THE NEW COUNTY COURTS' ACT - On Saturday last, the first court under this act was held in the Guild Hall, Liskeard; but the only business done was preliminary, viz. the appointment of officers. BERNARD ANSTIS, Esq., is to be the clerk of the district, and WM. MURRAY, jun., was appointed bailiff. The Court was adjourned for the dispatch of business, to Tuesday, the 4th of May next; and the Judge proceeded westward, for the purpose of opening the other district courts in a similar manner. The following gentlemen have been appointed Clerks for the other districts in the county: St. Austell, EDMUND CARLYON; Bodmin, JOHN BASSET COLLINS; St. Columb, GEORGE BASSET COLLINS; Truro, REGINALD ROGERS; Falmouth, ROBERT WHITE; Penzance and Redruth, FRANCIS PAYNTER; and Helston, HUMPHRY MILLETT GRYLLS. The following appointments of Bailiffs have also reached us: Truro, Mr. BELLRINGER; Redruth, MR. JOHN TRYTHALL; Penzance, MR. JOHN PASCOE; Helston, MR. RICHARD KERBY; and Falmouth, M. R. H. G. BULLMORE.
SHERIFF'S COURT - On Tuesday last, a sitting of this court took place at Oliver's Hotel, Bodmin, before THOMAS COODE, Esq., under sheriff. E. TURNER, Esq., brought an action against THOMAS ROWE, a coach-builder, to recover rent due by the latter for the use and occupation of premises in Walsinham-lace. Mr. BENNALLACK appeared for the plaintiff, and called WILLIAM CRADOCK, who proved that GBP 25 were due for the use and occupation of house and workshop up to Michaelmas, 1844. Plaintiff admitted a sett-off to the amount of GBP4.2s.9d., being the value of goods supplied to him by defendant, which reduced the debt to GBP 19.17s.6d, and a verdict for plaintiff was given for that amount.
TRURO CHORAL SOCIETY - The second concert for the season was given at the Music-Hall, on Tuesday, the 6th instant. Circumstances prevented our attending; but we are informed that the performance was in every respect highly satisfactory. Several solos were given very effectively by members of the choir, the musical director (MR. HEMPEL), and his sister, MRS. RAVENSCROFT. The duetto - "O lovely peace," by the two little boys we mentioned in our notice of a former concert, was beautifully sung, and met with an encore. We are gratified to hear there is a decided improvement in the choral performances, which is, of course, the great object. The next concert is to be given on Tuesday, the 25th of May.
WESLEYAN MISSIONS - Penzance - The annual services in behalf of these missions commenced on Sunday last, at Penzance, when sermons were preached by the REV. R. YOUNG, of Truro, the REV. THOMAS HARDY, of St. Just, and the REV. WILLIAM FOX, late missionary in western Africa. On Monday, the public meeting was held, when THOMAS FARMER, Esq., of London, general treasurer of the mission fund, presided, and opened the meeting with a most interesting address. Eloquent and stirring speeches were delivered by the REVs. MESSRS. NEWSTEAD, FOX, YOUNG, J. H. JAMES, NEW, JENKINS, and others, to a crowded assembly, who felt deeply interested in the statements made by the several speakers. On Tuesday morning, there was a public missionary breakfast, in the large vestry, which was very fully attended; and the impression made on the minds of all present at this meeting, by the addresses delivered, will not soon be forgotten. A beautiful model vessel of the "John Wesley," missionary ship, was presented to MR. FARMER, for MRS. FARMER, by MR. W. D. MATHEWS, laden with some gold for the mission fund, which excited considerable interest. The chapel was crowded at the several services, and the collections exceeded those of the last year, being GBP 153.
THE EARED GREBE - On the 1st instant, a very beautiful specimen of this rare bird was shot by MR. TOWNSEND PASSINGHAM, near the Swanpool, Falmouth. This is the rarest of the five species of Grebe found in the British Islands. COLONEL MONTAGUE, during the many years he devoted to Ornithology, was able only to obtain one specimen, and that from this county.
REMARKABLE CIRCUMSTANCES - On Saturday evening last, several of the inhabitants of Penzance were not a little startled on witnessing an Otter marching down Chapel Street, with the utmost sang froid. He approached a female, who was unconscious that she was in such company, and by getting in contact with her feet, nearly threw her to the ground. A man who lodged at the Turk's Head Inn brought out a large and powerful bull dog, when a severe encounter ensued between the dog and otter, the result of which was for some time doubtful, but ultimately terminated in the death of the latter, which was subsequently purchased by JOHN RICHARDS, Esq., of Poltair, who, we understand, intends presenting it, after it shall have been stuffed, to the Museum.
CORNISH ENGINES - On Friday, the 26th ultimo, the immense platon cap for the engine contracted for by the Perran Foundry Co. with the Dutch Government, for draining Haarlem Lake, was cast at Perran, weighing nearly 24 tons, and being the heaviest piece of casting belonging to the engine. The Perran Foundry Co. have now in course of completion, engines for Staffordshire, Scotland, Holland, Mexico and Australia.
BURYAN - The poorer inhabitants of this far west locality have suffered additional poverty this winter owing to the last year's failure of the potatoe crop, which is cultivated there extensively, and forms the principal sustenance of the people, as well as the staple commodity of the neighbourhood, the crops having furnished in former seasons sufficient not only for internal consumption, but also a large surplus for some of the principal markets in the county. Under these circumstances, the REV. W. M. STRACY, curate of the parish, with the same kind and considerate feeling which has won for him the highest respect of the parishioners, solicited the pecuniary aid of those gentlemen who are non-resident proprietors of landed estates in the parish, and who very handsomely responded to this praiseworthy request. A sum, amounting to thirty pounds, was instantly subscribed, which enabled Mr. Stracy to distribute weekly a liberal allowance of barley, bread, oatmeal, and rice to!
the most destitute; and upwards of fifty poor families became the happy and grateful recipients of this seasonable bounty.
DISTRESSED IRISH - The servants and workmen of DAVIES GILBERT, Esq., of Trelissick, by strictly observing the Proclamation to fast on the 24th ult., saved in their households GBP 2.6s.4d., which sum has been increased to GBP5 by Mr. Gilbert, and transmitted to the Bank of England, to be appropriated in the same way as the sums collected in conformity with the Queen's Letter.
EMIGRATION - The "Roslin Castle" emigrant ship, is now lying in Carrick-roads, waiting for a fair wind, with 211 emigrants for Quebec. The vessel is well fitted up, and in good condition.
MACKAREL FISHERY - On Tuesday night last, the St. Ives mackerel boats brought in from 3,500 to 5,000 very fine fish each, which were sold for 18s. per six score for the Bristol market.
INCENDIARISM - On the night of Good Friday, the house under the barn of the Rev. W. HOCKIN, at Phillack, in which there was a quantity of straw and reed, was fired by some miscreant, with the intent, no doubt, of burning the barn, and the mows of corn in the mowhay, which were close to the barn. On Saturday morning, when the farm man came to work, he found the door and window of the house burnt, and the floor of the barn then burning, which he happily extinguished. Had the fire extended to the roof of the barn, the mows of corn most inevitably have been consumed. Both barn and mowhay were insured. A reward of twenty guineas has been offered for the discovery of the offender.
