Black Bull 1900 - 1919

Folkestone Herald 20-1-1900

Folkestone Police Court

On Wednesday the following transfer was granted: Black Bull Hotel, to Mr. William Geo. Warne from Mr. Alfred Pollard.

Folkestone Chronicle 3-8-1901

Saturday, July 27^th: Before Alderman Banks, Messrs. Herbert, Wightwick, and Pursey, and Lieut. Colonel Hamilton.

Mr. Warne, of the Black Bull Hotel was granted an occasional licence to sell at the August Bank Holiday Fete at Moorhall.

Folkestone Chronicle 7-3-1903

Saturday, February 28^th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Lieut. Col. Westropp, and Messrs. G. Peden and J. Stainer.

Arthur Thomas Dorrell, who did not appear, was summoned for being drunk upon licensed premises, and the case was heard in his absence.

P.C. Leonard Johnson having proved service of summons, Sergt. Osborne said at 20 minutes to three in the afternoon of the 20^th inst., he saw defendant go into the bar of the Black Bull Hotel. As he was drunk, witness followed him. He heard the barmaid say “I`m not going to serve you; you have had too much, and had better go out”. Defendant said he would not go until he had had “a small lemon”. Witness the requested defendant to leave, and he did so.

Fined 2s. 6d. and 10s. costs, or seven days`.

Folkestone Express 7-3-1903

Saturday, February 28^th: Before Lt. Col. Westropp, E.T. Ward, G. Peden, and J. Stainer Esqs.

Arthur Thomas Dorrell, who did not appear, was summoned for being drunk on licensed premises.

Sergt. Osborne said about 20 minutes to three on Friday afternoon, the 20^th inst., he saw defendant go into the Black Bull Hotel. Witness followed and heard the barmaid say “I am not going to serve you – you have had enough to drink. You get out”. Witness had to put defendant out.

Fined 2s. 6d. and 10s. costs; in default seven days` hard labour.

Folkestone Herald 7-3-1903

Saturday, February 28^th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Mr. J. Stainer, Councillor G. Peden, and Lieutenant Colonel Westropp.

Arthur Thomas Dorrell was summoned for being drunk on licensed premises on the 20^th February. Defendant did not appear.

P.S. Osborne stated that at 2.40 p.m. on the 20^th February he saw the defendant, who was drunk, go into the bar of the Black Bull Hotel. Witness followed, and heard the barmaid say “I am not going to serve you. You have had quite enough to drink. There`s a policeman behind. Go outside”. Defendant replied that he was going to have a “small lemon” before he went out. Witness ordered him out, and he went.

The Bench fined defendant 2s. 6d. and 10s. costs, or 7 days`.

Folkestone Chronicle 13-5-1905

Monday, May 8^th: Before Alderman T.J. Vaughan and Alderman J. Stainer.

Frank Waller was charged with being drunk whilst in charge of a horse and cart.

P.C. Allen stated that on Saturday evening he was on duty in Canterbury Road, when he noticed a horse and cart standing outside the Black Bull Hotel. Subsequently witness saw the prisoner come out of the public house. Witness noticed that he was drunk. Prisoner tried to get into the cart, but, witness added, he was too drunk to do so. Witness then took Waller into custody, and the man became so violent that it was necessary to put him in an S.E. and C.R. van. When in the van, accused endeavoured to throw the P.C. out, and in the struggle both rolled to the ground. It was only with the assistance of two civilians that prisoner was finally handcuffed, replaced in the cart, and taken to the police station.

The prisoner pleaded Guilty to drunkenness, but denied that he was in charge of a horse and cart; it was another man`s.

P.C. Allen said he was quite sure the horse and cart belonged to the accused. There were two carts there at the time.

Mr. Bradley (to accused): You see, you were drunk and took the wrong cart.

Looking at the evidence as to prisoner`s great roughness, the fine inflicted by the Bench was a remarkably lenient one, viz., 10s. and 4s. 6d. costs.

Folkestone Express 13-5-1905

Monday, May 8^th: Before Aldermen Vaughan and Salter.

Frank Waller was charged with being drunk in charge of a horse and cart on Saturday evening in Canterbury Road.

P.C. Allen said at 7.50 on Saturday evening he was in Canterbury Road, when he saw a pony and cart outside the Black Bull Hotel. Prisoner came out of the hotel and attempted to get into the cart. Witness, noticing he was drunk, took him into custody, and he became so violent that Waller had to be placed in a South Eastern Railway van. When in Sussex Road he tried to throw witness out of the van, but in the struggle they both fell into the road. Witness had then to handcuff him and obtain assistance to hold him in the van. The pony and cart belonged to Waller.

Prisoner said he was drunk, but the pony did not belong to him.

Fined 10s. and 4s. 6d. costs.

Folkestone Daily News 19-6-1905

Monday, June 19^th: Before The Mayor, Alderman Herbert, and G.I. Swoffer.

The licence of the Black Bull Hotel was transferred from the present proprietor to Mr. Powell.

   

Folkestone Chronicle 24-6-1905

Local News

On Monday morning the Licensing Justices had before them an application for the temporary transfer of the licence of the Black Bull Hotel, from the present landlord, Mr. Geo. Warne, to Mr. Thos. Edward Powell.

The usual evidence as to the character of the prospective tenant was tendered, and the Chief Constable having no objections to offer, the application was granted.

Mr. Geo. Warne, the outgoing tenant, will be missed by the many sportsmen by whom the Black Bull is frequented. Since he succeeded the late Mr. Pollard, it has been agreed on all hands that the house has been conducted on model principles, and if the new tenant is as fortunate in securing the high opinion held by the public of his predecessor, he should have a long run of successful business and popular favour.

Folkestone Express 24-6-1905

Monday, June 19^th: Before The Mayor, W.G. Herbert, J. Stainer and G.I. Swoffer Esqs.

An application was made by Thomas Edward Powell for temporary authority to sell at the Black Bull Hotel. The application was granted.

