East Kent Arms 1900 - 1904

Folkestone Chronicle 27-10-1900

Inquest

At the Town Hall, Folkestone, on Saturday afternoon, Mr. Coroner Minter and a jury opened an inquest on the body of Timothy John Harrison, a well-known inhabitant of the town, whose death took place under tragic circumstances on the previous evening. The Town Hall was besieged by friends and curious ones during the whole of the proceedings, which lasted well over two hours.

The first witness called was Theopholus Hogben, who said: I am a clerk to the late Mr. Harrison, and live at 18, Bouverie Square. He wasd an auctioneer and commission agent, and was 42 last November. He had a very extensive practice in commission agency. He also backed horses himself, and had lately sustained some very heavy losses, which he was unable to meet. He used to drink a good deal in the day, and has been greatly worried lately on account of his not being able to meet his engagements. During the last week he seemed very strange, always thinking and worrying. He had been threatened with proceedings, writs, etc. I know of one of his cheques being dishonoured, but it was met afterwards. His sister kept his house. I know that he had a room at the East Kent Arms. He had one or two brandies and sodas testerday. I took them up to him in bed.

The Coroner: Where?

 

Witness: At 18, Bouverie Square. He got up about 4 p.m. He was sober when he went to bed. All the last week he got up about 4 in the afternoon. When he got up yesterday he had something to eat, and then went out. He told me he had made arrangements to go to London today. I made some accounts out for him to collect. He was going to take them to a solicitor, and intended to sue some of his clients. Some of the amounts were large ones. At 10 minutes to 10 I rang up on the telephone to the East Kent Arms to ask if he had gone to London. I spoke to the barmaid, who replied that he was there still. Then I went down to the East Kent to see him. I went upstairs and spoke to Mrs. Scott, who told me that Mr. Harrison was in his bedroom, on the first floor, with a revolver. Mrs. Scott, who was ill in her room, asked me to go and speak to him. I went and knocked at the door, and had just lifted the latch when he pushed the door to and locked it, saying “You can`t come in”. I did not reply, but went back to Mrs. Scott`s room and told her he would not let me come in. As I was talking to her I heard a report, as of a firearm. I said to Mrs. Scott “It will be best to break the door open”. She told me that previously she had heard one shot. I then went for Hooper, the coachman, who burst the door open, and I found deceased on the ground beside the bed. He only had his coat off. I took the pistol produced out of his right hand, and told Hooper to stop while I fetched the doctor. Deceased was making a slight noise through the nose. There was a quantity of blood on the floor. Putting the pistol in my pocket, I went to Dr. Perry directly, and returned with him within two or three minutes. Dr. Perry examined the deceased, said he was dead, and sent me for the police. I went for the police, who came.

The Coroner: You should not have taken the pistol out of his hand. Sometimes it is very important that a pistol should not be touched.

By the Chief Constable: Mrs. Scott did not tell me what time elapsed between the two reports. She said it was like a cap going off.

William Hooper, coachman at the East Kent Arms, said: I knew the deceased a great number of years. He had a horse standing at the East Kent Arms called Black Polly. When he stayed at the hotel he had a bedroom looking over the yard. I saw him last night at about 10 minutes to 8. He asked me how the horse was getting on. She had been lame. He had had a drop, but was not drunk. He spoke to me about cats annoying him of a night when he went to sleep, and said he would have a game in the night and shoot them all. There is a large roof covering the yard, and a great many cats frequent it. He asked me where my cat was, saying “Where is Old Joe?” He did not show me anything he was going to shoot the cats with. Later I washed, and went into the bar for a drink, when he called me out under the porch and said “Here is a sovereign. Go into Mr. Price`s and buy me a small revolver”. I went and got a small gun. He said that would not do; it would kill people. I took the gun, and brought back three revolvers for him to choose from. He chose one at 15s. 6d; it was similar to that produced. He then told me to get 25 rounds of ammunition – “that would be enough to catch all the cats on the roof”, he said. I got the ammunition, and gave it to him in the porch of the East Kent Arms. He then went into the smoking room. About 10 to 10 I asked the barmaid for the letters to post. She told me I should have to wait, for Mr. Harrison was locked in his bedroom, and would not answer the door. Soon after 10 the nurse came down and said Mrs. Scott wanted to see me. Hogben said he wanted me to help burst the door open, as he had heard a report from a revolver. After a struggle I burst the door open. I found Mr. Harrison on his face on his left side in a pool of blood. There was a gaslight in the room. Hogben took something out of Mr. Harrison`s hand, and away he went. Deceased made a noise like a drunken man in his sleep; He did not seem to be in any pain. I waited until the doctor came.

Harry William Price, jeweller, Sandgate Road, close to the East Kent Arms, said: The last witness came and purchased from me the revolver produced, together with fifty rounds of ammunition. It is a seven chambered American revolver. He said it was to kill the cats. The time of the purchase was about 8.15.

Dr. C. Perry deposed: I knew the deceased, who was a patient of mine. Off and on I have attended him for some years, though not just lately. He had been a great sufferer from rheumatic gout and large liver, and touch of heart failure at times. Frequently I have warned him of the critical state he was in. I should consider he was a free liver. I have not considered his life worth much for some time. He might die at any time from heart failure, from which he was suffering. When he had these attacks he used to be very oppressed. A few minutes after 10 yesterday the witness Hogben came and fetched me. On proceeding to the East Kent arms I went up to the bedroom on the first floor, and saw the deceased lying on his left side, with his head in a pool of blood. I found that he had been dead some few minutes. Hogben had shown me the revolver produced. In conjunction with Dr. Chambers, this afternoon I made a post mortem examination. We found much superficial haemorrhage, a large blood vessel having been opened, and after careful searching we discovered the bullet produced embedded in the left side of the base of the skull. It had evidently been fired through the mouth. The cause of death, in my opinion, was haemorrhage and shock. Death must have been instantaneous. It arose from a self-inflicted wound. I have no hesitation in saying so. At times the deceased had told me that he had difficulty in getting his money in. Mrs. Scott is also a patient of mine. For a fortnight she has not left her room. She has been suffering from bronchitis.

Dr. Chambers corroborated the evidence of Dr. Perry concerning the post mortem.

Stanley Hyham deposed: I am a gun maker, of 14, Harbour Street. Deceased came to my shop about 7.15 last night, and said he wanted a rifle or revolver to shoot cats. I told him a revolver was no use for the purpose he wanted it, and said a little rifle would be better. I put him off a revolver three times, recommending a rifle. At the finish he bought a rifle for 15s. 6d., and paid for it, with 6d. for 25 cartridges. He said “Don`t trouble to send it tonight, but send it in the morning”.

Hogben, re-called, said “We have been annoyed with cats at Bouverie Square”.

The Coroner (to Dr. Perry): We have heard a lot about shooting cats. Could this have been an accident, or was it, in your opinion, a deliberate act?

Dr. Perry: It was a deliberate act, without a doubt.

Dr. Chambers, also questioned by the Coroner, gave the same reply.

Edwin J. Chadwick, the Coroner`s Officer, said: Last night, at 10.45, I was sent for to the East Kent Arms. In a back bedroom on the first floor I saw the deceased in a pool of blood. I moved the body on to the bed. I examined the room, and found the mark of a bullet in the wall on the right hand side of the entrance to the room. The bullet produced was embedded in the wall. It is similar to that found in the deceased`s skull. The revolver was then on the mantelpiece. I took possession of it and found two cartridges had been exploded; the remaining five chambers were empty. I also took possession of a box containing 48 cartridges. I searched deceased`s clothing, and found the gold watch produced, one sovereign, seventeen shillings, and five pence, a bunch of keys, cigarette holder and case, and a quantity of letters.

The Coroner, after an exhaustive summing up, told the jury that if they would like the attendance of Mrs. Scott, there could be an adjournment for a fortnight.