CAPTURE OF A BROCOLI STEALER - For some time past, the gardens of MR. THOMAS OSBORNE, Penzance, have been entered at night, and a considerable number of broccoli &c. stolen thereform. On Thursday night, the 1st instant, a man named BLEWETT was requested by Mr. Osborne to keep watch, and, if possible, detect the thief. Between three and four o'clock on Friday morning, Blewett saw a person enter the garden, and while he was in the act of cutting the broccoli, he fired a gun at him, which, as may be supposed, somewhat startled the fellow, who received the contents in his - the bottom of the back, and after running a few yards, he fell, when Blewett laid hold of him and escorted him into Osborne's house. The man's name is JOHN HICKS, and in the forenoon he was taken before the magistrates who sent him to prisoner for a week.
FELONY - On Wednesday last, ANTHONY MICHELL, of Illogan, was committed to Falmouth town gaol, by J. B. COX, mayor, and JOHN HILL, Esq., magistrate, for trial at the next sessions, on a charge of stealing a pair of silver sugar tongs from MR. LENDERYOU, of the King's Arms, in that town.
CORONERS' INQUESTS - On Friday last, an inquest was held at the Guild Hall, Penzance, by JOHN ROSCORLA, Esq., coroner, on view of the body of a man named JOHN PASCOE, aged 63 years. It appeared that on the previous evening, the deceased, who was asthmatic, had been taken ill in the street, and on being conveyed to his house, in the Dock-lane, he died immediately on his arrival. Verdict accordingly.
On Friday last, an inquest was held at Sevallack, in the parish of St. Breward, on the body of GEORGE NILE, labourer, who was found drowned in the river Camel, in the parish of Advent, the day before. The deceased had for some time previous been working on Wheal Camel mine, adjoining, and had to pass a foot-path by the side of the river, a height of above twenty feet from the water; and returning later than usual on Wednesday night, it is supposed he must have slipped into the water where it was deep, and perished. Verdict accordingly.
On Monday last, an inquest was held at the Falcon Hotel, Bude Haven, on the body of JAMES SYMONS PENFOUND, who was accidentally drowned from a barge, on the night of Friday last, in its progress from Hele Bridge to Bude. The accident took place at Rodd's Bridge. Verdict accordingly.
QUARTER SESSIONS
THE CHAIRMAN'S CHARGE TO THE GRAND JURY - -
It was gratifying to the court, he said, to see so large an attendance of grand jurors, and it was also satisfactory to observe that the duties devolving upon them were at this time so light. But although he was happy to see that the present calendar was not a large one, he was bound to add that in the course of last week - only so late as the last assizes - there was the heaviest calendar of prisoners ever known in this county presented before the Judges. That calendar was distinguished by almost every species of crime, and he could not help feeling that it was discreditable to the county.
GOVERNOR'S REPORT The following were reported as the expenses of the gaol during the last quarter: pounds shil. pence
Subsistence ..................................................... 377....8...2
Clothing......................................................... 46...16...4
Fuel............................................................. 32...11...7
Sundries......................................................... 75...19...3
Salaries......................................................... 292...17...0
Paid prisoners on discharge...................................... 16...19...0
Expenses of Assizes, Sessions, and Debtor's Court................ 34....8...4
SINGERS.......................................................... 1....0...0
WHIPPING......................................................... 1...16...0
Incidental expenses.............................................. 0....5...3
TOTAL GBP 883.11s. 11d
Received from the borough of Plymouth, for maintenance
Of prisoners ........................................47...16...0
They then discussed a case where a baby died, and the rector buried it in the churchyard before an inquest could be held. It seemed the child had been ill a long time, and the clergyman knew three weeks before it died that death was likely, when he visited the home, so in his view there could be no problem of performing an inquest on the child. The child was eight or nine months old, and lived with its mother and grandmother in a hovel. The child was found dead in the night; it was thought by some to be smothered.
Suggestions were made that registrars and clergymen should be given releases, signed by the coroner, before any body was buried. No motions were made; they agreed to consider possibilities.
LUNATIC ASYLUM - [respecting the building extension] Mr. Colman Rashleigh stated that in consequence of the difficulties thrown in the way of the committee by the Lunacy Commissioners, Mr. Hicks and Mr. Wightwick had been sent to London to have an interview with them, and the plans put in had been approved of by the commissioners. The arrangements, however, insisted on by the commissioners had increased the expense.
In consequence of the want of room they had been compelled to refuse as many as fourteen patients in the course of three weeks, many of them being cases that would most probably have been cured if they had been admitted. There were at present above 200 lunatics out in the county, while even this addition to the asylum would only give room for 100 more. They had endeavoured to economise in every possible way, and in consequence their expenditure was but as a drop in the ocean in comparison with some other counties, which had expended sums of GBP 120,000 and GBP 80,000 in providing for their lunatics.
The following report of Mr. Tyerman, the medical officer, was then handed in:
Patients in the house on Jan.
1st........................81...........87.............168
Admitted during the year...............................27............35............ 62
Total under care during the year.................................................... 230
Discharged, recovered................................... 7......... 21
Relieved................................................... 1......... 1
Unrelieved................................................ 0........ 3
Died........................................................ 19........ 9
Total discharged and dead..............................................................61
Remaining in the house ........................................................................169
Of the 62 admissions, 32 were incurable. In twenty of these admissions, insanity had existed from two years upwards. In twelve other cases various complications, such as epilepsy, general or partial paralysis, scrofula, &c., rendered them perfectly hopeless. Twenty-eight patients died during the year; eleven of these cases were complicated with general or partial paralysis, some with epilepsy also; eleven others sand from constitutional decay or consumption; one from effusion on the brain; and one death was suicidal, a male who threw himself into a drain pit.
Some further conversation then ensued, in the course of which Mr. Tremayne observed that it was directly contrary to law to keep lunatics in union workhouses more than a certain number of days. Mr. C. Rashleigh having handed in plans and an estimate, eventually moved for a grant of GBP 2,000 for the purposes of the asylum, to be borrowed on security of the county rates, to be repaid in ten years. Sir W. L. S. Trelawny seconded the motion; it was carried unanimously. Mr. Rashleigh stated another GBP 1,000 would be necessary, but would be applied for at a later date.
DONATIONS TO THE ASYLUM - Mr. Tremayne said he thought they should not pass from the Asylum without expressing their sense of the very munificent donation given by that excellent lady, MRS. MARY BASSET, which if it did not go to relieve the burdens of the county, it went to alleviate the sufferings of a great number of unhappy people. To MR. ROBARTES also they felt much indebted for contributing to the comforts of the inmates of the asylum during the past winter. [The Chairman then expressed his thanks, and the Rev. W. Molesworth resolved that the Chairman write letters of thanks to Mrs. Mary BASSET and Mr. ROBARTES. jm]
TRIAL OF THE PRISONERS
THOMAS INCH, 20, was charged with stealing three fowls, the property of RICHARD NETTLE. The prosecutor lives at St. Austell, and has a farm at Tregorrick. The fowls were stolen from a bullock house at that place. The prisoner was found Guilty. Three Months' hard labour.
WILLIAM BURLEY, 26, and WILLIAM BEST, 22, were charged with stealing, on the 23rd of March, a pick, the property of JOHN VEAGUE. The pick was stolen from Treloggas quarry, in the parish of Kea. Both the prisoners were found Guilty. Two Months' hard labour.
WILLIAM PASCOE, 18, was charged with stealing three eggs, the property of HENRY EVA, of the parish of Camborne, farmer. Mr. BENNALLACK, for the prisoner, contended that the indictment was bad, inasmuch is it did not describe the kind of eggs that had been stolen. The Chairman took a note of the objection, and then put the case to the jury, who found the prisoner Guilty. A Fortnight's hard labour.
WILLIAM VINE was charged with stealing, in the parish of Tywardreath, two ducks, the property of JAMES GOLDSWORTHY. The prisoner was a little boy scarcely higher than the dock. He was a foundling, having been found in a basket under a vine, and hence derived his name. He was so young that it was doubtful whether he knew the nature of a felony, and on the Chairman summing up the evidence to the jury, he was Acquitted.