Folkestone Herald 24-6-1905

Monday, June 19^th: Before The Mayor, Alderman W.G. Herbert, Mr. G.I. Swoffer and Mr. J. Stainer.

The licence of the Black Bull Hotel was temporarily transferred from Mr. W.G. Warne to Mr. Thomas Henry Carl (sic).

Folkestone Daily News 12-7-1905

Wednesday, July 12^th: Before Messrs. Ward, Carpenter, Westropp, Vaughan, and Fynmore.

The transfers of licences of the Black Bull and Globe Hotels from Mr. Hardy and Mr. Warne to new tenants were granted.

Folkestone Daily News 19-3-1906

Monday, March 19^th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Mr. T. Ames, and Lieut. Colonel R.J. Fynmore.

Annie Bennett pleaded Guilty to committing wilful damage at the Black Bull Hotel on Saturday.

Mr. Henry William Anderson, manager to the landlord of the Black Bull Hotel, stated that the prisoner came into the house about 6.15 on Saturday, and asked to be served with a glass of beer. He refused to serve her as she had created a disturbance by asking men in the bar to give her a penny to buy a glass of beer. She was requested to leave, and did so. About five minutes later witness heard a crash, and found the plate glass panel of the door was broken. Witness went out and saw the prisoner. She said she had broken the ---- window, and asked him to send for a ---- constable and lock her up. He sent for a constable, and on his arrival gave her into custody. He estimated the damage done at 25s. or 30s.

The prisoner said the witness had served her with a glass of beer. She had some shamrock with her – well, clover – and a man in the bar asked for some. She gave him some of the “green stuff”, and then called for another glass of beer. She was refused, and then was pushed out of the bar, but the witness had not said that he put a man out first. When she got outside she meditated a moment, and then sent a stone through the window. It only made a small hole.

The Chairman asked Mr. Anderson how he arrived at the value of the damage done, as 25s. or 30s. seemed a lot for a panel.

Witness said it was embossed plate glass, and a carpenter had estimated the cost.

The Chairman, addressing the prisoner, said she had deliberately broken the glass, and must pay for it – 25s. She would also be fined 10s., with 4s. 6d. costs, or one month`s hard labour.

She was taken to the cells.

Folkestone Chronicle 24-3-1906

Monday, March 19^th: before Mr. E.T. Ward, Lt. Col. Fynmore, and Mr. C. Ames.

Annie Bennett will not forget St. Patrick`s Day, 1906, in a hurry. The Emerald Isle`s patron saint played many tricks with his admirers on that day, and one fell to the share of the said Annie Bennett, who pleaded Guilty to committing wilful damage at the Black Bull Hotel.

Henry William Anderson, the manager for the landlord of the Black Bull Hotel, briefly told Annie`s adventures on Saturday. The lady went to the house at 6.15 on Saturday evening, and asked for a glass of beer. Mr. Anderson refused to serve her, as previously she had asked men in the house to give her a copper, and had created a disturbance. Miss Annie was asked to quit, a proceeding she quietly carried out, but a few minutes later there was a crash, which resulted in the breaking of a plate glass panel in the door. Mr. Anderson went out and saw Annie, who said she “had broken the ---- glass, and wanted a ---- policeman to lock her up”. She was obliged. The damage to the window was put at from 25s. to 30s.

The accused said that Mr. Anderson had served her with a glass of beer. She had some shamrock with her, and a man in the bar asked her for some. She gave him some of the “green stuff” – well, it was clover (laughter), and then called for another glass of beer, which was refused. She went outside, and having thought the matter out, put a stone through the window; it was quite a small hole. Another thing, Mr. Anderson had not told the Bench that he had previously put a man out.

Accused was ordered to pay the damage, 25s., pay a fine of 10s., and 4s. 6d. costs, or go to Canterbury for one month.

Annie accepted the latter alternative.

Folkestone Express 24-3-1906

Monday, March 19^th: Before E.T. Ward Esq., Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, and T. Ames Esq.

Annie Bennett was charged with committing wilful damage by breaking a plate glass door panel.

Mr. W. Anderson, the landlord (sic) of the Black Bull Hotel, said on Saturday evening, at a quarter past six, she came to the bar of the house and wanted witness to serve her with beer. He refused to do so because of the disturbance she created. He asked her to leave and she did so. About five minutes after he heard a crash, and he then saw the glass panel in the swing door of the bar had been broken. He went outside and saw the prisoner, who said she had broken the window, and then he had to send for a constable to lock her up. He did so, and when the constable arrived he gave her into custody. The value of the window was about 30s. He picked up the two stones produced from just outside the door.

Prisoner said the landlord served her with a drink of beer. She had been in the house ten minutes when a man asked her for a bit of clover she was wearing. She said “Certainly, my dear”. When she asked to be served again, the landlord refused to do so and told her to go out. He then pushed a man out of the house and he tried to put her out. When she got outside she meditated a minute, and then picked up a stone which she threw at the window.

The Bench decided to fine her 10s., and ordered her to pay the damage, 25s., and 4s. 6d. costs, and in default of payment she was committed to prison for a month`s hard labour.

Folkestone Herald 24-3-1906

Monday, February 19^th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Councillor R.J. Fynmore, and Mr. T. Ames.

Annie Bennett was charged with wilfully breaking a plate glass window.

Henry Wm. Anderson, manager at the Black Bull Hotel, said that at about a quarter past six on Saturday defendant came to the bar and asked for some beer. He would not serve her because she was creating a disturbance. He asked her to leave the house and she went out. About five minutes afterwards he heard a crash, and he saw that the glass window in the entrance door was broken. Defendant then admitted to him that she had broken the window. Two large stones (produced) were found outside the door. The damage amounted to about 30s.

Defendant admitted breaking the door “because the prosecutor put her out”. He pushed her. She meditated when she was outside, and then threw the stone.

The Bench ordered defendant to pay 25s. damage, and a fine of 10s. and 4s. 6d. costs, or undergo one month`s imprisonment.