The jury, without hesitation, returned a unanimous verdict of “Suicide whilst temporarily insane”.

Folkestone Express 27-10-1900

Inquest

On Friday night, about ten o`clock, Mr. Timothy Harrison, a widely known tradesman and commission agent, committed suicide by shooting himself with a revolver. An inquest was held on Saturday afternoon by the Borough Coroner, at the Town hall, when the following evidence was given:-

Theophilus Hogben, a clerk in the employ of the deceased, and residing at 18, Bouverie Square, said deceased was an auctioneer and a betting commission agent.

The body had been removed to 18, Bouverie Square, and the jury went there to view it.

Witness then identified the body, and on returning to the hall, continued his evidence. He said deceased was 42 years of age last November. Witness had been in his service four years. He had a very extensive business in commission agency. He had backed horses himself now and again, and had lately sustained some heavy losses, and in consequence had been unable to meet his engagements. He had not latterly drank more than he usually did – he drank a good deal every day. He had been greatly worried lately on account of his not being able to meet his engagements. During the last week he had been very quiet – always thinking and worrying.

The Coroner: Has he had any proceedings against him?

Witness: No.

The Coroner: I see by the letters which have been handed to me that there have been writs and summonses issued.

Witness said lately he had been pressed. He only knew of one cheque being returned dishonoured – that was for £19, and it was met afterwards. Deceased`s sister kept his house. He had a room at the East Kent Arms. He slept at Bouverie Square on Thursday night and had one or two brandies and sodas in the morning. Witness took them up to him. He got up about four o`clock in the afternoon. When he went to bed the night before he was sober. For the past week he had laid in bed all the morning. He had something to eat and then went out about half past four. He told witness before he went out that he intended to go to London by the boat train at 9.30. Witness made out some accounts for him to take to a solicitor in London, who was to have instructions to sue the customers. There were some rather large amounts – about £150 in all. About 10 minutes to 10 witness rang up on the telephone to the East Kent Arms to know if deceased had gone to London. He spoke to one of the barmaids, who replied that deceased was there still, and had not gone to London. He went down to the East Kent afterwards to see him, and went upstairs and spoke to Mrs. Scott, who said deceased was in his bedroom with a revolver. The bedroom was on the first floor at the back. Mrs. Scott asked witness to go and speak to him. Witness went and knocked at the bedroom door and tried to open it. He lifted the latch and opened the door about an inch. Deceased pushed it to and locked it. Witness did not say anything, but went back to Mrs. Scott`s room and told her deceased would not let him go in. As he was talking to her he heard a report of a firearm. He then said to Mrs. Scott “We had better break the door open”. He only heard one shot. Mrs. Scott told him she had heard one previously. He went for Hooper, the coachman, who went up and burst the door open. They saw deceased lying on the floor on his face by the side of the bed. He had only his coat off. Witness took the pistol (produced) out of his right hand, and told Hooper to stay there while he went to fetch a doctor. Deceased was making a slight noise through the nose, and there was a quantity of blood on his face. About ten o`clock he got to Dr. Perry`s. He put the pistol in his pocket without examining it to see if it was loaded. He returned with Dr. Perry within two or three minutes. Dr. Perry examined the deceased, and said he was dead and sent witness for the police.

The Coroner told witness he ought not to have taken the pistol away. Sometimes it was a matter of the gravest importance as to how the pistol was lying. But it did not matter in that case.

Witness added that deceased had not said anything to him about destroying himself.

William Samuel Hooper, coachman at the East Kent Arms, said he had known the deceased for nine years or more. He had a horse standing at the stables, called Black Polly. He had a bedroom at the back on the first floor looking over the yard. He saw deceased about ten minutes to eight on Friday evening, and he asked him how his horse was getting on – she had been lame for four months, and turned out at Horn Street until a day or two ago. Deceased had had a little drop to drink, but was not drunk. He talked about cats annoying him when he went to sleep and said he was going to have a game that night and shoot them all. Cats and kittens ran wild over the room. Deceased did not show him a pistol, but asked where witness`s own cat was. Witness afterwards saw deceased in the bar, something after eight. He called him into the porch, and said “Here`s a sovereign. Go to Mr. Price`s and buy me a small revolver”. He went and got one. The first one he took in was a long one, like a small gun. Deceased would not have that, as he said it would kill people at 200 yards. Witness took it back and fetched three more for him to choose from.

The Coroner: Why did you not tell me this this morning? Didn`t you know who I was?

Witness said he did, but he did not think it right to tell it all then. He went on to say he brought back three revolvers. One was 15s. 6d. – very like the one produced. Deceased then told him to get 25 rounds of ammunition, saying he would be able to shoot all the cats on the roof. He got the ammunition and gave it to the deceased, with the revolver. Deceased then went into the smoking room at the East Kent Arms. The next he heard was about ten minutes to ten, when he asked the barmaid for letters for the post. Mrs. Scott had been ill for more than a fortnight. The barmaid told him he would have to wait as Mr. Harrison was locked in his bedroom and would not answer the door. The nurse just after called him and told him he was wanted upstairs. He went up and saw Hogben on the landing, who said he wanted him to help him burst the door open, as he thought there was something wrong, and they had heard the report of a revolver. They burst the door open and saw the deceased lying on his face on his left hand side in a pool of blood. There was a gaslight in the room – only one burner, he believed. He did not see the pistol. Hogben took something out of deceased`s hand and said he was going for a doctor. Deceased made a noise like the snore of a drunken man, but did not seem to be in any pain. He waited till Dr. Perry arrived, and then left.

Henry William Price, a jeweller of Sandgate Road, gave evidence as to the sale of a revolver and 50 rounds of ammunition to the last witness. It was a seven-chambered American revolver, and the size was .22. Hooper said it was to kill or frighten cats.

Dr. Perry said he knew the deceased, who was a patient of his. He had attended him at various times for some years, but not just lately. He had suffered a great deal from rheumatic gout, enlarged liver, and heart failure at times. He had frequently warned the deceased of the critical state in which he was. Deceased was, he considered, a free liver, and witness did not consider his life worth much at any time. He had warned deceased that he might die at any moment from an attack of heart failure. He had been very depressed at times in consequence, but after a little treatment he threw it all off again. On Friday witness was fetched soon after ten by the witness Hogben. He went to a bedroom in the East Kent Arms on the first floor at the back, and saw deceased lying on his left side. His head was in a large pool of blood and he was dead. Hogben had showed him the pistol in his consulting room. Deceased had been dead only a few minutes. Witness had that afternoon made a post mortem examination in conjunction with Dr. Chambers. They opened the skull and removed the brain and found a great deal of superficial haemorrhage, and when they removed the brain there was a large quantity of haemorrhage at the base of the skull, a large blood vessel having been opened. After careful searching they found the bullet produced embedded in the base of the skull on the left hand side. On the previous nigt he saw the place where the bullet had entered – in the mouth – where there was some discolouration and depression of the roof. The cause of death was haemorrhage and shock. It must have been almost instantaneous. He had no hesitation in saying it was a self-inflicted wound, and the pistol, he thought, must have been held in the mouth. Witness knew nothing about his financial affairs except that he had remarked that there was difficulty in getting his money in. Mrs. Scott, who had also been a patient of his, was ill with bronchitis and quite unable to leave her room.

Dr. Chambers also gave evidence, corroborating that of Dr. Perry.

Stanley Higham, a gun maker, of 14, Harbour Street, said deceased went to him on Friday at a quarter past seven and said he wanted a rifle or revolver to shoot cats. He told him a revolver would be of no use, and a little rifle would be far better. He asked for revolvers three times over, but witness put him off. He said he wanted to shoot cats in his back garden in Bouverie Square. He bought a rifle and paid 15s. 6d. for it, and also 25 cartridges, 6d. He said it was to be sent up in the morning.