WILLIAM VERCOE pleaded Guilty of stealing, in the parish of St. Mewan, on the 20th of February, one ewe, the property of THOMAS BODY. The same prisoner, and JAMES VERCOE, of St. Mewan, also pleaded Guilty to a charge of stealing, on the 27th of March, one ewe, the property of Thomas Body. James Vercoe, Twelve Months' hard labour. William Vercoe, Twelve Months' for the first offence, and at the expiration of that term, to Six Months' hard labour for the second offence with which he was charged.
FRANCES HARRIS was found Guilty of stealing, on the 2nd of April, nine fowls and twenty eggs, the property of GEORGE LAITY and others, of the parish of St. Hilary. A former conviction was also proved against the prisoner. Transportation for Seven years.
JOHN HEWITT pleaded Guilty to a charge of stealing three faggots of wood, the property of MARY PERRY. One Week's hard labour.
The grand jury ignored the bill against JAMES POLKINHORNE, of Egloshayle, who had been remanded from the assizes to be tried at this sessions on a charge of stealing fowls.
The court then rose.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7
KITTING - THOMAS HICKS, 19, and FRANCIS GILL, 18, were indicted for having, on the 26th of March, stolen from the United Hills mine, in the parish of Illogan, a quantity of copper ore, with intent to defraud MICHAEL WILLIAMS and others, the adventurers. A second count charged the prisoners with concealing the said ore, and a third count charged them with removing it.
WILLIAM MARTIN, said he was a tributer in the United Hills mine, and had a pitch in the back of the twenty fathom level. His two sons worked with him. There were no other workmen employed in that level. The prisoners have been working in the ten fathom level the last month as tributers, and there are no other workmen employed in that level. On the 22nd of March witness missed ore from his pile in the twenty fathom level; some of the best stones of ore had been taken away. In consequence of that he marked, on the 25th of March, some stones of ore that he had broken in his pitch, and he placed them at the end of the pile in a little round bunch in the plat. On the 29th of March, he went with Capt. TREVENEN, and found those tones of ore in Francis Gill's and Thomas Hicks's pile, buried up. He had marked those stones of ore with some grease, and other with a candle.
By the Prisoners - I never saw either of you in my pitch.
THOMAS TREVENEN said he was an agent in the United Hills mine, and in company with the last witness he went to prisoners' pitch, and found some dead attle on their pile; he took that up, and found under it some prills of best ore and also some stones of ore. He knew the quality of the ore in Martin's pitch, and considered that what was found in prisoners' pitch was Martin's ore. He saw marks of grease on the stones of ore, and gave them to the constable. [Prisoners' said it was their ore; he asked if it had been broken at their pitch; they said no, and when he asked how it got there; they could not tell him. jm] There was about 1,700 lbs of ore there besides what was found of Martin's, which was about 200 lbs weight.
By the Chairman - I did not see these pitches more than once or twice a month, as they are old pitches. Martin's pitch has been worth about GBP 7 or 8 to him; prisoners' pitch has been worth from GBP 3 to 4.
JOHN WALTERS, constable of Illogan, produced the stones of ore which had been given him by Captain Trevenen, which prosecutor identified.
Prisoners, in their defence, said they did not put the ore in their pile. Hicks said it was put there to injure them [as Hicks had had words with Martin's nineteen year old son. Prosecutor said that son had not been employed in his pitch, nor had he ever been in prisoners' pitch. jm] Guilty - Four Months' hard labour each.
WILLIAM HAMLEY and ANN LANGMAID were charged with stealing, in the parish of St. Veep, a quantity of wool, the property of HENRY WILLIAMS.
MR. ROBERT NICHOLLS, of Lostwithiel, said he was in the habit of buying wool, and on the 31st of March, the prisoners came to his warehouse, about half-past six o'clock in the morning, with two bags of wool, which they offered for sale. [They were brought on a donkey, and the male prisoner said they were from Pelynt. The female prisoner said they were going to Bodmin, and asked the way. He bought the wool for 7 1/2 d. per pound, and paid GBP 3.10s. for 112 pounds. The male prisoner folded up the bags, and then left, as witness thought, for Bodmin; but he afterwards saw that they went in the direction of Liskeard. On the 5th of April, witness was called upon by WEST, the constable, and they went in the place where the male prisoner was working, and afterwards, to the female prisoner's home. Both of them denied that they had been to witness's home to sell wool. The male prisoner said his name was Truscott on the day he sold the wool. On comparing some of the fleeces that witness bought of the prisoners with the wool in Mr. William's storeroom, he found that it corresponded. There were onions also kept in the wool chamber, and some skins of onions were about the fleeces he bought of the prisoners.
HENRY WILLIAMS, the prosecutor, said he lived at Little Trefroll, in the parish of Lanreath, and had kept part of his wool in his father's wool-chamber at Great Trefroll, in St. Veep. He had missed some wool, and so had his father, and he believed the wool produced by Mr. Nicholls, as having been sold to him by the prisoners, to be a portion of the fleeces he had lost. West, the constable, was also called, and the Chairman having summed up, the prisoners were found Guilty. They were each sentenced to Four Months' hard labour.
At the conclusion of this trial the jury were discharged, with the thanks of the Chairman for their services.
WILLIAM LOWRY, 30, was then placed at the bar. He had been remanded to jail from time to time for want of sureties in the breach of the peace towards his sister BETSEY LAWRY, of the parish of Kea. She had appeared against him at former sessions, and complained of his violence, and at the same time asserting that he was not of sound mind. There was no appearance against him, but his mother and sister still stated that his mind was affected. The sister said he would surely destroy himself before he got home; and she wanted him to be taken care of. The Chairman said the prisoner had conducted himself well since the last sessions, and so he had before. The medical officer had declined to certify that he was insane, and he must therefore be discharged, if there was no appearance against him, as a sane man could not be taken into the asylum.
The Chairman then told the prisoner that after two days he would be discharged, and he might then go home, for his box and some money that he said he had left at home in a place known only to himself. If he became excited and behaved improperly towards his mother or sister, he was told he would again be taken to gaol. The prisoner promised to fetch his things without having anything to say to his sister or mother; and it was arranged that a constable should go with him from Truro to the house in order to prevent any occurrence of a combat between the parties.
JOHN FOX, 30, was charged with being an incorrigible rogue and vagabond. It was stated that the prisoner had been convicted several times previously, but the proofs not being at hand, he was discharged with some advice from the Chairman, and a warning that if brought up again he would be liable to be committed for twelve months' to hard labour.
APPEALS [All of the appeals only contained lawyer's names, except for the following, which had more details than the norm. jm]
SENNEN, appellant, MADRON, respondent: An appeal against an order for maintenance. The pauper is RICHARD VINGOE, a lunatic in the Penzance Union-house, when an order was made for his reception into the asylum. That order was dated the 7th of January. On the 11th of February, two justices (the Rev. C. V. LeGrice and the Rev. Mr. Graham) made another order by which the settlement was adjudged to be in the parish of Sennen. He was previously chargeable, when in the union workhouse, to Madron. Also on the 11th of February, the same justices made an order on the parish of Sennen for the expenses of examination of the pauper and his conveyance to the asylum, and also for his lodging and maintenance there. [A very lengthy description of legal arguments followed. jm]
Respondents called NICHOLAS PERMEWAN gave evidence regarding a settlement by service in the parish of Sennen. Appellants then attempted to set up a case that settlement was gained by hiring and service in the parish of Phillack. To rebut this evidence, the respondents called SIMON HOSKIN, after which Mr. SHILSON replied upon that evidence, and Mr. DARKE, on the other side, relied on the whole case.. The Court decided that no settlement had been proved in the parish of Phillack. The order was quashed, with the GBP5 costs, subject to a case.
