Bouverie Hotel 1900s

Folkestone Chronicle 16-6-1900

Wednesday, June 13^th: Before Messrs. Fitness, Pledge, Pursey, Wightwick, Vaughan, and Spurgen.

The landlord of the Bouverie Hotel, Mr. F. Riddle, received the necessary permission to have the licence of the hotel transferred to himself.

The Chief Constable explained that the licence had been granted to Mr. Riddle`s wife, who, at the time, was a widow. Since then she had married Mr. Riddle, who naturally wished to hold the licence.

Folkestone Express 16-6-1900

Wednesday, June 13^th: Before J. Fitness, W. Wightwick, C.J. Pursey, and J. Pledge Esqs.

The Bench acceded to the provisional transfer of the licence of the Bouverie Hotel from Mrs. Farnfield to Mr. Riddall, who had for some time past acted as manager at this establishment, and had recently married Mrs. Farnfield.

Folkestone Herald 16-6-1900

Folkestone Police Court

On Wednesday last licence was granted to Mr. A.M. Riddal, the Bouverie Hotel.

  

Folkestone Express 4-8-1900

Wednesday, August 1^st: Before Capt. Carter, W. Wightwick, J. Fitness, J. Pledge, C.J. Pursey and W.G. Herbert Esqs.

Arthur M. Riddall was granted transfer of the licence of the Bouverie Hotel.

Folkestone Herald 4-8-1900

Folkestone Police Court

On Wednesday, the Bouverie Hotel licence was transferred to Mr. Arthur Maxwell Riddell.

Folkestone Chronicle 4-5-1901

Saturday, April 27^th: Before Messrs. Pledge, Vaughan, and Stainer, and Lieut. Col. Westropp.

Thomas Kearns, an out-porter, was charged with being drunk on licensed premises on the evening of the 23^rd inst. Defendant, who pleaded Not Guilty, was represented by Mr. G. Haines.

Sergt. Osborne said at 9.30 p.m. on the 23^rd he was passing the Bouverie Hotel, Bouverie Road, and saw the defendant come out of the side bar door, where he fell down. After a minute or two defendant again went into the bar. He was very drunk. At 9.45 he (sergeant) entered the house, and found defendant hanging over the counter. He called the barmaid`s attention to the drunken condition of the man, and she replied “Well, he is not so very bad, but he has not had anything to drink in this house”. The landlord then came into the bar, and the man`s condition was pointed out to him. The landlord replied “He has been here 20 minutes, but has not had anything to drink”. He (the sergeant) then ejected defendant from the premises. Going down the road he staggered from one side to the other.

Cross-examined by Mr. Haines: He was quite certain the defendant was drunk. Witness said he followed him home, but he did not run into anybody, and, added the officer, as good luck would have it, there was no traffic about.

P.C. Charles Lawrence said on Tuesday night, the 23^rd, about 9.50, he was in Guildhall Street, and saw the defendant with a truck. He was very drunk and staggering from one side of the road to the other. Witness let him go as he was going quietly.

P.C. Lennard Johnstone said at 7.45 p.m. on the 23^rd he saw the defendant outside the Bouverie Hotel. Defendant was very drunk then.

Mr. Haines, addressing the Bench, previous to calling evidence for the defence, said he thought the police were quite right in bringing a case before the Magistrates when any doubt arose. He did not find fault with the police, but from the evidence he was going to call he would submit that the police had made a bona fide mistake. Defendant was an Irishman of an excitable temperament, and his conduct led up to the mistake. On the evening in question Kearns had only been served with two pints of cold fourpenny, which was familiarly known as “Burst Waistcoat”, which, being interpreted, meant that anyone might drink enough to burst their waistcoat before getting inebriated. Defendant`s wife worked at the Bouverie, and he would wait at the house between trains, often eating his bread and cheese on the premises. Regarding the rolling tendency alleged by the police, Mr. Haines held that his client usually, through tender feet, did walk in that way.

Miss Hadaway, the barmaid at the Bouverie Arms, Charles Hadaway, a fly driver, her father, William Adams, of Vale House, Dover Road, and Alexandra Morgan, a groom, residing in Dover Road, all gave evidence alleging the sobriety of defendant on the night in question.

The Bench retired, and after an absence of five minutes the Chairman said they had given every attention to the ingenious and able defence, but it had failed to convince them. Fined 5s. and 15s. costs, or 14 days`.

Mr. Haines asked for time to pay.

The Chief Constable said he did not wish to be hard, but defendant had found means to secure an advocate.

The Bench left the matter in the hands of the Chief Constable, who, however, did allow a little time to pay.