Hogben was recalled, and said they had been annoyed by cats in the front garden at Bouverie Square. Deceased had never to his knowledge shot cats there. His guns were kept at the East Kent Arms.

The Coroner asked Dr. Perry if it could have been an accident and not a deliberate act?

Dr. Perry replied that it was a deliberate act. He did not think there was a doubt about it.

Dr. Chambers gave a similar answer to the same question. It must, he said, have been deliberate. Had it been an accident there would certainly have been a wound on some part of his face.

Edwin John Chadwick, Coroner`s Officer, said he saw the deceased as described. He placed the body on the bed and then examined the room. He found the mark of a bullet in the wall on the right hand side on entering the room, and embedded in the wall he found the bullet produced. It was the same size and sort as that found in deceased`s head. The revolver was lying on the mantelpiece. (Hogben said he gave the pistol to Sergt. Osborne, who placed it on the mantelpiece.) There were two empty cartridges in the revolver, and the other five chambers were empty. There were forty eight cartridges in a box. In deceased`s pockets were a gold watch, £1 17s. 5d. in money, a bunch of keys, and other articles, and also a quantity of letters.

The Coroner said there was nothing in them beyond applications for payment of debts, and that a writ had been issued and also summonses. He need not trouble them with all the particulars, but that was the effect of them.

In reply to a juror, Dr. Perry said there was no other mark on the body, except a slight abrasion caused by a fall.

The Foreman asked if anyone in the house beside Mrs. Scott heard the first report.

Witness said they fired an experimental shot, and it was scarcely hard outside the room. The first report was merely like the explosion of a cap.

The Coroner summed up at considerable length, pointing out that there was no doubt whatever that the deceased shot himself, and the only question was as to the state of his mind. They had heard the evidence as to the financial difficulties of the deceased.

While the Coroner was summing up the Town sergeant handed him a letter, and after reading it, he said it was simply an application from some person at Dover for the payment of wages.

The Coroner, resuming, said they had heard from the witness Hogben that the deceased was engaged in an extensive book-making business, and he had suffered severe losses and he had been worried because he was unable to meet his engagements. It was common knowledge that if a man engaged in that class of business was unable to meet his engagements it was utter ruin to him. There was nothing more tender than the credit of a man engaged in a business of that kind, and if he failed to meet his engagements he might as well give up business altogether. There was no doubt that the state of his health and his financial difficulties preyed upon his mind, and in a fit of temporary insanity he committed the act.

The jury returned a verdict of “Suicide during temporary insanity”.

Folkestone Herald 27-10-1900

Inquest

On Saturday morning the town was shocked on hearing that, on the previous night, Mr. T.J. Harrison, the well-known auctioneer and bookmaker, had committed suicide in the room which he occupied at the East Kent Arms Hotel. The details of this sad affair are fully set out in the evidence given at the inquest, which was held at the Town Hall on Saturday afternoon, before Mr. John Minter, Borough Coroner, and a jury. The deceased had long suffered from rheumatic gout and heart disease, but had always shown a passionate love for sport of every kind, while on the turf he carried on an extensive business as a betting agent. He took a prominent part in the public life of the town, having been for some years a member of the Town Council, and also a member of the Elham Board of Guardians. Latterly the deceased had sustained some heavy losses in his business as a commission agent, and creditors were pressing him for money, a circumstance which worried him considerably, and doubtless led him to make away with his life. At the inquest the courtroom was crowded with people, and the following witnesses were examined:-

Theophilus Hogben, clerk to the late Mr. Harrison, was the first witness called. He said deceased lived at 18, Bouverie Square, and was an auctioneer and commission agent.

The jury then proceeded to view the body, which witness identified as that of his late employer.

Witness, continuing, said deceased was 42 years of age last November, and that he had been in his service four years. Deceased had a very extensive business. He had always backed horses himself, now and again. Lately he had sustained some very heavy losses, and it was a fact that he had been unable to meet his engagements. He had not been drinking more than he usually did, but he had always drunk a good deal during the day. He had worried a good deal over the business. He had been strange during the past week; very quiet, and always appeared to be worrying. Lately he had been threatened with proceedings to recover money which he owed. Witness only knew of one cheque which had been returned dishonoured. That was for £19, a fortnight ago. Deceased`s sister kept house for him, and witness knew that he had a room at the East Kent Arms. On Friday witness took up one or two brandies and sodas to deceased in bed at his house. He got up about four o`clock in the afternoon. When deceased went to bed the night before he was sober. For the past week he had laid in bed all the mornings. On arising on the previous day, deceased had something to eat, and went out about 4.30. He had told witness that he was going up to London by the 9.30 train on the Friday night, and witness made out some accounts, which he was going to take, to sue his customers. There were some large amounts, about £150 in all. At about 9.40 witness rang up on the telephone to the East Kent Hotel to ask if he had gone to London, and they replied that he had not. He then went down to the East Kent to see him, but could not do so. He went upstairs and spoke to Mrs. Scott, and she told him that he was in his bedroom with a revolver. The bedroom was on the first floor, at the back. Mrs. Scott asked witness to go and speak to him, as she was ill in bed. Witness went and knocked at his door. He had just lifted the latch and opened the door about an inch, when deceased from the inside pushed it to and locked it. Witness did not say anything to deceased, but went back and told Mrs. Scott that he would not let him in. Whilst he was talking to her he heard a report, as of a pistol being fired. Mrs. Scott told him that she had heard one shot before. Witness went for Hooper, the coachman, who came up and burst the door open. He went into the room and found deceased lying half on his face on the floor near the bed. He had only got his coat off. Witness took the pistol produced out of deceased`s right hand, and told Hooper to stop there until he fetched a doctor. Deceased made a slight noise, evidently through his nose. There was blood on the floor. Witness put the pistol in his pocket, and went straight away to fetch Dr. Perry, arriving there about 10 o`clock. The doctor returned with him at once, and after making an examination said he was dead, and sent witness for the police. He had never said anything to witness about taking his life.

The Coroner told witness that he should not have taken the pistol out of his hand, as it might have been a matter of the greatest importance as to the position in which the pistol was found.

The Chief Constable: What time elapsed between the first and second shot?

Witness: I did not hear the first shot.

The Chief Constable: Did Mrs. Scott hear the first shot?

Witness: She said she heard a slight noise as of a cap going off.

Wm. Samuel Hooper, coachman at the East Kent Arms, said he had known the deceased about nine years. Deceased had got a horse called Black Polly standing at the East Kent Arms, and also had a bedroom at the back looking over the yard for when he stayed at the hotel. About 7.50 on the previous night (Friday) witness saw deceased, who asked him how the horse, which had been lame four months, was getting on. Deceased had had something to drink, but was not drunk. He also talked to witness about cats annoying him of a night when he went to sleep. He said he was going to stop there that night and would shoot them all. There was a large room covered with iron in the yard, and often a great many kittens got there at night. He (witness) volunteered the information that cats ought to be licensed like dogs.

In reply to the Coroner, he said that he had a cat, but did not have a licence, because they were not granted.

