his head was a mark, as if of a
blow. He moaned several times, but never spoke, and his pulse was beating
when carried into Saunders's house. While assisting in his removal, Sampson
came down the hill on the other horse at full speed, and both fell when
round the corner.
WILLIAM PENGELLY, stable boy at the Union Hotel; Knew Rowe, who had been
groom to Mr. Vivian about six months. About eleven o'clock on Friday
forenoon, he put up two horses in his master's stables. About half-past
three in the afternoon, he returned for them, accompanied by Sampson. They
stopped awhile in the yard and had some ginger beer. They had been drinking
beer together; should not think they were perfectly sober; but Rowe did not
appear so much in liquor as Sampson. Rowe got on the saddle horse, and
Sampson on the other which had only a horse cloth. Rowe got out of the yard
first, but stopped to speak to the coachman's wife; when Rowe stopped,
Sampson went on and galloped as hard as ever he could. Rowe then followed,
and witness shortly heard somebody cry that he was thrown. MICHAEL HOOKE,
gardener to Mr. W. M. TAREDY[?], Alverton, said he helped to remove Rowe
from where he fell, and felt his pulse beat nearly a minute after he had
been laid on the bed. About three-quarters of an hour afterwards, he
proceeded to the spot where he fell, and examined some timber trees that
were lying there. Sticking on one of these trees he found some hair, which
he fancied belonged to deceased; and some more was afterwards picked off by
another person. Saw no marks or blood on the timber; but there was blood
about eighteen inches from it. Found a little sharp pebble near, with the
point upwards, and some blood on it; and fancied that Rowe's head had struck
the timber, and then rolling over fallen on this pebble, which might account
for the mark on his temple. As soon as he was lifted the blood ran
profusely. It was the rapid pace at which the horses were going up the hill
which induced him to come out. From further statements by the witnesses Mr.
Johnstone and Mr. Hooke and several jurymen, it appeared doubtful whether
the horse had thrown the unfortunate youth or whether he had fallen by the
saddle having become loose and turning round. The stirrup leather was
broken, and the stirrup iron found near deceased. The left side of his face
was also much bruised. The coroner, in addressing the jury, said the
question was whether Rowe came by his death in consequence of the kick from
the horse or by being thrown against the timber. There was no evidence to
decide this, and the case seemed one of those in which they could arrive at
no other verdict than "accidental death." In whichever way death was
caused, the horse was the occasion of it, and therefore a deodand must be
laid upon it. A verdict of "accidental death" was returned; deodand, one
shilling.
CORONER'S INQUESTS - On Monday last, an inquest was held at Mount Hawke,
St. Agnes, by J. CARLYON, Esq., coroner, on view of the body of CHARLOTTE
ANN MANUEL, aged four years. JOHN MANUEL, the father of deceased, stated
that on the 3rd of April, on returning from his work, he learned that his
little daughter had fallen and cut her tongue, and that it was bleeding a
great deal. On examination he found that it had been cut through the side
with her teeth, about an inch and a half from the tip. Finding she could
make use of nothing but sucking a few sweetmeats, he took her to two
surgeons, one of whom have her a powder, a part of which she took, but threw
up again. From that time until the [12th?] when she died, she took nothing
but cold water, and never spoke from the time of the accident but once.
MARTHA MANUEL, aged twelve, a sister of deceased, explained the cause of the
accident, by stating that on the day it happened, they were both standing in
the door-way, when they saw a beggar with a red jacket coming towards the
house, and both ran up stairs for fear of him. In running across the
chamber, deceased tripped her foot, fell with her face against a box, and so
cut her tongue. Verdict, accidental death.
The following inquests have been lately held by W. HICHENS, Esq., coroner:-
On the 12th inst., at Breage, on the body of MARY CLIFF, who met with her
death on the preceding day by fire. The deceased, who was 77 years of age,
was left by her husband in their dwelling-house in the afternoon of that
day, about two o'clock, doing the work of her house; and on his return home
from his labour, he found her on the floor in a state of insensibility, with
her clothes on fire. She died shortly after without having been able to
give any account of the cause of the accident. Verdict, accidentally
burnt.
On the same day, in the parish of Camborne, on the body of ELIZABETH
MICHELL, aged 16 years, a poor idiot, who also met with her death by fire,
which, according to her own account, happened by her clothes igniting whilst
blowing the fire. She was in the house of a neighbour at the time alone,
and was first discovered by her mother in the road before her father's
house, with her clothes in a blaze. The accident happened on the 24th of
April, and she lived till the 10th instant. Verdict, accidentally burnt.
Also in the parish of Phillack, on the body of THOMAS ROGERS, aged 19 years,
who was found dead in his bed in the morning of the 10th instant. The
deceased had been unwell for some time; but, during the preceding day, had
been so cheerful that his family even thought him better, and allowed him to
sleep in a room alone, as he was in the habit of doing. Verdict, natural
death.
On the following day, in the parish of St. Just in Penwith, on the body of
JOHN NICHOLAS, aged 69 years, who met with his death by a blow received on
his head in Spearn Moor mine, in that parish, on the 9th inst., by means of
a piece of wood, called a bitcher, used as a weight to carry down ropes
through shafts where they underlay, falling through the shaft or winze in
the course of its being let down, by means of the eye, which was of iron,
and connected the bitcher with the rope, breaking. Verdict, accidental
death.
On Tuesday last, an inquest was held at St. Tudy, before JOSEPH HAMLEY,
Esq., coroner, on view of the body of NATHANIEL LANG, a farmer of that
parish, aged about 60 years, who hung himself the day before. It appeared
that in the afternoon, he had been in the garden with his sister, but he
left her, and not returning for about half-an-hour, she went in search of
him. On going into the house, and calling, without receiving an answer, she
went up stairs, where she found him hanging from a beam. She procured a
knife, and cut him down, but life was extinct. The unfortunate man had been
in a low desponding way for some time, which was known to the jury, and they
immediately returned a verdict of temporary insanity.