 

Folkestone Express 24-11-1906

Wednesday, November 21^st: Before W.G. Herbert Esq., Lieut. Colonel Fynmore, and T. Ames Esq.

Thomas E. Powell, landlord of the Black Bull Hotel, was summoned for a breach of the Licensing Act. Mr. De Wet, instructed by the Licensed Victuallers` Association, appeared on behalf of the defendant, and pleaded Not Guilty.

George Kirby, landlord of the Royal George, was also summoned for being found on licensed premises – the Black Bull Hotel – during prohibited hours.

The Chief Constable said he was willing to take both cases together, but he understood Mr. De Wet objected.

Mr. De Wet objected to the summons, but the Magistrates overruled the objection.

Inspector Swift said about a quarter past eleven on the night of the 12^th inst., accompanied by P.C. Cox, he was in Canterbury Road, opposite the Black Bull Hotel. He saw outside the public house a fly, in charge of Mr. Challis. Challis looked towards them, and then went into the porch which leads into the bar. He returned immediately with a man named George Brien, a butcher, of Black Bull Road. A few minutes later, Mr. Kirby, of the Royal George, followed. They stood talking some few seconds. Then Mr. Kirby came to where witness was standing. He reeled round and made some remark about the weather. Witness saw he was drunk. He returned to the house and went in. Witness, accompanied by Cox, went to the house. As they were going Challis entered the porch. He came out immediately. On witness arriving at the door he saw a man named Richard Hart, of Black Bull Road, in the porch. Witness went into the bar, and there saw Mr. Kirby with the barman, who was under the influence of drink. Mr. Kirby was leaning on the counter, drinking from a glass containing ale. Witness said to the barman, William Anderson, “What`s the meaning of this?” He replied “I have just come up from the music hall with a friend. You haven`t seen any money passed, have you?” On witness turning to the clock in the bar, which was pointing to twenty minutes past eleven, Mr. Kirby said “It is now twenty past eleven”. Anderson said “Yes, twenty past”. Witness asked for the landlord, and Anderson said he was in bed, and witness could not see him that night. Witness said he should make a report against him in respect to that matter, and also against Mr, Kirby. Mr. Kirby said he was a licensed victualler, and knew as much of the law as witness. Witness asked the barman for his name and he said “William Sandy”. Witness had since found it to be Anderson. Witness then left the bar, and Anderson and Kirby followed him out. Kirby said he hoped he was satisfied with his explanation and there would be no report, and pressed him to go and look at the Blue Book. Witness said he should report them. Kirby became abusive and requested witness to take all their names. Kirby subsequently drove away.

Examined by the Chief Constable, witness said he was quite sure about the time. It was between half past eleven and five and twenty minutes to twelve when Kirby drove away.

Cross-examined: He did not see the fly drive up. It was 11.15 approximately. Mr. Kirby did not say he was a guest of the landlord. He did not know “Sandy” was the nickname of Anderson.

P.C. Cox said on the night in question he met Inspector Swift at the bottom of Marshall Street. It was exactly a quarter past eleven. It was about one hundred yards from the Black Bull. The remainedr of the constable`s evidence was corroborative of Inspector Swift`s evidence.

This concluded the case for the prosecution.

Thomas Edward Powell said he was the licence holder of the Black Bull Hotel. Sometimes he slept at the hotel and sometimes in London. Anderson was witness`s son-in-law and manager of the hotel. He knew Mr. Kirby; he was a friend of his.

George Kirby said he was the licence holder of the Royal George. On the 12^th November, about eleven o`clock, he was at the Royal George with Mr. Anderson. Anderson asked him to come to the Black Bull to have supper. They called a cab, and were driven up there by Mr. Challis. When they got there the door was shut. They saw Mrs. Anderson, who opened the door, and a barman. Mrs. Anderson asked him to stay to supper. Witness went out to the cabman to tell him to stay a few minutes. He then went over to the policemen to show them who was there. When he went back he did not have any drink. When the Inspector came in he asked the meaning of it and said he should have to report it. He asked witness what he was doing there, and he (witness) said he was the guest of the landlord. Witness went out and asked for the constable`s number. The Inspector subsequently gave it to witness. The police then went away. Witness was a friend of Mr. Powell.

Cross-examined: He was perfectly sober. He agreed with the evidence of the police as to going in, and coming out of the house for the constable`s number. He did not have a glass of anything while the constables were there. He had a drink when the police were gone. There were some glasses on the counter.

Mark Challis, a fly proprietor, said he drove Mr. Kirby and Mr. Anderson on the 12^th November from the Royal George to the Black Bull Hotel. Mr. Kirby was in there about twenty minutes. Witness did not go inside the Black Bull.

Mr. Anderson said he was son-in-law of the Black Bull Hotel and manager of the house. On the night in question, at a few minutes before eleven, he was in the Royal George. He invited Kirby to supper. When they arrived at the Black Bull the door was closed, and they rang the bell. Mrs. Anderson opened the door. When they got inside there was no-one in there except Mrs. Anderson and the barman. He did not see any drink served. He did not see Kirby drink any beer that had been left by anyone else. There was no drink consumed or sold on the premises after eleven o`clock.

Cross-examined: He and Mr. Kirby had been to a licensed victuallers` meeting at Hythe. They drove from Hythe to the Royal George.

Mr. De Wet then addressed the Bench. He said, to convict, the Magistrates must be satisfied that the premises were kept open so that people could get inside for the purpose of obtaining intoxicating liquors.

The Chairman, after a consultation with the other Magistrates, said they fully believed the evidence of the police, but at the same time they were of opinion there was not sufficient evidence to warrant a conviction. Therefore they were bound to give defendant the benefit of the doubt.

The Chief Constable thereupon withdrew the summons against Mr. Kirby.

Mr. De Wet asked that the summons should be dismissed.

The Magistrates said the summons was withdrawn.

