Folkestone Express 20 November 1869.

Thursday, November 18th: Before R.W. Boarer and J. Clark Esqs.

John Howe was charged with stealing 2s. at the Railway Tavern, Dover Road, on the previous day.

Mrs. Ann Clark deposed that the prisoner came to their house for a half pint of beer, for which he paid a penny. After drinking it he went to the door and stood on the step. She went into the parlour to speak to her husband. While talking to him, she heard the money in the till rattling, and she at once returned to the bar. “Lord Howe” was standing close to the bar in front of the till. The till was not locked, and it contained half a crown, a two shilling piece, and 1s. 6d. in silver. She returned and asked her husband to examine the till, as she had her suspicions that all was not right. Her husband came into the bar and missed the two shilling piece. He charged prisoner with taking it, which he denied. The coin was afterwards discovered under a small box on the counter, which was used to hold pipe lights. No-one had been in the bar before or at the time he was there. The bar was only two feet wide.

P.C. Hills said he apprehended the prisoner at his house in John's Road. He charged the prisoner at that time, and aftwerwards at the police station with the robbery and he replied “No, no, I have not taken it”.

As Mr. Clark, the landlord of the house, was unable to attend owing to illness, the case was remanded till Friday.

Friday, November 19th: Before R.W. Boarer and J. Clark Esqs.

John Howe was brought up on remand.

Mr. Robert Clark deposed that prisoner was standing opposite the till. Witness said to him “You have opened the till”; prisoner replied “I have not”. Witness then said “You have taken a two shilling piece”; this accusation was also denied by the prisoner. The prisoner had his hand on the bar, and on lifting up a box near his hand, the two shilling piece was found underneath. Witness did not see his hand move. He did not give information to the police. A man who had heard the altercation and was standing outside did that.

The prisoner was then cautioned in the usual manner, and asked if he had anything to say in answer to the charge.

Prisoner: I have nothing to say, sir. I am innocent.

He was then committed for trial, and witness bound over to prosecute, at the Quarter Sessions.

Folkestone Express 8 January 1870.

Granting Licenses.

Wednesday, January 5th: Before The Mayor, R.W. Boarer, C. Dashwood, J. Clarke, and J. Gambrill Esqs.

Mr. John Gilpin applied for a transfer of the license of the Railway Tavern, Dover Road. It appeared, however, that the applicant by mistake had served the notice on Mr. Birch, the Registrar, instead of the Overseer. The application could not therefore be granted. The Magistrates, however, granted him temporary authority to sell excisable liquors until the next meeting.

Folkestone Express 29 January 1870.

Quarter Sessions.

Before J.J. Lonsdale Esq.

John Howe, 62, was charged that he, on the 17th of November last, stole two shillings in money, the property of Robert Clarke, the landlord of the Railway Tavern. He pleaded Not Guilty.

Ann Clarke, wife of Robert Clarke, now landlord of the Cutter, Dover Street, said: I recollect the 17th Nov. last. I was at the Railway Tavern; it was my husband's house then; I was in the bar. I saw prisoner on that day in the bar; this was between ten and eleven o'clock in the morning. He came there for some refreshment. He asked for half-pint of beer, for which he paid 1d. He stood at the bar; no-one else was present then. I had occasion to leave the bar for a few minutes; he took hold of the door to go out. I went into the back parlour. I left the parlour door open. He stood at the door. While speaking to my husband I heard money rattling; that was not more than two or three minutes after. I did not hear him opening the till. I said to my husband “I hear money rattling”. I ran back to the bar and said to prisoner “You have been robbing my till”. He said “No, I have not”. The till was shut the same as before I went in. The counter is not 2 ft. wide, and the till is easily accessible to a person the other side. My husband came in and I said “Look and see what money there is in the till”. He said “There is a half crown, shilling, sixpence, and a three-penny piece”. I said “There ought to be a two shilling piece”. The prisoner could hear all this. He said “There is not”. I had taken one about twenty minutes before from Mr. Lepper, for a glass of gin. I am quite sure I put it in the till. I did not have occasion to take any money out after. No-one else came in till near twelve o'clock. I never looked in the till after I gave the change because no-one else came in. I charged the prisoner with taking it; he said he had not. I said “It's gone, and you must have taken it” as there was no-one else there. He began to turn his pockets out. My husband moved a little box that stood on the counter, and there was a two shilling piece under the box. The prisoner then left. The box was almost close to him. I did not notice where it was before I went into the back room. The prisoner was standing perfectly still. I came into the bar very quietly; I am sure he was standing quite still. I said to him “This is the two shilling piece you have taken out of my till”. He said “No”. He then left my house. I put the two shilling piece back in the till.

By Prisoner: Did you see me take any money? – No. Did you find any money on me? – No, I did not. Did you see me put any money on the counter, or take any off? - No, I did not.

Robert Clarke was then called and said: I kept the Railway Tavern. On the 17th of November last me and my wife were in the next room and I heard the till shut. I am positive I heard it shut because we kept the silver in a tea cup, and I heard it “jingle”. (The learned Recorder severly examined the witness on this point, but he still adhered to the statement of hearing the till shut.) At the request of my wife I looked in the till and saw the coins mentioned. Was not sure whether the smaller coin was a threepenny or a fourpenny piece. After some searching I found the money under a thing for holding cigar lights, which was on the counter. Prisoner said he did not take the money, and he then went away. The prisoner was standing opposite the bar; he was standing quite quiet.

The prisoner then put the same questions as the last witness, and received the same answers.

P.C. Henry Hills deposed to taking the prisoner into custody and charging him with the robbery, when he replied “No, no, I did not take it”. At the police station, when charged, he also denied the charge. Witness searched him, but did not find the money.

The prisoner said: I am not guilty, and I hope you will have mercy on me.