Folkestone Express 4-5-1901

Saturday, April 27^th: Before J. Pledge, T.J. Vaughan, and J. Stainer Esqs., and Lieut. Col. Westropp.

Thomas Kearns, an out-porter, was summoned for being drunk on licensed premises on April 23^rd. Mr. G.W. Haines appeared for the defendant, and pleaded Not Guilty.

Sergt. Osborne said at 9.30 p.m. on Tuesday, the 23^rd, he was passing the Bouverie Hotel and saw defendant come out of the side bar and fall down. He subsequently returned to the bar again. He was very drunk. At 9.45 p.m. witness entered the house and saw defendant leaning over the counter. He called the barmaid`s attention to his drunken condition, and she replied “He isn`t very bad; he has not had anything in this house”. The landlord went into the bar and said he knew he had been in about 20 minutes, but he had not served him with anything to drink. Witness then ejected the defendant from the premises. He then took hold of a truck outside and staggered from one side of the road to the other.

Questioned by Mr. Haines: He heard loud voices inside. The defendant was not particularly excited, but when he was the worse for liquor he talked very much. The landlord did not ask him to eject the defendant.

By the Chief Constable: Neither the landlord nor barmaid said the defendant was sober.

P.C. Charles Lawrence said on Tuesday night, about 9.50 o`clock, he was in Guildhall Street, and saw the defendant with a truck, very drunk, staggering from one side to the other, muttering something to himself. He let him go on as he was quiet.

P.C. Leonard Johnson said about 7.25 p.m. on the same night he saw the defendant very drunk outside the Bouverie Hotel. He put his truck under the arch. As he was only drunk he did not say anything to him.

Mr. Haines (for the defendant) said he ventured to say without any reflection on the police, who were quite right to bring forward any cases where there was a doubt, that it was one of those cases where a mistake had been made by the police. Defendant was an Irishman, and of an excitable temperament.

Miss Ellen Haddaway, barmaid at the Bouverie Hotel, said the defendant was a regular customer and his wife did the washing. Whilst waiting for the trains, he would put his truck in the archway and have his meals. The defendant was naturally of an excitable temperament. On the night in question, witness had served him at intervals, serving him with two pints of beer. He had not had any beer for quite three quarters of an hour when the Sergeant came in. The Sergeant said to witness “This man is beastly drunk”, and witness replied “I don`t think he is, is he?” Witness did not suggest that defendant should be put out, nor did the landlord in her presence. In her opinion the defendant was sober. Had she thought he was drunk she would not have served him at all.

By Supt. Reeve: The defendant was exceptionally serious that morning. On the evening in question, he asked for more liquor after the two pints, but she did not serve him because he had not any money. She was quite sure the defendant was sober, and she had never known the police to eject a sober man.

Charles Haddaway, a flyman, said on the evening in question he went to see his daughter, the last witness. He saw the defendant when the Sergeant went in. His condition was excitable, but he went out quite quietly.

By the Chief Constable: He saw the defendant after the Sergeant had ejected him, and he was sober. He thought it was strange that the police should eject a sober man.

Wm. Adams, a stableman, and who resides in Dover Road, said he saw the defendant, and he was not creating a disturbance more than he usually did.

Alexander Morgan, 23, Dover Road, said he heard no noise whatever. There was nothing in his conduct which made him theink he was drunk.

By the Chief Constable: The defendant had not to his knowledge been drunk, but was very excitable by nature.

The Bench retired, and after a lengthy deliberation they returned into Court, and said the defendant had been ably defended by Mr. Haines, but he had failed to convince the Magistrates that the police were wrong in their estimation, and the Bench were unanimous that defendant was drunk, and they imposed a fine of 5s. and 15s. costs, or in default 14 days` imprisonment.

Folkestone Herald 4-5-1901

Saturday, April 27^th: Before Alderman J. Pledge, Messrs. Vaughan and Fitness, and Lieut. Col. Westropp.

Thomas Kearns was charged with being drunk on licensed premises on the 23^rd April. Mr. Haines appeared for defendant, who pleaded Not Guilty.

Sergt. Osborne said at 9.30 p.m. on the 23^rd he was passing the Bouverie Hotel when he saw defendant come out of the side bar door and fall down in the road. After a few minutes he went into the bar again. He was very drunk. At 9.45 witness entered the house and found defendant laying over the counter. He called the attention of the barmaid to the man`s drunken condition, and she replied “Oh, he is not so very bad, but he has not had anything to drink in this house”. The landlord then came into the bar, and on witness pointing out the man`s condition to him, said “I know he has been here about twenty minutes, but I have not served him with anything to drink”. Witness then ejected defendant, who would not go away until he threatened to lock him up. Then he went outside, took his barrow, and went down the road staggering from one side to the other.