Folkestone Herald 24-11-1906

Wednesday, November 21^st: Before Alderman W.G. Herbert, Mr. T. Ames, and Councillor R.J. Fynmore.

Thomas E. Powell, landlord of the Black Bull Hotel, was summoned for keeping his house open during prohibited hours. Mr. De Wet, at the instance of the Licensed Victuallers` Association, represented defendant, and pleaded Not Guilty.

Inspector Swift said that at 11.15 on the 12^th inst., accompanied by P.C. Cox, he was in Canterbury Road, opposite the Black Bull. Outside the public house he saw a horse and fly, in the charge of Mr. Challis. Challis looked towards them, and then went into the porch which led into the bar, returning immediately with a man named George Bryan, a butcher, of Black Bull Road. In four or five seconds Mr. Kirby (of the Royal George, Beach Street) came out. The three stood talking together for some seconds, when Kirby came over to where he (witness) was standing, reeled round, and made some remark about the weather. He saw that Kirby was drunk. Kirby returned to the house and re-entered. He accompanied P.C. Cox to the house, and on going towards it Challis entered the porch again and came out immediately. On arriving at the door he (witness) saw a man named Hart step into the porch from the public house door. He (witness) went into the bar, and there saw Mr. Kirby with the barman, who was drunk. Kirby was leaning on the counter drinking from a glass containing ale. He (witness) said to the barman (Mr. Anderson) “What is the meaning of this?” He replied “I have just come up from the Music Hall with a friend. You have not seen any money pass, have you?” On pointing to the clock in the bar, Kirby said “It is now twenty minutes past eleven”. Anderson said “Yes, twenty past”. He (witness) said “Where is the landlord?” Anderson said “He is in bed. You cannot see him tonight”. He (witness) said “I shall lay a report against him in respect to this matter, and also against you, Mr. Kirby”. Kirby said “I am a licensed victualler, and I know as much of the law as you do”. He asked the barman for his correct name, and he said “William Sandy”. He had since ascertained that the name given was a false one, and that the barman`s name was Anderson. He (witness) left the bar, and Anderson and Kirby followed him out. Anderson said “I hope you are satisfied with my explanation, and there will be no report”, and pressed him to do back indoors and look at the blue book. He said he should report things as he had found them. Kirby then became abusive, and catching hold of his arm, said “I demand you to come back and take all”. On witness threatening to lock him up, Kirby desisted.

Examined by the Chief Constable, Inspector Swift said it was in the public bar that he saw Kirby. Kirby went away in the fly between half past eleven and twenty five minutes to twelve.

Mr. De Wet: Was it not the private bar where Mr. Kirby was? – No, the public bar. There are no private bars in public houses.

Mr. De Wet: Don`t quibble with words, Inspector. Are there not public house doors marked “Private” and “Bottle and Jug Department”? – Yes, that is a notion of the trade.

Mr. De Wet: Was this bar marked “Private”? – No, I think it was marked “Saloon Bar”.

Further cross-examined: Kirby asked the constable for his number. He did not know that Anderson`s nickname was Sandy.

P.C. Cox gave corroborative evidence.

Defendant deposed that he was landlord of the Black Bull Hotel. Anderson, his son-in-law, was manager of the hotel, and was in complete control.

Mr. Kirby stated that at 11 o`clock on the night of the 12^th November, he drove from the Royal George, Beach street, to the Black Bull, with Mr. Anderson, who had invited him home to supper. They arrived at the Black Bull about 11.10, and Anderson rang the bell. The door was opened by Mrs. Anderson, and inside the hotel he also saw the barman. He went out to tell the cabman to wait a minute, and seeing the policemen on the other side of the road, he went across and made a remark about the weather, thinking they would then see who it was in the hotel. He went inside again, and soon Inspector Swift entered, and said he should report the matter. He had no drink in the house while the Inspector was there.

Cross-examined by the Chief Constable, witness said he was perfectly sober. He had some drink after the Inspector left the premises. He would solemnly swear that when the Inspector went in he had not a glass of drink in his hand at all.

Mr. Challis deposed to driving Kirby and Anderson to the Black Bull.

Mr. Anderson also gave evidence, repeating the statement as to Kirby having no drink while the Inspector was there.

The Chief Constable: Do you think Inspector Swift and P.C. Cox have gone into the box and sworn what they know to be flase? – Yes.

That is your candid opinion? – Yes.

Mr. De Wet contended that no offence had been committed, Mr. Kirby being in the house as the guest of the manager.

The Bench having deliberated for a minute or two, Alderman Herbert said they fully believed the evidence of the police, but they felt that there was not sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. Therefore they would give defendant the benefit of the doubt, and dismiss the case.

A summons had been issued against George Kirby for being found on licensed premises during prohibited hours, but this the Chief Inspector wished to withdraw.

Mr. De Wet asked that the latter summons should also be dismissed, but the Bench refused his application, and allowed the Chief Inspector to withdraw it.

Folkestone Daily News 5-2-1907

Annual Licensing Sessions

Tuesday, February 5^th: Before Messrs. Ward, Hamilton, Linton, Fynmore, Herbert, Pursey, and Carpenter. Mr. Stainer, Mr. Wells, and Mr. Boyd, the two latter being the new Magistrates, occupied seats on the Bench, but did not adjudicate.

The Chief Constable read his report as to the number of houses and convictions, which showed a decrease last year. He recommended that the Bench should still continue to take advantage of the Act and refer some of the licences to the Compensation Committee at the Canterbury Quarter Sessions. He then went on to say that although he did not oppose the renewal of any licences on the ground of misconduct, there had been five convictions during the last year, and he had had to warn one licence holder against allowing betting and taking in slips. He also wished to caution all licence holders that these practices would not be allowed on any occasion, and after giving this public warning he should take steps to detect and prosecute for any such offences.