The Court then rose.
16 APRIL 1847, Friday
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE
THE DISTRESSED IRISH AND SCOTCH - The sum of nine pounds has been subscribed by the pensioners in the Falmouth district, under the Superintendence of LIEUT. McDOUGELL, staff-officer, for the distressed Irish and Scotch.
THE RECENT GALES - We learn from our St. Ives correspondent that the weather has been so stormy during the past week as to prevent the mackerel boats driving more than two nights, when they caught from 300 to 800 each. The boat "William" had brought in a large bale of cotton, which had not been long in the water. On Monday last, a cask containing about fifty gallons of brandy was lodged in the custom house, by the coast guard, it having been washed ashore on Gwithian sands.
SCILLY - The sub-commissioners of pilotage have awarded to the pilots and boatmen of two pilot cutters for towing in the French brigantine "La Renaissance," GBP 145. It will be remembered that this vessel got in collision with the "Flower of Yarrow" (yacht) on the 24th of February last, to the S.E. of these islands, and that the French captain accidentally got on board the yacht and was carried to Cork.
OPERATIONS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ETHER - On Monday last, at the Union House, Madron, MR. ARTHUR BERRYMAN assisted by MR. T. BERRYMAN, amputated the thigh of a woman while she was under the influence of ether, ... the ether occupied about six minutes, and the operation about four minutes and a half. The patient had no feeling of pain in the early part of the operation, and very little at the close of it, and after it was over she expressed her wonder that it was so shortly and easily done. Messrs. A. and T. Berryman have performed several operations of minor importance with similar success.
INHALATION OF ETHER - MR. J. BLAKE, jun., of Wadebridge, adds his testimony to that of others of our correspondents, who have proved the efficacy of ether in producing insensibility to pain. After suffering severely for three months, he went to the surgery of Messrs. TICKELL and RENDALL, of Wadebridge, where the ether was administered to him, and his tooth extracted. He states that he was wholly unconscious of pain, but could hear perfectly well what was said by the surgeon, and he soon recovered from the stupor into which he had been thrown by the use of the ether.
CONVERSION TO ROMANISM - On Sunday morning week, in the Catholic chapel, Stratton-place, Falmouth, a youth named BONE made a public profession of his faith in the doctrines and principles of the Roman Catholic church, and was admitted a member thereof. The chapel was much crowded on the occasion, and the priest who officiated made a powerful and eloquent address to the newly-admitted member, concluding by commending him to the protection of the Holy Virgin, and to St Aloysius, whom he had taken for his patron.
FALMOUTH QUARTER SESSIONS - These sessions were held on Saturday last, before Herman MERIVALE, Esq., recorder, and the usual bench of magistrates. LOUISA DUKE and ANN PRANGLE, two young women from the Union-house, pleaded guilty of stealing two shawls from the house, and were sentenced to two months' hard labour.
JOHN ALLEN, a traveling dentist, was indicted for stealing a waistcoat, three sovereigns, and a comb, the property of PHILIP WATERS. The prisoner was found guilty, and was sentenced to four months' hard labour.
MARY ANN GREET was convicted of stealing a mackerel, and was sentenced to two months' hard labour.
ANTHONY MICHELL, of Illogan, was indicted for stealing a silver sugar-tongs and a bottle, the property of MR. LENDERYOU, of the King's Arms. There is little doubt but that the articles were put into the young man's pocket without his knowledge, in order to carry out a "lark," and one of the emigrants who is gone to America in the "Roslin Castle," is considered as having been the author of the mischief. A number of respectable witnesses gave the prisoner a good character, and the jury returned a verdict of acquittal, which was received with shouts of applause, and on the man going into the street the people also showed their satisfaction.
This case terminated the business of the sessions.
HELSTON QUARTER SESSIONS - On Monday last, these sessions were held before the recorder, Herman Merivale, Esq., and the borough magistrates. NICHOLAS ROWE was charged with having, in January last, stolen a parcel of wearing apparel from a poor girl living at Cadgwith, near the Lizard. It appeared that Rowe, on the day in question, met near the Lizard with MR. CLARKE's waggoner, who gave him a ride. They had not proceeded far when they overtook a girl with a bundle in her hand, who also asked to ride. She was permitted, and on getting up she placed her bundle behind her in a box. On their arrival at Helston it was quite dark, and the bundle was missing. Suspicion fell on Rowe, and a search warrant being obtained on the following morning, the bundle was found concealed in Rowe's bed room, in a chimney behind the bed. The prisoner was sentenced to three months' hard labour in the borough prison.
CHARLOTTE THOMAS was acquitted on a charge of stealing from her master, JOHN RICHARDS, in January last, a gold ring and other articles.
PENZANCE QUARTER SESSIONS - There were two prisoners for trial at these sessions, which were held on Monday last, before the recorder, H. Merivale, Esq., and the mayor and borough magistrates. MARY JANE OSBORNE, 18, was charged with stealing, on the 14th of January, four muslin collars, the property of MR. WILLIAM MICHELL, draper. MR. ROSCORLA conducted the prosecution, and MR. PAYNTER the defence.
On the 13th of January last, Mr. Michell, after his shop was closed, in consequence of suspicion that he had been robbed, counted forty-six collars in a box, and on the following day, between four and five o'clock, he again counted them, and found there were four missing. He then went into the room where a dozen assistants were taking tea, together with the prisoner and her sister. The prisoner had no authority to sell, but was merely engaged as a folder, and to take care that no property was stolen. Mr. Michell had her searched, and in her pocket were found four collars, with Mr. Michell's private and selling marks on them. ANN OSBORNE, the prisoner's sister, gave evidence on her behalf, which, however, called forth the severe condemnation of the Recorder as being false. The prisoner was sentenced to six months' hard labour.
LOUISA OSBORNE, 19, another sister of the prisoner was acquitted on a charge of stealing from Mr. Michell on the 14th of January, two yards of black lace.
A THIEF SHOT - A party of gypsies having lately pitched their tents in the neighbourhood of Grampound, one of them, following the occupation of a tinker, called on MR. RICHARD MURTON, a farmer in the parish of Cuby, on Tuesday week, and inquired if he had any kettles, pots, pans or old bellows to be repaired. He was told they had none of those articles that required mending. Outside the house, however, was a large brass pan, with water in it' and this, it appears, the tinker took good notice of before he left the premises. On Wednesday morning, between three and four o'clock, the farmer's son was awakened by the barking of their dog. He looked out from the window, and saw a man who had a large dog with him. Without putting on any thing except his hat, he took a loaded gun, and ran out barefooted. He then saw the man going off as fast as he could with the brass pan on his head.
He pursued the thief, and after running across two fields he overtook him, and ordered him to carry back the pan to the place whence he took it. The fellow refused, but Mr. Murton insisted on his taking back the pan, saying "If you don't I will fire at you." After a few more words, the thief took up the pan and carried it part of the way back, but then again put it down, swearing that he would go no further with it. The farmer's son said he should, and upon that they had another altercation, until, at length, the fellow produced a hammer, and threatened to knock Mr. Murton's brains out, if he did not let him go.