By Mr. Haines: He had heard defendant talking loudly in the bar, and saw him fall over when he came out. He had not quite made up his mind that the man was drunk when he went into the house.

P.C. Laurence said at about 9.50 on the 23^rd inst. he saw defendant with a truck in Guildhall Street. He was very drunk, and staggering from one side of the road to the other, muttering something to himself. He did not speak to him because he kept going.

P.C. Leonard Johnson also proved seeing defendant in Bouverie Road very drunk at 7.45 on the 23^rd inst.

Mr. Haines ventured to say, without any reflection on the police at all, that a bona fide mistake had been made. It was well known that at times defendant got very excited. His wife did the washing at the Bouverie Arms (sic), and he was an out-porter at the Central Station. On the day in question defendant went into the house about 8 o`clock, and had two pints of 4d. beer, which was vulgarly known as “burst waistcoat”, because they could drink and drink and never get drunk. He was very excited at the time. He had not tried wheeling a barrow himself, but he should think, considering the state of the Folkestone roads, they could not always wheel a barrow straight.

Miss Haddaway, barmaid at the Bouverie Arms (sic), said defendant was a regular customer. He was of a very excitable temperament. She never trusted him for what he could not pay for. He came into the house about 8 o`clock on the 23<sup>rd</sup>, and had two pints of mild fourpenny. It was three quarters of an hour before the sergeant came in that the man had been served with the second pint. He had asked for more, but she did not serve him, as he had no money to pay for it. The sergeant said “This man`s beastly drunk”. Defendant was not laying over the counter, but was standing up. She said to the sergeant “I don`t think he is drunk”.  Witness called the landlord, but neither she not the landlord asked that the man should be put out. In her opinion the man was sober.

By the Chief Constable: Defendant was very serious that morning. She did not tell the sergeant that the man was sober, but she was prepared to swear now that he was perfectly sober.

Charles Haddaway, fly driver, said he was in the Bouverie Arms (sic) at about 8.45 on the same night. He was not in the same bar as defendant, but could see him. From what he saw, defendant was quite sober.

William Adams, a stableman, who was also in the house, said he formed the opinion that the man was perfectly sober.

Alexandra Morgan, groom, also proved that defendant was sober.

The Magistrates retired, and on returning after about ten minutes` deliberation, the Chairman said the defence had been very capably put, but the Magistrates were of opinion that defendant was drunk. He would be fined 5s. and 15s. costs, or fourteen days`.

Folkestone Chronicle 18-6-1904

Saturday, June 11^th: Before Lieut. Colonel Westropp, Mr. W. Wightwick, Mr. W.G. Herbert, and Lieut. Colonel Penfold.

Susan Foster, a respectably dressed young woman, was charged with attempting to commit suicide by taking a quantity of poison.

The accused woman, who was in a highly nervous condition, repeatedly cried throughout the proceedings, and by her actions created a profound feeling of pity even among those Saturday morning loafers who frequent the Court and complain all the time of the scarcity of work.

The first witness called was Arthur Maxwell Riddall (landlord of the Bouverie Hotel, Bouverie Road East). Mr. Riddall said: The prisoner, Susan Foster, is in my employ as housemaid. Last evening, about 9.15, I was called from the billiard room, and from something my wife told me I went to the kitchen, where I found the prisoner sitting upon a chair. My wife was holding the woman`s head, and she said to me “You will find a letter on the mantle shelf”. I took the letter (produced) and opened it.

The Clerk (Mr. Andrews) suggested that for obvious reasons the address need not be read. He then read the contents in a low voice to the Magistrates. The only lines which the Press could gather were “When you get this I shall be poisoned. It is all through that filthy hound”.

Witness (continuing): After having read the letter, I communicated with the police and Dr. Fitzgerald. I was afterwards handed a package containing a portion of powder, which I subsequently handed to P.C. Simpson.

Mrs. Harriett May Riddall (wife of last witness) said that about 9.15 on Friday evening she was sitting in the parlour. Prisoner, who appeared to be in a very excited state, came into the room, threw down a letter (produced), a packet of powder, and 6d., at the same time saying “Will you send this off at once? I have taken poison”. Witness said: I took accused into the kitchen, and sent for my husband.