The Recorder then summed up the evidence. He said the principal facts were that this man was in the bar after Mrs. Clarke had put the two shilling piece in the till. No-one else had been in, and she had no occasion to take the money out. She is also quite positive that she heard the money rattle while she was out of the bar, and she returned quietly to detect what was going on. The man was standing at the bar quite quiet, apparently doing nothing. There did not appear to be anything to prevent him putting the money in his pocket. The money may have been left on the counter when the change was given, and the box placed on it accidentally. If you believe Mrs. Clarke's evidence that she put the money in the till, you cannot do anything else but find a verdict against the prisoner. The principal thing in his favour is that he was standing quite sill and upright in front of the bar when Mrs. Clarke came out. He concluded by reiterating a portion of his charge to the Grand Jury.

The jury at once returned a verdict of Not Guilty.

The Recorder, addressing the prisoner, said: You have had a narrow escape this time. I have not seen you before me for many years, and I had some hopes that you had mended your ways. Had the jury heard what you said to them, no doubt they would have returned a different verdict. Let this be a caution to you for your future conduct. I do not say what sentence I should have passed, but after that had expired I should have placed you under the supervision of the police for two years – that is, if they had any suspicion that you were getting your living dishonestly they could have brought you before two justices who could sentence you to a term of imprisonment not exceeding twelve months. You are now discharged.

Note: No mention of Clarke at the Cutter in More Bastions.

Folkestone Express 26 February 1870.

Special Licensing Meeting.

Wednesday, February 23rd: Before The Mayor, W. Bateman, R.W. Boarer, J. Gambrill and J. Clark Esqs.

The Railway Tavern: John Gilpin applied for the transfer of the license from Robert Clark. The application was granted.

Folkestone Express 22 November 1873.

Inquest.

On Thursday afternoon an inquest was held at the Martello Hotel, before J. Minter Esq., Coroner and a jury on the body of Susannah Hams.

William Hams, husband of the deceased, said she was 66 years of age, and although she was at times she was a little “flighty”, she was in a fit state to be left by herself. On the morning of the 4th instant he left the house about half past eight to go to work in a meadow, and whilst there saw a man running towards the house. Thinking something was amiss he went home and found his wife severely burnt. Two or three potatoes and a knife were lying in front of the fire, and he had no doubt that while deceased was preparing the potatoes for dinner her dress caught fire.

Mr. John Gilfin, Railway Arms (sic), Dover Road, deposed to being near the Cement Works on the morning in question, and as he was coming home he saw a woman coming out of Folly Cottages with her arms thrown up, and crying out “Oh, dear”. He at once rant to her assistance, seeing that her clothes were in flames from top to bottom. He pulled his coat off as quickly as he could and wrapped it round her, and with the assistance of a man named Nash, who was coming by, the flames were extinguished, but not before deceased had been very severely burnt. She was taken into the house and a doctor sent for.

W. Bateman Esq., M.R.C.S., said he was called to deceased and found her suffering from very severe burns on the upper part of the person. He had hopes at first that she would recover, but she gradually sank from the shock caused to the system by the irritation, and died on Wednesday.

Verdict “Accidental Death”.

Folkestone Express 8 March 1879.

Tuesday, March 4th: Before The Mayor, General Armstrong, Alderman Hoad, R.W. Boarer, and M. Bell Esqs.

John Shee and John Lockwood, privates in the 84 Regiment, stationed at Dover, were charged with stealing a piece of bacon and a piece of German sausage, the property of Henry Andrews.

Prosecutor said he was a grocer and greengrocer, residing at 109, Dover Road. On Monday evening, about ten minutes to seven, the two prisoners went to his shop. They asked the price of some cheese, which he told them was 8d. per pound. Lockwood said that was too much, and they would rather have bacon. Shee said they would have cheese, and asked him to cut twopennyworth. They paid for it, giving prosecutor sixpence and receiving fourpence in change. They then wanted the sixpence back, Lockwood saying he had twopence, but prosecutor would not give the sixpence back, as he suspected something wrong. Shee then asked for twopennyworth of bread. Prosecutor cut them half a loaf. While the prosecutor was giving change for a 3d. and a 4d. piece, he saw Lockwood reach over to the marble slab where some German sausage was lying. His wife and son came into the shop at that moment, and the prisoners, bidding them good evening, walked away. A few minutes after prosecutor missed a piece of bacon and then went to look after the prisoners, and also reported the theft to the police. The value of the goods he estimated at about 18d.

Richard Swift, sergeant in the 3rd Batt. Grenadier Guards, who was in charge of the picquet on Monday evening, said he was called by a police constable to the Railway Tavern to assist in taking the two prisoners. When in the street Lockwood took a piece of bacon out of his coat pocket and threw it down into the road.

P.C. Knowles said he went to the Railway Tavern about nine o'clock on Monday evening. He saw the prisoners in front of the bar. He told them he should take them into custody on suspicion of having stolen a piece of bacon. One of them said “Where did we steal it from?” and he replied “In the Dover Road”. He called the sergeant of the picquet to assist in taking the prisoners to the station. The sergeant handed witness a piece of bacon and a piece of German sausage which Lockwood had thrown away, and at the police station another piece of sausage fell from inside Shee's greatcoat while he was being searched. When charged they made no reply.

Prisoners pleaded Guilty. Lockwood said he was under the influence of liquor. They were sentenced to three months' hard labour in Canterbury gaol.

Folkestone Express 28 August 1880.

Monday, August 23rd: Before The Mayor, Aldermen Caister and Sherwood, J. Clark and W.J. Jeffreason Esqs, and General anon.

Charles Gains was charged with stealing five pounds of bacon, value 3s., the property of Charles Gains.