The Chairman, before commencing, stated that the Licensing Bench had visited a large number of houses, and they had seen in various places automatic machines, into which people put pennies, and in some instances got their penny back or a cigar, &c. The having of these machines was practically permitting gambling, and it had been decided that they were illegal. Every licence hiolder must understand that they were to be immediately removed, otherwise they would be prosecuted for having them. As regards the automatic musical boxes, gramophones, &c., if licensed victuallers had them on their premises, they were to be used in such a way as not to be a nuisance to the neighbourhood, and if complaints were made they would have to be removed.

The renewal licences for the Black Bull Hotel, the Railway Inn, the Chequers, Queen`s Head, Channel Inn, Alexandra Tavern, Perseverance, and Railway Hotel at Shorncliffe, were adjourned  till the 4^th March, some on account of convictions, and some for the consideration of closing them under the Licensing Act. The other applications were granted, a full report of which will appear in our next issue.

 

Folkestone Express 9-2-1907

Annual Licensing Sessions

Wednesday, February 6^th: Before E.T. Ward Esq., W.G. Herbert, R.J. Linton, C.J. Pursey and W.C. Carpenter Esqs., Lieut. Col. Fynmore, and Lieut. Col. Hamilton.

The Chief Constable read his report as follows:

Chief Constable`s Office, Folkestone, 6^th February, 1907.

Gentlemen, I have the honour to report that there are at present within your jurisdiction 128 places licensed for the sale by retail of intoxicating liquors, viz.:- Full licences, 80; beer “on”, 9; beer “off”, 6; beer and spirit dealers, 14; grocers, 12; chemists, 4; confectioners, 3; total 128. This gives an average, according to the census of 1901, of one licence to every 239 persons, or one “on” licence to every 344 persons. This is a reduction of 8 licences as compared with the return presented to you last year, as the renewal of 3 “off” licences was not applied for at the last annual licensing meeting, and at the adjourned licensing meeting the renewal of one full licence was refused on the ground that the premises had been ill-conducted, and four other full licences were referred to the Compensation Committee for East Kent on the ground of redundancy. These four licences were subsequently refused by the Compensation Committee, and after payment of compensation, the premises were closed on 31^st December last. Since the last annual licensing meeting 22 of the licences have been transferred, viz:- Full licences, 15; beer “on”, 5; off licences, 2; total 22. During the year three occasional licences have been granted by the justices for the sale of intoxicating liquors on premises not ordinarily licensed for such sale, and thirty extensions of the ordinary time of closing have been granted to licence holders when balls, dinners, etc., were being held on their premises. During the year ended 31^st December last, 131 persons (106 males and 25 females) were proceeded against for drunkenness. 114 were convicted and 17 discharged. This, it is most satisfactory to find, is a decrease of no less than 52 persons proceeded against as compared with the preceding year, when 164 were convicted and 19 discharged. Six of the licence holders have been proceeded against, and five of them convicted, for the following offences: Selling adulterated whiskey, 1; permitting drunkenness, 1; delivering beer to a child in unsealed vessels, 2; supplying drink to a constable when on duty, 1; total, 5. In the latter case notice of appeal against the conviction has been given by the licensee. Eleven clubs where intoxicating liquor is sold are registered in accordance with the Act of 1902. There are 16 places licensed for music and dancing, and two for public billiard playing. I offer no objection to the renewal of any of the present licences on the ground of misconduct, the houses generally having been conducted during the past year in a satisfactory manner, but on one occasion one of the licence holders was cautioned (as the evidence was insufficient to justify a prosecution) for receiving slips and money relating to betting, which practice he immediately discontinued, bit I desire to intimate to all the licence holders that if in future any such practice is allowed, or any illegal gaming whatever is permitted on their premises, I shall take such steps as may be necessary to detect and prosecute the offenders. I beg to submit a plan showing the situation of all “on” licensed premises within the congested area, which I have marked on the plan, and would respectfully suggest that the Committee again avail themselves of the powers given by the Licensing Act, 1904, and refer the renewal of some of the licences within this area to the Compensation Committee to deal with under the Act. Within this area there are 920 houses, with a population approximately of 4,600, with 37 “on” licensed houses and 8 other licences, giving a proportion of one licence to every 20 houses or every 102 persons, and one “on” licence to every 24 houses or every 124 persons. This number of licences I consider excessive for the requirements of the neighbourhood. I have received notices from eight persons of their intention to apply at these sessions for the following new licences, viz.,:- Full licence 1; beer off 1; cider and sweets off 1; wine off 3; music, etc., 2; total 8.

I am, Gentlemen, your obedient servant, H. Reeve, Chief Constable.

The Chairman said the report seemed to be highly satisfactory. The Magistrates were very pleased to see the diminution in the number of cases of drunkenness brought before the Bench. One point about the report he wanted to make a remark upon, and that was the prevalence of gaming in public houses. In several houses the Committee visited they saw automatic machines, in which customers placed pennies and pulled a trigger. Occasionally they got something out for their pennies. That was gaming. It had been decided to be illegal, and they warned all licence holders that they would be watched, and that the machines would not be allowed, and proceedings would be taken against the offending publicans, whose licences would be jeopardised next year. There was one other point of a similar nature with regard to musical instruments, which were reported to be a great nuisance. They warned all licence holders to be careful not to create a nuisance with those pianos and other instruments, which were now very common indeed in public houses.

Adjourned: The Black Bull Hotel, the Alexandra Tavern, the Imperial Hotel, Black Bull Road, and the Railway Hotel, Coollinge.

Folkestone Herald 9-2-1907

Annual Licensing Sessions

Wednesday, February 6^th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Alderman W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, Major Leggett, Councillor W.C. Carpenter, and Messrs. R.J. Fynmore, R.J. Linton, and C.J. Pursey

The Chief Constable presented his annual report (for details see Folkestone Express report).