P.C. Simpson, sworn, deposed: From information received at 10.40 yesterday evening I went to the Bouverie Hotel. I saw Mr. Riddall, who handed me a letter and a package containing a portion of powder. In consequence of that which Dr. Fitzgerald told me, I went into the kitchen and saw the prisoner, who was sitting down. The woman appeared to be agitated and excited. I said to her “I am a police officer, and in consequence of a communication made to me by the doctor, I shall charge you with attempting to commit suicide by taking oxalic acid”. I cautioned her, and she replied “I have not taken oxalic acid; it is salts of lemon that I took”. With the assistance of Detective Sergeant Burniston I took accused to the station, where she was formally charged. She made no reply, but shortly afterwards she shouted out “I wrote the letter; it is in my handwriting”.

Dr. Edmond Desmond Fitzgerald, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., said: At 10.45 last evening I was called to the Bouverie Hotel. I saw the accused in the kitchen. She was in an agitated and very excited condition. I asked Mr, Riddall what was the matter, and Mr. Riddall handed me the letter, asking me to read it, which I did. I then asked prisoner what made her think of such a thing. Mr. Riddall told me that she had taken poison, and handed me a packet; a portion of the contents were gone. The packet contained oxalic acid – usually known as salts of lemon.

At this stage prisoner created a painful scene, and had to be removed to the court yard for a few minutes. In supplicating terms she cried to the doctor “Oh, don`t! Oh, don`t! Oh, God! Do save me – I can`t stand it. Oh, God! Don`t let me be locked up again”.

The accused having steadied down, she was brought back into Court, and the doctor continued: Prisoner said she had taken the powder dry, without water; she had taken the powder by dipping her finger into it. I came to the conclusion that she had taken only a very small quantity, possibly about 20 grains, which would do no harm whatever. However, to be on the safe side, I administered lime water as an antidote. The woman`s general condition and symptoms being then satisfactory, I allowed her to be taken to the police station. Oxalic acid, if taken in quantity, is a deadly poison. Death has been known to follow a dose of 2 drachms of pure oxalic acid, while it is a common thing for as much as an half ounce to be taken. Had the woman have taken the whole of the powder she would have suffered no ill-effect.

John Knight, a chemist, trading at No. 12, Rendezvous Street, said: About 8.30 last evening a woman, of the general appearance of the prisoner, came to my shop and asked for a pennyworth of salts of lemon. I supplied it, and asked the woman what it was for. She replied “Cleaning hats”. The package contained one drachm, or sixty grains. It was not a fatal dose. As a matter of fact, there were only 40 grains in the packet, the remainder being cream of tartar.

Prisoner was remanded until Friday morning. Upon her remand there was another piteous scene, the woman continually calling “Oh, do not lock me up again”.

Folkestone Express 18-6-1904

Saturday, June 11^th: Before W.C. Carpenter, W. Wightwick, and W.G. Herbert Esqs., and Lieut. Colonel Penfold.

Susan Foster, a young woman, employed as housemaid at the Bouverie Hotel, Bouverie Road East, was charged with attempting to commit suicide by taking poison the previous evening.

Mr. Arthur M. Riddall, the landlord of the Bouverie Hotel, said the prisoner had been in his employ since May 30^th. The previous evening he was in the billiard room at about a quarter past nine, when he was called to the kitchen, where he saw the prisoner sitting on a chair. Prisoner said to him “You will find a letter on the mantelpiece”. He opened the letter and read the contents. In the letter it stated that by the time the addressee, whose name did not come out in evidence, received the letter she would have poisoned herself. Witness communicated with the police and Dr. Fitzgerald at once. He was afterwards handed a packet containing a portion of a powder, which he handed to P.C. Simpson.

Mrs. Riddall said she was sitting in the parlour the previous evening, when prisoner came into the room in a very excited state and threw upon the table the letter, the packet of powder, and sixpence. Prisoner asked her to send the letter off, because she had taken poison. Witness took her into the kitchen and sent for Mr. Riddall.

P.C. Simpson said at 10.40 the previous night he went to the Bouverie Hotel. He saw Mr. Riddall, who handed him the letter and the portion of powder. Dr. Fitzgerald was present, and prisoner was sitting on a chair. She appeared to be in an excited and agitated condition. He told her he was a police officer, and in consequence of what the doctor had told him he should charge her with attempting to commit suicide by taking oxalic acid. She replied “I have not taken oxalic acid, but salts of lemon”. With the assistance of Detective Sergeant Burniston he took her to the police station, where he formally charged her.

 Dr. Fitzgerald said about 10.45 he was called to the Bouverie Hotel, where he saw the prisoner in an agitated and excited condition. She showed no urgent symptoms, so he asked Mr. Riddall what was the matter, and he was then handed the letter. She said she had taken poison. Mr. Riddall also handed him a packet containing oxalic acid, usually known as salts of lemon.