Prosecutor, a bricklayer, living at St. James Street, said he was at the Railway Tavern, Dover Road, on Saturday night. He had a bag with him containing some bacon and other articles of grocery. Prisoner was in front of the bar. Prosecutor left the house about two minutes past eleven without his bag, which he forgot. It was standing on a seat in front of the bar. On Sunday morning about a quarter past eight he saw prisoner near the Royal George, with Mr. Gilfin, landlord of the Railway Tavern. Prisoner had a piece of bacon wrapped up in a handkerchief, which prosecutor identified as his. He then gave prisoner into the custody of P.C. Hills. Prisoner was quite sober when he saw him on Saturday evening.

In reply to prisoner, prosecutor said he knew he (prisoner) was turned out of the bar for being very noisy, but he was not drunk.

John Gilfin said on Saturday night, after his customers had left, he found a basket in the bar. A man named Bean came and said it belonged to prisoner, and he therefore gave it to him. On Sunday morning about eight o'clock he saw the prisoner near the Tramway with a parcel under his arm. He asked him where the bacon was he “collared” the previous night. At first he said he hadn't got it. Witness took hold of the parcel he was carrying, and knew it was the bacon which was in the basket belonging to prosecutor. Prisoner then said he found it lying by the side of him when he woke up that morning. He advised him to go and give it up to Gains. He made no objection, but went with witness, and found Gains in front of the Royal George Hotel. Witness said to him “Here's the man that stole your bacon”, and then walked away.

George Bean, a labourer, residing in St. James Street, said he was at the Railway Tavern with his wife. They were the last to leave the house and the landlord asked him if the bag belonged to him. He replied that it did not. He saw the prisoner a few yards away from the house. He asked him if he left a bag at Mr. Gilfin's, and he said “Yes”. He then asked him if he should go back and fetch it for him. He said he should be very much obliged if he would. Witness then went back and got it.

P.C. Hills, who took the prisoner into custody, stated that he said in answer to the charge “I didn't take it. Some man gave it to me”.

Prisoner, who elected to be dealt with summarily, pleaded Guilty, and said he had been drinking all day, was sentenced to a month's hard labour.

Folkestone Express 21 March 1891.

Saturday, March 14th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Banks, Surgeon General Gilbourne, Col. De Crespigny, J. Brooke and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Samuel Baker was charged with damaging a counter at the Railway Tavern, the property of Frances Ellis.

Charles Sparrow, complainant's manager, said the defendant went to the house on Saturday night and had a glass of stout. He asked to be served again and was served. Instead of drinking it he threw it on the counter and smashed it into a thousand pieces. He had a tin of meat in his hand and he struck the top of the counter with it and damaged it. It had had to be planed and polished at a cost of 5s. He did not know much about the defendant, but whenever he entered the house he was a nuisance. He went in to pay for two pints of beer some men had had.

Mr. F. Hall, who represented the defendant, cross-examined the witness, who said he did not think defendant was drunk. If a man went into the bar drunk, he would not be served.

John Gosby corroborated the evidence of Sparrow, and said he thought the defendant was sober.

Michael Hannon said the cause of the disturbance was that the defendant objected to pay an extra halfpenny for a glass of stout.

In answer to Mr. Hall he said if Sparrow had handed back the halfpenny there would have been no row.

Charles Claringbould said Baker did not hit the counter at all. He broke a glass. He had a whip in one hand and a glass of stout in the other, and he must have had three hands to hit the counter with a tin of meat. (Laughter)

Charles Nash also said that he saw Baker throw the glass down or let it fall – he could not say which. He did not see him damage the counter. There was not much noise – “just the wear and tear of a public bar”. When it came near the closing time people got a little bit noisy. He had not noticed that the counter had been planed, but he would not swear that Baker did not strike the counter with the tin.

The Bench ordered the defendant to pay 5s. damage, 10s. fine, and 13s. costs.

Defendant: Thank you kindly.

Folkestone Express 2 March 1895.

Friday, February 21st: Before J. Fitness Esq., and Aldermen Sherwood and Pledge.

John Thomson Riddell, a discharged soldier, was charged with stealing about three shillings from a till at the Clarence Hotel, Dover Road, on Thursday afternoon.

Mary Ann Pickerdike, housekeeper to Mr. Gower, landlord of the Clarence Inn, said she saw the prisoner in the bar about half past four on Thursday afternoon. He asked for half a pint of beer, and was served. He said he wanted the beer to “put him straight”. He drank half of the beer, and then laid down on a seat in the bar, and said he had a bad headache. She left the bar and went into the room behind, and while there she heard a chink of money, and in consequence went into the bar and saw prisoner with his right hand in the till. He had passed round from the outside to the inside of the counter. He put his hand up as if to hit her, and she called to Mr. Gower. Prisoner turned to get out of the bar. She tried to prevent him by catching hold of his coat. He got away and shut her arm in the door. She followed him into the street and cried “Stop thief”, but in Peter Street she lost sight of him. She was sure he was the man.

Prisoner: I am almost certain you have made a mistake. I don't remember being in your house yesterday.

Henry Gower, landlord of the Clarence Inn, said he heard his housekeeper call out and ran into the bar, where he saw prisoner trying to get out of the bar. As he went out, witness had a good view of his face. In the evening witness went with Sergeant Dawson to the Railway Tavern in Dover Road, and there saw prisoner sitting with his head in his hands, and he gave prisoner into custody. After prisoner had left the bar he examined the till, and missed about three shillings worth of coppers. He had seen prisoner in the bar on three or four days recently.

Prisoner said he had only been in Folkestone two days.

Sergeant Dawson said when he took prisoner into custody he replied “Sure, you've made a mistake, man”. When charged at the police station, he said “Can the gentleman prove it?” When searched 9d. in bronze was found on him, some army discharge papers, a pawn ticket, and an empty purse. The pawn ticket was dated February, 1895.