Murton still insisted on the pan being carried all the way back, and some more words followed when, for his own defence, and to secure the rogue, Mr. Murton fired his gun, and shot off part of the calf of one of the fellow's legs. He instantly fell, and Mr. Murton , after examining the wound, ran in to tell his father and brother. They came out and carried the wounded thief into the house, gave him breakfast, and afterwards placed him in a cart, and took him before G. W. F. GREGOR, Esq., a magistrate for the county. Mr. Gregor was obliged to come out into the yard to take the depositions of the witnesses, the man's leg being so bad he could not be removed from the cart. He was committed for trial, and taken on to St. Austell; but complaining of his leg, he was examined by a surgeon, who directed him to remain at St. Austell until he was in a fit state to be removed. On Friday last, however, the prisoner's leg had become so much worse that, after a consultation among the surgeons, it was considered necessary to amputate the limb, which was done on the same day at St. Austell.
CAUTION TO DRAPERS - Within the last week of February a system of robbery has come to light that no doubt has for some time past been carried on to a considerable extent in Truro, and in other towns in this county. Three individuals, two of them very respectably dressed, have been in the habit of going into drapers'shops to purchase a silk handkerchief, or some article of the kind, and then, watching their opportunity, they have stolen a number of silk handkerchiefs, and probably other things from the counter.
MRS. BUCKINGHAM, of St. Nicholas Street, Truro, had some handkerchiefs stolen a short time since, which were subsequently found to have been sold by a female named ELLEN JOHNSON, who states that she had them from one of the men to whom we before alluded, whose name is ROWE. She was taken into custody, and it has been found that she has been selling a large number of silk handkerchiefs in the town at low prices. The police have already recovered between fifty and sixty of these, and several of them have been identified by MR. GEORGE READ and MRS. BUCKINGHAM. MR. JOB, MR. R. BARRETT, MR. HENRY ANDREWS, and MR. W. BARRETT, have also lost silk handkerchiefs, but a number of the handkerchiefs have not yet been identified, and it is surmised that these have been sent to Truro from other towns where similar practices are carrying on.
On Monday last, Ellen Johnson was charged before the magistrates with feloniously receiving several silk handkerchiefs that were produced, the property of Mr. Read and Mrs. Buckingham. Persons came forward to give evidence who had bought those handkerchiefs of the prisoner, and after hearing the case, she was remanded until Thursday. It is stated that the men who are suspected of stealing the handkerchiefs have left the town since the apprehension of Ellen Johnson.
On Thursday last, the prisoner was again brought up, when the charge of felony against her was abandoned, and evidence was given to prove that she had been hawking without a license. MRS. MICHELL, the landlady of the Wheel Inn, at Tresillian, and Mr. DREW, landlord at St. Clement's church-town, proved the purchase of goods of the prisoner, and the magistrates inflicted upon her a fine of GBP 10, or in default of payment, to be committed.
ROBBERY - On Sunday last, SAMUEL BUTCHER, a servant of Mr. W. SAMPSON, a farmer in Crowan, decamped from the house after having forced open a chest belonging to his master, and extracted therefrom GBP 68. No clued has yet been obtained that is likely to lead to the apprehension of the thief, although the most diligent search has been made for him in the different seaports in the neighbourhood.
[The dwelling-house of MR. HENRY MATHEW, of Treiza, Helston, was broken into, and from a drawer of a table in the bedroom, the sum of GBP 25.10s., two silver watches, and other articles, were taken. Mr. Mathew and family were at the Helston market at the time, and the servant was milking. A reward of GBP 20 has been offered for the apprehension of the thief.]
MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT - On Tuesday last, the barque "Clio," EASTHOPE, master, lying at Cove, in Padstow harbour, with upwards of 300 emigrants on board for Quebec, being under sailing orders, some of the passengers came up to the town to buy provisions &c. for their voyage. When about to return, two tradesmen WILLIAM BRABYN and WILLIAM KNIGHT RAWLINGS, took nine of them into a rather small boat, and there being much billow in the river, the boat on her passage to the ship upset, and W. Brabyn and W. Rawlings with five of the passengers were drowned. Brabyn has left a wife and four children, and Rawlings a wife and six children, totally unprovided for. The body of Brabyn alone had been found when our correspondent sent us the above particulars.
CORONERS' INQUESTS - The following inquest has been held before JOHN CARLYON, Esq. coroner, since our last report: On Wednesday last, at Blackwater, in the parish of St. Agnes, on the body of JOHN WOOLCOCK, carpenter, aged 41 years, who was killed the day before by the surging of a shears, which he and several others were employed in erecting at Wheal Mary Mine, Redruth. Verdict, Accidental Death.
At Camborne, on the 9th instant, on the body of GRACE SKEWIS, wife of HENRY SKEWIS, of that parish, miner. The deceased went to bed on the night of the 7th instant, apparently in perfect health, but between two and three o'clock in the morning, she was seized with a cough and shortness of breath, which awoke her husband, to whom she said she thought she was dying. He hastened to MR. GURNEY, the surgeon, who gave him a paper of powder for her to take, thinking that that might relieve her. Finding, however, on his return that she was seemingly much worse, he did not remain to give the powder, but went back to MR. Gurney's, and brought him with him; but before they arrived she had passed recovery. Verdict, Natural Death.
At Gwinear, on the 14th instant, on the body of RICHARD FLOYD, aged 45 years. The deceased was a labourer, and on the morning of the 13th instant, left his house apparently quite well, to spread some dressing for Mr. JOHN CARNE, a house carpenter at Fraddam, in Gwinear. Between eleven and twelve o'clock, the deceased came from his labour to MR. CARNE's workshop, and complained of being very ill with pain in his bowels. Mr. Carne had him removed shortly afterwards to his (Mr. Carne's) house, where he was seated before the fire, and a messenger was dispatched to the nearest surgeon, Mr. JOHN VIVIAN, of Townshend, with a letter stating the deceased's complaint.
Mr. Vivian, being unwell himself, was unable to attend, but sent some pills for the man to take, and recommended also the application of a mustard plaster; but before the return of the messenger, MR. VAWDREY, a surgeon, at Hayle, who happened to drive by, was called in to see the patient, and recommended a warm bath. On the arrival of the messenger from Mr. Vivian, the pills were given, and the mustard plaster applied for about half an hour, but as this did not appear to alleviate the pain, recourse was had to a warm bath, in which the deceased was placed and remained about twenty minutes. Appearing then to get some-what faint, he was taken out, and warm clothes were put on to him. He was then about to be placed in bed, but before this could be done he expired. Verdict, Natural Death.
EASTER SESSIONS.
THURSDAY APRIL 8
The REV. RICHARD FARQUHAR WISE took the oaths on his institution to the rectory of Ladock in this county.
BEERFERRIS appellant, Mr. Stokes and Mr. Darke; TYWARDREATH, respondent: Mr. Shilson and Mr. Childs: This was an appeal against an order for the removal of MARTHA TYRRELL and her children from Tywardreath to Beerferris. Mr. Stokes took a preliminary objection re the captions of the examinations. The objection was overruled. He then objected to the examination of Joseph Prior, on which respondent relied to show a settlement by apprenticeship.
[The examination said the apprenticeship of pauper's husband commenced about 1804, and "towards the end" of that year an indenture was made. These were too indefinite, as the indenture might have been made un the 44th of George the 3rd, which came into operation on the 10th of October, 1804, which would make the entire appeal void. Mr. Shilson pointed out the stamp on the indenture was the one required by the 44th George 3rd. The Bench overruled the objection. Respondent's case was then entered upon on the merits.
JOSEPH PRIOR was called. [He is a blacksmith, who lived at Tavistock in 1804, towards the end of which RICHARD TYRRELL was bound to him for seven years. The premium was GBP 10, and 15s.3d was paid for the stamp on the indenture. Witness lived for five years after the indenture was executed at Tavistock, and he afterwards removed to Beerferris, where Tyrrell lived with him the remaining two years of his time. After his apprenticeship was served, he lived with witness twelvemonths, and then went to work at some other place.]