Continuing, he said deceased did not show him what he was going to shoot them with. Witness went into the bar, and about 8 o`clock deceased called him out and said “Here`s a sovereign. Go into Mr. Price`s and buy me a revolver”. He did so, and got a small gun, but deceased would not have it, as he said it would kill people over the building at 200 yards. Witness took it back, and brought back three revolvers for deceased to choose from. The prices were 11s. 6d., 15s. 6d., and 27s. 6d., and he chose the 15s. 6d. one. The revolver produced was like the one he chose, but he could not swear to it. He said “Bring me 25 round of ammunition to kill the cats on the roof”. Witness got it and handed it to him in the porch. Deceased then went into the smoking room, but witness did not know whether he put the revolver and ammunition in his pocket or not. About 9.50 witness asked the barmaid for the letters to post. Mrs. Scott had been ill over a fortnight. She said he would have to wait, as Mr. Harrison was locked in the bedroom, and would not answer the door. The nurse called him shortly afterwards, and said he was wanted upstairs. He went up on the landing and saw Hogben, who said he wanted him to help to burst the door open, as he thought there was something wrong, having heard a report from a revolver. After a hard struggle the door was burst open, and deceased found lying on his face on the left side in a pool of blood. The gas was lighted. He did not see the pistol, but saw Hogben take something out of deceased`s hand and go away. Deceased made a noise like a drunken man snoring, but did not seem to be in any pain. Witness stayed until the doctor came and then went away.

Harold Wm. Price, jeweller, Sandgate Road, Folkestone, deposed that the last witness came to his shop on the previous night and purchased a revolver (produced) and a box of fifty round of ammunition. The revolver was a seven-chambered one; an American, and size .22. He said it was for Mr. Harrison to kill or frighten cats with.

Dr. Perry said he knew the deceased, and had been attending him off and on for some years. He had suffered a great deal at times from rheumatic gout, an enlarged liver, and attacks of heart failure at times. Witness had warned him as to the critical state in which he was frequently. He was a free liver, but he was aware that he might die at any moment from heart failure. He had been depressed in consequence of illness, and when he had the attacks was very much so. A few minutes after ten on the previous night witness was fetched by Hogben, and on going into the bedroom at the East Kent Arms he saw deceased lying on his left side. His head was in a pool of blood. He was dead. Hogben showed witness the pistol. He had only been dead a few minutes when witness arrived. He had made a post mortem that afternoon in conjunction with Dr. Chambers. Before removing the skull they found a good deal of haemorrhage, and after removing the skull found a large amount of haemorrhage at the base of the brain. After careful searching they found the bullet embedded in the base of the skull on the left side. On the previous night he examined the mouth and found a slight depression and discolouration, such as would have been caused by a bullet. Death must have been instantaneous. He had not the slightest hesitation in saying that the wound was a self-inflicted one. There was no discolouration on the outside of the mouth. Personally he knew nothing of deceased`s money difficulties, except that he had at times told him he had difficulty in getting his money in. Mrs. Scott was ill, and had been so for a fortnight.

Dr. Chambers corroborated Dr. Perry`s evidence in its entirety.

Stanley Higham, gun maker, said that on the previous night, about 7.15, deceased came into his shop and said he wanted a rifle or revolver to shoot cats. Witness told him that a revolver was no use for the purpose he wanted, and that a little rifle would be far better. He asked about revolvers three times, but witness put him off by telling him that it was a rifle he wanted. Deceased said he wanted to shoot cats in his back garden in Bouverie Square. At the finish he bought a rifle at 15s. 6d., and 25 cartridges at 6d. He said “Don`t trouble to send it tonight, it will do in the morning”.

The witness Hogben was re-called, and said they had been annoyed in the front garden by cats, but witness did not shoot cats there. He had sporting rifles at the East Kent.

Dr. Perry was asked whether the shot could have been an accidental one, and in reply said that he had not the  least doubt that it was a deliberate act.

Dr. Chambers was asked the same question, and said if it had been accidental there would have been some wound on the lip or other part of the face. It must have been deliberate.

Edwin John Chadwick, Coroner`s Officer, said at 10.45 on the previous night he was sent for, and on going to the back bedroom of the East Kent Arms saw deceased in a pool of blood. He examined the wound in company with Dr. Perry, and also found a bullet embedded in the wall on the right hand side entering the room. It was the same size as the one found on the mantelpiece.

Hogben, re-called, said he gave the revolver to Sergeant Osborne.

Dr. Perry said he placed the revolver on the mantelpiece.

Witness, continuing, said he took charge of the pistol, and found two exploded cartridges. The other five chambers were empty. He found 48 cartridges in the box. He searched deceased and found a gold watch, one sovereign, 17s. 5d., bunch of keys, cigarette holder in case, and a number of letters, which he gave to the Coroner.

The Coroner said he had looked through the letters, and there was nothing in them except threats of writs and summonses for money owing.

A juror: Was there a second shot anywhere about the body?

Dr. Perry: None whatever. There was a slight abrasion over the left eyebrow, evidently caused by the fall.

Another juror: Did anyone hear the first report?

The Coroner: According to the evidence of Hogben, Mrs. Scott, who was ill in another room, heard a report. I have enquired of everyone in the house, but no-one seemed to have heard it. It would be a very small report.

The Coroner`s Officer said they tried the shot on the previous night with the doors closed, and they could not hear it downstairs.

Dr. Perry, in reply to the Coroner, said Mrs. Scott could not attend for a few days.

The Coroner said if they liked they could adjourn the inquest for a week so that Mrs. Scott could attend. He then proceeded to sum up, and said they had to enquire and determine by what means that man came to his death. The medical evidence was quite clear, that he met his death from the effects of a pistol shot, the bullet entering through the roof of his mouth into the base of his brain, and severing a blood vessel. That caused considerable haemorrhage and shock, from which he died almost immediately. There was no question as to the cause of death, but then came the question “Was it accident or was it intentional?” They had the evidence of the witness Hooper to the effect that deceased sent him to buy a revolver with which to shoot cats, and also that of the gunsmith in Harbour Street that a gun to shoot cats was bought. In consequence of that he re-called the doctors, and both of them gave their unhesitating opinion that the pistol must have been placed in his mouth with the deliberate intention of killing himself. The only thing which remained for them to consider was the state of mind deceased was in at the time he committed the act, if they were satisfied he committed it, a point on which he should imagine they could have no doubt whatever. They had heard from the evidence of his clerk that he was engaged in a very extensive bookmaking business; that he had suffered some severe losses in that business; that he had been worried in many matters, and that he was unable to meet his engagements. They all knew that if a man engaged in a business of that kind failed to meet his engagements, it was utter ruin to him. If he once failed he might as well give his business up. Why did he discharge the first barrel? The only reason he could think of was that he fired an experimental shot to try the penetrating power of the pistol. They in the town well knew that he was subject to heart failure, and was likely to drop down dead at any time.

After a short consultation with his colleagues on the jury, the foreman said the jury had considered the evidence, and their verdict was that he committed suicide whilst temporarily insane.

Folkestone Express 9-2-1901

Friday, February 1^st: Before J. Hoad, J. Pledge, and J. Stainer Esqs.

Mr. Walter Checkley, of Canterbury, was granted a transfer of the licence of the East Kent Arms, Sandgate Road. 

Folkestone Chronicle 9-3-1901

Wednesday, March 9^th: Before Messrs. Wightwick, Pledge, Pursey, Stainer, and Salter.

The licence of the East Kent Arms was transferred to Mr. Walter Checkley.

Folkestone Express 9-3-1901

Wednesday, March 6^th: Before W. Wightwick, W. Salter, G.I. Swoffer, C.J. Pursey, and J. Pledge Esqs.

Licence

Mr. Walter Checkley, of the East Kent Arms, was granted the transfer of the licence.

Folkestone Express 23-11-1901

Friday, November 15^th: Before W. Wightwick and G.I. Swoffer Esqs., Alderman Salter, and Colonel Hamilton.

The licence of the East Kent Arms was temporarily transferred to Mr. Chas. Major.

Folkestone Express 7-12-1901

Wednesday, December 4^th: Before J. Stainer, G. Peden, and T.J. Vaughan Esqs., and Col. W.K. Westropp.

A special licensing sessions was held, when Mr. Chas Major  was granted transfer of the licence f the East Kent Arms.

Folkestone Chronicle 15-3-1902

Monday, March 10^th: Before Mr. W. Herbert, Alderman Salter, and Lieut. Colonel Hamilton.