Prisoner elected to be dealt with summarily, and after hesitation said “I am Guilty according to the evidence”. He said he was a pensioner, and if convicted it would have a very detrimental effect upon him. He had had sunstroke in India, and had served 18½ years. At Margate he was instructor in a college.

The letters were examined by the Magistrates, and after long consideration they said they would be sorry if prisoner were to lose his pension. They therefore fined him 10s. and in default seven days'.

Prisoner said he was very thankful, and that he could get the money.

Folkestone Express 13 February 1904.

Annual Licensing Meeting.

Wednesday, February 10th: Before W. Wightwick Esq., Lieut. Col. Hamilton, Lieut. Col. Fynmore, Lieut. Colonel Westropp, and W.G. Herbert, E.T. Ward, and C.J. Pursey Esqs.

The following was the report of Supt. Reeve: Chief Constable's Office, Folkestone, 10th February, 1904. To the Chairman and Members of the Licensing Committee of the Borough of Folkestone. Gentlemen, I have the honour to report for your information that there are at present within your jurisdiction 139 premises licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquors, namely: Full licences 87; Beer on 11; Beer off 6; Beer and Spirits (dealers) 16; Grocers 12; Confectioners 3; Chemists 4; Total 139 – an average of one licence to every 220 persons, or one “on” licence to every 313. This is a decrease of one full licence as compared with last year's return, the licence of the Marquis Of Lorne having been refused at the adjourned meeting in March. Twenty of the licences have been transferred during the year, namely, 14 full licences, two beer on, two beer off, and two grocers. One beer off licence was transferred twice during the year. One licence holder has been convicted since the last annual meeting of committing drunkenness on his licensed premises. He has since transferred his licence and left the house. The alterations which the Justices at the adjourned meeting last year directed to be made to the Packet Boat, Castle, Tramway, Bricklayers' Arms, Granville, and Star Inns have all been carried out in a satisfactory manner, and none of the licensed houses are now used as common lodging houses. Ten occasional licences, and extensions of hours on 21 occasions, have been granted to licence holders during the year. There are 14 places licensed for music and dancing, and two for public billiard playing. Eleven clubs where intoxicating liquors are sold are registered in accordance with the Licensing Act of 1902. For the year ending 31st December last year, 154 persons (131 males and 23 females) were proceeded against for drunkenness. 131 were convicted and 23 discharged. This is an increase of 65 persons proceeded against, and 51 convicted, as compared with 1902. The increase is chiefly due to the additional powers given to the police under the Licensing Act, 1902. Up to the present time no person within the Borough has been convicted the necessary number of times within the 12 months to be placed on the “black list” as provided by Section 6 of the Act of 1902. With very few exceptions the whole of the licensed houses have been conducted in a satisfactory manner. The only objection I have to make to the renewal of any of the present licences is that of the Swan Inn, Dover Road, and I would ask that the renewal of this licence be deferred until the adjourned meeting. I have the honour to be, gentlemen, your obedient servant, H. Reeve (Chief Constable).

The Chairman: I think, gentlemen, you will agree that the report of the Superintendent is a satisfactory one – in fact, I may say very satisfactory – for the whole year. With your permission I well read the report we now make to you. At the adjournment of the last general licensing meeting we stated that in our opinion the number of licences for the sale of intoxicating liquor then existing in the borough of Folkestone, especially in the part of the immediate neighbourhood of the Harbour, was out of all proportion to the population, and that we proposed between then and the general annual licensing meeting of this year to obtain information on various matters, to enable us to determine what reduction would be made in the number of licences. We invited the owners of licensed houses in the meantime to meet and agree among themselves for the voluntary surrender at this general meeting of a substantial number of licences in the borough, and to submit the result of their united action to the Licensing Justices for acceptance. Failing any satisfactory proposal for reduction by the owners, the Licensing Justices last year intimated that in the exercise of their discretionary powers they would at this year's meeting decide in a fair and equitable spirit what reduction should be made. But at the opening of Parliament last week it was announced in the King's speech that the Government intended to introduce in the House of Commons during the present session a Bill to amend the Licensing Laws. In view of this legislation we are of opinion we ought not, pending the passage of this Bill through Parliament, exercise the discretionary powers vested in us, and take measures for effecting a further reduction in the number of licences within the borough on the ground that certain licensed premises are not required for the public accommodation. We have recently inspected certain houses known as the Imperial Brewery Tap, the Hope, East Cliff Tavern, Victoria, Lifeboat, Duke Of Edinburgh, Railway Tavern, and Channel Inn.

With regard to the Railway Tavern, Dover Street (sic), and the Channel Inn, High Street, we direct that the holders of the licences shall, within seven days, prepare and deposit with the Clerk a plan of the licensed premises.

Folkestone Express 12 March 1904.

Adjourned Licensing Sessions.

Wednesday, March 9th: Before W. Wightwick Esq., Lieut. Cols. Fynmore and Westropp, W.G. Herbert, E.T. Ward, and C.J. Pursey Esqs.

The Railway Tavern.

Mr. Rutley Mowll, of Dover, who appeared on behalf of the tenant (Mr. Southall), and the brewers (Messrs. Leney and Co.), applied for the renewal of the licence. Plans of the alterations asked to be carried out had been deposited with the Bench, but he rather fancied there was some suggestion that the side entrance to Abbott's Road should be closed.

The Chairman: You mean the back entrance.

Mr. Mowll: Well, I call it a side entrance, as the persons who come along it are unable to get at the back of the Railway Tavern. It is essentially a side entrance because you can only approach it from the side. What I want to pint out is that there is really no difficulty with this case of police observation, which I take it is the usual thought in the Magisterial mind when an order is made for a back entrance to be closed. Any policeman standing in Dover Road can perfectly well see the entrance to the premises in Dover Road, and in Abbott's Road at the side. In June, 1901, plans of these premises were brought before this Bench, and ....

