Folkestone Express 15 May 1869.

Tuesday, April 11th: Before Captain Kennicott R.N., A.M. Leith and J. Gambrill Esqs.

George Peel was charged with assaulting John Bromley on the 30th of April last.

Mr. Minter, who appeared for the complainant, said the summons had been taking out without consulting him, and he found, on looking over the evidence, that they would not be able to bring the charge home to the defendant. It appears that for many years the plaintiff has occupied a room under the Bricklayers' Arms, Fancy Street, which belongs to the defendant. Bromley has thought proper to open a house called The Dew Drop in the same street, and from that some sort of jealousy has existed between them, and there was no moral doubt that the defendant was the instigator, if not the actual perpetrator, of the offence for which he was summoned. While plaintiff has been at work in the said room, the contents of chamber utensils, and at other times hot water, have been poured down on him from the room above. This, no doubt, irritated the plaintiff, and he at once took out the summons. His (Mr. Minter's) advice was to withdraw the summons, leaving it to the discretion of the Bench to tell the defendant that he is not entitled to do this thing himself, or allow others to do it, and he would advise the plaintiff that should the offence be repeated he must issue a summons against him in the County Court.

The defendant: It was only a poor old woman who had the misfortune to upset a teapot.

The Bench cautioned the defendant to be more careful in the future, and dismissed the summons.

Folkestone Express 7 August 1869.

Tuesday, August 3rd: Before J. Tolputt Esq., and Colonel Crespigny.

Elizabeth Haze was charged with assaulting and threatening Mary Ann Lee on Sunday. Mr. Minter appeared for the plaintiff.

Plaintiff said she was the wife of Richard Lee, and lived in Fancy Street. On Sunday afternoon about half past five she went to Mr. Peel's, at the Bricklayers' Arms, for a pint of beer. The defendant was standing at the bar drinking. She said “You're come, Lady Lee”, and after calling her some bad names she knocked plaintiff backwards and gave her a black eye, and she hammered away for five minutes. Witness gave her no provocation. She followed plaintiff to her own house and took up a knife and threatened to murder her.

Prisoner said plaintiff scratched her face.

Mary Smith deposed to hearing plaintiff cry “Murder!” three times.

The prisoner called Frederick P. Swain, who said he was a shoemaker. He heard a little “jangling” and Mrs. Lee came and struck Mrs. Haze. Mrs. Lee struck the first blow.

By Mr. Minter: I heard no cries of “Murder!”. Mrs. Lee was drunk.

Mary Ann Robertson, wife of George Robertson, living in Fancy Street, said: Mrs. Lee came into the Bricklayers' Arms at one o'clock and insulted me, and the prisoner repeated that conduct at six o'clock. Mrs. Lee hit Mrs. Haze, and Mrs. Haze struck at Mrs. Lee, but did not hit her. Mrs. Lee called her husband in, and they all three had a scuffle. Mr. Peel put Mrs. Lee out of the house several times, but she would come in again. Mrs. Haze did not go to Mrs. Lee's house, and there were no cries of “Murder!”.

By Mr. Minter: There was no knife taken up.

Mary Ann Lee was summoned by Mary Robertson for assaulting her.

Mary Robertson said on Sunday afternoon she was in Mr. Peel's yard taking up the dinner, when Mrs. Lee came in and abused her. She came in again about six o'clock, and witness was waiting at the bar. She called her fearful names, and struck and scratched her face.

Elizabeth Haze deposed to the above.

Mr. Minter called Richard Lee, who said he went to the Bricklayers' Arms about six o'clock, when he found his wife on the floor, and Mrs. Roberston and Mrs. Haze pitching into her. Mrs. Haze followed them home and picked up a knife on the table, and said she would be the death of them. Witness took the knife away and put her out.

By the Bench: His wife was drunk. She had been drinking from three to six in the house. They drew her beer during the prohibited hours.

William Peel said he saw a scuffle in the passage of his house, and he put Mrs. Lee and Mrs, Haze out; did not see the beginning or end of it.

By Mr. Minter: Was in the bar from six to half past six.

The Bench ordered both defendants to be bound over to keep the peace, in a sum of £10, for three months.

Folkestone Express 28 August 1869.

Wednesday, August 25th: Before Captain Kennicott R.N., W. Bateman. J. Tolputt, A.M. Leith, and J. Gambrill Esqs.

Spirit License (Renewal).

William Peel, of the Bricklayers'Arms, Fancy Street, applied for a renewal of his license. Mr. Martin had received great complaints of this house, as it was the resort of thieves and other loose characters. The license was refused.

Folkestone Express 4 September 1869.

Monday, 30th August: Before Captain Kennicott R.N. and J. Tolputt Esq.

Wm. Peel, of the Bricklayers' Arms, and a tramp named Johnson, again appeared to answer a charge of pouring boiling water over him.

Mr. Minter, who appeared for the prosecutor, said owing to the absence of an important witness named James MacDonald, he must ask for a remand, and he would apply for a Bench warrant for him to be brought up, as he believed witness had either been bribed or intimidated. The case was accordingly adjourned till Wednesday next.

Folkestone Express 11 September 1869.

Thursday, September 9th: Before Captain Kennicott R.N. and James Tolputt Esq.

Thomas Drew, hatter, was charged with using threatening language towards Mr. George Bromley senr.

The prisoner said he was only charged with this out of spite.

Mr. Minter appeared for the prosecutor and detailed the circumstances of the case. It appeared that the prisoner had been lodging at Mr. Bromley's, the Dew Drop, Fancy Street, and going home after the case had been heard on the previous day, the man went to Mr. Peel's. He then came into Bromley's while they were at dinner and used the language the witnesses would describe. There was no spite on Mr. Bromley's part, as he was quite prepared to hear the decision of the court the previous day.

He called George Bromley senr., who said he lived at Dover, and was dining at his son's house yesterday, when the prisoner came in and said “What do you think of it now?”. His son answered “I want nothing to say to you. The best thing you can do is to go out of my house”. He used most filthy language, and said he would not. He then went into the street, and said to witness he would knock his b---- brains out. He repeated this threat, and witness sent for a policeman. Not a word was said about a handkerchief. Witness did not know the man.

John Bromley was then sworn and deposed to the truth of the above statement. A man came from Mr. Peel's house and threw a pot at his head a week ago. He warded it off with his hand and it cut his thumb in a very dangerous manner.

The Bench bound the prisoner over to keep the peace, himself in £5, and a householder in £5, for three months.

Folkestone Express 16 July 1870.

Saturday, July 9th: Before Captain Kennicott R.N. and J. Clark Esqs.

Alice Bevan, a dissipated looking woman, was charged with stealing two blankets and two sheets from a lodging house in Fancy Street, known as the Bricklayers' Arms.

William Peel, proprietor of the lodging house, said: The prisoner has lodged at my house for two months. I missed the things produced on Thursday morning. Found some of the property at Mrs. Godden's, High Street, consisting of two sheets and a blanket. She showed them to me directly I asked her, and I identified them as my property, and she sent them to my house. I then went to Mrs. Hughes, who lives in High Street, just above Mrs. Godden's. She keeps a second hand shop; she showed me a blanket and I identified it as my property. She gave me the blanket and I took it away with me. Mrs. Hughes has two other blankets which she has sold, and I can't get them. I spoke to her yesterday at the Dew Drop. I had found her out on Thursday night. I gave information to the police yesterday morning. P,C, Ovenden came to me about eleven o'clock, and I went to the Dew Drop along with him and found the prisoner in front of the bar. The things are all marked with my name or the name of Cook. The things produced I believe to be my property. The value of the blankets is 10s., and the sheets 7s.

Mrs. Charlotte Andrews, the daughter of Mr. Peel, was called, and identified the property.

Mrs. Harriett Godden, second-hand clothes dealer, High Street, said: The prisoner came to my shop on Wednesday at two o'clock in the afternoon; she offered two duplicates for sale. I asked if they were her own, and she said “Yes”, and that they were on a blanket and two sheets. I gave her the money and told her to go and fetch them. The two sheets were pledged for 2s. and the blanket for 2s.’ the interest was 2d. I gave her 16d. in addition to the 4s. 2d. She has been here several times before.

Mrs. Jane Hughes, another dealer, in High Street, said: The prisoner came to my house nearly a fortnight ago with two duplicates of blankets pledged at Mr. Joseph's; 1s. 6d. each they were pledged for. I gave her the money to fetch the things. I gave her 10d. in addition for the things. She told me her husband was very ill and she wanted the money to buy medicine. She had a medicine bottle in her hand at the time. I bought another one of her on Thursday in a similar way to the above; it was pledged at Mr. Joseph's for 1s. 6d. and I gave her 10½d. in addition for the blanket. I sold the first two blankets, but the last I gave up to Mr. Peel.

P.C. Ovenden deposed to taking the prisoner into custody at the Dew Drop. On being charged she said “I shall say nothing at present”.

The prisoner pleaded Guilty and was sorry for what she had done.

The Bench sentenced her to two months' imprisonment with hard labour.

Folkestone Express 28 October 1871.

Inquest.

On Wednesday morning an inquest was held at the Town Hall before J. Minter Esq., touching on the death of an infant child, the son of John Thomas Allen, a sweep, which took place under the following circumstances early on Sunday morning.

According to the evidence of the child's parents, they lodged at the Bricklayer's Arms, a lodging house in Fancy Street. On Saturday night they retired to rest, taking their child, two months old, to bed with them, and were soon both asleep. The mother fell asleep with the child lying upon her right arm, close to the breast, and she slept upon her right side. Mr. Allen rose early, without disturbing either his wife or child, and at half past six the mother awakened and found the child in the same position as when she went to sleep, but it was dead. It had not been unwell. According to the evidence of Dr. Tyson, he was called to see the body of the child at eleven o'clock on Sunday morning. It had evidently been dead several hours. There was not the slightest appearance of violence upon it. A mark or indentation was visible between the under lip and the chin, and the whole of the scalp was congested. The latter appearance, which showed death to have been sudden, disappeared in 24 hours. Not being able to account for the mark on the chin, he examined the breast of the mother, which was large, and found an appearance which corresponded with and accounted for the mark, and which showed the child to have been pressed to the breast. He believed the child died from suffocation, and the evidence of the mother confirmed his belief. He believed the child had been dead an hour or two hours before the mother awoke. It was a most imprudent thing of any mother to go to sleep with a child at the breast.

The jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death by Suffocation.

Folkestone Express 5 April 1873.

Tuesday, April 1st: Before The Mayor, J. Gambrill, J. Kelcey and R.W. Boarer Esqs.

James Mills, who said he was a blacksmith from Lambeth, was charged with being drunk and disorderly.