On the same day, an inquest was held before Mr. GILBERT HAMLEY,
deputy-coroner, in the parish of St. Gennys, on view of the body of THOMAS
KERNICK. It appeared that on Saturday evening, deceased came to his
master's house for a pair of steelyards to weigh some hay. They were given
to him, and placed in front of the saddle, and he then went towards the hay
rick. About ten minutes afterwards he was found laying in the road
insensible, and a great quantity of blood running from him; he was taken to
his master's house, and when asked how he became injured he said that on
going through a gateway the gate fell on him too suddenly, and the crooks of
the steelyards entered his bowels. A surgeon was sent for, but he died from
loss of blood in a short time. Verdict, accidental death.
SCILLY - The "Herald," SCADDAN, from Lisbon to Liverpool, bore up for this
port with strong wind from the N. N. E., when off the Land's-end on the 9th
instant; and in working up St. Mary's sound, mis-stayed, and struck on the
rocks. After slipping her chain cable, she ran into St. Mary's pool, with
apparently very little damage. The "Echo," BICKFORD, from London, got on a
rock alongside our pier, where she had hauled to discharge ballast, and was
with great difficulty kept from sinking. When she dryed, it was discovered
that a hole had been made in the garboard plank, and the keel so much
injured that part of it must be taken out.
23 MAY 1845, Friday
ORDINATION - At a General Ordination, held in the Cathedral Church of
Exeter, on Sunday last, the Lord Bishop of Exeter admitted the following
candidates connected with this county, to the Holy Order of Priests - SAMUEL
HARWARD ARCHER, B.A., Exeter College, Oxon; ROBERT PALK CAREW, B.A.,
Downing College, Cambridge; PAUL WILLIAM MOLESWORTH, St. John's College,
Cambridge; HUGH ST. AUBYN ROGERS, B.A., Exeter College, Oxford.
ECCLESIASTICAL - The Rev. W. MARSHALL, M.A., has been appointed to be the
resident curate of Kenwyn, during the absence of the Vicar, the Rev.
Prebendary CORNISH.
The Rev. JOSEPH EDYVEAN COMMINS, M.A., of St. Catherine's Hall, vicar of
North Shoebury and Little Wakering, Essex, has been appointed domestic
chaplain to the Earl of Germans.
THE LATE Mrs. DAVIES GILBERT AND THE ALLOTMENT SYSTEM. - From the
immediate interest attaching to many passing events more prominently
developing themselves in our social and political system, we have hitherto
neglected the duty of doing honour to the memory of an admirable
countrywoman who has just been removed from the sphere of her most
benevolent and salutary labours. Mrs. Davies Gilbert, late of Eastbourne,
in Sussex, the relict of a former President of the Royal Society, a
gentleman of high scientific acquirements, a much respected member of
parliament, and an excellent man, has not sunk into the tomb without
establishing a noble memorial of her intelligence and humanity, not only in
the hearts of the present generation in that district where she principally
resided, but in the permanent amelioration of the condition of the labouring
peasantry within and around it, for many long years, we trust, to come.
This lady was one of the first landowners in that part of South Britain who
established on an extensive and well-organized scale the allotment system.
To every labouring man of sufficient industry to desire and to avail himself
of such an important means of adding to the subsistence of himself and his
family, this lady appropriated a portion of waste or other land on her
estate, varying in size and quality according to circumstances, on the
condition of his cultivating and cropping the same in hours not devoted to
the labours of his hired service. A practical agriculturist herself, and
accustomed to improve the advantages of her fortunate and her positions by
intellectual energies, and habits of personal activity rarely witnessed even
in the sterner sex, she not only appreciated the theory, but thoroughly
comprehended the wants and the capabilities of self-supporting industry.
With a philosophical comprehension of the moral stimulus which labour
derives from the consciousness of its independent action, and of the
enhanced and improved character of that exertion and its fruits, which it
contemplates as devoted to the welfare of those associations which are the
most dear to the affections, she did not hesitate to set out very
considerable parcels of land in these allotments. She calculated wisely
that to give to the tenant-labourer, through easy or rather nominal rents,
and other such advantageous arrangements, that direct local interest in the
district which can only spring, perhaps, from an interest in the
productiveness of the soil, was to knit together, in the most acceptable as
well as the sincerest manner; the bonds of that [.........?] between servant
and master of which mutual goodwill and the true reciprocation of service
and protection and the elementary principles. We can speak from our own
knowledge to the comparatively easy and fortunate position of the labouring
poor who have participated in the advantages of Mrs. Gilbert's system, in a
county where the general condition of labourers in agriculture and
husbandry, not enjoying the same advantages, has been for years past of a
most deteriorated and distressing kind.
WILL OF THE LATE EARL OF ST. GERMANS - Probate of the will of the Right
Hon. William Earl of St. Germans, late of Port Eliot, in this county, who
died on the 19th of January last, was granted to the Right Hon. EDWARD
GRANVILLE Earl of St. Germans, heretofore Lord Eliot, the sole executor.
The personal estate of England sworn under GBP30,000. Bequeaths to his
daughter, Lady CAROLINE GEORGIANA ELIOT, an annuity of GBP400, and leaves
her all the furniture, &c., in the house at New Burlington-street, except
pictures. The rest and residue of his property of every description, and
wheresoever situate, he bequeaths to the present Earl. The will is very
short, dated 9th of May, 1843, signed "St. Germans." Witnessed by J. J.
BATEMAN and R. N. BENNETT, both of Lincoln's Inn.
WHITEHALL, MAY 7. - The Lord Chancellor has appointed SIMON PETER, of
Liskeard, in the county of Cornwall, Gentleman, to be a Master Extraordinary
in the High Court of Chancery.