The Chairman: We would like to stop this way altogether.

Mr. Mowll said the Magistrates would observe from the plan that the only approach from the other side was through a window, which was strongly barred, and he believed they were satisfied that nothing had transpired in reference to that which would be in any way improper. The brewers were unable to carry out the plans in their entirety because the baker next door said they were blocking his light.

The Chairman: The Bench have made an order to stop the premises at a point beyond the urinal, but if you can come to an arrangement to put up a fence, we will be pleased to revoke the order.

Mr. Mowll: But you are shutting us out of our own yard. (Laughter)

The Chairman: The Magistrates are determined to make the order.

Mr. Mowll: Thank you, sir. I may have the pleasure of coming before you again.

The Chairman: Well, I shall be glad to see you.

Folkestone Express 16 April 1904.

Wednesday, April 13th: Before W.G. Herbert Esq., Lieut. Col. Fynmore, Lieut. Col. Westropp, G.I. Swoffer and J. Stainer Esqs.

The Magistrates agreed to slight alterations at the Railway Tavern being made.

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 25 July 1908.

Monday, July 20th: Before Alderman Banks and Messrs. W.G. Herbert, J. Stainer, R.J. Linton, and G. Boyd.

John Riley, described as a printer, of no home, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Dover Road on Saturday night. Prisoner pleaded Guilty.

P.C. H. Johnson said at 8.30 on Saturday evening he saw prisoner outside the Railway Tavern, in Dover Road, drunk. He was shouting and making use of most filthy language. He picked up a basket of vegetables, which was standing outside the house, and deliberately threw it at the window, which was, however, not broken. On the way to the police station Riley used filthy language. He (witness) had since ascertained that the prisoner had been ejected from the public house and had not been served with drink in it at all.

Riley, who had nothing to say, was fined 10s. and 4s. 6d. costs, or 14 days' hard labour. He decided to do the time.

Dover Express, Friday 25 December 1925.

On Monday morning, at 7:10, the landlord of the "Railway Tavern," Dover Road, Folkestone, Thomas Southall, was found dead in the bar with a tube from the gas main in his mouth.

Folkestone Express 26 December 1925.

Inquest.

On Monday evening Mr. G.W. Haines (Borough Coroner) held an inquest at the Town Hall, concerning the death of Mr. Thomas Southall, the licensee of the Railway tavern, Dover Road.

Albert Edward Philpott, 128, Dover Road, handyman, said he assisted in the morning at the Railway Tavern, Dover Road, and had done so for the past seven years. That (Monday) morning he went to the Railway Tavern about ten minutes past seven. His house was immediately opposite. He saw Miss Cook, who also daily assisted, who came out of the Tavern and ran across to him. She said “Go in the bar. I believe he has made off with himself”. He went through the private entrance door, which was unlocked, and on looking into the front public bar he saw Mr. Southall lying on the floor on his side. The electric light was burning. He could not smell any gas. Miss Cook followed behind him, and there was no-one else in the bar. An India-rubber tube was attached to the nozzle where the gas tap was, and the other end of the tube was in deceased's mouth. The tap was still turned on, and he took the tube out of deceased's mouth and put it on the floor. The hands were warm. He moved deceased to see if he was alive, and he made no sound or movement. Deceased seemed to snore once whilst he was trying to revive him. Deceased's head was lying on a cushion, and his cap was close by. He (witness) cleared the bar out on Sunday night, and left the bar at 10.05. He knew deceased had been ill in bed for the past week, and he (witness) had not seen him. Deceased was fully dressed, with the exception of his collar and tie.

Miss Cook, 11, Folly Road, Folkestone, said she had helped in the bar at the Railway Tavern for the past eighteen years. The deceased had been confined to his bedroom for the past seven days, and had been attended by Dr. Roker Evans. Deceased was suffering from nerves. She saw deceased the previous night in his room at 8.15, when she took him some biscuits and cheese. She asked him how he felt, and he said he felt much better. Deceased had been worrying of late. That (Monday) morning, about seven o'clock, she found the front door open, and directly she got into the bar she smelt a very strong smell of glass. The electric light was on. There was a gas radiator in the bar, and there was a tube from the partition connected to the radiator. She left on Sunday night at 10.40. The tube was still fixed to the radiator then. She went into the front bar that morning and saw Mr. Southall lying on the floor, and she went at once for Mr. Philpott.

P.C. Little said that morning, at 7.20, he was called by Miss Cook to the Railway Tavern. On arrival there was a strong smell of gas, and in the public bar he saw the body of deceased lying on the floor, his head being about three feet from the radiator, with his head resting on a cushion. He saw a rubber tube connected to a tap nozzle, the gas having been turned off. The end of the tube was on the floor. The body was warm, and he commenced artificial respiration, without avail. Dr. Anness was sent for, and on arrival pronounced life extinct. When called by Miss Cook, she said “Will you come to the Railway Tavern, as I think there is something wrong?”

Philpott, re-called, said he turned the gas off at the meter.

Mr. H. Southall said the deceased was his father, aged 63 years, and the licensee of the Railway Tavern. He last saw his father alive on Thursday last. Deceased had been confined to his bed for seven days, suffering from nerves and a general breakdown. He believed his father had been worried lately, as Mrs. Southall's health had given rise to considerable anxiety. Miss Cook went for him that morning, and he arrived about 8.30. The cushion on which deceased's head rested came from the drawing room upstairs. His mother said deceased had got up early, and said he would get her a cup of tea.

P.C. Little said a letter (produced) marked “Private” was found in the bar on the counter.

Mr. Southall said it was in his father's handwriting. His father had not previously had fits of depression, and had never suggested he would take his life.