WILLIAM NETTLE knew Martha Tyrrell, the pauper; she was the widow of Richard Tyrrell. He first saw Richard Tyrrell in 1811, and first worked with him at Prior's in 1812. Tyrrell worked at Prior's two years after that. He died last Christmas, and had worked at Fowey Consols sometime before his death.
The pauper, MARTHA TYRRELL, was then brought into Court; but being a poor, crippled, and diseased woman, the advocated on both sides agreed to use the written examination that had been taken, to save the taking of another viva voce examination. Appellants admitted the loss of the indenture, and that due search had been made for it. Mr. Stokes pointed out Prior said that Tyrrell was bound in 1804 for seven years, so that 1811 would be the expiration of his apprenticeship, and Prior further stated that Tyrrell remained with him one year only after that, giving 1812 as the last year that Tyrrell worked at Beerferris.
The other witness, Nettle, stated he worked with Tyrrell, at Prior's, in 1812, and that Tyrrell remained there two years after that. He thus showed that Tyrrell remained at Beerferris until 1814, while Prior stated that 1812 was the last year that Tyrrell worked with him. He (Mr. Stokes) could only reconcile these dates by supposing that Prior was in error, and the date of the indenture must have been 1806; if so, there was an end of the case. The bench, however, on taking the facts into consideration, came to the decision that respondent's case was made out.
Appellants then attempted to set up a settlement in a third parish - in the parish of St. Blazey. They alleged by the 10th ground of appeal, that after the apprenticeship in Beerferris, Richard Tyrrell had acquired a settlement by renting a tenement in St. Blazey, from Michaelmas 1826 to February, 1829; that he occupied a tenement belonging to JOHN ROBINS, at the sum of GBP 12 per year, as yearly tenant. Mr. Shilson objected that this was not giving sufficient information to respondents; it should have been stated in what part of the parish of St. Blazey the tenement was situated. [Much legal discussion ensued.] The bench then took the case into deliberation, and decided that the objection must prevail. Order confirmed; costs GBP 5; maintenance GBP4.4s.3d.
This case concluded the business of the session.
23 APRIL 1847, Friday
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE
THE NEW COUNTY COURTS - On Saturday last, WM. MACKWORTH PRAED, Esq., opened the new County Court, at the Town Hall, Camelford, by appointing JOHN DARKE, Esq., clerk, and MR. SAMUEL SCOTT, high bailiff - the same parties who had previously held these offices in the Camelford branch of the Launceston court of Requests. At the same time, notice was given that the first court for the dispatch of business will be held on the 6th of May, and will be continued monthly.
In the first arrangement, after the passing of the new act, Camelford was omitted as a court town, and was attached to Bodmin; but a remonstrance having been made against this arrangement, on the ground of the inconvenience which the distance would occasion, more especially to the trade of Boscastle, where an extensive business is transacted; and also that about GBP 150 had been subscribed at Camelford and Boscastle towards the expenses of obtaining the act for the Local Court, Camelford was reinstated as a court town. Stratton was later in moving, and is now attached to Holsworthy.
ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS OF ENGLAND - On Friday last, MR. W. D. MICHELL, late pupil of Dr. BULLMORE, of Truro, was admitted a member of this College.
THE IRISH FAMINE - MR. R. GETHIN CREAGH, Knocknanaffe House, Kinsale, gratefully acknowledges the receipt of GBP 3 from RICHARD MICHELL HODGE, Esq., of Truro, towards the support of the soup kitchen in his district.
THE QUICKEST VOYAGE EVER MADE TO RIO DE JANEIRO FROM FALMOUTH - Her Majesty's packet brigantine "Seagull," under the command of Lieut. J. PARSONS, sailed from Falmouth on the 6th of December last; arrived at Madeira on the 13th; sailed thence on the 14th; touched at Teneriffe and delivered the mails on the 16th; arrived at Pernambuco on the 30th; sailed on the 1st of January for Bahia, where she arrived on the 4th; and sailed again on the 5th for Rio de Janeiro, where she arrived on the morning of the 13th, and delivered the mails; having performed the voyage, including all stoppages, in thirty seven days twenty one hours.
This is considered the shortest voyage out to Rio Janeiro ever performed by any packet in her Majesty's service touching at the northern ports.
COLLISION AND LOSS AT SEA - The barque "Emma," CAPTAIN D. EDZARD, of and from Bremen, bound to New York with emigrants, arrived at Falmouth on Saturday morning last, with bowsprit sprung, having on the evening of the 15th instant, at nine o'clock, when about eight leagues south of the Lizard Point, run into the Dutch schooner "Van Spyk," CAPTAIN D. VISSER, of and for Amsterdam, from Surinam, laden with coffee and cotton, which latter vessel sank immediately, affording the crew but barely time to save their lives by climbing on board the "Emma."
THE LATE FATAL ACCIDENT AT PADSTOW - The bodies of three of the passengers, who were drowned on Tuesday week, have been taken up, and recognized by their friends.
CHILD DROPPING - On Friday last, about nine o'clock in the evening, a female infant was found at the door of Lemon Villa, at the top of Lemon Street, Truro, the residence of ADMIRAL TANCOCK. One of the members of the family heard a noise, and on the servant going to the door, she found the child lying on the step, wrapped up in a shawl. She took it into the house where its necessities were kindly attended to by Mrs. Tancock, who sent it the next morning to nurse until its future support is otherwise provided for.
The child, when found, was plainly but comfortably clothed; it is a fine, healthy baby of about three months old, and has the greater portion of the hair on its head cut off in front. It is hoped that the person who thus exposed an infant, in order to get rid of it, and throw its maintenance upon others, will not escape detection.
SKELETON KEYS - On Friday last, twenty-eight skeleton keys, of various sizes, were found in a hedge on Infirmary hill, near Truro. A person passing by saw a string hanging out, and on pulling it he drew a bag from its concealment, which contained these implements of housebreaking. They were afterwards taken to the police station; but it is not likely that any owner of them will be found.
TRURO POLICE - On Monday last, JOHN HENRY THOMAS was charged with stealing a mackintosh cloak, a cotton shawl, and a pair of gloves, the property of SAMUEL RICHARDS. He was also charged with stealing a cloth Chesterfield coat, a pair of gloves, and a memorandum book, the property of RICHARD BODILLY. Richards and Bodilly are servants with MRS. ANDREW, at the Hotel, Redruth. On Friday evening last they hung their coats, containing in the pockets the other articles above named, on pins in the stable of the hotel. On Saturday morning, the coats and other articles were missed.
About one o'clock on Saturday afternoon, the prisoner offered the coats, two pairs of gloves, and the shawl for sale to MR. EDWARD PENNA, tailor, of the Church-Lane, Truro. Prisoner asked 20s. for the articles, but Mr. Penna declined to buy, and ultimately agreed to exchange articles with the prisoner, by giving him for the things he offered another coat, a Guernsey frock, and 2s. Suspecting that the articles had been stolen, Mr. Penna then sent to the police station, and policemen [found the prisoner]in a bay loft connected with the Seven Stars Inn. Prisoner said he had purchased the coats of a man whom he met between Penryn and Falmouth, but he did not know his name. he said he found the pocket book on the Falmouth road. Committed for trial.
THOMAS STE[orA}NNING, a market gardener, was fined 20s., including costs, for assaulting the wife of JOHN ANEAR, of Kenwyn-Street, cordwainer. The assault was committed by beating Mrs. Anear about the head with a broccoli.