WEST CORNWALL RAILWAY - On Monday last, the committee on this bill sate at
the usual hour, the Right Hon. T. B. MACAULAY in the chair. The examination
of Captain MOORSOM, the engineer to the line, was resumed by Mr. ROWE, who
appeared on behalf of Mr. THOMAS, a petitioner against the bill. He was
about to be examined with respect to that portion of the Hayle Railway
between Redruth and Trevascus, seven miles in length, which is proposed to
be made an integral part of the line, when Mr. AUSTIN renewed the offer he
made on the day when the committee adjourned for the holidays - to construct
the line off the petitioner's property, and to leave his name out of the
schedule. Had the committee no power to stop the opposition of Mr. Thomas
after such a proposition? By the mode he was adopting the promoters of the
bill were put to great expense. The Chairman (Mr. MACAULAY) thought that if
Mr. Thomas intended to persevere, they had no power to prevent him. After
some conversation, in which Mr. Rowe stated that it was the intention of the
petitioner to persevere in his opposition to the bill, and that he proposed
to show that they could not lay down the broad gauge on the public roads,
across which the railway ran, without an Act of Parliament, Captain Moorsom
was again called, and was examined with respect to the alterations which
would have to be made in joining the Hayle Railway to the West Cornwall. It
appeared from his evidence that an alteration of such a character as he
required, [.......? ........? ........?] would be necessary. Then at the
{.............?] Truro and Redruth, eleven miles and a half, which was
proposed to work by atmospheric traction, they would have to pass a number
of public and private roads, sometimes on arches and sometimes on the level.
In most instances, the trustees of these roads had been consulted, and were
willing to enter into arrangements with the Company for the land, which
might be required for the purpose of the railway. In no cases were they
likely to meet with any great difficulty. The number of bridges on the
whole line would be 61, exclusive of "culverts," the largest of which were
included in the estimation of bridges, and the total expense would be
GBP27,000 - for "culverts," not included in the term bridges, GBP1,606. The
witness then detailed for expenses of the masonry, the length and width of
the bridges, the height of the arches, &c., of this part of the scheme. The
witness was under examination on similar points as to the line from Penzance
to Trevascus at the adjournment of the committee. At the sitting of the
committee on Wednesday, some conversation resumed respecting the opposition
of Mr. Thomas to the scheme, and with respect to a suggestion thrown out by
the chairman the night before with respect to the Hayle Railway not being in
accordance with the provisions of the Railways Consolidation Act. Mr. Rowe
said he was prepared to argue the objection he had raised, that that railway
presented an insuperable objection to the construction of the line. Mr.
Macaulay repeated, for the information of Mr. ALEXANDER, that it was the
impression of the committee that the Hayle Railway was not under the general
provisions of the Railways Consolidation Act. He thought that that portion
of the line would present a great difficulty in passing the preamble. The
question was, whether the Hayle Railway could legally be included in the
provisions of the Act for the construction of the West Cornwall? Mr.
Alexander, for the promoters of the Bill, said he conceived that the Act
constituting the Hayle Railway gave full power to amalgamate it with the new
line, after some discussion, the Committee thought that it would not be
advisable then to go into the merits of the objection, but to proceed with
the examination of Captain Moorsom, which was accordingly done; but nothing
of any importance was elicited. Mr. WHITLEY was then examined as to the
value of the land that would be required for the line between Truro and
Redruth, which he estimated at GBP79 per acre. The line, he stated, would
not interfere with mines at work. Mr. Brunel was then examined on matters
connected with atmospheric traction, after which the committee adjourned
until Thursday.
ST. COLUMB INSTITUTION - On the 14th instant, a very interesting lecture
was delivered to the members and friends of this institution, by Dr. COPE,
of Penryn, on "marriage." At half-past seven o'clock, the hour at which the
chair was announced to be taken, the spacious Assembly Room of the Hotel was
well filled by a highly respectable audience, composed chiefly of ladies,
who seemed desirous of obtaining as much information as possible, on a
subject as highly important. After the lecture, the reverend gentleman was
unanimously elected as honorary member of the institution.
LAUNCESTON - On Monday last, Mr. RUMBALL delivered a masterly lecture here
on the fallacies of mesmerism. The lecturer exhibited the whole of the
mesmeric phenomena, such as reading with the eyes bandaged, community of
taste, rigidity, &c. A particular investigation was also made of the
supposed power of mesmerism to produce insensibility to pain, and to cure
disease.
HONOURS OF THE FAIR - The influx of strangers into Truro during the fair
week, brought, as usual, a number of loose characters, of whom some found
their way into the police court. The following have been disposed of before
the mayor:-
Thursday, 15th inst., WILLIAM WILLIAMS, a native of London, was proved to
have attempted to pick the pocket of ELIZABETH WHITE, of St. Allen.
Sentence, three months' hard labour.
JOHN MARTIN, a tinker from Penryn, was charged with being concerned in
Williams' attempt, but the charge not being made out, he was liberated.
JOHN JAMES, from Bridport, and THOMAS WHITE, from Barnstaple, were each
convicted of decoying the unwary to play at "pricking the garter," and
sentenced, James to one month's hard labour, and White to six weeks.'
EDWARD ROSCOE, miner, St. Stephens, was convicted of being drunk, and
breaking a pane of glass at Mr. Cuming's house, Lemon-street; he was
discharged on paying for the glass.
Friday - JOHN WALTON, who represented himself to be a licensed hawker from
London, was charged with picking the pocket of WILLIAM DAGGER, a licensed
hawker from Bath, of the sum of GBP29. 7s. 6d. It appeared that the robbery
took place at the "Barley Sheaf Inn," kept by Mr. WILLIAM TAP, at about four
o'clock in the morning. A police officer, whose assistance was called for
at that hour by Dagger, stated that on searching the prisoner he found upon
him GBP8. 17s. 6d.; and among that sum two sixpences were found and
identified by Dagger, as marked money. The prisoner was committed to take
his trial at the next sessions.
Monday - JANE TRESTAIN, an old offender, and her sister, ELIZA TRESTAIN,
girls of the town, were convicted of walking the streets, and indecent
conduct on Sunday night, and sentenced, Jane to two months' hard labour, and
Eliza to one.
JOHN PHILLIPS, from Newlyn, was fined 5s, and expenses, for being drunk and
disorderly.
Tuesday - JAMES FRANCIS, refiner, Redruth, was charged with being drunk and
disorderly, and swearing profane oaths; he was find 10s. and expenses.
CHARLES THOMAS, from Marylebone, London, and Mary, his wife, were convicted
of vagrancy and begging in the streets; the husband was committed to the
house of correction for fourteen days, and the wife discharged.