Superintendent Wishire said that about twelve o'clock on Monday night he saw prisoner in High Street, very drunk and shouting. He told him to be quiet, and asked him where he lived, to which prisoner replied “At the Bricklayers Arms”. On taking him there the landlord refused to take him in. Prisoner again commenced shouting and using bad language, and said his woman had been locked up. After he was placed in the cell he continued kicking at the door and swearing for an hour.

Prisoner muttered something about being employed at Sandgate Regatta, and maintained that he ought to be allowed to pass along the street, although drunk and making a disturbance, at the “bewitching hour”.

P.C. Keeler said he had taken prisoner to the old station several times.

Fined 7s. and 3s. 6d. costs, or seven days' hard labour. Locked up in default.

Folkestone Express 16 June 1877.

Monday, June 11th: Before The Mayor, R.W. Boarer, and Alderman Caister.

Louie Suave, an Italian, respectably attired, was brought up in custody charged with having on the 8th inst. caused a child named Antonia Ostenia, of the age of thirteen years, to beg alms in the Upper Sandgate Road. He pleaded Not Guilty.

Mr. Louis Lyons was sworn as interpreter.

The four little children who were before the magistrates on Saturday were seated in front of the dock.

Superintendent Wilshere deposed: On Friday last I saw the boy, Antonia Ostenia, and the girl, Mira Ostenia, in the Upper Sandgate Road, the former playing a musical instrument, and the girl dancing around him. The boy touched his cap and held out his hand to passers-by, and the girl held out her hand and said something which I could not understand. Shortly after I saw the other boy, accompanied by the little boy, Angelion Don. The eldest boy was playing the accordion on the pavement and accosting passengers, and the little boy was going from shop to shop. I saw a lady give the eldest something, and then pass to the little one. I took them down to the police station and sent for an interpreter. From the statement they made I brought them before the Magistrates and obtained a warrant against Suave. I went to Dover and found that he had lodgings at the Red Lion Inn, that he had been in all day, but he had just gone out. When I apprehended him at the police station I asked him if he could speak English and he replied “Yes”. I read the warrant to him and told him that the boy Antonia was accompanied by three younger children. He said “Yes, and they ought to have been on before”. I told him they would not “be on” because they were detained at Folkestone, and he would have to go to them. I assisted in searching him, and found in a satchel 1s. 11¼d. and 4s., and in the belt which was around his waist next to his skin I found different sums of money packed up as they are now, altogether twelve parcels, and they amounted to about £30, 16 sovereigns, 20 francs and 10 half francs. I then told him he would have to come to Folkestone and answer to the charge of having sent them out to beg. He said “No, I pay for them”. In the train, after a conversation in some foreign language with a man I had with me, he said he did not want to be locked up, and he would give me a pound not to do so. I told him that was not enough, and he replied “You can keep all the money. I do not want to go to prison”.

The prisoner said that everything which the Superintendent had said was the truth.

Mr. Boarer: Does that amount include the money found on the children?

Superintendent Wilshere: No; 6s. 7½d. in bronze was found upon the children, and then they had only been working two hours.

Ann Whiting deposed: I am the landlady of the Bricklayer's Arms, Dover Street (sic). On Wednesday the prisoner came to my house and asked for two beds. There was another man, a woman, and two children with him. They all slept at my house on Wednesday and Thursday nights. On Friday morning when I came downstairs, the children now in Court were seated round the table with the two men and woman and the other children. Their breakfast things were on the table, and the prisoner was serving them with some bread and treacle. I believe I asked him where all the children came from, and he replied that they came in that morning and he was giving them their breakfast. After breakfast he said he wanted to leave the children for one night, while he went to Dover. I said I could not have the children left without anyone to take care of them. He said “They will be no trouble to you. They will come on to Dover to me tomorrow morning, and I will pay you their lodgings”, and he gave me 10d. They all went out together about half past eight o'clock, and I did not see anything more of them.

The prisoner had no question to ask the witness, but stated that the children came into the town on Thursday evening, and as neither of them could speak English, he acted for them and their parents in exchanging the money.

John Salvator stated that he had some conversation with the prisoner on Saturday, and Suave told him that he came from Italy, and that he brought nine children over to England with him.

The prisoner said he came from the same village in Italy as the children, and he accompanied the children because they could not speak English and he could a little.

Mr. Lyons, by the instruction of the Magistrates' Clerk, asked the prisoner if he wished to call the father of two of the children, who was in court. He declined to do so.

The Mayor said it was against the law for children to be sent out to beg, as it had been proved the prisoner had done. It was a well known fact that people of the prisoner's country farmed children, and bring them to England for the purpose of begging, and to play musical instruments for the purpose of collecting money for such persons as the prisoner. And the Bench had no doubt that was the prisoner's object in bringing the children to this country. The prisoner had had an opportunity of calling a witness to prove that he was not answerable in that case, but he had not done so. The Bench had decided to sentence the prisoner to twenty one days' imprisonment with hard labour, and the expenses of his apprehension, conveyance to Folkestone, maintenance and expenses of conviction would be paid out of the money found upon him.

Folkestone Express 23 November 1878.

Monday, November 18th: Before Captain Carter, Alderman Caister, and Col. De Crespigny.

James Harmer was charged with being found drunk in Fenchurch Street, and also with refusing to quit the Bricklayers' Arms.

P.S. Smith said on Saturday night, between 10 and 11 he found the prisoner drunk and bleeding from the arm, which he had thrust through a window.

Prisoner pleaded Not Guilty to refusing to quit, as he was a lodger in the house.

He was fined 5s. and 4s. 6d. costs, or seven days.

Folkestone Express 11 January 1879.

Saturday, January 4th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Caister, General Armstrong, R.W. Boarer and W.J. Jeffreason Esqs.

Henry Gatehouse, charged with being drunk and disorderly in Fenchurch Street, pleaded Guilty. P.C. Knowles said defendant was at the Bricklayers' Arms.

Defendant said himself and two others drank three pints of rum and two gallons of ale, and after that he could not recollect anything until he woke up and found his shirt tied round his neck.

He was fined 10s. and 8s. costs, or 14 days' hard labour.

Folkestone Express 11 December 1880.

Thursday, December 9th: Before R.W. Boarer, General Armstrong, Capt. Crowe, Capt. Fletcher, and Ald. Banks.

William Clinton was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and assaulting P.C. Keeler.

Prisoner behaved in a very excitable manner in the dock.

P.C. Keeler said that shortly before two that morning he was on duty at the bottom of High Street. Prisoner passed him near Mr. Powell's. He noticed that he had something bulky under his coat, and he therefore asked him what he was doing and where he was going. Prisoner immediately drew out a poker and struck witness a violent blow on the left arm, disabling it. He closed with the prisoner, seizing him with his right arm, and he then struck him another blow on the helmet with the poker. He threw prisoner down, and P.C. Smith coming to his assistance, they conveyed him to the station. Prisoner was very violent all the way, and was drunk.

Mr. Whiting, son of the landlady of the Bricklayers'Arms, said the prisoner had lodged there for three nights. He seemed to be labouring under some delusion. Whilst in their house he had scarcely anything but water and a few scraps of food other people gave him. The poker was taken from their kitchen.

The Bench, in sentencing the prisoner to four months' hard labour, remarked that if his mind was affected the prison authorities would deal with him. The charge of drunkenness was dismissed.

The weapon with which P.C. Keeler was struck was a heavy kitchen poker. He will be invalided for a time, and had it not been for the protection afforded by his helmet there is hardly a doubt that the blow on the head would have been fatal.

Folkestone Express 15 July 1882.

Thursday, July 13th: Before The Mayor, R.W. Boarer and M.J. Bell Esqs., and General Armstrong.

John Champion was charged with stealing a coat, value 4s., the property of Frederick Champion, his brother.

Prosecutor said he was a hawker, living at No. 2, Imperial Terrace, Foord. On Wednesday morning he missed a coat from behind the sitting room door, where he had hung it overnight. Prisoner slept in the room where the coat was hung, with witness. When witness woke up about nine o'clock, the coat was still there. Prisoner had been out, and just as witness was leaving the house he returned. About an hour afterwards witness went back, and met the prisoner coming out the door with the coat tucked under the one he was wearing. He told his sister to go after him and ask prisoner to give it up. About a quarter past one the prisoner was taken into custody by P.C. Kettle.

William Taylor, a pedlar, said he was at the Bricklayers' Arms on Wednesday morning, when prisoner came in with the coat produced on his arm, which he asked witness to buy for 2s. He said he belonged to the reserve and was called up and wanted to part with his things. Witness bought the coat for 2s. He afterwards gave it up to the police.

P.C. Kettle said the prisoner was given into custody by the first witness, at his father's house. He said he had sold the coat for 2s., but would not say who he sold it to.

A second charge was then preferred against the prisoner of stealing a pair of trousers belonging to another brother. The evidence was of the same character.

The prisoner was convicted on both charges and sentenced to two months' with hard labour for each offence.

Folkestone Express 14 October 1882.

Saturday, October 7th: Before R.W. Boarer and F. Boykett Esqs., Captain Crowe, General Armstrong, and Alderman Hoad.

John Gardner, a police constable in the borough force, was summoned for an assault on Amelia Lepper on the 1st October. He pleaded Not Guilty. Mr. Mowll appeared for the complainant and Mr. Minter for the defendant.

Godfrey Lepper was charged with opening his house during prohibited hours, and Sarah Lepper with assaulting P.C. Gardner. They pleaded Not Guilty.

John Lepper, charged with resisting the police, also pleaded Not Guilty.

The whole of the cases arose out of the same circumstances, and the Bench decided to hear them together.

Amelia Lepper, the daughter of Godfrey Lepper, landlord of the George III in Fenchurch Street, said on Sunday, October 1st she went out of the house, across the road to Miss Hart's, a dressmaker, to fetch a dress which was being altered for her. Miss Hart asked her to get some vinegar for pickling. Her father sold vinegar, and she fetched a pint, and afterwards some more. When she got to the door, a police constable took hold of her. She thought he was a tramp from the Bricklayers' Arms. He said that he wanted her. When he pulled her, the jug fell into the street and was broken. She struggled to get away and asked him what he wanted. He said she must go with him, as a police constable wanted her. She called out to her mother and brother, who both came. Her brother threatened to strike him, and he said “I am a police constable in disguise. Don't strike me”. He went away and fetched another constable, and when he came back Miss Hart took out the pickled cabbage and vinegar in a can, and said “This is what she brought”.

Cross-examined by Mr. Minter: I had been across about ten minutes before. I did not carry the jug under my apron. No-one came out of the house with me. There had not been two women come out of the house with jugs. Someone might have been in the house, but I should not know. I took a pint of vinegar across each time. Gardner did not say “What is in your jug?” He asked me for my name, and I said “Lepper”. I did not refuse to let him see what I had got. I did not deliberately throw the jug down and smash it. When they came back, and Miss Hart brought the vinegar, I did not hear the constable say “You are very clever to collect the vinegar after it has been spilt”. I saw mother push the constable in the road, before he wanted to search the house.