FALMOUTH POLICE - On Tuesday last, SAMUEL RAIL, and his mother, ELIZA RAIL, were brought before the magistrates at the town Hall, on a charge of having thrown ELLEN DREW over the stairs. The surgeon MR. WILLIAMS, who has been attending the young woman since the previous Thursday, when the affray took place, stated that she was labouring under a concussion of the brain, and that it would be some days before she could be examined. The case was postponed for a week.
ROBBERIES NEAR LISKEARD - On Tuesday, the 13th instant, MR. DAWE, the active constable of Liskeard, was informed that NICHOLAS and WILLIS ANDREW, two men living in the neighbourhood, were suspected of stealing corn &c., from MR. THOMAS NATTLE, a farmer, living about a mile from their residence. The constable immediately went and searched the premises, and found a quantity of oats, &c., which was of the same description as that lost by Mr. Nattle. He also found a quantity of hay, which had been stolen from MR. SNELL, a farmer in the parish of St. Cleer.
Nicholas and Willis Andrew were both apprehended, and taken before J. LYNN, Esq., a magistrate for the county, when Nicholas was fully committed for trial at the next assizes, but the evidence was not sufficiently clear against Willis. The constable, however, recollecting a paragraph which appeared in this paper, of the 1st of January last, detained Willis in custody. That paragraph stated that a daring robbery had been committed at Penryn, by a man called Willis Andrew, alias Potter?, who had stolen, in open day, a barrel of lard from the shop window of MR. MOYLE, grocer.
It was further stated that Mr. Moyle had abstained from prosecuting the thief in consequence of the pitiful entreaties of the fellow's wife; but this he afterwards regretted, as Andrew belonged to a gang of thieves who had infested the neighbourhood. A description was given on the paragraph of the person of the thief, which Mr. Dawe found to correspond with the appearance of Willis, and immediately wrote to Mr. Moyle to inform him that the man was in custody.
In reply, Mr. Moyle stated that his shop-girl having sold the [the lard], there was not sufficient evidence on which to prosecute. He further states that he had been informed Willis had been in custody no less than nine times for various thefts, but from some cause had always escaped; that he was a most desperate character, and was believed to have emigrated to America. It appears, however, that since he left Penryn, Willis has been living in the parish of St. Ive, about four miles from Liskeard, where his brother, Nicholas Andrew, has taken a farm called Bodmin-land.
As Mr. Moyle declined to prosecute, the magistrates were obliged to release the prisoner, after a severe caution as to his future conduct. It is to be regretted that parties do not always come forward on occasions when they have the opportunity of ridding the community of such characters. Too much praise cannot be awarded to Mr. Dawe, in this and other cases, for his vigilant discharge of his duty.
FOWL STEALING - On Monday last, JOHN DOWNING, a labourer living in the parish of Tintagel, was committed to Bodmin gaol, by CAPT. THOMSON, for trial at the next sessions, on a charge of stealing fowls from Mr. PHILIP BROWN, of St. Teath. [When the constables went to search the house, a roasting fowl, baking chicken pasties, salted parts of chickens, and heads, feet, and feathers were found, and identified by the prosecutor. He was held over for trial at the assizes.]
ESCAPE OF GAS - An accident, which appeared likely to be attended with serious consequences, occurred on Friday evening last, at the Fountain Inn, kept by MRS. BALE, at Falmouth. Some alterations had been made in the gas pipes of the house, and Mrs. Bale, finding there was an escape of gas, went with another person into the tap-room, when to their great surprise the gas took fire, and blazed both inside and outside the partition, which divides the passage from the house of MR. HAWKE, baker.
MR. DIXON, who resides opposite, hearing an alarm, immediately ran out, and seeing a flame under the ceiling of the passage, with great presence of mind, broke down the gas pipe; and, although the partition was on fire, by throwing a few buckets of water the flames were soon extinguished.
[Sorry, no coroner's inquests... jm]
30 APRIL 1847, Friday
METHODIST NEW CONNEXION MISSIONS - St. Agnes - On Sunday last, the annual missionary sermons were preached by the Rev. J. FLATHER, of Guernsey, and the Rev. A. McCURDY. The meeting was held on Tuesday evening, Mr. UGLOW in the chair. Excellent addresses were delivered by the chairman, and the Rev. Messrs. TOYNE (Wesleyan), TUCKETT (Baptist), HARLEY (Association), WHETTER (Independent), FLATHER, MILLS, and McCURDY. The congregations were large, and the collections considerably in advance of those of the previous year.
Chacewater - On Sunday and Wednesday last, the annual missionary sermons were preached by the Rev. W. MILLS, and J. FLATHER; and in the evening of Wednesday, the annual missionary meeting was held, the chair being taken by MR. J. MAY. Very interesting addresses were delivered by the chairman, and the Revds. J. SAYER (Association), J. FLATHER, W. MILLS, and A. McCURDY. The congregations were respectable, and the collections liberal.
LERRIN FAIR - At this fair, on Monday last, there was a very small supply of both cattle and sheep, and most of the lots exchanged hands at high prices. Beef fetched from 60s to 63s. per cwt., and sheep 8d. per lb. There were but few store cattle, and these were very little in demand in consequence of the spring being so late.
ST. NEOT'S CHURCH - A liberal donation has been contributed by the Queen Dowager towards the fund for restoring the interior of the beautiful parish church of St. Neot.
EAST CORNWALL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY - the monthly meeting of this society was held at the White Hart, Launceston, on Tuesday last, when a very able paper was read by MR. J. WILLS, of Southpetherwin, on the "Cultivation and Improvements of Waste Land." {Particulars of the paper have been eliminated; suffice it to say Mr. Wills was in favour of extending reclamation of the waste lands. The second, extensive coverage was given to a discussion of manures.]
PENZANCE PUBLIC DISPENSARY - On Wednesday, the 21st instant, the annual meeting of the subscribers to this institution took place at Penzance. During the past year the large number of 1,377 persons have been relieved, and it is therefore a subject of concern that the funds of so excellent an institution should have considerably fallen off. Its usefulness [in support of.charity] recommend it to the liberal support of the inhabitants.
HELSTON "FURRY" DAY - We understand that AUNT MARY MOSES made her entrance into this ancient town on last Monday week, and took up her residence, pro tem, at the Rodney Inn, where she was immediately welcomed by several of the members of the very old and highly respectable fraternity "The Hal-lan-tow." Since her arrival, she has been waited on daily, morning and evenings, by a deputation from the Hal-lan-tow, consisting of descendants from some of the worthies of the olden time. The old lady, assisted by this deputation and some "choice spirits," has determined that the festival shall, this year, be held on Monday, the tenth of May, instead of the market day, Saturday, the eighth.
This determination has been fully approved of by the towns-folk, and several parties for the ["Fudo"] and street dancing were immediately made. The bands belonging to the town and the neighbouring parishes, it is said, are all engaged, and have promised to be early in attendance. The good people of the town are already busy in making preparation to give their usual honest and hearty welcome to their distant relatives and friends, and to such strangers as shall be pleased to honor this town with their presence, to witness and join in "the old and happy Furry dance."
We understand that "Aunt Mary" is still in the enjoyment of all her facilities and goodness of heart, and looks as hale and as happy as she did when she presided over the sylvan revelries and festivities in the "jocund and merry merry days" of Robin Hood, the maid Marianne, and Little John.
"Let's meet and dance, in festive band
Each happy lad may lead his lass
With mirthful smiles, and hand in hand
O'er every threshold freely pass."
"Tho' ages close, and manners fade,
And good old customs feel decay,
In Helston let it not be said
Forgotten is your Furry Day."