BLOWN VEAL - We perceive that the veal in Truro market, as in most other
markets in the county, is blown by the butchers to a most disgusting extent.
Surely the magistrates possess the power to put an end to a practice so
injurious to the meat and revolting to the consumer.
QUARTERLY TABLE OF MORTALITY - The first quarterly table of mortality for
1845, showing the number of deaths up to March 31st, has just reached us,
and we glean from it the following interesting local statistics. After the
statement that owing to the remarkably cold temperatures that has prevailed
during the winter months, the rate of mortality in the metropolis has
greatly exceeded the rate of increase in the population, we are told that
"the mortality was below the average in the milder climate of the
south-western parts of the island, and in the coal districts of the north."
For the district of Redruth, the population of which in 1841 was 48,062, and
that of Penzance, the population of which in the same year was 60,100, the
returns are as follows:- Deaths registered in the four quarters of 1844,
ending
Redruth March 31 - 270. June 30 - 243. Sept. 30 - 419. Dec. 31 -
310.
PenzanceMarch 31 - 238. June 30 - 221. Sept. 30 - 475. Dec. 31 -
366.
The quarterly average of five years for these districts is - Redruth, 262,
and Penzance, 271; and that of five March quarters is - the former 262, and
the latter 269. The number of deaths in the winter quarter ending 31st
March, 1845, is - Redruth, 272, and Penzance, 234. In the notes to the
registrar's returns, we find the following statements:- REDRUTH: Redruth -
47, being below the average. Camborne - the number (59) is ten above the
average of the same quarter. The severity of the winter, and prevalence of
easterly winds, has induced affections of the chest from which there are 25
deaths, 12 from pneumonia[?], and 6 from whooping-cough. Five persons above
too have died probably from the same cause. PENZANCE: St. Just - the number
of deaths (38) is less than in the last quarter, consequently the district
is generally healthy: 10 were persons of advanced age; males, 78, 71, 85;
females, 76 to 80, 81, 82, 86, 88 years. Marazion - the number of deaths
(30) is about the average, all occurring from the usual prevailing causes.
No epidemic at the present time.
TEETOTAL AND RECHABITE PROCEEDINGS - The annual festival was held at
Bodmin, on the 16th inst., when the attendance, the procession, the public
tea, and the meeting were all such as to indicate increasing prosperity to
this the first working teetotal society in Cornwall. From the report we
gathered that seventy-nine signatures had been added during the year, and
that Bodmin, with an adjacent village or two, numbered 600 members. The tea
was furnished gratuitously be some dozen friends of the cause. To the list
of donors to the enrolled Rechabite club there have been lately added the
names of J. D. GARDNER, Esq., M.P., GBP10; and N. KENDALL, Esq., of Pelyn,
GBP5; while T. J. A. ROBARTES, Esq., and Sir W. MOLESWORTH, Bart., have both
sent handsome donations to the county association.
REJOICING AT TRELASKE - On Tuesday the 13th inst., the tenantry of EDWARD
ARCHER, Esq., Lord of the Manor of Trelaske, met at the village of
Lewannick, for the purpose of accompanying that gentleman in the
perambulation of the bounds of the Manor, in commemoration of the birth of
an heir. About one hundred gentlemen started at half-past nine in the
morning; and, as a holiday had been given to all the men and boys on the
farms within the manor, the company were amused in their progress by
wrestling matches and other sports, to the winners in which prizes were
given by Mr. ARCHER. A substantial luncheon was provided for the party when
they had gone over half the bounds; and the whole of the distance was
accomplished in about five hours. The tenantry afterwards dined together at
Coombe's Head, one of the estates of the manor. Mr. Archer presided,
supported by Capt. MOORSHEAD, WALTER RADCLIFFE, Esq., THOMAS DARKE, Esq.,
and other gentlemen of the neighbourhood; and J. DARK, Esq., of Launceston,
the steward, officiated as vice-president. The best wine from Trelaske
exhilarated the feast; and a number of toasts were drunk enthusiastically.
The health of the founder of the feast was proposed by J. Darke, Esq.; and
Mr. Archer, in returning thanks for the cordial feeling with which it had
been received, expressed the pleasure which he ever felt in meeting his
tenantry, and inter-changing good feeling. He rejoiced in seeing very few
new faces around him besides whose who seven years ago had assembled to
present him with a memorial in celebration of his twenty-first birth-day - a
pledge of their esteem which he hoped would be handed down to his posterity
as a valuable heirloom of his family. {This, a silver tankard, was rapidly
circulated among the company.} For his wish was, that when any of his
tenants dropped, they should be succeeded by their children, so that his
farms might descend through families of happy and prosperous tenants. It
gave him great gratification to see present his oldest tenant, a tenant of
fifty years' standing, and with him his sons and their sons, also living on
his estate. He was a great advocate for long leases at fair rents; and he
stated in illustration of it that he had lately signed several leases for
twenty-one years; and he told them if ever he was obliged to seek a new
tenant he was determined to offer his estates not by public auction or even
by tender, but to choose his tenant by private agreement with him. These
declarations were received by the assembled company with loud acclamations.
The bells rang merrily during the day, rustic sports enlivened the
population out of doors, and altogether the occasion will long live in the
remembrance of all classes, as one of mirth and conviviality, as well as
productive of substantial benefit.
GRATIFYING TESTIMONIAL - The shareholders of West Caradon mine have
presented JOHN ALLEN, Esq., of Liskeard, with a splendid refracting
telescope, and an achromatic microscope of considerable power, bearing the
following inscription:- "From the adventurers in West Caradon mine, to John
Allen, as a token of gratitude and respect." Mr. Allen originally
possessed, independent of a certain number of shares, five per cent. on all
proceeds of the mine, which latter portion of his interest, he voluntarily
relinquished for a fraction of its value; in consideration of which the
company have made him this handsome present.
SUNDAY SCHOOL TREATS - On Whit-Monday, the children belonging to the
Wesleyan Sunday School, Trewellard, upwards of four hundred in number,
partook of their usual treat of tea and cake, in a field kindly granted by
Mr. NOAH JAMES for the occasion. After perambulating the principal villages
in the parish, preceded by a band of music, they returned to the chapel,
where, after a suitable address by Mr. RICHARD WARREN, they were dismissed.