By Mr. Mowll: There were two lots of vinegar, one in the can, and the other lot was spilt.

Sarah Lepper, wife of Godfrey Lepper, said: My husband has held a license for 11 years. On Sunday morning I heard my daughter say “Here's a tramp got hold of me”. I had the key of the bar in my pocket, and had it all the morning. When I got there I said “You dirty-looking Pikey, what are you doing with my daughter?” My son said “What are you doing with my sister?” and threatened to strike him, but he put up his hands and said that he was a police constable. The house had not been open.

By Mr. Minter: An old lady came into my house and took an empty jug in and out. An old gentleman did not come, nor an old lady, or a young lady. I don't know how many people came, as we have a lot in on business matters. When the police constable in uniform came down, I asked him what was the matter, and he said “What is your name?”, and “Is that your daughter?” I said “What about it?” and he said “You have been serving beer”, and Miss Hart then brought out the vinegar. I did not say there was nothing the matter. I will swear that I said “That tramp has been dragging my daughter about the street”. He did not ask for admittance. I and my son did not prevent him coming in. I did not slap him in the face, but shoved him (defendant) in the head with my fist.

By Mr. Bradley: The vinegar was kept in the cellar, not in the bar.

John Godfrey Lepper, son of last witness, said: The first I heard of the case was that my mother called me, and I saw my sister lying against the post door. I threatened to strike the man who I thought was a tramp. I did not know he was a constable. From the time he left until he came back was two or three minutes.

By Mr. Minter: I found my sister lying on her side in the doorway, and my mother beside her. The constable was on the doorstep and had hold of her hand, trying to pull her up.

John Wettingstall, coal dealer, of Harvey Street, said: When I reached Lepper's I saw a navvy sort of man ill-treating a girl, as I thought. He had got hold of the girl round the shoulders. I heard the jug drop.

By Mr. Minter: I live not far from this house. I don't go to Lepper's. The girl was standing beside Hart's door. He had his right arm round her neck. Miss Hart's house is on the opposite side of the street. She got away from the policeman. He released her just off the kerb and he ran across and pulled her nearly down. He had hold of her round her neck at her mother's door.

By Mr. Mowll: I have been a Good Templar for five years.

Godfrey Lepper, landlord of the George III, said: I have held a license eleven years without a complaint ever having been made against me. I was not in the house during Saturday night. The key of the bar is as a rule in my wife's possession. We sell vinegar, which is kept in a cask.

Miss Hart was said to be ill, and the case was adjourned for a month for her attendance.

Folkestone Express 14 July 1883.

Saturday, July 7th: Before Colonel de Crespigny, Alderman Caister, J. Fitness, J. Holden and W.J. Jeffreason Esqs.

Margaret Harrington was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Fenchurch Street, and also with breaking two panes of glass, value 15s. 6d., at the George III, on Friday, July 6th.

Mrs. Lepper, wife of the landlord of the George III public house, Fenchurch Street, said the prisoner went to the house on the previous evening a little before five o'clock. She went to the private bar and knocked, and asked if witness was Mrs. Lepper. She then said something about her daughter-in-law and slapped her face. She then shut the window. Prisoner then went across to the Bricklayers' Arms and fetched some beer. Another woman who was with prisoner took the glass from her, and as she was going into the house again she shut the door to keep her out and prisoner then smashed the windows. She was very drunk.

Henry Lepper, a son of the last witness, corroborated.

P.C. Knowles said that on the previous afternoon he saw the prisoner outside the George III. She was very drunk and shouting and made a great noise. He advised her to go away, but she swore at him. He then locked her up, having a “terrific job” to get her to the station. It was necessary to put her on a stretcher and strap her down.

The Bench fined the prisoner 5s. for being drunk and disorderly, and 4s. 6d. costs, and 15s. 6d. damage to windows, and 5s. fine and 5s. 6d. costs, or in default 14 days' hard labour.

Folkestone Express 24 January 1885.

Monday: Before Captain Crowe, Captain Fletcher, and Captain Bell.

John Lewis pleaded Guilty to being drunk and disorderly on licensed premises, the Bricklayers' Arms, and breaking panes of glass, to the value of 10s. In default of paying fine and costs, amounting to 20s., he was ordered to be imprisoned for 14 days.

Folkestone Express 21 March 1885.

Wednesday, March 18th: Before The Mayor, Captain Fletcher, Captain Crowe, and Alderman Hoad.

Michael O'Brien was charged with stealing a broom, value 1s., the property of Mr. W. Wightwick, on the 16th February.

A domestic servant in the employ of Mr. Wightwick said prisoner went to the back door of Mr. Wightwick's house begging. She refused to give him anything. Next morning she missed a broom which had been standing outside the back door.

George Skelton, assistant to Mr. G.M. Smith, said the broom produced was purchased at their shop and sent to Mr. Wightwick's. The selling price was 1s.

Joseph Allan Whiting, of the Bricklayers' Arms, Fenchurch Street, said the prisoner was staying at his house until about three weeks ago. He owed a trifle, and left the broom produced as a security. He did not notice any writing on the broom. Subsequently he gave the broom up to the police.

Sergeant Harman said he apprehended the prisoner on Tuesday afternoon at the City Police Station, Canterbury. When charged with stealing the broom he said he did not know anything about it.

Prisoner was sentenced to a month's hard labour.

Folkestone Express 27 June 1885.

Monday, June 22nd: Before The Mayor, Captain Carter, Alderman Caister and J. Fitness Esq.

Jane Summers, charged with being drunk and refusing to quit the Bricklayers' Arms when requested by the landlord, pleaded Guilty, and was fined 3s. and 3s. 6d. costs, or seven days'. The prisoner and her husband had been lodging at the house for a month, and went in on Saturday night drunk and made a disturbance.

John Summers, the husband of the last prisoner, was then charged with being drunk and disorderly in the Market Place on Saturday. He was found by Supt. Taylor sitting on the window sill of the police station. He roused him and he then became very abusive and said he would be locked up with his wife. His request was complied with, and with his wife he was detained in the cells on Sunday. He was fined 5s. and 3s. costs, and allowed a week to pay both his own and his wife's fine.

Folkestone Express 15 May 1886.

Saturday, May 8th: Before The Mayor, Captain Carter, and Alderman Caister.

Alfred Swinborne, described as a flower seller, was charged with stealing a watch, value £1, the property of William Watts.

Prosecutor said he lived at Canterbury. On Friday he saw the prisoner at the Raglan Tavern, Dover Road, and entrusted him with a pawn ticket and the money to go to Mr. Joseph's and redeem a watch and take it to him. Prisoner did not return, and prosecutor gave information to the police. The watch produced was his.

By the prisoner: You were not drunk, nor was I.

Joseph Whiting, of the Bricklayers' Arms, Fenchurch Street, said the prisoner went to his house on Friday evening. He had been drinking, but was not drunk. He offered the watch produced for sale for half a sovereign. Witness told him he did not want it, and the prisoner went away. Prisoner said he had found the watch.

Sergeant Pay said he went in search of the prisoner and found him in Harbour Street. He told him the charge and took him into custody. Prisoner said he didn't steal the watch. He took it out of pawn for a gentleman, and afterwards could not find him.

Prisoner pleaded Guilty and was sentenced to one month's hard labour.

Folkestone Express 29 May 1886.

Tuesday, May 25th: Before Dr. Bateman, Alderman Caister, J. Holden and J. Fitness Esqs.

Jane Potter was charged with stealing four sheets, value 24s., the property of Joseph Whiting.

Constance Whiting, landlady of the Bricklayers' Arms, said the prisoner had lodged in her house for six months past and she occasionally employed her to do washing. Recently she missed some sheets from a cupboard in her bedroom. The bedroom door was left unlocked. P.C. Knowles produced the sheets, which witness identified as her property. She valued the six sheets at 24s.

Joseph Whiting, landlord of the Bricklayers' Arms, said the prisoner had been lodging at his house, and as he suspected her when the sheets were missed he asked her to let him search her bundle, and he there saw some pawn tickets which referred to the sheets. He then sent for the police.

Emma Davis, a widow lodging at the Bricklayers' Arms, said she had been there about a fortnight, and on the second day she was there prisoner asked her to pawn one sheet, which she said was her own property, and told her to ask 1s. upon it. Witness took the sheet to Mr. Joseph and pawned it for 1s. in her own name. The second sheet she pawned on the 12th inst. for 9d.

P.C. Knowles said he apprehended the prisoner in a bedroom at the Bricklayers' Arms on the previous afternoon. He asked Mr. Whiting if he would give the prisoner into custody, and he said “Yes”. The prisoner said “I hope you won't have me locked up, Mr. Whiting”, and he replied that he must.

Prisoner was then brought to the station.

Stephen Turner, assistant to Mr. Joseph, pawnbroker, proved the pledging of the sheets.

The Bench sentenced the prisoner to two months' hard labour.

Folkestone Express 21 April 1888.

Wednesday, April 18th: Before The Mayor, Surgeon General Gilbourne, Col. De Crespigny, J. Brooke and H.W. Poole Esqs.

James Furlong was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Fenchurch Street on Tuesday.

P.C. Smith said the defendant was stripped to his shirt, and with his hat off, and wanting to fight. His wife came out and he struck at her. He commenced to fight with a stranger, and witness, with the assistance of Mr. Whiting, of the Bricklayers' Arms, took him to the police station.

Defendant said he came from Chatham.

The Mayor: A nice importation from Chatham, you are. How old are you?

Defendant: Twenty one next August.

The Mayor: What are you? – A sailor.

The Mayor: A turnpike sailor, I suppose. You will be fined 5s., and 3s. 6d. costs, or seven days' hard labour.

James Noble was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Beach Street on the 14th inst. He pleaded Guilty, and said he “had a drop too much to drink, and like a good many more when they got a drop too much to drink, had too much to say”. (Laughter)

He was fined 5s. and 8s. costs, or 14 days'.

Folkestone Express 8 September 1888.

Wednesday, September 5th: Before Alderman Banks and J. Holden Esq.

Henry Gossidge, who said he came from Satchwell Street, Leamington, was charged with wandering about the streets without visible means of subsistence.

P.C. Knowles said he saw the little boy near the bottom of High Street on Monday night. He said he had no home, and that he came to Folkestone three days before, with two organ grinders who had gone to Dover, turned him off. He told witness he came from Leamington. He took him to Mr. Whiting, at the Bricklayers' Arms, who said the Italians seemed to be very kind to him.

