From the Folkestone Chronicle 27 October 1855. Transcribed by Jan Pedersen.

Wednesday October 24th :- Present S. Mackie Esq., Mayor, W. Major Esq., G. Kennicott Esq., and W. Bateman Esq.

John Gibson appeared to answer a summons for an assault on George Fields in the bar of the "Paris Hotel," on Sunday evening last. The case was dismissed, the parties paying the costs, 9s 6d between them.

From the Folkestone Chronicle 3 September 1859. Transcribed by Jan Pedersen.

COUNTY COURT Thomas Griffin v Felix Denibas

Wednesday August 31st:- Before Charles Harwood esq., Judge.

Mr. Biron appeared for the defendant. The plaintiff was represented by. Mr. John Minter, who, in opening the case, said the plaintiff was Mr. Thomas Griffin, was a farmer, residing in this locality, and the defendant was Mr. Denibas, proprietor of the "Paris Hotel," and also a dealer in potatoes.

Some time in May last plaintiff went to defendant, and asked him if he had any potatoes for sale, as from the disturbed state of the Continent there was a probability of the ports being closed, and plaintiff wished to speculate in that article; ultimately, as he would prove by evidence of plaintiff, a verbal contract was entered into between him and defendant for 15 tons of potatoes at £3 5s per ton, to be delivered in a fortnight. When the negotiation was going on, plaintiff wished to reduce the contract into writing, but defendant would not consent to this; that of course would nullify the verbal contract; but he would be enabled to lay before the court, letters that had passed between the parties which would make it a contract binding in law. Plaintiff had received from defendant sixty sacks of potatoes, but after the delivery of them, defendant refused to supply him, except at an increase of 6d. per sack, which plaintiff refused to agree to. This action was therefore brought to recover the sum £15 as damages sustained by plaintiff for the breach of contract. The damage was estimated at 2s. 6.d per sack on 120 sacks – the number required to make up 15 tons. The letters referred to were then put in and read.

Mr. Griffin was then called, and being examined by Mr. Minter, proved the facts as stated by Mr. Minter.

Mr. Biron cross-examined plaintiff, but did not succeed in eliciting any new fact.

George Chaster, examined by Mr. Minter, proved taking a letter to defendant, from plaintiff, and bringing back a verbal answer, “that if the money was sent for the other potatoes delivered, plaintiff might have more”.

Thomas Dent, a waggoner to Mr. Griffin, proved taking a cheque for thirty sacks of potatoes, and the refusal of defendant to supply any more except at an increased price.

Mr. Minter said this completed the case.

Mr. Biron, in answer, said the only reply they had no contract between the parties, and that the defendant had not agreed to sell plaintiff 15 tons of potatoes. He argued that in all the conversations in the first instance, and in all the letters produced, 15 tons is only alluded to by Mr. Griffin, and it was an axiom in law, that two parties must agree to make a contract binding; but even if there was a contract it had been broken, for plaintiff said himself that the goods were to be paid for on delivery, and they had not been; this was a violation of the contract which he thought was fatal to the claim for damages; he would call Mr. Denibas, who would prove that there was no contract entered into at all; but that he was to supply Mr. Griffin at the regular market price in such quantities as he required, and that no contract for 15 tons, as alleged, had been entered into. Mr. Biron then called Mr. Denibas.

Before examining him however, His Honour (the Judge) asked Mr. Biron to look attentively at two letters put in, one from plaintiff, and a reply from defendant, clearly showing that a contract was made, and whether it would be advisable to swear the defendant after that.

Mr. Biron having consulted with the solicitor for the defence, and reading over the letters, intimated to His Honour that he should examine Mr. Denibas, who stated that plaintiff came to him on the evening of the day on which the foundation stone of the New Town Hall was laid, and asked him if he had any potatoes for sale, as his crops had failed and he wanted some very much. Defendant replied he had none on hand, but as soon as he had he should let him know. In the course of a day or two defendant had some from France, and immediately let plaintiff know he could have 60 sacks. Had never agreed to let Mr. Griffin have 5 tons, nor 15 tons either; only that when he had potatoes he would let him know.

Cross-examined by Mr. Minter, there was no price named for the potatoes when they first met. A person called Hart was there when the contract was made; was in the house before Mr. Griffin came in, and went out with him; could not recollect who else was there.

Jeffery Hart, examined by Mr. Biron, recollected Mr. Griffin asking Mr. Denibas if he had any potatoes for sale. Mr. Denibas said he had none, but would have some soon; could recollect nothing further.

Cross-examined by Mr. Minter – Was there about three quarters of an hour – came in about two minutes after Mr. Griffin, and remained after him. Heard nothing about the ports being closed – must have heard this conversation if it had taken place.

Mr. Minter shortly replied, and said the only point was the question of damages, as he thought he had proved his case by the evidence he had adduced.

His Honour said, no doubt a contract was made between the parties, and if plaintiff had agreed to the 6d. increase per sack the case would not have been heard at all, he should therefore award the sum of £6 10s. with costs.

From the Folkestone Chronicle 3 December 1859. Transcribed by Jan Pedersen.

COUNTY COURT George Beer v F. Denibas

Monday November 28th:- Before Charles Harwood esq., Judge

For £1 8s. for balance of account. Mr. Wightwick appeared for defendant, and put in a receipted bill for the amount claimed.

Verdict for defendant.