Mr. E.J. Chadwick (Coroner's Officer) said he went to the Railway Tavern about 9.20, and saw deceased lying on the floor of the public bar, and he was dead. He had all the appearances of gas poisoning.

The Coroner said there was very little doubt from the appearance of the body, and how things were found, that deceased died from gas poisoning, and that he administered that gas to himself with the intention of taking his life. He had to consider what was the state of the poor fellow's mind before doing it, and there was a letter addressed to his son in which he said “I regret the step which I am taking. This year has been the most worrying year of my life. Ma has some trouble which has worried me lately. I cannot see to write any more. Have me taken to the mortuary, and from there to the grave. Have no carriages and no black. Just put me below, come away, and forget. God bless you”. Continuing, the Coroner said he had no doubt after this letter that deceased intended to take his life. As to the state of his mind, no-one knew, except those who went through it. He found that deceased committed suicide whilst temporarily insane.

Folkestone Express 9 January 1926.

Local News.

At the Folkestone Police Court on Wednesday Mr. Harold Southall applied for a protection certificate in respect of the Railway Tavern. The application was granted.

Note: Not in More Bastions as only a protection order.

Folkestone Express 13 February 1926.

Notice.

Thomas Southall, Deceased.

All persons having claims against the estate of Thomas Southall, late of the Railway Tavern, Dover Road, Folkestone, licensed victualler (who died on the 21st December, 1925) are requested to send written particulars thereof to me, the undersigned Solicitor for the Administrator, before the 1st March next, after which date the said Administrator will distribute the deceased's assets having regard only to claims then notified.

Dated this 10th day of February, 1926.

Geo. W. Haines, Solicitor,

18 – 20. Church Street,

Folkestone.

Folkestone Express 13 February 1926.

Annual Licensing Sessions.

Wednesday, February 9th: Before Alderman R.J. Wood, Messrs. A.E. Pepper, Swoffer, E.T. Morrison, A. Stace, Owen, J.H. Blamey, W.R. Boughton, W. Hollands, W. Griffin, P. Broome-Giles, Miss A.M. Hunt, and Dr. W.J. Tyson.

The licence of the Railway Tavern was transferred to Mr. H. G. Reed, and that of the Globe Hotel, The Bayle, to Mrs. Elizabeth Chambers.

Folkestone Express 26 April 1930.

Obituary.

The death took place on Monday of Mr. Charles Landey Sparrow, at his residence, Silverwood, Westenhanger, who had been in rather poor health for three years. He was 65 years of age.

The late Mr. Sparrow was a native of Folkestone and some years ago he was a well-known licence holder in the town, retiring about eight years ago. He was popularly known amongst a very large circle of friends as Charlie Sparrow. He held the licences, at various periods, of the Railway Tavern, in Dover Road, the Globe, on The Bayle, and the Shakespeare Hotel, which was the last hotel in which he carried on business. He then went to live at Westenhanger.

He was a well-known sportsman, and took a great interest in racing and shooting. He was one of the promoters and original directors of the Central Picture theatre until it was sold in July last. He was a member of the Folkestone Club for a great number of years. He married late in life and leaves a widow to mourn his loss.

The funeral took place yesterday (Thursday) at the Folkestone Cemetery.

Folkestone Express 5 September 1931.

Wednesday, September 2nd: Before Mr. J.H. Blamey and Mr. S.B. Corser.

Percy George Savage, a fruiterer, of Dover Road, Folkestone, appeared in the dock on five charges of obtaining five sums of £6 each by false pretences with intent to defraud. Mr. B.H. Bonniface appeared to defend.

Harry Franklin, a grocer, of 103, Dover Road, Folkestone, said that defendant, whom he knew, called on him on the 22nd August at about six o'clock. He said “I was late for the bank. Could you cash a cheque for me?” Defendant then produced a cheque for £6, payable to “Self”, and signed P.G. Savage. It was already endorsed. Witness cashed it, and gave defendant £6 for it. He quite thought the cheque would be met. He paid it into the bank on August 24th, and it was returned to him the next morning marked “Refer to drawer”.

Mr. Banniface reserved his cross-examination in the case of each witness.

Thomas William Andrews, of 65 Tontine Street, Folkestone, a boot and shoe dealer, said he knew the defendant quite well. On 22nd August, at about 6.15 p.m., defendant called on him at the shop. He asked him if he would change him a cheque. He produced a cheque, already drawn, signed P.G. Savage, and payable to “Self”. Witness cashed the cheque and gave defendant £6. He paid the cheque into his bank on the following morning, and it was returned the next day marked “Refer to drawer”. He had never changed cheques for the defendant before.

Miss Doris Minnie Martin, bookkeeper to Mr. E.C. Hann, butcher, of 104, Dover Road, Folkestone, said she knew the defendant. He came to the shop at about 8.30 p.m. on the 22nd August and asked her if she would cash a cheque for him as the bank was closed and he wanted some change. He produced a cheque, already drawn, for £6, payable to “Self”, and signed P.G. Savage. She cashed the cheque and handed the defendant £6. The cheque was paid into Mr. Hann's bank on the following Monday and returned the next day marked “Refer to drawer”.

Harry Edward Carey, tobacconist, of 135, Dover Road, Folkestone, said he knew the defendant by sight. Defendant called at his shop at about 8.45 p.m. on the 22nd August, where he produced a cheque for £6. It was already drawn and endorsed. Defendant said “Would you mind cashing a little cheque for me? I have bought a wireless set and have not enough ready cash to pay for it”. He cashed the cheque and gave the defendant the money. At about 8.15a.m. on the following morning, defendant came with a cheque to the shop, marked £6, payable to “Self”. It was endorsed P.G. Savage. He said “Could you cash another little cheque for me? I am going to London for the day and will be leaving before the bank is open”. He cashed the cheque, expecting it to be met by the bank. He paid the cheques into his bank on Wednesday, August 26th, and they were both returned marked “Refer to drawer” on the 27th August.