An order was made to commit the boy to the workhouse, from whence he would be sent to Leamington.

Folkestone Express 1 June 1889.

Inquest.

On Saturday afternoon an inquest was held at the Town Hall before J. Minter Esq., the Borough Coroner, on the body of Agnes Mary Green, who was killed on Thursday evening by being thrown from a dog cart.

Mr. Charles Lewis, surgeon, said: On Thursday evening, a little before seven o'clock, I was called to attend the deceased at her residence in Darnley Terrace, Sandgate, in consultation with Mr. Chubb, who was in attendance. I found her insensible, and suffering from a fracture of the left side of the skull some four or five inches in length. There was also a large wound near the right ear. She remained insensible until her deat, about an hour and a half after I left. She died from injuries to her head, which were such as would be produced by a fall. There was nothing which could be done to save her. She was evidently sinking when I first saw her.

William Barr, a groom, in the employment of Mr. Dixon Green, lieutenant in the Carabiniers, stationed at Shorncliffe, and residing at 2, Chichester Villas, Sandgate, identified the body viewed by the jury as that of Agnes Mary Green, wife of Lieut. Green, and said on Thursday, in company with the wife of Col. Dennis, she drove a mare in a dog cart to the sports in Sandgate Road. I was in attendance and riding on the back seat. About ten minutes past six in the evening we were returning, and on driving down Sandgate Hill, the deceased being driving, she accidentally hit the mare with the whip, which caused the mare to jump forward. I jumped down to get the mare's head to steady her. Before I could get there the mare bolted and galloped down the hill. I followed, and saw the mare turn off, as if with the intention of pulling up at the house from which they started. She made for the wall on the off side. The mare saw the wall and shot out again. The cart collided against the kerb, and Mrs. Green was thrown out. I saw her fall between the wall and the wheel. The mare continued on through Sandgate, and on my arrival at the place where deceased laid on the path I noticed that she was insensible and blood was flowing very freely from her head and face. I ran off for the doctor, knowing I could not catch the mare. Deceased had been in the habit of riding and driving the mare for the past eight or nine months. It was half-bred, and would not stand the whip, otherwise she was quiet.

Sidney saunders, a publican, living at East Cliff, said: On Thursday, the 23rd May, I, with others, was walking across the footpath leading into Sandgate Road, and saw a dog cart, in which were two ladies and a groom. The horse was going at a gentle trot. I saw it make a plunge forward, and the groom get off the back of the trap and rush towards the horse's head. Before he got up to it the horse had bolted. He then made a grasp at the trap, appeared to stumble, and the horse was gone. I ran as fast as I could. I saw the horse turn towards the kerb on the off side, and as the wheel caught the kerb, one of the ladies was pitched out against the wall. The horse went right away through Sandgate. I found deceased lying on the path, insensible, and blood flowing freely from the head and mouth. I lifted up her head, unfastened her bodice, and procured some water and washed her mouth. Someone came along and said the deceased lived a few doors off, and asked them to carry her indoors. They did so, and Dr. Chubb came. Samuel Saunders and Joseph Whiting were with me.

These two having given corroborative evidence, the jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Folkestone Express 11 October 1890.

Monday, October 6th: Before Capt. W. Carter, Aldermen Dunk and Pledge, J. Fitness, S. Penfold, and E.T. Wards Esqs.

Thomas Clayton, a young man of decent appearance, was charged with stealing 18s. in silver and bronze, the property of Joseph Whiting, landlord of the Bricklayers' Arms.

Joseph Whiting said: I am landlord of the Bricklayers' Arms, in Fenchurch Street. Prisoner came to my house and slept there on Friday last. He was also there on Saturday about the house, sometimes in the kitchen and sometimes in the bar. He was there on Saturday evening. Just before, he said he was not going to stay as he had no money to pay for his bed. About seven o'clock he went out of the front door which leads to the bar. I left the bar about the same time as prisoner was leaving the bar and went to the back part of the house and left the bar unattended. When prisoner told me he had no money to pay for his bed he was in front of the bar. I was absent about a minute, and I went to the till to pay a girl for some fish, when I found I had been robbed. I had just before been to the till, and whatever had been taken was done between the time I was absent from the bar and my return. Prisoner could easily have got at the till by leaning over the counter. Prisoner came back and said he would pay for a bed, and for that of a friend. He went upstairs and I followed him, and saw him come back, and he paid me 1s. 6d. for his and another man's bed and for some beer. I missed from my till about 15s. in bronze and about four or five shillings in silver. I never mentioned my loss until I gave him in charge about nine o'clock. I told prisoner then that it looked very suspicious on his part, and gave him in custody. Prisoner said nothing. P.C. Swift said “You will have to come along with me” and he replied “All right”.

Cross-examined by the prisoner: You had money on Friday night and changed money on Saturday morning. The time you paid for the bed was about nine o'clock. On Saturday morning you might have spent about 6d. or 8d. You told me when you left to take charge of the parcel until you returned.

George Bean, landlord of the Perseverance, said prisoner went to his house on Saturday evening. He was alone. He called for a small soda. There were other people in the bar. He treated people in the bar to the amount of 2s., which he paid for in coppers. He saw he had 2s. 6d. in silver with the coppers.

Jane Tritton said prisoner came to the bar of the Royal George on Saturday evening. Two men went with him. He called for drinks for himself and companions, which he paid for in coppers, to the amount of one shilling. He asked her if she would mind coppers. She said she was short of them, and gave him 2s. 6d. in silver for that amount of coppers.

Stephen Hall deposed to prisoner treating him, and his having a large quantity of coppers in his possession.

P.C. Swift, who apprehended the prisoner, said he asked him “How long have you been in the bar?” He replied “Oh, I don't know. Anything wrong or anybody robbed?” He replied “Yes”. Prisoner said “What's the charge?” and he told him and prisoner answered “All right”. On searching him he found on him 5s. and a halfpenny in bronze, and 2s. 6d. and two sixpenny pieces in silver. He was charged before the Superintendent in his presence and he replied “All right. It is true”.

Prisoner said he did not remember saying that.

In reply to a question, the constable said he was sober.

Prisoner elected to be tried by the Bench, and said that he had been hopping, and the money he had about him was what he had been paid. He denied that he told prosecutor that he had no money.

The Chairman told prisoner that the Bench considered him Guilty. Tradesmen must be protected in their business. It was a gross theft. He would be sent to gaol for six weeks' hard labour.

Folkestone Express 15 November 1890.

County Court.

Tuesday, November 11th: Before Judge Selfe.

P. Upton v Robert Carter: Claim £3 1s. 9d. Defendant is a publican. Committed for 14 days. Order suspended for 28.

Note: Oddfellows Arms.

Wednesday, November 12th: Before H.W. Poole, W. Wightwick, J. Brooke and W.G. Herbert Esqs., and Surgeon General Gilbourne.

Thomas Lister, a marine store dealer, was charged with committing a criminal assault on Emily Newing, and also with stealing two two shilling pieces from her on Tuesday evening.

Emily Newing, the wife of William Newing, a labourer, lodging at the Bricklayers' Arms, said the prisoner and his wife also lodged there. She met the prisoner about seven o'clock on Tuesday evening near the Globe, on The Bayle. Up to that time she had never spoken to him. He asked her to mind his bag for a few minutes, which she did. When he returned he asked her to go into the Globe and have something to drink. They each had two glasses of porter. They were in the house five or ten minutes and left together. He then dabe her goodnight and went towards High Street. She went down the Parade Steps. When she was halfway down the prisoner came behind her and threw her down. She had two two shilling pieces tied in her handkerchief, which prisoner took, and he then ran away up the steps.

Dr. Bateman stated that the prosecutrix was taken to him on the previous night at about 10.30. He examined her and saw nothing to lead him to suppose that the assault complained of had been committed.

P.C. Scott said he took the prisoner into custody for stealing two two shilling pieces, and when charged prisoner said “It's a lie”. Up to the time prisoner was taken into custody the woman made no other statement. He searched the prisoner and found one two shilling piece, four shillings and some bronze.

Supt. Taylor having given evidence, the Bench called the prosecutrix to the front and said the story told was so improbable that they had no hesitation in dismissing both the charge of assault and theft.

Folkestone Express 4 April 1891.

Monday, March 30th: Before Colonel De Crespigny, Surgeon General Gilbourne, Major Penfold, and W.G. Herbert Esq.

John Murray and Daniel Harford were charged with stealing two pairs of boots, value 15s. 10d., the property of William Bull, of High Street.

Prosecutor said on Saturday night, about a quarter to nine, he missed a pair of boots from outside his shop. P.C. Swain called upon him and about five minutes after he was gone he missed a second pair.

Charles Smitherman, a polisher, said he was in the Royal George Inn about a quarter to nine on Saturday evening, when the prisoner Murray went in with a pair of boots and offered them for sale. Murray asked him if he knew where he could sell them. He took them to Mr. Carter at the Oddfellows, but he would not buy them. He returned to the George with the boots. Murray was still there. He thought one of the loops of the boots was broken.

Joseph A. Whiting, landlord of the Bricklayers Arms, said Harford lodged in his house. Both prisoners went to his bar between seven and half past seven on Saturday evening. They called for beer but he refused to serve them.

Winifred Whiting said she recognised Murray as having gone to her uncle's house about half past four on Saturday afternoon with a pair of new elastic side boots. He asked for Dan, meaning Harford, and she told him he was not at home. He waited until he came and they then went out into the back yard together.

P.C. Keeler said he went to No. 11, Fenchurch Street, a house hired by Whiting as a lodging house, and found Harford there. He asked i he had a pair of new boots, and he showed him those produced, saying he bought them from a man he did not know, whom he met at the Bricklayers Arms, and gave 3s. 6d. for them. Witness took him into custody, and when charged by Sergt. Ovenden he made no reply. About half past eleven he went to the Marquis Of Lorne, in Radnor Street, and found Murray in the taproom asleep. He had been drinking. When charged at the police station with stealing two pairs of boots he made no reply.

Prisoners elected to be tried by the Magistrates. Harford pleaded Not Guilty, and Murray Not Guilty. Murray said he bought the boots of a man and sold them to Harford.

The Bench convicted both prisoners and sentenced them to a month's hard labour.

Folkestone Express 30 March 1895.

Local News.

On Thursday, at Folkestone Police Court, before J. Holden, J. Fitness, T.J. Vaughan, and J. Pledge Esqs., Joseph Boys, and elderly man, and his wife, were charged with stealing two overcoats, each of the value of 15s., the property of Mr. Frederick George Mercer, and Mr. Alfred Edward Mercer, brothers, residing at 17, Alexandra Gardens.

The prosecutors stated that they saw their garments safe in the hall at seven o'clock on Tuesday evening, and missed them at 8.30 on Wednesday morning.