From a correspondent
ALARMING FIRE - On Tuesday last, about two o'clock P.M., the thatch roof of the house occupied by MR. WM. TEAGUE, grocer, of Redruth, was discovered to have taken fire, and as it was situate in immediate proximity to other houses with similar roofs, great alarm was entertained for the whole group. Providentially, there was a good stream of water in the street, and by the prompt and active exertions of Messrs. WASLEY, DAWE, CARKEET, and other neighbours, the fire was extinguished before it communicated with the body of the house. The injury done to the furniture and shop goods was the worst part of the misfortune to the inmates.
TRURO POLICE - On Tuesday last, ELIZABETH HOCKIN, of Camborne, and SUSAN THOMAS and ELIZABETH THOMAS, of Gwennap, were charged with breaking two panes of glass, the property of MR. JOSIAH BERRY, of Prince's Street, Truro. The prisoners, it appears, had lately been discharged from the Redruth workhouse, and came into Truro on Monday last, when, finding their appetites sharpened, they went into Mr. KELLOW's eating-house, on the East Bridge, and favoured him with an order for 9s. worth of meat. When this had disappeared he asked for his money, but was laughed at by the prisoners, who told him he was welcome to all they had, that being none at all. They were then escorted to the Station House by the policeman, and there reprimanded, but this apparently produced no effect. They afterwards said they had no lodgings for the night, and the police must get lodgings for them; but as this was not attended to, they left the station, and in about two hours after - between ten and eleven at night - they broke the glass in Mr. Berry's windows. They were ordered by the magistrates to pay the damages, and in default, Hockin and Elizabeth Thomas were committed for two months and Susan Thomas to seven weeks' hard labour, in the House of Correction.
FALMOUTH POLICE - On Friday last, EDWARD HENRY COLMAN, of London, was summoned to answer an information preferred by the Collector of H. M. Customs, for having been concerned, on the 6th of November last, in the unshipping of two China crape shawls from the vessel "Fortescue," then at this port, of which he was the super-cargo. Mr. BEVIERY, from the office of the Solicitor of Customs, London, appeared on the part of the Board, and Mr. Young for the defendant, who is now on his passage to China.
Mr. Beviery objected to a professional man appearing on behalf of the defendant, but this was overruled by the bench. The only witness who appeared in support of the charge was FREDERICK PARKER, formerly mate of the "Fortescue," who had laid the information some months after he left the vessel. The witness attempted to prove the defendant had taken on shore one crape shawl, but not having been able to state this fact to the satisfaction of the bench, the information was dismissed.
On Tuesday last, SAMUEL RAIL and his mother were again brought up for throwing ELLEN DREW over the stairs, but her medical attendant having stated that she was not in a fit state to attend, the case was again adjourned till next Tuesday.
ROBBERIES AT ST. AGNES - Several robberies have recently been committed in the neighbourhood of St. Agnes. About a fortnight since, the store house belonging to WILLIAM CARNE, Esq., at Penwinnick, was broken into, and 70 lbs. of flour and 100 lbs. of beef stolen therefrom. Several cases of fowl and broccoli stealing have also occurred. Information of these depredations having been given to the constables of the parish, they resolved, if possible, to find out the guilty parties; and suspicion having fallen upon two men named CHYNOWETH and HARKLA, it was determined on Saturday night last to watch their movements.
Accordingly, constables ARGALL, BRYANT, and PARNEL secreted themselves near the house of Chynoweth, whence it was expected they would sally forth; when, about one o'clock on the Sunday morning, the suspected parties made their appearance, and after looking about to see that no one was passing, walked off in quest of plunder. It being moonlight, the constables could not follow them very closely without the danger of being discovered; they, therefore, waited where they at first hid themselves, to watch the return of Chynoweth, who, after an absence of about two hours, was seen returning carrying a sack under his arm.
He had scarcely entered his dwelling when the constables rushed upon and seized him; and on searching his sack it was found to contain a very fine fowl and a quantity of leeks. He was, therefore, taken into custody. After this, the constables went to the house of BARKLA, where another fowl and a quantity of leeks having been found, he also was apprehended; and on the next day it was discovered that the fowls belonged to MR. HENRY RICKARD, of Go..yea, who has come forward to prosecute. The prisoners have been committed to gaol for trial at the next sessions.
THE LATE ROBBERY AT CROWAN - A short time since, we stated that a robbery had been committed in the dwelling house of MR. WILLIAM SAMPSON, at Dryns, in the parish of Crowan, when a purse containing fifty-nine sovereigns and half sovereigns, and a five pound note, was stolen from a drawer; and a canvas bag, containing about four pounds in silver and gold, was stolen from a box. A man called SAMUEL BOUCHER, who had been living with Mr. Sampson, as servant, for about three months, absconded on the day the robbery was committed, and it was therefore naturally concluded that he had been concerned in it.
[On Monday morning, Mr. Sampson, accompanied by a constable, proceeded to Falmouth, where they learned a man corresponding to Boucher's description had taken the ferry to Plymouth. They followed, arriving on Tuesday, and immediately gave information of the robbery to the superintendent of police. Diligent search was made in the town, and the inspector ascertained that a man from Cornwall had left a brown silk purse containing fifty sovereigns in a woman's hands on the Monday evening, and had only just left the house with the money.
Among other places searched was the house of a man called SPRIG, who, it appears, met Boucher the next day between Plymouth and Ivy Bridge, and told him the police were in search of him. Afterwards, however, Sprig met a police officer called LAVERS, and gave information, through which he apprehended the thief in the tap of the Royal Hotel. On searching him, the policeman found in his watch pocket the purse he had stolen, containing thirty-six sovereigns and four half sovereigns; in another pocket, a new silver hunting watch, with a silver guard; and in a third pocket was Mr. Sampson's canvas bag, containing about eleven shillings in silver.
Much credit is due to policeman LAVERS for his activity in apprehending the prisoner, who, on Saturday, the 17th instant, was brought before the REV. T. PASCOE, of St. Hilary, and committed to take his trial at the next sessions.]
CORONERS' INQUESTS - An inquest was held on Friday last, at Redruth, before EDWARD TREWBODY CARLYON, Esq., deputy-coroner, on the body of THOMAS BAWDEN, aged 34 years, who was killed by the sudden explosion of gunpowder whilst engaged in tamping a hole for the purpose of blasting a rock in Tresavean Mine, on the previous day. Verdict, accidental death.
On Saturday last, an inquest was held at the Duke of Kent, Falmouth, before W. J. GENN, Esq., coroner, on the body of JOSEPH BUZZA, of Truro, aged 58 years, a bargeman belonging to the "United Friends." JOHN SCOBELL, one of the men belonging to that barge, stated that he was on board with deceased on the day before, loading the barge at Penryn, and came down the river in the course of the night; he had turned into his bed place when his son called him to the assistance of Joseph Buzza, whom he found struggling in a fit on the cabin floor.
Buzza was a sick man, but witness never saw him have a fit before; he was troubled with the dropsy; witness had seen him bring up blood several times, and there was some coming out his mouth when he was called to him; he was scarcely ever able to work, and generally hired a man to work for him; he died in witness's arms about twenty minutes after he was called to him. JOHN SCOBELL, jun., son of the former witness, corroborated the evidence of his father, and the jury returned a verdict of died by the visitation of God.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Sir - Your correspondent, who communicated an account of MR. B. FLAMANK's death, has made a considerable mistake. That gentleman was hardly the "last male descendant of the family," for there are several male descendants now living; but he was the last of that particular branch.
Yours obediently,
A.
April 27, 1847