Prisoner here appeared as though about to faint. Water was obtained, but she refused to touch it. She cried out “Oh, God, save me. Don`t let me be locked up”. She appeared to be in a hysterical condition, and her cries became so loud that she had to be taken from the Court. Dr. Fitzgerald went out to attend to her on the Chairman`s suggestion, and in a few minutes they returned, prisoner appearing to be all right again.

Dr. Fitzgerald, continuing, said prisoner told him she had taken the powder by dipping her finger into it. By all appearances she had only taken a very small quantity, possibly ten or twenty grains, which could not have done her any harm whatever. To be on the safe side, however, he administered lime water as an antidote. Considering her general condition to be satisfactory, he allowed prisoner to be taken to the police station. Oxalic acid was a deadly poison if taken in a quantity, and death had been known to follow after two drams had been taken. He considered that prisoner would not have suffered any serious ill-effects if she had taken the whole of the powder.

Mr. Knight, chemist, 12, Rendezvous Street, said about half past eight the previous evening he was serving in the shop, when a woman of the general appearance of prisoner came in and asked for an ounce of salts of lemon. He asked her what it was for, and she replied “To clean a hat”. The powder he gave her had only 40 grains of real poison in it. There was, however, a sufficient dose to cause death for an adult.

Prisoner was remanded until next Friday morning.

She pleaded to the Magistrates not to let her go, and as she was taken from the Court she cried out “Oh, sir, don`t lock me up again. Oh, don`t. I am very sorry. Oh, my God, save me. Don`t let me be locked up”.

Folkestone Herald 18-6-1904

Saturday, June 11^th: Before Mr. W.C. Carpenter, Alderman W.G. Herbert, Alderman S. Penfold, and Mr. W. Wightwick.

Susan Foster, a domestic servant in the employ of Mr. Riddall, landlord of the Bouverie Hotel, was charged with attempting to commit suicide by taking a quantity of a certain deadly poison.

Prisoner, who appeared to be much distressed, was seated in front of the dock.

Arthur Maxwell Riddall, landlord of the Bouverie Hotel, Bouverie Road East, stated that prisoner had been in his employ as housemaid since Monday week. On the previous evening he was called out from the billiard room about a quarter past nine. He went into the kitchen, and saw prisoner sitting in a chair, his wife holding her head. Mrs. Riddall said to him “You will see a letter on the mantelpiece”. He opened the letter (produced) and read it.

Mr. Andrews (the Deputy Magistrates` Clerk) handed the letter to the Magistrates, and it was decided not to read the address in public. The letter, however, was read. All that could be made out of it was “By the time you get this I shall have poisoned myself”.

Witness, continuing, said he could not say whether the letter was in the prisoner`s handwriting. He communicated with the police and Dr. Fitzgerald at once. He afterwards saw a packet of powder (produced) which he handed over to P.C. Simpson.

Harriet Mary Riddall, wife of the last witness, said that at a quarter past nine on Friday evening she was seated in the parlour of the house, when prisoner came into the room in a very excited state, and throwing on the table the letter (produced) and a sixpence, said “Will you send this off at once? I have taken poison”. Witness took her into the kitchen and sent for Mr. Riddall.

P.C. Simpson deposed that at 10.40 p.m. on the 10^th inst., from information received, he went to the Bouverie Hotel, where he saw Mr. Riddall, who handed him the letter and a powder. Prisoner was sitting on a chair in the kitchen in an excited condition. He said to her “I am a police officer. In consequence of what the doctor has told me I shall charge you with attempting to commit suicide by taking oxalic acid”. He cautioned her, and she replied “I have not taken oxalic acid; it was salts of lemon I took”. With the assistance of Detective Sergt. Burniston witness brought her to the police station, where she was formally charged, and made no reply. Shortly afterwards she shouted out “I wrote the letter; it is my handwriting”.

Dr. Edward Desmond Fitzgerald stated that about 10.45 on the evening in question he was called to the Bouverie Hotel, where, in the kitchen, he saw the prisoner sitting, in a very agitated and excited condition. She showed no urgent symptoms, and he asked Mr. Riddall what was the matter. He then handed witness the letter, and asked him to read it, which he did. Mr. Riddall gave him the paper containing the powder, which was an impure form of oxalic acid, and usually known as salts of lemon.

At this stage prisoner burst out crying, and several times shrieked “Oh, God, do save me. Don`t let me be locked up”. She had to be taken from the Court, but in a few moments returned, and the case was proceeded with.

Continuing, Dr. Fizgerald said prisoner said she had taken the powder dry by dipping her finger into it. He came to the conclusion that she had taken only a very small quantity, possibly some 10 or 20 grains, which could do her no harm whatever. He administered lime water to be on the safe side, and the symptoms being satisfactory, he advised that she be taken to the police station. Oxalic acid in a quantity was a deadly poison. Death had been known to follow after a dose of two drams of pure oxalic acid, but recovery had taken place after half an ounce had been taken. If prisoner had taken the whole powder she would not have suffered any serious effects.