Sergeant Harman apprehended the prisoners at the Bricklayers' Arms, and the evidence of Eli Clark, a labourer lodging there, and of Mrs. Whiting, the landlord's wife showed that the prisoners offered the coats in the house for sale, saying they were dealers in second hand clothing.

The man said his wife had nothing to do with the matter. He bought the coats of a man for 3s. each. In reply to the Magistrates' Clerk, Boys said he was married to the woman at Christ Church, Leicester, 23 years ago. Thereupon Mr. Bradley said the law would presume the wife acted under the coercion of her husband, and she was entitled to be discharged.

The male prisoner at first pleaded Not Guilty, but withdrew that plea, and was sentenced to 14 days' hard labour for each theft, one sentence to follow the other.

Folkestone Express 22 June 1895.

Tuesday, June 18th: Before G. Spurgen and C.J. Pursey Esqs.

William Henry Joiner was charged with stealing a pair of boots, two shirts, and other articles, the property of Charles Henry Blanche. The prosecutor and prisoner are both members of the K.A. Militia.

Prosecutor, a labourer, said he was paid off on Saturday, the 15th. He left Dover for Shorncliffe at about half past eleven. He had with him a bundle of wearing apparel. He put it underneath the seat. Prisoner was in the carriage, and four or five other men. At first prisoner sat opposite to him, but afterwards shifted his seat. He (prosecutor) went to sleep and woke up at Folkestone Junction. The train had stopped and prisoner had gone. He went on to Shorncliffe and got out there. He looked for his parcel, but could not find it. On Monday, a man named Smith took him a pair of boots, which he identified as his property. The bundle contained a pair of boots, four shirts, and two flannel cholera belts. On Monday night, Smith gave two of the shirts to Sergeant Lilley. The value of the whole contents of the bundle was 15s.

Thomas Smith, of 9. The Narrows, said he saw the prisoner at the Bricklayers' Arms, and he asked him to buy two shirts and a pair of boots for 4s. He bought them for 3s. Prisoner said he bought them and gave 14d. for them. He sold one shirt for 1s. to Harry Gardner. He knew the prosecutor, and recognised the boots as belonging to him. He took the boots to him and asked him if he sold them.

Sergeant Lilley said he arrested the prisoner, who said the sergeant-major asked him to look after the prosecutor, who was drunk. On the way from Dover prosecutor asked him to buy the bundle for 2s. and he bought it for 1s. 2d. Prosecutor denied this statement.

Prisoner repeated the story to the Magistrates. When he heard it stated that he was accused of stealing the things, he went to the Bricklayers' Arms and courted investigation.

The Magistrates thought that prisoner stole the articles, and fined him 20s., or 14 days'.

Folkestone Express 11 April 1896.

Thursday, April 9th: Before W. Wightwick, J. Fitness, and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Eliza Standing was charged with stealing a silver watch, value £2 10s. 0d. from the person of John Kelly.

Prosecutor, a gunner in the 20th Field Battery, stationed at Shorncliffe, said on Thursday night he met the prisoner behind the Pleasure Gardens, and they walked together for a time. She left him, and five minutes after he missed his watch. He gave information to the police, and afterwards went to the Bricklayers' Arms, and while they were there the prisoner entered and he pointed her out to the landlady, Mrs. Whiting, as a woman who had stolen his watch. Mrs. Whiting brought the watch out to him.

Prisoner: You gave me the watch.

Prisoner said he did not. He gave her a little match box.

Frances Whiting, wife of Joseph Whiting, said prisoner and her husband lodged together at the Bricklayers' Arms. While the constable and prosecutor were talking, the prisoner entered by the back door and then went out again to another house. They followed her to No. 13, Fenchurch Street, where the constable stopped her in the passage. Witness picked up the watch in the passage, near where the prisoner had been standing.

P.C. Dunster said about nine o'clock on Wednesday he went with prosecutor to the Bricklayers' Arms. Prisoner entered by the back door with a man, and they went into the bar. Prosecutor pointed her out to him as the woman who had stolen his watch. She looked round and saw him and hurried out of the front door to No. 13, and witness, Mrs. Whiting, and prosecutor followed her. She rushed into the passage, and just as she got in witness heard something drop on to the floor. Mrs. Whiting produced a light, and the watch produced was found in the passage. He charged her with stealing the watch, and she replied “I don't know anything about it”.

When charged at the police station, she said the prosecutor gave her the watch.

Prisoner elected to be tried summarily, and pleaded Not Guilty, saying the prosecutor gave her the watch.

The Bench decided to fine her 10s. or seven days', and ordered the watch to be given to Kelly.

Folkestone Express 6 November 1897.

Tuesday, November 2nd: Before The Mayor, J. Holden, J. Fitness, T.J. Vaughan, and J. Pledge Esqs.

James Fry, labourer, was charged with refusing to quit the Bricklayers' Arms, Fenchurch Street, when requested.

Mr. Stainer appeared for the Licensed Victuallers' Association, who had received many complaints from publicans about their being troubled by drunken labourers. He asked for an exemplary sentence.

Mrs. Whiting, landlady of the Bricklayers' Arms, said that prisoner came into her bar on November 1st at 11 a.m. As he was drunk, she asked him to leave, but instead of doing so he used obscene language and refused. She asked his name and address, and as he would not give them, she sent for a constable to arrest him.

Joseph Whiting, the landlord, corroborated.

P.C. Scott stated that he was called to the house, and as prisoner would not give his name and address he took him into custody.

The Mayor: Was he inside the bar when you arrested him?

Witness: No, sir. On the step.

The Mayor: The lower step or the upper one?

Witness: The lower one.

The Mayor: Then there is no case if he was off the premises.

The case was dismissed.

Folkestone Express 25 February 1899.

Thursday, February 23rd: Before Captain Carter, Colonel Westropp, and J. Hoad, J. Pledge, T.J. Vaughan, J. Holden, J. Stainer, and W. Medhurst Esqs.

George Petts was charged with stealing £6 3s. 6d., the money of Adam York, a valet, staying at the Metropole Hotel.

Frederick Masters, a decorator, living at Linden Crescent, said he was entrusted on Monday with a note to deliver to a certain commission agent. He saw prisoner at the Metropole Hotel, and asked him to deliver the note.

The witness gave his evidence reluctantly, and had to be threatened that he would be committed before he stated who the note was for, and then he said it was to Mr. Whiting, of the Bricklayers' Arms.

Witness then proceeded with his evidence, from which it appeared that he afterwards gave the accused £6 3s. 6d. to deliver to Adam York.

In answer to the prisoner, witness said he received 25s. from him with which to back a horse, and he gave it to Whiting.

Mr. Bradley: Why didn't you say so before? You ought to be ashamed of yourself for the way in which you stand there and give your evidence.

Prisoner said he backed a horse called Black Lion, and the witness simply handed the money over to him.

Adam York said all he knew of the matter was that the prisoner had £6 of his money and ran away with it.

Mr. Bradley said there was no case against the man, and he ought not to have been taken into custody. He should have been summoned.

The prisoner was dismissed.

Folkestone Express 17 February 1900.

Monday, February 12th: Before J. Banks, J. Fitness and W. Wightwick Esqs., and Colonel Hamilton.

Fredk. Frost was charged with being in the unlawful possession of nine military blankets.

Detective Officer Burniston said at 20 minutes to one on Saturday he saw the prisoner in Little Fenchurch Street with a sackful of something which appeared heavy, and going into the Bricklayers' Arms. Witness waited a few minutes, and then followed prisoner in, and saw him taking six blankets out of the sack. They were marked “W.D.”, and the broad arrow. He said to prisoner “Well, Frost, what have you got this time?” He made no reply. He asked him where he got the blankets from, and he said “I bought them this morning about 10 o'clock off a man at Cheriton, and gave him 4s. for them. I don't know who he is, and have never seen him before”. Later on he went to prisoner's house, No. 7, Norris Place,, where his mother handed him three more blankets, and made a statement respecting them. He took them to the polic station and showed them to the prisoner, who said “They are mine”. He told him that his mother said he took the blankets home on the previous evening, and took six of them out in the morning in a sack. Prisoner said “That's a lie”. He charged prisoner with being found in unlawful possession of the nine blankets, the property of the War Department. He replied “I bought those three yesterday, and those six this morning off the same man at Cheriton”.

George Shirley, barrack warder at Shorncliffe Camp, identified the blankets as War Department property. The value of the nine was £2.

The prisoner said he bought them of a young man who said he bought them in the barracks. He gave 4s. for six and 2s. for three.

The Bench imposed a fine of £3, or in default one month's imprisonment.

Folkestone Express 18 May 1901.

Monday, May 13th: Before Alderman J. Pledge, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, and T.J. Vaughan, J. Stainer, and G. Peden Esqs.

George Gunner and Joseph Hemborough were jointly charged with stealing a pair of trousers, the property of Messrs. Joseph Bros. They pleaded Not Guilty.

Det. Sergeant Burniston said about 10.55 o'clock on Saturday he went to the Bricklayers' Arms lodging house, and he there searched the premises. In the back yard, behind the dustbin, he found a new pair of trousers (produced) and a ticket, which bore the price 5s. 11d., and a private mark. He took them to the police station, where they were identified by Messrs. Joseph. At 1.55 p.m., from what the servant at the lodging house told him, he went in search of the prisoner Hemborough, and found him asleep on the Lower Sandgate Road. He charged him with the theft, and after cautioning him, he answered “I met the other man in London. We both walked down together. We only came in on Friday evening. You ought to look after the other man”. He took him to the police station, and charged them together, and they both replied “It is the first time I have seen those trousers”. Witness was in Tontine Street about 10.30 p.m., and he saw the two prisoners in company with another man. They stopped outside Vickery's boot shop, and they both looked suspicious. When prisoner Gunner was arrested by P.C. Wellar the other two prisoners ran away, and witness followed and searched the prisoner Hemborough in the Bricklayers' Arms, and found nothing on him.

Isabella Susannah Carden, servant to Joseph Whiting, landlord of the Bricklayers' Arms, said about 8.10 on Saturday evening she was in teh scullery, where she saw the two prisoners coming from the lodgers' kitchen, and they went into the street. About ten minutes afterwards they returned, and the prisoner had some article which was dark, and appeared to be like a pair of trousers, on his arm. He said to his companion “Why didn't you put them on?” They went into the house and subsequently returned with the trousers on his arm. They went to the dustbin and stopped there about five minutes.

The Bench here dismissed the case owing to insufficient evidence.

Folkestone Express 11 January 1902.

Local News.