About one hundred and forty of the teachers and friends of the institution
then took tea in the chapel, after which several addresses were delivered on
the utility of Sunday schools. The company separated well pleased with the
proceedings of the day.
On the 14th instant, the children belonging to the Wesleyan Sunday School at
Degibua, near Helston, had their annual treat of tea and cake, which was
kindly provided for them by the liberality of their teachers and other
friends of the Institution. The children and teachers perambulated the
neighbourhood, accompanied by the Mawgan band, with appropriate banners; and
after their repast they were addressed by the Rev. Mr. SAUNDERS and Captain
WILKINS, late of India. Several children then recited interesting pieces,
after which the parents, teachers, and scholars returned to their several
habitations, highly delighted with the pleasures of the day.
CORNISH VEGETABLES - The neighbourhood of Penzance has been long and
justly famed for its early and superior vegetable produce. Among other
places the city of Worcester has lately been supplied with broccoli from
this locality; and we can now add that last week, Mr. FOX, gardener, of
Trenwainton, dispatched to Covent Garden market, new potatoes and green
peas.
DISCOVERY OF A SKELETON - On the 9th instant, the head of a skeleton was
discovered in Sennen green, about thirty feet above highwater mark, by a
child, who communicated the fact to the Preventive men on that station.
They at once repaired to the spot, opened the ground, traced the skeleton in
the sand in which it was embedded and found it lying on its back, with the
legs thrown [....?] over each shoulder, the body lying north and south. On
the breast was found a bow or tie (apparently a love-knot or amulet) of red
muslin, in good preservation, on which were two copper coins, with a coating
of silver, on one of them a Cross with a Fleur de lis is clearly defined,
but the inscription and reverse cannot be traced; on the other appear a
Crown and Fleur de lis, and the word, "Rex" in the margin, with other
letters, but these and the reverse are so obliterated by corrosion as to be
at present almost illegible. The bones are generally in perfect
preservation; but the back part of the skull, and some of the smaller ribs,
are decomposed. The coins and amulet are in the possession of J. N. R.
MILLETT, Esq., of Penzance, who intends to present them to the Penzance
Natural History and Antiquarian Society.
A REMARKABLE FAMILY - There are now living in one house, in Luxulyan
church-town, a family consisting of six females only, who are related to
each other in twenty-seven different ways, viz - one great grandmother, two
grandmothers, four mothers, five daughters, two sisters, two aunts, one
great aunt, three nieces, three cousins, three granddaughters, and one great
granddaughter.
FIRE AT STITHIANS - On Thursday, the 15th inst., a fire was discovered to
have broken out at the farm house on Kennal estate, in the above parish,
occupied by Mr. RENDLE; and in order to prevent the devouring element from
consuming the entire house and its contents, it was found necessary to cut
the building in two, which was effected after much difficulty, and the fire
got under. It is not known how the fire originated.
DISASTER AT SEA - On Tuesday morning last, the sloop "Caroline," WM.
NORMAN, master, of and from Jersey, for Bristol, carried away her mast in a
squall about nine miles N.E. of St. Ives. The mast, rigging, sails, &c.,
were afterwards cut away to prevent the vessel from sinking. A survey has
been held, and part of the cargo must be taken out to repair the damage.
FATAL MINE ACCIDENT - On the 9th inst., as a young man, named JOHN
NICHOLAS, was at work at Wheal Sprain[?] Moor mine, and about to blast a
hole at the bottom of a winze, his comrades were sending the rope to him,
when a piece of timber fell, and struck him on the head. He lingered until
Sunday morning, when he expired.
HUNDRED OF PENWITH - At a petty sessions held at Selley's Green-bank
hotel, on Thursday, the 15th inst, before G. C. FOX, Esq., W. WILLIAMS,
Esq., and H. M. N. UNTICKE, clerk, JAMES MANN was charged with assaulting
CATHERINE TREWEEKE and tearing her clothes in her house in the parish of
Gwennap. Fined GBP5, in default of paying which he was committed to Bodmin
jail for two weeks.
WM. NORTHEY was committed for trial at the next court sessions on a charge
of assaulting BENJAMIN BARAGWANATH [?], constable, in the parish of Gwennap,
in the execution of his duty.
HENRY MOSES, one of the constables of the parish of Falmouth, was summoned
by ANTHONY McDONNALL[?], for having misconducted himself in his said office
by retaining money belonging to complainant, whose wife had sold goods of
the value of 38s. 6d. to a man named RIGBY, who not having paid according to
promise, Moses undertook to recover the amount. THOMAS RIGBY deposed that
the week before last, while walking in Truro, he was apprehended by Moses
and a Truro policeman, who overpowered him and threw him down. Moses put
handcuffs on him, and after keeping him at the Seven Stars, for half an hour
brought him in the Dolphin Inn, Falmouth, he having the cuffs on all the
time. He then paid Moses the amount of the debt and 3s. for bringing him
from Truro. The wife of the complainant said that Moses gave her a
sovereign, retaining 18s. 6d. for his services. Moses had no warrant or
summons to take Rigby into custody. The summons was dismissed, but Moses on
an intimation from the bench, resigned his office of constable.
JOSEPH GLYNN and DANIEL SULLIVAN, seamen belonging to the brig "Mary Rowe",
now lying in Falmouth harbour, were fined 20s. each, including costs, for
assaulting JOHN NICHOLSON, mate of the said brig, in the parish of Falmouth,
on Wednesday, and in default were committed for ten days to the county jail.
JOHN TINGCOMBE, of Penryn, was committed for trial on a charge of assaulting
STEPHEN WOOLCOCK, a constable of the parish of Budock, whilst in the
execution of his duty.