James Knight, chemist, Rendezvous Street, gave evidence as to serving a person of the general appearance of the prisoner with salts of lemon on Friday evening.

The Chairman told the prisoner she would be remanded until Friday morning (yesterday) and during that time she would be well looked after and cared for.

The unfortunate woman again cried out “Oh, sir, don`t let me be locked up”, but she was assisted out of the Court.

Friday, June 17^th: Before Lieut. Colonel Westropp, Messrs. W. Wightwick, and J. Tainer.

Susan Foster appeared before the Borough Justices charged, on remand, with attempted suicide.

Inspector Swift, as representing the Chief Constable, stated that the police had no further evidence to offer in the case.

The Chairman: The evidence in this case is not sufficient at all. (To prisoner) You will be dismissed.

Mr. Easton (Police Court Missionary) informed the Bench that the woman was willing to enter a home, and arrangements would accordingly be made.

 

Folkestone Express 25-6-1904

Friday, June 17^th: Before Lieut. Colonel Westropp, W. Wightwick, and J. Stainer Esqs.

Susan Foster, a housemaid at the Bouverie Hotel, was brought up on remand, charged with attempting to commit suicide by taking poison on June 9^th.

Inspector Swift said there was no further evidence to be given.

The Chairman said the Magistrates considered that there was not sufficient evidence to induce them to go further with the charge.

Mr. Easton, the Police Court Missionary, said the young woman had consented to go into a home, and she was discharged.

Folkestone Daily News 1-11-1905

Wednesday, November 1^st: Before Alderman Spurgen, Alderman Vaughan, Councillor Carpenter, and Lieut. Col. Fynmore.

The licence of the Bouverie Hotel was temporarily transferred from Mr. Riddall to Mr. Ernest Frederick Alcock

 

Folkestone Chronicle 18-11-1905

Local News

Mr. Alcock, the new proprietor of the Bouverie Hotel, comes to Folkestone with exceptional testimonials. He was for many years a sergeant in the Metropolitan Police, and during the past ten years Inspector at Oxford. In his official position he gained the respect and confidence of resident and official alike. Among the testimonials which he proudly brought to Folkestone were grand appreciations from Alderman Sir Walter Gray J.P., Col. The Hon. Holmes a Court (Chief Constable, Oxford Constabulary) the Chief Constables of the Oxford City and Banbury Police, the Magistrates` Clerks of Oxford, Banbury, Bicester and Bullingdon, together with a whole host of excellent testimonials from the leading legal luminaries on the Oxford Circuit.

Folkestone Chronicle 9-12-1905

Wednesday, December 6^th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Alderman Herbert, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, Maj. Leggatt, and Mr. Linton.

The licence of the Bouverie Hotel was transferred from Mr. A.M. Riddall to Mr. E.F. Allcock.

Folkestone Herald 9-12-1905

Wednesday, December 6^th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Alderman W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, Major Leggatt, and Mr. T. Ames.

The licence of the Bouverie Hotel, Folkestone, was transferred from Mr. Ernest Frederick Alcock to Mr. Arthur Maxwell Riddall.

Folkestone Daily News 23-12-1905

Saturday, December 23^rd: Before The Mayor, Lieut. Col. Fynmore, Alderman Spurgen, Alderman Vaughan, and Messrs. J. Stainer, Carpenter, and Ames.

Violet Laslett was charged with stealing a pair of boots, the property of Ernest Frederick Allcock.

The prosecutor stated that he was the landlord of the Bouverie Hotel, and the prisoner had been in his employ for about a week. On Thursday he placed a pair of boots in the scullery. He missed them on the following day. He questioned the prisoner, but at different times she denied that she knew anything about them. Witness became suspicious and reported the matter to the police. P.C. Sales came, and in his presence prisoner denied that she knew anything about the boots. Later prisoner said “I took them away last night”. The boots produced were his property, and he valued them at 10s.

P.C. Sales proved arresting the prisoner. Later on he saw the prisoner`s husband in Guildhall Street wearing the boots produced. Witness accompanied him to 2, Belle Vue Street, when he handed the boots to the witness.

Prisoner elected to be tried summarily, and admitted she took the boots.

Prosecutor said he had no desire to press the charge.

The Chairman said the Bench had decided to deal leniently with the prisoner, and she would be bound over in the sum of £10 to be of good behaviour for three months.