On Saturday morning the death of Isaac Henry Gale, who was formerly a trumpeter in the 17th Lancers - better known as the “Death or Glory Boys” – took place at the Bricklayers Arms. The deceased is said to have sounded the charge at Ulundi in the Zulu War. He had given way to excessive drinking of late, which brought on apoplexy, and he died at the early age of 50 years.

Joseph Whiting, landlord of the Bricklayers Arms, Fenchurch Street, who identified the deceased, said he was 50 years of age, and he was formerly trumpeter in the 17th Lancers. He had been in Folkestone for 12 years. He died at a cottage adjoining his house, where he shared a bedroom with another man. He supported himself by means of his Army pension, and he drew £5 on January 1st. On Friday evening, about 11 o'clock, witness saw him fully dressed on the bed, and his appearance showed he had been drinking heavily. He did not think he required medical assistance. The deceased died on the following morning about eight a.m.

In answer to the Chief Constable, witness said he tried to rouse deceased, but he was in a collapsed state of intoxication, and was snoring rather heavily. There was no drink in the room.

Sarah Jane Betts, of 20, Great Fenchurch Street, said on Friday, between 12 and 1 o'clock, she saw the deceased stagger and fall backwards on his head. He was staggering from one side to the other, and he suddenly fell backwards on to the stone pavement. She had seen deceased drunk before, and he staggered in just the same manner. She called to a person, who helped him home. Deceased smelt strong of drink.

Arthur Stokes, of 13, Fenchurch Street, labourer, said he knew the deceased, and an Friday, about 9.30 p.m., he saw him on the floor in a drunken state in his bedroom. With the assistance of a man named John Thomas he was put on to the bed. The next morning between eight and nine o'clock he went to wake him up and found he was dead.

Harry Pope, a “lumper”, said he lived at the cottage adjacent to the Bricklayers Arms, and shared a bedroom with the deceased. He saw him drunk, sitting on the pavement in Dover Street on Friday morning. Witness went to bed about two o'clock next morning and the deceased was snoring very loudly. He was outside his bed with his clothes on. Witness went to bed and woke up at 8.30 a.m. He saw deceased was dead, but to assure himself he said to deceased “Aren't you going to get up? You've been there since yesterday”, but he received no reply.

Dr. W.P. Barrett said he had made a post mortem examination of deceased's body, and he found he had a large clot of blood on the left side of the brain, extending to a little way on the right side. Deceased also had heart disease; the liver was affected, and the arteries were diseased. He formed the opinion that he had died from apoplexy.

The Coroner: Would the fall in any way cause the clot of blood on the brain?

Witness: I think not. Haemorrhage must have been coming on, which was no doubt accelerated by drink. Probably it was a combination of both.

A verdict of “Apoplexy brought on by excessive drinking” was returned by the jury.

Folkestone Express 23 August 1902.

Monday, August 18th: Before Alderman Banks, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, W. Wightwick, G.I. Swoffer, and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Herbert John Jeffrey and Annie Jeffrey were charged with larceny.

Det. Burniston said about 10 o'clock on Sunday night, accompanied by P.C. Sharp, he went to the Bricklayers Arms, Fenchurch Street, where he saw the prisoners in bed. Witness told the male prisoner he was a police officer, and wanted to ask some questions about some boots he had sold in the kitchen. Witness saw a sack containing horsehair standing beside the bed. On looking under the bed he found two other sacks containing horsehair and a further sack contained two blankets, one sheet, and other clothing. There was also a bundle in the room which contained two broken metal teapots. When asked where he obtained the articles, prisoner replied “I bought the mattress in the West End. I gave 1s. 6d. for it”. When questioned as to the person, prisoner said “I am a stranger here”. When told that his statement was not satisfactory, prisoner replied “To prove that I bought it, I will take you to the west end and show you the house”. He then dressed himself, and they went to the west end. They walked about until two o'clock for the house. Prisoner said “I can't find the house. I don't know who the person was”. Witness then said he would charge him with stealing the mattress, and cautioned him. Witness brought him to the police station, and later on went to the Bricklayers Arms boarding and arrested the woman. They were charged at the police station with stealing a mattress, two blankets, one sheet, a pair of boots and two metal teapots, the property of some person unknown. The male prisoner said “I broke into a house in the West End and stole a mattress, one sheet, two blankets, two teapots and a pair of boots. My wife does not know anything about it”. The wife said “My husband brought the things home. He did not tell me where he got them”. Witness went to 3, Trinity Gardens, and found the area door had been forced open and the furniture of the room thrown about. The caretaker had since identified the articles at the police station as the property of his employer.

Isabella Carden, employed at the Bricklayers Arms, said the prisoner had been staying at the house about four days. On Saturday evening she was standing in the pantry and saw the male prisoner come in between 8 and 9 o'clock. He was carrying something large covered with a sheet. Witness asked him what he had, and he replied “A mattress I had to get for someone”. Prisoner then took it upstairs. The female prisoner came into the yard just behind her husband.

The Superintendent asked for a week's remand, and it was granted by the Bench.

Folkestone Express 30 August 1902.

Monday, August 25th: Before Aldermen Banks and Salter, Col. Hamilton, W.G. Herbert, W. Wightwick, and G.I. Swoffer Esqs.

Herbert John Jeffrey and Annie Jeffrey were brought up on remand charged with larceny.

The Superintendent said he had received a letter from the doctor of the gaol stating the woman's condition.

Mr. Minter appeared for the owner of the property and did not wish to press the charge. He would therefore withdraw the charge against her.

The Bench granted this application.

Albert Carden said he was at the Bricklayers Arms about nine o'clock on Sunday morning when the prisoner asked him to buy a pair of boots. Witness asked him if they were stolen and he replied “No”.

Mr. Minter: What made you ask that? – Because people steal things and want to sell them.

Witness said prisoner asked him two shillings for them. Witness gave 1s. 6d. and a silk handkerchief for the boots. He afterwards showed the detective where they were.

William Charles Pope said on Friday, the 15th inst., the premises, 3, Trinity Gardens were secure. On the 18th inst., from something said to him, witness went to the house. The door had been burst open, the rooms were disturbed, and several things were missing.

Prisoner was sentenced to one month's hard labour.

Folkestone Express 7 March 1903.

Wednesday, March 4th: Before W. Wightwick, Col. Hamilton, Col. Westropp, E.T. Ward, J. Pledge, W.G. Herbert, and C.J. Pursey Esqs.

Adjourned Licensing Sessions.

It will be remembered that at the last sessions the Justices ordered notices of opposition to be given to nine licence holders, namely:- the Providence, the Marquis Of Lorne, the Victoria, the Tramway, the Hope, the Star, the Bricklayers Arms, and the Blue Anchor.

Several other applications were adjourned, and in some cases plans were ordered to be submitted. The notices of opposition to the Victoria, the Hope, and the Blue Anchor were afterwards, by direction of the Bench, withdrawn.The flowing counsel were engaged:- Mr. Lewis Glyn, K.C., instructed by Mr. Mowll, Mr. Percival Hughes, instructed by Mr. G.W. Haines, representing the Folkestone Licensed Victuallers' Association; Mr. G. Thorn Drury and Mr. Theodore Matthew, instructed by Mr. Minter; and Mr. Drake was briefed in the matter of the Blue Anchor, which was not in the end opposed. Mr. Bradley, of Dover, representing the Folkestone Temperance Party and Mr. W. Mowll opposed the applications for the two new licences.

The Chairman said before the commenced business, he would, by direction of the Magistrates, read to the gentlemen present what they proposed doing. At the General Annual Licensing Meeting they directed the Chief Constable to give notice to the owners of nine houses. Since then they had inspected those houses, with the result that they had directed the Chief Constable to withdraw the notices of objection served upon the owners of the Victoria, the Hope, and the Blue Anchor. The other objections would be proceeded with. As regarded the remaining houses, they decided to renew the licences, but the Chairman referred to those cases where there had been convictions, and warned the licence holders to be careful in future. Certain structural alterations were ordered to be made at the Packet Boat, the Brewery Tap, the Castle Inn, the Lifeboat, and the Prince Of Wales.

The Licensing Justices expressed the opinion that the number of houses licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquors now existing in the borough, especially in that part of the town near the harbour, is out of all proportion to the population, and the Justices proposed between now and the Licensing Sessions of 1904 to gain information and determine what reduction shall then be made. Meanwhile the owners of licensed houses were invited to agree amongst themselves to voluntarily surrender a substantial number of licences in the borough in 1904, and submit the result of their united action to the Licensing Justices. Failing a satisfactory voluntary reduction, the Justices would in the exercise of their discretion in a fair and equitable spirit decide what reduction should then be made.

Mr. Glyn, who said he was instructed on behalf of Messrs. Nalder and Colyer, thanked the Magistrates for the statement as to the course they intended to adopt, and said he was going to throw out a suggestion that it would be fairer under the circumstances if the renewals which still stood over for hearing should also stand adjourned until the Annual General Licensing Meeting of next year. The principal ground of complaint, so far as he gathered, was that the houses were not wanted. He contended that it would not be fair, for instance, to take away one of the six licences which were to be opposed.

The Chairman, however, said the Magistrates decided to hear all the evidence.

The Bricklayers Arms.

Inspector Lilley, in this case, said he had visited the house several times, and found very few genuine working men lodging there. Formerly the house was frequented by bad characters and thieves. He had arrested several persons on the premises himself, who had either been convicted at this police Court or were wanted elsewhere. He also stated the number of houses in the same locality and their distance from the Bricklayers Arms.

In answer to Mr. Hughes, he said the house was registered as a common lodging house. He could not say of his own knowledge that persons only stayed there for a single night. He had arrested people in other licensed houses in the town, and those licences were still in existence.

Mr. John Pearson proved that the house was registered as a common lodging house.

A little girl, aged 12, was called as a witness, but after testing her knowledge as to the nature of an oath, her answer to the question as to what would happen if she did not speak the truth being “I should go to prison”, the justices declined to have her sworn.

Fredk. Barton, who described himself as a Parish Clerk, of 29, Dover Street, said he had taken betting slips to the house for a Mr. Crisp, of Linden Villas, and taken money back to him. He knew the slips of paper had reference to horses, because he wrote them himself for Mr. Crisp.

Mr. Glyn said if anything turned on those written slips, they must be put in. He asked that the evidence be struck out, and further, if the evidence was accepted, that a note should be taken of his objection, as it was contrary to the rules of evidence.

Eventually the Bench decided not to accept the evidence.

Mr. Glyn said there was no other question except the old ground of not wanted. He could not tell them verbally what the trade was, but would hand it in to the Bench if they pleased. It was a large trade. They were prepared to do away with the common lodging house. They would provide separate bedrooms, and also make any required alteration in the matter of the bar and an opening to it from an adjoining room, and have a fence erected to close an objectionable entrance.