Edward William Flisher, a respectable-looking young man of about 20, who was employed as boot cleaner, etc., at Rochester House School, Folkestone, was charged with stealing from a bedroom at that house two marked two shilling pieces. He pleaded Not Guilty.

Miss F. Harston, one of the lady principals of Rochester House School, deposed as to the accused being employed by her to do certain work, which occupied two or three hours daily, and for which he was paid 1s. per day and his breakfast. She also spoke as to instructing Miss Hilda Kate Ivett to conceal herself in a bedroom and await events which concerned two marked two shilling pieces.

Miss Hilda Kate Ivett said that on Saturday evening she concealed herself behind the curtain in a bedroom on the first floor of No. 4, Earls Avenue (Rochester House School). After she had been there ten minutes, prisoner entered the room, opened the right hand drawer of a chest of drawers, counted the money in it, made a further search, shut the drawer, and peered all over the top of the dressing table. He then left the room. She remained long enough to let him get away, and then on her way downstairs saw him standing near the window of another bedroom. She went down and made a communication to Miss Harston, and they both came up from the basement in time to see prisoner shut the front door. Witness flung the door open, and saw prisoner hurrying away in the direction of Sandgate Road. When he saw Miss Harston behind him he began to run. Witness went to the prisoner`s house, and subsequently to the police station, and saw the accused brought in by P.C. Sales. She had no doubt the prisoner was the man she saw in the bedroom.

P.C. Sales deposed to accosting the prisoner in the doorway of 114, Black Bull Road. In reply to questions he said “I have not been near the house this evening”. His mother, who was standing in the doorway at the time, said “What about those violets which you were going to take up there this evening?”, and prisoner said he had put them in the cellar. He added “You take me up to Miss Harston`s, and I will prove that I have not been there this evening”. On the way up to Earls Avenue, however, he said to witness “I did go up there this evening. I took some violets for the cook. I did not see her, so put them in the coal cellar, but I did not go inside the house. The barmaid at the East Kent Arms can prove that I was in there shortly after eight o`clock”. Witness then took him to 4, Earls Avenue, where he was identified by Miss Ivett and formally charged. He replied “All right. You have got to prove that”. On being searched, there was found in his possession some penny packets of cigarettes, part of a 3d. packet, 1s. in silver, and 4½d. in bronze.

Having been warned in the usual manner, accused elected to make a statement. He said: After I left home on Saturday evening, I went down to Mr. Pollard`s, the Castle public house, and stopped there until nearly 7.30. I then went up to Earls Avenue, went into the coal cellar, and left the violets. After that I went to the top of Earls Avenue, and on to the Leas, going into the East Kent Arms just after eight o`clock. From there I went into the library. After that I went to Mr. Blank`s shop, and stayed there about half an hour. I then went straight home, where I met P.C. Sales on the doorstep. When he told me that he should charge me with stealing money from Miss Harston, I told him I had not been in the house that evening. I said that I would go up and see Miss Harston with him. I did so, and saw her at No. 4, Earls Avenue. The constable asked her if she identified me, and she replied “No”. It was Miss Ivett who identified me. I told Miss Harston that it was not me, as I had not been in the house that evening. After that, P.C. Sales took me to the station and charged me. I again told him that I had not been in the house.

The Chief Constable asked that the prisoner be committed to take his trial at the next Quarter Sessions.

The Bench committed the accused to take his trial at the next Quarter Sessions, offering to accept the bail of two householders in £10 each, and himself in £20.

Folkestone Express 15-3-1902

Monday, March 10^th: Before W.G. Herbert Esq., Alderman W. Salter, and Col. C.J. Hamilton.

Edward Wm. Flisher, a youth, employed as a boot boy, was charged with stealing 4s. 3d. from a purse in a bedroom in Rochester House School, in Earls Avenue, which offence he denied.

Annie J. Harsant, mistress of Rochester House School, Earls Avenue, said the prisoner was in her employ as boot boy since November last year. On Saturday evening, having suspicions, she marked two two shilling pieces, which she put into a purse which contained two pennies and two halfpennies, and which she placed in a drawer of the chest of drawers in a back bedroom. The money was safe at eight o`clock that evening. Witness requested one of her governesses to conceal herself in the room. She subsequently saw the prisoner leave the premises, and on looking at the purse the money was gone. The prisoner had no business in the bedroom.

Hilda Kate Ivett, a school mistress at Rochester House School, said about eight o`clock, by instructions received from Miss Harsant, she concealed herself behind a curtain in a recess in the bedroom. About ten minutes afterwards the prisoner entered the room, opened the right hand drawer, searched it and took out the purse. He opened it and took the money. He put the purse back and again searched the drawer, and he then peered all over the dressing table. He left the room, and witness followed soon after. As she was passing through another bedroom, she saw prisoner near the curtain. She informed Miss Harsant what had happened. They went upstairs and she was in time to see the prisoner go out by the front door, He looked back, and seeing Miss Fanny Harsant, he ran towards Sandgate Road. She saw prisoner`s parents, and then communicated with the police.

Mr. Herbert: What light was there in the room where you were concealed? – The gas was full on.

P.C. Thomas D. Sales said about ten o`clock on Saturday evening he saw prisoner just entering the door of his home, No. 114, Black Bull Road. Witness, who was in plain clothes, said he was a police constable, and he would take him to the police station on a charge of stealing some money from Rochester House. After being cautioned, he said “Me? I haven`t been near the house this evening”. The prisoner`s mother, who was standing in the doorway, said “What about those violets you were going to take up there this evening?” He told witness he would be able to prove he was innocent, and on the way to Rochester House he said “I went up to give some violets to the cook. I did not see her, so I put them in the cellar. I did not go into the house. The barmaid at the East Kent Arms can prove I was in the bar shortly after eight o`clock”. Miss Ivett identified the prisoner, who was taken to the police station, where he was charged with the offence. He replied “All right; you`ve got to prove that”. He searched him and found eight penny packets of cigarettes, part of a 3d. packet, one shilling in silver, and 4½d. in copper.

The prisoner was formally cautioned by the Bench, after which he said: I left home on Saturday evening and went to the Castle public house, and stopped till nearly seven o`clock. I then went to Earls Avenue, went into the coal cellar, and left the violets there. Then I went on to the top of Earls Avenue, went on to the Leas, and just about eight o`clock I went into the East Kent Arms. I left there and went into the library. Then I went to Mr. Blank`s shop and stayed half an hour, and then went home. I met P.C. Sales on the doorstep, and he told me he would charge me with stealing money from this house, and I told him I had not been there that evening. I told him I would go to Miss Harsant`s. When the last witness (Miss Harsant) said I was the man, I told them it was not me, as I had not been near the house. P.C. Sales said he would take me to the police station, and I again told him I had not been near the house at all; I was in the East Kent Arms a little after eight o`clock. He then took me to the police station and charged me.

The Bench committed the prisoner to the Borough Quarter Sessions, and fixed bail in his own recognisance of £20, and two sureties of £10.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 5-4-1902

Quarter Sessions

Wednesday, April 2^nd: Before J.C. Lewis Coward Esq.

Edward William Flisher, 20, described as a stoker, pleaded Not Guilty to a charged of stealing 4s. 3d., the money of Fanny Jenkins Harsant and others, on the 8^th March, 1902, at Folkestone.

Mr. Matthew, for the Crown, explained that prisoner was employed by the prosecutrix, Miss Harsant, as a boot boy, and to do other labour, occupying about three hours a day. Miss Harsant`s suspicions having been aroused, some money was marked, and a governess in her employ (Miss Ivett) was given certain instructions. These, on being carried out, led to prisoner`s arrest and indictment.