Harry Godfrey Read, licensee of the Railway Tavern, Dover Road, said he had known defendant casually for about six years. At about 9 p.m. on the 22nd August defendant came to him and produced a cheque, asking him if he would change it for him as he was short of cash. It was marked payable to “Self” and endorsed P.G. Savage. He gave defendant £6 and received the cheque in exchange. He paid in the cheque on the following Monday at the bank and it was returned the next day marked “Refer to drawer”.

Police Sergeant Lawrence said at 3 p.m. the previous day he saw the defendant detained at Gillingham Police Station, Dorsetshire. He informed him that he was a police officer from Folkestone and held a warrant for his arrest. He read the warrant over to him and cautioned him, and he replied “I have nothing to say”. He brought him to the Folkestone Police Station, where he was charged and cautioned. Defendant replied “There is nothing for me to say. I thought there was enough security for me at the bank”. On being searched, in his possession he had £125 5s. 8d. in Treasury notes and silver, and three cheque books of the National Provincial Bank, Folkestone.

The Chief Constable (Mr. A.S. Beesley) said that that was as far as he could take that case that day. There were enquiries to be made and further evidence to bring before the Court.

The Chairman said that the case would be adjourned until today (Friday) and bail granted, the defendant in £50, and two sureties of £25 or one of £50.

Folkestone Express 12 September 1931.

Friday, September 4th: Before Mr. J.H. Blamey and Mr. S.B. Corser.

Percy George Savage, a fruiterer, of Dover Road, Folkestone, appeared on remand on five charges of obtaining, by false pretences, with intent to defraud, five separate sums of £6 each. There were four further charges brought against the prisoner of obtaining three further sums of £6 each and also a sum of £10 by false pretences with intent to defraud. Mr. B.H. Bonniface appeared to defend.

P.S. Lawrence, cross-examined, said that he had found a Southern Railway cloakroom ticket in his possession.

Roland Oliver Wiltshire, a cycle dealer, of 51, Dover Street, Folkestone, said prisoner called upon him on August 23rd at 5.30 p.m. Prisoner had a cheque with him, signed .G. Savage, payable to “Self”, and it was for £6. He asked if he could cash the cheque for him and take out the 13s. 6d. he owed him. He cashed the cheque, deducted 13s. 6d., and gave prisoner the balance. He paid in the cheque on Tuesday, August 25th, and it was returned on the following Thursday marked “Refer to drawer”.

Sidney Charles W. Herbert, licensee of the Swan, Dover Road, Folkestone, said he had known the prisoner for a number of years. He called at the bar on Saturday, August 22nd, at about seven o'clock, and asked him if he could change a cheque for him as he wanted to get away on business, and he had not been able to get to a bank as he had been too busy. Prisoner had a new cheque book in his hand, and he wrote out a cheque for £6 in the bar. It was marked payable to “Self”, and signed P.G. Savage. Witness gave prisoner six £1 notes. He presented the cheque on the following Monday morning at the National Provincial bank, Sandgate Road, and it was returned to him “R.D.” on August 25th.

Albert Edward Palmer, an outfitter, of 69, Tontine Street, Folkestone, said he knew prisoner quite well. He called at eight o'clock on Saturday, August 22nd, and said he wanted to pay for a wireless set. He gave him a cheque made out for £10, payable to “Self” and endorsed P.G. Savage, and asked him to cash it. He paid it into his bank on August 29th, and on August 31st it was returned marked “Refer to drawer”.

William Edward Miles, a butcher, of 129, Dover Road, said he knew the prisoner and had had business dealings with him. He came into his shop in the evening on August 22nd at about eight o'clock, and asked him if he would oblige by changing a cheque as he was too late for the bank. He produced a cheque fro £6, payable to “Self” and signed P.G. Savage. He gave prisoner £6 in Treasury notes. He paid the cheque into his bank in Tontine Street on August 24th, and it was returned to him marked “Refer to drawer”.

Mr. H.A.E. Roberts, manager of the National Provincial Bank, Folkestone, on sub-poena, produced a copy of the prisoner's account. The copy went back to the 30th June, 1930, and carried on to August 24th, 1931. It showed on the 24th August debits of £25, £25, and £10, making a total debit balance on that day of £565 2s. 6d. He saw prisoner on August 24th at about 10.20 a.m. Prisoner had asked to see him, but he had not been expecting to see him from anything that had transpired before. He did not think he had seen prisoner for twelve months, but he could not be certain of the date. He had written him a letter. Prisoner produced a cheque for £25, payable to “Self”, and asked him if he would cash it. He agreed to do so, and the cheque was met by the bank. He did not mention any other cheques and did not tell him that he had drawn cheques which were unpresented. The ten cheques produced were drawn on the National Provincial Bank and were signed by the prisoner. In each case they were returned marked “R.D.” Prisoner had no reason to expect those cheques to be met from anything he had said to him (witness) or from anything witness had said to him. He did not tell prisoner at the interview that he would cash another cheque for £25 or for £10.

By Mr. Bonniface, witness said that he could not say which of the £25 he had cashed marked in the account. It was a fact that the first £25 was cashed before prisoner came to witness with the second cheque. He could not say definitely when the cheque for £10 was cashed. The bank had security upon the prisoner, being the conveyance of a shop and premises bought for £800. There was no reason for prisoner to tell him that the other cheques had been drawn. His account was a perfectly open one until three o'clock on the 24th August. He very possibly might have tried to help the defendant if he had disclosed his true position and that he had drawn the other cheques mentioned. He would think the bank held ample security to meet the overdraft in addition to cheques mentioned in the charge, subject to the property being of the same value.