The Chairman said on those undertakings the licence would be granted.

Folkestone Express 11 April 1903.

Wednesday, April 8th: Before Lieut. Col. Hamilton, W. Wightwick, E.T. Ward, and G.I. Swoffer Esqs.

Mr. Mowll, of Dover, made an application on behalf of the owners of the Bricklayers Arms for the approval of plans. He said at the annual licensing sessions they undertook to do away with the lodging house. To do that necessitated certain alterations to the ground floor of the premises. They proposed to shut off communication with the back portion of the premises, and so do away with the lodging house.

The Magistrates approved the plans.

Folkestone Express 2 December 1905.

Local News.

We regret to state that Mr. Joseph Whiting, for many years the proprietor of the Bricklayers Arms Inn, Fenchurch Street, died on Sunday after a long illness, dropsy and heart disease being the causes of his death. He was very highly respected among a large circle of acquaintances. The funeral took place at the Cemetery on Thursday afternoon.

Folkestone Express 27 January 1906.

Wednesday, January 24th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Vaughan, Lieut. Col. Fynmore, Major Leggett, W.G. Herbert, W.C. Carpenter, E.T. Ward, and R.J. Linton Esqs.

Mr. Atkinson appeared on behalf of Mrs. J. Whiting, and applied for the transfer of the Bricklayers Arms, which licence was previously held by her husband, the late Mr. J. Whiting. The Magistrates granted the request.

Folkestone Express 23 June 1906.

Local News.

At the Folkestone Police Court on Wednesday a serious charge of maliciously wounding was dealt with by the Magistrates, John William Ayre being arraigned for stabbing James William Maxted, a butcher.

James William Maxted, a journeyman butcher, residing at 13, Abbot Road, said at quarter past eleven he was walking up Fenchurch Street when he saw a scuffle with two men, so he ran to see what was the matter. The prisoner was one of the men who were on the pavement opposite the Bricklayers Arms. The men were rolling on the ground. As soon as he got there he felt a sharp prick in the chest on the left side. He threw his coat open and discovered he had been stabbed. He found the instrument had punctures his coat, shirt and vest. He went straight away to Dr. Linnington, who dressed the wound. The prisoner stabbed him. After the wound had been dressed he handed his clothing (produced) to Det. Sergt. Burniston. The cuts in the coat, shirt and vest would be directly over the hole.

Prisoner here stated he knew nothing about it.

Joseph William Whiting said he assisted his brother in carrying on the business of the Bricklayers Arms. He knew the prisoner, who he saw about a quarter past eleven the previous night opposite No. 13, Fenchurch Street. He was using obscene language, so he told him to clear out of the street. The prisoner had a trowel in his hand, and threatened to hit witness over the head with it. Prisoner then sat down on the pavement. A man named Stokes then came up, and he went to pull the prisoner out of No. 13, Fenchurch Street, and witness went to his assistance. He offered assistance, and used obscene language. Maxted came up while that was going on. He entered the house to go to Stokes' assistance, and in the struggle he saw the prisoner move his arm, and Maxted then shouted out “I am stabbed”. Witness did not see anything in the prisoner's hand. Maxted went away, and a police constable came and took the prisoner with him.

Arthur Stokes, a barman in the employ of Mrs. Whiting, said he knew the prisoner, who took a bedroom at No. 13, Fenchurch Street, which was the property of Mrs. Whiting. At a quarter past eleven he saw the prisoner outside the house. He was using bad language, and witness told him to clear off. He remained on the kerb for a time, and then tried to get into the house. However, witness would not let him in, and on account of the struggle Maxted came to his assistance. Witness soon after heard Maxted call out “I'm stabbed”.

P.C. Taylor said about 11.30 the previous night he was called to the Bricklayers Arms, where he saw Mrs. Whiting. She pointed to the prisoner, who was standing in the street, and said “This man has stabbed a man named James William Maxted, who has gone to the hospital”. Witness told him he should take him to the police station. He took him into custody, and on the way up High Street, witness noticed his right hand in his right hand coat pocket. He asked him what he had got in his pocket, and he replied “A knife”. Witness took the knife produced from his, which was shut. He examined it and on the blade found some wet blood. Witness said to him “There is some wet blood on this knife”, and prisoner replied “I don't think so”. Later on he charged him at the police station with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Maxted by stabbing him in the breast with a knife. He replied “I shall say no more about it”.

Dr. Linnington said Maxted came to his house at 11.45 the previous night, and he saw his clothes on the left shoulder were saturated with blood, while some blood was in his boots. On removing the coat, shirt, and vest, he found a small punctured wound bleeding freely in front of the left shoulder directly over the main artery. On examining the wound he found it went obliquely downwards for two inches, and had divided one of the smaller veins, just missing the large vessel. Maxted was very faint, so he gave him some restoratives. If the wound had been a straight one it would have divided the main artery, and that would have been a serious matter. The wound was not a dangerous one, but was in a dangerous place. It might have been caused by the knife produced. It could not have been caused by the trowel.

Prisoner said he was under the influence of drink the previous night, and he could not distinctly remember what did occur. He went up to the Bricklayers Arms and left his bag there. He had a drink or two and went out. He returned at eleven o'clock and asked for a bed. The man said “I will go and see the missus”. He came back and said “Clear out of it”, and he (the prisoner) replied “All right, I will clear out if you give me my things”. There was a crowd outside and someone said “Give him a ---- good hiding”. Two or three of them made a rush for him. They had an up and down he supposed, and in the doorway there were two or three on to him. They got messing about, and he did not know what happened. He knew he used no knife. When he got up he heard nothing about anyone being stabbed. The policeman came up, and he was taken to the police station.

The prisoner was then committed to the Quarter Sessions, bail being offered, himself in a surety of £20, and one surety of £20, or two sureties of £10.

Folkestone Express 14 July 1906.

Quarter Sessions.

Saturday, July 7th: Before John Charles Lewis Coward Esq.

A true bill was returned against John William Ayres, a bricklayer, who was charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding James William Maxted on June 19th. Prisoner pleaded Not Guilty. Mr. Weigall prosecuted, and Mr. Dicken defended.

In opening the case, Mr. Weigall said when the prisoner was charged before the Magistrates he said he was under the influence of drink, and because of that influence he got into that row. He denied using the knife. In his (Mr. Weigall's) there was no doubt that Ayres got quarrelsome in his cups.

John William Maxted, a butcher, residing at 13, Abbott Road, described how on going home at eleven o'clock at night he saw the prisoner and a man named Stokes scuffling on the pavement. He went to the latter's assistance and got between them, trying to separate them. As he went between them he felt a sharp blow on the shoulder, and a hot rush of blood on the side. He shouted “I'm stabbed”, and he went immediately to Dr. Linnington. The prisoner stabbed him.

The Recorder: Show us how he struck you.

The witness: He made a straight drive at me. I do not think he meant the blow for me.

Joseph William Whiting spoke to ordering the prisoner out of Fenchurch Street because he used bad language. This witness, in the course of his evidence, repeatedly contradicted himself.

A man named Stokes, in the employ of Mrs. Whiting, of Bricklayers Arms, stated that the prisoner had taken a room at No. 13, Fenchurch Street. They had a “jangle” with the prisoner, and they rolled into the doorway of the house. Maxted came up and parted them, and witness heard him immediately call out “I'm stabbed”. The reason Ayres was told to go was because he used bad language.

The Recorder: I am afraid the morals of Fenchurch Street would have been shocked had he slept there that night.

P.C. Taylor gave evidence of the arrest of the prisoner, in whose pocket he said he found a knife on the blade of which there was some wet blood.

Dr. Linnington described the wound received by Maxted as a punctured wound. He further informed the Court that if the knife had gone directly inwards it would have been fatal or nearly fatal. It might have been caused by the knife produced, but not by the trowel.

Prisoner went into the witness box, and said he came to Folkestone the same day. He paid 6d. for a bed at the house in Fenchurch Street. He had never been in trouble before anywhere, and he had a clean sheet. On June 19th he did have a drop too much. Two or three of them started bullying him, so he said “Let me have my things, and I will go”. Whiting came round and pushed him about, and when he was given his bundle someone said “Give him a ---- good hiding”. He was knocked onto the doorway and he had three or four on to him. He did not remember Maxted. He certainly did not stab anyone with a knife. He usually picked his teeth with the knife.

Cross-examined, he said he did not see any wet blood on the knife when the constable took it from him.

Mr. Dickens commented upon the contradictory evidence given by some of the witnesses, and also upon the fact that Maxted, when before the Magistrates, did not say who stabbed him.

P.C. Taylor was re-called, and said the man had been drinking very heavily.

The jury, after deliberating for a short time, said they found the prisoner Guilty under great provocation. They also recommended him very strongly to mercy.

The Recorder said the jury had found the prisoner Guilty of using the knife. It was a dirty, beastly, un-English thing. He had done such as they did not approve of in that borough. They were very free at the Quarter Sessions from people as cowardly as the prisoner appeared to have been, although under great provocation. He had a horror of the knife. Round the south coast they did not have knives drawn, whatever they did at Birmingham, from whence the prisoner came. When they fought they did so with their fists. Had he thought fit to have expressed his contrition for the crime and pleaded Guilty, and thrown himself on the mercy of the Court, he would have received the most merciful consideration a man could have received. Although he had thought fit to deny the charge, and although he believed that the prisoner was fuddled and fuzzled with drink, he was of opinion that he did not know what he was about. He (the Recorder) intended to give him another chance. He hoped the course he was going to adopt would be a lesson to him for the rest of his life. The prisoner might think himself very lucky indeed that he was before a merciful judge and jury. He was not going to make a felon of him. He was going to have him bound over to be of good behaviour for six months, and he hoped it would be a lesson to him to the end of his days.

Folkestone Express 2 March 1907.

Saturday, February 23rd: Before The Mayor, Alderman Vaughan, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, E.T. Ward and T. Ames Esqs.

The licence of the Bricklayers Arms was temporarily transferred from Mrs. Whiting to Mr. Wormall.

Wednesday, February 27th: Before W.G. Herbert Esq., Major Leggatt, R.J. Linton and G. Boyd Esqs.

The following licence was transferred: The Bricklayers Arms, from Mrs. Whiting to Mr. J. Wormall.

Folkestone Express 9 March 1907.

Adjourned Licensing Sessions.

The adjourned licensing sessions were held on Monday at the Police Court, when the principal business to be considered was whether or not the five licences should be referred to the East Kent Licensing Committee for compensation. The Licensing Justices on the Bench were E.T. Ward Esq., Lieut. Col. Fynmore, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, W.G. Herbert, C.J. Pursey, R.J. Linton and W.C. Carpenter Esqs., while other justices present were Major Leggett, Mr. G. Boyd, and Mr. J. Stainer.