   

Folkestone Chronicle 30-12-1905

Saturday, December 23^rd: Before The Mayor, Aldermen Spurgen and Vaughan, Councillor Carpenter, Lieut. Col. Fynmore, Mr. J. Stainer, and Mr. C. Ames.

Violet Laslett, a neatly-dressed, quiet little woman, described as a cook, pleaded Guilty to stealing a pair of boots, valued at 10s., the property of her employer, Mr. Allcock, landlord of the Bouverie Hotel.

Prosecutor said he engaged accused as cook. He took her without asking for a character, on the recommendation of a manager at a local dairyman`s.

A constable proved having a conversation with accused, when she admitted taking the boots and giving them to her husband, who was out of work.

Mr. Allcock informed the Chairman that he did not wish to press the charge.

The Chairman (to prisoner): You have pleaded Guilty to a serious charge. You were placed in a position of confidence, and abused the trust reposed in you. The prosecutor does not wish to press the charge. The Bench will therefore act leniently with you. You will be bound over in your own recognisances in the sum of £10 to come up for judgement if called upon in three months. Let this be a lesson to you.

Folkestone Express 30-12-1905

Saturday, December 23^rd: Before The Mayor, Alderman Spurgen, Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, Major Leggatt, W.C. Carpenter and J. Stainer Esqs.

Violet Laslett, a cook, was charged with stealing a pair of boots, value 10s.

Ernest Frederick Allcock, proprietor of the Bouverie Hotel, said prisoner was in his employ as cook, and had been so for about a week. On Thursday, about ten o`clock, he placed a pair of boots in the scullery. The next day he missed them. He questioned prisoner about them on Friday. She denied having seen the boots. He told her they would have to be found, and she said somebody must have come in and taken them when the scullery door was open. He reported the matter to the police, and P.C. Sales went to the house, and subsequently witness again questioned the prisoner about the boots. She denied all knowledge of them. He then said to her “Supposing they are found at your house? This is only a supposition of mine. But, supposing they were there, how did they get there?” She still denied all knowledge of the boots, but afterwards admitted that she took them away. He identified the boots produced as his property, and said their value was 10s.

P.C. Sales proved arresting the prisoner, and said when he was sent for by the prosecutor he put several questions to her about the boots, and also said he heard Mr. Allcock ask prisoner if she knew where the boots were, when she admitted that she took them away. He charged her at the police station with stealing the boots, and she replied “Shall I have to stay here all night?” Later he saw the prisoner`s husband in Guildhall Street, and he was wearing the boots. He went with Laslett to No. 14 Belle Vue Street, where he handed the boots to him.

Prisoner pleaded Guilty.

The prosecutor said he had no desire to press the case. The husband was out of work. He took her on the recommendation of the manager of a dairy.

Supt. Reeve said nothing was known against the woman or her husband. They had been in Folkestone for some time.

The Bench decided to bind the prisoner over in the sum of £10 to be of good behaviour for three months.

Folkestone Herald 30-12-1905

Saturday, December 23^rd: Before The Mayor, Aldermen G. Spurgen and T.J. Vaughan, Councillor W.C. Carpenter, Councillor R.J. Fynmore, Mr. J. Stainer, and Mrs. Ames.

Violet Laslett was charged with stealing a pair of boots.

Ernest Fredk. Allcock, proprietor of the Bouverie Hotel, Bouverie Road, said that the prisoner had been in his employ as cook for about a week. Two days previously he placed a pair of boots in the scullery, and on the following day they were missing. From what he heard, he questioned the prisoner about the boots. She denied all knowledge of them. Witness told her that they would have to be found. He became suspicious, and reported the matter to the police. P.C. Sales visited witness, and after a conversation with him, witness again asked her where the boots were. She denied all knowledge of them, but when further pressed she said that she took them away the previous night.

P.C. Sales proved proceeding to the Bouverie Hotel and finding the prisoner. He questioned her as to the boots, but she persisted that she knew nothing of them. Shortly afterwards prosecutor said to her “I have had a conversation with you, cook, concerning the loss of my boots. Do you know where they are?” She replied “Yes, I took them away last night, and gave them to my husband”. Witness then took her into custody. Later witness saw the prisoner`s husband in Guildhall Street wearing the boots produced. He accompanied him to No. 14, Belle Vue Street, where witness received them.

Prisoner, who elected to be dealt with summarily, pleaded Guilty.

Prosecutor stated that he did not wish to press the case, and as nothing was known against the prisoner, the Bench bound her over in the sum of £10 to be of good behaviour for three months.

Folkestone Daily News 9-6-1909

Wednesday, June 9^th: Before Messrs. Ward, Vaughan, Jenner, and Fynmore.