ST. COLUMB - On Thursday, the 8th inst., J. W. PHILLIPS, assistant
overseer of the parish of Padstow, was called by summons before a bench of
magistrates, specially assembled at the Board-room, to investigate charges
brought against him for embezzlement of considerable sums of money collected
by him as poor rates of Padstow. Above 20 persons were present for the
purpose of being examined, but upon his pleading guilty of embezzlement to
the extent of five pounds, the evidence was not gone into. The magistrates
fined him GBP5, which with three times the sum pleaded, and expenses, he had
to pay. The Poor-law Commissioners and a vestry of the parish will
deliberate whether any further proceedings shall be taken or not.
EXETER BANKRUPTCY COURT - The examination of RICHARD ROWSE, a draper, of
Camborne, took place last week in this court; but we are obliged to postpone
the report of particulars until our next.
CORONER'S INQUESTS - On Friday last, an inquest was held at Durgan, in the
parish of Constantine, before J. CARLYON, Esq., coroner, on the body of
GEORGE BARNES, aged 58 years, a man who bore a most excellent character, and
had been many years in the coast-guard service, and was lately superannuated
on account of ill health from being chief boatman on the Porthellick
station. From the evidence it appeared that, on Wednesday morning last, as
we stated last week, the deceased and three of his sons - Henry, aged 22,
Thomas, aged 16, and Stephen, aged 13, left Durgan in a small boat about
twelve feet long, without any ballast, and pulled as far as Swan Pool near
Falmouth, where they all landed and moored the boat off. Deceased and his
youngest son paid a visit to Mr. CONSANTINE, also of the coast-guard
service, who lived near, and the two other sons walked to Falmouth, and
returned about four o'clock in the afternoon, bringing a little girl with
them, called ELLEN RETALLICK, aged 13, who lived at Durgan, and had asked to
return with them. After taking tea at Mr. Consantine's, they all got into
the boat to return home - a distance of about six or seven miles. There was
a nice little breeze up; but the water was smooth, and the breeze fair for
them. The last time Mr. Consantine saw them (and it did not appear that any
one else had seen them afterwards alive) they were rounding the first point
between Swan Pool and Mainporth. They had then put a mast up, but had not
set any sail. Shortly after nine o'clock in the evening, in consequence of
their not having returned, a man called JOHN JAMES, and a brother to the
little girl went in a boat to see for them. They pulled to Swan Pool
without seeing or hearing anything of them or the boat, but on their return,
about three quarters of a mile to the northward of Rosemullion head, they
fell in with the boat, which was full of water, and almost even with the
water's edge. The mast was then down, with every thing loose except the
tack of the sail - a small lug - which was fast. On moving the sail,
deceased was found under it, quite dead. He was lying on his back with his
seat on the main thwart, and his head on the knee of the fore one. There
was no evidence to show how the accident happened, nor was there any mark
about the boat to lead any one to supposed that she had been run foul of.
The most probable surmise appears to be that the parties were sailing
towards Durgan, when something dropped overboard; that they lowered the mast
and pulled back for it, and in picking it up they all rushed on one side and
she filled. Verdict, found drowned. The other bodies were all crept up
with a bolter and hooks, just off Mainporth, about half a mile from the
shore, one on Saturday morning, and the other three on Sunday morning. On
Monday, an inquest was held on them all, when a similar verdict was
returned; and in the afternoon of that day, the bodies were interred in one
grave in Mawnan church-yard, and it is supposed that 1,500 persons were
present on the melancholy occasion. There are many circumstances connected
with the accident of a peculiar melancholy character. The father came to
Falmouth to see his eldest son, who had lately returned from Ichahoe[?] in
the ship "Alchymist," which vessel he was obliged to leave in consequence of
sustaining an accident; and the girl, against the urgent persuasions of her
mother, preferred going in the boat to walking home with her. The girl's
sister was to have been married shortly to the eldest brother drowned.
On Monday last, an inquest was held before J. CARLYON, Esq., coroner, in the
parish of Newlyn, on the body of WILLIAM BISHOP, aged 51 years. MARK
BISHOP, aged 17 years, deposed as follows:- The deceased was my father. He
went to bed last Thursday evening between eight and nine o'clock. Rose
early the following morning, and went out. He returned to breakfast about
nine, and was then tipsy. After breakfast, he went up and lay down on the
bed; came down to dine about one, and went out again immediately after
dinner. Between three and four o'clock in the afternoon, as I was passing a
rock called the saddle rock, on Rejourra Downs, in the parish of
Perrambuloe, saw him sitting down leaning up against it, and his dress on
fire. His stockings, trousers, and drawers, were all burnt off, and his
coat, waistcoat, and shirt were still on fire, but not in a blaze. He did
not attempt to extinguish the fire, but kept on repeating "Lord God leave me
alone." I asked him how he got on fire, he gave no answer, and I then gave
an alarm and called assistance. JOHN CLEMOW deposed that he was called to
deceased's assistance, and found him on his knees trying to shake the fire
out of his clothes. All his lower garments were burnt off, and his body
from his waist to his feet, as well as his hands, was very much burnt.
Witness immediately stripped off what clothes were left, wrapped him up in a
blanket and winnowing sheet, and assisted in carrying him to his home, where
he lingered until Sunday evening, and then expired. Deceased was sensible
almost to the last, and stated that his pipe was the cause of the fire; but
whether from some lighted tobacco falling from it, or from putting it into
his pocket lighted, he could not tell. He was a man of very intemperate
habits, and about a quarter of an hour before his son discovered him he was
seen to leave YELLAND's public house (the Miner's Arms) very drunk. Verdict
- death from injuries received by his clothes taking fire.
30 MAY 1845, Friday
MESSRS. HODGE AND CO., of St. Austell, was set to work at Wheal
Boscastle
Copper mine, and started off much to the satisfaction of all present.
For
portability, cheapness and effect, this engine is said to be well
adapted
for trying shallow mines; and great credit is due to Capt. TONKIN, of
Rock's
consolidated mine, who designed it, and who is, we understand, about to
get
a locomotive engine of fourteen horse power to work.
MAYNOOTH COLLEGE BILL - In the division on the third reading of this
bill
in the House of Commons, on Wednesday, the 21st instant, the Cornish
members
voted as follows:- For the bill - Admiral BOWLES, C. BULLER, W. H. P.