The licences of the Raglan and the Bricklayers Arms, which had been temporarily transferred since the annual licensing meeting, were confirmed by the Justices.

From the Folkestone Express 7 March 1908.

Adjourned Licensing Sessions.

At the annual sessions the granting of five licences was adjourned; The "Railway Tavern," the "Eagle Tavern" and the "Bricklayers Arms" on the ground of redundancy, the "Railway Hotel," Coolinge, because a conviction had been recorded against it, and the "Packet Boat," so that plans for alterations could be submitted to the Justices.

Folkestone Express 8 February 1908.

Annual Licensing Meeting.

Wednesday, February 5th: Before E.T. Ward, W.G. Herbert, W.C. Carpenter, and R.J. Linton Esqs., and Lieut. Col. Hamilton.

Superintendent's Report.

This report was read by Mr. Harry Reeve, as follows: Gentlemen, I have the honour to report that there are at present within your jurisdiction 129 premises licensed for the sale by retail of intoxicating liquors, viz.; Full licences, 78; beer “on”, 9; beer “off”, 6; beer and spirit dealers, 15; grocers &c., 11; chemists, 7; confectioners, 3; total 129. This gives an average, according to the census of 1901, of one licence to every 237 persons, or one “on” licence to every 352 persons. At the last annual meeting, one “off” licence for the sale of wines and spirits was not renewed as the business had been discontinued by the licence holder. One new licence for the sale of cider and sweets was granted, and three new licences for the sale of wines were granted to chemists. At the adjourned annual licensing meeting, held in March, five “on” licences (four full and one beer) were referred to the Compensation Committee on the ground of redundancy. One full licence was renewed at the preliminary meeting of the Committee, and at the principal meeting three of the licences were refused and one renewed. The licences which were refused were the Queen's Head, Beach Street, Channel Inn, High Street, and the Perseverance beerhouse, Dover Street. Compensation was paid in the cases of the Queen's Head and Channel Inn, and the premises were closed on the 28th of December last. In the case of the Perseverance Inn, the amount of compensation has not yet been settled; a provisional renewal of the licence will, therefore, be required until the amount of compensation has been determined. There are two houses licensed by the Inland Revenue authorities for the sale of beer in quantities not less than 4½ gallons, also to sell wines and spirits in single bottles. These licences can be granted by the Inland Revenue authorities without a Magistrates' certificate, but only for premises used exclusively for the sale of intoxicating liquors. Since the last annual licensing meeting 13 of the licences have been transferred; one licence was transferred twice. Eleven occasion licences were granted for the sale of intoxicating liquors on premises not ordinarily licensed for such sale, and 31 extensions of the usual time of closing have been granted to licence holders when balls, dinners, etc., were being held on their premises. During the year ended 31st December last, 125 persons (110 males and 15 females) were proceeded against for drunkenness; 113 were convicted and 12 discharged. This is a decrease of six persons proceeded against, as compared with 1906, and a decrease of 58 persons when compared with 1905. Three licence holders have been proceeded against for permitting drunkenness on their licensed premises; only one conviction was recorded by the Magistrates, but this was afterwards quashed on appeal by the Recorder at Quarter Sessions. One licence holder, who was convicted just previous to the last annual licensing meeting for an offence under Section 16 of the Licensing Act, 1872, appealed to Quarter Sessions, but the conviction was affirmed at the Borough Sessions held on the 5th April last. I beg to suggest that the consideration of the renewal of this licence, the Railway Hotel, Coolinge Lane, be deferred till the adjourned meeting. I have no objection to offer to the renewal of any of the other licences on the ground of misconduct, the houses generally being conducted in a satisfactory manner. The order made by the Bench at the last annual licensing meeting, that all automatic gaming machines were to be removed from licensed houses, was at once complied with by the licensees. Eleven clubs, where intoxicating liquor is sold, are registered in accordance with the Act of 1902. There are 16 places licensed for music and dancing, and two for public billiard playing. I would respectfully suggest that the Committee again refer the renewal of some of the licences in the congested area to the Compensation Committee to be dealt with under the provisions of the 1904 Act. I have received notices of four applications to be made at these Sessions for new licences, viz.; one full licence and three beer “off””.

The consideration of granting licences to the following licensed houses was referred to the adjourned licensing sessions; Railway Inn, Beach Street; Bricklayers Arms, Fenchurch Street, and Eagle Tavern, High Street, which are to be opposed. The licences of the Railway Hotel, Coolinge Lane, and the Packet Boat, Radnor Street, were adjourned.

Folkestone Express 7 March 1908.

Adjourned Licensing Sessions.

The adjourned Licensing Sessions for the Borough took place on Monday, when the licensing Justices on the Bench were E.T. Ward Esq., Lieut. Cols. Fynmore and Hamilton, and J. Stainer, W.G. Herbert, W.C. Carpenter, R.J. Linton and G. Boyd. At the annual sessions the granting of five licences was adjourned; The Railway Tavern, the Eagle Tavern and the Bricklayers Arms on the ground of redundancy, the Railway Hotel, Coolinge, because a conviction had been recorded against it, and the Packet Boat, so that plans for alterations could be submitted to the Justices.

The Bricklayers Arms.

Mr. Joseph Wormald applied for the licence of the Bricklayers Arms to be granted to him. Mr. Martin Mowll appeared for the owners and the tenants.

Chief Constable Reeve said the opposition to the house was on the ground that it was not required. He produced a plan on which he had marked out the congested area. Within that area there were 915 houses, with a population approximately of 4,575, giving an average of five to a house. Within that area there were thirty four licensed houses, twenty seven fully licensed and five beer on. There were also eight other premises holding various licences for sale by retail, making a total of 42 premises licensed within that area, being a proportion of one licence to twenty one houses, and of one to every 108 persons. There was also one on licensed house to every 26 houses, and one for every 134 persons. For the borough at large there were 86 on licences and 42 other licensed premises, making a total of 128 premises licensed for the sale of drink by retail. That worked out at one licence to every 239 persons, or one on licence to every 356 persons. There were also within the area two registered clubs, with a total membership of 757. During the past year there were 125 cases of drunkenness dealt with by the borough Magistrates, and he found that 56 of them arose from the congested area. The Bricklayers Arms was situate in Fenchurch Street, at the corner of Little Fenchurch Street. Mr. Wormald obtained the licence on February 27th, 1907, and the registered owners were Messrs. G. Beer & Co., Canterbury. The rateable value of the house was £36. There were three doors to the house opening from Fenchurch Street, one into a small bottle and jug department, and the other into a saloon bar. Behind the saloon bar there was another room called the bar parlour, which looked out of the back of the house. There was a small yard at the rear of the house, with a door opening into Fenchurch Street, directly opposite the George III, another fully licensed house. Within a radius of 150 yards there were thirteen other on licensed houses, and within a radius of 200 yards there were twenty six other on licensed houses. He knew the house very well and at the present time there was practically no trade done there. In his opinion the licence was unnecessary for the needs of the neighbourhood. The small trade done was with an inferior class of custom than was done at the George III.

Det. Sergt. Burniston said he was familiar with the public houses in Folkestone and frequently visited them in the course of his duties. He had visited the Bricklayers Arms almost every day since the present tenant had had the licence. With regard to the amount of trade that was done, it was very small indeed. On January 29th he visited the house, and he then saw the tenant and had a conversation with him. He (the landlord) said “I hope the house will be put back for compensation. I do not get a living; the brewers pay the spirit licence. By February 23rd, a year since I held it, I shall be between £80 and £90 out of pocket”. He (witness) considered the house was not necessary for the requirements of the neighbourhood.

Mr. Mowll said he had not cross-examined the witnesses because he knew that considerable thought was exercised in considering which houses should be opposed. His clients were sorry that particular house should be selected. A substantial trade was done there, and one which they should be very sorry to lose. Having regard to the attention that was given to the licences, and the fact that there was no doubt in that area some houses must be done away with, his clients would submit to the notice and they did not propose to contest the question. The fact that the present tenant appeared to have a rather poor view of the situation might, as they knew, depend principally upon himself. One fact which spoke volumes was that from 1884 until the present tenant went into occupation the licence was held by Mrs. Whiting and her late husband without change of tenancy. During that time the house was well conducted, and they made a very satisfactory livelihood from it.

The Chairman announced that the Magistrates had decided to refer the licence to Canterbury.

Folkestone Express 11 July 1908.

East Kent Licensing.

At the Licensing Committee's sitting at Canterbury on Thursday, the three licences referred by the local justices, namely the Eagle Tavern, High Street, the Railway Tavern, Beach Street, and the Bricklayers Arms, Fenchurch Street, were considered, and the Court decided not to renew any of them. They will be dealt with by the Compensation Committee.

Folkestone Express 24 October 1908.

East Kent Licensing.

At a meeting of the East Kent Licensing Committee on Monday, many cases were dealt with.

In the case of the Bricklayers Arms, Fenchurch Street, Folkestone, of which Mr. J. Wormald is the tenant, and Messrs. Beer and Co., of Canterbury, the registered owners, Mr. A.K. Mowll, who appeared for both parties, stated that it had been agreed to accept £1,200, of which £1,125 would go to the brewers, and £75 to clear a discharge to the tenant.

Folkestone Express 17 January 1931.

Obituary.

The funeral took place in the Cheriton Road Cemetery yesterday (Thursday) afternoon of Mrs. Frances Jane Whiting, widow of Mr. Joseph Allen Whiting, who for many years was the licensee of the old Bricklayer's Arms, Fenchurch Street.

The deceased lady, who was 65 years of age, had been in indifferent health for some time, and passed away early in Monday afternoon. She was well known and greatly respected, and the news of her death will be received with feelings of profound regret, particularly by the older inhabitants of the town. Mrs. Whiting was of a very kindly disposition, and she will be much missed by those whom she helped in times of need during the 45 years she resided at the old Bricklayer's Arms. Mrs. Whiting's husband died 26 years ago, and Mrs. Whiting has remained in residence at the old Bricklayer's Arms ever since. This old building has been occupied by the family for over 63 years.

Folkestone Express 21 August 1937.

Obituary.

It is with deep regret that we record the death on Thursday in last week of Mr. Joseph William Whiting, at his residence, 2, Spring Terrace, Folkestone, at the age of 50 years.

He was the eldest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Whiting, of the Bricklayers Arms, in Fenchurch Street. In 1907 he joined the Royal Horse Artillery and saw active service in India, Gallipoli and France. During his period in France he received several wounds of a serious nature and in 1919 he was discharged. He obtained the post of usher at the Grand Hotel and continued there for sixteen years, until failing health forced him to retire and since then his health declined.

The funeral took place on Monday at the Folkestone Cemetery at Hawkinge.