James Miller was summoned for refusing to quit licensed premises, namely the Bouverie Hotel, on the 5^th June.

Ernest James Alcock, proprietor of the Bouverie Hotel, said about two o`clock on Saturday afternoon the defendant was in his house, where he was using very objectionable language. Witness asked him to leave, whereupon defendant became very abusive and refused to leave the house. Consequently he was ejected.

Defendant: Did you offer to fight me in the smoking room? – No.

Did you eject me? – Yes.

You did not. I walked out.

Defendant went into the witness box, and said that on Saturday afternoon he went into the public bar of the Bouverie Hotel and called for a glass of beer. Before witness had time to drink it he was ordered out by the prosecutor, who came outside after witness had left and challenged to fight him. Shortly afterwards prosecutor followed him and told him and told him he was going to give him in charge for refusing to quit licensed premises. This the prosecutor eventually did.

Prosecutor said if the Magistrates were not satisfied with his statement, he hoped they would adjourn the case till Saturday, when he would produce witnesses.

The Chairman: You should have brought your witnesses here this morning. We have decided to dismiss the case.

Folkestone Express 12-6-1909

Wednesday, June 9^th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Alderman Vaughan, Alderman Jenner, and Lieut. Col. Fynmore.

James Miller, and out-porter, was summoned for refusing to quit licensed premises when requested to do so.

Ernest Frederick Alcock, the landlord of the Bouverie Hotel, said on Saturday afternoon the defendant was in the public bar. He was using abusive language respecting Det. Sergt. Burniston and other officers, so witness requested him to leave the house. He refused to do so, and commenced to use threatening language to witness. He again told him to clear off the premises, and he said he should go when he liked. He refused several times, so witness went to eject him from the public bar. In the meantime he sent for a constable. He asked him again quietly to leave, but he became very disorderly, so he ejected him. They both eventually went to the police station. The defendant had been a perfect pest for some time.

Defendant went into the witness box. He said he went into the Bouverie Hotel just before two on Saturday afternoon, and called for a glass of beer. The landlord served him, and then told him to get out before he could drink the beer. He replied “All right. Don`t worry. I won`t be a minute”. He then drank the beer and went out. He gave the landlord no provocation whatever. When he got outside, Mr. Alcock called out “Come in here (the smoke room) and I will show you what I will do with you”. He simply laughed at him. He was perfectly sober at the time he came out of the hotel. Mr. Alcock jostled him and molested him, and threw him about. He walked with Mr. Allcock to the police station, and on the way there he said to him (defendant) “I would like to burn such people as you out-porters”. When going down the steps to the police station, Mr. Alcock struck him in the face, caught hold of his throat and threw him on his back.

The Chairman: You have not thought of taking out a summons against him.

Miller: I have not the money to spare.

The Chairman: You had money for beer.

Defendant, in conclusion, asked the Magistrates to believe him, a poor working man, against a multitude of money.

The prosecutor, at this point, said he could bring four witnesses forward if they would adjourn the case until Saturday.

The Clerk: You should have brought them this morning.

The Chairman said the prosecutor ought to have had his witnesses there that day. The Magistrates had decided to dismiss the case.

Folkestone Herald 12-6-1909

Wednesday, June 9^th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, Aldermen T.J. Vaughan and C. Jenner.

James Miller, an out-porter, pleaded Not Guilty to refusing to quit licensed premises.

Ernest Jas. Alcock said that about 2 p.m. on Saturday last defendant was in the public bar of the Bouverie Hotel, Bouverie Road East, drinking. In consequence of his wrangling and abusing the police, he requested him to leave, but he would not do so. After trying to get him to leave for some time, witness took off his coat and put him out. Outside he used bad language, and witness followed him down to the police station and brought him in.

Defendant desired to give evidence, and said that the plaintiff was the aggressor. On the occasion in question he was served with a glass of beer, and then Mr. Alcock told him to get out before he had drunk it. He had given him no provocation whatever. Defendant went out, and outside complainant took off his coat and swore at him. He then jostled and molested defendant, and told him he was going to charge him at the police station, adding that he would “like to burn” all out-porters like him. At the police station complainant struck him, grappled him by the throat, and threw him down.

The Chairman: You haven`t summoned him? – No, I have not the money.

The Chairman: When did you go to the house? – About ten minutes to two. He admitted that he had had a glass of beer before.

The Chairman: You had money for beer, then.

Cross-examination by complainant drew the remark from defendant “I ask you to believe me, gentlemen, as a working man against a multitude of money”.

Complainant said he could bring witnesses to prove his case, but the Chairman said that they ought to have been there that morning, and dismissed the charge.