In reply to the magistrates' Clerk (Mr. C. Rootes), witness said that prisoner had been given a limit of overdraft. This was £500, and had been given him over a year ago. If he had been aware of the prisoner cashing £25 at the bank, he would not have cashed the other £25. Prisoner did not tell him that he was going away that day.

Mr. Bonniface: As a matter of fact, this account shows that the defendant has been allowed to draw over the £500?

Witness: That is so.

Mr. Bonniface: That was in July last?

Witness: Yes.

Mr. Chard, a cashier at the National Provincial Bank Ltd., said he was acting manager at the bank on the 24th August. A letter was received at the bank on August 25th, addressed to last witness, in the prisoner's handwriting.

The Magistrates' Clerk read the letter over to the Magistrates, but upon the instructions of Mr. Bonniface, did not do this aloud.

Mr. Bonniface, cross-examining, said that in the letter the prisoner asked him to sell the property and to reimburse the bank. He also stated that he had taken certain monies.

Witness said that was so.

The Chief Constable (Mr. A.S. Beesley), on oath, said that he also received a letter from the prisoner on the morning of the 25th August. It contained similar phrases to those in the previous letter produced.

The Magistrates' Clerk read this letter over to the Bench, but it was inaudible to the public.

Cross-examined, the Chief Constable said that he received £2 by letter from the prisoner two days later, as stated in the letter.

Mr. Bonniface said that, in law, he submitted that there was no case of obtaining the sum by false pretences at all. If the defendant had a reasonable belief at the time he gave the cheque that it would be met, then the crime of false pretences went. The bank manager told them that it was still an open account until three o'clock of the afternoon of the 24th August, so that on the 22nd and 23rd the account was an open account, and on the morning of the 24th it was an open account. So open was it that the bank over the counter paid £25 after ten o'clock, and also £10 over the counter after ten o'clock. There was no doubt about it that the bank paid over £25. They knew it was an open account. If the bank met the cheque, could they say that on the 22nd these other cheques would not be met? £800 was the price given for that property. They read a letter in which the man told the bank to sell the property. He anticipated that that would be met. It was for the prosecution to show that he knew from the bank manager beforehand that these cheques would not be met. The bank manager told them that he did not expect him to call. He submitted that on the evidence they had before them they could not commit that man for trial. He submitted to them that the prosecution had fallen short of what in law they were bound to prove.

The Bench retired.

The Magistrates' Clerk, on their return, said they had decided that the case must proceed.

Mr. Bonniface said the prisoner would elect to go for trial.

The Magistrates' Clerk asked Mr. Bonniface to discuss this with the prisoner. This was done, and prisoner then pleaded Not Guilty and elected to be dealt with by the Bench.

Mr. Bonniface, addressing the Magistrates, said that he had decided to rely solely upon the statements in the letters. Had prisoner gone into the box, he would have submitted on oath those statements contained in those letters. He aws most anxious in that submission not to hurt anybody's feelings, because there were rights and wrongs in every case, and there might be rights and wrongs in the case of that particular trouble. He was sure they would appreciate that he must refer to the fact that undoubtedly at that time there was family trouble between the wife and the husband, and je did not ant to enlarge upon that, but it apparently came to such a pass that on that particular occasion the defendant felt that he could not live with his wife any longer. That was the position, and undoubtedly foolishly – though he still contended not criminally – that man obtained that money by those cheques. He was entitled to say that he received instructions that morning that even if the case was dismissed, as he confidently anticipated it would be, he was to pay each of those tradesmen from the money which was in that man's possession the amounts of the cheques which were cashed for him. He had never had any intention of obtaining money from them that they should lose. He had every intention and every hope and every anticipation that those cheques would be met, more especially having regard to the instructions he gave to the bank to sell his property. He suggested that the Bench should discharge the prisoner under the Probation of Offenders Act.

The Chief Constable said there were no previous convictions against prisoner.

The Chairman said that taking into consideration the circumstances of the case, they were going to bind the prisoner over for two years under the Probation Act, and an order would be made for the restitution of the money to the people concerned. Prisoner would also pay the costs of the prosecution, which would amount to £6. The Bench had taken a very lenient view of the case, and hoped that would end his troubles.

Before leaving the Court, Savage shook hands with Mr. Bonniface.

Dover Express 2nd July 1948.

Wingham Petty Sessions were held at Dover on Thursday before Mr. T. G. Elphinston, presiding.

TILMANSTONE COLLISION SEQUEL.

Albert Edward Jennings, aged 41, licensee of the "Railway Tavern," Folkestone, pleaded not guilty to driving without due care and attention at Tilmanstone on June 7th.

Harry Huntley, Richborough Farm, Richborough, said he was driving towards Dover, along the main Sandwich road, at about 35 mph, when, without warning, defendant’s car came out of Chalkpit Lane at about 20-25 mph and collided with him. Defendant’s car turned over.

Mrs. Rose Huntley, a passenger in her husband’s car, said defendant’s car swished out of the lane and never gave them any chance.

PC Cameron said defendant told him “I want to be quite honest about it. My view was obscured by the high bank and growing corn and I did not enter the main road at more than 15 mph”. Later, in a statement, defendant said he was positive nothing was coming before entering the main road and was almost across when the other car struck him.

Defendant, in evidence, said coming down the lane he passed a crossroad sign, looked across and saw nothing coming. He slackened his speed to 15-20 mph and was half way across when, suddenly, the other car hit his, turning it right over.

Cross-examined by Mr. Eric Weale, prosecuting, defendant said he did not realise he was on the minor road.

Defendant was fined £5 and £2. 2s costs and his licence was endorsed. The Chairman said that they felt it desirable for a “Major road ahead” sign to be placed both in Chalkpit lane and in the next lane to it.