Miss Fanny Harsant, principal of Rochester House School, Earls Avenue, said prisoner had been in her service about four months. She then detailed how, on her suspicions being aroused, she marked two two shilling pieces and placed them in a drawer, giving Miss Ivett instructions to watch the drawer from a concealed position in the bedroom.

Miss Hilda Kate Ivett, governess, described how she hid behind some curtains in a bedroom and observed prisoner come into the room. Open a drawer, take out a purse, and abstract money from it. Having given prisoner time to get away, she followed him, and noticed him in another bedroom. She then went down into the basement and explained to Miss Harsant what had happened. They went to the front door together and saw prisoner, who had just left, walk sharply along Earls Avenue. On witness following, he looked over his shoulder, and (she presumed seeing her) ran away.

By prisoner: As near as I can say, you entered the room at about ten minutes past eight.

P.C. Thomas Sales proved arresting the prisoner in the doorway of 114, Black Bull Road (his home). He said he had only been to Miss Harsant`s with a bunch of violets for the cook, which he put in the cellar and did not go into the house.

Prisoner was then sworn, and said he would swear that he never entered Miss Harsan`s house on Saturday evening, March 8<sup>th</sup>. What he had told P.C. Sales was the truth. At 8.15 he went into the East Kent Arms, and the barmaid could prove that he was in there at the time. From the East Kent Arms he went to the Free Library on Grace Hill, from there to Mr. Blank`s, the greengrocer`s on Grace Hill, and from there straight home, where he met P.C. Sales on the doorstep.

Cross-examined: With regard to Miss Harsant`s and Miss Ivett`s evidence, he suggested that they mistook someone else for him.

Miss Alice Ward, a barmaid at the East Kent Arms,, was called by the prisoner, and said that his face seemed familiar, but they had so many customers in the bar on Saturday evenings that she could not possibly remember whether he came into the bar on the evening in question.

The jury returned a verdict of Guilty, and prisoner admitted previous convictions at the Folkestone Quarter Sessions in 1896 and 1898.

Chief Constable Reeve said that prisoner had also been in custody at Hastings, and sentenced to two months imprisonment for failing to pay a fine of £5 for obtaining a situation by means of false characters.

Miss Harsant was re-called, and said she had missed various sums of money, the largest amounts being a sovereign and a Kruger half sovereign. She had no suspicions as to the thief, and consequently took the precaution of marking the money and arranging to have the bedrooms watched. She did not employ any other male servant.

The Recorder, in passing sentence, said the jury could have arrived at no other verdict. Prisoner had also gone into the witness box and committed perjury. Of that offence, however, he should not now take notice, but give the prisoner another chance. The sentence would be nine months` hard labour.

 

Folkestone Express 5-4-1902

Quarter Sessions

Wednesday, April 2^nd: Before John Charles Lewis Coward Esq.

Edward Wm. Flisher was indicted for stealing 4s. 3d., the money of Fanny Jenkins Harsant and others, of Rochester House, on the 8^th March. Mr. T. Matthew prosecuted.

The prisoner was emploted by Miss Harsant as a boot boy, etc. Miss Harsant suspected him of dishonesty, and placed some marked coins in a purse in a drawer in a bedroom. A person was instructed to watch, and she saw the prisoner enter the bedroom in the evening and take the money.

Prisoner desired to be sworn, and gave evidence and said that at the time of the alleged theft he was in the East Kent Arms.

Alice Ward, barmaid at the East Kent Arms, was called to support this theory, but she failed to recognise the prisoner as having been in the house at the time stated.

The Recorder, in commenting on the evidence, said if the jury believed the statement of the two ladies who had given evidence they would have no difficulty in arriving at a verdict. The prisoner was clearly seen by one of them in the bedroom, and other witnesses saw him leave the house, and no questions had been put by the prisoner to shake their evidence. Against that there was only his statement that he was not guilty.

The jury found the prisoner Guilty.

The prisoner pleaded Guilty to a conviction for felony at the Quarter Sessions in 1898, after a previous conviction in October, 1896.

Prisoner persisted that he was not guilty.

Supt. Reeve said the prisoner had been sentenced to two months` hard labour at Hastings for obtaining a situation by a false charcter. He would like the Recorder to hear Miss Harsant`s statement as to the stolen money.

Miss Harsant said she had missed a sovereign and a shilling previously and also several smaller sums of money belonging to the scholars. No suspicion attached to anyone, but they decided to set a watch. A half sovereign was on one occasion stolen from her watch chain. Prisoner conducted himself very well in other respects and did his work well.

The Recorder said Miss Harsant acted quite rightly in the way she set to work to catch the thief. He sentenced the prisoner to nine calendar months` hard labour.

Folkestone Herald 5-4-1902

Quarter Sessions

Wednesday, April 2^nd: Before Mr. Lewis Coward.

Edward William Flisher, a stoker, was charged with feloniously stealing 4s. 3d., the monies of Fanny Jenkins Harsant and others, on March 8^th. Prisoner pleaded Not Guilty.

Mr. Matthew said the case against prisoner was a simple and clear one. The prosecutrix kept a school in Earls Avenue and prisoner had been employed there night and morning as a boot boy. Having her suspicions aroused, Miss Harsant marked some money, and gave instructions for a watch to be kept. Accordingly a witness concealed herself and saw prisoner enter the room, and take the money out of a purse which had been placed in a drawer. No money, with the exception of 1s. 4½d. and a few cigarettes was found on prisoner when arrested.

Miss Harsant said on March 10th she marked two two shilling pieces and placed them in a purse in a drawer on the first floor. Miss Ivett, who had been watching, subsequently made a statement to her, and going up to the room, witness found that the money had disappeared. Witness saw prisoner outside the house on the night in question. He ought to have come to his work, but did not put in an appearance. Prisoner had no business upstairs unless he was directed to go.

Miss Ivett detailed how she watched behind a curtain on the night in question. After witness had been there about ten minutes, prisoner came into the room and opened a drawer, which he searched. He shook the purse, and witness heard the money clink. She also saw him count it. Prisoner then put back the purse and peered very carefully over the dressing table. Witness waited a few minutes and saw prisoner standing in another bedroom. He then made off, and witness communicated with Miss Harsant. When in the hall, witness saw prisoner closing the door, and afterwards saw him at the bottom of the steps. He was moving fast, and turning his head round and catching sight of witness and Miss Harsant, prisoner commenced to run.

Prisoner (to witness): What time did I enter the room? – About 8.10.

P.C. Sales deposed to arresting prisoner at his home, 114, Black Bull Road. He said he had not been near the house on the night of the robbery, but afterwards prisoner corrected himself by saying he took a couple of bunches of violets up for the cook, and these he placed in the cellar.

Prisoner then went into the witness box, and denied he was near the house when the robbery was said to have been committed. He was at the East Kent Arms at the time.

Alice Ward, a barmaid at the above licensed house, was called to support this, but she failed to recognise the prisoner as the man she served that night.

The jury, without any hesitation, found the prisoner Guilty.

Prisoner, who admitted three previous convictions, was sentenced to nine months` hard labour.

Miss Harsant said for some time she had missed money belonging to the scholars. No suspicion was attached to anyone, and eventually they decided to watch.

The Recorder said Miss Harsant had acted in a very proper manner.

 

Folkestone Chronicle 27-9-1902

Wednesday, September 24^th: Before Alderman Herbert, Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, and Mr. G.I. Swoffer.

Harry Moon, a lance corporal in the Buffs, and wearing the South African medal, was charged with attempting to obtain the sum of £8 14s. 6d. by means of a worthless cheque from Councillor J. Jones.