The Chairman: The report seems to be very satisfactory, and we are very glad to see the diminution in the number of cases of drunkenness brought before the Bench. One point about the report I should like to make a remark upon, and that is about gambling in public houses. In every house we have visited we saw automatic machines in which you put a penny, pulled a trigger, and occasionally you get something out, either your penny back, or a card for a cigar. That is gaming, and it has been decided as illegal, and we warn all licence holders who have these machines that they must be removed or otherwise proceedings will be taken against them for gaming, and their licences may be in jeopardy next year. There is another thing. In the same way, with regard to these musical instruments, which have been reported to the Bench as a great nuisance, we warn all the licence holders to be careful, and not create nuisances with these machines.

The renewals of the licences of the Black Bull Hotel, Alexandra Tavern, Imperial, and Railway Hotel were all adjourned till the adjourned sessions for reasons not given

The Justices fixed the 4^th March as the date of the adjourned licensing meeting.

Folkestone Express 9-3-1907

Adjourned Licensing Sessions

The adjourned licensing sessions were held on Monday at the Police Court, when the principal business to be considered was whether or not the five licences should be referred to the East Kent Licensing Committee for compensation. The Licensing Justices on the Bench were E.T. Ward Esq., Lieut. Col. Fynmore, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, W.G. Herbert, C.J. Pursey, R.J. Linton and W.C. Carpenter Esqs., while other justices present were Major Leggett, Mr. G. Boyd, and Mr. J. Stainer.

The Black Bull

Mr. De Wet also applied for the renewal of the licence of the Black Bull.

The Chief Constable said before that licence was granted he had to make an application with regard to the entrance of the house, as at present it was almost impossible to give proper and efficient police supervision to the door of the house. He had to ask the Justices to obtain an undertaking from the owners that they would remove the coloured glass in the south side of the porchway which covered up the main entrance to the house. If they would do that, it would enable them to have better police supervision.

Mr. De Wet said the Chief Constable ought to have asked him to do that before they came there that morning. He submitted that the matter raised by the Chief Constable was somewhat in the nature of an objection, and he ought to have given him notice of it in writing. Strictly speaking, the Justices had no right to take any notice of it. They were always willing to help the police, and he would undertake that the alterations would be done.

The licence was therefore renewed.

Folkestone Herald 9-3-1907

Adjourned Licensing Sessions  

 

Monday, March 4^th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Alderman W.G. Herbert, Lieut. Colonel Hamilton, Councillors W.C. Carpenter and G. Boyd, and Messrs. R.J. Fynmore, C.J. Pursey, R.J. Linton, and J. Stainer.

Black Bull Hotel

The Chief Constable made an application with regard to the Black Bull Hotel. As it was at present, it was almost impossible to give proper police supervision. Therefore he asked for an order or undertaking that the tenant should remove the coloured glass on the south east side of the porch, which covered the main entrance to the house. If they would move the glass it would enable them to have better supervision.

Mr. De Wet thought that the Chief Constable`s remarks were in the nature of an objection, and should have been given in writing. However, the brewers were anxious to assist the police, and they would comply with the suggestion.

The licence was granted.

Folkestone Daily News 26-4-1907

Thursday, April 25^th: Before The Mayor, Messrs. Stainer, Leggett, and Herbert.

Thomas Hogben was charged with being drunk and disorderly yesterday afternoon.

P.C. Walters said he was on duty in Canterbury Road, when he saw the defendant ejected from the Black Bull Hotel. He then became very noisy, and used bad language. Witness requested him to go away, but he refused to do so, and was then taken into custody.

Defendant said he had a little business to do at Hythe, and took a little too much to drink. He was very sorry.

Fined 5s. and 4s. 6d. costs, or 7 days`.

He was allowed a week to pay.

 

Folkestone Express 13-7-1907

Wednesday, July 10^th: Before E.T. Ward Esq., Aldermen Spurgen and Vaughan, Lieut. Col. Fynmore, and W.G. Herbert, W.C. Carpenter, R.J. Linton, and T. Ames Esqs.

The Magistrates granted the following transfer of licence: The Black Bull Hotel, from Mr. Powell to Mr. Walter Cavey.

Folkestone Herald 13-7-1907

Wednesday, July 10^th: Before Mr. E.T. Ward, Lieut. Col. Hamilton, Lieut. Col. Fynmore, Aldermen G. Spurgen and T.J. Vaughan, Messrs. W.G. Herbert, R.J. Linton, and T. Ames.

The licence of the Black Bull Hotel was transferred from Mr. Powell to Mr. Walter Cavey.

Folkestone Daily News 4-4-1908

Saturday, April 4^th: Before Alderman Banks, Messrs. Herbert, Stainer, Swoffer and Leggett.

John Brien was charged with being drunk and assaulting the police yesterday. He pleaded Not Guilty. Mr. De Wet appeared for defendant.

P.C. Minter said he was on duty in Black Bull Road, when he saw the prisoner stripped, in a fighting attitude, challenging two men who were in the Black Bull Hotel to fight. He was using filthy language, but he refused to desist, and witness actually had to pull him away from the hotel door. Prisoner then went up the road. Witness afterwards came back to the hotel and ejected two men from the house. Prisoner then came back and used filthy language to witness and challenged him to fight. Prisoner then struck witness in the chest, and as a result they closed and fell to the ground together. The accused kicked and bit, and witness received a very nasty blow in the abdomen. Prisoner`s wife then came and assisted her husband, and nearly strangled witness. Civilian assistance at length arrived, and the prisoner`s boots were taken off. Eventually he was taken to the police station.

The witness underwent a long cross-examination at the hands of Mr. De Wet.

Thomas Tester, of 116, Black Bull Road, said he was in his garden about 7 o`clock, when he heard a noise outside the Black Bull Hotel. He looked out and saw the prisoner. He eventually assisted to bring him to the police station.

George Brian said he saw the prisoner with his coat off, wanting to fight someone. A policeman asked him to go home. Shortly afterwards witness heard a whistle blow, and on going out found the constable and the prisoner on the ground. He assisted to take prisoner`s boots off, and also bring him to the station.

Sergeant Osborne corroborated the statement as to prisoner being drunk when brought to the police station.

This was the whole of the evidence for the prosecution.