CAREW, J. D. GARDNER, Sir C. LEMON, E. W. W. PENDARVES, and W. T.
PRAED.
Against it - W. RASHLEIGH, Sir S. T. SPRY, E. TURNER, Sir R. R. VYVYAN.
For
Mr. DUNCOMBE's motion, which followed immediately - W. Rashleigh, Sir
S. T.
Spry, E. Turner, Sir R. R. Vyvyan. Against it - Admiral Bowles, C.
Buller,
W. H. P. Carew, J. D. Gardner, E. W. W. Pendarves, W. T. Praed.
MAYNOOTH COLLEGE - A petition in favour of the grant to this
institution
has been forwarded from Launceston, containing the signatures of a
great
many of the respectable inhabitants.
DEPARTURE OF THE BISHOP OF FREDERICTON FOR HIS NEW SEE - On Tuesday
morning last week, the Right Rev. Dr. MEDLEY, the first elected Bishop
of
Fredericton, New Brunswick, preached a sermon in St. Peter's Church,
Liverpool, previous to his departure to assume the duties of his newly
formed see; and at three o'clock proceeded to the pier-head,
accompanied by
a large body of clerical and lay friends, whence he embarked on board
the
royal mail steam ship "Cambria," which will land him at Halifax.
THE CUSTOMS - The office of Collector of the Customs at Portsmouth
having
become vacant by the decease of Mr. HULL, the following, among other
promotions, have taken place in consequence:- Mr. MCGUFFOG, collector
at
Fowey, to be collector at Douglas; and Mr. THORNELEY, comptroller at
Newry,
to be collector at Fowey.
WHOLESALE CHRISTENING - On Sunday week, after the morning service had
been
concluded at Saint Austell Church, there were thirty-seven children
brought
to be baptized, which, with the parents, nurses, sponsors, and
lookers-on,
produced a scene of considerable bustle and confusion, some of the
sponsors
scarcely knowing the child for whose religious training they were to
hold
themselves responsible.
GRAND TEETOTAL FESTIVAL - A grand display of teetotallers took place
at
St. Austell, on Wednesday, last week, when their numbers exceeded
anything
of the kind ever seen there before. They marched to the Wesleyan
Methodist
Chapel, where an excellent sermon was delivered by the Rev. JACOB
PRIOR, the
Bible Christian minister; and in the afternoon, they paraded the
streets
with two bands and a large display of flags with appropriate motto's.
They
then assembled at the Town Hall, where it is generally supposed that
upwards
of a thousand took tea, after which several speeches were delivered,
and at
the conclusion upwards of fifty signed the pledge.
FOWEY - We understand that several influential persons of this place
are
getting up a Regatta, which is likely to take place about the same time
as
formerly - the middle of July.
THUNDER STORM - On Sunday morning last, about three o'clock, Penzance
was
visited by a severe thunder storm, but not of long duration. The
thunder as
very loud, the lightning vivid, and the rain fell most copiously. It
is
said that a horse belonging to the Rev. W. VEALE of Trevayler, IN THE
PARISH
OF Gulval, was killed by the electric fluid. This is the only accident
that
appears to have resulted from the storm, whilst the rain has been
highly
beneficial to the growing crops.
FIRE - On Thursday, the 22nd inst., about seven o'clock in the
evening, a
fire broke out in the house of Mr. JOSEPH ROWE, miller, Roses, in the
parish
of St. Stephens. A great part of the family were absent, but
fortunately
several active miners were nigh at hand, and their assistance being
immediately rendered, the fire was subdued without any material injury
being
done.
GIG ACCIDENT - Last week, as the wife of Mr. B. JULYAN, of St.
Austell,
and her son, were proceeding towards Truro from the former place, when
about
a mile on the road, the horse became restive, and Mrs. Julyan was
thrown out
of the gig, which produced dislocation of her shoulder. She was
carried
into the St. Mewan Inn while surgical aid was procured, and we are
happy to
state that she is in a fair way of recovery.
NARROW ESCAPE - On Saturday, the 17th inst., as Mrs. PHILLIS THOMAS,
who
is an aged woman, and lives with her son Mr. JOHN THOMAS, on a large
estate
at Calartha, in the parish of St. Just in Penwith, was sitting near the
fire, - in rising, her clothes ignited, and it was with the utmost
difficulty the fire was extinguished. Mrs. Thomas is now said to be in
a
fair way of recovery.
ACCIDENT - On Wednesday, the 21st inst., as two children belonging to
THOMAS GRENFELL, shoemaker, of Trewellard, in the parish of St. Just in
Penwith, were playing by the side of the road, a waggon loaded with
timber
went by, the hinder wheel of which passed over one arm of both
children,
crushing them so dreadfully that they still lie in a very dangerous
state,
and it is feared that amputation will be necessary in order to save
their
lives.
HELSTON - A shocking accident occurred on Whit-Tuesday, by which a
little
boy, about ten years of age, named JOHN NOTTING, had one of his eyes
destroyed. On that day the teetotallers held their usual annual
meeting in
the market-house, and a number of persons had assembled to witness the
procession, &c. In their eagerness to get a view, the boy was
pushed
by
another, and he fell. In falling, his eye came against a large crook,
and
was instantly torn from its socket. The crook then entered the flesh
at the
eye-brow, and coming out at the top of the forehead, left the little
fellow
almost suspended in this dreadful state, from which he was as soon as
possible relieved by those who witnessed the accident; but when unhung
from
the crook, he was quite insensible.
MAIL COACH ACCIDENT - On Friday last, the Barnstaple mail was upset
on its
way to Launceston, in descending the hill on the Devonshire side of
New-bridge. There were three outside passengers, who escaped without
much
injury. Mr. PRIDHAM, of Plymouth, who was one of them, received a
sprain of
the arm and hand; but the driver, UGLOW, was very seriously injured.
Besides bruises, he sustained a severe compound fracture of the leg,
and it
was feared at first that amputation might be called for; but now great
hopes
are entertained that the limb may be saved. The accident arose from
the
snapping of the rein in the act of pulling up to drag the wheel. The
driver
having no control over the horses, they ran off at full speed; and one
of
them being blind, the coach was drawn over a bank against the hedge,
and
upset.