Councillor J. Jones said: On Monday, the prisoner, accompanied by a woman, came to my shop. He selected various articles of furniture, and said he would call back and pay for them. He did not call any more that day, but came back between two and three yesterday afternoon. He told me that he had a cheque for £15. Would I take it and give him the change which was to come out of the account? I asked him if the cheque was from the Government for his pay. He said “Yes”, and I asked him to go and get the cheque. He went away and came back in about half an hour. He then produced a cheque for £25, dated Sept. 23^rd. He selected some more goods, and wanted the difference, £8 14s. 6d., out of the cheque. I said to him “This is not the Government cheque for £15”. He replied “My money is in the National Provincial Bank, and this is my own cheque”. I said “Why did you not get it cashed at the bank this morning?” He said “I found it was too late; the bank closes at three”. I then said “Why not wait until tomorrow when the bank opens?” He answered “Because I want particularly to get away by the five train; my wife is ill, and I want the goods delivered to the station before five”. I said to the accused “I don`t want any nonsense; is this money at the bank or not?” He said “Yes, and much more than that”. I said “I don`t think that I have sufficient change”. My wife said “Oh, yes, you have”, and accused said “If you have not got quite enough – I am in a hurry, and will have some more goods; these pictures will do, and it will make the change £5 or £6”. I said “You sit down, and if your cheque is all right I`ll change it in three minutes”. He replied “The bank is closed; it`s no use going there”. I said “Sit down; while you are chatting, I`ll get the change”. I then made enquiries, and went to the police station and gave particulars to Sergt. Dawson. On my return, prisoner said “Have you got the money?” He was then outside the shop  talking to the woman. I told him to come into the shop, and P.C. Scott came down. I then invited him to come to the police station and explain matters. At first he demurred. I said “Where did you get this cheque from?” He replied “From Bill Weaver, at the Prince of Wales; he gave me the cheque”. I then accompanied prisoner to the station, and at six o`clock last night signed the charge prepared by the Chief Constable.

Mrs. Major, wife of Charles Major, of the East Kent Arms Hotel, said: The prisoner came into the bar yesterday afternoon, and brought a note from my sister. In consequence of the note I gave the prisoner a blank cheque.

Charles John Lee, accountant at the National Provincial Bank, said he did not know the prisoner, and had not seen him before. Accused had not an account at the bank, and to his (witness`s) knowledge never had one.

Prisoner pleaded Guilty. He said that when in South Africa he had had some money transferred to his account at Cape Town. He came from the Sussex Regiment to the Buffs, and now the money could not be traced.

Councillor Jones appealed to the Bench to deal with the accused under the First Offenders Act. The man had only just married, and it would be a pity to blight two young lives. The case had been brought in the public interest. He had not lost any money, and no real harm had been done.

An officer present said the regimental record of the accused was clean. He was transferred to the Buffs in South Africa, and invalided home with enteric fever.

Moon, questioned, said he had two more years service with the colours to do.

Alderman Herbert: Moon, you have shown great ingenuity – misplaced ingenuity – in perpetrating this act. Fortunately for you your regimental sheet is clean, and the prosecutor has pleaded hard for the Bench to deal leniently with you. You will therefore be bound over under the First Offenders Act in the sum of £20 to be of good behaviour for six months.

Prisoner: Thank you, sir.

It should be explained that Mr. Weaver of the Prince of Wales is Mrs. Major`s brother. Prisoner went to the Prince of Wales in the afternoon, and spoke freely about his money at the bank. He said he did not wish to buy a book of cheques when one would do, and upon this, Mr. Weaver being out, Mrs. Weaver obliged prisoner by sending a note to Mr. Major, knowing that he banked at the N.P.B.

Folkestone Express 27-9-1902

Wednesday, September 24^th: Before Alderman Herbert, Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, and G.I. Swoffer Esq.

Harry Moon, a lance corporal of the Buffs, was charged with attempting to obtain £8 14s. 6d. from John Jones by means of a worthless cheque.

Prosecutor said between eleven and twelve o` clock on Monday prisoner, accompanied by a woman, went to his shop and selected some furniture. Prisoner said he would come back between two and three p.m. He did not do so, however, and came on Tuesday afternoon. Prisoner stated he had a cheque for £15 and asked witness if he could give him the change. Witness enquired if it was a cheque from the Government, and he replied “Yes”. Witness asked him for the cheque and prisoner said he would go and get it. He returned about half an hour later and selected some more furniture and presented a cheque on the National Provincial Bank for £25 and wanted the difference, £8 14s. 6d. Witness said it was not the Government cheque for £15. Prisoner replied “No; my money is in the National Provincial Bank, and this is my cheque”. Witness said “Why did you not cash this at the bank?” Prisoner replied “I forgot it until it was too late. The Bank closes at three o`clock”. Witness proposed that he should wait until next day and then cash it, but prisoner wanted particularly to get away by the five o`clock train, as he said his wife was ill. He wanted the goods delivered at the station before five o`clock. Witness told prisoner he did not want any nonsense, and asked whether the money was at the bank or not. Prisoner replied “Yes, and a lot more than that”. Witness said he did not think he had the change, so prisoner selected more goods, which left him change of £5. Witness told prisoner to sit down, and if his cheque was all right he would change it in three minutes. Prisoner said “The Bank is closed; it is no good going there”. Witness went to the bank, and on making enquiries and finding prisoner had no account, he went to the police station and gave information. When witness returned, prisoner said “Have you got the money?” He was then standing on the pavement. Witness told him to come inside as he did not do business on the pavement.

Constable Scott then came inside and asked prisoner to go to the police station and explain the matter. When asked where he got the cheque, prisoner said “From Bill Weaver at the Prince of Wales”.

Mrs. Alice Major, of the East Kent Arms, said prisoner went to their house on Tuesday afternoon and took a note letter, and she then put a blank cheque in and handed it to prisoner.

It was a cheque obtained in this way that prisoner used.

Charles John Mason, accountant at the National Provincial Bank, said prisoner had no account then at the Bank, and so far as witness knew he never had.

Prisoner pleaded Guilty and said he had some money transferred from Cape Town, but could not trave it at all.

Mr. Jones asked the Bench to deal as leniently as possible with prisoner.

An officer gave prisoner a very good character so far as he knew, but the prisoner`s company sheet was in South Africa, and the officer commanding the regiment was away. Prisoner was at present on sick furlough, having caught enteric fever while at the front.

The Bench bound the prisoner over in the sum of £20 to be of good behaviour for six months.

Folkestone Herald 27-9-1902

Wednesday, September 24^th: Before Mr. Herbert, Mr. Swoffer, and Councillor Lieut. Colonel Hamilton.

Harry Moon, a soldier in the Buffs, was charged with endeavouring to obtain £8 14s. 6d. from Councillor Jones by means of a worthless cheque.

Councillor Jones said prisoner went to his shop on Grace Hill with a woman and selected some articles of furniture. He then said he would call the next day. Witness saw him when he called, and prisoner told him that he had got a cheque for £15, asking him to take it and give him the change. Witness asked him whether it was the cheque from the Government for prisoner`s pay, and he said “Yes”. Witness then asked him for the cheque, and he said he would go and get it, and went away. Witness said he would be there when prisoner returned. Prisoner came back in about half an hour, and produced a cheque for £25. He wanted £8 14s. 6d. change out of the cheque. Witness said to him “This is not the Govenment cheque for £15”. Prisoner answered “No. My money is in the National Provincial Bank, and this is my cheque”. Witness said “Why did you not get the cash this morning from the bank?” Prisoner replied “I forgot it until it was too late. The bank closes at 3 o`clock”. Witness then said “Why not wait until tomorrow when the bank opens?” He said “I want particularly to get away by the 5 o`clock train. My wife is ill, and I want the goods delivered to the station before five”. Witness said “I don`t want any nonsense. Is this money at the bank or not?” Prisoner answered “Yes, more than that – much more than that”. Witness said “I don`t think I have got nearly £9 in change”. Prisoner then said “If you have not got it, I am in such a hurry that I will have some more goods so that I can have £5 or £6 in change. I will have those pictures”. Witness said “If your cheque is right, I will change it in three minutes”. Prisoner replied “The Bank is closed; it is no use going there”. Witness then told him to sit down, and while he was chattering he would go and get the change. Witness then went to the Bank, and on the way back, to the police station, and thence to his shop again. Prisoner said “Have you got the money?” Witness replied “come in my shop. I don`t do business out here”. P.C. Scott came down, and witness said “Will you come to the police station and explain this matter?” Prisoner the said he had got the cheque from Bill Weaver at the Prince Of Wales. Witness accompanied him to the police station.