Prisoner was then sworn, and said when he came back after leaving when the constable told him, P.C. Minter rushed at him, dashed him to the ground, and handcuffed him. Minter then asked someone in the mob to take his shoes off, and accused told him it was not necessary. On the way to the station, Minter nearly broke his wrists, and at the station punched him in the back and also in the eye. The doctor did not say he was drunk.

George Lee said he was with the prisoner yesterday, and a few words arose between some men in the Black Bull Hotel, with the result that accused and another man went out to fight. The constable came up, and at once grasped the accused and threw him on the ground. The prisoner was very excited, but was not drunk.

Mr. De Wet then addressed the Bench on behalf of the prisoner, and submitted that Brien was more excited than drunk. As to the assault, he submitted that there was no evidence to corroborate that of the constable`s, and therefore the prisoner was entitled to any doubt in that respect. He asked the Bench to dismiss the charge.

The Bench came to the conclusion that the case had been proved, and there were 17 previous convictions against him, and he would be fined 10s. and 16s. costs for being drunk, and for the assault 20s. and 16s. costs, or one month`s hard labour.

 

Folkestone Express 11-4-1908

Saturday, April 4^th: Before Alderman Banks, W.G. Herbert, J. Stainer, G.I. Swoffer, R.J. Linton, and G. Boyd Esqs.

John Brien, of Ethelbert Road, was charged with being drunk and disorderly the previous night, and also with assaulting P.C. Minter. He pleaded Not Guilty to both charges. Mr. De Wet appeared for the defendant.

P.C. Minter said shortly before eight o`clock he was in front of the Black Bull Hotel, where he saw the prisoner, stripped, outside the hotel, in a fighting attitude and challenging two men to fight. He used filthy language and witness advised him to go home. He refused to do so, and witness was obliged to pull him away from the hotel door. He again persuaded him to go away, and the defendant put his coat on and went up the road, accompanied by his wife. Brien eventually came back and used filthy and abusive language towards him and challenged him to fight. Witness told him he had no desire to fight him and advised him to go away or he would take him into custody. He said “There is not a man in your force who can do that”, and with that he struck him a blow in the chest and ran backwards, pulling off his coat and putting himself in a fighting attitude. He closed with the prisoner and they fell to the ground together. Brien became very violent and kicked a bit. He kicked witness in the abdomen, which made him feel very sick. Brien`s wife and brother then assisted the prisoner and he was struggling with the three on the ground. If it had not been for the kindness of some civilian in pulling the wife off he thought she would have strangled him. He found it was necessary to handcuff the prisoner and then blew his whistle. Assistance was rendered by civilians, who prisoner kicked so severely that they were obliged to take his boots off. Mr. Carden and Mr. Brian, a butcher, assisted in getting him to the police station. On the way there he used filthy language, and also said when he came out he would shoot witness. He only came off the sick list early in the week, and owing to the brutality of the prisoner and his wife he could not sleep during the night.

Cross-examined, witness said he did not lock the prisoner up at first for being drunk, because he always liked to give a man a chance. There had been no ill-feeling between the prisoner and himself for some time. He did not rush at the prisoner, pull him down, and put his knee on his throat. He only used necessary violence. He did not hear cries from the crowd of “You will kill the man”. He could not say who pulled the wife off him. He assisted in taking the handcuffs off the prisoner, but he did not strike him in the eye with them. He walked the man through the street without any boots on. He knew the man asked for a doctor, and one was sent for. He did not know what the doctor`s report was. He did not hit the prisoner in the back when he was taking the handcuffs off and say “Take that, you dirty tyke”. At the time he blew the whistle there was a crowd of 200 people there, but they were generally a hostile crowd.

Thomes Tester, an engineer, of 118, Black Bull Road, said he was in the garden when he heard a noise outside the hotel. He went towards the spot when he heard the policeman`s whistle. When he first saw the prisoner he had his coat on. When he went up after the whistle was sounded, he saw the prisoner on the ground with the constable on him. He was kicking, shouting and trying to get away. There was a woman at the back of the constable trying to pull him off. He assisted the constable in bringing prisoner to the station. He should say the man was mad with drink. After they got his boots off he was much quieter. He did not think more force was used than was necessary.

Cross-examined, witness said he did not see the prisoner before the handcuffs were on him. He heard the prisoner ask for a cab. When the man was on the ground he had his coat on.

The Chief Constable thanked Tester for the assistance he had rendered to the constable.

George Brian, a butcher, of 94, Black Bull Road, said at about a quarter to eight the prisoner was kicking up a bit of noise near the hotel. He was very excited, with his coat off. The police constable came across the road and asked him to go home. The prisoner went up the road and witness went inside the hotel. Shortly afterwards he heard the whistle blown, and he saw the constable and the prisoner struggling in the road. He assisted the constable. Brien was not as quiet and gentle as a lamb. He considered it was necessary to hold him down, and no more force was used than was necessary. He could not say whether the man was sober or not. He acted like a madman.

P.S. Osborne said when the prisoner was brought into the police station he was mad drunk. He put the man into the cell. At about half past nine the prisoner knocked on the door and persisted in seeing a doctor. At 9.45 Dr. Bateman came and examined him, and was paid his fee out of Brien`s money.

Cross-examined, witness said it was an hour and a half afterwards when the doctor saw him. He did not help to take the handcuffs off – Minter did that himself. He did not remember one of the handcuffs striking the prisoner in the eye. Minter might have said to prisoner “You dirty tyke”. When they came in scuffling, witness said to Minter “That is enough, Minter”. No more force was used in the station than was necessary. The man`s eye was bleeding a little. The prisoner said at the time he came in that he had somewhere about £80 on him, and in fact £81 was found upon him.

