From the Deal, Walmer, and Sandwich Mercury, 20 November, 1869. 1d.

BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS

Stephen Pritchard, landlord of the "Eagle Tavern," Upper Queen Street, was summoned by the Assistant Overseer, Mr. A. Woodruff, under the direction of the Guardians of Eastry Union, to show cause why an order should not be made upon him requiring him to contribute to the relief and maintenance of his father, Simon Pritchard, who had become chargeable to the common fund of that union.

Defendant said it was not in his power to contribute towards the maintenance of his father, as it was just as much as he could do to pay his own way. He had helped to keep the old gentleman for the last two years, as far as he was able.

Mr. Brown informed the defendant that considering his position and business, the Guardians would be very much surprised if the Magistrates did not order him to pay something, although they did not want to be hard upon him.

In reply to the Magistrates defendant said he could not pay any more than a shilling a week, but it was eventually agreed that an order should be made for 2s. a week.

From the Deal, Walmer, and Sandwich Mercury, 28 September, 1872. 1d.

PUBLIC HOUSE CASE

Stephen Pritchard, landlord of the "Eagle Tavern," Upper Queen Street, was summoned upon the information of Supt. Parker, for having his house open for the sale of intoxicating liquors on Sunday, the 22nd instant, before half-past 12, viz., at five minutes past 12, the same not being for the sale of refreshment to a lodger, bona fide traveller, or an inmate of his house.

Defendant pleaded guilty, under circumstances. There were also summons against five men who were found in the house, and Mr. Pritchard stated the men were all in his employ. Unfortunately he had a brother-in-law dying in the house on Saturday night, and he could not pay them then, but told them to look round in the morning. He was up with his brother nearly all night, and did not get up himself the next morning till 11, and the men waited round at the stable for him till nearly 12 o'clock when they came to his house, and he asked them in, and his daughter drew them a pint of beer each. The house was not open for the sale of beer, and there was none sold. His brother had died since.

In answer to the Magistrates, Supt. Parker said he heard some talking in the "Eagle" as he was passing, and on going in he found the five other defendants sitting in the room, there being some glasses on the table, and one of them contained some malt liquor. There was another man there who was a stranger to him. He believed the five defendants worked for Mr. Pritchard, who was a carrier as well as publican.

The Clerk said the law did not allow publican even to give beer away in his house during the prohibited hours.

The other five defendants, all of whom were respectable-looking men, were called in and confirmed what Mr. Pritchard had stated.

The Magistrates (with the exception of the Mayor, who had not heard the case, and therefore declined to take any part in it) then consulted, after which Mr. Hughes announced that the Magistrates were not inclined, under the circumstances of domestic affliction to take extreme proceedings against the defendant, but would content themselves upon him to pay the expenses of the hearing; but it must be understood that the Act would be strictly enforced in all cases where persons were found infringing it. The costs in Pritchard's own case would be 6s. 6d., and 9s. 6d. in the cases of the men.

The money was paid.

APPLICATION

Mr. Wilds, landlord of the "North Star", and Mr. Robinson, of the "Fox," public-houses, wished to ask the Magistrates if they would be allowed to open their houses during prohibited hours for the purpose of supplying refreshment to boats' crew - coming home from a cruise to treat them in fact as bona fide travellers.

The Magistrates declined to give any general permission, but informed the applicants that every case must stand on its own merits.