Charles John Wilson, accountant at the National Provincial Bank, said he had never seen the prisoner before. He had no account at the Bank, and had not to witness`s knowledge had one.

Councillor Jones made an appeal for the prisoner, remarking that it was a hard case and he did not wish the man and his young wife to be blighted thus early in life. No-one had been harmed – he had not been defrauded, but he thought it right to bring the case before the Bench in the interests of the public. He would appeal for mercy and consideration.

An officer from the Camp said prisoner had a clean sheet, and was now on sick furlough.

Prisoner was dealt with under the First Offenders Act, and bound over in £20 to be of good behaviour.

Prisoner, who was deeply moved, said “Thank you very, very much, sir”.

Folkestone Express 31-1-1903

Saturday, January 24^th: Before Aldermen Penfold and Vaughan, Lieut. Colonel Westropp, G. Peden and W.C. Carpenter Esqs.

Chas Major was summoned for having his chimney on fire.

Inspector Lilley said about 5.25 on the afternoon of the 14^th inst. his attention was drawn to the East Kent Arms on account of volumes of flames and burning material coming from the chimney. He saw Mr. Major, who said he was drawing up the fire with a piece of paper, which set the chimney on fire.

Fined 2s. 6d. and 9s. costs.

Folkestone Herald 31-1-1903

Saturday, January 24^th: Before Alderman Penfold, Alderman Spurgen, Councillor Peden, Lieut. Colonel Westropp, and Mr. Carpenter.

Charles Major was fined 2s. 6d. and 9s. costs for allowing his chimney to be on fire on January 14^th. 

 

Folkestone Chronicle 28-2-1903

Saturday, February 21^st: Before Lieut. Col. Penfold, Lieut. Col. Westopp, and Messrs. W.C. Carpenter, E.T. Ward, J. Stainer, and G. Peden.

Henry Andrews, an architect, etc., appeared to answer a summons charging him with assaulting Thomas English. Both complainant and defendant are well known locally, and, therefore, considerable interest was taken in the case.

The complainant said that about 10.20 p.m. on the 18^th of February he went into the East Kent Arms and saw defendant sitting there. He sat down next to Andrews. Someone remarked that “Freddy” Mason was dead, and he (complainant) turned to defendant and said “He was a pal of yours, wasn`t he, Harry?” With that defendant “started raving and making a blackguard of complainant”. The landlord told defendant to leave the house and never come in again. Defendant went out, and complainant left about 11 o`clock. As he was passing Upton`s (the house next door), defendant stepped out, muttering something, and struck defendant a violent blow on the jaw with his clenched fist.

The defendant: When I was sitting in the room, didn`t you say to me “You are a ---- lunatic, and ought to be buried with Freddy Mason”?

Complainant: No, I didn`t.

You know you are committing perjury?

The Magistrates` Clerk: Complainant has sworn that he did not. That is his answer.

Frank Goodyear said he was losing the “Bodega” on the night in question when he saw the assault committed.

Defendant said that for a very long time complainant had grossly insulted him. On the night in question, English called him “a ---- lunatic”, and said that he ought to have been buried with Freddy Mason. At that he (defendant) grew indignant and felt perfectly justified in striking complainant as he did, after such great provocation had been given.

The Chairman said that whatever the provocation might have been, defendant had waited outside in cold blood and committed the assault. He must pay a fine of 20s. and 10s. costs, or 14 days` hard labour. The fine was paid.

Folkestone Express 28-2-1903

Saturday, February 21^st. Before Alderman Penfold, Lieut. Col. Westropp, W.C. Carpenter, E.T. Ward, G. Peden, and J. Stainer Esqs.

Henry Andrews was summoned for assaulting Thomas English.

Complainant stated that he went into the East Kent Arms about 10.20 p.m. on Monday night and sat down next to defendant. Some “chaffing” was going on, and defendant, taking it seriously, became excited and noisy, and was requested by the landlord to leave. He did so, and waited outside, and as complainant was passing stepped out of a doorway, muttered something, and struck him a severe blow on the jaw.

Frank Goodyear said on the night in question he was closing the Bodega, when he saw defendant standing in a doorway opposite. Complainant came by, and defendant stepped out and struck him. Complainant pushed him away, and defendant again attempted to strike him.

Defendant told the Bench he had been constantly insulted by complainant. He had been to an entertainment at the Town Hall, and then went to the East Kent Arms. Complainant came in and said some person was dead, and he (defendant) was a lunatic and ought to be buried with him. He then went outside, and just after complainant followed. He (defendant) said “What do you mean by insulting me?” Complainant then squared up at him, and he struck complainant on the jaw. Defendant also told the Bench that he considered to be called a lunatic was a gross insult, and he was perfectly justified in the step he took.

The Bench, however, took a different view of the matter and fined defendant £1 and 10s. costs.

Folkestone Herald 28-2-1903

Saturday, February 21^st: Before Alderman Penfold, Lieutenant Colonel Westropp, Councillor Peden, Messrs. Ward, Stainer, and Carpenter.

Henry Andrews, of Guildhall Street, was summoned by Thomas Henry English for assaulting him on the 16^th February by striking him on the face.

Complainant said that last Monday evening, about 10.30 p.m., he went to the East Kent Arms and saw the defendant sitting there. Witness sat down next to him, and someone remarked that old Fred Mason was dead. He turned to defendant and said “He was a pal of yours, wasn`t he, Harry?” With that Andrews started raving and calling witness a blackguard. The landlord ordered defendant out of the house, and told him not to come in again. Witness left the house at eleven o`clock, and as he was passing Upton`s next door, the defendant stepped out of the doorway and muttered something, and struck him a violent blow on the jaw.

Mr. Bradley: Open or shut hand?

Witness: With his fist, sir. The jaw is still bruised.

Defendant: When I was sitting in the bar, didn`t you come into that place and say “You are a ---- lunatic, and should have been buried with Frederick Mason, for then there would be two out of the way?”

Complainant: No.

Defendant: You are committing perjury by saying that.

Frank Goodyear said that when he was closing his premises on the Monday evening he saw Mr. English come out of the East Kent Arms. Defendant stepped out of the doorway, and struck Mr. English a blow on the face. The latter tried to push his assailant out of the way, when defendant again tried to strike him. He did not hear complainant say anything to defendant.

Defendant, addressing the Bench, said that for years he had been grossly insulted by “this individual”. It did not matter where he went, or where he saw him, he insulted him. On Monday night he had been to the Town Hall to an entertainment. He went across to the East Kent Arms afterwards, and while he sat there, he (complainant) came in and made a remark that Frederick Mason was dead, and that he (defendant) was a ---- lunatic and should have been buried at the same time, and that would have been two out of the way. Mr. Major said that he did not want any row, and witness went out. When “this man” came out, he asked him what he meant by insulting him, and complainant said “Insulting you”, and squared up. Defendant thought he was perfectly justified in doing what he did. To call a man a lunatic was one of the most violent things a man could call another.

The Chairman remarked that whatever provocation defendant had received, it appeared that he had been waiting outside in cold blood for Mr. English to come out. The Bench would fine defendant 20s. and 10s. costs, or fourteen days` imprisonment. Defendant paid the money.