Defendant went into the box. He said there was a little trouble between him and two men. He went away when first advised by Minter, and on returning he stood on the pavement. Minter then came across the road, took hold of him, and pushed him over on the ground. He said “I told you I would get my own back with you”. The constable put his knee on his neck, and, after blowing his whistle, he put the handcuffs on him. Minter then called upon some of the people in the crowd to take his shoes off. He asked for a cab to take him to the police station, but he had to walk there with his boots off. At the police station, when Minter took the handcuffs off him, he punched him on the eye and in the back. The doctor examined him about an hour and a half after he had been in the cell. He denied ever striking P.C. Minter a blow  on the chest, or kicking or biting him.

Cross-examined, he said he did not know what the doctor`s report was.

George Lee, who said he lived in the Brickyard, Canterbury Road, said the constable walked up to Brien and pulled him. The constable used unnecessary violence to the man. The people cried “Shame” at the way in which the man was treated. The man was not drunk, but was more excited.

Mr. De Wet, in addressing the Magistrates, said that the doctor`s certificate stated that the man was suffering from the effects of alcohol.

The Chief Constable said the prisoner was a local man. He had been there on numerous occasions. There were 17 convictions, extending to 1898, against him, and they included an assault on the police.

The Magistrates inflicted a fine of 10s. and 16s. costs, or 14 days` hard labour for being drunk and disorderly, and for the assault he was ordered to pay a fine of 20s. and 16s. costs, or a month`s hard labour.

The money was paid.

Folkestone Herald 11-4-1908

Saturday, April 4^th: Before Alderman J. Banks, Councillor G. Boyd, Messrs. R.J. Linton, J. Stainer, and W.G. Herbert.

John Brien was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and assaulting the police. Mr. De Wet appeared for the defendant, and pleaded Not Guilty.

P.C. Minter said that at 8 o`clock the previous evening he was on duty in the Black Bull Road, near to the Black Bull Hotel, where he saw the prisoner stripped to the waist in a fighting attitude outside the hotel, challenging two men who were inside the hotel to fight. After much persuasion he went up the road accompanied by his wife. Soon after the prisoner came back, and challenged witness to fight. He then struck witness in the chest and ran backwards, at the same time pulling off his coat and preparing to fight. Witness closed with him and they both fell together. Prisoner then began to kick and bite. His wife and brother joined in the struggle. Some civilian pulled the wife off. Witness then found it necessary to handcuff the prisoner, and after he blew his whistle several civilians came to his assistance. Prisoner kicked so violently that they had to take his boots off. With the assistance of some civilians he took the prisoner to the police station. He used obscene language all the way down the road. At the police station witness charged him with being drunk and disorderly in Black Bull Road, and further with assaulting witness in the execution of his duty.

Cross-examined by Mr. De Wet: He did not hit the prisoner on the face with the handcuffs when he was taking the handcuffs off, nor did ne hear Sergeant Osborne say “That is enough, Minter”.

Thomas Tester and George Bryan corroborated.

P.S. Osborne deposed that he was on duty at the police station at about ten minutes past eight on the previous night when the prisoner was brought in by P.C. Minter and several other men. He was mad drunk. At 9.30 he knocked at his cell door and asked to see a doctor. Witness sent for Dr. Bateman, and he examined prisoner, and was paid his fee (10s. 6d.) by prisoner.

Cross-examined by Mr. De Wet: Witness did not remember P.C. Minter knocking prisoner in the eye with the handcuffs when he was taking them off. Minter did not treat him with more force than the circumstances demanded. Prisoner, when he came in, said he had £80 on him; there was £81 18s. 10d. in his possession.

Prisoner was sworn, and said he was in the Black Bull Hotel on the previous evening. There was a row between witness and two other men. He was going to fight, and P.C. Minter came and sent him away. When he came back he stood outside the hotel and did not speak to anyone. Minter said “I told you I should get my own back”, and rushed at him and put his knee on his throat. He took his handcuffs out of his pocket, and witness put his hands together for him to put them on. When he got to the police station Minter hit him in the eye with the handcuffs as he was taking them off. The sergeant said “Now, that is enough, Minter”. When witness had been in the cell about an hour he asked to see a doctor. The doctor came after some considerable time, and after examining witness, he said “You have been drinking”. Witness said that he had had about four or five glasses. Witness asked if he was drunk, but the doctor did not answer.

Cross-examined by the Chief Constable, witness said that he did not know what the doctor`s report was.

George Lee agreed with all that prisoner had said as to what took place outside the Black Bull Hotel.

Mr. De Wet, addressing the Bench, said that the prisoner could not have been very drunk or he would not have been able to tell how much money he had on him; besides that, when the prisoner asked the doctor whether he was drunk or not, the doctor did not say he was.

The Bench imposed a fine of 10s. and 16s. costs, or 14 days`, for being drunk and disorderly, and 20s. and 16s. costs, or on month`s hard labour, for assaulting the police.

Folkestone Herald 14-10-1916

Thursday, October 12^th: Before Lieut. Col. R.J. Fynmore, Mr. J.J. Giles, Mr. H. Kirke, and Alderman A.E. Pepper.

Walter Hogben was summoned for assaulting Thomas Tonbridge, of 4, Ethelbert Road, on October 9^th. Mr. H.J. Myers defended.

Complainant said he was having a drink in the bar of the Black Bull Hotel, when defendant came in the house with some friends, and started asking about £2, which he alleged witness owed him. On complainant replying that he did not owe it defendant struck him in the face with his fist. Hogben was ordered outside, and when there took his coat off and caught witness by the throat and struck him several times. His daughter got him away.

Charles Bates, 4, Ethelbert Road, corroborated as to what happened at the Black Bull.

Defendant said he was a fruiterer. Complainant owed him £2, and was always making insinuations about it, asking him “if he thought he`d get it”. As regards the affair in the bar, he thought Tonbridge was going to strike him, and he grasped Tonbridge and asked him to come outside if he wanted to quarrel. He would not swear that he did not strike any blows when the scuffle outside took place.

Thomas James Philpott also gave evidence.

The Chief Constable said defendant was bound over for six months for assault in April last.

A fine of £1 was imposed.