TRURO POLICE - On Wednesday morning last, JOHN EVANS, a young man in
the
employment of Mr. PLAYER, Turk's Head inn, was charged by FITZSIMMONS,
police officer, on the following grounds: On Tuesday evening, Evans
was
seen in a state of intoxication, driving one of his master's carriages
down
Lemon-street, and along Boscawen-street, so furiously that he had to be
checked; and while Fitzsimmons was taking him into custody he behaved
in an
outrageous manner, and tore the officer's coat. Evans said he was so
groggy
that he could remember nothing of the occurrence; and it appearing that
Mr.
Player had discharged him from his service on a former occasion for a
similar offence, he was fined GBP3, or in default of payment, ordered
to
three months' hard labour.
PADSTOW - The parish vestry called to consider the steps advisable to
be
taken respecting the late discoveries as to the poor rates and parish
book,
resolved unanimously to prosecute the assistant overseer.
PENRYN - On Thursday night, the 22nd inst., or early on Friday
morning,
some miscreants broke into the Church of St. Gluvias, and after
regaling
themselves with some of the sacramental wine, walked off with the
residue of
a dozen bottles, and the Parish Registers.
GIPSEYS - On the night of Monday last, as Mr. MOON, basket maker,
Polscoe,
near Lostwithiel, and his brother, were returning from Camelford fair,
in
company with Mr. MAUNDER, he discovered in one of his fields of grain,
several horses and donkeys, belonging to some Gipseys, who were
sleeping
near the gate. Mr. Moon entered the field to take possession of the
animals
to impound them, when a tremendous scuffle ensued, which lasted for a
considerable time. Two of the horses were ridden off by the Gipseys,
but
the remainder were taken by Mr. Moon, and secured on his premises. One
of
the Gipsey boy's being sent in search of the missing horses, Mr. Moon
secured the horse on which he rode also; and after a long parley, and
paying
the damages, GBP2. 5s., the marauders decamped from the neighbourhood.
SUSPICIOUS CASE - On Wednesday last, a man offered a cow and heifer
for
sale on the West Bridge, Truro, to Mr. HUGO, of St. Austell, at a low
price,
and a bargain was concluded at GBP5 for both; but immediately
afterwards,
and before paying the money, a suspicion crossed Mr. Hugo's mind, that
the
person thus evincing too much eagerness to part with the stock, at so
low a
price, could not have come honestly by them. He accordingly put some
questions to him, in reply to which he said his name was JOHN THOMAS,
and
that he rented an estate from Captain ANTHONY WILLIAMS at St. Agnes,
and
then with out any further parley, he made off, leaving the cattle
behind.
They are now in the custody of Mr. ROWE, constable, of Kenwyn, and
inquiries
have been instituted, but no trace of either Thomas or the owner of the
cattle has been found.
COMMITMENTS - Last week, a man named JONATHAN THOMAS, who has driven
a van
for some years, for Mr. KELLOW, of St. Austell, between that town and
Devonport, was committed to take his trial at Bodmin, by the Rev. C.
LYNE,
of Tywardreath, for defrauding his employers; and, on Tuesday last, a
young
man of St. Austell, named HENRY KELLY, was committed by the same
magistrate,
to six months, for disorderly conduct towards his parents.
CORONER'S INQUESTS - On Tuesday last, an inquest was held at Truro,
before
JOHN CARLYON, Esq., coroner, on the body of MARY JANE JORY, aged 7
years,
who died on the morning of that day from injuries she received on the
10th
instant, by catching her clothes on fire during the temporary absence
of her
parents. Verdict, accidental death.
The same day, Mr. Carlyon held an inquest at St. Agnes, on the body of
NATHANIAL LANYON, aged about 55 years, who used to get his living by
wandering about the country begging, picking up old [b...es?], selling
matches, &c. He had no regular home, and was frequently in the
habit
of
sleeping on Mr. HICHEN'S fire-kiln and St. Agnes quay, where he was
found on
Tuesday morning, burnt to death. It appeared that he had been
repeatedly
warned of the danger of sleeping in such a place, and the lime-burner
had
threatened to have him taken up and sent to prison if he found him
there
again. Verdict, found dead, having been burnt to death in the
lime-kiln.
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE - PREROGATIVE COURT, Wednesday, May 14. BORLASE
against BORLASE and ANOTHER. Sir H. JENNER FEST[?] gave sentence in
this
case, which related to the will of JOHN BORLASE, Esq., of Helston, who
died
on the 28th of September, 1843, leaving real and personal property to a
considerable amount. He left a widow and one brother, besides two
nieces,
the children of a brother deceased, the next of kin. The will in
dispute
bore date in 1840, and the question as to its validity depended upon
the
capacity of the deceased at the time of the execution. It appeared
that in
1837 the deceased's only son died, and that the deceased was so much
affected at this event, and it circumstances which rendered large
payments
of money necessary by him, that distress and despondency, arising from
these
causes, co-operating with the irritability occasioned by a painful
disease
under which he laboured, produced such an effect upon his mind, that he
was
under the influence of occasional delusions, such as that he should be
ruined and even be arrested and sent to gaol. Other "odd fancies," as
they
were called by the witnesses, were exhibited by him, and in 1842, he
became
decidedly insane. The learned judge, after examining the evidence at
great
length, and the dispositions obtained in the will, which he was of
opinion
evinced a great deal of consideration and fairness of arrangement with
regard to the position in which the several parties taking under it
stood
towards the testator, came to the conclusion that the delusions under
which
the deceased laboured and which were exaggerations of facts rather than
insane delusions, were temporary only, and neither existing at the time
the
will was made nor connected with the will; and he therefore pronounced
for
the will and a codicil thereto; and after stating that he considered
that
not the slightest imputation of any unfairness rested either on the
executor
or his partner, the solicitor who prepared the will from instructions
in the
testator's own hand writing, or on the widow or any of her family, he
decreed the costs of the opposition to the will on the part of the
nieces
should be paid out of the estate, it being a case in which the party
producing the will might be put to the full proof.